When I was in Paris with my family, my mom kept having to remind me to say "please." It was like I was a four year old, and my mom was teaching me good manners. Sadly, I'm 24 and I should probably know to say "please" and "thank you" by now. Unfortunately, living in Uganda has made me a touch impolite. Ugandans do not say "please" - there actually isn't even a word for please in the local language. When I first moved to Uganda, I was so frustrated by the way people asked for things because it sounded more like a demand. "You assist me with a pencil" or "give me an apple." Over time, however, I immersed myself into the culture, and I decided to forgo the "please" when asking for things. As you can imagine, this was driving my mother nuts in Paris.
During our first day in Cape Town, Maggie and I both realized that we were not saying "please." We sounded so rude to waitstaff, taxi drivers and people in our hostel - especially because everyone we have met in Cape Town is so polite. We were really embarrassed and started to make a conscious effort to have good manners. We have started a "please jar" where we have to donate 10 rand (about $1) if we don't say "please." We need to rid ourselves of this bad habit before we get back to the US. Fortunately for Maggie (or maybe unfortunately), she learned her lesson the hard way.
Last night, we went out to a bar for a few drinks and to listen to a live band. Maggie ordered a round of drinks and said to the bartender, "I'll have a Castle Light and a Coke Light."
He looked at Maggie with his eyebrows raised as if he hadn't understood. She repeated herself, "Castle Light and a Coke Light." Once again, she got the raised eyebrows. She enunciated a little more and spoke a little louder and said, "Castle Light and Coke Light." Nothing. Just the look. Maggie repeated herself one more time, almost yelling, "CASTLE LIGHT AND COKE LIGHT!"
Finally, the bartender said, "I'm not going to serve you until you say 'please.'"
Maggie clasped her hands to her mouth and said, "Oh my god!" She apologized profusely and then we both started cracking up laughing - this bartender totally just called her out on her rudeness. Maggie was mortified and she refused to order drinks the rest of the night. (I had to do it). The bartender kept saying, "Your friend is scared now, huh?" Oh well...lesson learned. We were really good with our manners today!
Cape Town is amazing and we are having a lot of fun. The hostel, Atlantic Point, is great; definitely the nicest I have stayed in. The first day we were here, we went on a serious shopping spree. We felt like hobos in our gross clothes that we've worn everyday for two years. I also got a much needed manicure and pedicure. On Saturday we toured around the city. We wanted to go to the District Six museum, but it was closed because of Easter Weekend. So we will try later this week. Today, we went to Table Mountain, which was awesome. We had really great weather, so we had awesome views of Cape Town.
Maggie and I have done some damage in the food department. We are eating nonstop. We were most excited that you could buy individually packaged cubes of cheese from the grocery store. Our first meal was McDonalds. We both had a burger, fries, chicken mcnuggets and a coke (FOUNTAIN SODA, YAY!). Don't worry, the coke was diet - so it was a total low cal meal. Since then, we have been eating real people food. I think we have been most excited about salads (we've missed lettuce and spinach!) and cheese. Also, you can drink the tap water in Cape Town, which is the greatest thing of all. I love not having to worry about finding safe drinking water or buying a ton of bottled water.
Pictures will be uploaded once I get home since I don't have a computer, and I refuse to be one of those tourists that takes photos with their iPad.
Sunday, March 31, 2013
Wednesday, March 27, 2013
My Final Post (From Uganda)
I have officially moved out of my house in Budaka, and today is my last day in Uganda! Last week was crazy and a little surreal as I started to pack up. I took my photos off of my walls - most went down the latrine, but I gave some away to my neighbors - which made my house feel so empty. I also gave away a lot of my stuff like pots, pans, silverware, bowls, cloths, suitcase, spare sheets, etc. My house felt like it did when I first moved in - bare and creepy.
On my last day in Budaka, Sauya made me a huge feast for my lunch. I got chicken, rice, potatoes, greens, beans and fried cassava. She kept saying, "This is the last time you will eat Irish (potatoes). This is the last time you will eat greens." I kept telling her that we actually have these foods in the US, but I don't think she believed me. I could only eat a 1/4 of all the food because there was so much. Eva kept demanding that I finish my food because I was leaving the next day - as if I wouldn't be getting fed in Kampala. After lunch, I met Ryan and Caroline at Wilta. Wilta was our spot these past two years. It's where we stayed when we had Language Immersion during training, and it became our lunch spot on Wednesdays - dubbed Wilta Wednesday or WW. Since I was stuffed from my feast, I didn't get to order one last plate of rice and beans, but we all enjoyed one last cold beer together.
