What's up, everyone?! So, yeah, haven't had internet in a few weeks, so I'm sorry for the long period between this update and the last one (after re-reading the last update, I realized it was kind of lame, so sorry about that). However, I plan on making it up to everyone through the awesomeness of this one!
The soccer game that I went to, the one between Kampala and Malawi, was a lot of fun! It was really nice to actually do something in Kampala, besides eat and use internet. It was very cheap to get in and we got to sit wherever we wanted. Soccer is one of the few sports that I enjoy watching, since I know the rules, and it was an experience to see the national team playing and listening to their countrymen rooting them on. Uganda won (2-1), so there was lots of cheering and everyone went away happy. After the game, me and some other trainees made our way back to the place that we were going to stay for the night. I don't want to talk about, since it's just going to irritate me all over again, but it was not very fun. We had to ask directions a million times and my stomach was completely empty. For those you who know me, you'll know that's a dangerous combination. However, I'm happy to report that I didn't attack any innocent bystanders and we all made it to the hotel in one piece (I did almost throttle a guy who cut me in line at the supermarket, though... hey, I was buying food to try and help the situation whenhe just stepped in front of me like he belonged there!). The other trainees and I went to the COS party and then out to a club. It was a lot of fun and I'm happy to report that I was able to keep my own when dancing with other Ugandans. The weekend was topped off by the fact that I (finally) found a place that both served pickles and had them in stock. So, for breakfast I had eggs, bacon and a pickle ( :
A couple of weeks ago, we had a girl's night out, so to speak. This meant that the majority of us went to another trainees house to spend the night. It was a much needed break and I enjoyed myself immensly. We had pasta, chipati (my favorite), and no-bake cookies for dinner, then watched Saved! on someone's laptop. I know this sounds like any number of nights back in the states, but here, this is a luxery. Almost everyday we stay and eat with out families and for people like me, who didn't bring their laptop, there's no opportunity to get in a good american fix. So, it was almost like being home... then everybody woke up in the morning covered in bug bites since there were no mosquito nets!
Last Thursday was the talent show! Lizzy and I were the MCs and the show was open to anybody who wanted to sign up (trainers, trainees, etc.). I did a dance with another trainee, Christine and I think it was the most awesomely bad dance this side of the world has ever seen. We used the song Backstreet's Back and basically put in every dance we could think of. Some examples include the Carlton, Ace Ventura, Soulja Boy, the Q-tip and the Light Bulb (definitely an audiene favorite). Other people played the guitar, sung, danced, did a spelling bee while juggling a soccer ball, and cheered. All in all, it was a complete success. At the end, awards were given out to everyone. Mine was Most Likely to Watch Second Chance to the End. I definitely think I earned that award. Hey, someone has to watch out for Salvador! It was good see everybody participate and trust us enough not to be inhibited. *sniff* I'm really going to miss our group bond when I go to site!
Yesterday (Friday) we went to Jinja for some local attractions. We went to the mouth (or is it foot?) of the Nile. It was a beautiful day and the breeze felt so good. Even though the water looked a little nasty and possibly infected with Schistomaises, I put my hand in it and can now say that I have touched the Nile river! There was a concrete wharf that went a little into the middle, so I got to stand there with the wind whipping my shirt, you know, movie style ( : We also visited a forest and waterfall, whose names have been told to me several time but I still can't remember. Then, we were left to out own devices in Jinja town for a couple of hours. I had the best, and worse, meal ever! First, just let me say that I had every intention of fasting yesterday, it being Good Friday and all. However, as soon as the peanut butter and jelly sandwhiches were brought out, I lost all control and had to give in. All I have to say in my defense is that Jesus is obviously a way better person than me and would never be swayed by snacky goodness! Anyway, back to Jinja, I had a tuna sandwhich, a scoop of ice crean and a chocolate chip cookie. They were so good, but my body seemed to have its own opinions and proceeded to punish me with stomach cramps for the rest of the night! However, it was so worth it and I would do it again in a heart beat. Yeah! I guess we know who wears that pants in that relationship!
Ok, I think those are all of the major events that have happened. A week from this coming Wednesday, I am going to be sworn in a an official Peace Corps Volunteer and dropped off at my site, where I will either sink or swim. Lucky for me, I have no qualms about using floaties ( : If anybody is going to send a letter, I would hold off on it until I get my new address. As soon as I know, I'll let you know. Random notes: Shout out to the best roomate ever times ifinity plus one for the awesome CD she sent me! Aunt Francie, I haven't gotten your letters yet but will let you know as soon as I do. Sharon, my email is rnyberghampton@gmail.com. Krista, I would kill for a snow storm to hinder my transportation faculties right now. Sometimes I think freezing to death would be a better way to go then melting. And yeah, I will be the pickling master when I'm done! When I get back, I'll make you a batch. To my darling wife, a letter will be heading your way veeeeery soon. If anybody has any trashy magazines they are tired of, feel free to send them my way. Also, I am really in the dark here as to what's going on in America. If anybody has any Times or Newsweek that are just taking up space, I could help you with that problem by having them take up space here. I miss you all and thanks for commenting/reading! TTFN!
~Rachael