Big City Boy with Big City Dreams

Today is our free day in Kampala, and probably the last time I'll be able to communicate to the world until I find settle in to my new site, find a place with internet, and have time to travel the 40km to get there from home.

I found a great internet cafe called Panorama Coffee Shop, located on the 9th floor in Kampala's largest skyscraper (the building has a staggering 14 floors). As promised with its name, it has a nice panorama of the city and free wireless! Now if I only had a hot shower and a clean shave, I'd basically be a millionaire.

I realize I haven't espoused too much on my host family. Tonight is my last night at home, and they're starting to miss me. My mom asked me what I wanted for dinner (pork and chips!) and they cooked especially for me. (It's strange how I'm starting to develop comfort foods here.) They are also insisting I come back for Christmas, and I told them I would at least stop by and say hi.

<-- This is part of my family and I last Saturday after our homestay thank-you lunch. Millie is the mom, who works in Kampala as some sort of farm supply trader. Esther is 10 and is in elementary school. She is very studious and gets excellent marks in school. Finally there is Elsie, my 3-year-old sister who keeps me sane by enabling me to act like a, well, 3-year-old when I need. Not pictured is Justus, my host dad, who was away at work, and Enook, my 13-year-old brother who was at boarding school.

Site Announcements!

"Peace Corps is a two-year camping trip during Lent."
-MJ, our 70-year-old volunteer who already served in Malawi.

Training is quickly winding down. Last week we had the trainee talent show where volunteers performed juggling acts, a ballet routine, break dancing, and I did a short stand-up bit (what do you call a deer with no eyes? No-eyed deer). On Thursday we have our Language Proficiency Interview, which I am by no means ready for. And next Tuesday we move out of our homestays for Kampala and then to our sites.

...Which brings me to my next point -- Our sites.

Site announcements were held today, with the Assistant Peace Corps Director (APCD) announcing one-by-one where everyone in our group of 42 was going. So, where will I be spending the next two years of my life? In Kamwenge district, in the mid-west of Uganda, near Queen Elizabeth National Park. The details are a bit general, but basically I think I'll be working with a local organization that works with local groups to develop projects and programs that promote health, education, and income. They also have a radio broadcast, which I think I'll be participating in! (Since college I have wanted to try my hand in radio but never took the initiative to try it out.)

For my living situation, my two sheets of information say "No Electricity," and "Well/Spring Water." I am "5+ km to the nearest town," and will have "No Internet Access." Living in rural Africa - Am I crazy? No, after all, this is what I signed up for!

My APCD was enthusiastic about my organization and the people I will be working with. She met with them on two drop-in occasions, each for about 4 hours. The only draw back so far is that she mentioned the latrine was "getting full..." But, she reassured, Peace Corps would come dig me a new one if I needed.

Phew.

So, next week it is off to Kampala, then swearing in on Thursday!


This photo is me during my stand-up routine at the talent show. If you look closely, Zach in the red shirt is almost laughing.