Two Weeks in Kampala
Just arrived home in Fort Portal after a week of motorcycle training and a week of VSO training in Kampala. It was so lovely to catch up with the other volunteers and hear all of their stories. City life was a bit of a shock after so much time up-country and involved shoe shopping, ice cream, painting the town red and James Bond at the cinema. Oh the life of a volunteer, eh?!
The motorcycle training was good fun – we spent most of the time riding around the training ground but did have a couple of ventures into Kampala. This was mostly very frightening. At one point I stalled the bike whilst trying to turn right at a crossroads. I was surrounded by traffic coming in all directions and people shouting at me and beeping their horns and I couldn’t manage to kick start the bike again so Livingstone, the motorcycle instructor had to come and rescue me. He got off his bike and walked into the middle of the road, stopped all the traffic and started my bike again for me, then held back the traffic until I got out the road. At the end of the week we all had to take a test at the training ground (driving round some cones) and all passed. I passed even though everyone had to jump out the way when I misjudged a turn. Don’t worry though Mum, I will be very careful. Just waiting for my motorcycle to arrive now.
Now we are back at the college and the second year students have already taken their exams and gone home, and the first year students will sit promotional exams this week before leaving on the 5th December for the Christmas holidays. It is very quiet at the college! During the holidays I would like to begin to contribute to a Special Needs Resource Centre in Kasese, so will have plenty to keep me occupied.
I’m sorry it has taken me a long time to write this blog entry, but I have been thinking of you all back home. 6 birthday cards arrived this week too (better late than never!) so a big thank you for those also.
Lots of love,
Hannah
Comments
Two Weeks in Kampala
Hi Hannah,
Glad you had a good time in Kampala. Why don't I feel reassured by your new motor bike skills? Please take good care of yourself .Really looking forward to seeing you soon.
Love Mum xx
Two Weeks in Kampala
The traffic jam you must have caused in Kampala never made it to the news so that is reassuring Hanah!! They certainly know you are there though!! How does it feel in all the heat when you have to wear your great big helmet? And mind your skirt , tuck it in well!! Did you manage to get any chocolate in Kampala? or did you have to make do with icecream? When you get your bike will you be doing a lot more outreach type work or is it for you to just get around more easily? Be so careful Hannah.
Two Weeks in Kampala
Glad to hear you enjoyed Kampala. I think only you could describe the mororbike training as 'good fun' pleased you were supplied with a red bike, it will make it more visable to other people! Do take care and watch those potholes. Pleased the post keeps arriving although it seems to take a while. We shall miss you at Christmas but have a great time, we know you will - thats your aim in life. Good luck with the outreach work, someone is going to meet a happy, caring, lovely person.
Heaps of love. G & G
Two Weeks in Kampala
Hannah - get those arms covered up when on a motorbike, naughty girl!
I'm really pleased that you are enjoying yourself and creating memories
I've found your house on Google Earth, it makes it seem a smaller World when we can see your college, your house, where you go swimming, etc.
If anyone has Google Earth installed the coordinates of Hannah's bungalow are 0dg 45' 36.08" N, 30dg 12' 53.91"E (The most Westerly bungalow in the row of five white roofed bungalows).
You are only 45 minutes North of the equator. Check - does the water go clockwise when it goes down the plughole?
When do you get a motorbike? How much does a push bike cost?
Do you get much contact with the children? do you observe and help the student teachers in teaching situations?
Mum and I are looking forward to having a guided tour - I hope your reading up and ready. Do we need to bring a few goats and chickens on the airoplane for fresh food during our stay?
We have had a bit of snow which helps get into the Christmas mood - I,ll put some in the next parcel to help at your end.
Lots of Love from Dad.
Two Weeks in Kampala
Sorry made a mistake with the coordinates. They are 0dg 40' 36.08" N, 30dg 12' 53.91"E (Thats 40minutes N of the equator not 45). It's important if your walking!
Two Weeks in Kampala
Hi ya it's me. Are you enjoying riding your bike? Just read your dad's message tried looking for your house on Google earth, which way does the water go down? Posted your christmas card on Friday you will prob get it in the new year .You take care you biker chick. xxxxxx p.s hope you had your choco fix whilst in Kampala. xxxx
Two Weeks in Kampala
Hi Hannah
We have just recieved your parents Xmas letter telling us of your travels, so we logged on to read your Blog.
It sounds as though you are having a great time in Uganda.
Keep up the good work but most of all enjoy the experience.
Have a Happy Christmas.
Love Lynne and Dudley
Two Weeks in Kampala
Hi Hannah
How are you doing? I wonder what you have been up to since the motorbike experience. The roads have been very icy over here. Hope you have a lovely Christmas and New Year. It wii be interesting to know what happens over there.
Best Wishes
Vi