We had lunch provided for us, which will be the same for every lunch during our workshop while we are here. It is warm potatoes, beef, squash, beans, greens, and some bread thing that tastes like a crepe. They provide bottled water as well since you can't drink out of the tap here. I decided to linger around the school and poke my head around different doors. I found the cutest group of boys and started to ask them questions. Turns out they are students of the school, but are on break until the 13th. Most wet about 10-13 years old, except for one small 5 year old. They said they love to play futbal and math was their favorite subject. I took a selfie with them and then later had my roommate come meet them and snap some more pics. I can't WAIT to start teaching and working with the kids next week.
After lunch we met back in our classroom and talked for about an hour about the history of Uganda, the tribes, clans, language, dances, etc. We learned more about where the dances we will be learning are from and what they are about. I LOVE the teachers we are working with. Grace is sorta like the head of their group and is a powerhouse! She tells it how it is, has so much energy, but is also very warm and approachable. Brian and I bonded over our fancy cameras (I think his is nicer, actually) and he nicknamed me "Lake" since the big lake to the south of Uganda is Lake Victoria. Bahgosa (spelling is probably way off) is like the choir leader. He has an INCREDIBLE voice and is a great teacher. He had us singing and making the rhythms in no time. I will definitely try to adopt some of his teaching styles. Denis is a little quieter than the others so far, but once you start talking to him he is full of information and has the biggest smile. There are many more people we are working with and I can't wait to get to know them better in the coming days.
We had a few hours to burn before getting ready for dinner so we decided to walk up to the Kampala Sheraton and pay to use their pool. 20,000 UGS a.k.a. $8.00 USD. This pool was divine. After dancing and sweating all day in the school with no AC I couldn't wait to jump in. We cooled off for about an hour or two and it was the best medicine I could have asked for. I felt like a new woman leaving that pool. I just haven't cooled off since we landed and being able to actually not think about how hot I am was very refreshing. Also, on the way out we met a guy sitting poolside who just happened to be a pilot for British Airways. Turns out he was our pilot that brought us here from London! Also on the way out we saw some people setting up mics and instruments on a stage outside in front of the restaurant tables. One of the men happened to be one of our friends that served us lunch at the school! He told us his band was performing later in the evening and we told him we would try to come back after our dinner plans. The Sheraton hotel is a very nice hotel, I felt like it would be like a hotel you would find in Hawaii. I've never been to Hawaii but the grounds were beautiful, lots of flowers, palm trees, very big lobby, gift shop, bar, restaurant, and very good wi-fi.
After the pool we walked back to the Fang Fang and got ready for dinner. We were invited to attend Madame Fang's high end Chinese restaurant downtown Kampala, her treat. They had taxis sent for us and drive us down. The restaurant was absolutely stunning. We also were all dressed up so it was all just beautiful. When someone looks nice in Uganda you say, "You look smart". We were all looking very smart. We had about 4 courses throughout the night and the food was divine. Probably the best Chinese food I've ever had.
After dinner we had the taxis drop us at the Sheraton so that we could catch the end of the concert. We all sat at a table and had drinks and danced. It was such a beautiful evening. Also one of the girls here, Kelly, is a drama ed student at NYU who also come to find out knows how to sing. She got up with another girl, Kim (music ed) and sang "Killing Me Softly". It was unforgettable. I kept contemplating trying to make video or put the camera down and enjoy the experience. Putting the camera down won. I am still speechless from that experience. The song, her voice, the environment, I just can't find a way to articulate. Deb was literally in tears after. It was overwhelmingly amazing. The fact that Kelly got on stage and performed with Kim who had just met on our flight to Uganda, with this band they had just met minutes before was incredible! Jeez, I can't get over that.
We stayed a little longer after the band and ended up talking until around midnight. Deb's husband is here for a few more days and we were able to talk about how when he toured internationally when he was on the Paul Taylor company. Also he spent time in the Cincinnati ballet so we had a little connection with that, which was fun to talk about as well. I'm so happy he is here, what a funny, supportive, and awesome husband! I love Deb and Tom. Best couple ever.
At the sheraton I was able to text my mom and dad and get directions to where to attend church for Sunday morning so I set my alarm to wake up and attend The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Uganda! Turns out they have an entire stake here! Fortunately, Saturday night was my first night I was able to sleep throughout the night! Finally kicking this jet lag.
Quote of the day:
"Only geography separates us"
-Grace
Kids that hang around while we learn.
I sign seen in the courtyard outside of the classroom reads: Always Use English
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