Journey.. Well, sounds like you had a fortunate bar run. That's might impressive to be hanging out with and learning from Gulu's councilor. I'm sure he has some interesting stories. Also sounds like he was rather open to outsiders. Correct me if I'm wrong, but isn't it in many African traditions to welcome stranger's as family? Hope you get to chat with "the man" again.
Happy Travels Well, I am a bit behind on entries.. but I am glad to see you made it safe to Dubai and now to Uganda.
Hope the flight home, albeit a ways away, is more comfortable.
-T
Hey Bob, glad to hear you're enjoying your time in Africa. To a point, I can understand why the people you've met think all white travelers are weak. I'm sure most travelers stay in hotels where their bags are carried in by someone who works there. However, I'm surprised that Irene was shocked that you were able to pick up the water she was carrying in addition to what you were carrying. Is it more that they see us as lazy rather than weak? While I'm sure some travelers look small and weak, you certainly do not, and I can't imagine that all the people who have called you a Muzungu assume you're weak.
And hey, what's with calling out the engineers? I know what an NGO is! I look forward to reading the rest of your posts.
yo man, this is some awesome stuff, im glad youre having a sweet time and learning as well, we should all be that lucky. cant wait for next year, the green room will be sweet. keep having a good time,
ian
program for fall Bob,
You're really in an area where few Lehigh students venture. Please collect your thoughts and photos and let's plan to have you make a presentation on campus this fall.
Sorry, I always think about future program potential. Enjoy the ride,
Bill
cultural differences Hey Bob,
Glad to hear your trip is going well and you remain healthy and safe. Your blog is fascinating to read, its very interesting to get first person insights into a different region of the world. How does it feel being an American outsider in the country? Do you notice any major differences of how your treated or how you expected to be treated? What kind of stuff do they do in their free time? I would be interested to see what the people's take is on the major issues being discussed in the U.S. such as the oil spill, war on terror, environmental efforts etc. Keep the posts coming and stay safe.
Bob
Everything sounds so interesting from the boda boda ride, the visit to the local "Polish Club" to cooking dinner and the shower!! You should have taken me along! I am glad to hear you are making friends, but this does not surprise me, you know how to find what you want. Please send pics soon, esp one of you on a boda ride. I am sure you are having fun and learning new things and teaching as well. Tank says Hey! He looks out the window for you. Lick Lick
mom
Muzungus etc It's amazing how much you can learn in a few days. This experience you're having seems quite stimulating. I know what you mean about the difficult adjustment between spending time with Muzungus vs. spending time with Africans--it's easy to forget where you are when you're engrossed in some English-language conversation about familiar things. But remember: if you'd wanted to spend your summer with Muzungus you could have stayed in Wilkes-Barre! Oh, and it sounds like Irene is sending you signals, be sure you don't say or do things she might misconstrue. Although it might be interesting to know what it is about the White Man that appeals to her. Is it about the chance of living a different kind of life, having more opportunities, avoiding certain forms of patriarchy?
You: Trekking halfway across the globe, meeting new people, trying new things
Me: Sitting in an office, closing accounts, writing journal entries
Fuck it, I'm switching majors.
Wow...so glad to hear the semi-happy ending to that tale! Also glad to hear you are all on high alert for safety.
Overall sounds like a very interesting experience for you.
Take care and continue to be careful !!!
Anne
Hey Bob
Your blog is so interesting, we can't wait for the next. I see today is a travel day. I just want to make sure you took your malaria pill ? Sorry to ask.
Love ya
Mom
Hey Bob, glad to see you are writing about your adventures, I have very much enjoyed them, I hope you write whenever you can. I have to second what Rob was saying with mysticism(must be a religion studies thing) There is theory and then there is practice and you are in a unique opportunity to be in the heart of practice, if you have any opportunities to go to ceremonies/events etc. I would jump at it. Furthermore, from a religion point of view, their versions of the same religions are often very different based on the adaptations of their country and culture. I hope these avenues help you find some interesting information, keep in touch! ~Rich
Good for You I love this Bob - I am so happy you are having this adventure and I will follow your blogs until you come home.
Enjoy yourself and keep safe.
Marge
Religion & sexuality Glad you are off to a running start. I'm not surprised you didn't hear more Ugandans calling for harsh prosecution of gays--although I suspect many people there would support such a policy, they also sense that Westerners/Muzungus generally disapprove of such sentiments (at least, this applies to those Westerners/Muzungus who go to Uganda). In any setting, there's almost always a difference between what people will tell a stranger on the street and what they really believe.
I found your post about your study really fascinating! I haven't been Uganda, but it seems like quite an experience. My blog is looking for travel photos, reviews, etc, to share, or even social commentary and things like what you wrote about. If you have the time, check it out at dirty-hippies.blogspot.com, or email me at dirtyhippiesblog@gmail.com. Continued fun on your travels!
Heather :)
Cultural Phenomenon Hey Big,
I'm glad to know you arrived safe and are already out and studying. Sorry I couldn't give you a phone call before you left, but alas my alarm went off and I slept through it. In a study of religion, you should also see in which ways the religion has affected the culture, or perhaps, in which ways the two words stand for virtually the same thing. Especially from a non-American viewpoint we reach a very perplexing realization; how can people who have adopted a religion so closely that it has become essential to their culture still have a much grander religious tolerance than one our own home who seemingly permits all.
If I can suggest anything, try to dive deeper into the more mystical traditions. Even Catholicism and Protestantism have it, it's just hidden. But if you can find it anywhere, you're probably in the right place. This is the stuff you can't find in the bible, the dancing and singing that drive people. I think you'll find it much more interesting.
Hope you have a great trip. I look forward to seeing what else you do.
Miss you buddy.
Rob Li
dubai? hey man, i wish i knew you were going to dubai. i have some good friends from there who would have loved to show you around. safe travels. bro! yitb, ~g
I am so glad you found your fav restaurant!! It was good to hear from you and to know your trip went well. We think of you and wonder what you are doing now. I know you will enjoy this experience, keep us up to date. What kind of food are you eating , hows the weather?
love you
mom and tank
I'm glad you got to see the city a bit even if the cabbie was racking up the fare. Some experiences and sights are worth it.
Don't stay plane shaped too long!
Hey folks! Welcome to my travel blog. First off, allow me to apologize for becoming a blogger. Now that I got that out of the way... This travel blog will be the best way for me to keep in touch with people while abroad. The blog will allow me to document my impressions for myself and others while they are fresh in my mind. Thanks to the blog, you will be able to follow along with my impressions, experiences, and reflections. The site provides maps which I will update for geographic reference and pictures I will load along the way as I take them.
Nothing is more frustrating than ret... full info
Tbag
non-member comment
Journey..
Well, sounds like you had a fortunate bar run. That's might impressive to be hanging out with and learning from Gulu's councilor. I'm sure he has some interesting stories. Also sounds like he was rather open to outsiders. Correct me if I'm wrong, but isn't it in many African traditions to welcome stranger's as family? Hope you get to chat with "the man" again.