I never know where to start. There's so much to say. The weekend safari was amazing. Everything I imagined it would be and more, totally worth the 400$ US.
I have to begin by telling you the 3 hour bus trip took us 6 hours, it was the most uncomfortable 6 hours ever. If it wasn't the pot holes we hit every two minutes, it was speed bumps or an ox in the middle of the road.
Finally after a long 6 hours of popping gravol we arrived to our lodge, The Sambiya River Lodge. What a beautiful retreat in the middle of nowhere. It was so quiet, and peaceful. We slept in little straw huts. I'll show you pictures when I get back. The food was amazing, and by 3 o'clock we were starving so anything at that point would've been good even the fried liver they try to sell us on sticks. After the well deserved lunch, we drove up to Murchison Falls where we watched the syn set, what a view! Later that night we went for a swim back at the lodge and went to bed early. Oh yeah, I forgot to mention there was no network for my cell phone and no electricity all day except between 7-10 pm. So anything that had to be recharged had to be done between those hours. You really start to appreciate electricity a lot more when you only have it for 3 hours a day.
The next morning our wake up call was a knock on the door at 5:45. Way to early but if we wanted to catch the ferry and the animals feeding it had to b done at that time. For those who know me well, I'm not a morning person and anything before 8 a.m is impossible to do.
Once we got accorss by ferry, it was time to meet our guide and satrt our game drive safari tour. All the guides carry big large guns, this ade me a little uncomfortable in the bus when it was pointing directly on me, I let it go, i figured it was needed if we were attacked. The first animal we encountered were the baboons. Friendly creatures, one jumpd right into our bus when he smelled the packed lunches.
Finally, we were off to see the animals. It was like visiting Parc Safari or Granby zoo but on a much larger scale. We encountered, Ugandan Kobs (like deers), wart hogs, Giraffes, Elephants, Buffalos, Water Bucks (like Moose), many different kinds of birds...
The most interetsing thing I saw well actually there were two, a sausage tree which literally looked like a tree which bared hanging sausages. I was told it was a fruit that the elephants like to eat and get drunk on. I guess they too need a break sometime. The second was the ant hills. At first they looked like large mounds of earth, but as we drove they got bigger and more craftier. Their heights varied between 1-6 feet tall, and so majestic looking. I know you must be wondering why I spent my time on ant hills, but if you knew how detailed and tall they were you would understand my need to find the biggest one in the park and take a picture next to it. The best way to describe them is by saying they looked like giant sand castles.
The tour lasted 3 hours, no luck finding the lions, but on our way to the elephants we of course got stuck up on a hill. We all got out and had to push ourselves of this hill, and the of course out of the ditch we then rolled into . Many people walked by and pointed to us, but no one came to our rescue, all I heard was Mzungo, Mzungo (white people). The good samaritan law definitely does not apply in this country. The strong will survive and the Mzungo's well....
The tour ended at 12 o'clock and I was starving so I broke into the packed lunches and of course who appeared out of nowhere the baboons. They basically ripped the sandwich out of my hands, and ran off with my egg, cookies and drink. I watched them unwrap my sandwich and drink my water a if they had done this before. Needless to say, I was still hungry. The afternoon was nice, we sat by the pool and I finally got smoe color.
The next morning we took a boat cruise on the Nile and saw crocodiles, hippos, more elephants, and many exotic birds whose names escape me because they each have 3 words in them. One I do remember was the White Crested Heron, Uganda's mascot.
We were off again on the terrible road but tis time I didn't sit in the back I sat by the window which I thought was a smart move till the river stopped the bus on the side of the road and handed me a chicken. Yes a live chicken he bought for supper. Of course after the long 6 hour drive I had named him Tony and adopted him. I gave him water, and some cookies the tour guide and driver laughed and said that Tony was going to be supper and I shouldn't get attached. I don't think I'll ever eat chicken again.
I'm off to supper now, and dying to find out if Livingston, our maid/gardener/janitor did my wash. We all try to give him work so that he can bring back the money to his mother. She has cancer and her medicine costs 800,00 shillings a year.
Till tomorrow, big hugs and kisses from Uganda xoxoxo...
