Firsts

I’ve been in Africa for about a year and half now. It feels good to be getting adjust and good to feel like Bundibugyo is my home. But I guess I kind of crave adventure and a little of the unexpected, discovering things for the first time. Well this past week has had some firsts for me... and I like it.

1. My first Matatu over the mountains.

Jessica and I were traveling back to Bundibugyo from Kampala. I like to take public transport. Usually I take the Kalita (African grey hound) that goes direct to Bundibugyo town. However there is only one such bus that leaves daily from Kampala and usually it puts us back after dark. We decided to take an earlier Kalita to Fort Portal then take a matatu (minibus taxi) the rest of the way. We arrived in Fort in good time and were quickly directed to the taxi pick up point the matatus. The one poised to go to Bundibugyo was packed with 17 or 18 passengers (despite the 14 passenger limit posted on the side) They assured us there was room for us. The other choice for transport was a little white pickup truck. The driver of this vehicle grabbed our bags and encouraged us to get in, “We go now... 6,000 (shillings)” Then we learned the cab was full and we would be standing in the back with about 15 other people and their stuff. So we somehow managed to cram inside the matatu five adults across in a seat that was meant for 3 people. And we were off. As soon as we hit the open road the driver flipped down his visor and chose one or the 4 cassette tapes, his personal playlist, self recorded, for our listening pleasure. For the first hour I was distracted from the tingling in my feet as they fell asleep and the pain in my shins as they continually bumped into the boards in front of my legs by the Titanic Theme song, Alison Krauss, “You say it best”, and some other real classics. While I was far from comfortable, I was happy that we were making good time till we left the new part of the road for the old road which is horrible! Huge rocks gutting out sometimes 6 inches above the rest of the road, we slowed to a steady 20 km per hour for the rest of the trip. It was a long 25 km to town. Just as we arrived it started to rain. We rushed over the post office to check mail and wait out the rain. I decide that since we didn’t have much luggage a boda boda (motorcycle taxi) would be the best way to go the last 12 km to our village of Nyahuka. Which leads me to the next “first.”

2. Riding a boda in the pouring rain!

At first it was just sprinkling and it actually felt pretty good on my sweaty, dusty body. Then after getting off to walk up a muddy hill and and skidding down another and the drops were coming faster, we pulled over, and ran into a little duka. Besides the shop keeper and a man and his little girl, Jessica and I were the only others who could fit in. Our drivers just sat under the eves of the building as buckets and buckets pelted against the little tin roof. I greeted the shop keeper and the little girl who looked like she was going to cry at the sight of me. I rummaged through a soggy package that I had just picked up and found some smarties that brought a smile to her face. The down poor did finally stop and our drivers expertly transported us to safety. I was pretty glad to make it home!

3. Yesterday was my first time to milk our cow Truffle.

We now have 2 dairy cows and needed another milker. Since the cows have been at RMS I have bonded with them. The big cow eyes and the occasional nibble at my skirt is somehow quite endearing. It went pretty well. I need to work on my speed but Truffle seemed to be OK with it.

4. Also yesterday I spotted the first watermelon in my garden.

If you have ever tried to grow watermelon, you know it takes a long time! So far I have one that is about the size of an American football. Praying no worms get to it!

We will see what other “firsts” are on the horizon :)