Burritos and Churros in Kampala?!

My direct supervisor’s family is in town so he was only at work briefly on Thursday. During Thursday morning I worked a little bit with the qualitative research consultant, but mainly I was left to read my first 2 days. Actually my first day I didn't know how lunch worked so I missed my opportunity to visit the cafeteria. On Friday a woman came by in the morning asking if I’d be eating in the cafeteria that day. Not knowing my other options I said yes. She took my info and gave me a ticket. At lunch time I showed up in the cafeteria and waited in line. None of the other mzunugus (expats/white people) were there except for the Bangladeshi staff (BRAC is a Bangladeshi organization). The fare was typical Ugandan food: rice, boiled cabbage, chicken and potatoes covered in a broth. Everyone was eating with their hands, well their right hand. I was preparing to do the same and would've if need be, but happily one of the Ugandan woman got a plate of forks and I happily accepted one!

After a lot more reading, I joined some folks in going to the Little Donkey, a Tex-Mex restaurant in Kampala. One of the Bangladeshi staff gave me a ride, which was great. I really didn't want to ride a boda all the way through Kampala during rush hour. He told me traffic and driving in Dhaka was 10 times worse than in Kampala!

Dinner was surprisingly really good. Still not Chuy’s or even Pappasito’s, but it hit the spot. A lot of expats joined us with loose connections to one another. One is a journalists, two works at private companies and a DC based guy works for OPIC, the Overseas Private Investment Cooperation which is a quasi-governmental US organization. At dinner some of the expats told me where to get a good helmet and some other tips for riding bodas. They both agreed they’re dangerous, but also told me to worry. Mixed signals, much?

Well I had to take one home. We essentially had to go the length of Kampala so it was a longer ride. The guy was a speed demon, but in my judgment really safe. He slowed down when needed and maneuvered around potholes skill fully 9 times out of 10. Those 2 small potholes still weren’t fun though! I made my way from where he dropped me at the main road to home, but was a little turned around. I tried calling Paul, but my damn cell phone wouldn’t let me because of low battery. Luckily a few minutes later I recognized a few landmarks and was fine.

Now I’m just having a lazy Saturday. I spent far too long napping. I think I might go to one the expat coffee shops tomorrow and read there with the hopes of meeting some people, but if nothing else doing some exploring. I’m also hoping to do a weekend trip next weekend. I’m thinking Murchison Falls, but need to find out if that’s doable in just a weekend trip. I’ll let y’all know.