5/31/11

It’s a bit strange that my day is winding down here, and I know back home a lot of people are just getting started.  It’s a little fascinating when you think about it.  So, one thing that I can’t get used to yet is the pace here.  People move like turtles, except on their motorbikes which they ride like maniacs on.  It is especially frustrating when I’m sitting at a clinic, waiting on other people to do work, so that I can start mine.  I hate feeling utterly useless, but alas, I don’t have a choice since I can’t start my work until the IT people get their stuff together, and the school visits are few and far between.  I’m used to getting to work, starting right off the bat, and running my hind end off long after I’m supposed to leave.  Not sure which is worse. 

I also am an incredibly awkward foreigner.  I have a new sympathy for all of those people that I never knew how to react to.  Today, I was trying to scoot my chair out of the way, lost my balance, and ended up on the ground.  I also ate my matoke and my fish in the wrong order.  I would like to take this moment to tell my mother that I am eating, so much in fact, that I ate a fish still with the bones, and the eyes.  Most of the people speak ‘Luganda’ which is incredibly difficult for me to interact with them in conversations.  Also, it’s hard to tell when they switch back to English, so half the time I have a blank look on my face even when they ARE talking to me.  I have to have people repeat things several times, as well.  I’m working on how many times I can get that ‘stupid white girl’ look from people. *Sigh, whine.

I came home after feeling utterly stupid for most of the day, and decided to go for a walk.  Lucy came with me, and I’m grateful she did.  It turns out, working as an English nurse in a Ugandan hospital is also awkward and tiring.  We wandered the crazy streets, vented about our days, and found a cafe that served Coke and a few ‘normal’ meals.  I think we both felt better after that. 

I’m not sure if I should tell my parents this, but we booked a trip to one of the national parks for this weekend.  I’m going to see elephants!!  Our third ‘flatmate’ Kay, is a seasoned traveler, and she got us in touch with her good trusted friend who quoted us some prices.  Dr. Alex is going to make sure we don’t get ripped off tomorrow before we pay for everything, also. 

It’s been a mixture of good and bad, and definitely not what I thought, but here’s my list. 
5/31/11
I’m thankful...
1. for kind and patient people who still treat me like a human after I look dumb. 
2. for roommates.  Their wonderful all around the world.
3. for Coke and roasted chicken.  I’m eating well, but it was a small taste of America that was much needed. 
4. for Internet at home.  Makes a world of difference when I feel like I'm not. 

Goodnight y'all!