Sandra
Monday, July 30, 2007
Thursday, July 26, 2007
Day6-7: Shopping,shopping, and more shopping
What to say about my last two days except that shopping in the African Markets is not as much fun as shopping back home. Eveything is about negotiating and bargaining. Not something I want to do every where I go. From the fruit stands, to the taxi rides, etc. I caught myself bargaining for 30 minutes for something as little as 60 cents; with the exchange it just seems larger. Every 1 US $ is equivalent to 1650 shillings here. So when my bill came up to 90,000 shilllings I figured cut it in half like I used to do in Cuba. I gave her 45, 000 she laughed in my face and took back her things. Ok, I said 55,000 nothing, no response. Finally her last price was 89,000. She basically took off 60 cents. In reality it cost me 56$ but 60 cents is a pinapple or mango for breakfast.
I took my first matatu today and my first boda boda yesterday. The matatu's are minivan taxis and cost 50 shillings basically 30 cents. The boda boda's are motorcylce taxis, best to take during the day no street lights at night, they cost 1500 shillings about 90 cents. I prefer the boda boda's they're faster and get passed traffic a lot better. Also, the matatu's get really jammed pack, what's supposed to hold 15 usually holds about 20-25 people on a good day. It's even worse when they see a 'mzungo' (white person) in it, then you really see them run in to catch a matatu with us. Driving in Uganda is like you've never seen before. First of all when you cross the street you look from right to left and not vice versa so let me tell you how surprised I was when my first attempt almost got me killed. Secondly, there are no driving regulations, or stop lights or stops of any kind. Everyone drives in which ever directions will get them there the fastest.
Supper is awesome. Hadija, our cook, makes great suppers. Ususally vegetarian, like eggplants, kale, sweet potatoes, rice, pasta, peas in curry, fried bananas, samosa (chick peas wrap)..... I know, some of you would proabably never touch it, but it's really good. The only thing that worries me is their eggs. They're not refrigerated and my usual scrambled egg is no longer yellow but white. Fruits are exceptionally good, we go through pineapple and mangos like crazy.
My sleeping quarters are really nice. I wish I could download the pics for you but this internet cafe has the slowest running internet. I sleep in a really big room by myself, I have my own washroom, and private balcony.
What else, the kids well they're great! I'm learning to step back a let others run the show, something I'mnot comfortable doing for some reason. I find it hard to let the African teachers teach because everything is so rote, and dry and the kids lose interest easily. We're taking them on a field trip on monday they're so excited, some of them have never left their small shanty town of Namuwongo or taken public transportation before.
I leave on an African Safari tomorrow with the teachers, Murchison Falls. So this will be my last blog till Monday night.
Miss you all,
Sandra
I took my first matatu today and my first boda boda yesterday. The matatu's are minivan taxis and cost 50 shillings basically 30 cents. The boda boda's are motorcylce taxis, best to take during the day no street lights at night, they cost 1500 shillings about 90 cents. I prefer the boda boda's they're faster and get passed traffic a lot better. Also, the matatu's get really jammed pack, what's supposed to hold 15 usually holds about 20-25 people on a good day. It's even worse when they see a 'mzungo' (white person) in it, then you really see them run in to catch a matatu with us. Driving in Uganda is like you've never seen before. First of all when you cross the street you look from right to left and not vice versa so let me tell you how surprised I was when my first attempt almost got me killed. Secondly, there are no driving regulations, or stop lights or stops of any kind. Everyone drives in which ever directions will get them there the fastest.
Supper is awesome. Hadija, our cook, makes great suppers. Ususally vegetarian, like eggplants, kale, sweet potatoes, rice, pasta, peas in curry, fried bananas, samosa (chick peas wrap)..... I know, some of you would proabably never touch it, but it's really good. The only thing that worries me is their eggs. They're not refrigerated and my usual scrambled egg is no longer yellow but white. Fruits are exceptionally good, we go through pineapple and mangos like crazy.
My sleeping quarters are really nice. I wish I could download the pics for you but this internet cafe has the slowest running internet. I sleep in a really big room by myself, I have my own washroom, and private balcony.
