Fort Portal, Uganda, and the surrounding area is probably one of the most beautiful places I have had the pleasure to see. I made the 4-hr journey on Jan. 15th with three other CRS workers, including my new housemate, Mary. Being consumed with looking at the beautiful Ugandan terrain, the trip seemed very short (the only thing that made it seem long at times was the strange music taste of the driver, who very much likes artists like Tina Turner and Paula Abdul). One of my favorite parts was when I commented on the enormous birds (literally the size of a small child) that I had been admiring, only to find out that they are some sort of stork that is a dumpster-diving bird, and, really, the pigeon of cities here.
As we neared Fort Portal, the landscape became filled with tea fields. This agricultural scene warmed my heart and eased my eyes, but was tainted when a conversation started about working conditions in the fields. Even though I saw the fields differently when I looked back towards them, I felt even more at home, thinking about how similar the challenges workers face here are to those that workers in the orchards back home (and in many other places) face daily, as well. Similarly, being in my company and conversation brought me comfort, too, because I knew that in each place (either Western Uganda, or Eastern Washington), there were people I could find that cared for those in need of care and consideration.
On the night I arrived, we walked a few blocks into town (well, I actually live in town, and I’m not sure exactly where the center is) to get “alley meat.” In an alley between a few restaurants you can find a few grills cooking mean and chips (fries). You choose between chicken or goat (which is not, too bad, actually) and they bring you a plate of it. I know my mom is cringing right now, but not to worry! I’ve only been sick once (from an unknown cause) and I’ve eaten many things.
Local food would usually look like a full plate of a combination of these foods: meat (beef, chicken), beans, or peas with matooke (“mashed potatoes” made out of green banana), posho (cornmeal mixture), sweet potato, Irish potato, cabbage, or rice. Prices vary, but the place we usually take our lunch charges 1,500 Ugandan Shillings (USH) for beans and “all food” (combination of my list) and about 3,000 USH for meat and “all food.” The exchange rate is 1,700 USH to $1. I will probably say this again, perhaps using different words, but Africa has been my most quick-witted teacher. One of my first lessons was that, if I try, I can get (almost) whatever I am used to. This is especially easy in Kampala, but even here in FP I can visit grocery stores that have foods that I can cook with to make dishes that I know, for example. But, again, not to worry! I have been eating more than my fair share of local food. My favorite new introduction (which I’m sure is an import, but is new to me!) is Stoney, a delicious ginger soda (caution: very strong!).
That is all for now. I'll sign off from my office, listening to the one noise that strikes fear into my heart - the sound of generators turning on! Since I've been here, power has been fairly reliable. I've heard that it was out for nearly a week a short time before I arrived. The longest stretch without power that I have had to endure lasted only a day. Keep your fingers crossed for me!
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