Being Picky

The other day I needed to get to Mt. Elgon hotel – I was already running late for a meeting with visitors.  Counting the coins in my pocket, I simply stepped out of our gate and waved down a picky (motorcycle taxis).  “Mt. Elgon Hotel.  Be careful and I will pay extra.”  The “road” that we took to the hotel was probably paved at one time….maybe back in the 70’s – now it is rocky dirt road with occasional remnants of pavement.  

Today, I needed to get to the Municipal Council Building….but as if on schedule, it was raining.  So – I did it.  Rain Hat – Rain Coat – Flip Flops – Towel.  I trekked out in the weather.  Soon a picky came by.  This was unexpected since they usually find a place to hide from the rain.  So, I wiped off the seat and used the usual line: “Municipal Building.  Be careful and I will pay extra.”  Unfortunately, my umbrella didn’t want to close….so there I go down the road on a picky with an umbrella in the rain.  

Don’t worry Mom – I arrived safe both times.  It’s amazing how careful they’ll drive when you promise them extra shillings.  

School's Out!!

My students are extra excited…..over-stressed…..and won’t stop talking!!  It must be the LAST WEEK OF SCHOOL!

Not your usual last week, mind you.  We don’t have school on Monday – and the last day of school is a Thursday….so we only have a three-day week…..and, well – on Thursday, we are planning a school-wide pool party after lunch – so Thursday is a half day….make that a two and a half day week.  

My poor history students have a final on Wednesday….Yikes!!  Their poor teacher has to write the final….Double Yikes!!!  

In addition to last week hoop-la – our team is hosting around 13 visitors from the Dallas area….They are visiting to catch the LivingStone University Fever and spread it back in the States.  (Note to CDC: this is in no way related to The Swine Flu.) 

Plus – one of our teammates – the Shelburnes (all 9 of them) – are leaving in five days for a year long furlough.  Two day later, two more teammates head back (Mary Beth and Jennifer) until mid July.  Then, not to be left out, Laura Shero and kids will leave two days after that (Phillip to follow in a few weeks).    Did I mention that Heidi also leaves this Friday??  So in the next ten days, our team will shrink from 14 adults and 10 kids to 7 adults and zero kids.   Sheesh!!    And that’s just the folks leaving from our team…..lots of other expatriates are heading home as well.

After being such a close knit community it is difficult to see that community change.  

____OK – I actually wrote all of that earlier this week and totally forgot to post it….That's how busy this last week of school has been!  And, that history final...I'm not sure which is more difficult - writing exams or taking exams.  

Romance in East Africa

I first wrote this in an email to a close friend several months ago.  She loved it and encouraged me to share it on my blog.  I was reluctant - but since others have recently asked if I've met any cute African Princes....I'll update you on the sad affair known as my romantic life (coming soon to a theatre near you): 

-I went to Kenya a few weeks ago with my roommates and we traveled around on our own adventure....we had a little bit of a schedule since we had booked some tours at game parks - but we tried to keep it free (which I loved and drove my roommates mad.)  While on safari at this place called Masai Mara our driver pulled up along another vehicle to chat with their driver.  In the other vehicle was one really cute blue-eyed shirtless man.  The kind that you dream meeting while he is discovering ancient temple ruins...think Indiana Jones-ish.  Well, the roofs of the safari vehicles pop up so that you can stand up and see the animals (or cute men).  So, I try to strike up a conversation.  Only he can't understand what I am saying because it turns out he is Italian.  "Oh Italy!" I exclaimed....then slyly smile and say "Ciao!" (laugh, but seriously...I did this....)  Then he asks "You country?" and I can't answer quickly enough..."America!" I blurt out. He instantly grins and responds "Ah, Texas???" ........... I stop smiling and just stare...."No - Atlanta, Georgia."  A little disappointed he responds "Oh, At-lan-ta".  We then smile at each other for a few more seconds before our drivers take off in opposite directions.  

So, there you have it - my brief blue-eyed Italian romance somewhere in southern Kenya. (Sigh)- 

LIU Blogs

I've written several more blogs for LivingStone International Unvisersity....but instead of reposting everything here I'll just direct you to the LIU website if you are curious and want to read more.

Knock Yourself Out: http://livingstone.ac.ug/news/