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| street fashion-love the hat! |
The short rains have arrived...early it seems. It keeps catching us all out...
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| Waiting in the rain for the rugby to start |
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| Ugandan Cranes vs. Zimbabwe |
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Am sick
Showing posts with label Kampala. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Kampala. Show all posts
Wednesday, June 15, 2011
Images of Kampala
The short rains have arrived...early it seems. It keeps catching us all out...
Am sick
Sunday, June 12, 2011
An introduction to Boda-Polo
Yesterday saw boda-polo practice, hail and storms washing out 'Fun Day' at the 'w' place and farewell sundowners (for this lovely lady ) at the American Vice-Ambassador's (I think the American term in a DCM) beautiful home. Just another day in Kampala.
So, boda-polo. Polo on a boda-boda (a wee motorbike). A tournament is being held next week so a few friends and I signed-up for this (I can't remember agreeing, as I had obviously had too much to drink!) and decided we needed to get a practice in before the competition and meet the organiser.
We also had to get boda-bodas and drivers! We have as drivers- Helmet Hassan, Hat Hassan, Robert and as Alex had a puncture we took a random driver...can't remember his name. At the 'stage' (the boda-boda stand) we went through the important things- like learning our lefts and rights. Then we were good to go!
We then worked out a few rules; no stopping and no kicking the banana fibre ball with our feet. Ones like; 'only use the mallet with the right hand' and 'no driving over the ball' (!) were too hard to follow so quickly abandoned.
Most of the locals that became our spectators for a short time, seemed to enjoy the game (as did our boda drivers) and cheered when a goal was scored, however the football team that were also playing on the field at the same time were not so happy. We were reminded by them that boda-polo " is not even a real sport". We tried to stay to our side of the field after that!
All in all a good practice though. I learnt some new polo vocabulary, like 'chukka'. Plus, my American friend, Sib, never shouted out 'Marco' (polo) once!!
Our all-girl team is being followed by a photographer and we are being dressed for the tournament. We have reminded everyone that we are doing this for FUN and have no clue, but that did not deter the hype. (There are no photos of me at the practice, but I wish I had one, as I really didn't know what to wear to practice, I ended up looking like I was going to play golf on a horse...so getting 'dressed' for it is probably a good thing!!) We now need to think of an inappropriate name and a theme song!!??Ideas??
We all felt better after meeting the organiser and having a wee practice and hearing there would be an ambulance on site for the tournament!! (Ehhhh..no...not making us feel better!)
Oh, the things we do! I'll let you know how the tournament goes next weekend!
Juneathon Day 12
My buddy Tim is ill, so taking some down-time to get back on form. So I downloaded some new tunes for my longer run this morning. I ran from home in Bukoto, up the f'ing killer hill at Aga Khan again, around Kololo and down to Javas. I promised myself The Telegraph Expat and a coffee at the end of it, if I did over 10km.
Distance: 11.8 km Time: 1 hour 22 minutes Max Elevation 4 196ft Elevation gain: 970ft (that must be that killer hill...but seriously feels like more!)
Drinks at Javas: 4 (!)
Flies in drinks at Javas: 1
Photos of the Duchess of Cambridge in newspaper: 1
So, boda-polo. Polo on a boda-boda (a wee motorbike). A tournament is being held next week so a few friends and I signed-up for this (I can't remember agreeing, as I had obviously had too much to drink!) and decided we needed to get a practice in before the competition and meet the organiser.
We also had to get boda-bodas and drivers! We have as drivers- Helmet Hassan, Hat Hassan, Robert and as Alex had a puncture we took a random driver...can't remember his name. At the 'stage' (the boda-boda stand) we went through the important things- like learning our lefts and rights. Then we were good to go!
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| The field |
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| The game in action |
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| Sorry about the photo quality...I was supposed to be playing..! |
We then worked out a few rules; no stopping and no kicking the banana fibre ball with our feet. Ones like; 'only use the mallet with the right hand' and 'no driving over the ball' (!) were too hard to follow so quickly abandoned.
Most of the locals that became our spectators for a short time, seemed to enjoy the game (as did our boda drivers) and cheered when a goal was scored, however the football team that were also playing on the field at the same time were not so happy. We were reminded by them that boda-polo " is not even a real sport". We tried to stay to our side of the field after that!
All in all a good practice though. I learnt some new polo vocabulary, like 'chukka'. Plus, my American friend, Sib, never shouted out 'Marco' (polo) once!!
