Guilt sets in, and so I write...

It's nearly midnight here (eight hour difference than Waco, for those keeping tabs on me) and just a few thoughts before the rooster outside my window starts in...

Today was hot, dusty and rocky here. For some reason they put the university we visited (http://www.ucu.ac.ug/) on the side of a steep hill. It seemed like I was always going uphill too. We did get yet another death-defying ride on the local "streets" (you can insert any other name you wish, as the lack of paving, rules, access and anything else that reminded me of a road was not to be found) with the group. I do love all the scooters (boda bodas) here and get MANY chances to examine them up close too, as they skin past us. I also love when the scooter driver (whatever... maybe I should put the front projectile) is wearing a helmet, but the mother holding the baby, riding sidesaddle on the back decides to forgo such safety gear.

The taxis here need to be redefined also. I am not sure a Toyota van should really hold 14 passengers, not including livestock. We did spot a drop off that, as you might figure, most everyone has to get out to let out the one guy in the back of the van trying to breath/live/get out, when a woman was armed with a chicken that drew some looks only from our group. Everyone else is ok with it, I guess.

READER ALERT - The malaria medicine has yet to make any weird (wow, that need to be better defined too! Let's just say weird-for-me) dreams, and I still instist I did NOT have any visions other than the imaginary dog in our driveway, my not-yellow hand, and other things I did NOT experience as a side effect.. And I swear there is a rooster parked outside my window (that has a charming view of barbed wire and my neighbors), but the point is...


I must be really tired.


You guys figure out the scary box of bunny frosted flakes, ok? Just check out the fists on that crazy rabbit!
And also really enjoyed finding girlfriend lotion. Do I really need to say more?

All this just to say how amazingly beautiful it is here. Lush and green, with mangos and banana plants on the campus. The people are friendly and love to reach out just for a touch. The smiles are all around me and the skies seem an unreal depth of blue. Everything seems so vivid, like when you get rid of your old black and white TV to get HD. I know Matthew is going to kill me when he finds out I shot about 2,000 images today. We can just edit.

The pace is diferent, a relaxed time-almost stands still feel. No real rush to get anywhere and no need to keep on schedule, whatever that may be. Except we all do make it to tea time promptly.

I am thankful for Skype that can bring Franci and Carter into my little world, if even for a quick video call. I am amazed at the people and places I have seen in just the firts day, with so much ahead.

And I do indeed fear the humps.


Goodnight from Mukono.