7th February 2012
Upon being in Uganda before, I was surprised at how I was feeling before setting off on my International semester. My initial feeling of excitement and thankfulness for this opportunity was incapacitated with fear and worry for the next few months which lay ahead. Being here on two separate occasions, I had originally fallen in love with the country, its culture, and its people. However, being ‘under the umbrella’ of an organised team with people I was familiar with, meant that I was situated well within my comfort zone. I knew that this upcoming experience would be one which would be totally different to one which I was used to, even though I had briefly experienced Uganda before. Although most likely enjoyable, there will be times where this trip will challenge me. Yet, Henry Barnard highlights, "A challenge is an opportunity to prove your ability to yourself, and others."
I was glad to be travelling with Lynsey, as I knew her feelings mirrored mine. There were times where we would give each other ‘that look’ on the plane, as if to say, “What have we got ourselves into?!” However, talking over the next few months as our plane journey began allowed me to realise that we were in this together; that through each situation, there would be an experience we could learn from.
Upon being in Uganda before, I was surprised at how I was feeling before setting off on my International semester. My initial feeling of excitement and thankfulness for this opportunity was incapacitated with fear and worry for the next few months which lay ahead. Being here on two separate occasions, I had originally fallen in love with the country, its culture, and its people. However, being ‘under the umbrella’ of an organised team with people I was familiar with, meant that I was situated well within my comfort zone. I knew that this upcoming experience would be one which would be totally different to one which I was used to, even though I had briefly experienced Uganda before. Although most likely enjoyable, there will be times where this trip will challenge me. Yet, Henry Barnard highlights, "A challenge is an opportunity to prove your ability to yourself, and others."
I was glad to be travelling with Lynsey, as I knew her feelings mirrored mine. There were times where we would give each other ‘that look’ on the plane, as if to say, “What have we got ourselves into?!” However, talking over the next few months as our plane journey began allowed me to realise that we were in this together; that through each situation, there would be an experience we could learn from.
Arriving at Entebbe airport, I was relieved to find two of our university lecturers standing with a huge poster, “Ashleigh Gault and Lynsey Brown! Welcome Makerere University Guests!” I knew that Ugandans were easy-going, and contacting them often proved to be difficult at home. However, I was pleasantly surprised to see they had made a lot of effort for us to feel welcome.
Upon reaching our accommodation for the next few months, we were very lucky to be greeted by a familiar face (all the way from our ‘wee’ campus of Stranmillis!) Being here on an alternative placement, we were both very thankful to have Suzi Finlay with us for our first few days in Kampala. Showing us around the hustle and bustle of the city, we were able to see our surroundings which we would be living in for the next few months. Feeling overwhelmed at the craziness of the city, I was reassured that it resembled ‘organised chaos’ and eventually we would make some understanding of where we were going. Each dust path looked the same and the endless amount of tin shacks, ‘boda boda’ drivers and the smells of small hot plates cooking on the side of the streets made each location appear exactly the same as others.
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| Typical Ugandan Street |
Our basic accommodation is what I remembered to be ‘typical Africa’. However, it is far from what we are used to at home, especially when our shower consists of a cold tap! Nana Hostels is a large student accommodation which caters for a lot of Makerere University students. Lynsey and I are excited to meet a lot more people within the upcoming weeks. Once University begins, I believe that we will have that chance to meet more students, both local and international. Most Ugandans speak a little English, so there isn’t a huge language barrier, although I’ve found my accent may need adjusted!
As University does not start until next week, we have spent a lot of time getting to know the city of Kampala and our local surroundings. Even this week I have been overwhelmed with the craziness of the city, the friendliness of people, and been reminded of the relaxed attitude that Ugandans have towards everyday life. Although being here before, I already realise how different this experience is going to be, however I am excited to see what it has to offer!
References
Barnard, H. (1977) "The American journal of Education", Colorado.
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| Nana Hostels - Our accommodation for the next few months |
References
Barnard, H. (1977) "The American journal of Education", Colorado.
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