Tuesday, January 25, 2011
New Pictures
I just spent too long uploading pictures so hopefully the school computers pick up the pace. I was unsuccessful in uploading a video I made this morning but will have continous efforts varying on patience.
Sunday, January 23, 2011
What a lovely Sunday afternoon...the sun is hot as I sit here on the patio and enjoy my first African beer since arriving - the Nile Special. Good ol 500ml bottle of 5.6% for only a dollar.
It was a busy weekend with birthdays, dinner parties and long walks. I explored one day by myself and got lost as I walked the unfamiliar red dirt roads. We are living in Kansanga, a neighborhood with gated properties, watch dogs and servants/guards/house help, while your neighbor might be a family living in the dirt with corrugated metal, boxes and old wood pieces as their home, no bigger than a small bathroom. The kids play in swampy gutters, half clothed and filthy while the mom trims matoke to feed the empty bellies. Today I witnessed a young girl carrying her little brother who was missing all the skin on his legs. She left him on the corner of a busy downtown street and went begging as he sat there helplessly. My stomach flipped knowing it won't be the last time I see such a thing as it is very common to see orphans and mangled bodies begging for help. It has been known that kids will actually mutilate themselves in order to receive greater donations. I feel like royalty.
This morning was the first time I've gone to church in...oh I dunno....a decade? The church is called Watoto and I notice it is actually on my map below. I didn't plan on going but wanted to make the early morning trip with Terri downtown to check out the scene. Once there I felt quite unsafe to walk the hectic streets alone and decided that hey, this is going to be a great experience that I don't want to miss out on. I was really looking forward to the music and it sure didn't disappoint. It began with a full band and choir of actually really catchy music that everyone danced and sang to. The vibe was so powerful that even I was clapping and dancing. We sat second row on the balcony of a church aka theatre that fit at least over 300-400 people.The minister asked everyone to stand who was there for the first time and I looked around to notice terri and I were the only Mzungus/white people. She has been going every Sunday so I was to stand alone in sight of hundreds of Ugandans and they welcomed and prayed for me. It was really special and I felt a little embaressed but also very comforted by the good spirits. I explained to Terri after the service that it's hard to understand why people think Africans are so dangerous when pretty much all of them attend church and believe so strongly of a greater power that protects and cares for them. A line I recall from the preacher was, "People do not care what you know until they know how much you care". The people have so much faith because of their conditions. At one point we were all asked to hold someone beside you and pray. Terri prayed for me and Uganda and the people and tears began streaming my face uncontrollably. It wasn't the last time we cried during the ceremony. I didn't realize religion had such an impact on my being and I am very grateful for the experience.
I also had my first boda ride today. There are two forms of taxis (legally), bodas (motorcycles) and matatus (jam packed mini buses). After a bit of downtown shopping we hopped on a boda and road home. I almost bounced off the back since there were three of us plus a shopping bag on a motorcycle maneuvering through nonsense traffic, pot holes and uneven roads. Definitely worth the dollar. The Ugandans have a joke that goes "You always know a drunk driver, because he drives straight." mhmmm so true...think about it....
Work starts tomorrow and I am very excited to make some seriously needed improvements in the kitchen. We will also be moving out of our palace tomorrow so it should be an eventful week as there will be many changes.
I found a little soccer player just up the road who sells avocadoes for 30 cents and they are about the length of my forearm. Oh ya...gotta love the cheap produce. Avocadoes and tomatoes have already become my staple meal.
Looking forward to what comes next....
It was a busy weekend with birthdays, dinner parties and long walks. I explored one day by myself and got lost as I walked the unfamiliar red dirt roads. We are living in Kansanga, a neighborhood with gated properties, watch dogs and servants/guards/house help, while your neighbor might be a family living in the dirt with corrugated metal, boxes and old wood pieces as their home, no bigger than a small bathroom. The kids play in swampy gutters, half clothed and filthy while the mom trims matoke to feed the empty bellies. Today I witnessed a young girl carrying her little brother who was missing all the skin on his legs. She left him on the corner of a busy downtown street and went begging as he sat there helplessly. My stomach flipped knowing it won't be the last time I see such a thing as it is very common to see orphans and mangled bodies begging for help. It has been known that kids will actually mutilate themselves in order to receive greater donations. I feel like royalty.
