Hello!
I have not updated anything since Thursday! Let me catch you all up!
On Friday we went to the MUBS graduate campus to hear a speaker present on GENDER ISSUES in Uganda. He was a very interesting man and very passionate about his studies in women’s equality. He gets teased by his colleagues who call him “Sister Batema”. I could not be a woman here in Uganda- I am too strong willed, determined and independent for that junk. Bow to your man? After you just brought his sippers? PLEASE. Next
After the gender issues talk, we went to the Inspector generals office. This is the man who is "supposed" to regulate the corruption in Uganda. It's funny though how the president just happens to be able to APPOINT the inspector general. Uganda has made great strides thus far, but still has a LONG way to go- especially in terms of their government. I am one to steer clear of politics---- but I know that this system just isn't right.
So we have gone to many different events and have had appointments with important individuals in Uganda. It constantly surprises me when someone's cell phone rings. And no, not just vibrations or a quick little beep. I am talking about a full blown loud ringtone! Every single last event at least one cell goes off. I asked the MUBS about it and its not seen as disrespectful or a disturbance. Interesting. It's not like its LAW in the US, but it is common courtesy.
Saturday we went into the Rural Areas and visited one of our professors home town. We got the chance to visit a cocoa farm and see how the rural people lived. I actually got really light headed during this part of the day and had to sit out in order to recharge. My sugar dropped (sorry mom!) guess i didnt have enough to eat that morning. Matt took very good care of me while I didn't feel good. A few hours later I felt a little better after lots of starbursts and sugar water- it was time to eat and hand out our gifts to the families we visited. Before leaving for Africa, I remember laughing at my mom because she wanted to get the family OVEN MITTS. I thought it was the silliest idea ever! Turns out it was one of the best gifts of the evening because everyone else seemed to forget about the WOMEN of the house and just focused on the farmer husbands. They were so appreciative of the mitts and sent their love and thanks to you mommy! It's amazing- something so simple to me, meant the world to these women.... that was touching. She actually took a picture with me and wanted you to see it mom! haha Ill put it up
((pretty sure pics are getting put up today!))
Sunday we got the chance to visit a church. It was nice to see how people of this country worship the Lord. No matter where you are in the country, it seems that one thing is constant- and that's the Glory and Praise to God. I am glad matt and i decided to get up early and attend this service.
After church we went to the most touching event yet. A primary school for children with disabilities. I am definitely my mothers child- Sunglasses on, lips quivering and eyes watering. It was not like it was a sad sight to see- not at all. I did not pity these students. It was more like tears of joy. Someone cared enough to start this school and help out children in need! The guy who runs the institution is also disabled and is so PASSIONATE about what he does. Uh! this was SO touching and amazing! Definitely my favorite of the trip thus far.
Today, or last night, 8 PEOPLE GOT SICK. And Matt was one of them :( They all got sick at 4:00am throwing up and stomach aches--- 8 different people in 6 different rooms. It was crazy this morning! We still don't know what happened, it can't be food poisoning because if we thought it was one dish-another person who didn't get sick ate it, and vice versa. We left this morning to discuss microfinance inUganda which was really interesting... but I was just so worried about Matt and the others students that I couldn't fully wrap my head around the discussion. I was happy when our professors canceled the rest of todays events. We were supposed to have an AIDS dicussion and meet the prime minister. This was a good decision because we have been attending 2-3 events per day and waking up early and heading to bed late. Everyone seems to be better now...a 24 hour virus or something.
Tomorrow I am excited! We are going to the market for more shopping! Yayyyy!
Less than 10 days left!
Happy belated birthday to Mommy and Bobby! Miss you guys and love you much!
Love Always
Danielle
Monday, May 31, 2010
Thursday, May 27, 2010
Back in Kampala!
Hello!
We made our way back North to Kampala again today- a long 6 hour bumpy noisy bus ride. On the way back we stopped at the Take Away restaurant again and I ordered Tilapia with the head it was good! Something I’ve noticed is that all the food here is good-but with a little more spice or herb for flavor everything would be awesome! The fish was delish though.
After the restaurant we stopped back at the equator to the craft shops- I am definitely contributing to the sustainable development of Uganda’s economy haha!
Our last stop on the ride home was to the Croc farm where we saw baby crocs, teenage crocs, parent crocs and old crocs. It was a sight to see! They feed baby chickens to them- recorded it on video…hmmm
I am exhausted!
I was asked by some locals if I was a “crossbreed”--- because my skin is lighter than the rest of the locals they asked if my mother was white. Haha! Matt and I have been getting darker day by day… I like to say I’m sunkissed!!
Welp, were back in Kampala so back to the actual educational events instead of the scenery ones--- stay posted! Miss you all dearly!
Kissed by the sun-Danielle
We made our way back North to Kampala again today- a long 6 hour bumpy noisy bus ride. On the way back we stopped at the Take Away restaurant again and I ordered Tilapia with the head it was good! Something I’ve noticed is that all the food here is good-but with a little more spice or herb for flavor everything would be awesome! The fish was delish though.
After the restaurant we stopped back at the equator to the craft shops- I am definitely contributing to the sustainable development of Uganda’s economy haha!
Our last stop on the ride home was to the Croc farm where we saw baby crocs, teenage crocs, parent crocs and old crocs. It was a sight to see! They feed baby chickens to them- recorded it on video…hmmm
I am exhausted!
I was asked by some locals if I was a “crossbreed”--- because my skin is lighter than the rest of the locals they asked if my mother was white. Haha! Matt and I have been getting darker day by day… I like to say I’m sunkissed!!
Welp, were back in Kampala so back to the actual educational events instead of the scenery ones--- stay posted! Miss you all dearly!
Kissed by the sun-Danielle
Wednesday, May 26, 2010
Primary School
Today was awesome! We got the opportunity to spend time at a local primary school. First we attended an assembly for the introduction which really touched my heart. The children sung their local anthem to us and also said their hellos. The head mistress also told us a little bit about Mabarara Mixed Primary School and told us about the age ranges of the children which were from 3-18 years of age!
