There were tears early Friday morning as we said goodbye to the Rwothumios (the family we were staying with) in Kampala. It was easier to deal with leaving when I considered all the friends and family I had waiting for me back in Nassau. What really stinks is when you're the one left behind...
We got to Entebbe airport, where I had my last glass of real passion fruit juice. By 10am we were in the sky, Uganda already fading into a distant but happy memory.
We landed in London and left the airport to spend the night in a nearby hotel (the flight home was the next morning). Of course, we were all freezing cold in the 50 degree F weather while standing outside waiting for the bus to take us to the hotel. Oquendo wrote up a sign, "Will dance for a cup of tea." (He didn't get any.) We had dinner at the hotel - Danisha was delighted to finally eat a hamburger, after 2 weeks of eating mainly vegetables for dinner (or, in her case, only pineapple).
So we made it back safely. The worst that almost happened was when we checked in to our last flight in London and found out that it was overbooked and some people in our group didn't have seats anymore. It got worked out eventually and we all made it on the plane, (even though some people may not have minded having to wait for a later flight...). Overall, I think we're all glad to be home.
More Q&A:
"Are there any Camels there, and can they be seen frequently?"
- No camels in sub-Saharan Africa. Sorry, Toby. (I know for a fact that they can be seen frequently in Northern Africa, though.)
"Has anyone tasted real Passion Fruit?"
- I don't think we did on this trip, which is shameful, although Ella did get some on the plane home with her vegetarian meal, and I stole it... That reminds me: grasshoppers. We didn't get to eat any! It's not grasshopper season yet. I was SO disappointed.
"What do you think will be the hardest part of returning?"
- Returning to the monotonous routine of my normal life. It's hard to believe this long-awaited trip is actually completely over, and on Monday I'll be back in class with nothing special to look forward to...
"what will you miss most about Kampala? About Uganda?"
- Hard to say. I definitely miss friends the most, both old and new. It was so sad to say goodbye to the Tentmakers students, some of whom we'd gotten to know considerably well - the hardest part was not being able to tell them if and when we're coming back.
Life is much simpler in Uganda. In a strange way, it seems to be easier to find something to smile about when you're used to bumpy dirt roads, pit latrines and one meal a day. When poverty is staring you in the face, it doesn't take much to make you count your blessings and be happy. I'll miss life being simple.
Our trip may be over, but the Uganda project is far from finished. We'll still be working on the book we are writing with the Tentmakers kids, selling more paper bead necklaces, making a documentary about this trip... Our link to Tentmakers Kids Academy has only been strengthened, and there is still much more to be done. Anything and everything. Who knows? Maybe there will be another Uganda trip next year...Keep your ears open!
Thanks everyone for reading.
-shannon-
p.s. We might continue to use this blog to provide updates for the Uganda project, so don't forget about it!
Saturday, November 1, 2008
Saturday, October 25, 2008
Yesterday we had a day off of going to Tentmakers, to let the kids study for their upcoming exams and to do some other things around town. In the morning we went to a craft market on the roadside and picked out gifts for people. And ourselves. It was overwhelming to see all the choices of Ugandan jewelry, clothing, handbags, baskets, wood carvings, stone figurines, etc and have to choose just one or two things to take back. After shopping we went for lunch at Garden City again (but didn't have time for INternet cafe).
Then came one of the most interesting things we've done so far: the dance/music workshop at Ndere cultural center - the place we went on Sunday evening to see the cultural show (...did I write about that?). We were taught two dances from different tribes of Uganda. The first dance focused on the hips, the second used the whole body. (GREAT video footage to see when we return!) Next we each were briefly taught how to play an Ugandan instrument. Alexis learned the aminada (xylophone), Ella, Danisha and Vanessa learned the andungu (a harpsichord-type instrument), and Oquendo, Lydia (my good friend who lives in Uganda and is currently staying with us) and I learned to play the engomas - drums. We weren't too good, but we had a good time learning and playing nonetheless, and our teachers were quite gracious. (Good footage of our musical abilities, too.)
In the evening we went to UCF (the DeJong's old church) for a movie night. We watched "Last Sunday." Movie night wasn't exactly what we expected...there was some singing and dancing for a good 30 minutes before the movie started and some impromptu preaching before the end, but it was an interesting experience and the movie was pretty good.