This morning was the first time I've gone to church in...oh I dunno....a decade? The church is called Watoto and I notice it is actually on my map below. I didn't plan on going but wanted to make the early morning trip with Terri downtown to check out the scene. Once there I felt quite unsafe to walk the hectic streets alone and decided that hey, this is going to be a great experience that I don't want to miss out on. I was really looking forward to the music and it sure didn't disappoint. It began with a full band and choir of actually really catchy music that everyone danced and sang to. The vibe was so powerful that even I was clapping and dancing. We sat second row on the balcony of a church aka theatre that fit at least over 300-400 people.The minister asked everyone to stand who was there for the first time and I looked around to notice terri and I were the only Mzungus/white people. She has been going every Sunday so I was to stand alone in sight of hundreds of Ugandans and they welcomed and prayed for me. It was really special and I felt a little embaressed but also very comforted by the good spirits. I explained to Terri after the service that it's hard to understand why people think Africans are so dangerous when pretty much all of them attend church and believe so strongly of a greater power that protects and cares for them. A line I recall from the preacher was, "People do not care what you know until they know how much you care". The people have so much faith because of their conditions. At one point we were all asked to hold someone beside you and pray. Terri prayed for me and Uganda and the people and tears began streaming my face uncontrollably. It wasn't the last time we cried during the ceremony. I didn't realize religion had such an impact on my being and I am very grateful for the experience.
I also had my first boda ride today. There are two forms of taxis (legally), bodas (motorcycles) and matatus (jam packed mini buses). After a bit of downtown shopping we hopped on a boda and road home. I almost bounced off the back since there were three of us plus a shopping bag on a motorcycle maneuvering through nonsense traffic, pot holes and uneven roads. Definitely worth the dollar. The Ugandans have a joke that goes "You always know a drunk driver, because he drives straight." mhmmm so true...think about it....
Work starts tomorrow and I am very excited to make some seriously needed improvements in the kitchen. We will also be moving out of our palace tomorrow so it should be an eventful week as there will be many changes.
I found a little soccer player just up the road who sells avocadoes for 30 cents and they are about the length of my forearm. Oh ya...gotta love the cheap produce. Avocadoes and tomatoes have already become my staple meal.
Looking forward to what comes next....
Friday, January 21, 2011
Just call me Rosa...
And so it began...
After a trek to the vancouver airport with my mom, we enjoyed what was a very appropriate final meal in Canada - Tim hortons. Not one of my favorite places, although always a loyal option, I thoroughly enjoyed a large coffee and breakfast sandwich with bacon. We laughed as she encouraged me to take a package of ketchup in case I need to make soup upon arrival in Africa. I have not yet regretted the decision to leave it...We had our goodbye at the customs entrance and as I walked away I was struck by one of the most glorious feelings, a feeling I wish upon everyone. It came from my entire body, mainly my heart, and I thank a friend of mine for the technical term...a joy bubble! I felt that this joy bubble elevated me from the ground and assured me that I was on the right path and about to begin a very new and exciting journey. I turned around to see my mom and share the moment and couldn't help but give her the biggest smile I can imagine.
My first culture shock struck me in the Heathrow airport. After checking my boarding passes, I walked outside to join a bus that would take me across the tarmac to my plane. As I entered the bus doors I instantly noticed that I was the only white person. I had a quick string of thoughts that had me realize this would become the norm and I had to be brave. So I walked down the aisle, noticing the abundance of lovely dark chocolate faces and sat in the backseat. I smiled thinking of Rosa Parks.
After two very long days of airports and flights I arrived at the Entebbe airport. Greeted by my friend Terry and a few of her friends I trembled with excitement and almost broke into tears.
This morning I woke feeling rather delirious and confused. Mainly because I had no concept of time, I predict I've only slept what feels like 6 hours in the past 3 days, and oh ya, I'm in Africa! The rooster crows got me out of bed but also the anticipation of what the day would hold had me anxious and willing to fight the burn in my eyes.
I am fortunate to be house sitting with 3 other people in what I consider a palace. I hope Aladdin is kicking it around here somewhere...I had a hot shower, ate a 2 bite banana and made my way to school. Which is just around the corner. Upon arrival, I was greeted by too many teachers to remember any names and shown around the campus, which is absolutely beautiful! I met my kitchen staff, in time to see them deep frying todays lunch - burgers. I will be implementing many more vegetables, fruits, sanitation requirements, portion quantities, techniques and menu planning. This is only by observation. I start work Monday and the entire school staff is very welcoming and excited to have me.
My brain is working at about 50% so many apologies for a lack of words but I also need to get down to the kitchen for lunch service today. Gotta run but look forward to sharing pictures and stories very soon. The school has decent internet connection.
Until next time...reminding you all that I am in a very good place.
