Dear readers,
Yesterday was our last day at the Mburara International School. It was also the end of term and the presentation day for the parents. Our anxiety was high as we reached the school, only to be stifled when we saw how well the presentations were going. The parents found it hilarious when each student stepped up to impersonate their dinosaur.
When it was time for the dance, we tied on our hula skirts and shook our hips to the beat of the music. The Ugandans were overjoyed to find Mzungus having their try at a traditional dance.
The day was concluded with embraces and the exchange of emails. Mark, one of the seventh graders, approached us shyly with his thanks, and presented us with a gift from the seventh grade, "not to be opened until you're out". As Peter drove us out the gates, we opened the handmade satchel to find jewelry, and pictures of the grade. Nestled in the group pictures were baby photos, still unidentified. The students signed the back of these pictures. One said, "To Matty, from Mark. Just as a friend."
Tears in our eyes, we bade the school farewell. Now, we're spending our last night packing and eating cheap and glorious Indian food, the staple of our trip.
Mattie and Emilia
Saturday, July 28, 2012
Thursday, July 26, 2012
Coming to a Close
Dear readers,
Over the past month, we've received very "enthusiastic" comments from Ugandans. Some of our favorites, "did you know that you are beautiful?", and while passing a van filled with people, "Mzungu, come ride with us!" Yesterday, a woman in one of the clothing stalls yelled out to us, "come buy something for your boyfriend!" Mattie responded, "oh, I don't have one." She said, "really? I'll get you one... my brother!"
Today was spent practicing for the presentations tomorrow. We were thrown into hula skirts, and into a well rehearsed Ugandan dance, which we had never been taught. Because we are Mzungus, the contrast between our dancing skills was already evident... Since they actually knew the dance, this contrast was dramatically exaggerated. Can't wait to show the parents!
We played our last soccer game today. Soccer is played teachers and girls versus boys. Thus, we usually win. Even though Emilia scored a goal today (which was awesome!), our winning streak was broken... The boys won by six goals. To be fair, we only had the "keeper" (yay Harry Potter!), one teacher, and one other girl on our team. The opposing team consisted of about 24.5 boys (an itty-bitty). This one boy, Brian, is always passed to. Hence, we always go after him. Jokingly, he yelled to his teammates, "I'm free. Nobody's on me. Pass!" Then Emilia tripped him. However, he wasn't swayed, and continued to make the same joke for the next hour... For the next hour, he continued to get by us.
Oraare gye,
Emilia and Mattie
Over the past month, we've received very "enthusiastic" comments from Ugandans. Some of our favorites, "did you know that you are beautiful?", and while passing a van filled with people, "Mzungu, come ride with us!" Yesterday, a woman in one of the clothing stalls yelled out to us, "come buy something for your boyfriend!" Mattie responded, "oh, I don't have one." She said, "really? I'll get you one... my brother!"
Today was spent practicing for the presentations tomorrow. We were thrown into hula skirts, and into a well rehearsed Ugandan dance, which we had never been taught. Because we are Mzungus, the contrast between our dancing skills was already evident... Since they actually knew the dance, this contrast was dramatically exaggerated. Can't wait to show the parents!
We played our last soccer game today. Soccer is played teachers and girls versus boys. Thus, we usually win. Even though Emilia scored a goal today (which was awesome!), our winning streak was broken... The boys won by six goals. To be fair, we only had the "keeper" (yay Harry Potter!), one teacher, and one other girl on our team. The opposing team consisted of about 24.5 boys (an itty-bitty). This one boy, Brian, is always passed to. Hence, we always go after him. Jokingly, he yelled to his teammates, "I'm free. Nobody's on me. Pass!" Then Emilia tripped him. However, he wasn't swayed, and continued to make the same joke for the next hour... For the next hour, he continued to get by us.
Oraare gye,
Emilia and Mattie
Monday, July 23, 2012
The Ankole Cow
Dear readers,
On Saturday we woke up at 8:45. Bliss. It's depressing when this is considered sleeping in.
With our beauty sleep replenished, we headed off to the wedding, ate a fabulous Ugandan meal, and were introduced to the bride, Doreen, as she was getting ready. It was incredible that we were able to share this experience with her on such an important day. Contradictory to media, she appeared totally relaxed, and we even helped her clasp her bracelet!