While at the school we were able to interact and communicate with the children. We got to learn a little about them and then they learned a little about us. What’s even better is that we were able to give back and do a little community service by painting a couple of buildings on the campus inside and out.
We took tons of pictures and I cannot wait to publish them! I met a group of about 8 young men who aspired to be doctors, engineers, teachers or businessmen in America. They were a young courageous bunch and definitely added to my experience here in Uganda.
I asked about health care services (of course) that were offered on the campus-there was a first aid kit that was administered by a designated administrative worker. Gee Wiz! However, a certified nurse comes to the campus twice a week to care for the children, so at least there is some kind of medical care.
We are headed back up to Kampala tomorrow- good times down here in Mbarra and Kabale
Talk to you soon, internet will be back to being slow and hard to use this week since we will be back in Kampala!
While at the school we were able to interact and communicate with the children. We got to learn a little about them and then they learned a little about us. What’s even better is that we were able to give back and do a little community service by painting a couple of buildings on the campus inside and out.
We took tons of pictures and I cannot wait to publish them! I met a group of about 8 young men who aspired to be doctors, engineers, teachers or businessmen in America. They were a young courageous bunch and definitely added to my experience here in Uganda.
I asked about health care services (of course) that were offered on the campus-there was a first aid kit that was administered by a designated administrative worker. Gee Wiz! However, a certified nurse comes to the campus twice a week to care for the children, so at least there is some kind of medical care.
We are headed back up to Kampala tomorrow- good times down here in Mbarra and Kabale
Talk to you soon, internet will be back to being slow and hard to use this week since we will be back in Kampala!
Tuesday, May 25, 2010
Queen Elizabetha National Park
Hello Family and Friends!
Today was interesting. Very interesting! We drove 2 and a half hours south to Queen Elizabeth National Park and saw amazing views, sights and landscaping. We are below the equator but the sun and heat is still sweltering. I hardly ever sweat, and today I was a human waterfall. We saw all kinds of animals! I saw baboons, water buffalo, hippos, elephants and many other animals! We were on a search for lions but did not see any- we are hoping to see some up north. I am so exhausted- the sun drained the mess out of me. They went like this, sorry for the lack of details. Woke up, drove to an aerial view of the Queen Elizabeth National Park, drove to the park, went on a boat tour, went to lunch, went to the actual park, drove home, ate dinner, and now took a shower.
That’s all for now. I’m exhausted.
Love Danielle
Today was interesting. Very interesting! We drove 2 and a half hours south to Queen Elizabeth National Park and saw amazing views, sights and landscaping. We are below the equator but the sun and heat is still sweltering. I hardly ever sweat, and today I was a human waterfall. We saw all kinds of animals! I saw baboons, water buffalo, hippos, elephants and many other animals! We were on a search for lions but did not see any- we are hoping to see some up north. I am so exhausted- the sun drained the mess out of me. They went like this, sorry for the lack of details. Woke up, drove to an aerial view of the Queen Elizabeth National Park, drove to the park, went on a boat tour, went to lunch, went to the actual park, drove home, ate dinner, and now took a shower.
That’s all for now. I’m exhausted.
Love Danielle
Lake Bunyoni
Yesterday we went to PARADISE. We woke up and headed to the bus around 8:30 am. We traveled about 2 more hours south heading to Kambale, Uganda and saw beautiful landscaping. Rolling greens hills for MILES. It was the most extraordinary sight that I have seen- simply beautiful. The townspeople out in the rural areas are definitely a lot less laid back than the ones in Kampala (the capital city). In Mbarra, our bus driver hardly used his horn, while in Kampala everyone uses horns as their blinkers- pretty intense! Daddy, let’s just say your New York skilled driving has NOTHING on these Ugandan people. You have to watch for taxis, buses, cars boda bodas (motorbikes), and CRAZY pedestrians. You know the driving is intense when they have a “Children’s Skilled Walking Park” where kids go to learn sign usage and learn how to dart cars. ANYWHO- the point of this story is that the rural townspeople are less bold. They won’t walk right alongside the road on the shoulder (or lack there of) with a big blue bus headed directly their way. They will see the bus a few Kilometers ahead and will calmly remove themselves from the side of the road and a potential possible bad accident.
At this beautiful location, we took a hike up one of the mountain sides to discover a plethora of rolling hills- I took lots of great pictures! I hopefully will have time to post them tonight! Fingers crossed!
After this little pit stop, we traveled an hour further south to Kambale! We traveled by bus swirling up the mountain side. Now this spot was worthy of the 3 hour trip! It has to be one of Uganda’s biggest attractions- the place was amazing, and for it to be a lake-I was impressed! Lake Bunyoni is the worlds’ deepest lake measuring 6,500 ft deep! We go to take a boat tour around the lake to see the townspeople of Kambale. One unique story that was told about one of the islands was that women who became pregnant before marriage were exiled to this one particular island to malnourish the child and have the woman starve to death. In Uganda it’s common that bachelors give dowry to the families of the potential wives… well for the men who were poor and could not afford appropriate dowry snuck to this island in the middle of the night and saved one of the impregnated women and took them elsewhere to live to never return to the same town again. That’s a pretty intense story of Uganda’s past. The island was surprisingly very small- we all agreed that if we did this in the US the island would be HUGE.
The rest of the day was pretty relaxing. We all ate crumpets and African tea, which was delish! Then headed to our lunch reservations- after our meal we were given about 2 hours of free time just to chill. Matt and I got some needed QT (quality time). We have been just go go going that we haven’t really had the chance to reflect on our experiences together in Africa thus far. We also finally got the chance to reflect on our college experience- WE ARE SENIORS. And we are on the correct path and we are going places. What else is there to ask for? Today in general just receives an A.
