I made the drive from Entebbe to Kampala for the third time last night, and I can honestly say that each time it has felt different. The first time, I was overwhelmed by the new world I had found myself in. Everything was different from what I knew or expected. The second time, I was extremely excited to be back. I hadn't spent much time in Uganda before, and there were many new experiences for me to have - especially since I wasn't traveling in a group. But this time, I stepped off the plane and walked across the tarmac at Entebbe Airport, breathing in the familiar musty smell of Uganda, and felt extremely at home. I was picked up from the airport by friends, and I didn't find myself marveling at the sights along the way. I found myself knowing exactly where I was and where I was going. I had heard that after you've been a few times, it's not as exotic anymore (naturally). It was disappointing to hear on my first time here. I didn't think I would ever stop marveling at some things. But now, I see it as growth. I've learned my surroundings. I know how to get around. If I saw the same things and reacted the same way every time, I wouldn't be learning, would I? I'm thrilled to be here, but it's just amazing how I kind of still feel just as comfortable as if I were still at home in Knoxville.
I'll be spending my semester here, plus some extra time until August conducting research for my senior thesis at the University of Tennessee. We'll be in Kampala for a few weeks and then head to Gulu where we'll be renting our own house. I'm joined by another student from the University of Tennessee, Jayanni Webster. This is her first time in Uganda, and she's doing great so far. She'll also be doing research in Gulu until May. First time I'll be living without a host family for a really long amount of time. I think it will be really interesting and really great.
We spent the day negotiating Kampala(Jay had to deal with my rusty directional skills). We went to all of the big places, and almost took a trip into Old Kampala but we got out of the taxi just in time. We went by the Sheraton to buy a phone for Jay, but unfortunately Barnabus wasn't there. We can try again, though. Then we went by the National Theater, and Jay has a great story to start off her trip. I'll let her tell it, but let's just say it was really convenient that the market was nearby and there was a woman selling shoes. We called Vinny and discovered he was in Kampala. His response to the phone call? "I didn't know you were here!" We can't wait to meet up with him.
We're just killing some time and taking everything in for now. There's a contemporary dance performance at the National Theater tonight that we're going to try to go to if we can fight our jet lag long enough. Until then, we're just going to enjoy being in Kampala.