Leaving Budaka was harder than I thought it would be. I actually cried. If you know me, then you know I am stone wall and hardly ever cry. I was caught a little off guard when I started. Sauya and Eva came over my last night to pick up more things from my house (they went a little crazy!). Eva left to go take some of the stuff back to their house, and Sauya stayed behind. She started to cry and tell me how much she was going to miss me. She said that I had done so much for the school and for her family, and she didn't know how to thank me. So, I started crying too.
At 5:45 the morning I left, Eva came to my house and pounded on my door. Obviously, I was still sleeping. I groggily opened the door to see what she wanted. She asked me, "Were you sleeping?"
"Uh yeah, it's not even 6 yet."
"But you are leaving at 8, you need to get ready!"
"It doesn't take me two hours to get ready! I was going to wake up at 7."
"Ah! No. You need to eat, take tea, bathe and get dressed."
"Eva, I'm not Ugandan - I can do that quickly."
"Eh! Ok. Mom has sent me to pick the fan. She doesn't want people to see us take it, so I have come."
Oh Uganda! I will enjoy not being woken up early in the morning or late at night. I don't understand why she wanted to take the fan in the early morning because people will obviously see it in her house even if they didn't see her take it. Oh well.
As I was leaving, the teachers all stood outside of my house to say goodbye to me. We took some photos, and then I went down the line to hug everyone goodbye. I said bye to Eva last and she started crying and saying, "Promise me you will come back." Of course I then started tearing up. Thankfully I wore sunglasses so no one would see. (Ugandans rarely cry, so I didn't want to make them all uncomfortable!). I got in the car and we started to drive away, but then we just drove to Sister Goretti's office (like 100 meters away). All the teachers joined together once again, and Sister Goretti told me to get out of the car because the teachers had "prepared something." I got out of the car, and all the teachers proceeded to give a little speech. Then they presented me with a goodbye gift - which was this wooden carving of Uganda and it had all the districts carved into it. Really sweet.
Sister Goretti arranged the convent car to take me to Kampala, which was awesome. Brother Prosper (headmaster at Namengo boys) drove, Sister Goretti escorted us and we picked up Maggie along the way. Amazing how much faster it is to travel to Kampala in a private car. Not to mention, more comfortable. I thought that I was going to have to pay for fuel, but it turned out that Sister Goretti covered the whole cost. I felt bad, so Maggie and I gave her and Brother Prosper money so they could go to lunch.
Maggie and I have been in Kampala for the last few days doing paperwork and checking out with medical. The dentist was the worst experience of my life, and that seems to be the consensus among volunteers. It should have been a red flag when the dental hygienist told me to raise my hand if I felt pain. I wanted to hold my hand up the whole time!! She made me bleed, but she said that's because I need to floss more. Uh ok. I think everyone would bleed if they got a sharp object jammed into their gums. I'm so glad I'll never have to return to that dentist office. Today we officially signed out and became RPCVs (returned peace corps volunteers). Woo! We did it :). (On the way back to our hotel Maggie said, "Hey, this means we can change our status on Facebook" - oh the important things.)
My phone has been ringing like crazy because I think my number was given out to someone. There is no such thing as phone etiquette in Uganda, and Ugandans will call non-stop at all hours of the day. If you don't pick up, then they will keep calling at least two more times, sometimes up to 10 more times. Last week, a random number called me 8 times in a row (clearly not getting the hint that I didn't want to talk). I finally got a text message, "I wanna b yo fren'. Am Eric a 16 yr aged boy staying in budaka." Ya, ok Eric. Let's be best friends! A few days later, I kept getting a phone call from a new number. I finally picked up. This time, it was Michael, another 16 year old boy who wanted to be my friend. Great! Only one more day of endless phone calls.
I got blessed with a stalker my last week in Uganda, which was great. I decided to go to the Sheraton on Sunday to use the gym. While I was walking there a guy started to walk beside me and strike up a conversation with me. He said, "Hi there! Are you with British Airways? Are you a flight attendant?"
"Uh, no."
"Where are you going? How long have you been with us here in Uganda."
"The gym. Been here two years."
"Ehhhhh! Two years? Can I have your contact?"
"No, I'm leaving."