My reflection each day is quite intense. I have a personal journal to take notes, write things that come to my mind, reflect to myself and to record the days’ events. I also have a class journal where we reflect on the event for that day and relate it back to how it affects Uganda’s Sustainable development. Finally, I write this blog to keep all of you updated and for a electronic momentum from this experience. And I also have pictures to reflect on as well--- I am pretty sure I cover all aspects and concepts of this trip.
For tomorrow and the rest of the week I want to focus more on talking to the students of Uganda who are traveling with us, as well as really getting to know some other students from the Drake crowd….
We are headed to Queen Elizabeth National Park. We will be going on a boat tour and game drive. Matt should be excited- he loves the whole animal thing. Me, I will sit back and watch him enjoy the animal kingdom while I will probably be freaking out with the roaming beasts.
Thinking of all of you! Love, Danielle
At this beautiful location, we took a hike up one of the mountain sides to discover a plethora of rolling hills- I took lots of great pictures! I hopefully will have time to post them tonight! Fingers crossed!
After this little pit stop, we traveled an hour further south to Kambale! We traveled by bus swirling up the mountain side. Now this spot was worthy of the 3 hour trip! It has to be one of Uganda’s biggest attractions- the place was amazing, and for it to be a lake-I was impressed! Lake Bunyoni is the worlds’ deepest lake measuring 6,500 ft deep! We go to take a boat tour around the lake to see the townspeople of Kambale. One unique story that was told about one of the islands was that women who became pregnant before marriage were exiled to this one particular island to malnourish the child and have the woman starve to death. In Uganda it’s common that bachelors give dowry to the families of the potential wives… well for the men who were poor and could not afford appropriate dowry snuck to this island in the middle of the night and saved one of the impregnated women and took them elsewhere to live to never return to the same town again. That’s a pretty intense story of Uganda’s past. The island was surprisingly very small- we all agreed that if we did this in the US the island would be HUGE.
The rest of the day was pretty relaxing. We all ate crumpets and African tea, which was delish! Then headed to our lunch reservations- after our meal we were given about 2 hours of free time just to chill. Matt and I got some needed QT (quality time). We have been just go go going that we haven’t really had the chance to reflect on our experiences together in Africa thus far. We also finally got the chance to reflect on our college experience- WE ARE SENIORS. And we are on the correct path and we are going places. What else is there to ask for? Today in general just receives an A.
My reflection each day is quite intense. I have a personal journal to take notes, write things that come to my mind, reflect to myself and to record the days’ events. I also have a class journal where we reflect on the event for that day and relate it back to how it affects Uganda’s Sustainable development. Finally, I write this blog to keep all of you updated and for a electronic momentum from this experience. And I also have pictures to reflect on as well--- I am pretty sure I cover all aspects and concepts of this trip.
For tomorrow and the rest of the week I want to focus more on talking to the students of Uganda who are traveling with us, as well as really getting to know some other students from the Drake crowd….
We are headed to Queen Elizabeth National Park. We will be going on a boat tour and game drive. Matt should be excited- he loves the whole animal thing. Me, I will sit back and watch him enjoy the animal kingdom while I will probably be freaking out with the roaming beasts.
Thinking of all of you! Love, Danielle
Saturday, May 22, 2010
Class Blog
The professors might update the blog while we are away... here is that address:
http://mubs-drake-seminar.blogspot.com/
http://mubs-drake-seminar.blogspot.com/
Futbol! Futbol!
UGANDA- 9:57 PM AMERICA- 1:57 PM
Today was SO MUCH FUN!!!
A quick re-cap, there is a LONG line behind me waiting!
1. The locals think I am a “beautiful woman, and must be South African”
2. I resemble Brandy (haha! And it cant be just because I am black!
3. I am referred to as “the black English girl”
4. Men try to talk to me in their native language and call me rude because I do not realize they are talking to me!
5. All of the locals call my classmates “Muzango” which means “white person” and I am also called Muzango for walking with them!
Had to recap on all of what happened the past 3 days! The locals look at us as if we are the NATIVES!
Any who- today we had a discussion with the one of the RICHEST MAN in Uganda (only people who are richer are probably the gov’t). He is an entrepreneur and has started an empire of businesses. He has the largest calling company in the country called MTN which offers callings cards to tourists and any locals that need to make calls outside of the country. He has also tapped into the rental and real estate business as well as a hotel company. One thing that really interested me was that he is thinking about tapping into the health care side of things and was working with American doctors who came over to start a hospital for children who are diagnosed with hydro-syphilis. The key part is that after the discussion I went up there personally to introduce myself and ask questions I had of him and his business opportunities. I asked if he thought about starting up a clinic of some sort… and he answered all my questions and said “if you have a contact card I will keep in touch and let you know about the progression”… OF COURSE I did not have my business cards with me! They were in my cottage! This would be the third time now that I needed those cards and have been without- that’s ok, I will learn! But I will be keeping in contact with him! He may know some people
After this we went to lunch and I had Matooke (green bananas smashed up), “Irish” potatoes (that’s what the Ugandan call it!) , Labeno (Ugandan sweet potatoes) WHICH ARE DELISH. Chicken, and rice. MAN all those carbs! You guys know I am loving it!!!
After lunch we headed to a NATIONAL SOCCER GAME! Something funny said by one of the students “if you are Ugandan and do not watch “futbol” you must either be DEAD or blind” haha! This game was HYPE!!! A stadium just FULL of beautiful black people! Absolutely loved it! It was Uganda vs Kenya--- I fell asleep though… running around for 90 minutes just to scored 1 goal?? I saw that goal--- so that’s good.
I think I am getting on Ugandan time, I’m not so tired anymore.
I have to wrap this up- there are a line of students to use the 3G network!
THIS WEEKEND WE ARE HEADED TO THE SOUTH WEST TO VISIT the towns of Mbarra and Kabali, there will be these stops:
1.the equator and its shops
2.a beautiful lake called Lake Buyoni (supposibly paradise, we’ll see)
3. Queen Elizabeth national park (kind of scared, you all know that me and the animal kingdom don’t exactly get along)
4. and then to a croc farm!