What else, the kids well they're great! I'm learning to step back a let others run the show, something I'mnot comfortable doing for some reason. I find it hard to let the African teachers teach because everything is so rote, and dry and the kids lose interest easily. We're taking them on a field trip on monday they're so excited, some of them have never left their small shanty town of Namuwongo or taken public transportation before.
I leave on an African Safari tomorrow with the teachers, Murchison Falls. So this will be my last blog till Monday night.
Miss you all,
Sandra
Wednesday, July 25, 2007
Day 5 : Power failure
To all my avid readers who read my blog religiously and comment, thank you, I'm sorry I couldn't write yesterday, we had no power. I'm told this is common to lose power 2-3 times a week to save energy I think.
Where do I begin. A lot has happened in two days, some things I'm excited about and some things I'm shocked at. I'll start with the shocking one first. My thoughts about this teaching experience, was really not what I expected at all. I was told that the two African teachers that were hired are the teachers and we simply are there as helpers. Well for those of you who know me well, I can't just sit back and watch the show. So I offered my suggestions to modify the first part of the teaching as a whole group instruction rather than breaking them up into groups. I was expecting a routine of some kind but there wasn't I I suggested that put into place a set routine. First, circle time, there wasn't any, no calendar, no days of the week, months of the year nothing. Not many songs either. The children learn by repetition and sitting down, nothings hands-on. BORING! Lillian and Rona, the two African teachers, were very happy with my suggestions of circle time, only my teacher friends will truly appreciate what that means. It all afternoon for Tania and I to set it up, we wrote out the songs by hand, the calendar, the weather graph, everything, it looked awesome.
THE SHOCK happened when two little girls came in late and they were not given their snack because they were late. First of all, I'm all for discipline, but these are poor children who hardly have any food and can't tell time and they were being punished for tardiness? I lost it. The other three teachers have been there for 4 weeks now and I guess got used to the idea, I was apauled. plater took the in the back and gave them some food. When I asked Lilian what was the reason behind it, she said ' to teach them a lesson' . ' They know school starts at one', she said. Then I asked the obvious question but how do they know when one is? She then answered: 'The mosque nearby ring the bell at noon, or when the goats come down the hill '. Personally I would be tardy every day if I had to wait for the goats and would definitely starve. At this point I let it go, there was no point in arguing.
SHOCK 2: One little by, my favourite, yes I know it's not good to play favourites but he really is the smartest 6 year old ever. He was calling out so teacha Rona had him raise his hands for 10 minutes in the air as a punishment. Well, I'll tell you he remembered very quickly to raise his hands after that. Back home, I'm sure that would fall under child abuse.
SHOCK 3: Julius forgot to do his homework, something we call detention here in Africa is running around the school till you drop. I could go on and on, one kid came in dirty, god for bid, they do live on the street you k now, he was punished too. I know they're trying to teach life lessons because they have no parents to take care of the but come on a little compassion, I then thought if they only knew better and then I was told by my colleagues better under whose terms. I think right is right and wrong is wrong no matter the culture. I guess not.
This morning I sat back and watched the the teaches do the calendar routine and sing the alphabet song with picture and sound recognition. It went very smoothly and the teachers were proud to use it. So my presence did teach them something. Of course i couldn't stop there I had to get to the bottom of this discipline or what I call classroom management. I told them about the traffic light system I used back home. Everyone starts on green and as they misbehave or call out they move down the traffic light. If they get to red they don't get a sticker at the end of the day. S It worked remarkably, there was no more pushing at recess, calling out, etc..Te teachers were so pleased and quite shocked. I cross my fingers that I'll never see the discipline I saw yesterday ever again. I could never teach here under these circumstances.
Where do I begin. A lot has happened in two days, some things I'm excited about and some things I'm shocked at. I'll start with the shocking one first. My thoughts about this teaching experience, was really not what I expected at all. I was told that the two African teachers that were hired are the teachers and we simply are there as helpers. Well for those of you who know me well, I can't just sit back and watch the show. So I offered my suggestions to modify the first part of the teaching as a whole group instruction rather than breaking them up into groups. I was expecting a routine of some kind but there wasn't I I suggested that put into place a set routine. First, circle time, there wasn't any, no calendar, no days of the week, months of the year nothing. Not many songs either. The children learn by repetition and sitting down, nothings hands-on. BORING! Lillian and Rona, the two African teachers, were very happy with my suggestions of circle time, only my teacher friends will truly appreciate what that means. It all afternoon for Tania and I to set it up, we wrote out the songs by hand, the calendar, the weather graph, everything, it looked awesome.