Our all-girl team is being followed by a photographer and we are being dressed for the tournament. We have reminded everyone that we are doing this for FUN and have no clue, but that did not deter the hype. (There are no photos of me at the practice, but I wish I had one, as I really didn't know what to wear to practice, I ended up looking like I was going to play golf on a horse...so getting 'dressed' for it is probably a good thing!!) We now need to think of an inappropriate name and a theme song!!??Ideas??
We all felt better after meeting the organiser and having a wee practice and hearing there would be an ambulance on site for the tournament!! (Ehhhh..no...not making us feel better!)
Oh, the things we do! I'll let you know how the tournament goes next weekend!
Juneathon Day 12
My buddy Tim is ill, so taking some down-time to get back on form. So I downloaded some new tunes for my longer run this morning. I ran from home in Bukoto, up the f'ing killer hill at Aga Khan again, around Kololo and down to Javas. I promised myself The Telegraph Expat and a coffee at the end of it, if I did over 10km.
Distance: 11.8 km Time: 1 hour 22 minutes Max Elevation 4 196ft Elevation gain: 970ft (that must be that killer hill...but seriously feels like more!)
Drinks at Javas: 4 (!)
Flies in drinks at Javas: 1
Photos of the Duchess of Cambridge in newspaper: 1
Wednesday, June 1, 2011
The Farmers and the Cowboys can be Friends...
For some strange reason, this song always pops into my head (that and the fitting, "I'm Gonna Wash That Man Right Out of My Hair"!). Yes, I loved singing along to Rogers and Hammerstein when I was younger, who didn't! I remember when my family were driving down from Scotland to Spain for our summer when I was about 10. My brother and I got to check-out some tapes from the local library (yes, you can do that!) for the long journey. My brother had a single, Guns N' Roses, Knockin' On Heavens Door (a single...!!!) and I had two whole tapes: Kylie and The Sound of Music. Oh the joys of road trips!!
Anyhow- totally off track.
I was on a boda this afternoon, heading for my run (yes, running to my run would be too much hard work today!) and I saw an Asian-Ugandan come out of one of the local schools, this is not really the norm. So I was there, on my boda, as I then passed a camel in Bukoto (!) and was thinking of the Asian-Ugandans and the Ugandans living together. The song then popped into my head.
Amin threw out Asians (Indians) in 1972, after spreading Indophobia, to hand control of Uganda to Ugandans. The returned Asian-Ugandans (allowed to claim land/assets in 1990 after their expulsion) seem to have come back with (some) little money, but land and/or assets. They may not have been rich in the country they fled too but many now run thriving businesses here in Kampala; shops, banks, restaurants etc One well known Asian-Ugandan will proudly tell you he was a London taxi driver when his family fled Uganda and he now owns one third on Kampala (we all know who that is...). I was just thinking, though, about whether the Farmers and the Cowboys can really be friends?
Then I got off my boda, noticed my toe was nearly sticking out of my trainer and headed for the treadmill.
Juneathon Day 1
I have a really sore thigh today-I really think the pole dancing (!) on Saturday night is to blame! But since it is only Day 1 of Juneathon I was determined to do SOMETHING. So I ran (an embarrassing 3 km-I detest treadmills, sooo boring) and hung out in the gym doing sit-ups, arm thingys and texting people. I have now spent 15 minutes of my evening trying to see if I can get this info logged int my profile...an realised I should have worn my Garmin. Sometimes I hate technology! It is a start- hoping Day 2 will be better!
Anyhow- totally off track.
I was on a boda this afternoon, heading for my run (yes, running to my run would be too much hard work today!) and I saw an Asian-Ugandan come out of one of the local schools, this is not really the norm. So I was there, on my boda, as I then passed a camel in Bukoto (!) and was thinking of the Asian-Ugandans and the Ugandans living together. The song then popped into my head.
Amin threw out Asians (Indians) in 1972, after spreading Indophobia, to hand control of Uganda to Ugandans. The returned Asian-Ugandans (allowed to claim land/assets in 1990 after their expulsion) seem to have come back with (some) little money, but land and/or assets. They may not have been rich in the country they fled too but many now run thriving businesses here in Kampala; shops, banks, restaurants etc One well known Asian-Ugandan will proudly tell you he was a London taxi driver when his family fled Uganda and he now owns one third on Kampala (we all know who that is...). I was just thinking, though, about whether the Farmers and the Cowboys can really be friends?
Then I got off my boda, noticed my toe was nearly sticking out of my trainer and headed for the treadmill.
