Sipi Falls

This morning we took an excursion to Sipi Falls on Mt. Elgon. It was nice to get out, as we'd spent most of the week here at our house working. The drive was about an hour, and again we passed through village after village. There is so much rich imagery, unfortunately it's mostly captured from a van going 50mph. The falls are a series of three, one we saw from afar and the second we were able to get under. The local boys give the tour, complete with swinging on vines from the cliff above.

Tomorrow after our presentation we trek to Jinja for a night, then Kampala. The team splits with most leaving and a few of us sticking around for safari Wed-Fri. Not sure if there will be internet after tonight, so I wanted to get some photos up before we move on.

LivingStone International Univ

Here is our site plan for the 4,000 student campus. We present it Monday morning...about 8 hours from now.

Photos

Day 7

Wow - So I'm really failing at the cyber aspect of this trip. And the photo aspect too! The survey crew has been getting the most cultural exposure, so I'll have to get their photos. Maybe I can get some in the later parts of the trip, but I feel kind of lame snapping pictures like a typical white tourist. I want the pictures, but I'm fighting the reputation/impression required in getting them.

The past few days, I've been mostly at the house doing computer work. The site plan is coming along, although we're running into constraints with high water table and marshy areas that are putting a damper on the plan! We'll get it figured out though!

Here are a few random thoughts. The house is working out nicely. There are four of us guys in a bedroom in bunk beds. I've got a top bunk, complete with my mosquito net. Still getting bit, so good thing for the pills. Managing to stay out of the sun though, so no issues there.

It's pretty hot. As in, you don't even need a sheet at night not. As in, if I'm moving, (and sometimes if I'm sitting) I'm always sweating hot.


The staple foods consist of a variety of starches, with some type of meaty stew on top. Matowkey (sp?) is one, it's mashed up plantains. The stews mostly have beef. I've been going for the chunks, taking it easy on the sauces. Luckily it's not spicy stuff, otherwise I'd be dying b/c we see it over and over at meals.

Everyone in Uganda has cell phones. Every little roadside village has shacks selling 'airtime' cards. Basically like calling cards that you dial in with on your cell phone. Incredible. Cell phone and internet coverage are not things I would expect on a trip to africa. We have both.

Catch yah later!

Day 4

So I just wrote out a big update to a friend, Travis and thought I'd just share it here as an update. I didn't take my camera today, so no new pictures. Big mistake! Saw lots of authentic Africa today!

Here's the email:

Although we're 4 days in to the trip, we're just starting the project really. There is so much travel involved that we're just now getting settled in. Tomorrow we have our big programming meeting with the university leadership, so that will really kick start all of the design.

Africa is interesting. It's definitely different that anything I've ever seen, but for some reason I'm not feeling too much culture shock. I guess there is enough that fits the stereotypes that it seems normal. And yeah, a lot of people do speak English (and want to speak English, I'm told) that it seems easier to be here than in Mexico. Culture is way different, but I'm feeling less culture shock. The driving to Mbale went through town after town with roadside stands of retails and various levels of huts/buildings/etc. The highway is filled with taxi vans crammed with people, bikers, and pedestrians. The bikes are loaded with stuff, ranging from water to sacks to huge logs. Crazy! And passengers sit on the racks on over the back tire too.

Today we had some real culture, going to church, lunch in town, and then out to the site which is a bit rural. It borders (and includes) some super 'authentic' villages - grass roofs the whole bit. Tons of kids coming out to see the mozungoo (or something) which means white people that have traveled from afar. Weirdest part - in the center of the land is a lady who is being displaced by the project and therefore doesn't like it. They are working with her clan and family to relocate her, but she's a bit off the deep end and doesn't understand that things will be better for her. Anyways, the group was doing a tour, the surveyors were working independently. One guy came in eyesight and she freaked out and started wailing and screaming at him. And then she 'shamed him' but pulling down her top (i guess basically flashing/mooning him). He was freaking out, not knowing if she was going to attack him or not because she was only a few feet away. And he was by himself and wasn't warned about her, so he had no clue what was going on. Definitely crazy to be standing on the side of the road with all types of people passing and this lady wailing in the back ground. That's the biggest wildcard so far haha!

Like I said tomorrow really starts the main bit of design. The team is good, lots of great people, but it is still challenging to work together having not known each other. Even today there was a bit of communication challenge. Add to that the fact that some preliminary design has been done, and it's a bit of a delicate situation regarding role, responsibilities, etc. Definitely need some prayer there!

Will keep you posted as the week goes on!

P.S.

What's with this? In Amsterdam, everyone was obsessed with these Dyson-like 'trollies' and insisted on using them. Even if they had wheeled luggage, only a small purse, or in this case, a backpack.

Night One.