We were lucky to have Margaret, Mrs. K's right-hand woman, come with us to the giving away. As the speeches were mostly in their tribal language, Runyankole, we didn't get much out of them. However, whenever the crowd laughed, Margaret would whisper the translations into our ears. The jokes were mostly about the comparisons between Mzungus and Ugandans.
Sprinkled throughout the speeches, two singers performed traditional Runyankole songs. One of the songs was about the Ankole cow... Now the Bunyankole love their cows. After the performers raised their arms, mimicking the long horns of the cow, a continuous flow of cash was stuffed into their hands. Mattie wove through the tightly packed seats to contribute to their overflowing pockets. As she approached them, she, too, tried to recreate their cow. What could be better than a Mzungu badly impersonating their pride and joy? The Ugandans erupted with laughter.
Sunday was the teachers' day out. We went out for lunch and then to the museum next door. We learned how to grind millet, and about other traditional Ugandan practices, such as medicines- mostly cow urine and feces. We weren't the only ones to learn, as we taught some of the teachers how to put on their seat belts (this is why road accidents are one of the leading causes of death in Uganda).
During lunch, Mrs. K informed us about some suitors, which displayed their interests for our hands in marriage. Supposedly, a father came up to Mrs. K, after the ceremony, asking where her "daughters" had gone. He told her to bring us back since he had two single, very eager sons.
At the end of our outing, the teachers presented traditional Ugandan baskets to us. It was very touching, and the teachers were sure to use their seat belts correctly on the way home.
Only one week left; it's gone by so quickly.
Mattie and Emilia
On Saturday we woke up at 8:45. Bliss. It's depressing when this is considered sleeping in.
With our beauty sleep replenished, we headed off to the wedding, ate a fabulous Ugandan meal, and were introduced to the bride, Doreen, as she was getting ready. It was incredible that we were able to share this experience with her on such an important day. Contradictory to media, she appeared totally relaxed, and we even helped her clasp her bracelet!
We were lucky to have Margaret, Mrs. K's right-hand woman, come with us to the giving away. As the speeches were mostly in their tribal language, Runyankole, we didn't get much out of them. However, whenever the crowd laughed, Margaret would whisper the translations into our ears. The jokes were mostly about the comparisons between Mzungus and Ugandans.
Sprinkled throughout the speeches, two singers performed traditional Runyankole songs. One of the songs was about the Ankole cow... Now the Bunyankole love their cows. After the performers raised their arms, mimicking the long horns of the cow, a continuous flow of cash was stuffed into their hands. Mattie wove through the tightly packed seats to contribute to their overflowing pockets. As she approached them, she, too, tried to recreate their cow. What could be better than a Mzungu badly impersonating their pride and joy? The Ugandans erupted with laughter.
Sunday was the teachers' day out. We went out for lunch and then to the museum next door. We learned how to grind millet, and about other traditional Ugandan practices, such as medicines- mostly cow urine and feces. We weren't the only ones to learn, as we taught some of the teachers how to put on their seat belts (this is why road accidents are one of the leading causes of death in Uganda).
During lunch, Mrs. K informed us about some suitors, which displayed their interests for our hands in marriage. Supposedly, a father came up to Mrs. K, after the ceremony, asking where her "daughters" had gone. He told her to bring us back since he had two single, very eager sons.
At the end of our outing, the teachers presented traditional Ugandan baskets to us. It was very touching, and the teachers were sure to use their seat belts correctly on the way home.
Only one week left; it's gone by so quickly.
Mattie and Emilia
Sunday, July 22, 2012
Traditional Ugandan Giving Away
At the guest house, getting ready
Margaret and Mattie
M.C.
Milk jugs given from the groom's family to the bride. A traditional Ugandan equivalent of a wedding ring: legitimizes the marriage. The large jug is for churning butter.
Mrs. K, Mattie, Emilia, and the bride- Doreen
Doreen and her bridesmaids were covered during the ceremony. This was the giving away ceremony for the bride. Next Saturday will be the marriage.