THE SHOCK happened when two little girls came in late and they were not given their snack because they were late. First of all, I'm all for discipline, but these are poor children who hardly have any food and can't tell time and they were being punished for tardiness? I lost it. The other three teachers have been there for 4 weeks now and I guess got used to the idea, I was apauled. plater took the in the back and gave them some food. When I asked Lilian what was the reason behind it, she said ' to teach them a lesson' . ' They know school starts at one', she said. Then I asked the obvious question but how do they know when one is? She then answered: 'The mosque nearby ring the bell at noon, or when the goats come down the hill '. Personally I would be tardy every day if I had to wait for the goats and would definitely starve. At this point I let it go, there was no point in arguing.
SHOCK 2: One little by, my favourite, yes I know it's not good to play favourites but he really is the smartest 6 year old ever. He was calling out so teacha Rona had him raise his hands for 10 minutes in the air as a punishment. Well, I'll tell you he remembered very quickly to raise his hands after that. Back home, I'm sure that would fall under child abuse.
SHOCK 3: Julius forgot to do his homework, something we call detention here in Africa is running around the school till you drop. I could go on and on, one kid came in dirty, god for bid, they do live on the street you k now, he was punished too. I know they're trying to teach life lessons because they have no parents to take care of the but come on a little compassion, I then thought if they only knew better and then I was told by my colleagues better under whose terms. I think right is right and wrong is wrong no matter the culture. I guess not.
This morning I sat back and watched the the teaches do the calendar routine and sing the alphabet song with picture and sound recognition. It went very smoothly and the teachers were proud to use it. So my presence did teach them something. Of course i couldn't stop there I had to get to the bottom of this discipline or what I call classroom management. I told them about the traffic light system I used back home. Everyone starts on green and as they misbehave or call out they move down the traffic light. If they get to red they don't get a sticker at the end of the day. S It worked remarkably, there was no more pushing at recess, calling out, etc..Te teachers were so pleased and quite shocked. I cross my fingers that I'll never see the discipline I saw yesterday ever again. I could never teach here under these circumstances.
Monday, July 23, 2007
Day 4 - Meeting the children
Tania and I went to the supermarket to get some breakfast, fresh pineapple, mangos, and passion fruit which we then mixed in yogourt and corn flakes. It was delicious. On our way many people stared, they looked angry at first but once we said hi they answered back with a smile. Some hissed, and hackled at us, I was told this is there way of getting our attention. Personally, a simple hi would have been enough. Everyone is very kind and want to say hi. Not at all what I expected.
The driver arrived at 11:15 a.m to pick us up, his name was Kenneth. He drove us to the orphanage school where I met with Anny the coordinator, and the two teachers Lilliane, and Rona.
I showed them my version of kindergarten literacy and they loved the material and jumped on the ADORE reading program song. Once I set up the alphabet and Tania and I made a calendar and wrote up the songs, it was time to begin. The children arrived one by one in the rain. Tania was right, very hard to distinguish who was who. I'm so used to going by the colour of hair and eyes, but when they all have shaved heads, brown hair and eyes, what do you go on? Clothing for today, tomorrow will be another day.
They all greeted me with big smiles and instantly called me Teacha Sandra. There were 31 children in all more girls then boys age range 5-10. I sat down to watch, big mistake, three girls came at me with combs and wanted to brush my hair. I thought it was cute at first but then the thought of lice came to my mind and I stopped them instantly. I think I'll wear my hair pulled back tomorrow.
There wasn't much of a program set into place so I offered my suggestions of circle time and they took to it right away. Snack was given to them early on, juice and a doughnut for many of them had not eaten since yesterday.
Many speak English but their mother tongue is Luganda. Recess time was fun, I took out my new phone which was given to me as a gift from my sister and Kelvin, thank you, I played some songs for them and they danced for me. The little ones were so cute, they tried to teach me their Calypso dancing but it will definitely take a few more days before I get the rhythm.
