First is the weather. In the UK a fine warm sunny day is the exception, here it is normal. I almost never wear a jumper, just occasionally in the evening or first thing in the morning. When it rains it is very heavy and over within a short time, often less than an hour, and the sun is out again. The warm conditions allow for an outdoor lifestyle. Restaurants always have an outdoor seating area and we have had many lovely evenings sat outside eating, drinking and chatting with work colleagues or the other volunteers.
Second are the people. Ugandans are so friendly and welcoming. Whether I'm visiting a partner organisation or a restaurant or even coming home to the compound it's always 'You're welcome', 'You're very welcome' or 'Welcome back'. The morning routine involves greeting everyone on the way to and at the office and asking after their health, their family and their weekend. And there are always lots of people around, even when you are apparently in the middle of the countryside, there is someone walking along the side of the road.
Lira
York
Third is the noise. Ugandans have discovered amplifiers and microphones in a big way and think nothing of having a party with loud music well into the night. I usually manage to sleep through it now, but in Lira last week when it was a very out of tune karaoke session at 1 am I found it more challenging! Kampala streets are full of the noise of motorbike engines, car, truck and bus horns. The Ugandan driving technique seems to involve hooting your horn and expecting everyone to get out of your way. And even when the people are quiet the wildlife isn't. Crickets, birds (including one with a very loud call that sounds like laughter) and bull frogs as well as cockerels that don't have a clue about dawn.
Fourth are the roads. I'm now starting to spend the 3 weeks on the road with one in the office I was expecting. As more and more people are able to afford a car the roads are getting busier and the infrastructure just isn't there to cope. Kampala is notorious for it's traffic jams, they were even featured on Top Gear! It's not unusual to spend an hour or more getting across the city. Outside Kampala the roads are generally quieter but in places they are in a dreadful state. Broken up tarmac with big potholes and sections of murram road breaking through. It's not surprising that generally people use a 4WD vehicle and a professional driver to get around.
I've called this blog Reflections 1 as there are so many thoughts I will return to the subject again!
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