The jugs displayed on a carrying stick during the ceremony.
Walking back inside once the ceremony was over. In the olden times, a bride would remain inside for 4-6 months before her marriage. Now, for the week between the giving away and the wedding, they just stay veiled when they go out in public.
Saturday, July 21, 2012
Play Day
Dear readers,
A few days ago, we were eating lunch with the teachers with our arms splayed out across the table. The French teacher, Madame Lydia, commented, "you girls are very hairy." It took a moment for this to soak in. As we were processing what she had said, she continued, "it is beautiful." Similarly, the other day, an eleven year-old boy stared at Emilia's arms questioningly and asked, "is it cold where you live?"
Yesterday was play day at school, which basically entailed a bunch of adolescents running around and competing enthusiastically in activities. We appreciated this break from our normal days spent teaching; it gave us a chance to unleash the hidden nine year-olds living inside us. Mattie scored a goal in handball, Emilia beat the whole school in hula-hooping, and we both excelled in the catwalk, dance competition, and musical chairs (which Emilia won, hooray!).
However, we struggled in the water relay, which required us to walk many meters in length, while balancing cups of water on our heads. Walking through town we often see Ugandans completing this task with large bundles of fire wood, so it didn't surprise us when many of the students found this activity quite easy. As they were choosing their representatives, they searched for someone with a "nice head". We later discovered that there are very specific requirements needed to fulfill this title- flat surface, little hair, and good balance.
Play day was concluded with slip and slide- a huge tarp laid down on a grassy slope, and covered with an abundance of soapy water. Penguin like students dived head-first, slid all the way down the tarp and into the muddy grass. Even though we matched their enthusiasm, we only managed to travel half-way down the slide. As Mattie shamefully got up, another student barreled into her legs, toppling her down again. This time, she got to the bottom.
To finish off our exhausting day, we laid back, relaxed, and got our nails done... by Ugandan middle-aged men. Mattie had her feet soaked in a soapy container similar to Strega Nona's pasta pot. As the machine vibrated, a flow of never-ending bubbles spilled over the sides of the contraption. When the bubbles were touched, they would collapse and disappear. Mattie had fun experimenting by putting fist-sized holes through the soapy mountain. Nails polished, we walked home for a satisfying dinner of mac and cheese.
Off to the wedding this afternoon. We so excited!!
Hugs and kisses,
Emilia and Mattie
A few days ago, we were eating lunch with the teachers with our arms splayed out across the table. The French teacher, Madame Lydia, commented, "you girls are very hairy." It took a moment for this to soak in. As we were processing what she had said, she continued, "it is beautiful." Similarly, the other day, an eleven year-old boy stared at Emilia's arms questioningly and asked, "is it cold where you live?"
Yesterday was play day at school, which basically entailed a bunch of adolescents running around and competing enthusiastically in activities. We appreciated this break from our normal days spent teaching; it gave us a chance to unleash the hidden nine year-olds living inside us. Mattie scored a goal in handball, Emilia beat the whole school in hula-hooping, and we both excelled in the catwalk, dance competition, and musical chairs (which Emilia won, hooray!).
However, we struggled in the water relay, which required us to walk many meters in length, while balancing cups of water on our heads. Walking through town we often see Ugandans completing this task with large bundles of fire wood, so it didn't surprise us when many of the students found this activity quite easy. As they were choosing their representatives, they searched for someone with a "nice head". We later discovered that there are very specific requirements needed to fulfill this title- flat surface, little hair, and good balance.
Play day was concluded with slip and slide- a huge tarp laid down on a grassy slope, and covered with an abundance of soapy water. Penguin like students dived head-first, slid all the way down the tarp and into the muddy grass. Even though we matched their enthusiasm, we only managed to travel half-way down the slide. As Mattie shamefully got up, another student barreled into her legs, toppling her down again. This time, she got to the bottom.
To finish off our exhausting day, we laid back, relaxed, and got our nails done... by Ugandan middle-aged men. Mattie had her feet soaked in a soapy container similar to Strega Nona's pasta pot. As the machine vibrated, a flow of never-ending bubbles spilled over the sides of the contraption. When the bubbles were touched, they would collapse and disappear. Mattie had fun experimenting by putting fist-sized holes through the soapy mountain. Nails polished, we walked home for a satisfying dinner of mac and cheese.