Ok gotta go! Love you all so much! I wont be able to update this for about 4 days now so just HANG ON! I will fill everything in for you as soon as we return to the capital city!! Whoot whoot!
-oohhhhh! Today was the first time we drove opposite of the city and drove through the towns. MAN. Such a sad sad sight to see….. Words cannot explain to you the sights…it really touched me…. I will update soon!
(ONCE AGAIN EXCUSE THE TRAIN OF THOUGHTS AND QUICK ENGLISH---- this line is getting anxious!)
And thanks so much for posting comments! Makes me feel much more close to home!! Cant wait to blog again!
Today was SO MUCH FUN!!!
A quick re-cap, there is a LONG line behind me waiting!
1. The locals think I am a “beautiful woman, and must be South African”
2. I resemble Brandy (haha! And it cant be just because I am black!
3. I am referred to as “the black English girl”
4. Men try to talk to me in their native language and call me rude because I do not realize they are talking to me!
5. All of the locals call my classmates “Muzango” which means “white person” and I am also called Muzango for walking with them!
Had to recap on all of what happened the past 3 days! The locals look at us as if we are the NATIVES!
Any who- today we had a discussion with the one of the RICHEST MAN in Uganda (only people who are richer are probably the gov’t). He is an entrepreneur and has started an empire of businesses. He has the largest calling company in the country called MTN which offers callings cards to tourists and any locals that need to make calls outside of the country. He has also tapped into the rental and real estate business as well as a hotel company. One thing that really interested me was that he is thinking about tapping into the health care side of things and was working with American doctors who came over to start a hospital for children who are diagnosed with hydro-syphilis. The key part is that after the discussion I went up there personally to introduce myself and ask questions I had of him and his business opportunities. I asked if he thought about starting up a clinic of some sort… and he answered all my questions and said “if you have a contact card I will keep in touch and let you know about the progression”… OF COURSE I did not have my business cards with me! They were in my cottage! This would be the third time now that I needed those cards and have been without- that’s ok, I will learn! But I will be keeping in contact with him! He may know some people
After this we went to lunch and I had Matooke (green bananas smashed up), “Irish” potatoes (that’s what the Ugandan call it!) , Labeno (Ugandan sweet potatoes) WHICH ARE DELISH. Chicken, and rice. MAN all those carbs! You guys know I am loving it!!!
After lunch we headed to a NATIONAL SOCCER GAME! Something funny said by one of the students “if you are Ugandan and do not watch “futbol” you must either be DEAD or blind” haha! This game was HYPE!!! A stadium just FULL of beautiful black people! Absolutely loved it! It was Uganda vs Kenya--- I fell asleep though… running around for 90 minutes just to scored 1 goal?? I saw that goal--- so that’s good.
I think I am getting on Ugandan time, I’m not so tired anymore.
I have to wrap this up- there are a line of students to use the 3G network!
THIS WEEKEND WE ARE HEADED TO THE SOUTH WEST TO VISIT the towns of Mbarra and Kabali, there will be these stops:
1.the equator and its shops
2.a beautiful lake called Lake Buyoni (supposibly paradise, we’ll see)
3. Queen Elizabeth national park (kind of scared, you all know that me and the animal kingdom don’t exactly get along)
4. and then to a croc farm!
Ok gotta go! Love you all so much! I wont be able to update this for about 4 days now so just HANG ON! I will fill everything in for you as soon as we return to the capital city!! Whoot whoot!
-oohhhhh! Today was the first time we drove opposite of the city and drove through the towns. MAN. Such a sad sad sight to see….. Words cannot explain to you the sights…it really touched me…. I will update soon!
(ONCE AGAIN EXCUSE THE TRAIN OF THOUGHTS AND QUICK ENGLISH---- this line is getting anxious!)
And thanks so much for posting comments! Makes me feel much more close to home!! Cant wait to blog again!
Ugandan Parliaments
Again- I woke up to a Rooster cock-a-doodle-dooing and a Muslim African man on a loud speaker praying in his native language. I woke up with the sun rise this morning, and probably will for the rest of the time spent in Kampala. Every day, all year round the sun rises at 6:30 and sets at 6:30. We are on the equator so that is logical.
Since we were meeting members of Ugandan parliament today, we were advised to dress up in dressier casual attire. I wore the dress mommy just bought me that had African-like prints on it along with my little cow girl hat! I thought it was cute and fit perfectly well for our activities for the day.
At breakfast, I greeted the MUBS students and then we carried on to go get breakfast. Those veggies packs that I enjoyed so much yesterday morning were on the buffet again! Or so I thought- this time it was stuffed with BEEF. I do not eat red meat and I almost ate it this morning! I had fresh delicious scrumptious mangoes! Along with mango juice and yellow toast and brown hardboiled eggs. I’m telling you, if these people ever came to the states they would be sick for DAYS with all of our grease, preservatives and massive serving sizes! At breakfast the students were telling me how their friends were asking them if I was South African and that I look like I am South African. Haha guess that Barbados is finally kicking in and showing up! They also said I look like Brandy- ha hilarious.
We went to the Central Uganda Parliament (their government system) and visited its institution. After we all successfully made it through security we were greeted by the PR/tour guide man named Ken, and he told us about all sides of the building. We then walked into the South entrance and were actually able to sit in the chamber of parliament room and discuss political matters with one of the representatives. Next we went to the Buganda Parliament (which is a kingdom) and discussed their political landscape and together with the MUBS students compared both government systems. After all of this we went to the King’s palace and saw how Idi Amin (past president) used his power and his type of government to rule his country. We went to some torture chambers, and saw the lake that a King specifically requested and also ran into Bugandan children who CHASED us because we had candy and were taking pictures. (I will update pictures soon!!!)
Last night- dinner was at a Chinese restaurant (Fang Fang’s), under the stars. Since we are on the equator the moon was RIGHT ABOVE US. So beautiful! Who ever knew Chinese in Uganda! They had Tilapia yummmm
That's all for now folks!
