Top 5s

As we close in on the end of our stay, here are the top 5 things I will miss about Uganda:

5. The vistas. Uganda is a country of beautiful landscapes from the Rwenzori mountains, to Lake Victoria, to the savannah lands, and everything in between. There is a breathtaking view around each corner.

4. The colors. In addition to the views, everyday life here is injected with vibrant color. The bright colors of the traditional clothing, the flowers, and the fruits and vegetables.

3. Extremely cheap organic produce – Ah, the 10 cent giant avocado…the 30 cent stack of tomatoes…. the 50 cent pineapple. Berkeley Bowl and Monterey Market will seem like an absolute rip off in comparison.

2. Living the good life – Here in Uganda we can afford massages ($7 an hour), a daily housekeeper, and a house on the golf course.

1. The people we’ve met along the way. We’ve met some really wonderful people here that have been incredibly welcoming and helpful – from the impressive doctors and researchers, to our fabulous housekeeper Sandra, to the general people we meet in our travels. Ugandans have a reputation of being incredibly friendly and that has surely been our experience.

Still, here are also the top 5 things I am looking forward to back in the US:

5. Reliable utilities – I have a new appreciation for the utilities in developed countries and I’m looking forward to bathing Ani in water without having to boil it first and having electricity on a daily basis.

4. Anonymity – While Ani will probably be depressed that she will no longer generate stares and smiles from everyone around, I’m looking forward to blending in a little more to my surroundings.

3. Trader Joes – and all its ready-to-eat goodness.

2. Relaxation – I’ve had plenty of time to relax here in Mbarara, but I’m looking forward to sleeping without the anxiety and vivid dreams courtesy of Larium (antimalarial medication) and not having to fret about mosquitoes, Ebola, etc….

1. Seeing our friends and family. We’ll be in Michigan from December 19^th to January 5^th and hope to catch up with family, especially my new niece Amata. After that it is back to Berkeley and into our new apartment in UC Village.