So one of our African friends was performing last night. Ugandans love karaoke, only they don't actually sing... they just lip sync and dance to the music. Our friend is a "comedian" and was performing at a bar/town council meetinghouse/dance hall/whatever you can think of.
We spent an hour laughing and enjoying the hilarious African karaoke acts... and then the "real show" began. As appalling as strip dancing is of course, I couldn't stop laughing. This skanky African girl was, in all seriousness, dancing in her bikini to a Celine Dions song from the early 90's: It's all coming back to me now. It was so hilarious. Needless to say we promptly left, but laughed all the way home.
Today (Saturday) we took the day off and went to Jinja, a resort town 30 minutes east at the headwaters of the Nile. It was so beautiful. We paid $3 to swim in the resort pool on the cliffs overlooking the river. We also rode "Boda Bodas" for the first time. Basically they are a taxi in the form of a scooter/motorcycle. They are everywhere here and are a lot of fun. Luckily Mandy's driving anxiety is for some odd reason completely gone here. Between 21 people in a single taxi, to 3 people on a motorcycle flying down the pot-holed roads you'd think she would be beside herself. It's all good. We are loving it here.
We haven't been sick at all yet... (knock on wood) Our friend Ryan however, pulled a worm out of his bicep yesterday.... gross? He eats sausage off the street so he deserves it. At least that's what we keep telling ourselves.
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Town Center
This is the center of Lugazi. The top left office is the "Youth Outreach Program" It consists of about 15 ugandan college students. They were born in Lugazi, and were able to earn enough money to go to college in Kampala. They have decided to return to Lugazi and build up the community by starting a non-profit group that focuses on orphans, street children, and widows. They are an amazing group of people. I want to be more like them. I am currently working closely with them to write a business plan, and letters to governmental agencies and NGO's to help them raise enough funds for their projects. It's amazing how a little money can do so much good. We are hoping to raise $5,000 to build a carpentry shop and bakery to teach the children viable skills. I hope I can help them succeed.
Village Hut
Mandy went into the rural jungle villages to deliver baby kits to new mothers. Entire families live in this small huts. Sometimes 10+ people per hut.
Our Room
After sewing several mosquito nets together we managed to cocoon our bed in the safety of mesh. We sleep comfortably and the geckos, spiders and roaches thankfully stay on the floor and the walls.
Not Exactly the Marriott but it's Home Sweet Home
This is our room in the back of the main house. We are the middle door. The left door is the charcoal room, the right door is Sam's room, our day time guard
The Well
This is where we get our water. (Drinking water comes from a bottling company) We use this water to clean, shower, laundry and dishes. We add bleach and soap to kill the algae
My Best Invention So Far
I managed to rig a spout to a jerry can and attach a tube to the end. There were a few bricks lying around which makes for a perfect stand and "tiled floor". Now we can stand up, shower, and rinse. Who needs indoor plumbing?
Our walk home
We walk this street everyday to get home. The children run out of their houses, yelling and laughing.; They grab your arms and hug your legs. They have nothing, but are so happy. I want to take them all home.
Boda Driver Wanna Be
These are the "Boda Boda" Taxis. We pile on 1, 2, 3, maybe 4 people. I have seen 4 people and 2 chairs strapped to the back going down the highway. Classic
This is a typical store front.
Businesses here are extremely small. Most of them sell the same things and have way too much inventory. I am teaching a series of business classes to various groups to help them with book keeping and inventory management.
Mandy Sleeping in the Airport Next to Her Friend Ronald
Fortunately we were able to catch some shut eye in the Amsterdam airport. Mandy was able to fall asleep knowing that she was being watched by the family guardian
Mandy In Amsterdam
On our flight over here we were able to spend a day in Amsterdam. Neither of us had ever been there so it was fun to figure things out. Here we are in the subway station heading out into the city. I love subways
So glad you have been able to stay well. Hope it lasts! You sound good and happy. Remember in India when we watched entire families commute on one bicycle? Sounds the same. Any fun shopping? What about church services, and experiences? What is your diet like? Do you drink milk? Do you drink their bottled water or do you filter your own? Do you feel like you are on a long camping expedition? Did you get that India cook you were hoping for? Much love, Mom Angelos
ReplyDeleteSo, how does a worm come out of a bicep? I'm not able to picture this.
ReplyDeleteHAHAHHAAHA! No way! This is the funniest story I have ever heard. I love it. It sounds like you guys are having a hay day over there. Keep us posted! :) Do you have pics yet?
ReplyDeleteHAHA sounds like a good time! And Mandy thought my driving was scary that night!!!!
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