Irii Maber! (good afternoon!)
It is Monday now and I’ve been in Uganda for an entire week now! I’ve been so busy it seems like I’ve been here for 6 weeks already! We watched Spain vs. Germany last night at a café in the center of town. We had to leave early in order to catch our ride, but we got to see the only goal scored in the game. Rock on Spain!
I’ve just finished my first day of observing in class. It is much like observing during student teaching. I am sitting in the back and falling asleep while trying to look awake and interested! My classroom is slightly smaller than a portable in CA and has a chalkboard across the front and cement floors. The rest of the room is filled with desks. We had 82 students in class this morning and will have 84 in class tomorrow.
It is strange, but sometimes I forget that I’m in Africa. Last night we watched a movie at the café owned by an Invisible Children worker. (Charlie Wilson’s war) We bought the town out of popcorn and had slightly cool beer. It was awesome! Other times, like in the shower it is hard to forget. Our shower is a tub, a bucket of sometimes warm water and a cup to throw it over your head. I’ve washed my hair only three times since I have been here, and I don’t even care! (Emma think of the shower in Paris, but without running water!)
The eleven of us staying at Christ the King, or C the K, (Joann don’t you love it?!?!) consider ourselves quite lucky. We actually have a working toilet! At the IC house where some of the others are staying, they have a toilet but you cannot flush the paper. So it ends up in a bucket that sits on the side of the toilet. Of course we both have the option of the latrines, the kind with the hole in the ground that you squat over... it’s harder than you think!
Why is it when you travel you always describe the toilets first?!
My schoolmates Wendy and I are resting now, but plan to go into town later so that we can use the internet and find a few things we need. It costs us 1,500 shillings to get to town, which comes out to about 90 cents. We ride on the back of motorcycles, called botas... I think I already wrote that didn’t I! If we ride in skirts we have to ride side saddle, not an easy thing to do with a heavy backpack on. It’s all about balance!
It looks like my other teachers Sarah and Ashley are home now and we will be heading into town so that I can actually post this and say hello to you.
And now I will say goodbye to you, until next time!
Apwoyo matek,
Jolene
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6 comments:
Hi Jo, Remember when we went camping we always ck out the restrooms first. I guess we should not complain about portables here in the U.S. Do they share desks? What is the weather like? I read up on Uganda and it sounds like a beautiful place. Lots of lakes and valleys. Took Grandma to see a new doctor yesterday. It was like having David E. walk thru the door, personality too. Grandma even responded to him. Busy doing projects around the house. Hope to hear from you soon. Love Mom
Hmmm, everyone is friendly, always smiling, Kinda reminds me of the 60s!
I can't imagine 80 some students in a classroom although I would think that if the misbehave they wouldn't be invited back. I guess we will have to wait until you return to ask about that, and what subjects are their good ones and which do they struggle with.
We are getting ready for our trip. Even though it pales against what you are doing, we are getting excited about it.
Keeping in touch this way is pretty cool - it keeps us old folks in front of the computer for something longer than solitare.
Dad
WOW I don’t know about those other toilets- that would take some getting used to- putting toilet paper next to the toilet instead of in it! I think I might be too prissy for that. Anyways glad to hear that you are having a good experience! Man 82 children in one room though, I bet it is fun and never boring, well once you actually get to teach and not observe :0) Well I can’t wait until your next posting! PS Nathan and I are good, we were sick but over it now. Mom and dad are coming in a week to visit and we are excited, well maybe me more than Nathan :0) LOVE ya!!!
Hola Jo!! Just thought I would get another language in there...haha. Well I am glad to hear that you are having so much fun. We are excited to hear about your adventure when you get back. We love you and can't wait to hear more from your adventure.
dude. blogging is weird. a lot less weird than putting the toilet paper you just wiped your business with in a bucket by your feet... but weird nonetheless. I cannot get the hang... mainly cause I'm at work and gonna get in trouble... then I picture you on the back of a scooter hanging on for dear life trying not to have your skirt blow up over your head... which let's face it, would be bloody funny. Um what else... I miss you like crazy and your next trip to bloody Africa better bloody well include me! okay, hope you're dealing well with the showering situation... I know how you love your showers... does that sound weird.... hmmmnn... Miss you heaps, love you tons. talk soon
Wow, it is really neat to hear about your trip this way...can't wait to hear it in person though. Family getting together today (Happy 4th of July!) for a pool party and fireworks...wish you were able to koin us, but I bet you are having an exciting time on your own! Keep soaking up the local color and remember EVERYTHING. I want a report!
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