"Ok. Then you're Facebook? Just give me your first and last name."
"No."
"Ok, nice time."
After the gym, as I was walking back to my hotel, I saw him again. He tried talking to me, but I turned into a super market. I went back to my hotel, and guess who was eating in the restaurant downstairs. Same guy. Seriously? Two hours later, Maggie and I went to go get food and he was just standing on the road. He said, "Ah! Four times we have seen each other. This must mean something."
Maggie said, "Oh jeez."
I just responded, "Mmm."
He asked, "Where are you going."
"To get food."
"Where, I will meet you and we just have a chat."
"Around."
"Give me your contact and we can go out tonight."
"No, thanks! I leave tomorrow." (A lie, but I wanted him to go away).
"Ok. We will meet again. Every time I see you, you just get hotter."
Such a creeper. Thankfully, I haven't seen him again. If I did, then I had plans to inform someone. Maybe one day I will miss all of these requests from people wanting to be my friend. Probably not though...
I will be spending the next 9 days in Cape Town, and then it's home sweet home. Maggie and I have plans to hike Table Mountain, go on a wine tour, cage dive with the great whites, relax on the beach and eat ourselves sick. I'll be sure to write one last blog post with our adventures.
Below is a picture of the gift I got from the teachers at Namengo Girls:
On my last day in Budaka, Sauya made me a huge feast for my lunch. I got chicken, rice, potatoes, greens, beans and fried cassava. She kept saying, "This is the last time you will eat Irish (potatoes). This is the last time you will eat greens." I kept telling her that we actually have these foods in the US, but I don't think she believed me. I could only eat a 1/4 of all the food because there was so much. Eva kept demanding that I finish my food because I was leaving the next day - as if I wouldn't be getting fed in Kampala. After lunch, I met Ryan and Caroline at Wilta. Wilta was our spot these past two years. It's where we stayed when we had Language Immersion during training, and it became our lunch spot on Wednesdays - dubbed Wilta Wednesday or WW. Since I was stuffed from my feast, I didn't get to order one last plate of rice and beans, but we all enjoyed one last cold beer together.
Leaving Budaka was harder than I thought it would be. I actually cried. If you know me, then you know I am stone wall and hardly ever cry. I was caught a little off guard when I started. Sauya and Eva came over my last night to pick up more things from my house (they went a little crazy!). Eva left to go take some of the stuff back to their house, and Sauya stayed behind. She started to cry and tell me how much she was going to miss me. She said that I had done so much for the school and for her family, and she didn't know how to thank me. So, I started crying too.
At 5:45 the morning I left, Eva came to my house and pounded on my door. Obviously, I was still sleeping. I groggily opened the door to see what she wanted. She asked me, "Were you sleeping?"
"Uh yeah, it's not even 6 yet."
"But you are leaving at 8, you need to get ready!"
"It doesn't take me two hours to get ready! I was going to wake up at 7."
"Ah! No. You need to eat, take tea, bathe and get dressed."
"Eva, I'm not Ugandan - I can do that quickly."
"Eh! Ok. Mom has sent me to pick the fan. She doesn't want people to see us take it, so I have come."
Oh Uganda! I will enjoy not being woken up early in the morning or late at night. I don't understand why she wanted to take the fan in the early morning because people will obviously see it in her house even if they didn't see her take it. Oh well.
As I was leaving, the teachers all stood outside of my house to say goodbye to me. We took some photos, and then I went down the line to hug everyone goodbye. I said bye to Eva last and she started crying and saying, "Promise me you will come back." Of course I then started tearing up. Thankfully I wore sunglasses so no one would see. (Ugandans rarely cry, so I didn't want to make them all uncomfortable!). I got in the car and we started to drive away, but then we just drove to Sister Goretti's office (like 100 meters away). All the teachers joined together once again, and Sister Goretti told me to get out of the car because the teachers had "prepared something." I got out of the car, and all the teachers proceeded to give a little speech. Then they presented me with a goodbye gift - which was this wooden carving of Uganda and it had all the districts carved into it. Really sweet.
Sister Goretti arranged the convent car to take me to Kampala, which was awesome. Brother Prosper (headmaster at Namengo boys) drove, Sister Goretti escorted us and we picked up Maggie along the way. Amazing how much faster it is to travel to Kampala in a private car. Not to mention, more comfortable. I thought that I was going to have to pay for fuel, but it turned out that Sister Goretti covered the whole cost. I felt bad, so Maggie and I gave her and Brother Prosper money so they could go to lunch.
