Wednesday - September 16, 2009

            Since I didn’t sleep well last night I got a late start to the day.  I woke up around noon and Emily and Angelica told me they were going to Taibah – one of the partner schools in Uganda.  Emily drove (thank God, I’m terrified of the boda boda’s) and we passed cows in the street, long horn cattle, goats, chickens and shanty towns just like you see on TV.  The air absolutely reeks of burning garbage (that’s how they dispose of it over here) and exhaust from the cars, buses and motorcycles.  By the way – you will find people carrying ALL KINDS of things on the back of these little motorcycles.  It’s really incredible…I saw someone carrying a tractor tire.

            We got to Taibah and they were having a science fair.  The students showed us all of their exhibits: wooden mouse pads, live locusts (HUGE!!!), waste purification systems, how to treat malaria by boiling eucalyptus, how to tenderize meat by letting it sit in a pot with water and potatoes, warm egg sandwiches (no thanks).  One of the projects caught on fire and we had to open a window.  The students were all so kind and nice and happy to see us. 

            After the school we went to a “Rotary Club” meeting where people basically go to brainstorm, exchange ideas, look for partners/funding.  One of the main rotaries is on the board of Educate! so its important we go to meetings there every once in a while.   The person presenting today had a very interesting concept…about a water treatment method that you only needed the sun and a clear plastic bottle to implement it.  Basically UV rays from the sun kill the membrane of bacteria’s and viruses and (according to these people) once you leave a clear bottle in the sun for 24 hours its completely okay to drink.  Yeah, it sounds nice, but I’m skeptical.  They had a scientist from Canada fly out for the trip (he was the only other white person I saw until this point).

            If you want to learn more abou it: http://www.thewaterschool.org/

            Afterwards we went to what I was told is another mzungu hang out and one of the most expensive places in the entire city.  HA!  The meal with several appetizers, an entre and a drink cost me $12!  The food was really exceptional too – very delicious.  We ate with about 12 mzungu’s (sorry, I’ve adapted that term) who were all doing very interesting work in Africa.  One thing about the expatriates here…they’re mostly VERY intelligent.  At a table of 12 I feel like 1/3 went to Ivy League Schools.  The dude I was speaking with all night, Hiigh (I think?  Not sure how to spell it?) was a graduate from Harvard Business School doing work in Uganda.  Anyways, just interesting group of people.  All very nice.

            Afterwards we went to “Bubble Lounge” which is another mzungu hangout.  It’s a full Irish bar that was brought WHOLE from Ireland.  We watched European Soccer (“football”) and I was told I needed to pick a British team immediately – so, ladies and gentlemen, I am officially a fan of the English premier league “Arsenal!” 

http://www.arsenal.com/home

            Now I have to get a jersey…  My timing was quite fortuitous…as soon as I declared my loyalty they scored a goal!  Everyone got a kick out of that.  So yeah, I have a new team.

            One funny feature of the bar is that it had about a million tap handles…but when you ordered a beer they handed you a can.  Apparently the beer handles are for show – ha.  There were maybe 8 white people in the entire place, but I’m already getting more comfortable with that.

            I’m tired, but a couple other random observations:

- To get hot water for your shower, you have to turn a switch which heats the water.  You need to do this 15 minutes before you shower.  The shower water smells like boiled eggs.

- There is no light in the bathroom.  I was told I just needed to learn to “aim very straight.”

- People drive like complete psychopaths here.  It is not for the faint of heart.

- There is very little violent crime here…and its not why you might think.  Essentially every citizen is a vigilante.  If you are caught stealing from someone or violently affecting them – you will be beat to death by a street mob.  True story.  Glad I don’t steal!