Saturday, June 2, 2012

Heading down Southwest way

Hello my loves! So as many of you may know I have arrived safe and sound in Uganda.  We are staying at an organic farm, kind of not near anything.  It is a nice bonding time because we don't have anything to do but hang out with one another.  Thursday I move to my homestay for 4 weeks. Homestay is where I stay with a local family to be more immersed in the culture and language.  At that time I also have "satellite training" with other people in my region.  That means we go to a common spot each day to formally learn the language.  Mine is Runyakore...(I think that is spelled right).  I have heard it is one of the easier ones, so I think if I study and commit I will be fine.   I have gotten placed in the southwest, which seems to be a pretty good spot.  70s all the time, by the mountains and zebras, lions, and gorillas seem to be in abundance over there!  It seems to be the general conclusion that training is the hardest part.  We get sworn in on July 27th and then we are actually volunteers!!  Barring me falling down and breaking something I suppose...yes I have already fallen down at least 5 times.  We have mostly just been doing lessons and hanging out with each other.  We learned some organic gardening techniques which was really cool. Other than that we mostly have learned practical, culture, and a little bit of our different areas of expertise.  I've tried bucket bathing a couple times, but my hands aren't big enough to rinse out my hair so I've got to buy a cup! Also handwashing clothes has occurred, but most of the Ugandans say we aren't that good at it yet.  

Kampala is the capital city (where I am at the moment).  It's very cool, but the taxi (matatu) parks can be a little terrifying.  Traffic in general here is kind of scary.  Like anything else it just takes some getting used to.  I will be moving away from Kampala and in my area there is  Post bus, which means that I won't have to deal with the taxis as much as everyone else might.  Taxis here don't go when you get there; they go when they are full.  Which means that at least 11 people need to be in the taxi before you.  Pictures probably won't happen for me until I get to my site and set up my own internet connection, but don't worry I am taking plenty.  We are going to go get some American food because we miss it so much.  The food here really isn't very good. Very bland and soooo many carbs! I think I'm losing weight simply because I don't want to eat as much.  Again it will be better once I can move in on my own.  I'm super excited to paint and decorate my own place.  Have my own little space where I can keep my sanity in those times where I may just lose it.  No stomach problems yet...but I hear it's inevitable.  

Well I only have 4 minutes left, so I'm going to wrap this up!  I love you all much (I think...I don't know who is all reading this)  And I will update as much as possible, but that may not be until I get to my own site and set up my own internet!!