It’s been a stressful
few days here in Kampala; the kind of stress that comes with moving in general.
That is, being dropped in a new setting without a permanent home makes for a
stressful few days searching for a pad, and a place to be able to unpack your
things and not wear the same 2 outfits everyday… even if I do really love them!
We had searched a
number of potential locations, but none fit the bill… literally. Most of what
we saw was either our entire stipend, or just short. But then, out of nowhere,
a lady appeared and told us of a vacancy. And the result, you ask? Well, it is
with great pleasure that I announce, we are moved in and getting settled! Aaron
unmasked his stellar negotiating skills, and we scored a nice flat, in a nice
location. Well done, roommate!
Celebration selfie! And yes, I know... I'm drinking a Coke. (Photo creditL Aaron Wolf)
The view from the balcony! What a beaut! If you squint hard enough and know what to look for, you can see my office!
The living space and dinning room
The kitchen
My bedroom!
Overall it appears to
be pretty quiet… except for the small child that insists on crying over pretty
much anything (reason #3459 for never having children – still on you,
Michael!).
And of course, you
can’t move into a new place without a welcome gift! …or perhaps an unwelcomed
gift. I’m sure those of you who know me can guess where I’m going with this.
That’s right – I opened the fridge only to be greeted by a cockroach. YUK!
Thankfully, Aaron handled the situation far more calmly than I am now (I feel
like they’re all over me!), but then foolishly informed me that there were two,
not one. It might be a long six months… for Aaron.
But, it hasn’t been
all bad*! Yesterday after a successful day of searching for the perfect home,
we decided to explore the neighbourhood we’d been living in the past few days. We
took a few different directions, and had a good chuckle when we realized what
we were doing… In Uganda, ‘white people’ are referred to as ‘Muzungu**,’ which
literally translates to “person who wanders aimlessly.” And, as it happened, we
were doing that just that – wandering aimlessly!
-the Orange Canadian
*And, please do not
take the above as negative, it’s more so me being tongue-and-cheek about it
all.
It should come as no surprise that I welcomed
the rain that fell today. Yesterday upon my arrival I could see the rain in the
distance. I was told that because it rained on the day of my arrival that I was
blessed. But today, my first Sunday in Uganda, just like my first Sunday in
Ghana, the rain fell, and I soaked it up… both figuratively, and quite
literally! I talk a lot about my love of the rain, but I don’t think anyone
fully understands my fondness for it until they see me standing in the yard
covered only by the roof that is the sky, and just embracing the gentle kiss of
each drop. If you haven’t noticed, I have a highly romanticized view of the
rain!
Soon after, Rodgers came to pick me up, to
take me for a drive and to have a bit of lunch. We went to Lake Victoria… or
should I say one small part of it! Along the waterfront, there was a market and
a hotel that served fresh tilapia. This is where we had lunch. And, I’m proud
to say that I ate an entire fish all by myself, using nothing but my bare
hands! And it was a big fish. After lunch we took a stroll around the market
and along the water, where Rodgers examined each of the boats with great
interest. But, as we waited for our lunch to be served, the rains once again
began to fall, only this time, they were accompanied by thunder and a few
bursts of lightening. Even after the rains had passed, I could still here the
rumbles near and far. I was thankful that all had passed by the time we started
our walk around the water and market, though, as it made it far easier to
wander.
Lake Victoria
On the way back to Visitor’s Village,
Rodgers took me to the Hotel Diplomate, which also serves as the Pakistani
Consulate? This, of course, was not the purpose of our visit, but rather to
gain a view of Kampala. And it was quite the view. But, perhaps, what was most
stunning about it was purely due to our arrival just as the sun was setting!
The oranges that were painted across the sky were so beautiful, as they
highlighted the buildings that decorated the hills surround the city. It was a
perfect way to end a nice day out!
View from the top!
On a side note, I’d like to wish all my
Canadian friends and family a Happy Thanksgiving. May you take a moment to
reflect all that you are thankful for, and all that makes you appreciate the
value of your life. I, for one, have an endless list of items, people, and
experiences that I am truly thankful for.
