From Friday 10th August 2007
Jay says: So hello from Uganda. It took us about 24 hours but we´ve finally got here! The trip was quite eventful (none more than arriving nervoulsy in Uganda, being picked up and driven to arrival camp, but being pulled over by the police within 5 mins - thankfully it was just to allow the president and his full cavulcade to pass!).
Photo: Local school children came to visit the Mzungu every day (check out the shorts and socks action!)
Upon arriving we were taken to our orientation camp - a camp based at a scouts camp around 12 miles from the capital city - Kampala. We were there with the other volunteers who have projects in Uganda - 5 Germans, 1 Swiss, 1 Icelandic, 1 Finish and 1 Canadian (all of whom are really nice and its great to have some friends in the country we will be able to meet up with throughout the year). We were learning all about Ugandan culture, history and geography - however as long as you had read the introduction to your guide book (which we all had) - you know it all already - but its was fine as it was all very laid back (Ugandan style) and huge amounts of work didnt get done - more exploring, playing football, cards and drinking cups tea than anything! We were also taught some Luganda - the local language - its bloody hard but i´m sure we´ll pick it up when we have to start using it!
Photo: Our Local BAR!
Our time so far has been amazing - whilst its definately basic (nothings wakes you up like a cold shower outside at 9am!), we expected as much. But most of all its so beautiful - our camp had amazing veiws overlooking Lake Victoria and we explored the local area, visting the local villages. The poverty is on a scale you cant really understand or be pepared for - we drove through what i thought were slums on our first day, coming through them just a couple of days later you realise that these towns actually have houses with windows and roofs, and they have shops and everything they need - in fact they are quite afluent - its amazing how your perecption changes within a couple of days! But to be honest now you no longer notice the poverty - as everyone is just so happy and content - the children in particular.
Photo: Our view over lake Victoria
Just being white makes you such a novelty everywhere - but particularly in the villages - the children look on with amazment and calls of 'hello mzunugu how are you' follow you everywhere.
Boats to send Fish to Export near our arrival camp
Stopping for a soda draws crowds of children to see the mzungu
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