10 Things I Love About Kampala

1.) Ugandan men can shake it like no ones business.

            We went to a traditional Ugandan dance show and it was truly amazing. I do not think I will EVER be able to move my hips the way they can. I have tried… its not pretty.

2.) There is an italian market down the street with really good gelato.

            I didn’t see ANY ice cream in the north and it was soooo hot. Weird.

3.) We have a variety of food for our meals. Including, but not limited to, fresh fruit, granola, skim milk and brocolli! Oh, happy day!!

            I have made a pact with myself to not eat white rice for the rest of my time here.

4.) There is a Calvary Chapel in Kampala.

It was so nice to go to a service that was a little bit familiar. It felt like home; my brain could relax a little bit. Being in such a different cultural setting all the time, makes your head hurt and it is exhausting, so this was a wonderful breather.

5.) Real coffee

            No Nescafe instant nasty stuff J

6.) Going down town.

It is crazy and hectic and I have almost been run over a few times but I love it. There is so much culture and so many people. It will be nice when we get a better handle of public transport and know how to find our way around the city. One time I crossed the street, and then stupidly ran back because I got scared with cars coming at me. A Ugandan man came up and said, “No, No, No, you never stop! You keep going. They will not run you over. You are very expensive.” So that was interesting.

7.) There are completely different ways of interacting with people here.

For example, it is totally fine for men to grab you in the market and pull you toward their booth. One time I was walking and a guy really creepily peered from behind a stand of sunglasses and whispered, “I want to marry you” in my ear. I never saw his face, just began to walk a lot faster. It was a little scary. Also men say “You are my size” sometimes to you. I am still not 100% sure what that means. I don’t know if they legitimately mean we have the same pants size or they like what they see. Either way, it is a somewhat funny/unwarranted expression. Ok, I admit, number 7 is not really something I love about Kampala.

8.) We have a monkey named Simon who comes to visit us on our porch.

            It’s a monkey. So awesome. Enough said.

9.) We have access to Skype again.

I miss everyone so much. I cannot even express how much of a blessing it is to be able to talk to my lovely friends in SLO and my family. Praise God for technology, huh!? J

10.) I am reunited with Mallory.

            Yes, last but not least, Malsky. I missed her. Together, we can handle it all: male harassment, homesickness, crazy matatto death traps, diarrhea causing parasites, gorgeous Ugandan dancers...yep, what could be better?