I’ve successfully arrived in Kampala - sans
my fellow Nova Scotian, Aaron, but I am here and I am safe. The journey here
was interesting… mostly because it began a lot earlier than I tend to travel,
and it lasted a lot longer than I’m used to, as well. Thankfully, I was able to
sleep throughout most of the flight between Doha, Qatar and Entebbe, Uganda.
I’m sure it was a lovely movie that I intended to watch! I also somehow managed
to sleep through a Samuel L. Jackson flick, so either it was really lame, or I
was pretty pooped.
Last time I travelled to this great
continent that is Africa, I noted a fear of pill swallowing. That still exists
in case anyone needed an update, but at least the new antimalarial prescription
– which comes with a warning that they cannot be smashed into sand-like
granules and gulped down Mary Poppins style (as in, a spoonful of sugar) – are
much smaller than what I had in Ghana. So, fingers crossed on that one. But,
this trip I had to face a much greater/more irrational fear: the airplane
washroom. The flight from Philadelphia (where I am sad to report, I did NOT run
into the Fresh Prince) to Doha was just short of 13 hours. This is nearly
double what had, prior to the other day, been my longest flight (7-sh hours). Now, many of you will know that if there’s one mode of transport I
enjoy more than anything, it’s flying. But, I also have the attention span of a
three-year-old, and as a result, I tend to get a little stir crazy around the
2-3 hour mark. So, this 13-ish hour (14 on the way home) foolishness had me a
little on edge. Not for the length though – no, because that would have made sense
given the information I have just provided. No, I was worried about having to
use an airplane washroom for the very first time!
I will say this: I have mastered the art of
airplane peeing. Yes, I said it. But, the old adage of practice makes perfect, certainly rung true in this case. And because,
what would be a blog post without me throwing in at least one embarrassing
story, I will recap my first attempt. To start, I was pretty sleepy – I’d only
had about 3 hours sleep in the 24 hours leading up to my flight time – and I
hadn’t had any coffee. I’d had a hard enough time getting through customs and
checking in my bag at the Halifax airport, let alone being required to sort out
such a complex system*.Anyway, I did my
thing, all went well, and then came the moment of truth: how the heck do I flush this thing? Well, I’ll tell you what
doesn’t – the emergency button. Also, who even knew that an emergency button was
a thing in a public washroom?! So, I accidentally
hit the wrong button, the flight attendant starts banging on the door asking if
I’m alright, and in all of this confusion, I have somehow lost the ability to
function where door opening skills are concerned. This woman probably thought I
was nuts! But, in the end, she directed me to the proper flush button, and I
walked back to my seat where I had a good chuckle to myself. To be fair though,
the other flights that followed where marked far more clearly than that first
one… so maybe it wasn’t just my inabilities to function as a grown human being.
Anyway, I made it. Customs was a breeze, my
luggage arrived, and a delightful chap named Rogers, who brought me to where
I’ll be crashing for the next few nights, welcomed me at the airport. I had a lovely
chat upon my arrival at the Visitor’s Village in Kampala, with both Rogers and
the property owner, Emmanuel.
Now I’m just having a little downtime,
taking in the sights and sounds of my new/temporary surroundings. It’s amazing
to me how comfortable I already feel, as so much of it reminds me of Ghana – a
place I have felt homesick for, for
the past year. So the next few days will be busy, but relaxed as I await the
arrival of Aaron, and we start to sort out living arrangements, the city, and
all of the fun things that go along with living in a new place!
Well, what can I say, it has been a crazy intense few weeks since returning to Canada. I'm about 36 hours away from setting off for six months in Uganda, and I'm ashamed to admit, I have yet to fully look at anything related to my Iceland trip. This is unfortunate, because it was a wonderful experience, and I was really excited to be sharing it all with you. However, I just haven't been able to make this blog post happen.
That being said, here are a few videos I've made related to my time in Iceland. I will also attempt to post a few more pictures and details about my adventure there at a later time. But, really, here's what you need to know - go! It was amazing! I met such great people, and I had a blast - rain and all!
Small world - ran into fellow UofM pal, Laura at Glacier Lagoon!