After a trek to the vancouver airport with my mom, we enjoyed what was a very appropriate final meal in Canada - Tim hortons. Not one of my favorite places, although always a loyal option, I thoroughly enjoyed a large coffee and breakfast sandwich with bacon. We laughed as she encouraged me to take a package of ketchup in case I need to make soup upon arrival in Africa. I have not yet regretted the decision to leave it...We had our goodbye at the customs entrance and as I walked away I was struck by one of the most glorious feelings, a feeling I wish upon everyone. It came from my entire body, mainly my heart, and I thank a friend of mine for the technical term...a joy bubble! I felt that this joy bubble elevated me from the ground and assured me that I was on the right path and about to begin a very new and exciting journey. I turned around to see my mom and share the moment and couldn't help but give her the biggest smile I can imagine.
My first culture shock struck me in the Heathrow airport. After checking my boarding passes, I walked outside to join a bus that would take me across the tarmac to my plane. As I entered the bus doors I instantly noticed that I was the only white person. I had a quick string of thoughts that had me realize this would become the norm and I had to be brave. So I walked down the aisle, noticing the abundance of lovely dark chocolate faces and sat in the backseat. I smiled thinking of Rosa Parks.
After two very long days of airports and flights I arrived at the Entebbe airport. Greeted by my friend Terry and a few of her friends I trembled with excitement and almost broke into tears.
This morning I woke feeling rather delirious and confused. Mainly because I had no concept of time, I predict I've only slept what feels like 6 hours in the past 3 days, and oh ya, I'm in Africa! The rooster crows got me out of bed but also the anticipation of what the day would hold had me anxious and willing to fight the burn in my eyes.
I am fortunate to be house sitting with 3 other people in what I consider a palace. I hope Aladdin is kicking it around here somewhere...I had a hot shower, ate a 2 bite banana and made my way to school. Which is just around the corner. Upon arrival, I was greeted by too many teachers to remember any names and shown around the campus, which is absolutely beautiful! I met my kitchen staff, in time to see them deep frying todays lunch - burgers. I will be implementing many more vegetables, fruits, sanitation requirements, portion quantities, techniques and menu planning. This is only by observation. I start work Monday and the entire school staff is very welcoming and excited to have me.
My brain is working at about 50% so many apologies for a lack of words but I also need to get down to the kitchen for lunch service today. Gotta run but look forward to sharing pictures and stories very soon. The school has decent internet connection.
Until next time...reminding you all that I am in a very good place.
Friday, January 14, 2011
Flight booked!!!
So this just became very real...and not at all surprised that it all came together last minute. FIVE days until I depart from the Vancouver airport arriving 2 days later in Entebbe, Uganda - only 30 miles from Kampala, the capital city. Once I am welcomed into my new home by various roommates I sense my arrival will be short celebrated before I start work at the school the following day. But it's Africa, so who am I to predict anything that happens once I debark the plane. From what I understand, my job entails feeding 220 students and teachers daily, training staff and elevating the schools food service system. With many more surprise tasks I'm sure. The school is called Heritage International School of Kampala and from what I've seen it's beautiful. But once there and settled I will post my own pictures which will most likely be updated on facebook or flickr. I will also have access to skype (account username: kali.mackell) for anyone wanting to connect between the 11 hour difference.
So here's hoping Vancouver doesn't get snowed out in the next few days and my next post will be made from the foreign influences of Africa...
Travel tip #1: Any travel you pursue requires much planning, patience and money. But with some optimism it pays for itself and every ounce of energy put forth into preparation becomes evidently invaluable.
So here's hoping Vancouver doesn't get snowed out in the next few days and my next post will be made from the foreign influences of Africa...
Travel tip #1: Any travel you pursue requires much planning, patience and money. But with some optimism it pays for itself and every ounce of energy put forth into preparation becomes evidently invaluable.
Wednesday, January 5, 2011
Finding Inspiration
As a renown chef, writer and traveler seeking modest truth and reason, Anthony Bourdain continues to inspire my existential interests...
"Travel changes you. As you move through this life and this world you change things slightly, you leave marks behind, however small. And in return, life - and travel - leaves marks on you. Most of the time, those marks - on your body or on your heart - are beautiful. Often, though, they hurt."
-Anthony Bourdain
"Travel changes you. As you move through this life and this world you change things slightly, you leave marks behind, however small. And in return, life - and travel - leaves marks on you. Most of the time, those marks - on your body or on your heart - are beautiful. Often, though, they hurt."
-Anthony Bourdain
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