(sorry this was a day late! getting to the internet now a days is SO HARD!) next blog coming momentarily.
Since we were meeting members of Ugandan parliament today, we were advised to dress up in dressier casual attire. I wore the dress mommy just bought me that had African-like prints on it along with my little cow girl hat! I thought it was cute and fit perfectly well for our activities for the day.
At breakfast, I greeted the MUBS students and then we carried on to go get breakfast. Those veggies packs that I enjoyed so much yesterday morning were on the buffet again! Or so I thought- this time it was stuffed with BEEF. I do not eat red meat and I almost ate it this morning! I had fresh delicious scrumptious mangoes! Along with mango juice and yellow toast and brown hardboiled eggs. I’m telling you, if these people ever came to the states they would be sick for DAYS with all of our grease, preservatives and massive serving sizes! At breakfast the students were telling me how their friends were asking them if I was South African and that I look like I am South African. Haha guess that Barbados is finally kicking in and showing up! They also said I look like Brandy- ha hilarious.
We went to the Central Uganda Parliament (their government system) and visited its institution. After we all successfully made it through security we were greeted by the PR/tour guide man named Ken, and he told us about all sides of the building. We then walked into the South entrance and were actually able to sit in the chamber of parliament room and discuss political matters with one of the representatives. Next we went to the Buganda Parliament (which is a kingdom) and discussed their political landscape and together with the MUBS students compared both government systems. After all of this we went to the King’s palace and saw how Idi Amin (past president) used his power and his type of government to rule his country. We went to some torture chambers, and saw the lake that a King specifically requested and also ran into Bugandan children who CHASED us because we had candy and were taking pictures. (I will update pictures soon!!!)
Last night- dinner was at a Chinese restaurant (Fang Fang’s), under the stars. Since we are on the equator the moon was RIGHT ABOVE US. So beautiful! Who ever knew Chinese in Uganda! They had Tilapia yummmm
That's all for now folks!
(sorry this was a day late! getting to the internet now a days is SO HARD!) next blog coming momentarily.
Thursday, May 20, 2010
Culture Shock
ITS CURRENTLY 10:51PM UGANDA TIME, 2:50 PM USA TIME!
I see black- everywhere.
I taste red gritty dirt grinding against my teeth
I feel the sweltering heat for 12 hours of the day, until night fall when the heat recharges itself
I smell the people and their God-given scents
I hear beautiful languages of all sorts, with different accents and
And I am LOVING every sense that I encounter!! It is a SURREAL experience and me and by big eyes, ears, nose, mouth, and hands are taking it all in.
The people of Uganda are BEAUTIFUL people. Not just their physical nature, but their mental and emotional natures are beautiful as well. I was severely impressed with their memory. We were all given Bios of each other and they either memorized or recognized each one of us. I said “Hello, My name is Danielle:…they follow with “ohhh pretty smile-Ford right?” Haha! And then later on they remembered I had a little brother and my family is from Barbados! I was impressed-seriously! I looked over their bios, but that did no good seeing as though pronunciations defeated me! I emailed a couple of students before our arrival and actually became really close with a girl named Robinah! (one of the ones I emailed).
We ate on campus today and I ate EVERYTHING, surprise, surprise. But I Matt and I said we would at least TRY everything that was placed in front of us, and I promised my mom I would not lose weight and EAT---soooo today we were given Uganda coffee-goats milk, yellow toast w homemade strawberry jelly, sausage, veggie packs, and mango-orange juice.
After breakfast we all mingled for seriously 2 hours will all the MUBS (Makerere University Business School students) one by one until we met everyone! One kid named Alex was explaining to us that semester tuition costs and it was 800,000 shillings a semester. We calculated Drake’s tuition per semester and it was TWENTY MILLION SHILLINGS. Alex was astonished; we asked him what could be purchased in Uganda for 20 Mill… he says with the CUTEST ACCENT EVER “yu cun buy a ploot of lund, a really nice carh, and a FAT CIGA” haha it was HILARIOUS! Best quote of the day!!!
After our first session we then proceeded to a campus tour. And it was HOT. I MEAN HOT. But it was short and sweet so it was fine. After this we loaded on the blue MUBS bus and headed to the Grand Imperial Hotel to exchange our American dollars for the Uganda Shilling. I exchanged 200 bucks for 438 thousand and 400 shillings! A kid thought he lost his 1000 American bucks- but he really left it back at the cottages. After we exchanged money we headed to lunch at a place called Nando’s- it was good!
I was walking right next to the Director of the University, Mr. Omagul, and we chatted it UP! He is a jolly African man. He was cracking up telling me how poor his country was and how they were all poverty stricken- I did not find this very funny but he was holding his stomach and throwing his head back just laughing so loud…I guess he is fine with his given situation, I know I am mad for a day when I am broke!
After lunch we headed to the Owino market… I was so excited for this event… but it ended up being a BUST. It was canal street on steroids and it was not the shopping experience I expected. Matter of fact- I felt past violated while in the not so “open market”. 4 guys slapped my backside. When I say slapped, I mean HARD. Two guys at once, one had the right and I glared and him and next thing I know ones smacking the left cheek. By this time I was irritated, violated and HOT. It was time to go.
My purchase of earrings was a rough one. Definitely did not buy anything from the Owino Market. Then Robinah had her sister come and show us really nice earrings! I found two that I liked a lot. But it got better once we got back to Red Chilli (our cottages) and outside of the lobby there was a little market lady with BEAUTIFUL and inexpensive jewelry. Definitely racked up there. One thing I forgot to do was bargain---but her gifts were hand made and were for a good cause (positive women victims created this brand) So I had to support them!
Tomorrow we are visiting the Uganda parliament as well as Buganda government officials--- should be pretty serious.. I am not into this whole micro finance and political thing.. but its still an experience. We were supposed to meet the queen but she cannot make it so there is a “surprise guest” instead. We must wear dresses or some form of nice outfits. I am excited!!
Okay, that is all for now!
