Landed.
So, it is 8:30pm and Casey is already sleeping. Travelling for over 24 hours will do that to you. I took one for the team and decided to update and share my thoughts and first impressions of this country.
The very first thing I noticed when stepping off the plane was the weather. A far cry from London’s chilly drizzle. It isn’t as hot as I’d imagined and right now as I write this I am wondering if I should go to the room and pick up a sweater. Going back to this afternoon, Casey and I grabbed our luggage (it wasn’t lost!), went to the nearest cell phone kiosk and bought 2 sim cards, located a driver, hopped in his car and were on our way to Makerere University Guest House (http://guesthouse.mak.ac.ug/index.php?q=About-Us). The ride took well over 45 minutes, but I was too wrapped up with the world outside the car window to take note of the time. Needless to say I was slightly more than a little overwhelmed and culture shocked. The road to the guest house was like nothing I’ve ever seen before. Goats were tied up to ropes by the side of the road, children played with sticks and tires, people sold everything from fake Ray-Bans to calling cards to cars passing by, and crumbling buildings from Uganda’s war years lay vacant everywhere (though since 2000 the city has been restoring these).
I would be lying if I said I wasn’t a bit intimidated, especially by drivers on the road. The only way I can possibly describe how people drive here is beyond anarchy. It was shockingly exhilarating to barely miss bikes and motorcycles by a few centimeters… to be stuck in traffic for no other apparent reason than too many cars tried to fit down a two lane road. The most interesting thing I noticed was that every single driver, be him on a bike, a motorcycle or in a car, remained perfectly calm and collected. No horn was beeped and no profanities were heard. It was amazing. Back home in Canada there probably would have been shots fired. I have so much respect for Kampalan drivers after today.
Anyway, I am currently in the lobby of the guest house beside an old English couple. I hope I’m still travelling the world by the time I reach their age.
Today has been unlike any other day I’ve ever experienced. Tomorrow Casey and I hop on a bus for Gulu. I’m exhausted so I’m going to bed underneath our mosquito net canopy. Good night!
-Sarah
