Another Note on Weight

Ok, Sunday October 21, 2007.3:20 pm I ALMOST died. I set out on my first biking expedition. I was going to visit one of my fellow PCV's to assist him with some painting. He lives approximately 8 km (or less) from my house. It was a beautiful day. The sun was shining and every so often a cloud would come by for a hint of shade. The first leg of my journey was level terrain with a slight down slope. I was making great time. As I passed all my well-wishers waving to me on the road I felt a sense of accomplishment. The kind of feeling that one gets when you know whatever the task is ahead is doable, accomplishable, and yours for the taking. As I continued my journey I discovered that my well-wishers were in fact not wishing me well. They were laughing at me! They yelled "Muzungu!" (white person), "Hey sports lady!" ( I had on my Heritage softball visor and shades. It was hot and dusty!), and "Kinene!" (which means big in Lusoga) All the while I was greeting them with "Jambo!" and "Kodheeyo!" I wasn't really upset by all the laughs and stares, until the level terrain eventually turned into monster hills and mountains that seemed to slope upward to the heavens. I had to stop and walk my bike up. Then I was face to face with my "well-wishers." While I was pushing me and my bike up the hill, a old man who was carrying another person on the back of his bike and a 10-yr old boy carrying a load of matooke on his bike all passed me! 10 minutes later when I made it to the top of the hill they were long gone. As the terrain sloped downward again I noticed that there were endless hills ahead. I was never going to make it! I finally discovered what all my "well-wishers" already knew- This African terrain was not made for me. Then I had to laugh to keep myself from crying. I looked around to see how far I was from my destination and I knew I was a goner.

At 4:20 I FINALLY reached my fellow PCV's house. I threw my bike on the ground and almost cried. But I had made it. One hour later. A 8km bike ride that takes him normally 15 min took me an hour, but I made it. I told him, I was taking a taxi back to town and that my biking to his house wouldn't be happening again. Not anytime soon. I think I will need at least another month of training to make it to his house in a good time.

Food and Weight

As you all know, I could stand to lose a few pounds. Well Uganda has the answer for me. Open-air Butcher shops. The meat (beef or goat) just hangs from a hook in the ceiling or lays on a wooden table. This is usually in a outdoor market. In my case it is at an outdoor market, but right next to the taxi park. How convienent. I don't think I have it in me to slaughter my own chicken. SO the only logical answer to this is NO MEAT!!! There are all kinds of vegetables around that I love. Potatoes, carrots, greens, cabbage, etc. So, I will focus my attention on them. I am learning new dishes as we speak. However- the fish choices are awesome. Tilapia, Nile Perch, Mud Fish. I will be able to enjoy them as well. So, hopefully here comes my drastic weight loss and a healthier life. Finally!!!

Still Lovin Life

I don't have much to write, but I am here. I am still living and loving it. I am an official Peace Corps Volunteer as of today October 18, 2007. I am excited about the next two years. They have officially started. I am meeting this anticipation with reservation of course. Different area, different people, different culture. But, I am ready. Thanks for all the comments and love. I don't have anything profound to say, but I when I do- I will post.

My New Home

Please check out the new pics uploaded from my new home. Kamuli town. The place is nice, the people are great. Two years might not be long enough. We will see. Tunawayanga!!