Time flies in between sunburns

If you can believe, 6 months ago tomorrow, I was waking in the wee hours of the night, and off to the airport. It's also when I failed my first attempt at peeing on an airplane*.

Yes, 6 months ago, I was spending my final day in Canada after a VERY short trip home. I won't say these last 6 months have been nothing but rosy, because that would be a lie - life isn't 100% pink coloured lenses... unless, of course, you wear glasses that have lenses that happen to be tinted pink. But today I say goodbye to the office I have spent the bulk of my time in, while being in Uganda. And this, marks one of those not-so-rosy moments, because it means not getting to see the little family I've developed since my arrival on a nearly daily basis. Now, to be fair I still have a few weeks before my final goodbye as I head back to Canada, but I likely won't be returning to my desk, either.

It wouldn't be a day at the office without at least one "paparazzi" photo op...

I will miss imparting my "mature" ways on these folks. 

I honestly don't know what's wrong with my face.

Being as I'll likely be reflecting on my adventures with Michael during my final days, I figured now is the perfect time to ponder just how much this time has changed me, impacted how I see the world, and allowed me to fall in love with yet another country. I've had so many amazing opportunities during my time here - from schmoozing with government officials, to travelling the country meeting with some inspirational farmers, to "becoming" a hip-hop sensation, to setting the foundation for my next steps. I cannot, even for a second, deny the lasting impact this trip has given me. You never really know the beauty of life until you're driving down a road witnessing the most incredible sunset you've ever set your eyes on, only to find yourself in the middle of an epic lightening storm just a few short moments later. Nor can you appreciate the delicate nature of the human body, as I have earned more than one check mark in the health-related category of "what's the worst that could happen." But I wear each of those with a badge of honour! And, sure, there are some political matters that aren't the most ideal, but I know I'm taking a lifetime of memories and friendships home** with me.

I will be processing this experience in the months that will follow my return. It's difficult to grasp that for every memory I can actually remember, I'm forgetting a gazillion*** more.  But before I forget, know that each of you has shaped this little adventure in some way. It has been a blast - and I truly hope to see you soon!

Now, if you'll excuse me, I must prepare for the Kennedy Sibling Tour, Take 2!

-the Orange Canadian

*What?! It's harder than it looks. TRUST me...
**Now, if only someone could explain to me why these friends can't come visit me in MY home country?! Perhaps that's a debate for another day...
***Actual number of memories I've forgotten per one remembered. 

A Knee to Know Basis

"I'm not going to lie, this is probably going to make me sound crazy, but I can tell when it's going to rain from the intensity of my knee pain." - the Orange Canadian... on many occasions.

I have uttered the above far more times than I can keep track of. I have arthritis in both of my knees and wrists. In fact, my journey to becoming a runner started shortly after my diagnosis. And, I know, that probably sounds crazier than my admission that I can predict when it will rain, but in all honesty, running helped me get through a lot of the pain I was feeling. This isn't so much the case anymore, as it has becoming very difficult for me to run, and in the cases when I do, I have to use a knee support. Anyway, I'm digressing now...

For years, I have noticed the gradual presence of knee pain when humidity increases, and the threat of rain is imminent. So, for times when it's all rain, all the time, this can be pretty unpleasant and difficult to manage. Sometimes, it's not just my knees that predict the coming downpour, either. As I've become older, I notice it in my toes - likely just an extension of the pain I'm already feeling. It's not debilitating, at least, but it is annoying!

The other night, however, I awoke at about 1am to excruciating pain down my legs and across my arms. It was almost illuminating. And then, within about 5 minutes a huge crack of thunder scared the bajeezus out of me! Then, miraculously all the pain stopped, and I fell asleep to the peaceful sound of the rain pinging off my bedroom window.

But, all this got me thinking, can one actually predict the weather via arthritic joint pain? Naturally, this lead me to a free consultation with my good friend, Dr. Google.

