This is going to be one amazing journey because I am in love with it already.
I went apartment hunting today, it was quite interesting and I want to share a little bit of the dialogue with you all.
After looking at one location I was taken to a group of flats that were furnished. I will admit they were very nice, but I still keep in my that I am in Africa…why should I be living in American/Canadian standards…so I go of the apartment and I say to the agent…
Me: This is a very nice flat; however, I am not able to afford 600 usd/month
Agent: Yes, but it is furnished with very nice furniture
Me: Oh, I agree! But I am not working here I am a student and I have to live on a budget, like students do.
Agent: You are a student? Where?
Me: Makerere University
Agent: It is great. I have a good place for you.
Me: Great, how much does it cost?
Agent: 8
Me: (still completely unaware of the exchange rate) 80, 000 shillings?
Agent: NO! 800 US Dollars…
Me: huh????? -------------------- (Picture me just standing there scratching my head)
As you can imagine…NO I didn’t find a place yet.
Maybe I am completely out of it, but I can’t imagine paying 800 bucks in Africa for rent…that’s like rent in American/Canadian cities.
I attended a Rotaract meeting today (Rotary for University students) and well that was quite comical for two reasons:
First one: Tusu, my host introduces me: This is Jenny Johnson Mathers-the new addition to my family, she is from Quebec, she is going to study Peace and Conflict at Makerere, and she just arrived here on Sunday night. Now…don’t get excited because she is a married woman! (See Josh, I think you will really like him!)
Second reason: The guest speaker was talking about how to get along with your boss…especially if they are sexually harassing you or not treating you correctly. I think the comedy came from his knowledge of women bosses who are TOO friendly with the male workers.
***This is good*** Tusu was informing me today of some upcoming events that he thinks I should participate in.
Rotary presidents meeting…the catch…it is in Nairobi, Kenya!!!
District Conference…the catch…Dar es Salaam, Tanzania… (on the beach I might add)
My reply “Tusu, I am not sure if I can handle all this travel!!!!!!!’
Thursday, August 16, 2007
Tuesday, August 14, 2007
HERE I AM!
Sorry for the length of the first Ugandan posting.
I arrived last night after 4 flights to find that they lost one of my bags…the one with all my clothes! Luckily, Josh gave me one of his shirts (and that came on my carry on baggage for safe keeping!), so I have something to wear to bed atleast.
I am staying with my host Rotarian, Tusu and his wonderful family. I am already know as their new daughter! The ride to his home was rather bumpy, to say the least, but once we entered the gate to his home it was lovely. We had “dinner” at 1:30 in the morning and it was very interesting and new, but rather tasty! We had matoke (mashed bananas/plantains) with a purple colored sauce made of peanuts, beef stew, and a leafy vegetable. It was good, although I had sort of a dinner malfunction…due to the fact that I had just be flying and en route for 28 hours and NOT slept my emotions were a little touchy, so every time I would swallow my eyes would fill up with water. Unfortunately, after about 8 bites the tears were streaming down
After a much needed sleep…I was ready to explore.
On the way to see Tusu at the university I was able to witness the wonderfully chaotic street life! It’s absolutely amazing and the vendors at the roadside markets reminded me why I love the developing world so much. Huge piles of pineapples and bananas just covered their tables. A whole year of amazing fresh fresh FRESH food! I was telling the driver that I loved to cook and he was amazed…he asked me “cook what prepared boxed food!”
I got a SIM card, so my cell phone works…email me if you want my number…text messaging is very cheap compared to calling…$1/per minute…have to stick to skype!
I went to TWO rotary meetings today and learned that the 9 of the local clubs have organized four days of medical clinics for the people in the North of Uganda. Many of these people have been displaced by rebels and do not have proper housing, adequate amounts of food, and insufficient access medical personnel, so from Aug 27th to 31st, I will be in the North helping out with registration, meals, and/or anything they need me to do.
I am going apartment hunting tomorrow…then hopefully learn a little more about my program at school…and HOPEFULLY find out if the rumors that I have been hearing are true…by that I mean- Apparently, my first year of school is for class work and studying and my second year is to write my dissertation and do research. If that is true, I can do that ANYWHERE
AND…GETTING INTERNET SET UP IN MY APARTMENT IS SUPPOSED TO BE EASY WHOOO HOOO….
More to come…
I arrived last night after 4 flights to find that they lost one of my bags…the one with all my clothes! Luckily, Josh gave me one of his shirts (and that came on my carry on baggage for safe keeping!), so I have something to wear to bed atleast.
