I left Kenya today and travelled to Uganda to begin
my internship. With all of the travel and instability moving in and out
of Mombasa (for one reason or another), I didn't accomplish as much as I had
hoped. That being said, my Swahili skills have improved dramatically, and I
know what steps to take next. It was an amazing opportunity to get to know
other students interested in East Africa. It was also the first time in a while
that I have found myself at the bottom of the barrel. At first it was
frustrating, but I realized (with support from Kyle and my classmates) it would
be both challenging and productive to be surrounded by students whose language
skills surpassed my own. Before I left this morning, I had my language
evaluation, and it went extremely well! I was able to have a conversation for
about 30-45 minutes, where I was doing most of the talking. There is hope!
It was entirely too easy traveling from Mombasa to
Kampala. One direct flight from Mombasa to Entebbe, a taxi ride to the bus
station, a matatu ride to Kampala, and a bodaboda ride to the guesthouse. I was
pleasantly surprised when I checked into the guesthouse, and found that it was
clean, full of people, and had a variety of amenities – including hot water! I
will be able to take my first hot shower in six weeks!
After arriving at the guesthouse, I realized that I
lost my passport L I wasn’t
as upset as one would expect. After I checked in, ordered a beer and sat down
for dinner, someone called the guesthouse asking for me. Turns out someone
picked it up in Entebbe! Luckily, I left a little note or customs form saying
where I was staying with the phone number! Unbelievable! Hopefully, I will be
able to meet up with him over the weekend and get my passport. The universe is
looking out for me.
I am excited
to be academically engaged again. Not only will I be working at the Refugee Law
Project, but I am also starting to study for my first comprehensive exam! So
exciting! As for the internship, I have a meeting with my internship
coordinator on Monday, where we will discuss my responsibilities. Then I will
have orientation all week. I will be staying in Kampala for ten or so odd days,
and then heading to Gulu.
Leaving
Mombasa was difficult. I finally felt like I had settled in, especially with my
housemates. Each one of them would be someone that I would actually choose to
room with independent of the program – I’ve been so lucky! Last night we went
to Bollywood Bites to have a departure dinner, here are a few photos from the
night.
Mimi na Dada Emilee
The advanced class
Mimi, Dada Kim, Bwana Caleb, na Dada Shatreen
First impressions of Uganda: overwhelmed by the amount of armed (47s) police officers along the road, surprised by the beauty of downtown Kampala, enjoying the cooler temperatures, and looking forward to running some hills :)
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