Off to the wedding this afternoon. We so excited!!
Hugs and kisses,
Emilia and Mattie
Wednesday, July 18, 2012
All You Need is Love
Dear readers,
Monday night we had a goat roast. This basically consisted of David embarrassing Mattie with his enthusiastic dance moves. Emilia thought this was funny, since supposedly, her parents grooves are even more embarrassing. We chatted, ate, and danced the night away.
The next morning, we took the three hour drive to Bugoye to visit the health clinic there. It was interesting to see the improvements made since Mattie's last visit (December). Seeing more of David's work was also cool. We said our goodbyes after lunch, dropped David off at the airport, and started the long car ride home.
It was evident that Mattie had just woken up from a nap, when our driver pulled off the road to pick up some matoke. Mattie, still dazed, waved at the people selling the green bananas. As we drove away, one of the men threw up his arms and yelled, "I love you!"
These past three days have been term exams for the students at the school. Today and Monday were mostly spent grading their English tests. A question for grade seven asked how one would know that the narrator of a poem, written in their booklets, was a child. One of the boys replied, "I know it's a child because they still have parents."
All in all, the students performed highly. The seventh graders just got back their government exams. Three out of the ten students in the grade earned the highest scores in the math category for all of East Africa. They went to Kampala on Tuesday to receive their medals. Well done!
Another highlight for Mburara International School: Emilia kicked a ball today in soccer, which someone received, dribbled far down the field, then scored a goal. What an assist!
We spent this evening jamming out to The Beatles with the Harvard kids, and making pizza and cookies with mango chutney. Yum!
With full bellies, and smiles on our faces, we wish you goodnight!
Mattie and Emilia
Monday night we had a goat roast. This basically consisted of David embarrassing Mattie with his enthusiastic dance moves. Emilia thought this was funny, since supposedly, her parents grooves are even more embarrassing. We chatted, ate, and danced the night away.
The next morning, we took the three hour drive to Bugoye to visit the health clinic there. It was interesting to see the improvements made since Mattie's last visit (December). Seeing more of David's work was also cool. We said our goodbyes after lunch, dropped David off at the airport, and started the long car ride home.
It was evident that Mattie had just woken up from a nap, when our driver pulled off the road to pick up some matoke. Mattie, still dazed, waved at the people selling the green bananas. As we drove away, one of the men threw up his arms and yelled, "I love you!"
These past three days have been term exams for the students at the school. Today and Monday were mostly spent grading their English tests. A question for grade seven asked how one would know that the narrator of a poem, written in their booklets, was a child. One of the boys replied, "I know it's a child because they still have parents."
All in all, the students performed highly. The seventh graders just got back their government exams. Three out of the ten students in the grade earned the highest scores in the math category for all of East Africa. They went to Kampala on Tuesday to receive their medals. Well done!
Another highlight for Mburara International School: Emilia kicked a ball today in soccer, which someone received, dribbled far down the field, then scored a goal. What an assist!
We spent this evening jamming out to The Beatles with the Harvard kids, and making pizza and cookies with mango chutney. Yum!
With full bellies, and smiles on our faces, we wish you goodnight!
Mattie and Emilia
Monday, July 16, 2012
Hakuna Matata
Hanna, Sinead, Lizzie, Kelly, Johanna, Mireille, Mattie, and Emilia
Elephants can communicate with each other from up to 35 km away
Because of poor digestion, elephants eat about 300 kg in one day
Hippos can run 30 km/hr
Full grown elephants can weigh up to 6 tons
Elephants eat 18 hours a day, and rest for 6
This lake has sulfur in it. Animals come here to soak their wounds after battles.
Elephants blow dirt onto their backs to keep flies off
With Rachel, our chimp guide.
Queen Elizabeth
Dear readers,
This weekend, we journeyed through the African jungle and grasslands, to see the native species of Uganda. We went with two girls from Sweden that we had met before in lake Bunyonyi, three girls from Great Britain, and one from Canada. The road to Queen Elizabeth wound through luscious hills covered in tea shrubs. As we drove up to the national park, yellow and white clouds of butterflies emerged from the surrounding bushes and enveloped our car.