Love you!
Making it because of the Lord’s Mercy!--Danielle
I see black- everywhere.
I taste red gritty dirt grinding against my teeth
I feel the sweltering heat for 12 hours of the day, until night fall when the heat recharges itself
I smell the people and their God-given scents
I hear beautiful languages of all sorts, with different accents and
And I am LOVING every sense that I encounter!! It is a SURREAL experience and me and by big eyes, ears, nose, mouth, and hands are taking it all in.
The people of Uganda are BEAUTIFUL people. Not just their physical nature, but their mental and emotional natures are beautiful as well. I was severely impressed with their memory. We were all given Bios of each other and they either memorized or recognized each one of us. I said “Hello, My name is Danielle:…they follow with “ohhh pretty smile-Ford right?” Haha! And then later on they remembered I had a little brother and my family is from Barbados! I was impressed-seriously! I looked over their bios, but that did no good seeing as though pronunciations defeated me! I emailed a couple of students before our arrival and actually became really close with a girl named Robinah! (one of the ones I emailed).
We ate on campus today and I ate EVERYTHING, surprise, surprise. But I Matt and I said we would at least TRY everything that was placed in front of us, and I promised my mom I would not lose weight and EAT---soooo today we were given Uganda coffee-goats milk, yellow toast w homemade strawberry jelly, sausage, veggie packs, and mango-orange juice.
After breakfast we all mingled for seriously 2 hours will all the MUBS (Makerere University Business School students) one by one until we met everyone! One kid named Alex was explaining to us that semester tuition costs and it was 800,000 shillings a semester. We calculated Drake’s tuition per semester and it was TWENTY MILLION SHILLINGS. Alex was astonished; we asked him what could be purchased in Uganda for 20 Mill… he says with the CUTEST ACCENT EVER “yu cun buy a ploot of lund, a really nice carh, and a FAT CIGA” haha it was HILARIOUS! Best quote of the day!!!
After our first session we then proceeded to a campus tour. And it was HOT. I MEAN HOT. But it was short and sweet so it was fine. After this we loaded on the blue MUBS bus and headed to the Grand Imperial Hotel to exchange our American dollars for the Uganda Shilling. I exchanged 200 bucks for 438 thousand and 400 shillings! A kid thought he lost his 1000 American bucks- but he really left it back at the cottages. After we exchanged money we headed to lunch at a place called Nando’s- it was good!
I was walking right next to the Director of the University, Mr. Omagul, and we chatted it UP! He is a jolly African man. He was cracking up telling me how poor his country was and how they were all poverty stricken- I did not find this very funny but he was holding his stomach and throwing his head back just laughing so loud…I guess he is fine with his given situation, I know I am mad for a day when I am broke!
After lunch we headed to the Owino market… I was so excited for this event… but it ended up being a BUST. It was canal street on steroids and it was not the shopping experience I expected. Matter of fact- I felt past violated while in the not so “open market”. 4 guys slapped my backside. When I say slapped, I mean HARD. Two guys at once, one had the right and I glared and him and next thing I know ones smacking the left cheek. By this time I was irritated, violated and HOT. It was time to go.
My purchase of earrings was a rough one. Definitely did not buy anything from the Owino Market. Then Robinah had her sister come and show us really nice earrings! I found two that I liked a lot. But it got better once we got back to Red Chilli (our cottages) and outside of the lobby there was a little market lady with BEAUTIFUL and inexpensive jewelry. Definitely racked up there. One thing I forgot to do was bargain---but her gifts were hand made and were for a good cause (positive women victims created this brand) So I had to support them!
Tomorrow we are visiting the Uganda parliament as well as Buganda government officials--- should be pretty serious.. I am not into this whole micro finance and political thing.. but its still an experience. We were supposed to meet the queen but she cannot make it so there is a “surprise guest” instead. We must wear dresses or some form of nice outfits. I am excited!!
Okay, that is all for now!
Love you!
Making it because of the Lord’s Mercy!--Danielle
Wednesday, May 19, 2010
ARRIVAL!
DES MOINES-DETROIT-AMSTERDAM-AFRICA! Its currently 11:50 pm at home and 7:50 am here!
(heads up, my sentences will be short and succinct because the internet is very slow and I have offered my computer to other students to use)
The airplane ride was just fine. The first flight was an hour and a half, the second was 8 hours and the third was 8 hours. Amsterdam was an ADORABLE place! All the airport workers were dressed in a BABY BLUE SUIT. Their accents were beautiful and every one seemed so pleasant. 8 hour later we landed in THE DARK. The RUNWAY was not lit up, we saw the grasslands all along side of us, and then about 2 miles down the road we finally saw low lights that apparently was the airport. Inside we were directed not to photograph and not to "act childish". The guards/policeman were dressed in green army looking suits and were carrying around a HUGE gun in the front of them (i was NERVOUS!)
Matt and I sat together on both long flights! We watched movies, read books and played the games on the tv screen ahead of us.
After getting off the plane, there was a HUGE BLUE BUS that says Makerere School of Business- (those are the students we are traveling with) We are meeting up with them this morning for breakfast (Matt and I are equally excited for the fruit!) If you all don't know- I don't eat read meat, and chicken is on the chopping blocks. I heard we get to eat fish occasionally (so theirs my protein MOM!)
The bus ride from Entembe (airport) to Kampala (capitol) took an hour. But it was great to see all the townspeople. They were all walking on the street RANDOMLY and it was pitch black. No street lights. Our huge bus and its headlights were the only sources of light! Everyone was out and about shopping, drinking, laughing, playing pool, just having FUN (on a wednesday night mind you) I was speaking with one of the professors from Makerere University, Fred, and he was giving me the inside scoop. I sat front row and center with all the adults and was just chatting it up! I am SO EXCITED to visit the hospitals and clinics and see what the health care looks like here.