Maggie and I have been in Kampala for the last few days doing paperwork and checking out with medical. The dentist was the worst experience of my life, and that seems to be the consensus among volunteers. It should have been a red flag when the dental hygienist told me to raise my hand if I felt pain. I wanted to hold my hand up the whole time!! She made me bleed, but she said that's because I need to floss more. Uh ok. I think everyone would bleed if they got a sharp object jammed into their gums. I'm so glad I'll never have to return to that dentist office. Today we officially signed out and became RPCVs (returned peace corps volunteers). Woo! We did it :). (On the way back to our hotel Maggie said, "Hey, this means we can change our status on Facebook" - oh the important things.)
My phone has been ringing like crazy because I think my number was given out to someone. There is no such thing as phone etiquette in Uganda, and Ugandans will call non-stop at all hours of the day. If you don't pick up, then they will keep calling at least two more times, sometimes up to 10 more times. Last week, a random number called me 8 times in a row (clearly not getting the hint that I didn't want to talk). I finally got a text message, "I wanna b yo fren'. Am Eric a 16 yr aged boy staying in budaka." Ya, ok Eric. Let's be best friends! A few days later, I kept getting a phone call from a new number. I finally picked up. This time, it was Michael, another 16 year old boy who wanted to be my friend. Great! Only one more day of endless phone calls.
I got blessed with a stalker my last week in Uganda, which was great. I decided to go to the Sheraton on Sunday to use the gym. While I was walking there a guy started to walk beside me and strike up a conversation with me. He said, "Hi there! Are you with British Airways? Are you a flight attendant?"
"Uh, no."
"Where are you going? How long have you been with us here in Uganda."
"The gym. Been here two years."
"Ehhhhh! Two years? Can I have your contact?"
"No, I'm leaving."
"Ok. Then you're Facebook? Just give me your first and last name."
"No."
"Ok, nice time."
After the gym, as I was walking back to my hotel, I saw him again. He tried talking to me, but I turned into a super market. I went back to my hotel, and guess who was eating in the restaurant downstairs. Same guy. Seriously? Two hours later, Maggie and I went to go get food and he was just standing on the road. He said, "Ah! Four times we have seen each other. This must mean something."
Maggie said, "Oh jeez."
I just responded, "Mmm."
He asked, "Where are you going."
"To get food."
"Where, I will meet you and we just have a chat."
"Around."
"Give me your contact and we can go out tonight."
"No, thanks! I leave tomorrow." (A lie, but I wanted him to go away).
"Ok. We will meet again. Every time I see you, you just get hotter."
Such a creeper. Thankfully, I haven't seen him again. If I did, then I had plans to inform someone. Maybe one day I will miss all of these requests from people wanting to be my friend. Probably not though...
I will be spending the next 9 days in Cape Town, and then it's home sweet home. Maggie and I have plans to hike Table Mountain, go on a wine tour, cage dive with the great whites, relax on the beach and eat ourselves sick. I'll be sure to write one last blog post with our adventures.
Below is a picture of the gift I got from the teachers at Namengo Girls:
Monday, March 18, 2013
The Tween in Me
A couple of weekends ago, while hanging out with my Eastern crew of PCVs, I realized that the Peace Corps has turned us into "tweens." When we go to a club, we always request Justin Bieber, Miley Cyrus and Taylor Swift. It's a little embarrassing, and we go crazy whenever these songs are played. I will always think of Uganda when I hear Party in the USA (ironic?) or Baby by the Biebs. I am not so sure why we are obsessed with these songs here, but maybe they just really remind us of being in the USA. I think I need to get my music tastes in check before I come back home. Or maybe I will still indulge in these guilty pleasures.
On Saturday the 9th, Namengo Girls had Parents' Day. Sister Goretti decided to also make it an "appreciation" day for me since I am leaving soon. As per usual, we started two and a half hours late, but I was prepared for that. Rather than wait in the main hall, I waited in my house and told Stephen to call me when everything started. When I arrived, finally, all the parents cheered and clapped for me, which was really awkward. I just stood there with a smile and waved. I am sure I looked super cool. Parents' Day proceeded with speeches and announcements, which were all in English, and then translated in Lugwere - it took forever.
