Uganda at last

Wednesday, June 18, 2008 10:30AM

It’s amazing how being white and having big carryons invites similar people to ask you what you are going to be doing in Uganda. I met some really cool people in the airport; a Swedish medical student, some teens from Georgia on a religious mission, and some very devoted do-gooders were only a few of the people I met.

The flight was once again normal. Crying 3 year old behind me, his mother making sure to hit my seat only right before I fell asleep, but a great selection of movies (the food was also great, though it could have been my not eating all day).

Arriving in Uganda was really strange. I had no idea what to expect (and do still). I looked out the window of the plane as we were approaching the airport and saw those trees that you see on every discovery channel show about Africa. You know, the really tall ones with green leaves only on the top. I saw Lake Victoria from the sky too, and all I could think about was schistosomiasis , thanks Dr. C. I got all my bags on the baggage carousel and walked out of the airport to see my name on a piece of paper being held by Julias, my driver. I felt really cool. Take note family, I would like to see my name on a piece of paper as I exit customs.

Talking about customs, there were none. I mean there were, but you chose the red line, where they go through all your stuff, or the green line, which is the exit. Hmmm. I chose the green one… Street smarts, I got ‘em.

Julias took me through Entebbe, Kampala, Makerere, and some other villages along the way to Dr. Luboga’s house. There were people lining the street selling all types of things. I was warned about the driving in Uganda. No other place comes close. I’m not sure how many of you know how I drive. Some people have described it as “fast”, “aggressive”, or “please tell me when I can open my eyes”. My driving is nothing compared to how close the cars get to each other and to people in the street. I have never closed my eyes when someone else was driving except today. Yes, there are cows and goats on the road too, we honked at one that was getting too close. Note to self, do not ride on a bodaboda (basically a taxi-scooter) unless absolutely necessary. On the way I saw shanty-towns, people with obvious disease processes, and cellular phone advertisements. Really, I have never seen so many cellular phone advertisements anywhere. You can get SIM cards here for 200UGS, about 14 cents. It was weird seeing so much technology and so much poverty. We live a privileged life.

Aside: I saw birds taller than I am (which is not a huge accomplishment for humans, but is for birds so be impressed).

Now I am at Dr. Luboga’s home, I have my own bedroom with its own bathroom, I took a nice cold shower (the water was a little brown, but cleared up eventually), and its 11AM, but I need a nap.