(Photo credit: Laura Sabato)
Best day ever - climbed a volcano, "hijacked" a golf cart, and then saw the northern lights! Amazing!
Epic photo.
(Photo credit: Steve Buja)
The team. You were alright...
I'm sure my access to internet will be limited over the next few days and weeks, so I can't promise any updates in the near future (not that I've been doing a great job in the last few weeks!). I'll try to post confirmation of my arrival as soon as possible!
So, I haven't processed or even begun to look at my pictures from Iceland yet, but I have had a good few days reuniting with some of my favourite people (and still awaiting time with some of my other favourite people). Yesterday, in particular, was special, as it didn't involve reuniting with a specific person, but a specific place. You'll know by reading past posts, that I often struggle with the concept of 'home', but where I ended up yesterday was pretty much as close as I can get - beautiful, sunny Wolfville. And yes, I know, I didn't tell any of my Wolfville/Acadia peeps that I was in town, and I apologize. My rationale was that I just wanted to soak up Wolfville for what it is. Don't worry, I'll come visit again before I head off!
Anyway, the morning started off by running Uganda-related errands - handing in my contract, making appointments, and sourcing insurance. Then I picked up my bestest pal, Matthew and we made the journey home... my home... Wolfville.
I know a lot of you have made jokes about the name of this amazing little town, but you have no idea just how beautiful it is here. I have to say, I couldn't have asked for a better day, weather-wise. The sun was out in full force, but the fall-like temperatures made it perfect. Here's a short video to rub it in!
Our first stop (after Joe's for Scotskins!) was to Reservoir Park, where we took in the stunning views and enjoyed a nice walk around the ponds. I have to admit, I set a pretty big expectation of dog sightings, for which we saw a total of three... as we were leaving. Oh well, it was still a nice stop. It was also really neat, because as we were trying to snap a self-photograph, a couple of ladies who were also enjoying the park asked if we wanted one of them to take the picture for us. Of course we accepted, but because of the shadow created by my nose, all of the pictures give the impression that I don't have any front teeth!
Non pas de teeth. <- Not actually French.
(Photo credit: Random stranger via Matthew's phone)
A self-photograph. Note me actually having front teeth.
(Photo credit: Matthew Hughson)
Next we took a drive* on the backroad alongside the highway to take in some spectacular views.
My favourite view in the whole world.
Seeing Blomidon from the highway makes my heart whole - and that's when I know I'm home!
And of course, you can't have a trip to the Valley without a stop at the Look-Off - especially when it's this sunny! But be warned, some of the tourists don't quite understand sarcasm... so make sure you don't find yourself saying things like "well this is a terrible view" because you'll end up getting the stink eye. How anybody could make a comment like that and mean it, I can't understand!
The view from the top - the Look-Off that is!
Same, just more of it!
Next we paid a visit to Halls Harbour - a part of the Valley I can't recall ever being. The tide was coming in, so it was nice to have a sit on the wharf and watch the water begin to stream in. It was also quite peaceful to just relax by the waterfront taking in the natural beauty of Nova Scotia.
Halls Harbour
Then, we got lost... and it was fun at first, but then I had a bit of a temper tantrum. There were a few f-bombs. And then some sushi. All was good.
On the way home, we decided to make a quick stop at Evangeline Beach. Matthew noted an old church along the way, and we ended up checking it out. The property surrounding it was awesome. But, perhaps most incredibly, we were able to walk in, have a sit and test the acoustics. It was such a quaint little building - so much character in such a small space. It is completely run by the community. I may not identify as a religious person, but I gotta say, the lack of community in society today that was associated with church is one aspect that I wish we appreciated more.
This church is found enroute to Evangeline beach. It was built in 1861. Amazing acoustics.
A view from the church's surroundings.
Anyway, we did make it to Evangeline Beach. We watched a bit of the sunset and enjoyed the sounds and smells of the ocean. Then, we popped in some Michael Jackson, and made the trek home.
A view of Blomidon from Evangeline Beach
Beautiful sunset at Evangeline Beach.
It's good to be home... But, while this was one beautiful homecoming, it sure makes it difficult to leave again. I sometimes forget how incredible my home is, but it never ceases to amaze me when I see it. I love this place...
