We never imagined three years ago that we would ever travel to Africa let alone the Pearl of Africa! We are still pinching ourselves that we are here! It was a distant dream in our travel goals that just didn’t seem to be within our reach. Here we are now – having spent five months’ in Uganda!
To be honest we had no idea what to expect upon our arrival in Uganda but what a surprise our visit has been. When we announced our plans to travel to Africa our friends & relatives told us stories about Africa that scared the living hell out of me. They said that people in Africa lived in small villages composed of grass huts in the middle of jungles. They said African people lived with wild animals that would eat people & that the African people were known for eating people. They told me that sometimes wild animals would sneak into these villages under the cover of darkness & enter a hut to steal a human as its meal. Now, not a one of them had ever been to any country in Africa so how did they get there info? Definitely wasn’t from any research. Anyway…
As our plane traveled across the Atlantic Ocean I can’t lie, I wondered what were we getting ourselves into visiting this continent. Were we stepping into danger? Every country has its own history & what you read in a book & learned in school may differ greatly from reality once you get to that country.
I’ve said this a hundred times to The Big Guy since we flew to Uganda. This may not have been the best or most attractive African country but it was absolutely the BEST choice for us for our first adventure to Africa! What I have learned has surprised me as well as Horace.
Lessons We Learned in Uganda – The Pearl of Africa!
This list isn’t all encompassing but it will give you an idea! I’m sure as soon as I post I’ll think of more but you get the drift. Uganda is definitely worth a visit. Lets get started!
Lake Victoria has been mentioned in earlier posts but stands another shout out! After you visit it, you will understand why Uganda with its diversity, natural wealth & beauty – which includes this Lake – was nicknamed “The Pearl of Africa”! Its the second largest freshwater lake in the world. Fresh fish? No problem here!
Pot holes in streets are a given which brings along with it a thick layer of red dirt in the air.
There is no shortage of restaurants for you should you not be a fan of local traditional Ugandan food. Rolexes, roasted chicken, sausage, vegetables are easily found on the streets in the ‘non-tourist’ neighborhoods!
Best neighborhood market – Jam Shoppes in Bukasa – all product was marked & awesome staff. We learned early on if we walked into a neighborhood market & didn’t see prices….we would be charged the “tourist” price. For a larger grocery store the Carrefour groceries are great & had a lot of locations.
Best manicure/pedicures – a chain shop “Sparkles” never disappointed in manis/pedis. The cherry on top was the awesome job in touching up my blond hair! If you color your hair, then you know where I’m going with this.
Best fruit market – Namuwongo Market – don’t let the slum & surroundings scare you – great fresh fruit & vegetables.
Who would have thought Abe Lincoln would be on a Uganda stamp? Who knew? We were on a constant search for the stamp but couldn’t find one in stock. We did find Nelson Mandela, Barack Obama & Princess Di stamps!
Over 54 tribes in Uganda each with its own tribal language! What does this really mean? That every child knows the tribal language & learns English once in school. It was not unusual for a person to speak three or more languages! This is amazing when you think of the lack of language skills most of our children have in the states – its just not a priority & that is sad!
Every name has a meaning.
When a woman from one tribe marries into another tribe, SHE learns the language of husband’s tribe.
Family is EVERYTHING. Villagers know their family lineage & are expected to be able to recall lineage if asked. Elders are appreciated – something lacking in the U.S. I think.
When someone says they will do something, they are not asking you for help- they will do.
Malaria is a real thing – while we were here at least five acquaintances were diagnosed with this disease.
People know how to live off the land.
Everyone we have asked has never seen a giraffe, gorilla or elephant, except one who said he saw one at zoo. The people are busy working to live.
Speaking of working, we were told if you see someone that a.m. working, you will see that same person that evening. Long hours.
Uganda has official language – English with Luganda being the most spoken language along with Kiswahili.
Charcoal is a necessity for homes that use charcoal stoves & in the village’s kitchens are located outside the main house.
The Biggest Surprise To Me?
The biggest surprise to me were the questions directed to The Big Guy while they are looking at me. For example, The Big Guy was asked “if the whites hate blacks than why are you with her?” Or they look at me while they are saying “I don’t want to offend you but…” to The Big Guy?
I have learned in Uganda, specifically from Kampala, that I have to have a voice & I have to have an opinion. I do have opinions but usually stay quiet because you may not know who you are really talking to BUT with race relations as they are in the US & with what is shown here, I have to speak up so that I AM NOT PUT IN THE CATEGORY OF ‘THOSE’ WHITES WHO HATE BLACKS! I’m learning.
As I have said, Uganda may not be most popular country to visit (besides the Gorilla Treks) in Africa but it definitely was the right one for us! Chatting with school kids such as this group was definitely a high light of my day in Kampala!
Join us on our next stop – Nairobi, Kenya!