Guess who made an appearance to Parents' Day? My counterpart! I hadn't seen him in ages, and I was beginning to wonder if I was going to see him before I left Uganda. I think that the last time I saw him was in June of last year. Regardless, he gave a speech about me that was really nice and a stroke to my ego. After his speech he called me up to say something to the parents (there were about 175 parents in the hall!). Stephen had helped me prepare a few Lugwere phrases, so everyone cracked up when I spoke. Nothing funnier than a mzungu speaking the local dialect. My speech focused on how much I enjoyed my time in Uganda, how great their children were and how much I was going to miss Namengo Girls. At the end of my speech, Cosmas (my counterpart) stood up in front of everyone and said, "We don't want you to go. We have requested that you stay one more year. We don't want a new volunteer, we want you to stay." Awkward. I just smiled and said "mmhhhm" in typical Ugandan fashion.
The teachers at Namengo Girls are still enjoying their access to email. Francis emailed me last week:
"how prepared are you tolive us with out reaching our homes .is there anything I can do for you to stay back for some time with us."
That is verbatim. Translation: "How long will you be leaving for and when will you return to Uganda? Is there anything I can do to make you stay longer." (I think so at least). After a discussion with Caroline, we decided that it would take a million dollars and an In-n-Out in Budaka for me to stay. Of course, that would only be for a six month extension.
Last week, Stephen asked me to teach his P7 class in the afternoon. He said the students were "requesting me." I haven't been teaching this term because I leave right in the middle, so it didn't make much sense. I wasn't really in the mood to lesson plan, so I decided to play Multiplication Bingo with the class. (I made one for last year's P7 class, and they enjoyed it). I decided to scrounge up some prizes from my house: LA Dodger baseball cap, an MTN water bottle from the marathon and pencils. The students went NUTS after the first prize was won, they were screaming and cheering. I'm sure the other classes were wondering what the heck was going on in P7. They all had a lot of fun, and at the same time, they practiced their multiplication. Win win. (Teacher Aubrey rocks!). Stephen said I have to come and play again this week. He also said it was perfectly appropriate if I gave my clothing as prizes. That's one way to rid your house of my things...
This morning Stephen asked me to attend the General Assembly at school because he wanted me to say goodbye to the students. It turned out to be a little farewell ceremony for me, which was really sweet. The teachers gave a few speeches and one of the P7 students did as well. She ended it with, "We would like you to become a Ugandan citizen." Stephen talked about everything I have done since I have been here. He said, "We have had so many people from US come and help our school. But Aubrey, she is the best we have had. I don't want her to go." So overall, it was really cute, and it made me a little sad about leaving.
I am slowly getting ready to leave, and it is a little weird. Eva came back from school this week so she could hang out with me and say bye. Apparently it's perfectly okay for her to miss a week of school. I'm not so sure about that, but it's nice to have her around. And, no, I'm not having her do my house work while she is home! (I know some of you are thinking that).
Emma and his friend with their homemade soccer balls (made from banana leaves and trash bags)
Emma hard at work fetching water (no, not for me)
The LC (Local Councilman) sent me this list of things his daughter needs. If you want me to buy you things, then maybe you should learn my name. Ebule? Really?
Found this spider/cockroach/cricket hybrid in my house. Gross!
On Saturday the 9th, Namengo Girls had Parents' Day. Sister Goretti decided to also make it an "appreciation" day for me since I am leaving soon. As per usual, we started two and a half hours late, but I was prepared for that. Rather than wait in the main hall, I waited in my house and told Stephen to call me when everything started. When I arrived, finally, all the parents cheered and clapped for me, which was really awkward. I just stood there with a smile and waved. I am sure I looked super cool. Parents' Day proceeded with speeches and announcements, which were all in English, and then translated in Lugwere - it took forever.
Guess who made an appearance to Parents' Day? My counterpart! I hadn't seen him in ages, and I was beginning to wonder if I was going to see him before I left Uganda. I think that the last time I saw him was in June of last year. Regardless, he gave a speech about me that was really nice and a stroke to my ego. After his speech he called me up to say something to the parents (there were about 175 parents in the hall!). Stephen had helped me prepare a few Lugwere phrases, so everyone cracked up when I spoke. Nothing funnier than a mzungu speaking the local dialect. My speech focused on how much I enjoyed my time in Uganda, how great their children were and how much I was going to miss Namengo Girls. At the end of my speech, Cosmas (my counterpart) stood up in front of everyone and said, "We don't want you to go. We have requested that you stay one more year. We don't want a new volunteer, we want you to stay." Awkward. I just smiled and said "mmhhhm" in typical Ugandan fashion.
