We arrived in Kampala very late on Thursday after a long flight via Amsterdam and then transit through Rwanda. The hotel where we are staying is basic and comfortable and clean. Yesterday we had only sporadic internet and were in classes all day until 5 pm. They again emphasized how important it is to protect ourselves from Malaria and showed a compelling video about a Peace Corps volunteer who had died of it, and another who was critically ill. So I am taking my meds despite the fact they make me feel a bit off. After all of these years abroad I am taking anti-Malarial's for the first time but I am also in probably the most critical spot on the planet. There were recently about 160 new cases of Malaria in Lira so ....... I take the medication which in itself will not provide complete protection. This map of Malaria in Uganda gives an idea of the severity.
Today we went out to purchase sim cards, have a look around and go to the bus station. That was interesting as we were caught in a traffic jam for about an hour. It has taken on a dream like quality at this point. We are back at the hotel and then language class at 5 pm. Yesterday at 5 everyone was nodding off so should be interesting. I'm not counting on learning too much although I can now say Thank You, in at least one of Uganda's 40 active languages!
Some of the GHSP volunteers continued on for an extended tour and went to visit a Mosque and here they are! David was here with with the previous group and has been our guide throughout our time here in Kampala, he's the guy with the great big smile .....always.
Things I find most interesting: The fact that the weather is so much nicer here then DC, almost a chill in the air when there is a breeze. Very pleasant. The sun is very hot and those people sitting out there selling items on the road side seem to take it all in a days stride, much better than me I am sure!
Elections are coming. Great campaign photos out there that could be used quite nicely in the US. Things such as "respect the other guys opinion" more or less.
Youth, the young are everywhere! Uganda has the youngest population in the world with 77% of its population being under 30 years go age.
Today we went out to purchase sim cards, have a look around and go to the bus station. That was interesting as we were caught in a traffic jam for about an hour. It has taken on a dream like quality at this point. We are back at the hotel and then language class at 5 pm. Yesterday at 5 everyone was nodding off so should be interesting. I'm not counting on learning too much although I can now say Thank You, in at least one of Uganda's 40 active languages!
Some of the GHSP volunteers continued on for an extended tour and went to visit a Mosque and here they are! David was here with with the previous group and has been our guide throughout our time here in Kampala, he's the guy with the great big smile .....always.
Things I find most interesting: The fact that the weather is so much nicer here then DC, almost a chill in the air when there is a breeze. Very pleasant. The sun is very hot and those people sitting out there selling items on the road side seem to take it all in a days stride, much better than me I am sure!
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| Bus Station Kampala |
Elections are coming. Great campaign photos out there that could be used quite nicely in the US. Things such as "respect the other guys opinion" more or less.
Youth, the young are everywhere! Uganda has the youngest population in the world with 77% of its population being under 30 years go age.
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