Our hotel is called Red Hot Chilli and is a cute little grouping of cottages. I got the biggest bed in our 4 person cottage! hahahahahaha I brushed my teeth this morning with bottled water----not cool. (But malaria is not an option)
Matt woke up this morning and was walking around taking photos around the cottages. He is really loving this experience. As am I, but if you do not know- Mothernature and I don't get along to well. Matt on the other hand watches nature shows 24/7 and is living in Animal Planet right about now.
We are headed to the Market soon! I am eagerrrr!! Earrings and flip flops will be my major purchases of the day! Stay tuned!
I miss you all and love you all so much!! I will try and update daily like i said before. I can tell that my entries will become more like a stream of consciousness rather than thoughtful deep entries.... Either way you will get the vibe!
Ok, well thats all for now!!
Thanks for commenting! Makes me feel closer to you all!
Walking in God's Love-Danielle
(heads up, my sentences will be short and succinct because the internet is very slow and I have offered my computer to other students to use)
The airplane ride was just fine. The first flight was an hour and a half, the second was 8 hours and the third was 8 hours. Amsterdam was an ADORABLE place! All the airport workers were dressed in a BABY BLUE SUIT. Their accents were beautiful and every one seemed so pleasant. 8 hour later we landed in THE DARK. The RUNWAY was not lit up, we saw the grasslands all along side of us, and then about 2 miles down the road we finally saw low lights that apparently was the airport. Inside we were directed not to photograph and not to "act childish". The guards/policeman were dressed in green army looking suits and were carrying around a HUGE gun in the front of them (i was NERVOUS!)
Matt and I sat together on both long flights! We watched movies, read books and played the games on the tv screen ahead of us.
After getting off the plane, there was a HUGE BLUE BUS that says Makerere School of Business- (those are the students we are traveling with) We are meeting up with them this morning for breakfast (Matt and I are equally excited for the fruit!) If you all don't know- I don't eat read meat, and chicken is on the chopping blocks. I heard we get to eat fish occasionally (so theirs my protein MOM!)
The bus ride from Entembe (airport) to Kampala (capitol) took an hour. But it was great to see all the townspeople. They were all walking on the street RANDOMLY and it was pitch black. No street lights. Our huge bus and its headlights were the only sources of light! Everyone was out and about shopping, drinking, laughing, playing pool, just having FUN (on a wednesday night mind you) I was speaking with one of the professors from Makerere University, Fred, and he was giving me the inside scoop. I sat front row and center with all the adults and was just chatting it up! I am SO EXCITED to visit the hospitals and clinics and see what the health care looks like here.
Our hotel is called Red Hot Chilli and is a cute little grouping of cottages. I got the biggest bed in our 4 person cottage! hahahahahaha I brushed my teeth this morning with bottled water----not cool. (But malaria is not an option)
Matt woke up this morning and was walking around taking photos around the cottages. He is really loving this experience. As am I, but if you do not know- Mothernature and I don't get along to well. Matt on the other hand watches nature shows 24/7 and is living in Animal Planet right about now.
We are headed to the Market soon! I am eagerrrr!! Earrings and flip flops will be my major purchases of the day! Stay tuned!
I miss you all and love you all so much!! I will try and update daily like i said before. I can tell that my entries will become more like a stream of consciousness rather than thoughtful deep entries.... Either way you will get the vibe!
Ok, well thats all for now!!
Thanks for commenting! Makes me feel closer to you all!
Walking in God's Love-Danielle
Monday, May 17, 2010
T-minus 12 hours
It is midnight- I am wide awake. Everything is still strangely surreal as of right now. I get more excited for the first day of school compared to my emotions for the trip as of right now (and I LOVE STARTING NEW SCHOOL YEAR!!!). I cannot figure out my emotions as of right now... I am not nervous. I am not excited. I am not worried. I am just READY.
Let me tell you about the week leading up to this. I did a Lot of traveling up to this point. My mother dearest flew from NY to come help me pack in Des Moines. We drove back to my old hometown of Naperville,Il in order to get my braids done and to do any last minute shopping (as well as visit all family friends!) and stayed for about 4 nights. We met up with my daddy and little brother (he just finished his first year and I AM SO PROUD!) We drove back this afternoon from Naperville to Des Moines. I am just about POOPED. Yet here I am, wide awake.
I really should be heading to bed. Tomorrow will be a LONG day- you see we have a total of 24 hours of traveling time (ouch!) Here is the break down of my itinerary
Depart from DES MOINES 1:40 PM (central time)-land in Detroit
Depart from DETROIT 4:30 PM (eastern time)-land in Amsterdam
we will Arrive in AMSTERDAM at 7:35 am
FINALLY we will arrive 10:40 am THAT NEXT DAY in KAMPALA, UGANDA
Kampala is 8 hours ahead of us. So we will arrive Wednesday (US time) and Thursday morning Kampala time!
I will call,text,tweet, and facebook from Detroit, maybe even throw a blog in there! ((generation Y syndrome))...
then from there, the next time I blog, It will be from our hotel resort in the capital city!!
Love you all and please pray for safe travels!
Traveling with God's Grace-Danielle
Let me tell you about the week leading up to this. I did a Lot of traveling up to this point. My mother dearest flew from NY to come help me pack in Des Moines. We drove back to my old hometown of Naperville,Il in order to get my braids done and to do any last minute shopping (as well as visit all family friends!) and stayed for about 4 nights. We met up with my daddy and little brother (he just finished his first year and I AM SO PROUD!) We drove back this afternoon from Naperville to Des Moines. I am just about POOPED. Yet here I am, wide awake.
I really should be heading to bed. Tomorrow will be a LONG day- you see we have a total of 24 hours of traveling time (ouch!) Here is the break down of my itinerary
Depart from DES MOINES 1:40 PM (central time)-land in Detroit
Depart from DETROIT 4:30 PM (eastern time)-land in Amsterdam
we will Arrive in AMSTERDAM at 7:35 am
FINALLY we will arrive 10:40 am THAT NEXT DAY in KAMPALA, UGANDA
Kampala is 8 hours ahead of us. So we will arrive Wednesday (US time) and Thursday morning Kampala time!
