Mad Men Mania

Why does having a 'good old' cry, watching Carrie getting jilted at the steps of the library make us feel better? ( I don't just cry watching this, but near hyperventilate...saddo!) I specifically chose a weepy, it's like choosing Out of Africa, or the Bridge of Madison County...is it good, feeling bad? No more movies, a series then...

So, I started watching Mad Men (I am four seasons behind,so don't spoil it for me) which is depressing as hell, but addictive all the same.

Yesterday, after a friend's comment at the salon, I decided to go all out with the Mad Men obsession. I got my hair flicked out, my nails painted in 'go faster' red/orange (which made me run faster this morning too!), put on my pearls and my Mad Men 'hits-you-where-it-hits-you' dress and wore red lipstick. I was even tempted to buy some Lucky Strikes, but as I don't smoke, thought that was taking it a bit far! Anyhow, it was great! I felt just as depressed as the women depicted in the show! Marvellous. Mind you, I would have cheered up if Don Draper walked into the room!

No Mad Men tonight for me! I think I'll watch the Jungle Book.

Holey Moley

Everybody who knows Kampala, knows it is no shoppers paradise.

I have been looking forward to getting  few new pieces when I go home this summer. I have for a while. Now am I counting down the days until a mini shopping spree!

My VIV (very  Important Visitor), Kerry, came out for safari, looking lovely, dressed head to toe in Primarni (a shop I have only ever walked in and out of empty handed when I see the queues!) and made me feel quite unglamourous.

"No Robyn, (she would say) your clothes are nice. I just wouldn't wear the ones with holes in anymore! Did you wear that when your Mum visited!?" (Actually yes I did, in the secret hope that my mum would then buy some new clothes for me...it hasn't worked, yet, maybe in the summer!!!)

Or... (my glamorous visitor says)

"Eh,I think there is something missing from that bikini...like elastic!!! I really think it is time you throw out that bikini top."

Oh bugger, the hand washing really is ruining my clothes! I've just purchased a new bikini online and am hoping that I'll have a washing machine in Nairobi!

Reading my set literature for the holidays!

Today's problem

Since today I do not want to have to deal with any real problems; like...I don't know...finding a job!! I have found a new one that I can enjoy solving!

What shall I wear to my brother's wedding?

Obviously this day is not ALL ABOUT ME...but still, I want to look nice.

I do get worried about being introduced as, "This is Robyn...She lives in Uganda," and with a nod of sympathy I will then be excused for my outfit, made more so with the addition of Jesus' sandals! Actually sod it, maybe I should go wearing a friggin' gomesi!!!

Waiting for the buffet at the wedding...
wearing the Ugandan national dress.

I don't have this worry for my fabulous friend Jo's wedding, that outfit has been chosen for me.

Jokes aside, I am thinking fabulous shoes from  Chie Mihara and a simple yet tres chic dress. The wedding will be in Ireland, ceilidh dancing will not be occurring (actually this needs double checking)-so I am not going to be wearing flats.


Obviously my outfit will not be found in Kampala...so the online hunt begins!

3 Beautiful Things in Kampalala

Sundowners, safari, school

• This evening I shared sundowners, dinner and dessert wine, with my wonderful friend. Admiring the ever changing, ever dramatic African sky. We shared things that made our weekend beautiful (lovely new leather boots) and things that made our weekend tough (the invoice of the new boots!!). It is that time of year where we teachers decide; "should I stay or should I go?" We are undecided. I had to remind her that she wants to leave the country (does she?) so ...we shared our 'beautiful things'. There were many. This sharing, this friendship, is one of my beautiful things.
• I love the fact that on long weekends and holidays I can jump in my car with  friends and go on safari. Friends in Europe are (can I say it..?) envious of, what they think to be a decadent extravagance; where it is in fact a cheap and cheerful trip.
• There is no doubt about it that I do, (in the world of teaching) have an easy job. I do not have to spend my weekends planning and preparing lessons. I can enjoy my life! I have time for online courses, tennis lesson, half marathon training, RUT (Robyn's Ugandan Trips) planning and sundowners.

Easy decision! RUT will be shortly be taking bookings for 2011-2012!!

Special sundowner skies in Uganda.





I kid you not!

The Royal Ascot of Kampala was on Saturday- no horses raced, or hens (Mairi) but goats. Organised by the owner of the school I work in, but an event open to all. Good friends of mine (the returnees) arrived by helicopter (apparently I didn't make the weight limit !) and others by boda-boda. Fashion was flaunted; from flip flops and kikoys, to feathered hats and kilts. I got dressed up for my day at the races and was pleased that I brought a hat back from Scotland; I was even interviewed by Ugandan television about it's designer...!! Ha!

The highlight of the day for me was watching the races in the sunshine whilst drinking pink champagne with strawberries. Others were happy to stay in the VIP tent, not worried that they did not see a goat all day.

Billy-the Kid and Goatzilla looked on fine form!

They needed a little encouragement!

A little help from a mattress was needed!

Day turned into night, turned into day again! I am just wondering if the goat races are a good enough reason to stay for one more year!?

The Most Beautiful Shoes in the World.

Once upon a time, I lived in Kuwait. I earned a substantial amount of money and I also spent a substantial amount of money... on pretty things- Mulberry bags, Kurt Geiger shoes and dresses from Reiss. Oh how I loved dressing in my pink sparkly shoes or my polka dot dress.

Those days are, for the time being, over. My bags are in dust covers and I wear Africa-friendly clothes, namely; Jesus sandals and shorts. Oh, apart from last night, at an art exhibition, where I received a compliment (or what I think was one, it was hard to tell, because it came from a man!) saying that I looked good, very "London-fashion" ....yes, I was wearing shorts...but I did have heels on- quite the novelty!
I am reminded of my old fashion-loving self every now and again when an e-mail arrives into my account to announce the new collection for this or that. These e-mails are usually deleted before they are opened,I remind myself that it would not be fair for such items of beauty to be brought to Africa, where they would be  couped-up in a cupboard (that, and the fact that having an empty purse makes it much harder to buy pretty things). But recently I have been spending many hours gazing at the most beautiful shoes in the world.  My favourites...well I have so many, but aren't the VICENZA C - INDI CASTAÑO divine...and soooo practical for Uganda!!!
Yesterday I had to par-take in some retail therapy to get over the most beautiful shoes in the world. I came back with a bunch of flowers!
Next weekend I am getting all dressed up for the Ascot of Kampala; The Goat Races. I have a hat and a pretty dress and on my feet I will be wearing...flip flops!!!