After posing the question "can arthritic joints predict when it will rain?" Dr. Google suggested I consult his colleague, WebMD. So of course, just like Toucan Sam, I followed my nose in search of the answer. And, it turns out there is actually some truth to this claim! In fact, in an impressive 0.68 seconds, my friend, Dr. Google managed to find "about 451 000" others willing to testify to this. Don't believe me? Check out this photographic evidence:

In all seriousness, though, many people believe it has to do with the humidity, but it turns out this isn't exactly the case. In fact, it's actually the change in barometric pressure that creates the sensation of weather predictability in one's joints. This change in pressure causes the tissues that surround the joints to expand, which, apparently is quite painful. I wanted to back this up, by providing an infographic that would explain how this all works, but instead, this popped up, and well, that was the end of that...

Image source: The Internet

So there you have it! While I may not have a super power, I do have barometric fluctuation sensitivity, also known as BFS*.

-the Orange Canadian

*Not actually a thing... or is it?!

You Say Easter, I Say Election Update!

It’s been a little over a month now since the National election in Uganda. It’s hard to believe, really. In the weeks that have followed this event, I have been fortunate enough to have had many in-depth conversations about the results and the future of the country. Throughout many of these conversations, I've noticed that three interesting points/thoughts have surfaced.

When you’re in a race, you expect to win… so you contest when you lose

The above statement is a view I hadn't previously thought of before, but there's a lot of truth behind it. In any competition, be it a political race, some form of athleticism, musical showcase, or any other of the long list of like-events, one usually goes in with a mindset or desire to win. Sure, we can enter competitions to compete against ourselves, our own personal bests, or perhaps a smaller group within a much larger field of competitors, but generally, I don't believe people compete without thinking about earning the top spot. And, sure, it sometimes doesn't feel so great when we end up not securing that winning position, but it shouldn't stop us from trying again or being proud of our accomplishments.

What I have never thought of, however, is the outcome of a political race - or more specifically losing in a political race. This alternative idea of expectation vs. reality expressed in one of these conversations really had me thinking. It makes a lot of sense, too. If you are confident that you are going to take that lead position, why wouldn't you be dumbfounded when the results say otherwise?! The person I had this very conversation with, argued that when the leaders of one of the political parties came to town, everyone gave that party's hand gesture*, signifying that they were in support of said party. Now, to be fair, it would be a little naïve for the leader of one of these parties to assume their popularity solely based on a citizen's ability to maneuver their fingers in a particular form. However, it is understandable to see how they could assume they'd had this same group's vote.

But imagine - you're travelling the country, meeting ordinary people, and they're giving you the signal that says you're their choice. You become more and more confident that the win is yours. Election day comes and goes, and when the results are announced, your name is not presented. You had been assured by the very people who'd participated by casting their votes that you - and only you - would be the chief-in-command. So, you look for answers.

This scenario is completely plausible. What makes it less so, however, are the numerous accusations and reports that has followed this election. I do believe, that the statement made in that conversation has a good degree of validity. I do not believe, that in this particular case, it is true. Yes, both Besigye and Mbabazi sought the position of President with confidence, and believed they had a shot at winning. Yes, I'm certain they were both disappointed that they did not win. But, I cannot believe that the only reason they are questioning the finally tally is out of poor sportsmanship. It just doesn't make sense here - especially since this isn't he first time the validity of a Ugandan National election has been called into question.

When is it time for the opposition leader to step-down?

One point that continues to be thrown around is the idea that Museveni has been in power for too long. I myself have made that comment… on multiple occasions. But, as I became more and more involved in post-election discussions, I began to ponder the future of the opposition parties – particularly the leadership of Kizza Besigye.

I can no longer tell you if Besigye is still under some form of house arrest or detainment, because a) the papers have stopped reporting it, b) I’ve lost track, and c) I’ve simply just stopped looking. But, what I can tell you is that he’s been the leader of the FDC for nearly half of Museveni’s reign. I’m not saying that I don’t believe in Besigye’s capabilities as a leader, or his potential as a president. What I’m saying is, if those who are against Museveni’s lengthy reign are also in favour of Besyge’s leadership, isn’t that contradictory? I mean, one of the (many) arguments against the current president, is that he doesn’t have any new ideas and that it’s time for new blood**, so to speak. So, couldn’t the same be true for Besiyge? When is it time to accept one’s time is finished and look for a new, fresh face? Don’t get me wrong; the allegations against the validity of the democratic process here in Uganda over the last several elections might have prevented the opposition from winning. However, is Besigye’s presidency more important to the people of Uganda and the FDC party, or the removal of the current head-of-state and the instalment of new leadership?

