Matooke, Matooke, Matooke

Some interesting observations from Uganda:

Matooke is plantains. People grow it everywhere and eat it for breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Men are always in long pants and collared shirts. No shorts, no t shirts, period.

Red clay is everywhere. The dirt roads create dust which goes everywhere. When it rains it turns to mud.

Uganda is fertile. Corn and matooke are planted roadside in urban areas and all over the country side. Coffee grows wild. Mango, avocado, jackfruit trees are always within sight.

The climate is mild. Elevations from 2,000 to 3,500 ft., make being on the equator mild. Temps between 55 - 80 degrees.

The driving is crazy! Boda Boda (motorbike taxis) are weaving in and out of traffic. Anything can be carried on a boda boda, we have seen as many as 5 people. We have seen stacks of eggs taller than the rider, sugar cane stacks, and rolled up mattress. You name it, they can figure out a way to get in on the motorbike.

Most Ugandans walk. Every road at any time of day has pedestrians walking on both sides.

Customarily, women and children drop to both knees when greeting. However, we only saw this in the village and not in the city.

Cheap cell phones are everywhere and I think all of Uganda has coverage. The trick is finding electricity to charge the batteries.

While people may not have much of the things money can buy, they are rich in things that matter. People take care of each other in the village. Families are tight and I mean tight. If 4 or 5 people are sitting in front of a house they are sitting on top of each other, not because there is not room, but by choice.

More later...