We sat down for a quick, yet satisfying lunch of vegetables (never before have we craved a salad so much). From there, we took a boat tour of the aquatic life. We spotted hippos, crocodiles, water bucks and buffaloes, elephants, and many different types of African birds. As we drove by a Ugandan town, fully-clothed children ran into the water to swim up to the boat.
After that, on the evening game drive, we strained our eyes to see lions' ears twitch over the tall grasses. Exciting as that was, we were later enthralled to see one of the rarest animals in the game park. As we were driving back for dinner, the car in front of us stopped. We were about to grab our binoculars- one pair shared between the eight of us- when we spotted a leopard, lounging over the branches of a nearby tree.
Although the other girls were sleeping somewhere else that night, we all got together for a delicious buffet dinner at our hotel. Because our food was prepaid, we loaded our plates with pastas, salads, grilled vegetables, and countless desserts. Mmmm...
Not-so-bright, but early, we dragged ourselves to the lodge to enjoy coffee and muffins by the light of the moon. As the sun rose, we drove far off for another safari trip. About seven cars were stopped, usually the sign that there was a lion. However, it turned out that they were all watching the mating of cobs- antelope like animals. Herbert, our driver, took this opportunity to slip the information he knows about mating: lions mate 2.2 times per hour, and male cobs taste the female's urine to see if they're in heat. Interesting.
Some meters down the road, there were people stopped actually to see lions. Yet again, they were far away, and concealed in the brush. Herbert, being awesome, drove around the people where we couldn't be seen, and went off the road, just a few feet from the lions. They were unfazed, we were unseen, and we managed to take some ballin' pictures.
After checking out, we went chimp-tracking. Or, should we say monkey-tracking, since the chimps were nowhere to be found. This was disappointing, but we went on a refreshing four-hour hike through the rain forest, and saw many blue and red-tailed monkeys. As soon as we got back in the car, it started to pour. The rain lulled us to sleep on the car-ride home.
Tomorrow, we are going to Bugoye!
'til then,
Emilia and Mattie
This weekend, we journeyed through the African jungle and grasslands, to see the native species of Uganda. We went with two girls from Sweden that we had met before in lake Bunyonyi, three girls from Great Britain, and one from Canada. The road to Queen Elizabeth wound through luscious hills covered in tea shrubs. As we drove up to the national park, yellow and white clouds of butterflies emerged from the surrounding bushes and enveloped our car.
We sat down for a quick, yet satisfying lunch of vegetables (never before have we craved a salad so much). From there, we took a boat tour of the aquatic life. We spotted hippos, crocodiles, water bucks and buffaloes, elephants, and many different types of African birds. As we drove by a Ugandan town, fully-clothed children ran into the water to swim up to the boat.
After that, on the evening game drive, we strained our eyes to see lions' ears twitch over the tall grasses. Exciting as that was, we were later enthralled to see one of the rarest animals in the game park. As we were driving back for dinner, the car in front of us stopped. We were about to grab our binoculars- one pair shared between the eight of us- when we spotted a leopard, lounging over the branches of a nearby tree.
Although the other girls were sleeping somewhere else that night, we all got together for a delicious buffet dinner at our hotel. Because our food was prepaid, we loaded our plates with pastas, salads, grilled vegetables, and countless desserts. Mmmm...
Not-so-bright, but early, we dragged ourselves to the lodge to enjoy coffee and muffins by the light of the moon. As the sun rose, we drove far off for another safari trip. About seven cars were stopped, usually the sign that there was a lion. However, it turned out that they were all watching the mating of cobs- antelope like animals. Herbert, our driver, took this opportunity to slip the information he knows about mating: lions mate 2.2 times per hour, and male cobs taste the female's urine to see if they're in heat. Interesting.
Some meters down the road, there were people stopped actually to see lions. Yet again, they were far away, and concealed in the brush. Herbert, being awesome, drove around the people where we couldn't be seen, and went off the road, just a few feet from the lions. They were unfazed, we were unseen, and we managed to take some ballin' pictures.