I don’t have the correct answer here - or even an answer, for that matter. I’m only trying to work through this idea myself.

Over-hype or cover up?

In the lead up to Uganda’s latest presidential election there were warnings and threats that violence would ensue no matter the outcome. These potential negative events were made by multiple parties, including the continuing leader, President Museveni, opposition leaders and the people themselves. It appeared that day after day a new threat would surface – if the current president wins, we the people will protest in the streets; if I, the President, shall lose, I will send “my military” to show I’m in charge; and so on and so forth. The build up of fear resulted in supermarket shelves being emptied, and an increased presence of both police and military.

As an expat, I was receiving messages from the Canadian Consulate in Kampala in both SMS and email form, telling us to avoid crowds, bulk up on food and stay inside. And in addition, friends from within and near the country were telling me to take a short vacation to neighbouring Kenya. Yet, election day came and went. Social media was shut down. There were times when internet connectivity and phone lines were off and on. Helicopters flew overhead. And, of course, the main opposition was arrested and detained... multiple times.

But, reports of mass rioting and violence seemed absent from the media outlets covering the election. The threats and predictions of people taking to the streets pending the outcome that inevitably came to pass appeared not to exist. So what happened? Was I being over-prepared or is there a much deeper situation taking place that we aren't being told?! I'm not trying to spark a conspiracy, or infer falsehoods of the real situation here in Uganda, but once again, trying to understand what has actually taken place. 

***

So, while I don't have any real update on the election, other than to tell you the process of assessing the validity of the outcome is underway, I hope, at the very least, that I've been able to make you think. And, not just about the Ugandan context, but to how each of these three points/thoughts/consideration might apply to other situations. 

As I leave you now, please allow me to wish you all a Happy Easter, and a special shout-out to Myrtle (my grandmother), who is celebrating her xx^th birthday today! Happy birthday, Grammy!

(Photo credit: Mike Kennedy)

-the Orange Canadian

*Museveni is associated with the thumbs up, Besigye the peace sign, and Mbabazi the finger gun (classy, sir!). 
**Not actual blood…

On Top of Soroti

One month from today I will be touching down on Canadian soil once again. In many ways it seems like only weeks have passed since I first arrived in Uganda nearly six months ago.

Since last Tuesday I have been in the Eastern Region of the country, spending the first few days in Katakwi, and the remainder of the time in Soroti. Katakwi has a fantastic name, but is way too hot for this Orange Canadian, so I’m always happy to find myself back in the comforts of Soroti town and its surrounding areas. This trip marks my fourth, and sadly final, visit to the area – a fact I’m only now beginning to grasp.

When I first described the journey from Kampala to Soroti, I noted the changes in landscape and the beautiful scenery to be found along the way. This time, knowing it would be my last trip, I decided to film parts of the drive in order to preserve it in a tangible format for after I leave, but also to share it with others in order to stress just how beautiful this country truly is. And, what I’m even happier about was the opportunity to capture one of the most breathtaking sunsets – which I always seem to find when I’m in this part of the world! Seriously, Teso knows how to do a sunset. I’ve never seen one like those I have been fortunate enough to witness first hand during many drives.

But, my time here is nearing. It’s all sinking in that soon I will be leaving. This trip is both wonderful and heartbreaking. I’m saying goodbye to good people that I have begun to know. To children who I have seen grow in between my first visit and this one. To individuals and families who have inspired me with their drive, dedication and never-ending hard work.

As I sat under the same mango tree I mentioned just a few short months ago, I feel overwhelmed with the reality that I am returning back to Canada, yet, I’m at peace. I felt the same way sitting under that tree, surrounded by people I will never forget, as I do when I turn that corner on the 101 and see Blomidon from across the way. My heart is smiling. It’s filled with happiness and hope. I feel okay about leaving. Don’t get me wrong – I’m not looking forward to parting ways with this incredible country and those who have become a part of my life – but at least now I can leave, knowing that I’ve had a chance to make peace with this departure.

