I don't know if its because I have been moving about in the cooler climes of Bushenyi, Ntungamo, Mbarara and Rukungiri that I feel this city has turned into a 24/7 steam bath or if thats how its been all along. I can't cover myself at night and that means I am having issues with those ear loving insects (having always considered myself to cool to sleep under a mosquito net.
The travelling around has been a good break and I feel somewhat rejuvenated. Got some business done and checked on sme people I share DNA with, who I would have not seen for another decade or so.
Something struck me about many of the places I visited. There seems to be some serious progress in general but a lot more in things entertainment related all over the place. There are satelite dishes at every trading centre and the premiership is serious business everywhere. Two builders at my great-aunt's place in Ruk town (I didnt make that up, some guys actually refer to Rukungiri that way) where having a very heated and informed argument about whether Chelsea had any chance of retaining the premiereship trophy. If any of you had seen these guys you would understand why I was surprised.
There are places where one can actually hangout and have a pleasant time out there. There are some nice night spots in these towns. Had I called Ntungamo a one-horse-town the last time I passed through, I would have been insulting one-horse-towns the world over. The town went and got itself a horse and its now a place I wouldn't mind spending a night in. I did have drinks with some of the towns well heeled people at a bar that puts my usual watering whole to shame and I quite liked the experience.
I guess thats why these places haven't been spared that bloody scourge that is driving me stark raving bonkers, CALYPSO. There is no escaping the damn dance. Twice, at a wedding in Bushenyi and at another kikeesa in remote Rukungiri, I noticed the calypso is the only dance anybody seems to know. Whether the song be Omwana Wa Bandi or Ridin' Derty everybody moves about like they just broke their backs or something.
Being out there gets one to put many things in perspective. Nobody seems to give out formal invitations to some social functions. Somehow those who have to attend will be present and those that were not formally invited will not be bounced. I guess because the food is cheap and they cook it in amounts that are quit mindboggling (at least to me) they know everybody will be fed. The phrase "the more the merrier" is taken quite seriously in those parts.
Now that I am having my brains fried in K'la I am beginning to miss the "boondocks", their cool climate and laid back air.
A street in Rukungiri Town
Bored Kids outside a church in Nyakajeme, Rukungiri after the service has gone on too long
Ntungamo town's "skyline"
Car trouble in the middle of nowhere on the Fort Portal-Kampala highway at 1am
A view of the Tororo rock as you enter Tororo town from Mbale
The samerock viewed from downtown Tororo
Going up the Elgon mountain ranges. Tried to capture the waterfall but I guess I was too far.
Carrot farmer showing his produce up in the mountain ranges of Wanale sub-county, Mbale.
He'djust nicked some carrots from the chap in previous pic.