Juneathon Day 1
I have a really sore thigh today-I really think the pole dancing (!) on Saturday night is to blame! But since it is only Day 1 of Juneathon I was determined to do SOMETHING. So I ran (an embarrassing 3 km-I detest treadmills, sooo boring) and hung out in the gym doing sit-ups, arm thingys and texting people. I have now spent 15 minutes of my evening trying to see if I can get this info logged int my profile...an realised I should have worn my Garmin. Sometimes I hate technology! It is a start- hoping Day 2 will be better!
Tuesday, May 31, 2011
Images from the weekend
Sundowners, the last bottle of wine from South Africa, dinner by candlelight under the stars, recovering at my friend's house (before 30 twelve year olds arrived!) and the ONLY photo from my friend's hen night!
Monday, May 23, 2011
Community Development Project
Oh, I have been so excited about completing and sharing this project!
The Community Development Club at school, that my friend Erika and I lead have been linking up with a local school for the deaf. We have been learning sign language (don't test me though!) and we had a big 'Survivor' event to raise money for the school.
The children in the club decided that the dining hall needed a renovation.
Over the past month broken window panes were replaced, curtains were made along with curtain rails, new plastic bowls and cutlery purchased for the lunches and tables were made to measure. The chalkboard was even given a face-lift!
The best part (and the most time consuming!) was painting the mural. The pupils decided on the design and an arty teacher friend, Esther, drew all the outlines and directed us (read led) with the painting.
It has been a long process but a lot of fun. We had to recruit other teacher friends to help with all the hard to reach bits!!!
We sang, gossiped, wobbled on ladders and tables (!), 'nearly died' (well-that was Esther!),danced, took photos, ate far too many Pringles and painted...and painted...and painted!
All the hours were worth it! The 'grand opening' of the hall was today-with the usual Ugandan pomp and ceremony. The pupils (at both schools) were amazed at what we had ALL achieved! So were we!
The Community Development Club at school, that my friend Erika and I lead have been linking up with a local school for the deaf. We have been learning sign language (don't test me though!) and we had a big 'Survivor' event to raise money for the school.
The children in the club decided that the dining hall needed a renovation.
Over the past month broken window panes were replaced, curtains were made along with curtain rails, new plastic bowls and cutlery purchased for the lunches and tables were made to measure. The chalkboard was even given a face-lift!
The best part (and the most time consuming!) was painting the mural. The pupils decided on the design and an arty teacher friend, Esther, drew all the outlines and directed us (read led) with the painting.
It has been a long process but a lot of fun. We had to recruit other teacher friends to help with all the hard to reach bits!!!
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| Our favourite wee man! |
We sang, gossiped, wobbled on ladders and tables (!), 'nearly died' (well-that was Esther!),danced, took photos, ate far too many Pringles and painted...and painted...and painted!
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| "I can't see! I can't see!" |
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| "Ahhh. That's better!" |
All the hours were worth it! The 'grand opening' of the hall was today-with the usual Ugandan pomp and ceremony. The pupils (at both schools) were amazed at what we had ALL achieved! So were we!
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| After a long morning painting...think the fumes went to our heads! Erika, Esther and I |
Well done team! x
Tuesday, May 17, 2011
Red Sky at Night
I managed to fit 8 guests for Spanish cook-club in my tiny apartment last week. This in itself deserves a post.
A table, chairs, spoons, plates and bowls were borrowed from neighbours and friends.
As I was setting up home, the African sun set and the colours matched all the fruit in the sangria.
I have only time for one more Kampala cook club...but I love the theme so I cannot wait! Next month it will be Robyn's favourite dishes...horray...hand clap for Stacy who thought of it!
A table, chairs, spoons, plates and bowls were borrowed from neighbours and friends.
As I was setting up home, the African sun set and the colours matched all the fruit in the sangria.
I have only time for one more Kampala cook club...but I love the theme so I cannot wait! Next month it will be Robyn's favourite dishes...horray...hand clap for Stacy who thought of it!
Tuesday, May 10, 2011
Foreigner
A visitor to my blog, who is new to Kampala, asked for some advice on where/how to meet people. I thought I would write this wee piece and hopefully help D settle in at the same time.
Foreigner
The call of 'mzungu, mzungu ' no longer makes me feel like a stranger in a strange land. I hear it as I run along the dirt road, avoiding potholes and rubbish, listening to my buddy chat away over my heavy breathing. I don't feel like aforeigner, I just look it perhaps. I now feel 'at home', surrounded by my Kampala family; my friends.
When out celebrating my friend's birthday on the weekend, she toasted to her family that were celebrating with her, us, her friends. All expats feel like that I think. Having amazing adventures and experiences in wild and wonderful places is no fun if you have nobody to share it with. Our friends that we meet abroad, become our family.