The teachers at Namengo Girls are still enjoying their access to email. Francis emailed me last week:
"how prepared are you tolive us with out reaching our homes .is there anything I can do for you to stay back for some time with us."
That is verbatim. Translation: "How long will you be leaving for and when will you return to Uganda? Is there anything I can do to make you stay longer." (I think so at least). After a discussion with Caroline, we decided that it would take a million dollars and an In-n-Out in Budaka for me to stay. Of course, that would only be for a six month extension.
Last week, Stephen asked me to teach his P7 class in the afternoon. He said the students were "requesting me." I haven't been teaching this term because I leave right in the middle, so it didn't make much sense. I wasn't really in the mood to lesson plan, so I decided to play Multiplication Bingo with the class. (I made one for last year's P7 class, and they enjoyed it). I decided to scrounge up some prizes from my house: LA Dodger baseball cap, an MTN water bottle from the marathon and pencils. The students went NUTS after the first prize was won, they were screaming and cheering. I'm sure the other classes were wondering what the heck was going on in P7. They all had a lot of fun, and at the same time, they practiced their multiplication. Win win. (Teacher Aubrey rocks!). Stephen said I have to come and play again this week. He also said it was perfectly appropriate if I gave my clothing as prizes. That's one way to rid your house of my things...
This morning Stephen asked me to attend the General Assembly at school because he wanted me to say goodbye to the students. It turned out to be a little farewell ceremony for me, which was really sweet. The teachers gave a few speeches and one of the P7 students did as well. She ended it with, "We would like you to become a Ugandan citizen." Stephen talked about everything I have done since I have been here. He said, "We have had so many people from US come and help our school. But Aubrey, she is the best we have had. I don't want her to go." So overall, it was really cute, and it made me a little sad about leaving.
I am slowly getting ready to leave, and it is a little weird. Eva came back from school this week so she could hang out with me and say bye. Apparently it's perfectly okay for her to miss a week of school. I'm not so sure about that, but it's nice to have her around. And, no, I'm not having her do my house work while she is home! (I know some of you are thinking that).
Wednesday, March 6, 2013
The Life of a PCV
When I accepted my invitation to join the Peace Corps, there was one thing that I had not expected of my two-year service --- boredom. As you might remember, school was on break when I first moved to site. I had absolutely nothing to do for the first three weeks. I went to a couple of teacher's workshops, met with my counterpart, spent some time with my neighbors and hung out with other PCVs. Nevertheless, I still had a lot of free time on my hands. I got a little busier once school started, but nowhere near a 40-hour work week.
This is not to say that I have spent all of my free time holed up in my house like a hermit crab. (However, I would be lying if I said I have never done this before when I was a little homesick and tired of Uganda.). When I am not at school, I do work in the more non-traditional sense: hang out in the staff room or with my neighbors, wash clothes, mop, go to the market, run or play games with the kids. I know what you're thinking, "Okay, Aubrey. That is work. You just keep telling yourself that."
My non-conventional work may only be something my fellow PCVs can relate to, but trust me, it's work. Washing clothes by hand just plain sucks, and there is no way anyone can claim it's not work. If so, then they should hand wash a pair of jeans or a towel and get back to me. Hand washing clothes also takes forever, especially if you let it pile up. Mopping wouldn't be so bad if I had a Swiffer or even just a real mop. Instead, I have to do it with a rag on my hands and knees. Feels real great on the concrete floor. Both of these chores also require that I have enough water - so I either need to fetch it or find someone else to. It's usually the latter... As you can see, hiring a house girl after a year was the best decision I ever made.
I have to motivate myself to go to the market because it's not as easy as driving down to the grocery store, picking up some tomatoes and peacing out. I wish. Instead, I have to walk 15 minutes to the market and greet everyone along the way. Once I get to my trading center, I have to endure the catcalls from the boda boda drivers, "Hey mzungu! Let me to take you. We go?" Then they proceed to make kissing sounds. It's been two years guys, I haven't taken a ride from you, and I haven't made a kissing sound back. I guess I should admire their determination.
Once I get to the market, I am a source of entertainment for everyone that happens to be there that day. Someone will greet me, "Koyzeo!" I will reply, "Tuliyo," which will immediately be followed by laughter from everyone in the market. The mzungu speaking Lugwere is absolutely hilarious. Everyone will talk amongst themselves about how the mzungu knows Lugwere, acting like I am not even there and cannot hear them. Someone else will eventually shout, "Nekessa! Koyzeo." (At least they know my name and don't say mzungu).