Before I knew it, it was time to leave. The ladies of the in need home serve us tea and doughnuts at the end of the day. I' starving and can't wait to see what our cook Hadija made for us.
What a great first day can't wait for tomorrow!
Will write again soon.....
Sandra
The driver arrived at 11:15 a.m to pick us up, his name was Kenneth. He drove us to the orphanage school where I met with Anny the coordinator, and the two teachers Lilliane, and Rona.
I showed them my version of kindergarten literacy and they loved the material and jumped on the ADORE reading program song. Once I set up the alphabet and Tania and I made a calendar and wrote up the songs, it was time to begin. The children arrived one by one in the rain. Tania was right, very hard to distinguish who was who. I'm so used to going by the colour of hair and eyes, but when they all have shaved heads, brown hair and eyes, what do you go on? Clothing for today, tomorrow will be another day.
They all greeted me with big smiles and instantly called me Teacha Sandra. There were 31 children in all more girls then boys age range 5-10. I sat down to watch, big mistake, three girls came at me with combs and wanted to brush my hair. I thought it was cute at first but then the thought of lice came to my mind and I stopped them instantly. I think I'll wear my hair pulled back tomorrow.
There wasn't much of a program set into place so I offered my suggestions of circle time and they took to it right away. Snack was given to them early on, juice and a doughnut for many of them had not eaten since yesterday.
Many speak English but their mother tongue is Luganda. Recess time was fun, I took out my new phone which was given to me as a gift from my sister and Kelvin, thank you, I played some songs for them and they danced for me. The little ones were so cute, they tried to teach me their Calypso dancing but it will definitely take a few more days before I get the rhythm.
Before I knew it, it was time to leave. The ladies of the in need home serve us tea and doughnuts at the end of the day. I' starving and can't wait to see what our cook Hadija made for us.
What a great first day can't wait for tomorrow!
Will write again soon.....
Sandra
Day 3 part two- My arrival to Uganda
I made it, I'm alive and well. I was actually quite surprised of the weather when I got off the plane in Entebbe. It was barely 15 degrees and the sun was starting to set at 7pm. My first scare was the baggage claim. Not really what I expected. The first load of baggages arrived and of course mine was not on it. I waited patiently as they unloaded the second, third and fourth. By the fifth trolly I started to worry. Finally I saw my bag and headed out to the parking lot where I saw many people holding signs with names on it. Of course no one had one with my name on it, I was a little worried. I was approached by many people who wanted to give me a ride I kindly refused and kept waiting. Finally, Hannah (the coordinator of the GFIC house) came up to me and said she figured it was me since I was the only white, blond haired, blue eyed girl there.
We took a cab which are called special hires, and drove an hour in the dark to Kampala. Hannah briefed me quickly and soon enough we arrived to the GFIC house (global forum for international cooperation). In other words this is a house that is rented by Concordia University students who are spreading awareness through numerous organizations.
The house was not at all what I expected, it wasn't bad at all. There are 20 beds and so far I sleep in a bottom bunk and a room to myself. Tania, Myriam, and Hannah share a room, and Dori and Judy share the the other. I was starving and dying for a shower. It was like living in a dorm all over again.
I unpacked and realized I didn't bring enough winter clothing, who would of thought Africa to be this cold. I wet to bed early, thought it was a good idea, but obviously I did everything else but sleep. With the time difference I finally fell asleep when the roosters starting crowing and it was time to get up.
We took a cab which are called special hires, and drove an hour in the dark to Kampala. Hannah briefed me quickly and soon enough we arrived to the GFIC house (global forum for international cooperation). In other words this is a house that is rented by Concordia University students who are spreading awareness through numerous organizations.
The house was not at all what I expected, it wasn't bad at all. There are 20 beds and so far I sleep in a bottom bunk and a room to myself. Tania, Myriam, and Hannah share a room, and Dori and Judy share the the other. I was starving and dying for a shower. It was like living in a dorm all over again.
I unpacked and realized I didn't bring enough winter clothing, who would of thought Africa to be this cold. I wet to bed early, thought it was a good idea, but obviously I did everything else but sleep. With the time difference I finally fell asleep when the roosters starting crowing and it was time to get up.