Cassava drying.

Sunset just outside of Soroti while visiting one of our model farmers, Janet.

Beautiful landscape on the way to the toilets in Ngora.

My last trek up-country wasn’t all sadness, though. No, there was the terrifying encounter with the largest spider I’ve ever seen in my bathroom twice in one night. And of course, there was the climb up Soroti Rock. This encounter was far more enjoyable until we ran into a few, shall we say, tourist deterrents. You see, on top of Soroti Rock is the area’s water supply, so the rock is usually patrolled, for reasons I have yet to find out*. But none of this matters, for, once we reached the top, caught our breath, and took a swig of water (not from the town’s supply, but our own), we enjoyed a few moments of fear-facing, excitement, and ultimately relaxation as we took in the beautiful views of the sunset and surrounding town.

Soroti Rock
(Image Source: Wikipedia)

The base of Soroti Rock. If you look close, you can see the blue metal handrails.

First snap from the top!

SUNSET!

GOATS! 

One more shot of the setting sun! 

I was also able to enjoy multiple epic lightening storms. And, I say lightening because on many late evenings the sky would light up with bolts from all over the horizon, often without the accompaniment of thunder. However, we did have one really good rainstorm**!

In a few more weeks, the Kennedy Sibling Reunion 2.0 will commence, and then I’ll be on my way. My return comes just two weeks before the two-year mark of my departure for Ghana, and my almost two years abroad. What’s next? Many things! Some are planned, some are in the works, and some still have yet to materialize at all. But, one thing's for sure, there will be some time home before the next big adventure kicks off!

And with that I bid a so long to Soroti. I hope to return someday soon.

-the Orange Canadian

*and probably won’t.
**Unfortunately, I am unsure how to upload an audio file to blogger... but will be sure to update once I do!

Who's Awesome?

Well, today happens to be the International Day of Awesomeness! I know, I appear to be on a bit of Daily Tasty Nugget nostalgia this week, but I promise this won't become a thing! But I mean, come on, today is awesome - how can I pass this up?! And, in case you don't believe me this is a real thing - check out the day's official webpage!

Most of you know, I've dedicated this year to being more awesome myself. I am awesome. That's a fact. I also try to make sure those around me know they are too. So, I've only got one question for you...do you know who is awesome?

For all my Bill Murray fans:

(Image credit: www.giphy.com)

For all my cat-lovers:

(Image credit: www.9buz.com)

For all my dog-lovers:

(Image credit: www.who-is-awesome.com)

For all my potty-mouths?:

(Image credit: Tumblr)

And, perhaps most importantly - for all my friends, family, and fans of this Orange Canadian:

YOU! YOU ARE AWESOME!!!!

Happy International Day of Awesomeness! I hope each and every one of you knows how truly awesome you are and how much more awesome you make my life!

-the Awesome Orange Canadian

PS: Don't forget you're awesome... EVER!

International Women's Day

Today marks International Women's Day. And, to that I say: Uganda - 1, Canada - 0. But before that, let me channel my previous blogging skills to talk briefly about the significance of this day. 

International Women's Day (IWD) was first observed in 1911, following New York's 1909 declaration of Women's Day. According to the event's official website, IWD is a "global day celebrating the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women." There's a great timeline included on this site that shares the progression of IWD, if you're interested. And, like many other international days this one comes with a yearly theme. This year is all about Gender Parity - an important issue. You can check out this year's campaign page and take the pledge to seek gender parity.

