Traveling to Gulu- Wednesday, June 17

We have had a busy two days. Once we left Backpacker’s Hostel on Tuesday morning, we headed to two local craft markets to look at their wares. It was unreal as you could find some of the most beautiful items. It is expected that you bargain, and ultimately you end up paying ¾ of the asking price. It’s hard to bargain in the sense that most of the items are very cheap (according to American standards), but IC (Invisible Children) says to bargain for two reasons: 1) The Ugandan people consider it an insult if you don’t bargain and 2) it does not help the local economy to pay full price because then it raises the prices for the locals as well.

We then headed to Bavubuka House. A famous Ugandan rapper named Sirus (sp) has returned to Kampala and created this house for teenage boys and girls. The children learn the arts, including rap, screen printing, jewelry making, purse making, etc. They are then able to sell their wares and remain in a positive environment. This visit was amazing; you could really see how excited the boys were about their accomplishments. This is one example of positive change happening in Uganda. The boys were asked the question, “What do you think about American hip-hop?” Their answered, “Hip-hop is dead in America. Traditionally, hip-hop represents the hope of a group of people. Now all American hip-hop is about the bling, the fancy cars, and being tough; it’s not really about the people anymore and their struggles.” I almost yelled out, “Amen!”

After visiting Bavubuka House, we left for the journey to Gulu. This trip took 6 hours on a two lane road. As we drove, we would pass through small villages. On the road at these villages were speed bumps about every 20 feet and about 20 of them. The trip was very bouncey and uncomfortable, but it was a great bonding time for our group. The countryside is absolutely beautiful. Because of the rain, everything is very lush and rich. Evidently, northern Uganda has the richest soil in the country, so everything grows really well. The sunset was one of the most beautiful that I have ever seen in my life. We crossed over the Nile River, and it was breathtaking; however I have no doubt that the whitewater adventure will be extreme!!! We also saw a bunch of baboons sitting by the roadside around the Nile as well. They are so precious, but I have been told very curious and playful (as in taking cameras, etc.).

We are in Gulu. It has two paved roads, and the rest are dirt roads. We are staying at Katherina’s Hotel and Restaurant. It is new and actually really nice by Gulu standards. We are in double rooms, and I am sharing with Sharon, the teacher from Lake Wylie, SC. Each room has two single beds with mosquito nets, a plastic chair, a small end table and plastic bin drawers. There are 4 showers and 4 pit latrines. We arrived, and the power failed. It also failed while at dinner. However because of generators, it has not been that big of deal.

This blog is already very long. The next one will contain: our orientation, meeting the people, etc.