Heyyy Africa!
Today is Monday, and Mondays at TASO mean meetings. Since Casey and I didn’t have any meetings to be at we left by 1pm, got something to eat and went home. Between leaving TASO and arriving at the restaurant I had the unlucky experience of being bitten by something in my pants. Ellie, our coworker, suggested that it might be an ant, so yes, I had ants in my pants. I’ve since relieved the bites with diluted Dettol so they no longer sting.
Since we didn’t go to Kampala this weekend, Sunday we spent a bit of time at the market where we purchased a charcoal stove, some beans and rice. When living with the locals why not cook like them too? I was quite excited to make our own meal, since we’ve been eating out since we’ve got here. This morning we soaked the beans and Casey started our dinner at around 4. We ate around 7. Our neighbours are unbelievably helpful and friendly. While Casey was getting a lesson on Ugandan cooking and slaving over the hot charcoal stove I went out shopping for a few craft items at a local festival and then danced with our neighbours. They (unsuccessfully) taught me how to dance “like them” and I taught them how to dance “like us”. It was to the amusement of all when I tried to shake my butt. We decided that by the time I leave I will develop the butt shaking and hip waving ability everyone here seems to possess.
The beans and rice were delicious. A neighbour told us that Africa is good because everything is fresh. The meat is fresh, the rice is fresh and the beans are fresh. Nothing is processed. I undoubtedly agree with her. She told me to buy my own chickens when I go home. I told her that I don’t think my neighbours would appreciate being woken up at the crack of dawn every morning. Her answer, “That’s just how Africa is.” And I believe that Africa is … amazing.
Here’s to you!
-Sarah