Sunday, July 22, 2007
Day 3 - Johannesburg
Okay so I arrived in Johannesburg well rested early this morning at 8 am. It's a six hour difference from MTL. I don't think I've ever eaten, drank and slept as well as I have in the last two days.
I board my final plane to Uganda in three hours, finally! Everyone is very friendly and helpful. I decided to stay in the airport this time since it's cold, 10 degrees and I don't have that much time to venture off this time. I know mom you're happy about his decision.
I was surprised to see how many white people live here. Lots of mistresses and rich business men are in these VIP lounges. I know this because...ok I don't have real facts but it's hunch.
Well it's time to eat again, I find that's all I've been doing eating and sleeping. It's exhausting!
I will try to write as soon as I'm settled in Kampala.
Miss you all....
Sandra
I board my final plane to Uganda in three hours, finally! Everyone is very friendly and helpful. I decided to stay in the airport this time since it's cold, 10 degrees and I don't have that much time to venture off this time. I know mom you're happy about his decision.
I was surprised to see how many white people live here. Lots of mistresses and rich business men are in these VIP lounges. I know this because...ok I don't have real facts but it's hunch.
Well it's time to eat again, I find that's all I've been doing eating and sleeping. It's exhausting!
I will try to write as soon as I'm settled in Kampala.
Miss you all....
Sandra
Saturday, July 21, 2007
Day 2- London
I arrived in London safely this morning at 5:00 a.m MTL time and 10:00 a.m London time. I wasn't sure if I would have enough energy to venture off into to town with only 4 hours of sleep, but once I got outside it was bright daylight, I couldn't resist.
I hopped on a tube, which is a metro, that took me right into downtown London. Picadilly circus was the stop. The ride tooj about an hour, so of course I fell of sleep. However, my mother's little voice kept telling me WAKE UP!!! someone might steel your bag. So of course I didn't get much sleep.
When I arrived I hopped on a red sightseeing tour bus around town. I never knew how old adn rustic London really was. Would I live here, no too much rain. It rained all afternoon, so after the tour was done I went right back to the airport on the tube, which at first I was calling the lube and I think that means washroom.
I am now writing this blog in the VIP lounge where I have access to the internet, a bed, shower, all you can eat and drink. I ordered an entree of shrimp and a glass of champagne. I'm in heaven! Thank you daddy.
I board in two hours where I will be flying, first class again, to Johanesberg. So far this journey has been my best one yet!
Love you lots,
Sandra
I hopped on a tube, which is a metro, that took me right into downtown London. Picadilly circus was the stop. The ride tooj about an hour, so of course I fell of sleep. However, my mother's little voice kept telling me WAKE UP!!! someone might steel your bag. So of course I didn't get much sleep.
When I arrived I hopped on a red sightseeing tour bus around town. I never knew how old adn rustic London really was. Would I live here, no too much rain. It rained all afternoon, so after the tour was done I went right back to the airport on the tube, which at first I was calling the lube and I think that means washroom.
I am now writing this blog in the VIP lounge where I have access to the internet, a bed, shower, all you can eat and drink. I ordered an entree of shrimp and a glass of champagne. I'm in heaven! Thank you daddy.
I board in two hours where I will be flying, first class again, to Johanesberg. So far this journey has been my best one yet!
Love you lots,
Sandra
Friday, July 20, 2007
Day 1- My journey begins!
Okay so I'm all packed and ready to go. I definitely over packed! I think it's starting to hit me now that I'm leaving. I'm so excited to get there and start teaching the children of Namuwongo. I know some of you still don't understand my excitement or my joy of travelling, but as you all know I hate routine and love new challenges.
My flight leaves at 10:30 tonight and I arrive in London at 10:15 a.m. I'm hoping to see a bit of London while I'm there, my next connecting flight is only at 8 pm.
I'll be thinking of you all....I'll write as soon as I get there Sunday 6:45 p.m.
Sandra
My flight leaves at 10:30 tonight and I arrive in London at 10:15 a.m. I'm hoping to see a bit of London while I'm there, my next connecting flight is only at 8 pm.
I'll be thinking of you all....I'll write as soon as I get there Sunday 6:45 p.m.
Sandra
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