After checking out, we went chimp-tracking. Or, should we say monkey-tracking, since the chimps were nowhere to be found. This was disappointing, but we went on a refreshing four-hour hike through the rain forest, and saw many blue and red-tailed monkeys. As soon as we got back in the car, it started to pour. The rain lulled us to sleep on the car-ride home.
Tomorrow, we are going to Bugoye!
'til then,
Emilia and Mattie
Friday, July 13, 2012
Singing, Suds, and Slugs
Dear readers,
Yesterday, the whole school sang a couple of songs, in French, Runyankoli, and English. Then each grade presented their own song. The seventh grade jammed out to "Never Say Never" by Justin Bieber, while doing the worm, and rapping! This caused the whole school to stand up, dance, and sing along.
While this was fun, the highlight of the day was definitely when Emilia headed her first ball, and three more! Two of them were in the right direction...
Today was a totally chilled out day. We took two periods off to chat with the seventh graders about the US.
They asked us about homosexuality; religion in the school system; our views on Obama, Osama Bin Laden, and Gaddafi. Somehow, the subject turned to poor eyesight. To the delight of the kids, Mattie took out one of her contacts, and walked it around. As they had never seen one before, this was exciting for all.
Fridays are cleaning days, so after our daily soccer ritual, rooms were filled with soapy suds, and the kids were slipping and sliding down the corridors. When Mattie tried to skid over the freshly mopped floor, her converse had too much traction, and the Ugandan children gathered to laugh. She redeemed herself by impressing them after easily picking up their clapping games.
At the end of the day, both of us had mastered every twist, turn, and jump they had in store for us. Exhausted, we settled down. Mattie made friends with the dog, Police, and the mini slug she found on him. Emilia had her hair admired and braided by both girls and boys.
All in all, today was a successful bonding experience with the older grades. This weekend, we are going on a safari!
Love,
Mattie and Emilia
Yesterday, the whole school sang a couple of songs, in French, Runyankoli, and English. Then each grade presented their own song. The seventh grade jammed out to "Never Say Never" by Justin Bieber, while doing the worm, and rapping! This caused the whole school to stand up, dance, and sing along.
While this was fun, the highlight of the day was definitely when Emilia headed her first ball, and three more! Two of them were in the right direction...
Today was a totally chilled out day. We took two periods off to chat with the seventh graders about the US.
They asked us about homosexuality; religion in the school system; our views on Obama, Osama Bin Laden, and Gaddafi. Somehow, the subject turned to poor eyesight. To the delight of the kids, Mattie took out one of her contacts, and walked it around. As they had never seen one before, this was exciting for all.
Fridays are cleaning days, so after our daily soccer ritual, rooms were filled with soapy suds, and the kids were slipping and sliding down the corridors. When Mattie tried to skid over the freshly mopped floor, her converse had too much traction, and the Ugandan children gathered to laugh. She redeemed herself by impressing them after easily picking up their clapping games.
At the end of the day, both of us had mastered every twist, turn, and jump they had in store for us. Exhausted, we settled down. Mattie made friends with the dog, Police, and the mini slug she found on him. Emilia had her hair admired and braided by both girls and boys.
All in all, today was a successful bonding experience with the older grades. This weekend, we are going on a safari!
Love,
Mattie and Emilia
Wednesday, July 11, 2012
Food, Glorious Food
Dear readers,
Our first couple of days during the Jambo song (where little students scurry around eagerly to shake hands with their friends), the kids would come up to us hesitantly, then run back to the safety of their peers. For this past week, we have been greeted enthusiastically by the whole student body. Even when the teachers say "Back to your seats!", there are always a few scragglers left, determined to shake our hands.
As soon as we appear in the field, after lunch, packs of green, checkered cotton barrel into us, almost knocking us over with their hugs. The teachers have also become more comfortable with us; now joking that the the soup is made out of goat blood. Of course, when they bring up cannibalism in Uganda, we assume that they are kidding, too. As of now, we are not quite sure, and are persistently googling the subject.