Today we were tourists. We woke up bright and early (7am) to go to Jinja, a town an hour away where the source of the Nile is found. We saw some rapids on the Nile and took a boat/canoe out to the exact place where Lake Victoria feeds into the Nile River. We had lunch at a little restaurant owned by some Australians. We went shopping for more crafts and souvenirs... The entire time we were downtown we were followed by little children asking for money. They were quite persistent, and I don't think they believed us when we said we didn't have money...
We go back to BAnda on Mon-Wed. Thursday we're going to a series of peace talks concerning the conflict in Northern Uganda - that should be interesting. And early Friday morning...we leave! Time has flown by; I knew it would. This trip will be over as quickly as it started. (I try not to think about that.)
Right now I'm using the Internet at our host's house, this is one of the rare times it's working and I decided to take advantage of it. There's a list of people itching to go on after me, but before I hand the laptop over to Pascal, I thought I would answer some questions people have. (Yes, we have been reading your comments.)
So how did that briefing at the Embassy go?
- It went well, we learned about how all the crimes in Uganda are "petty" crimes like stealing and talked about the rebels in the North. I personally didn't learn anything new.
How dows Uganda look when compared to The Bahamas? Can you see a lot of water?
- Uganda looks nothing like the BAhamas in my opinion. Here there is a lot more vegetation and rich, red dirt. Everywhere. The only large body of water around is Lake Victoria, which can only be seen in Entebbe and Jinja, not really in Kampala. I miss the ocean.
What have you all been eating?
- Lots of pineapple, bananas, avocado, jackfruit... In the mornings we always drink Chai tea (or some other type of tea), toast, and bananas. For lunch in BAnda we always have chapatis (sort of like naan break) and pineapple and soda. Tonight for dinner we ate matooke (a banana-like mashed potato-type thing), ground-nut (peanut) sauce, sweet potatoes, and cooked spinach. And chocolate cake and pineapple for dessert.
How have the teachers been holding up? Are they having as much fun as you all are having?
- Hmm... I haven't heard much complaining from the teachers, so I assume they're doing alright. I'm sure we're driving them crazy, though.
-shannon-
Then came one of the most interesting things we've done so far: the dance/music workshop at Ndere cultural center - the place we went on Sunday evening to see the cultural show (...did I write about that?). We were taught two dances from different tribes of Uganda. The first dance focused on the hips, the second used the whole body. (GREAT video footage to see when we return!) Next we each were briefly taught how to play an Ugandan instrument. Alexis learned the aminada (xylophone), Ella, Danisha and Vanessa learned the andungu (a harpsichord-type instrument), and Oquendo, Lydia (my good friend who lives in Uganda and is currently staying with us) and I learned to play the engomas - drums. We weren't too good, but we had a good time learning and playing nonetheless, and our teachers were quite gracious. (Good footage of our musical abilities, too.)
In the evening we went to UCF (the DeJong's old church) for a movie night. We watched "Last Sunday." Movie night wasn't exactly what we expected...there was some singing and dancing for a good 30 minutes before the movie started and some impromptu preaching before the end, but it was an interesting experience and the movie was pretty good.
Today we were tourists. We woke up bright and early (7am) to go to Jinja, a town an hour away where the source of the Nile is found. We saw some rapids on the Nile and took a boat/canoe out to the exact place where Lake Victoria feeds into the Nile River. We had lunch at a little restaurant owned by some Australians. We went shopping for more crafts and souvenirs... The entire time we were downtown we were followed by little children asking for money. They were quite persistent, and I don't think they believed us when we said we didn't have money...
We go back to BAnda on Mon-Wed. Thursday we're going to a series of peace talks concerning the conflict in Northern Uganda - that should be interesting. And early Friday morning...we leave! Time has flown by; I knew it would. This trip will be over as quickly as it started. (I try not to think about that.)
Right now I'm using the Internet at our host's house, this is one of the rare times it's working and I decided to take advantage of it. There's a list of people itching to go on after me, but before I hand the laptop over to Pascal, I thought I would answer some questions people have. (Yes, we have been reading your comments.)
So how did that briefing at the Embassy go?
- It went well, we learned about how all the crimes in Uganda are "petty" crimes like stealing and talked about the rebels in the North. I personally didn't learn anything new.
