Arrival

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"Are you going to Uganda?" she asked with a serious tone while inspecting me. "Yes" I replied. "Are you African?" "No". You look like us." "I feel like one of you." "Good," she replied with a bright and welcoming smile. "Now, you are one of us!" After learning she is a teacher and exchanging other pleasantries she proclaimed; "I want you to have an exciting journey. That is my wish for you, a safe and exciting journey. You will love Uganda and it will love you!" So began my connection with Uganda while boarding at Heathrow.

I was picked up by Kato at 7:00 A.M., 7 hours ahead of my local time. Kato drove me to the TKL director's home for breakfast and a warm welcome. After breakfast I crashed for five hours and later enjoyed a great dinner with members of the TKL staff and Ben, a volunteer from the UK that arrived the day before.

Kampala: busy, the craziest traffic I ever saw and the warmest people I ever encountered. The smell of diesel and burning wood is constant and everywhere. People walk everywhere and everyone is in shape; no obesity epidemic here. My hotel is in he heart of the city and overlooks a large outdoor market. My first two days were orientation and being acclimated to the city and necessary services by Seraji and Kenneth. I feel myself being reborn again, connected to a people and way of life I could never imagine. This is beautiful!

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Photos

shop
outside Kapana

couple
morning commute

auto
auto repair and welding shop

arrival
leaving Entebbee

Comments

[Estelle]

Glad you arrived safely
Charlie .. This is a one in a lifetime experience! You are blessed to be a part of it. Thanks for sharing with everyone. Keep it coming.

[marty]

I can relate
Your photos brought back wonderful memories of my time in East Africa. The beauty of the people is beyond words.

[Crystal Bmore]

Keep it coming
I am loving this. I have never been a part of a blog before and this is truly great. Thank you for doing it. Enjoy and be safe. Love ya.

[India]

Living Graciously
WOW. . . .It feel as though your blog pulls me from my urban reality to a place of gracious thoughts. Thanks for sharing this experience with us b/c it broadens my daily view of the world, and yet keeps me connected. Be safe in your travels. P.S. How is the food and water situation?

[Daniella]

Yay, you're there!
Glad you got in safely...this is so awesome! The brief conversation you had before boarding is a small glimpse of what you're going to get while you are there for the next two months...can't wait to hear what happens next. Love you Daddy!!!