So how do you meet them?
Well, I wrote a little bit about this on my Around the World post, but I will give you more details of my experiences.
The Eye Magazine is a good place to start. It is online, but the magazine is easily picked up around town (at Banana Boat and the such). There is something for everyone - ceilidh dancing, salsa lessons, sailing clubs, bowling clubs etc.
I do have to admit that as an international teacher, I do have it easy. Teachers and expat families remember what it was like in a new place and give advice on hiring staff, directions to the best hairdresser in town and numbers for their trusted tailor. But it is still so important (and refreshing) to have a life outside the 'w' thing. I joined the Hash House Harriers straight away (and I will do the same in Nairobi), a great place to meet some running buddies and friends. My yoga teacher, Helle (whose number is in The Eye) offers rooibos tea and often encourages people to stay and share after the session and get to know new faces. From yoga I met friends who were forming a book club etc etc, links to an all important social life are made.
When I first moved to Kuwait I joined anything and everything to meet people in the hope of meeting friends. The netball league, the choir and the chamber orchestra. I learnt how to dive (and went to dive socials...on quiet weeks!!), went to the Caledonian Society weekly and hashed. I then met friends and left most (not all) of those clubs! I am sure I will do something similar in Nairobi, then I will meet new people, who will hopefully become friends and then my Kenyan family. Friends to celebrate birthdays with, moan with on a rough day, train for the NYC marathon with (!!!), shop with and experience new adventures with.
I'm still a 'mzungu', but no longer a 'foreigner' in the land that I have chosen, for now, to be my home.
Monday, May 9, 2011
The Bucket List
I met with a friend for coffee after the 'w' thing today. It was lovely to have some 'face time' with her, rather than just reading about all her happenings on her blog. She is also leaving Kampala this June and we shared things we are looking forward to, things that we would miss and contacts for freight companies! It was so lovely that now I am shaking my head and sighing at the thought of uprooting and leaving my comfortable little world that I created here in Kampala.
I'm not feeling sorry for myself. It is my choice to go and I am excited to start a new adventure, but it is always hard to leave friends and familiarity.
So positive thoughts only!
When I leave in June it will be more of an 'hasta luego' than a 'goodbye' . I know I'll be back. But I still have a wee bucket list of things I would like to do/do again, with friends before I leave. Time just flies and with at least two weekends-away already booked, I don't want to make my list too extensive and become a stressful 'to-do' list.
My Kampala Bucket List (edited on 13.06.11)
Lunch at Rocks and Roses
Make it back to church one Sunday!
Stay on Andy's Farm (a friend of a friend who has land by the lake) - not going to happen
Get to Helle's yoga for a last Wednesday and Saturday session - can't see this happening either..
Help host a final cook club
Sit by the pool for at least 3 hours straight, one sunny day
Visit Owino market (this is in pencil...)- rubbing this one out
Play at least 2 more games of tennis I'll try and fit one in!
Play at least 2 more games of tennis I'll try and fit one in!
Have a last mani and pedi by Denis in June
Is this it? I think I have forgotten a few - I will add to the list as I remember them. Any more suggestions?
Sunday, May 8, 2011
Sunday's run
My text: "Please tell me your sick."
The reply:"Nope. Rolling out of bed."
No escaping the early-morning long run today. Tim is hardcore, Jillian Michaels has nothing on him! What will I do without my coach in Nairobi!?
We ran past a tank and police, gathered in groups, waiting, being seen. Passed the sleepy market where grasshoppers are on sale again (although they don't seem to be 'in season'!), passed the airstrip where three tank were delivered this week and where a 'party' will be held to celebrate the inauguration of the President on Thursday.
It seemed eerily quiet in the city, we became a little paranoid, but perhaps everyone just partied hard last night. Tim and I were also quiet on the run today. Thirsty, saving energy and lost in thoughts. I realised at one stage I had my mouth closed and was breathing through my nose (I have been trying to do this for years!!)...surely a sign that I am becoming a runner...a slow one...but a runner.
The reply:"Nope. Rolling out of bed."
No escaping the early-morning long run today. Tim is hardcore, Jillian Michaels has nothing on him! What will I do without my coach in Nairobi!?
We ran past a tank and police, gathered in groups, waiting, being seen. Passed the sleepy market where grasshoppers are on sale again (although they don't seem to be 'in season'!), passed the airstrip where three tank were delivered this week and where a 'party' will be held to celebrate the inauguration of the President on Thursday.