How dows Uganda look when compared to The Bahamas? Can you see a lot of water?
- Uganda looks nothing like the BAhamas in my opinion. Here there is a lot more vegetation and rich, red dirt. Everywhere. The only large body of water around is Lake Victoria, which can only be seen in Entebbe and Jinja, not really in Kampala. I miss the ocean.
What have you all been eating?
- Lots of pineapple, bananas, avocado, jackfruit... In the mornings we always drink Chai tea (or some other type of tea), toast, and bananas. For lunch in BAnda we always have chapatis (sort of like naan break) and pineapple and soda. Tonight for dinner we ate matooke (a banana-like mashed potato-type thing), ground-nut (peanut) sauce, sweet potatoes, and cooked spinach. And chocolate cake and pineapple for dessert.
How have the teachers been holding up? Are they having as much fun as you all are having?
- Hmm... I haven't heard much complaining from the teachers, so I assume they're doing alright. I'm sure we're driving them crazy, though.
-shannon-
Thursday, October 23, 2008
good times
We have been doing so much in the past week that it's difficult to remember every thing i want to tell everyone...
Mon-Thurs we spent four hours in Banda at Tentmakers. The students we are working with are mostly 9-12 years old and speak limited English (somehow we manage to communicate relatively well). It's been interesting getting to know them; we asked them questions about everything from their favorite food to what makes them sad and their hopes and dreams. One notable moment was when one girl asked Pascal why he doesn't cut his hair...
The weather has been surprisingly cool, we were all prepared for humid Nassau-like weather. (When it rains it actually gets COLD here!)
While we're all having a great time, I think it is safe to say we all miss home, especially wireless high-speed internet. And our parents. =]
Until the next time i'm at an internet cafe,
Shannon
Mon-Thurs we spent four hours in Banda at Tentmakers. The students we are working with are mostly 9-12 years old and speak limited English (somehow we manage to communicate relatively well). It's been interesting getting to know them; we asked them questions about everything from their favorite food to what makes them sad and their hopes and dreams. One notable moment was when one girl asked Pascal why he doesn't cut his hair...
The weather has been surprisingly cool, we were all prepared for humid Nassau-like weather. (When it rains it actually gets COLD here!)
While we're all having a great time, I think it is safe to say we all miss home, especially wireless high-speed internet. And our parents. =]
Until the next time i'm at an internet cafe,
Shannon
Well, it's been an exciting, fun, stressful, yet a truly inspirational experience so far! Over the course of the past week, we have already achieved many things, visited new places, and most importantly met new freinds old and young. I will not go into detail about these things, as they have already been covered in great detail on this blog. My experience in Uganda has been very inspirational and eye-opening. For me, the most inspirational things that has happened is that I met the children of Tentmaker's Academy, and we became new freinds. I have enjoyed learning from these wonderful and inspirational children, and I look forward to extending this unique relaitionship, with the entire LCIS family, and I hope that we and the next genreation will continue in giving our time, dedication, support, and love to these children for a long time to come!
- Pascal
- Pascal
Day 7
Hey!
So today is Day 7 and I'm sitting in the internet Cafe which is really great and not as slow as we thought it would be.... While in Banda today we got some of the kids to draw and write about what makes them happy or sad... We've also been learning some of their Native dances (I think I seak for all of us when I say that Maganda is the favourite) and we've been sharing some of the popular dances back home... We taught them (students and some teachers) everything from Soulja Boy to the Krip walk and they are really good at them all, especially ms. DeJong's Shopping Cart... Other than that we have been having such a great time learning about not just Uganda itself when it comes to history but about the people themselves... Everyone seems so happy with what they have and it really make you think twice about all of the extra things in life that we really don't need...
That's it for now... Can't believe we are almost half way through the trip...
-Alexis
So today is Day 7 and I'm sitting in the internet Cafe which is really great and not as slow as we thought it would be.... While in Banda today we got some of the kids to draw and write about what makes them happy or sad... We've also been learning some of their Native dances (I think I seak for all of us when I say that Maganda is the favourite) and we've been sharing some of the popular dances back home... We taught them (students and some teachers) everything from Soulja Boy to the Krip walk and they are really good at them all, especially ms. DeJong's Shopping Cart... Other than that we have been having such a great time learning about not just Uganda itself when it comes to history but about the people themselves... Everyone seems so happy with what they have and it really make you think twice about all of the extra things in life that we really don't need...
