By Graham
Today the team were finally reunited in Uganda as James, Michelle, Veronique, Hannah, Mike and Veronika flew in to join Rich, Alan and myself who had arrived a day or more before.
There was no rest though as within approximately an hour of landing we arrived at the Lugogo Stadium in Kampala for a coaching session with the national U13 boys team. Despite there being some tired and weary bodies everyone chipped in and we had a great session.
There were some fantastically talented boys in the U13 team and they were all keen to learn more, including taking in the AIDS awareness messages the coaches dropped in. As well as the national team we started a gentle hit around with one boy who had come off the street to watch. By the end of the session there were 15 boys and girls all getting involved and enjoying a taste of cricket, some for the first time.
After the session we began a 3.5 hour journey to our next destination Tororo. After an hour or so we had barley got out of Kampala as we hit some unusually busy Sunday traffic. It wasn’t all bad though as it gave the team some time to take in the sights and smells of Uganda.
The newcomers were all struck by how green Uganda is. Field and fields of green, including sugar cane, chocolate and rice fields. There was also an incredible amount of furniture makers! If you ever need a new bed then Uganda is the place to get it. Hundreds of bed making shops lined the main road out of Kampala as we headed east. We also saw some great shop names, our top 3 included 1) the divine hand cosmetic salon, 2) god is able hardware and 3) trust in jesus electrician!
As for the smells they ranged from smokey fires to fresh rain and frying food to thick fumes. Not forgetting the bus horn telling the oncoming traffic to get back on their side of the road! The journey was a real sensory sensation and a great introduction to Uganda.
4 and a bit hours later we arrived at our hotel via a wrong turning which took us up, and then back down, the worst road in Uganda with constant pot holes!
The evening meal was a long time coming, with half the extensive menu unavailable. The chicken tikka masala had no chicken in it and was renamed old rough goat curry! Not to everyone’s liking but Mike whoofed his down. We will see how he feels in the morning!
Coaching teachers in Tororo tomorrow and Veronika will feedback on the day.
Thanks for following the blog!