Goodbye Backpackers and Kampala
Trip Start
Jul 25, 2006
1
41
165
Trip End
Ongoing
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Kampala,
Uganda
Sunday, January 14, 2007
tomorrow for what will likely be a futile quest for the camera I want.
How
can I sum up what Backpackers was to me? A home, a respite, a vacation
from my vacation, a family. I suppose I will introduce you to some of
the characters that have made this place what it is to me. As an aside,
one of the things that I have found out about women in Uganda is that
none of them have their real hair. They change it as often as some
people change clothes (or as in my case, more often, seeing as I only
have one pair of shoes and a pair of sandals.) So, in an effort to show
case the beauty and chameleon like abilities of the women of
Backpackers, I will attempt to show each person introduced with a
variety of hair styles, including their real hair, when possible.
Pinkie (also know as Erinah)
My
African Queen (who sings that song anyway?). Pinkie may be small in
stature, but her capacity for friendship, dancing, and disdaining looks
knows no bounds. From nearly killing her to having a wild night out on
the town, Pinkie was a constant friend. Her capacity to go from a scowl
to a smile in seconds was amazing. She is one of my best friends in
Africa.
Fionah
Ahh, Fionah. My buddy, my pal,
my constant target of teasing. Fionah is wonderful. She was my partner
in crime (along with Percy) in the clubs and at New Years. She never
stopped teasing me about big mamas and prostitutes, and given a chance,
will dance for 24 hours straight. Despite her attempts not to, Fionah
could never stop herself from giving me a smile, and making my day
better as a result.
Grace
Grace epitomizes her
name. Always classy, always collected, always beautiful. Her love of
complaining was only matched by her love of giving you a quick smile
and making everyone's day a little better. Waybaray Grace for your
friendship and your ability to make me feel so much at home so far away
from my old one.
Percy
Possibly the best and
most infectious laugh in Africa (except possibly Hendry in Tanzania).
Percy was always smiling, and always made you feel good. When I thought
my bag had been stolen with everything (EVERYTHING. And actually it had
been, but came back with everything still in it. Another story.), Percy
sat with me and offered heart felt condolences. My other partner in
crime along with Fionah, and another great dancer.
Mary
Mary,
what would I have done without our conversations? Intelligent, a great
sense of humour, and constant advocate for me with the other women when
I somehow unknowingly behaved like an idiot. Mary, your advice, and
your friendship were very valuable to me. I can only imagine what a
great mother you must be.
Rosette
Bish is
beautiful and always has a smile and laugh for you. She went AWOL for a
while to another part of Uganda, but fortunately came back before I had
to leave.
Jennifer, Lillian, Prossy, Margaret, Bela, John, Moses
The
backbone and behind the scene team of Backpackers. I didn't know all
you half as well as I would have liked, but am very glad to have even
the small time we had together.
Alone
My crazy
French friend. You live by a code and do not compromise. That's an
admirable trait, even when your code seems at odds with some people
around you. Like we talked about, when we're thrown in jail together,
we'll bribe the guards for a cell with a good view.
Ben and Ido
My
Dutch and Australian friends. You made up the other two people of the
seriously disturbed foursome that also included Alone and myself. Ido,
I will never, ever, be as disturbed again as when you showed us your
home movies you made with your friends. Ben, I hope the Jesus thing
works out for you. Remember, if you need help the Church and Jesus have
a long standing relationship. I'm sure I could help out.
Dora, Katie, Susie, Megan and the rest of the English school kid gang
Hmm, no, don't think I'll write anything here. You guys were a blast to have around.
To Everyone Else
To
everyone who came through the hostel - James (the crazy Aussie
masseuse) and Jaq, Borja, my Spanish professional photographer friend
(I wish I can take photos like yours someday), Issac and Dani, Ching,
Alex, Shawn, Jessica and Meg, all of you. Sorry if you are not
mentioned. Thanks for the talks, insults, compliments and
everything else.
Comments
African Queen
DJ I think you are thinking of Caribbean Queen by Billy Ocean
John (BVG)