Everyday at lunch, we serve ourselves a fair amount of beans and rice. The teachers' plates have about four times as much as our's do. As they shovel the rice onto their plates, they jokingly exclaim, "I have little appetite today!", and glance over at our servings. As soon as we finish, they push the pots over to our side of our table and begin to serve us more food. We politely decline, as we have already filled our stomachs to the brim. They find this concept incomprehensible, and look at us skeptically. Here, being called "fat" is a compliment.
Ciao
Emilia and Mattie
Our first couple of days during the Jambo song (where little students scurry around eagerly to shake hands with their friends), the kids would come up to us hesitantly, then run back to the safety of their peers. For this past week, we have been greeted enthusiastically by the whole student body. Even when the teachers say "Back to your seats!", there are always a few scragglers left, determined to shake our hands.
As soon as we appear in the field, after lunch, packs of green, checkered cotton barrel into us, almost knocking us over with their hugs. The teachers have also become more comfortable with us; now joking that the the soup is made out of goat blood. Of course, when they bring up cannibalism in Uganda, we assume that they are kidding, too. As of now, we are not quite sure, and are persistently googling the subject.
Everyday at lunch, we serve ourselves a fair amount of beans and rice. The teachers' plates have about four times as much as our's do. As they shovel the rice onto their plates, they jokingly exclaim, "I have little appetite today!", and glance over at our servings. As soon as we finish, they push the pots over to our side of our table and begin to serve us more food. We politely decline, as we have already filled our stomachs to the brim. They find this concept incomprehensible, and look at us skeptically. Here, being called "fat" is a compliment.
Ciao
Emilia and Mattie
Tuesday, July 10, 2012
Dear readers,
Ahh... Our weekend at Lake Bunyonyi was spent swimming, eating flavorful food, and exploring the island. We reached our island by canoeing in a dug-out tree trunk. On the way there, the teams were: Theresa (Jeff's friend from college, currently working with gorillas, how awesome!), Jeff, and Henry versus us, Anna Rowe, and Macarena. Although they beat us to the docks, we beat them in spirit and fervor. We exhausted our vocal chords by harmonizing to "Let it Be", "A Hard Days Night", "Lucy in the Sky With Diamonds" and more. Our repertoire of Beatles songs was impressive: in total, a one hour duration. Occasionally, Jackson, our canoe guide, would enthusiastically chime in.
When we reached the island, we immediately jumped in the water, relishing in the fact that we had schisto free water to swim in. Exhausted after our first work-out in Uganda, we headed over to the restaurant, eager for food.
Two hours later... the food finally arrived. The menu was a refreshing break from the delicious, yet endless combinations of posho, matoke, and Indian food, which we have been surviving off of for the past week. Over the next few days, we gorged ourselves on chocolate/banana crepes, quesadillas, and fries with guacamole.
The next morning, Mattie woke up with the birds. A few hours later, when Emilia finally pulled out of her slumber, we ate breakfast and went for a swim. Macarena, Henry, Jeff, and Mattie swam to the other side of the island. Macarena easily left us behind with her impressive breast-stroke, Henry held his own, and Mattie and Jeff were left in their wake. Mattie said, "Jeff, you don't have to wait; you can go ahead." Jeff responded, "I would, but I'm going as fast as I can."
On the opposite shore, we met a Ugandan woman who was washing her clothes by the bank. She introduced herself as Rachel, and offered to show us around the island. We planned to meet in two hours- surely enough time to get lunch. However, we thought wrong, and showed up an hour late. She was gracious and forgiving, and she gave us a beautiful tour of the island's vegetation and community. She pointed out their crops- sweet potatoes, bananas, and avocado-, and brought us to her home to meet her baby boy, Kevin. The Ugandan kids came along on the tour, yet had an easier time with the hilly terrain (Jeff and Henry offered their backs as transport).
We walked back, went for another swim, and then Mattie beat all the Harvard/Princeton kids at a word game (Emilia wants to point out that she was occupied with DJing and solitaire).
The next morning, we reluctantly left the warmth of our beds, and hauled up wool blankets to watch the sunset. Candles were lit, and we hopped around in the dew-strewn grass in an attempt to keep our socks dry.
