Time Is (Not) of The Essence

Time in Uganda moves at a very different pace than it does in the USA.  For example, during our homestay thank you event, which was supposed to start promptly at 9a, began at 11a.  I asked Maama wangye omu Uganda (my Ugandan Mom) why she was so late when she was clearly dressed and ready when I left the house that morning at 8a and she replied, “Eeh Tara, I drank my tea, walked around, talked to Ssenyonga [her husband], and waited until the sun was higher to leave the house.”  Another example, during satellite training my fellow trainees and I were invited to an event where we got to meet the President.  That’s right.  The President Museveni.  You would think that an event of this capacity would begin on time.  Ha!  He was scheduled to arrive at 2p.  He got there closer to 4p.  TIA.  This is Africa.

I am 2 weeks into my service as a PCV and all I can think about is how this African concept of time is going to affect me upon my COS (Close of Service) in 2014.  I mean in the states I was told, “Early is on time, on time is late, and late is never acceptable.”  Thanks Chico Housing (AKA Hemlata) and parents!  Well at this rate, I may return and not realize that when you say class starts at 2p, you actually mean 2p and not 5p.  I am sure readjustment will be interesting in and of itself and is something I will conquer when the time comes.  This is just one of the many cultural differences that makes me appreciate this country more and more every day. 

Nonetheless, this has prompted me to bring my Nook and iPod everywhere.  Meetings.  Bus parks.  Restaurants.  It is something to pass the time.  I am keeping a book list to see how many books I can complete in 2-years time.  Check out the link at the top.  At this rate, this list may be more books then I have ever read.  Who would have thought I needed to travel 8,000+ miles to read The New York’s Time Top 100 book list. 

Next post… All about my site, cooking for one, traveling, and hopefully… drumroll please… pictures of Uganda and my house!  Cross yo fingers!

P.S. I started the Insanity workout yesterday with Shaun T and holy toledo.  He knows his stuff.  My Ugandan neighbors must think I am crazy when I leave my house to shower and my face is bright red, dripping with sweat.  Tomorrow I am going to a gym in Ishaka with a fellow PCV to hunt down a personal trainer.  He costs 5,000 Ugandan Shillings ($2 USD) for 90 minutes.  Apparently he knows his stuff. I am slightly nervous that come Saturday I may not be able to move.

P.P.S. Happy 24^th Birthday to my wonderful, little sister Julie!  I’m wishing you the best from the Southern Hemisphere and am completely envious of your day filled with pedicures and Italian food… Have a very special day  :)  Love you!