Today presented me with an interesting scenario and I’m mentioning it because it is so completely typical of what occurs here every day for every person trying to get something done. My organization does really fine work – and as I’ve mentioned before, it does it in spite of astounding obstacles. Obstacles that are impossible … Read more
Umeme’s timing is exquisite. Umeme is the power company and has such a reputation of predictability (i.e it will NOT “be there” when it is most needed) that it has gained Entity status. People here talk about Umeme as tho it is a person. “Ah! That Umeme is fickle….” And indeed it is. It has … Read more
So – we were about half way home on the Post Bus ride from Kampala to Gulu, watching the countryside whiz by, when it happened. It had been blessedly uneventful – just what you want on a bus ride considering the alternatives. I got up early to be able to hit Brod, the bakery, to … Read more
This comes to you from the exciting cement confines of a windowless-single-with-a-fan room at the Annex, my home away from home when in Kampala. I’m here for my second crown (no not the one that comes with jewels) courtesy of Uganda and Peace Corps. At least this time I was able to get in to … Read more
It is 9:02 AM on what would appear an ordinary work day. The day has already had an interesting beginning, but back to that later. There is not a soul in sight at any office. This is a clue. I have missed it. These are the District Offices – so this does not bode well. … Read more
Today is the International Day of Peace for those of you who didn’t know (I didn’t until yesterday) and this year it seems particularly relevant. Maybe it’s because I’m half a world away from the normalcy of my daily life in Austin, where it’s easy to think peace is always with us. Here – not … Read more
rips out of Gulu are always an adventure, but I am once again reminded of the sailing adage: If you add your most hideous days and your most exquisite and the average is zero, you’ve had a fabulous trip. Starting with the walk to the bus, this score came in at a resounding negative whose … Read more
Ah – are any of you out there old enough to remember the Twilight Zone episode where a man ends up in a different universe, is greeted by strange creatures who treat him well and even build him a house? Come on…. I know some of you saw that one. Awakening in his new digs … Read more
Had an interesting totally Ugandan experience today in the Pharmacy of all places. Allergies have been causing me terrible headaches over the last few days, to the extent that I left work today, a rarity for me. So finally, after having taken everything in my own medical stash – all to no avail – BC … Read more
