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
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5 comments:
Hello Sandra
I have forwarded your blog address to the teachers at Twin Oaks. I am not sure how many of them are checking their e-mails during the summer but they will enjoy the read - I am. I have a great visual of your exasperations in the school. You have a wealth of experience and ideas to offer. You may have to be content to plant the seeds and be confident that they will continue to grow after you leave. If you are able, a picture of you, the teachers and the kids would be great to have. Take good care and enjoy the rest of your stay,
Hazel
Yo Babe!!!!!!!!
I got Hazel's email... I knew you were off but I had no idea how to find your blog!! :-D I'm so thrilled to read it, you're an amazing chick to be doing all this.... I hope it'll be me (with you even better!!) next year!!! I can see your frustrations, I would be too... not loving the discipline they are using... :-S You're good to not try and interfere, but hopefully your kindness and compassion will rub off on their discipline techniques.... I can't wait to hear more about your experience and from now on will be dropping you a line every blog!!!!! Lucky you!!!!!!!!!!! Luv Ya!!!! Keep up the amazing job you're doing!!! :-D
Christine P. :-)
Hi Sandra,
Miss you lots...It is simply amazing to read about your adventure. We are all very proud of you:) Make sure to take lots of pictures. I am thinking of you and cannot wait to see you and hear all about your experience when you get back. Please keep safe.
Soula
xoxo
Hey Sandra!!
Glad to know that you made it there safely and are having a good time.
I can only imagine the feeling that you had when those children were disciplined. So hard to watch (and have to accept). I know that you will have a positive impact on those children even after your return. I can relate to your traffic light discipline technique, I use to use it in Kindergarten at OLP too. Always worked well for the students; I can only imagine how receptive they were to it out there.
Now that I know where to find you, I will be sure to check in regularly. Have a great time on the Safari and stay safe. We're proud of your courage and efforts.
Karen
Love reading about your experiences. Though only you would write a blog about shopping! Miss you tons though I am saving money with you gone...my shopping just isnt as much fun without you. Keep safe!
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