Moments thus far in Kampala

Kampala, the capital city of Uganda. It seems for one reason or another I end up coming into Kampala about once a month. Could include: medical visits, passing through on the way to a training/conference or just for some good ol’R&R.

 

Each visit opens a world of possibilities I never knew existed. Maybe a newfound resource or contact through the Peace Corps office, a great Indian restaurant, city night life and ‘muzungu’ hang outs, an easier route from the taxi park to my hotel, a near by supermarket that has the crackers and peanut butter that I like (still not as good as American peanut butter) or discovering a different suburb of the city.

 

This recent visit included a tour of the US Embassy here in Uganda. Impressive, just about sums it up. All of our jaws dropped at the site of the building. I think it is fair to assume it’s the largest Embassy in Uganda. I’ve passed by several European Embassies while walking along the road. They are nice. But, the US Embassy was like an institution. What a presence.

 

Our tour included briefings from some Embassy staff, the Center for Disease Control (CDC), Consular Office and from USAID. It was a theoretical ‘Career Day’ for anyone considering life in the Foreign Service. I really enjoyed it. Why is that? Maybe because the thought of working life back in the States seems to be an enormous monster, ready to suck my very essence of being only to recycle it back into the masses. Am I jaded? Or, do I just know what I want and not willing to settle for less?

 

Meeting these people and hearing their stories validates my desire for life outside the US. It really is possible. Life and work over seas is a far cry from my upbringing and family history back in Michigan. I like to think I am paving the way for future generations to think outside of the box, outside of what they see day in and day out. Coming from a strong blue-collar, low to mid class family makes one better equipped for life in a developing country -  Being able to relate to people on a tangible level through struggle, hard work and dreams allows for trust, honesty and patience.

 

My most recent great time in Kampala included several soul comforting hot showers, a homemade meal and easy conversation with a new found friend, the music of John Mayer, James Blunt and listening to old pod casts of the NPR show – The News from Lake Wobegon. Oh, and I can’t forget the newest great find… DVD’s of seasons one and two of Grey’s Anatomy. Some days I have all I enjoy of American culture right at my fingertips.