Kampala, Uganda

August 18-23, 2011

We weren’t planning on staying that long, but we were having so much fun with the Nicholsons! First day in Kampala and I learned how dangerous boda bodas can be. Boda bodas are motorcycles that people use as taxis. Now, they have zero rules to follow and refuse to drive safely. It’s also rare that you see a driver or passenger with a helmet. As we were turning into the parking lot to pick up their munchkins from the bus, a boda boda drove into the side of the car as he was trying to pass us. Now, I’m not sure how he missed a giant blue Prado but this is Africa.

During our trip, Angie introduced us to Banana Boat, a great Ugandan handicraft store. http://www.bananaboat.co.ug/home.php We bought several of the baskets, a mask (for the mask wall), and a few other knick knacks. Also, just in case you ever need it, there is a great bookstore, Aristoc, in Garden Center on the third level. We were able to find travel books and maps to prevent us from getting lost in the future. At least that’s my theory.

Had breakfast on Sunday at 1000 Cups. A great little coffee shop in downtown Kampala filled with knick knacks. I bought a painting of a woman carrying a package and Liam acquired a few spears. Checked off spears on the weaponry souvenirs. I wonder when spear throwing practice will begin? I should have thought about that before I tried to convince him to buy the bigger spear. Liam pointed out a guy wearing a Mississippi State polo. I didn’t get a chance to go ask him where he was from because when we were done eating he was long gone. Man, Mississippians are everywhere.

We went to the Kasubi tombs. (Here’s the link about them http://whc.unesco.org/en/list/1022/) The four kings who are buried there are the last four kings of the Buganda tribe. Sadly, someone maliciously burned down the original tomb that had been there for over a hundred years last year. It was a beautiful thatched hut. They are in the process of rebuilding the tomb. In the room where we were told the history of the tribe, the walls were covered in bark cloth paintings. Bark cloth is made from a fig tree. They peel the bark off of the tree and beat it with a hammer until it is smooth. Then, the pieces of cloth are sewn together to make fabric. This fabric is used for traditional clothing

(though not as much now since they have access to brilliant fabrics) and paintings. We bought a painting of an elephant. Here’s more information about bark cloth - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uhznFtHhkBo

We also went to the Ugandan museum. When we arrived, there was no one there. Thus, we had our own private tour guide who walked around with Lila, Aiden (Brad and Angie’s munchkins aka Tater and Bean), Liam, and I and explained all of the exhibits. There was a large section of history, information on the Olympics, transportation, development, weapons, toys, etc. They also had a section on Ankole cattle. I’m a little bit excited to see them as we drive across Uganda into Rwanda. I want to get some pictures of those horns. They had the traditional drums and xylophone of the Buganda tribe in the museum

and we played a little bit. I fell in love with the sound of one of the gigantic bass drums and am now on a hunt to buy one for our house. It might become our new alarm when you are a guest at our house!!!!

Aiden and Lila are hysterical. They had Liam and I in stitches with the random things that they said. Gotta love brilliant babies with a sense of humor. Seriously, they kill me.

We ate at quite a few yummy restaurants. Liam spent some time at the embassy learning about what his future jobs will entail. Kampala offers a lot for Liam professionally and I think he would really enjoy working there.

We also discovered that all of our household goods, unaccompanied baggage and consumables are in Dar and should be at our house within a week to ten days of us returning back to Tanzania! WOO HOO! We will have more than four plates and our stoneware to start baking! Cause this girl is ready for a batch of brownies.

Did I mention the Red Pepper? Red Pepper is Kampala’s trashy tabloid paper. It’s not something I would typically read. But, once you start reading, the crazy phrases make you giggle and before you know it – you are laughing hysterical at the absurdity. Here’s a perfect example: “Kimbugwe Nakaweesl, the outspoken woman activist has finally answered the mind-boggling question about the type and size of her panty.” Really that’s news worthy. “As you’ve always read in these pages, celebrity couple, Patriq Kanyomozi and Rahmah Mbabazi will begin the journey to legalize their

bonking sprees on September 18 with an introduction ceremony.” The verbage is priceless. And at just under a dollar – this news rag is literally worth every penny.

The owner of the house the Nicholsons live in was having the road repaved. Angie said let's grab our cameras and take pictures of the guys mixing the ashpalt on the side of the road. I had never seen it mixed over an open flame - but the guys were putting a road together. I got some great shots of the guys hamming it up for the camera! And of a jackfruit that was nearby.

Sadly, our time in Kampala came and went to quickly! I have no doubt we will be back soon to visit the Nicholsons! There is a lot more of Uganda I would like to visit!