June 11, 2012

Arrived in Entebbe one suitcase missing- that’s what I get for not insisting on paying the fee for the extra 5 lbs. So all my shoes are traveling somewhere in the world. Luckily I wore my sneakers and have my flip flops.  The drive from the airport reminded me a lot of Zijuatenjo- same lush green terrain, banana trees, funky little 6x8 shops sporadically place along the road, little boys hawking their goods right up to the car window.  Kampala is packed and I am pretty sure there are absolutely no traffic laws. It’s basically drive fast and hope everone gets out of your way.  Motor cycles are the preferred means of transport- you would be amazed what can be carried on the back of a motorcycle.  Interesting observation- very few women out and about- hundreds of men, mostly hanging out in large groups surrounded by motorcycles.

Went to the “mall” to change money- 2650 shillings to the dollar. And to get a phone. I am sharing one Rebecca who will also be teaching at my school. We all got back to the hostel and discovered that the phones won’t accept the extra minutes- so basically the phones are useless.  Went to dinner at Sam’s- again very much like Zijuat- the whole front of the restaurant was open to the night and we had a large table just inside. They serve both Indian food and Continental food. I had the chicken biryani which was delicious. Then back to the hostel (backpackers) and went to bed. Slept like the dead until around 4:30. Now just waiting to finish packing up for our trip to Gulu. Stops today include the US embassy and  lugoflow a center that encourages the youth in artistic ways- music, art, etc.  The trip to Gulu is about 6 hours.