I made it to Uganda! I feel so blessed by the entire trip. In Chicago, one of my classmates, Megan, was on my flight to London. We talked before we got on the plane and then after we landed. It was nice to see her, hear what she is doing, and start my trip out with a Hellerite!
Literally, two minutes after I said goodbye to Megan, I entered the bathroom and met a woman who was also traveling to Uganda. Mind you, I had a ten hour lay-over in London and I thought it was a bit odd that someone happened to be on my Chicago flight who was also going to Uganda. She suggested that I go into the city with her and take a bus tour. Now, I have never been a big fan of bus tours. Somehow I have never thought it was the way to go- you really don’t get to experience the culture of a place, just see its buildings. Well, while I didn’t experience much direct British culture (with the exception of food ordering), I did see a great many buildings. I am even willing to publicly announce that bus tours are not a bad option! Especially if the public transportation might be confusing to get to various touristy areas. I had a wonderful time getting to know this woman (turns out she is from the area my brother lives!) and touring London with her. My hope is to be able to connect with her at least once while I am here.
After we returned to the airport, we spent some time having dinner, freshening up, and people watching in England’s best terminal (terminal 5). The flight to Uganda was incredibly empty with an odd mix of people. East Africans, study abroad students, older looking aid workers, missionaries, tourists, and the occasional volunteer. I must say, the steward staff were the best I have ever had! They were so nice, friendly, and talkative. I am going to assume that the majority, if not all, the people on this flight like to travel and enjoy cultures- so we generally all got along.
John, a local man, picked me up from the airport and I enjoyed the 4 hour drive to where I am currently. I asked him a lot of basic questions about the culture and society. He in returned, took it upon himself to play tour guide and point out various spots along the way (i.e. the Coca Cola factory, tea, sugar, and banana plantations, the section of the city that sells radios, etc.)
John dropped me off and I was warmly greeted by Lori, my new supervisor, and her puppy, Muffin. Lori is great- I am looking forward to working with her! And the puppy, well- she is super cute! I am kinda glad we have a dog since I have wanted one for so long.