I am staying with my host Rotarian, Tusu and his wonderful family. I am already know as their new daughter! The ride to his home was rather bumpy, to say the least, but once we entered the gate to his home it was lovely. We had “dinner” at 1:30 in the morning and it was very interesting and new, but rather tasty! We had matoke (mashed bananas/plantains) with a purple colored sauce made of peanuts, beef stew, and a leafy vegetable. It was good, although I had sort of a dinner malfunction…due to the fact that I had just be flying and en route for 28 hours and NOT slept my emotions were a little touchy, so every time I would swallow my eyes would fill up with water. Unfortunately, after about 8 bites the tears were streaming down
After a much needed sleep…I was ready to explore.
On the way to see Tusu at the university I was able to witness the wonderfully chaotic street life! It’s absolutely amazing and the vendors at the roadside markets reminded me why I love the developing world so much. Huge piles of pineapples and bananas just covered their tables. A whole year of amazing fresh fresh FRESH food! I was telling the driver that I loved to cook and he was amazed…he asked me “cook what prepared boxed food!”
I got a SIM card, so my cell phone works…email me if you want my number…text messaging is very cheap compared to calling…$1/per minute…have to stick to skype!
I went to TWO rotary meetings today and learned that the 9 of the local clubs have organized four days of medical clinics for the people in the North of Uganda. Many of these people have been displaced by rebels and do not have proper housing, adequate amounts of food, and insufficient access medical personnel, so from Aug 27th to 31st, I will be in the North helping out with registration, meals, and/or anything they need me to do.
I am going apartment hunting tomorrow…then hopefully learn a little more about my program at school…and HOPEFULLY find out if the rumors that I have been hearing are true…by that I mean- Apparently, my first year of school is for class work and studying and my second year is to write my dissertation and do research. If that is true, I can do that ANYWHERE
AND…GETTING INTERNET SET UP IN MY APARTMENT IS SUPPOSED TO BE EASY WHOOO HOOO….
More to come…
Monday, August 13, 2007
UGANDA Here I am:)
I am here!
Safe and almost sound.
After arriving on the wost flight of my life..never again will I fly so much in one day...I arrived to find out that they lost my backpack..so I get to ear my same clothes till they find it!
I had a crying fit until I finally fell asleep....but I am better now:)
I am going to write more, but I wanted to tell everyone that I am here and fine. I was greeted by a group of children this morning, waving frantically and wearing HUGE smiles.
When I got to the University, I looked out the window and saw a stork that looked like those dinosaur birds in Jurassic Park (sorry cant spell that word!)...I hope I dont get flown away:)
Till next time...
Safe and almost sound.
After arriving on the wost flight of my life..never again will I fly so much in one day...I arrived to find out that they lost my backpack..so I get to ear my same clothes till they find it!
I had a crying fit until I finally fell asleep....but I am better now:)
I am going to write more, but I wanted to tell everyone that I am here and fine. I was greeted by a group of children this morning, waving frantically and wearing HUGE smiles.
When I got to the University, I looked out the window and saw a stork that looked like those dinosaur birds in Jurassic Park (sorry cant spell that word!)...I hope I dont get flown away:)
Till next time...
Monday, August 6, 2007
Saturday at 3pm...
By the end of the day I will have my plane ticket!! WOW..HOW EXCITING...
Also, last night I found out that I have a host Rotarian!! YEAH....everything is falling into place.
Also, last night I found out that I have a host Rotarian!! YEAH....everything is falling into place.
Friday, August 3, 2007
Wednesday, August 1, 2007
Africa Bound!
I have submitted all the pre-departure documents FINALLY! (My passport took an amazing 5 1/2 months to get to me.)
School starts on the 12th of August and I was informed today by the Rotary travel agent that I will most likely fly next Thursday or Friday. WOW...so fast...I knew I was going, but it hit me like a ton of bricks...phew...in one week I will be on my way to
A-F-R-I-C-A.
Still no news on the apartment or my host Rotarian...
I will post more as I know more...
School starts on the 12th of August and I was informed today by the Rotary travel agent that I will most likely fly next Thursday or Friday. WOW...so fast...I knew I was going, but it hit me like a ton of bricks...phew...in one week I will be on my way to
A-F-R-I-C-A.
Still no news on the apartment or my host Rotarian...
I will post more as I know more...
Thursday, July 26, 2007
Roadtrips...
Lake Audy, Manitoba
Spice
The fruits of my labo(u)r...
Minnesoda, Manitoba
Bossevain, Manitoba
Spice
The fruits of my labo(u)r...
Minnesoda, Manitoba
Bossevain, Manitoba
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