On the canoe ride home, the teams were: Emilia, Theresa, Jeff, and Henry versus Mattie, Macarena, and Anna Rowe. This time, Mattie's team won, despite the confidence that Emilia's team displayed at take-off.
A sad farewell to Theresa and a bumpy car ride later, we were sprawled over living room chairs, jamming with Ugandan drums and our new bud, Sam. For Henry's Last Supper, we dined at Agip, and came home to watch The Lion King. The next morning, we said our goodbyes to Henry and headed to school.
Back to posho, matoke, and Indian food!
xoxo
Mattie and Emilia
Ahh... Our weekend at Lake Bunyonyi was spent swimming, eating flavorful food, and exploring the island. We reached our island by canoeing in a dug-out tree trunk. On the way there, the teams were: Theresa (Jeff's friend from college, currently working with gorillas, how awesome!), Jeff, and Henry versus us, Anna Rowe, and Macarena. Although they beat us to the docks, we beat them in spirit and fervor. We exhausted our vocal chords by harmonizing to "Let it Be", "A Hard Days Night", "Lucy in the Sky With Diamonds" and more. Our repertoire of Beatles songs was impressive: in total, a one hour duration. Occasionally, Jackson, our canoe guide, would enthusiastically chime in.
When we reached the island, we immediately jumped in the water, relishing in the fact that we had schisto free water to swim in. Exhausted after our first work-out in Uganda, we headed over to the restaurant, eager for food.
Two hours later... the food finally arrived. The menu was a refreshing break from the delicious, yet endless combinations of posho, matoke, and Indian food, which we have been surviving off of for the past week. Over the next few days, we gorged ourselves on chocolate/banana crepes, quesadillas, and fries with guacamole.
The next morning, Mattie woke up with the birds. A few hours later, when Emilia finally pulled out of her slumber, we ate breakfast and went for a swim. Macarena, Henry, Jeff, and Mattie swam to the other side of the island. Macarena easily left us behind with her impressive breast-stroke, Henry held his own, and Mattie and Jeff were left in their wake. Mattie said, "Jeff, you don't have to wait; you can go ahead." Jeff responded, "I would, but I'm going as fast as I can."
On the opposite shore, we met a Ugandan woman who was washing her clothes by the bank. She introduced herself as Rachel, and offered to show us around the island. We planned to meet in two hours- surely enough time to get lunch. However, we thought wrong, and showed up an hour late. She was gracious and forgiving, and she gave us a beautiful tour of the island's vegetation and community. She pointed out their crops- sweet potatoes, bananas, and avocado-, and brought us to her home to meet her baby boy, Kevin. The Ugandan kids came along on the tour, yet had an easier time with the hilly terrain (Jeff and Henry offered their backs as transport).
We walked back, went for another swim, and then Mattie beat all the Harvard/Princeton kids at a word game (Emilia wants to point out that she was occupied with DJing and solitaire).
The next morning, we reluctantly left the warmth of our beds, and hauled up wool blankets to watch the sunset. Candles were lit, and we hopped around in the dew-strewn grass in an attempt to keep our socks dry.
On the canoe ride home, the teams were: Emilia, Theresa, Jeff, and Henry versus Mattie, Macarena, and Anna Rowe. This time, Mattie's team won, despite the confidence that Emilia's team displayed at take-off.
A sad farewell to Theresa and a bumpy car ride later, we were sprawled over living room chairs, jamming with Ugandan drums and our new bud, Sam. For Henry's Last Supper, we dined at Agip, and came home to watch The Lion King. The next morning, we said our goodbyes to Henry and headed to school.
Back to posho, matoke, and Indian food!
xoxo
Mattie and Emilia
Monday, July 9, 2012
2,000 Feet Under
Evidence of Bullying
Sunrise snuggle
The old men
View from Deluxe Geo-Dome
The result of morning dew
Vitelline Masked Weaver
The whole crew
From the dock
Coming back, Team Emilia
What did you eat for lunch?
View from girls' room
Anna Rowe, Mattie, Emilia and Macarena
Early Mornin' Sunrise
The way there, Team Mattie
Henry, Theresa, and Jeff
Theresa, Anna Rowe, Mattie and Macarena
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)