That's it for now... Can't believe we are almost half way through the trip...
-Alexis
Monday, October 20, 2008
My Experience
Inspiring and Life changing are just a few of the many words I can use to describe our Ugandan Adventure. So far it has been a great time, we were able to tour different areas so more developed than others. We were also exposed to the culture of Uganda by means of the music, dance and food. I am very happy that I was able to participate in this trip.
Uganda has a completely different lifesytle. It's interesting living without technology, although I do miss watching TV. I find it more relaxing to spend my free time talking with friends, playing cards or sleeping. The children I've met are generally welcoming and friendly (except for the couple of dudes who gave me a stinking look even though I didn't do anything). I was also happy after dancing for the Tentmakers Academy children, which I was forced to do by my loving friends and the wonderful TA students. I met a lot of new people, one of the most interesting being a little boy named Dennis. We bonded and connected a lot while making beads. Whenever I go to TA, Dennis if the first person to hail me. I'm also happy Grace (our hostess) let me in her home, she is very hospitable. The food here is awesome. It has a unique taste.
I'm hoping to tour more of Uganda and learn more interesting facts about the culture.
Alex, Dani and Ken miss their dear friends. See you when we get back!
- Oquendo
Uganda has a completely different lifesytle. It's interesting living without technology, although I do miss watching TV. I find it more relaxing to spend my free time talking with friends, playing cards or sleeping. The children I've met are generally welcoming and friendly (except for the couple of dudes who gave me a stinking look even though I didn't do anything). I was also happy after dancing for the Tentmakers Academy children, which I was forced to do by my loving friends and the wonderful TA students. I met a lot of new people, one of the most interesting being a little boy named Dennis. We bonded and connected a lot while making beads. Whenever I go to TA, Dennis if the first person to hail me. I'm also happy Grace (our hostess) let me in her home, she is very hospitable. The food here is awesome. It has a unique taste.
I'm hoping to tour more of Uganda and learn more interesting facts about the culture.
Alex, Dani and Ken miss their dear friends. See you when we get back!
- Oquendo
Day 4...
Hey what's up everyone!
After completing all of the necessary activities such as shopping, it was time to begin our walking tour of Banda. We met up with the Local government officer of Banda. He along with Moses took us around the village from about 9:20 to around 1:10, during this time we were all taking notes or pictures of any interesting people or places within the village. Also we took notes on things from transportation and Entertainment, to Technology and Food. We talked to a single mother who owned a pub and has 5 young children all in school and we even talked to a Mechanic who not only repairs things tv's and radios but actually creates his own Amplifiers from any spare electronics. I actually happen to be writing this from the U.S. Embassy where we are about to have a Security briefing (As if Shannon's dad hasn't scared us enough)... On our way to the security briefing Dani decided that my shoulder was the best place for her to take a nap on the longest drive of the trip so far, how convenient... I'm enjoying my stay in Uganda so far but can't seem to be able to get enough sleep (Jetlag, and the Symphony of Snoring, those who snore know who they are ha ha ha)... Having a lot of fun but I miss everyone at home....
Until Next time...
- Alexis
After completing all of the necessary activities such as shopping, it was time to begin our walking tour of Banda. We met up with the Local government officer of Banda. He along with Moses took us around the village from about 9:20 to around 1:10, during this time we were all taking notes or pictures of any interesting people or places within the village. Also we took notes on things from transportation and Entertainment, to Technology and Food. We talked to a single mother who owned a pub and has 5 young children all in school and we even talked to a Mechanic who not only repairs things tv's and radios but actually creates his own Amplifiers from any spare electronics. I actually happen to be writing this from the U.S. Embassy where we are about to have a Security briefing (As if Shannon's dad hasn't scared us enough)... On our way to the security briefing Dani decided that my shoulder was the best place for her to take a nap on the longest drive of the trip so far, how convenient... I'm enjoying my stay in Uganda so far but can't seem to be able to get enough sleep (Jetlag, and the Symphony of Snoring, those who snore know who they are ha ha ha)... Having a lot of fun but I miss everyone at home....
Until Next time...
- Alexis
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