-the Orange Nova Scotian
*Note: this was a very environmentally unfriendly adventure.
I'm currently sitting at the airport in Manchester, awaiting my flight to Iceland, where I'll spend the next 9 days before heading back home. My flight is delayed. I mean, it's not like I have anything planned for today, but, there's not really a lot of room to just hanging out here. So...I wait. It's crazy to think that these are actually my final hours here. But, given the delay, I suppose it's the perfect time to catch up all up on my final adventure(s).
After a good camp with the girls I boarded a train for Cardiff. I had a bit of a debate about where to spend these two days, and I had it narrowed down to Cardiff or Glasgow. The cheapest one won, obviously.
So, here I was in Cardiff. I checked in to my room, and then adventured. And, by "adventured" I mean, I was overwhelmed with the heat and sunshine, found a park, found a tree in the park, and plunked myself there for several hours. Maybe not the best use of time, as far as exploring Cardiff, but, it was pretty relaxing to just lay there, people watching, daydreaming, and writing. It reminded me of those designated 'quiet hour's in the woods during ESST camp and passing the time during my Vision Quest. If ever you find yourself under the cover of a good tree, I strongly recommend this terrific pastime.
Millenium Stadium
So - Baskin Robins is a thing in Cardiff. Nostalgia overdrive!
The castle gardens/Bute Park/Cooper Fields/Black Friars
My daydream spot...
Enroute to Sophia Gardens
The castle walls
Anyway, I wandered around aimlessly for the remainder of the day. There's honestly not much to report, but it was a pretty great first day. I walked throughout Cardiff University campus, within a few of the arcades, and just in and out of random streets. And then I had an epic sleep!
Part of the University of Cardiff
University of Cardiff/National Museum of Cardiff
Gorsedd Gardens
The walk back to my hotel...
Some interesting graffiti art!
Outside of Millennium Stadium are a bunch of these tiles, with stereotypical
depictions of the country they are meant to be representing.
I think that's a bacon wrapped beaver in the top corner, but I'm not sure...
The brain factory. I could think of a few people who could benefit from a visit here...
The next day, I had an early breakfast, and then made my way to Cardiff Castle. I seriously have a castle addiction. I also have a serious grudge against "tourists" that live through their iPad. I'm a photographer, filmmaker(ish) but honestly, you can't capture everything and anything perfectly through a lens. I mean, sure, it's great to snap shots to remember certain things by, and of course to share your experiences with, but somethings are meant to just be left for you to enjoy. So, it makes me sad and probably irrationally angry when I'm somewhere and I''m surrounded by a sea of iPads snapping pictures of things these people will never actually remember. Ugh... end rant. For now.
The castle was really neat. There was so great design happening there. Two rooms in particular caught my fancy - the rooftop garden (no surprise there, eh?) and the winter smoking room. No, this is not the point where I confess I've taken up this habit. It's actually just a really weird but delightful room filled with so many different tales. The nursery was also pretty neat, as it was decorated with images from popular children's stories.
Inside the castle walls
My favourite room is located inside the walls of that colourful bit...and it was even more decorative inside!
The castle...
Bomb shelter
When I was finished with the castle, I made my way back to the hotel to gather my things, charge my phone (which somehow died over night) and - wait for it - visit the rooftop beehive. This was by far the most random but awesome thing to find in a hotel.
Later on, when I arrived back in Manchester, I was determined to tick off the one thing I hadn't yet done in the city centre, that I'd been wanting to - a visit to the Central Library. Yeah, sure, I'd been there but I hadn't actually been inside. And folks - I'm happy to report this mission was a success. I don't have any regrets in my life, but if I had to, not visiting this place sooner, and with more time, may have been one of them.
After leaving the Library, I made a quick stop to the Manchester Cathedral. I sat and people watched for a little bit before meeting some friends for dinner. I felt this was actually the perfect stop to end my Manchester journey, given that it was the first stop of my very first "cultural research" adventure in the city. I also took note of the community garden that wasn't quite in bloom in mid-January. Now it was full of flowers, people and life in general, I suppose.
Well, that's about it. See you on the other side of the world!
