I didn’t think that I would enjoy rural village life as much as I did in Uganda…
Just loved walking around the community, recognising people, talking to them about their day, their families, their farms…and understanding the challenges they have – although when you ask how they are, they are always fine!! Quite the British way which I cannot adapt to whichever country I am in 😉
Every morning, people would ask ‘how was your night?’ And if I had a shitty night’s sleep, I would of course say – which took them by surprise I think!
Walking through the village I’d also have a good chuckle at some of the shop signs – my dad seems to have set up shop and everything…!
I in particular enjoyed Fridays in the village – it’s market day which makes the streets busy with people and animals. Everything being sold from cows, goats, sheep, grasshoppers, Irish potatoes (they are just normal potatoes, but differentiated from sweet potatoes by adding Irish for some odd reason…but I guess the Irish are known for their spud culture!), tomatoes, bananas, sugar cane, socks, fabrics, hats, soap, sweets, belts, wellies … Yes, you name it!
As in so many places around the world, the Ugandans are also obsessed with the English Premier League football…most were Arsenal and Manchester United fans, although there were a few Liverpool and Chelsea fans scattered about as well… Nobody seems to know Charlton Athletic – don’t understand why!!
Anna and I went to a match shown at the local pub together with over a hundred other people…not only were we the only white people in the place, we were also the only women. Was a great atmosphere, though…the seating was super uncomfortable and it was fantastically hot in the place so the general lack of personal hygiene really comes through when crammed into an environment like that! 😷😃
The local pub is called Akaania…the manager is Moses and a really great guy…oh and he is also the village dentist! There’s a pool table, loud music for dancing, a chef making Rolex (a chapatti rolled with an omelette, cabbage and tomato – better than a kebab in my opinion – Anna enjoying one in the pic below!) for everybody who wants and can afford a snack… And their sign is also fab!!
BETINA IN AFRICA 