For Your Entertainment

Sometimes you would think that I exaggerate on some of the situations that happen to me in Uganda.  For example, being one of 30 people in a vehicle that should only seat 14.

To validate the ridiculousness that this country can sometimes offer, please enjoy the following article.

Appropriate comments are welcome.

http://www.newvision.co.ug/news/639792-uganda-to-launch-its-first-space-observer.html

Home Sweet Home

They say there is no place like home.  I have learned that that’s true but while my home lies on the other side of the planet, I have had to adjust to what will be my humble abode until 2014. 

After changing sites and locating a safe and secure place to reside in, I think I can confidently say that I feel at peace in my new place.  It is definitely an upgrade, as you will see below, with tiled floors, an indoor shower, and a Western toilet.  I have two small rooms plus a bathroom and live in a gated compound with other local Ugandans, who so far are wonderful people.  My landlord is putting in grass in once all the construction is complete, which means I will be able to lounge out and garden. 

I may even invest in a kiddie pool. 

Visitors are welcome!

Home Sweet Home!

 

Kitchen shelves made from tree branches.  Thanks carpenter! 

That random pot next to the pineapple is my refrigerator.  

Add some water, put food in a sealed, Ziploc bag and call it a day!

Love me some chalkboard!

Say hello to my somehow American bathroom.  No hot water though, which is fine by me!

More pictures can be found here: http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.946155809310.2246303.29906868&type=3

Dinner For One

Learning to cook for one has been interesting, especially when you do not have a refrigerator to keep any leftovers.  The cookbook that Peace Corps gives us is full of wonderfully, delicious recipes yet a majority of them yield anywhere from eight to twelve servings.  Well newsflash.  I am just one person.  One serving.

More often than not I prepare some popcorn, eggs, cabbage, or fruit for dinner, which is easy to make for one.  Then those days come along when I want to make something more nutritional, more exciting, and I am at a loss. 

Well not tonight.  I made vegetable enchiladas. 

It was a glorious meal made from fresh ingredients and it felt like such an accomplishment when everything was said and done. 

Bon appetite!  

On Cloud Nine

Today marks nine months in country.  I’m still in shock.

It has been a long time since I have enjoyed the comforts of America, including ice, seatbelts, pillow top mattresses, and my family and friends.  Even with these absences in my life, I have been able to accomplish new things I might have never otherwise completed, such as eating grasshoppers, witnessing a turkey slaughtering, and introducing my host family into the wonderful world of cheese. 

I know people say that life flies by and I want to believe otherwise, especially around the holiday season… I never wanted for the Christmas tree to come down.   I’m not quite sure why I have this frame of mind… Maybe because I want life and all of its experiences to last forever.  Now I am aware that this is not reality and that everything must come to an end and eventually this experience will too.

In the meantime I remember where I am and the opportunity I have been given.  I remember the people I have met, the relationships I have made, and those that wait to be made.  I remember that I only have 18 months until this chapter in my life closes.  Time to make every moment count.