Once again, I will reply, "Tuliyo." More laughter. About five more people will greet me with "Koyzeo," and each time my response will result in more giggles. Eventually, someone will see what other tricks the mzungu can do. He or she will ask, "Amagumba gatya?" When I reply, "Masa. Ate iwe?" everyone goes into hysterics. After that, more and more people will continue to ask simple questions in Lugwere, and my responses will lead to more laughter. It feels like "dance monkey, dance." I have been here two years, everyone knows I can speak a little Lugwere, but this charade still continues. It is exhausting.
You may or may not be convinced that the aforementioned activities are work, but I think you would agree with me if you were put in my shoes for a day. Regardless, I still have a lot of free time during the week. Once it gets dark at 7:00, there isn't much to do. I can go over to my neighbors' for dinner, but they eat around 9-9:30, which is way too late for me. Instead, I usually just stay inside my house and watch TV or read. On the weekend, unless I go to Mbale or hang out with other PCVs, then I usually do the same thing - TV or book. I know, I know...exciting life I lead.
Since I have been here, I have read 102 books and watched countless TV shows and movies. Kindles are a PCV's best friend. I won't bore you with a list of all 102 books because 1) I know you don't care, and 2) I may have dabbled in a few embarrassing/trashy books such as 50 Shades of Grey and one or two Nicholas Sparks novels. I will, however, give you a Top 10 list of my favorite books that I have read here - in case you're looking for something good to read. I considered writing a brief summary for each, but I never liked doing that in high school, and I don't care to now. But take my word for it, these books are good.
Top 10 Books (In the order I read them):
1. Water for Elephants, by: Sara Gruen
2. The Help, by: Kathryn Stockett
3. Bossypants, by: Tina Fey
4. Unbroken, by: Laura Hillenbrand
5. City of Thieves, by David Benioff
6. Shantaram, by: Gregory David Roberts
7. The Lower River, by: Paul Theroux
8. Five Smooth Stones, by: Ann Fairbairn
9. Atlas Shrugged, by: Ayn Rand
10. Fault in Our Stars, by John Green
Atlas Shrugged almost didn't make the list because of the three hour speech at the very end; it was brutal. However, I really enjoyed the book.
As for my TV and movie watching, that list would be way too long. I have probably watched approximately 150-200 movies and who knows how many TV shows. When I first got to site, I watched all 10 seasons of Friends in about two months. I kept relating everyday situations to Friends, and Ryan said I needed to stop watching because it was making me stupid.
My Top 5 TV Shows:
1. Friday Night Lights
2. The Wire
3. Dexter
4. 30 Rock
5. 24
When I was watching 24, I was also applying to grad school. If the power was out, then I was faced with the dilemma of whether I should use my computer battery to do applications or to watch 24 later that night. I always went with the latter. But hey, I still got into grad school - so I clearly made the right decision.
Lastly, if you are all in need of laugh and want to see more glimpses in the life of a PCV, I suggest you check out the following site: http://www.fmpcl.com/posts?page=1. I will warn you, most of these involve a volunteer pooping their pants. PCVs really DO talk about poop...a lot. After reading some of them, I now know where the term "posh corps" comes from. You have no sympathy from me if you can buy cheese, have AC or have such a nice house that you have a smoke alarm - I don't think I've ever seen a smoke alarm in this country.
This is not to say that I have spent all of my free time holed up in my house like a hermit crab. (However, I would be lying if I said I have never done this before when I was a little homesick and tired of Uganda.). When I am not at school, I do work in the more non-traditional sense: hang out in the staff room or with my neighbors, wash clothes, mop, go to the market, run or play games with the kids. I know what you're thinking, "Okay, Aubrey. That is work. You just keep telling yourself that."
My non-conventional work may only be something my fellow PCVs can relate to, but trust me, it's work. Washing clothes by hand just plain sucks, and there is no way anyone can claim it's not work. If so, then they should hand wash a pair of jeans or a towel and get back to me. Hand washing clothes also takes forever, especially if you let it pile up. Mopping wouldn't be so bad if I had a Swiffer or even just a real mop. Instead, I have to do it with a rag on my hands and knees. Feels real great on the concrete floor. Both of these chores also require that I have enough water - so I either need to fetch it or find someone else to. It's usually the latter... As you can see, hiring a house girl after a year was the best decision I ever made.
