Iffy Internet

I am starting to get back on track after having some internet troubles for the past 2 weeks. The first 2 days that we were here the internet worked perfectly and I think that we all immediately took it for granted. Then all hell broke loose and it was down and has been back up but only working on one computer since we have been here. Also, after the first week or so of having very consistent power we have started to have all sorts of troubles with that. Steep learning curve I guess but as long as my computer and iPod have a battery I am content for at least a few hours while the power is down. So far when it goes down I have found that a good way of passing time is by climbing on the roof. There isn’t a whole lot to see (and the kids who live near-by go nuts)but sometimes the sunsets are pretty cool to check out. So after being here for 2 weeks there are a few main things that I have noticed that I will briefly get out.

Firstly; they love to interact with white people. Going through a crowded place you end up having nearly everyone stare at you. Some of the children will look and laugh while some of the younger kids are terrified and being to cry uncontrollably (It isn’t just me, it has happened to other people too). They greet you very warmly with a big smile but usually as the relationship moves on they eventually end up asking you for something. Most of their interactions with white people have been with aid organizations so they are usually expecting something when they meet someone as pale as myself. It has been difficult to try to conduct business thus far with people who are immediately expecting a hand-out.

Secondly; there has been a vacuum of culture. I guess it’s from all of the civil wars and the terror that these people have been living under for decades. My perception of Uganda would be a rich cultural area where tribal customs and crafts remain preserved. Tribes have been reduced to clans that organize a group of people are families are mostly for watching over each other. The only type of cultural activity that I can see that’s around is pot making. Lots of goods are imported from India, Taiwan, and China that are cheap and I’m told that if you are looking for good crafts, most of them are imported from Kenya or Ethiopia.

The food is a bit of a disappointment as well. Ugandans are eager to start their own businesses and get involved with growing crops but aren’t really willing to go out on a limb and try something new. Cassava, maize, sunflowers, and some fruits and vegetables are what consist of the Ugandan diet. Not a lot of spices are involved and the food tastes rather bland.

Most of this is a bit heart-breaking but there is a new generation (and it’s a large generation, Ugandans love having kids) that will be growing up in probably the most peaceful time Uganda has seen in years. With the Northern-Uganda based rebel group, the LRA, on the latter end of peace talks it looks like the immediate future is bright for Ugandans.