But, let's get back to business... Here in Uganda, I have witnessed the gender gap almost daily in my position. I'm not talking about an inequality within my workplace, but in the subject matter my organization is trying to tackle. One of my co-workers is working almost exclusively on women's rights in agriculture. You see, when it comes to agriculture, women are secondary - even though they do the majority of the work in this sector. Obtaining land, although technically legal, is extremely difficult for women. Traditionally, land is gained through inheritance or family connections - and usually from father to son, as it's very rare the inheritance would be transferred to a daughter, or even wife. But even when land is purchased, it is still difficult for a woman to be granted the deed. This is partly because access to money and other financial and non-financial supports are far more limited to them than men.  Yet, women do the majority of the work in the field. Most men are only responsible for ploughing at the beginning of the season and rearing livestock, should the household take on such a project. Women, on the other hand, plant, weed, harvest, and are also usually the ones taking their products to market. On top of that, they're running the household. This includes daily maintenance/chores, food preparation, and child rearing, to name a few.

Now, I know, the above paragraph probably calls into question why I'm stating that International Women's Day gives one point to Uganda over Canada, the United States, or even the UK. Well, I'll tell you. While the above issues certainly leave much room for improvement, I'm writing this post from the comfort of my home in the middle of a work-week afternoon. Why, you ask? Because this day is recognized as a public holiday in Uganda - meaning it's a day off. Now, I get that even though this day has been declared a public day off, women across the country are still hard at work preforming their daily routine. This is especially true of those women in rural Uganda. But still, I will argue that the very notion that the Government here has chosen to recognize the significance of this day is a step up from what we, in the West, have.

I'm not saying that this makes us better or worse, either. But, this situation reminds me an awful lot of my experience of Eid al-Fitr (the end of Ramadan) in Ghana almost two years ago. I asked my host-Mom why everyone was celebrating, even though many were not Muslim. And her explanation was simple and still humbles me. She said - and I'm paraphrasing - that they celebrate with us at Christmas time, it's only fair we join them during their celebrations.

I have fielded many a question and comment about Africa being backwards, and that, my friends, doesn't seem so backwards to me. Globally, we have a long way to go on a number of issues. I don't think it's fair to claim one area isn't up to par with another because it doesn't necessarily mirror what we might identify success or progress with. BUT there's a reason I seek living on this continent for the long haul... and it's not because of the constant sunshine.

That being said, I think gender parity is only one of a range of inequities we need to close the gap on. Aside from the gender challenges, what about parity of race, religion, or sexuality? How is it 2016 and we're still dumbfounded on the same things we've - as a global society - been trying to solve for hundreds of years? When are we going to learn that despite these identifiers, we're all the same. No one is better or worse than anyone else, because well, why should those aspects matter in the grand scheme of things? This isn't to undermine their importance, but to highlight that at some point we're going to need to realize that none of those things makes a person harmful or a threat. It might make them a bit different from oneself, as far as our outlook or understanding of the world is concerned, but it doesn't make them wrong.

I've said it before, and I'll say it again, we all just need to take a breath and hug it out. And here's my favourite pep talk to get us through... Enjoy.

But to leave things a bit more positively, I'd like to wish all the wonderful ladies in my life, near and far, with me in presence or in spirit a Happy International Women's Day!

-the Orange Canadian

I Gotta Booboo!

Well, it finally happened - I had a legitimate boda incident. And, while it wasn't that serious, I did lose some skin, but had a good laugh all at once.

Before arrival in Uganda, I was warned against using the much-feared boda-boda, or motorcycle taxi. I get it, they are pretty dangerous, most drivers aren't overly cautious, and well, there aren't really rules to the road here... or at least to the 'strict' standards of Canadian driving regulations. And, for the most part, I avoided using bodas until it became absolutely necessary... and only when I had what I like to call my 'muzungu headgear' or what normal people refer to as a helmet*.

One of the most delightful parts of this mishap was the fact that I got to (WARNING: Gross content ahead) pick the skin from out of the fibres of the freshly torn hole in my pants. This incidentally leaves me now with only 2 pairs of pants... Also, the fact that this incident occurred because my driver drove my knee into a police truck... that was parked. I literally got spoked by the corner of a parked truck. Excellent. Another tick off the list!

But, all is well that ends well. I am safe, and back to fearlessly riding bodas! Oh - and I got my visa renewed**, so it all worked out!

-the Orange Canadian

*Now I often forget my helmet, and thus drive around like a madman!
**We were headed to the Kenyan Embassy when the "incident" occurred.