The trick I learned after my “workout” was not to push the buttons too fast! Unfortunately, I learned this after my seat mate tried to pass in front of me to get out. He got one leg over me when I decided to make things easier for him by completely lowering my leg and foot rest. The next thing I know I am raising him off the floor as my legs shoot up! Luckily, he was of slight build, leaving the seat and the two of us intact, as I lowered him enough so he could extricate himself from straddling my legs. Oh my, that sounds all wrong!
On to the reason for this blog: my experience in Uganda…. We flew in over an incredibly verdant hilly landscape partially shrouded in a low hanging mist. Truly beautiful! I was met at the airport by a driver sent by Health Volunteers Overseas. Thank goodness Jared was an excellent driver, as I’ve never seen such horrific and chaotic driving in my life! The trip to Mulago Hospital and my accommodations took about an hour. For the most part, the roads are just two lanes with drivers crossing over into oncoming traffic more often than not. Autos spewing out clouds of pollutions, motorbikes (botas)
weaving in and out, bicycles vying for a place on the road and pedestrians risking their lives walking along the sides does not adequately describe the situation. The accident rate is very high with 3 deaths in the 2 days I’ve been here. Pedestrians do not have the right of way and law enforcement seems completely ineffectual in maintaining any semblance of order. Hit and runs are commonplace and pedestrians have no recourse if they are injured nor do their families if there is a death. Of course, helmets are unheard of here. I’m sure I’ll hear a lot more stories involving accidents when the orthopedic surgeon who is here for 2 weeks returns from a camping trip to Lake Victoria.
Aside from the traffic, Kampala is a very safe city. There is little theft, so I feel perfectly safe walking about with a small shoulder bag –no need to wear a money belt under my clothes. The locals are very friendly and polite and most seem to understand and speak at least a little English. Swahili used to be the second language, with English being the first for the educated, but now it is Luganda. Most residents of the capital are quite soft spoken and have a hint of a lovely British accent.
The help at the Mulago Guest where I am staying couldn’t be nicer and more accommodating. Meals are provided for a small fee or one can eat out or bring groceries in. We have to buy our own water which means frequent rides to the market. I bought a large thermos, so I could boil water and keep it in my room for washing utensils I purchased or to drink in a pinch. All the volunteers have brought a supply of cipro in the event of stomach upset from eating anything which has been contaminated by the local water or any other source……
9/5/09
Nance, As I write this, I am not sure that it will reach you (still challenged). I was late logging on, and therefore was overwhelmed by the political situation, factions, "good guys" and "bad guys". Is the president a sympathetic character or of the Idi Amin mold? I am horrified by your stories, and wanted to tell you that coincidentally, my sister must recommended "Strength in What Remains" by Tracy Kidder. I only know it is a memoir by a boy who grew up there and escaped to the US. I have shared your blog with lots of other people and we are all thinking of you. Keep writing and be safe and I will be in touch. Love, Whiney
ReplyDelete