On paper our travel itinerary looked manageable. Both our flights to London and then to Africa were overnight. It seemed this arrangement would help ease our bodies into the 7 hour time difference. That was simply not so. Although our travel ran smoothly, our bodies responded to the exhausting demands of jetsetting.
After making our way from the airport in Etebbe to Kampala we stopped at a couple places before heading to Simon and Harriet's home. This is where we would be hosted for the day prior to leaving for Pallisa Thursday.
One of these stops was a cafe called Steers (a favorite western-style cafe). Simon ran an errand while Andrea and I sat and people watched. It is hard to describe the bustle of an African city. As Andrea put it, there is nothing to compare it to. Simon describes it as disorganized. As we continue to watch the sea of pedestrians move past the cafe windows and provide our reactions, a familiar face entered my view. I yelled, "Patrick!" as I moved to get the attention of a Young Life friend from Pallisa. What are the odds that I would see an old friend in the midst of so many strangers! He and his friend joined us for a soda and we promised to meet up in Pallisa in a few days. He was only in Kampala till Thursday as well.
After another quick stop at the Young Life office to meet YL Uganda's newest staff member, Rogers, we arrived at Simon's for a late lunch. Harriet prepared a yummy spread for us which was much appreciated after 2 days of airports and planes. Trying best to keep our eyes open and catch up with our hosts, we were ushered into our rooms to rest soon after eating.
What followed after our nap can best be described as a social intermission. We would return to bed for 13 hours!! During this time we chatted and laughed with 4 of Simon's children (including the baby of 20 months, Don Bosco). Simon's other children (3) are boarders at their respective schools. Don stole the show for Andrea. Demanding her attention by addressing her as, "Auntie" and dancing. Once we returned to sleep we asked to be woken up for dinner. I don't remember this, but Andrea says Simon woke us at 9 for dinner and I replied, "No, sleeping" and rolled over. I was down for the count. Rest assured I apologized for my shortness the next morning to Simon. He completely understood our need for sleep.
Turns out we needed the rest for our travel day to Pallisa (3-4 hours). Andrea asked me how long it takes and I could only give a range. Honestly, it has taken a different amount of time each trip I've made. Simon insists we will pass slowly to our destination. There is no rush.
We ate breakfast and then spent some time with Harriet and Don. Don spent the morning making motorcycle sounds, saying "Boda boda", and pushing around a small foot stool. Boda boda is what the motorcycle taxis are called. We would ask him where his boda boda was going and he'd stop and flash his dimple-filled smile.
Not only was there excitement in the house because of Don, but also due to the arrival of a bunk bed for the children. After 2 years in their house in Kampala the children have beds. Prior to this they slept on thick mattresses on the floor. Although, Andrea and I can attest to their comfort it is not the most ideal.
We left Kampala late morning and arrived in Pallisa mid-afternoon. We spent the rest of the day settling into our room at the Country Inn and decompressing. Andrea tried matooke (smashed banana) for the first time with rice and beans for dinner and we were in bed under our mosquito nets by 9pm, excited for our visit to the school Friday. Quite the exciting pair we are!
-Jenny
After making our way from the airport in Etebbe to Kampala we stopped at a couple places before heading to Simon and Harriet's home. This is where we would be hosted for the day prior to leaving for Pallisa Thursday.
One of these stops was a cafe called Steers (a favorite western-style cafe). Simon ran an errand while Andrea and I sat and people watched. It is hard to describe the bustle of an African city. As Andrea put it, there is nothing to compare it to. Simon describes it as disorganized. As we continue to watch the sea of pedestrians move past the cafe windows and provide our reactions, a familiar face entered my view. I yelled, "Patrick!" as I moved to get the attention of a Young Life friend from Pallisa. What are the odds that I would see an old friend in the midst of so many strangers! He and his friend joined us for a soda and we promised to meet up in Pallisa in a few days. He was only in Kampala till Thursday as well.
After another quick stop at the Young Life office to meet YL Uganda's newest staff member, Rogers, we arrived at Simon's for a late lunch. Harriet prepared a yummy spread for us which was much appreciated after 2 days of airports and planes. Trying best to keep our eyes open and catch up with our hosts, we were ushered into our rooms to rest soon after eating.
What followed after our nap can best be described as a social intermission. We would return to bed for 13 hours!! During this time we chatted and laughed with 4 of Simon's children (including the baby of 20 months, Don Bosco). Simon's other children (3) are boarders at their respective schools. Don stole the show for Andrea. Demanding her attention by addressing her as, "Auntie" and dancing. Once we returned to sleep we asked to be woken up for dinner. I don't remember this, but Andrea says Simon woke us at 9 for dinner and I replied, "No, sleeping" and rolled over. I was down for the count. Rest assured I apologized for my shortness the next morning to Simon. He completely understood our need for sleep.
Turns out we needed the rest for our travel day to Pallisa (3-4 hours). Andrea asked me how long it takes and I could only give a range. Honestly, it has taken a different amount of time each trip I've made. Simon insists we will pass slowly to our destination. There is no rush.
We ate breakfast and then spent some time with Harriet and Don. Don spent the morning making motorcycle sounds, saying "Boda boda", and pushing around a small foot stool. Boda boda is what the motorcycle taxis are called. We would ask him where his boda boda was going and he'd stop and flash his dimple-filled smile.
Not only was there excitement in the house because of Don, but also due to the arrival of a bunk bed for the children. After 2 years in their house in Kampala the children have beds. Prior to this they slept on thick mattresses on the floor. Although, Andrea and I can attest to their comfort it is not the most ideal.
We left Kampala late morning and arrived in Pallisa mid-afternoon. We spent the rest of the day settling into our room at the Country Inn and decompressing. Andrea tried matooke (smashed banana) for the first time with rice and beans for dinner and we were in bed under our mosquito nets by 9pm, excited for our visit to the school Friday. Quite the exciting pair we are!
-Jenny
No comments:
Post a Comment