Safely in Uganda

I arrived ok in Uganda and met Isaac before setting off on the drive to Mukono. I was totally taken back by what I saw on the way. Really basic and poor stuff, even when passing through the capital! There were mud shacks, wooden stalls just made from a few sticks, property agents consisting of some guys hanging around a handwritten sign, people carrying large things on their heads and much more. I didn’t even know what to take photos of so I decided to just take it in. 

Here are some photos from the first day that I did manage to take:

First Meal

Opening up the donations

Loving the skipping rope but still noob

Isaac then told me of how he came to start this volunteer organization he runs. It was a fascinating story starting with him struggling to get through school as he had no money. He had to work at a stone quarry for less than $1 a day to try pay for school fees. He went through around 20 schools during secondary school as he was basically going until he got kicked out for not paying school fees. Eventually he got a general servant job at some guy’s house who after a while offered to pay for a vocational school (TAFE) to learn about camera work. He eventually got a job documenting some poverty stricken areas for the government where he came across women who making some kind of artsy jewellery. He tried to sell it in Kampala but had no luck. Fortunately, after a few months of walking 3-4 hours each way he came across some Canadians who were interested. After taking some samples back, they apparently sold well and Isaac was able to get have these women create these jewllery pieces for a living. This venture grew but a new problem soon emerged. Many of these women had HIV so some started to die leaving their children behind. Naturally they couldn’t stay in the provided child care center so an orphanage started. Up until this point all staff were local volunteers and Isaac was encouraged to look into having international volunteers come over and help out. Without going into more detail, the projects expanded into 36 districts, the jewelley making expanded as well.

I will talk more about the house and people in it next time. But it's great and the kids are really cute and happy. 

Ethiopian Airport

Stopping by the Ethiopian airport was interesting. The transit lounge was like a small shopping center. Gritty and cozy. I was really hungry so I had to get myself the cheeseburger. I think it’s only a matter of time before burgers are no longer an option! The meat was really good. The beef pattie had a slight, salami like cured flavour.

I haven’t had access to the internet so I might be writing up my Ugandan stories so far with a little delay this week.

Second and Last Day in Thailand

The next day in Thailand was packed with adventure. In the morning I took a tuk-tuk to various landmarks and got a Swedish oil massage before taking a taxi to Tarnie’s bf’s house. From there Tarnie took me by scooter to eat at a very cool market. We also fed some humongous fish near the house, drank coke from a plastic bag and took a boat across a large river from where we went to another market. Finally we met up with the rest of the pack and headed to an all you can eat Thai BBQ. I was super tired so although sad to leave, I looked forward to resting at the airport… but it was not to be.

Last Meal

I had stored my two large suitcases at the airport so with my 3 carry-ons, I went to pick them up. I then walked quite a while to line up for check-in and after a few minutes, realized my carry-on suitcase was missing! I thought it may have been stolen but figured that I forgot it at the suitcase storage service area.

I quickly rushed back with my two large suitcases and carry ons. Very fast but reasonably calm. I left it in such a way that it wasn’t obviously forgotten. I had a lot of trouble finding the place this time though but when I did my bag was there. So back again I rushed back with my massive trolley. It was quite fun but I was dripping wet by the time I was back in line!

This is one thing I noticed about Thailand. The humidity makes you sweat all the time. But it’s actually alright because it’s not smelly sweat and everyone else is sweating so there’s no need to worry about it! :)

I didn’t have time to eat as my plane was supposed to board but instead, I got stuck for 40 minutes after the boarding ticket processing. I was really hungry but once on the plane, my tiredness overcame me.

Going to Thailand

On the flight to Thailand, I sat next to a seedy Indian dude who was offering some kind of dodgy dating service where he could introduce me to 22yo Aussie med students for long term relationships. Apparently I'm supposed to show up on my own at night at Meadow Inn in Fawkner. 

At least he taught me that I can get gin and tonic in addition to my usual Apple juice. I asked for straight him and got a pretty large amount! Twice! This put my right to sleep. Alcohol used rather than abused is infinitely useful.

After I landed and caught a taxi to my hotel, I showered and realised that there was no towel in my room so I had to use the next day's shirt. I also had a banana, egg and chocolate pancake. Very good! A fried scorpion however want that great.

I then met up with my friend Tarnie and get bf followed up by the rest of her friends. It was nice catching up and just relaxing and laughing. I was quite happy lol. We all got really drunk but I made sure to drink a lot of water to avoid a hangover. It worked!

Almost there

I am merely one hour away from my trip to Uganda. Although Fortune smiled upon me and cancelled a connecting flight which means I will start this holiday with a day in Thailand!  I have gathered a lot of clothing donations, $400 in cash (it will go to building a chicken coup business and a transport vehicle) and some toys and books too. 

Here is a photo of all the stuff I had to pack into suitcases. And there's more off-camera!

It was quite stressful packing all those things. Luckily they allowed me to board with a few extra kilos. I have around 52kg in tota!

I had trouble getting my old smart phone unlocked so I'm taking my new Samsung S3. Also taking an old one for when I am likely to get mugged.

Just like before China, I cannot imagine the adventures I will have and the wonderful people I will meet. It's going to be a great adventure and I still can't feel it coming or imagine what it will be like.