It seemed eerily quiet in the city, we became a little paranoid, but perhaps everyone just partied hard last night. Tim and I were also quiet on the run today. Thirsty, saving energy and lost in thoughts. I realised at one stage I had my mouth closed and was breathing through my nose (I have been trying to do this for years!!)...surely a sign that I am becoming a runner...a slow one...but a runner.
Saturday, May 7, 2011
Weekend Celebrations
I closed my eyes as I did a final lap swimming in the sun this morning. A wonderful start to the weekend, a fantastic celebration to the end of a good week in Uganda.
I started to write my bucket list of things I want to do in Kampala before I leave (I will share these another time) and I am, going to soak it all up before I go.
It is a good friend's birthday today - she is a strong and powerful, independent woman who makes me, and all around her, laugh out loud. We are going to start the day off with mimosas (she is American..bucks fizz to you and me!) and a day at a spa at the boutique hotel in town. I feel like it is my birthday! I know if there is trouble to be found and fun to be had, we will be the ones to find it today.
And I have more birthdays next weekend...horray for celebrating life!
I started to write my bucket list of things I want to do in Kampala before I leave (I will share these another time) and I am, going to soak it all up before I go.
It is a good friend's birthday today - she is a strong and powerful, independent woman who makes me, and all around her, laugh out loud. We are going to start the day off with mimosas (she is American..bucks fizz to you and me!) and a day at a spa at the boutique hotel in town. I feel like it is my birthday! I know if there is trouble to be found and fun to be had, we will be the ones to find it today.
And I have more birthdays next weekend...horray for celebrating life!
Wednesday, May 4, 2011
Artists for a night
Yesterday evening a few lucky friends and I took a workshop with a visiting South African artist, (our friend's mum!). The mantra was repeated again and again; "If you can trace, you can do it." Hmmmm.
It reminded me of my weekend drawing classes in Kuwait, just with wine instead of Kirsten's baking and no tears...only sweat!
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| Oh dear...more 'puffing' needed! |
We giggled, scratched heads, took photographs during the power cut, drank wine, spilt varnish, ate pizza and attempted to create master pieces! Thank you artist June for being patient with us!
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| This one was mine - I was going for simple! |
It reminded me of my weekend drawing classes in Kuwait, just with wine instead of Kirsten's baking and no tears...only sweat!
Anyone know where I can take art classes in Nairobi?
Saturday, April 30, 2011
Wedding Celebrations in Kampala
How can I not write about the Royal Wedding!?
Yesterday was quite surreal though. My friend, Jane, and I were up early and baked about 6 dozen scones - we were going to head to a champagne brunch to watch the wedding.
Then the text messages started coming through about the riots in pockets of Kampala. Not long after, we started to hear nearby explosions and the smell of tear gas started to waft through the garden.
Change of plans.
We found the BBC coverage on a Kenyan TV channel and decided to stay put. Jane and I 'ohhhed' and 'ahhhhed' at the outfits and hats (more of a 'noooooo' for Beatrice and Eugenie!!), munching on scones (there were many!) and drinking pots of Earl Grey tea, forgetting about life outside the safety of the house for a few hours.
I thought it was just such a beautiful wedding and I can't stop looking at the photographs of beautiful Kate and the dresses on the Internet.
Kampala is quiet again this morning. But it is clear that the quiet won't last. Museveni's heavy handedness when dealing with opposition is now making world news and eyebrows have been raised.
So, in short, I'm not sick of reading about the Royals in the news.
PS- Can anyone pick me up a copy of 'Hello' on Thursday and save it for me??
Yesterday was quite surreal though. My friend, Jane, and I were up early and baked about 6 dozen scones - we were going to head to a champagne brunch to watch the wedding.
Then the text messages started coming through about the riots in pockets of Kampala. Not long after, we started to hear nearby explosions and the smell of tear gas started to waft through the garden.
Change of plans.
We found the BBC coverage on a Kenyan TV channel and decided to stay put. Jane and I 'ohhhed' and 'ahhhhed' at the outfits and hats (more of a 'noooooo' for Beatrice and Eugenie!!), munching on scones (there were many!) and drinking pots of Earl Grey tea, forgetting about life outside the safety of the house for a few hours.
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| Not the worst place to be stuck watching the wedding! |
I thought it was just such a beautiful wedding and I can't stop looking at the photographs of beautiful Kate and the dresses on the Internet.
Kampala is quiet again this morning. But it is clear that the quiet won't last. Museveni's heavy handedness when dealing with opposition is now making world news and eyebrows have been raised.
So, in short, I'm not sick of reading about the Royals in the news.
 |
| wedding photos |
PS- Can anyone pick me up a copy of 'Hello' on Thursday and save it for me??
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