Back to my roots...
Trip Start
Aug 22, 2006
1
23
Trip End
Nov 19, 2006
Kampala,
Uganda
Friday, September 1, 2006
'Summers', the term used for Ugandans who come back to visit, are usually LOADED! So I'm a bit of a disappointment for the family!
The highlight of this visit has probably been my eldest brother's Graduation. At age 34, he enrolled himself for BA with Education degree course at University and has come out with a First Class Honours Degree- the first person in our family and clan to have a 'FIRST'. Mom, Dad and I went for the graduation ceremony in Mukono. My role? To ululate- war cry 'African style'- perfected through years of practice in church. When my brothers' name was read out, I jumped up and down, ululated myself hoarse, and then overcome with emotion burst into tears... much to my parent's embarrassment! But I didn't care...this was a great moment in our family's history. Afterwards, while busy taking pictures, my wallet got stolen. It happened so quickly, I didn't even feel it! One moment it was in my handbag, next moment it was gone. All my debit and credit cards, driving licence gone! I went to the police station to report the theft.The officer in charge didn't even know what a wallet was...
"Ok it's my purse that was stolen"
"Paaasi? What is paaasi?"
"The thing you put money in?"
"Money paaasi?"
"Yes that one"
She then wrote in the incidents book that my 'WARRET' was stolen.
Crocodile...
You've got to love themMy dad criticising my driving on the way back to Kampala REALLY did not help my mood! Either I wasn't driving fast enough or not overtaking that slow lorry in front of us on the left like the other cars were doing - illegally. Driving in Uganda is CRAZY! You have to contend with all the traffic - mopeds, people carriers, trucks,trailers, cyclists, goats, cows, pedestrians and then swerve to avoid the potholes. Potholes? Those are CRATERS on the the roads!!!
Road Rage aside... I am really enjoying the food! Big juicy Pineapples the size of rugby balls, sugar sweet bananas, passion fruit, pawpaws, sugar cane, water melon yum yum!!!
And the FISH!!! Ohhh!
Went for a girls night out the other day! At last, a chance to drink my beloved Uganda Waragi, (gin) which was my staple diet in my University days. After a few shots, I think I was a 'tad' high. My sister disappeared to take a phone call and when she didn't come back, I went searching for her. Found her sitting at another table with some guy. Typical!
In a bid to embarrass her, (and 'subtly' remind her that this was a GIRLS night out and guys weren't invited), I went over and demanded to know who he was.
"Muhozi"
The name sounded familiar, plus he was wearing a soldier's uniform
"Do I know you?"
My cousin jumps in, "No you don't. Let's go!"
"Where are we going?"
"Pub crawl!!"
"Oh ho! Yeah let's go. The Pork here is kinda crap"
It's only when I got to our car, and saw the unmarked vehicles and plains clothes bodyguards, that it clicked that Muhozi was the President's son! I felt slightly offended that he hadn't remembered me, given that we were contemporaries at school and have mutual friends. But wait a minute, I hadn't remembered him either. Plus I was also tipsy and very loud - how embarrassing.
Later, I heard from the rest of the girls that he was shaking his head throughout the whole exchange, and after we left he told Ngonzi,
"You guys obviously do not live here"
Obviously!
Okay next stop is Rwanda!
Comments
Solly about your warret!
Oh Kim, roosing your warret or shourd we carr it Money paaasi duling your first week!! How annoying!
Looking on the bright side of life. Now you don't have to worry about being attacked by a mob in Asia or Jo'burg. You can put your hands up confidently when mugged and shout, 'don't shoot! I have no money!'I pray the muggers don't say, 'sorry sis, it's not your money we are after, it is that cute top and those fancy trainers you have on'!! In that case, I cannot think of a bright solution. At least if you had your paaasi, you could offer it and hopefully retain your clothes.
Seriously, I'm afraid you are in big soup. I wish I could help. However I'm glad that you are still intent on continuing your journey. Your travels will make us feel like we are out there ourselves and not stuck behind a computer in a stuffy office. I cannot wait for your Asian travels. That's a place I really really want to visit one day!!
Mmm, about the Presidents son! Not someone you bump into everyday! Interesting!
Oops! My alarm has gone. Time to shift from my laptop to the TV. Midsomer Murders is starting now! One of my day's highlights! So you see why it is so important that money paaasi or no money paaasi, you continue your travels. I have a brilliant money making idea: everytime you get to an airport,find a strategic position - try and tap the crowds. Place a bowl infront of you, get your guitar out and begin to play. Don't forget to put a few coins in the bowl - people need to be encouraged. Try it and see, it works all the time. If you don't believe me, go to Kings Cross!