I will call,text,tweet, and facebook from Detroit, maybe even throw a blog in there! ((generation Y syndrome))...
then from there, the next time I blog, It will be from our hotel resort in the capital city!!
Love you all and please pray for safe travels!
Traveling with God's Grace-Danielle
Saturday, May 15, 2010
Weekend before Take-off
Hello Family and Friends!
As many of you know, I am going on a 3.5 week exploration of Uganda, Africa. Thanks to the Glory of God and His Mercy, as well as my WONDERFUL PARENTAL UNIT I will get to have the opportunity of a lifetime.I heard this cultural experience really changes lives and I cannot wait to come back a more enlightened and culturally rounded individual.
Total travel numbers are 28 students, 3 professor and about 15 students from the Makerere University School of business (so not to worry, we are a large group with international guards watching our every move). This was simply an overview of what to expect while I am in country. I am so pumped for this experience because I never really had the desire to study over seas for 6 months, which is normally how these study abroad programs work. This Uganda trip is a little less than a month and we get to travel all around the country. This study abroad opportunity is a 6 credit course and what is great is that we have completed all of our classroom hours while at Drake on Sunday nights- so while in country it is ALL EXPERIENCE. What's even more great is that the professors have taken the time to cater the trip to all of our majors so there are 2-3 events that cater to my focus of study.
We will be traveling all over the country in all 4 directions (north, south, east and west). Just a quick overview of the locations and events: Most of our time spent will be in Kampala-the capital of Uganda (while there we will stay in a Resort called "Red Hot Chili"), next we will head down south to Mbarara to visit a National Park, next we plan to head east to visit Lake Victoria (Africa’s largest lake, and the largest tropical lake in the world, and is Earth's second largest freshwater lake - Only North America's Lake Superior is larger), we will head way down south to shop on the Equator, and then head up North to visit Kabarega a LARGE national park. Some of the events that I am particularly excited for is the visiting of the Queen of Uganda, visiting the Jinja (source of the nile and the Bujagai water falls), and visiting different health care facilities.
As many of you know I am a health sciences major and plan to be the top administrator of a specialized health care clinic. In order to improve my global citizenship (As Drake's mission statement claims is an expectation of graduating from the University) my major focus will be on Uganda's health care system. Everything from the hygiene, sanitation and clean water implications to the type of insurance programs (or lack there of), to the operations of management.
Throughout my journey I just want to make you aware of my friends that are going as well because I will probably make reference to them throughout the duration of my blogging.
Matthew- My boyfriend of 2 yrs and some months. We get to share this experience together :)
Taylor & Carmen- My sorority sisters and (Taylor) is my housemate during the school year.
Brittney & Jackie- Two good friends :)
I am excited to embark on this journey in t-minus 3 days, and I am even more ecstatic for you to be able to share this experience with me! I will continue to update my blog as frequently as I possibly can to capture my entire experience and to be able to reflect in the years to come. I hope you look forward to my future blogs and please please please do not hesitate to comment! It will be nice to hear from all of you since this will be the only communication I will have. I will try and keep these short and sweet------ I love you all dearly! Please pray for us, Stay tuned and God Bless...
Love Danielle
As many of you know, I am going on a 3.5 week exploration of Uganda, Africa. Thanks to the Glory of God and His Mercy, as well as my WONDERFUL PARENTAL UNIT I will get to have the opportunity of a lifetime.I heard this cultural experience really changes lives and I cannot wait to come back a more enlightened and culturally rounded individual.
Total travel numbers are 28 students, 3 professor and about 15 students from the Makerere University School of business (so not to worry, we are a large group with international guards watching our every move). This was simply an overview of what to expect while I am in country. I am so pumped for this experience because I never really had the desire to study over seas for 6 months, which is normally how these study abroad programs work. This Uganda trip is a little less than a month and we get to travel all around the country. This study abroad opportunity is a 6 credit course and what is great is that we have completed all of our classroom hours while at Drake on Sunday nights- so while in country it is ALL EXPERIENCE. What's even more great is that the professors have taken the time to cater the trip to all of our majors so there are 2-3 events that cater to my focus of study.
We will be traveling all over the country in all 4 directions (north, south, east and west). Just a quick overview of the locations and events: Most of our time spent will be in Kampala-the capital of Uganda (while there we will stay in a Resort called "Red Hot Chili"), next we will head down south to Mbarara to visit a National Park, next we plan to head east to visit Lake Victoria (Africa’s largest lake, and the largest tropical lake in the world, and is Earth's second largest freshwater lake - Only North America's Lake Superior is larger), we will head way down south to shop on the Equator, and then head up North to visit Kabarega a LARGE national park. Some of the events that I am particularly excited for is the visiting of the Queen of Uganda, visiting the Jinja (source of the nile and the Bujagai water falls), and visiting different health care facilities.
As many of you know I am a health sciences major and plan to be the top administrator of a specialized health care clinic. In order to improve my global citizenship (As Drake's mission statement claims is an expectation of graduating from the University) my major focus will be on Uganda's health care system. Everything from the hygiene, sanitation and clean water implications to the type of insurance programs (or lack there of), to the operations of management.
Throughout my journey I just want to make you aware of my friends that are going as well because I will probably make reference to them throughout the duration of my blogging.
Matthew- My boyfriend of 2 yrs and some months. We get to share this experience together :)
Taylor & Carmen- My sorority sisters and (Taylor) is my housemate during the school year.
Brittney & Jackie- Two good friends :)
I am excited to embark on this journey in t-minus 3 days, and I am even more ecstatic for you to be able to share this experience with me! I will continue to update my blog as frequently as I possibly can to capture my entire experience and to be able to reflect in the years to come. I hope you look forward to my future blogs and please please please do not hesitate to comment! It will be nice to hear from all of you since this will be the only communication I will have. I will try and keep these short and sweet------ I love you all dearly! Please pray for us, Stay tuned and God Bless...
Love Danielle
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