I have to motivate myself to go to the market because it's not as easy as driving down to the grocery store, picking up some tomatoes and peacing out. I wish. Instead, I have to walk 15 minutes to the market and greet everyone along the way. Once I get to my trading center, I have to endure the catcalls from the boda boda drivers, "Hey mzungu! Let me to take you. We go?" Then they proceed to make kissing sounds. It's been two years guys, I haven't taken a ride from you, and I haven't made a kissing sound back. I guess I should admire their determination.
Once I get to the market, I am a source of entertainment for everyone that happens to be there that day. Someone will greet me, "Koyzeo!" I will reply, "Tuliyo," which will immediately be followed by laughter from everyone in the market. The mzungu speaking Lugwere is absolutely hilarious. Everyone will talk amongst themselves about how the mzungu knows Lugwere, acting like I am not even there and cannot hear them. Someone else will eventually shout, "Nekessa! Koyzeo." (At least they know my name and don't say mzungu).
Once again, I will reply, "Tuliyo." More laughter. About five more people will greet me with "Koyzeo," and each time my response will result in more giggles. Eventually, someone will see what other tricks the mzungu can do. He or she will ask, "Amagumba gatya?" When I reply, "Masa. Ate iwe?" everyone goes into hysterics. After that, more and more people will continue to ask simple questions in Lugwere, and my responses will lead to more laughter. It feels like "dance monkey, dance." I have been here two years, everyone knows I can speak a little Lugwere, but this charade still continues. It is exhausting.
You may or may not be convinced that the aforementioned activities are work, but I think you would agree with me if you were put in my shoes for a day. Regardless, I still have a lot of free time during the week. Once it gets dark at 7:00, there isn't much to do. I can go over to my neighbors' for dinner, but they eat around 9-9:30, which is way too late for me. Instead, I usually just stay inside my house and watch TV or read. On the weekend, unless I go to Mbale or hang out with other PCVs, then I usually do the same thing - TV or book. I know, I know...exciting life I lead.
Since I have been here, I have read 102 books and watched countless TV shows and movies. Kindles are a PCV's best friend. I won't bore you with a list of all 102 books because 1) I know you don't care, and 2) I may have dabbled in a few embarrassing/trashy books such as 50 Shades of Grey and one or two Nicholas Sparks novels. I will, however, give you a Top 10 list of my favorite books that I have read here - in case you're looking for something good to read. I considered writing a brief summary for each, but I never liked doing that in high school, and I don't care to now. But take my word for it, these books are good.
Top 10 Books (In the order I read them):
1. Water for Elephants, by: Sara Gruen
2. The Help, by: Kathryn Stockett
3. Bossypants, by: Tina Fey
4. Unbroken, by: Laura Hillenbrand
5. City of Thieves, by David Benioff
6. Shantaram, by: Gregory David Roberts
7. The Lower River, by: Paul Theroux
8. Five Smooth Stones, by: Ann Fairbairn
9. Atlas Shrugged, by: Ayn Rand
10. Fault in Our Stars, by John Green
Atlas Shrugged almost didn't make the list because of the three hour speech at the very end; it was brutal. However, I really enjoyed the book.
As for my TV and movie watching, that list would be way too long. I have probably watched approximately 150-200 movies and who knows how many TV shows. When I first got to site, I watched all 10 seasons of Friends in about two months. I kept relating everyday situations to Friends, and Ryan said I needed to stop watching because it was making me stupid.
My Top 5 TV Shows:
1. Friday Night Lights
2. The Wire
3. Dexter
4. 30 Rock
5. 24
When I was watching 24, I was also applying to grad school. If the power was out, then I was faced with the dilemma of whether I should use my computer battery to do applications or to watch 24 later that night. I always went with the latter. But hey, I still got into grad school - so I clearly made the right decision.
Lastly, if you are all in need of laugh and want to see more glimpses in the life of a PCV, I suggest you check out the following site: http://www.fmpcl.com/posts?page=1. I will warn you, most of these involve a volunteer pooping their pants. PCVs really DO talk about poop...a lot. After reading some of them, I now know where the term "posh corps" comes from. You have no sympathy from me if you can buy cheese, have AC or have such a nice house that you have a smoke alarm - I don't think I've ever seen a smoke alarm in this country.
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