After getting off the plane and through customs we reached the pick up area. We were both a little nervous as to how we would recognize Enoch. After scanning the crowd once I was worried that I didn't see anyone who appeared to be looking for us, (as we were told Enoch would know us but be wouldn't recognize him). After scanning the crowd for a second time I saw a bright red Wisconsin hat and a Wisconsin key chain, we found Enoch and Edson! I instantly felt comfortable with Enoch and Edson as our guides in Kampala, they have been so kind, informative, and welcoming.
After a short nights rest Jenna, Enoch, Edson and I set out to meet Dr. Jillian, a professor at the Makerere University. (We are currently staying at the Makerere University guest house) Dr. Jillian's focus is on curriculum development and she outlined the school system in Uganda for us and answered any questions we had. To summarize an hour and a half conversation, she highlighted that the classrooms are very teacher centered, content knowledge focused. At the end of students P7 year or primary 7, loosely similar to 7th grade all students in Uganda take a national test. These tests determine what type of secondary school they will attend. The results of the test are published in the papers, schools and communities celebrate success and communities demand change when students do not perform well. The Rwentutu Christian Community School has its first P7 class this year. I could have talked with Dr. Jillian all day.
After our meeting with Dr. Jillian we spent some time running errands, almost going to the Uganda museum, and trying to register with the embassy. Our first stop after meeting with Dr. Jillian we went to a huge shopping center. Here we investigated both money exchange and stopped at the supermarket. I didn't understand we were going back to the van after the supermarket so I only purchased a few large bottles of water. In retrospect I should have purchased conditioner and a few other items I left the U.S. without. Next we went to exchange money. I wasn't really expecting to exchange money, I had heard the best way to get money was through the ATM. However Encoh was very intent on us exchanging money so I exchanged the U.S. currency I had on hand at the time and so far this has been enough. Hopefully there really is an ATM in Kasese... :) We went to a craft store near the museum but decided it was lunch time before we entered the museum. Enoch was trying to help us understand the prices of souvenirs and items we may want to buy on our return trip to Kampala. After our window shopping we went to a got lunch at an Afro-mexican restaurant, Salsa, where Enoch knew the owner. Enoch seems to know everyone in Kampala.
In the evening after a long day we were able to go see a West African dance presentation. Despite the huge traffic jam on the way there we able to sit out side, enjoy the beautiful music, dance and comedy. The performance ended with all members of the audience joining in a circle, dancing and eventually breaking loose and doing our best to follow the dancers lead. The owner called Jenna and I out on the AP system, telling us to get out of the light we were standing in front of and just dance. We did reluctantly and one of the dancers saved us and danced with us.
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