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Observing How the City Wakes

An early morning session spent observing Kampala and its citizens wake.

The boda-bodas take us into the city center which is followed by wandering streets and street markets. At one point we were seated at a breakfast stall sipping spiced black tea. As visitors we were given two cups - one, metal which is filled to the brim with tea, and the other plastic that is empty (photo above). Drinking first requires pouring from one receptical to another - as guests we have the priviledge of not having to scald our lips on the metal.

Incidentally, the men in our party are offered an extra dash of spice which are supposed to act as libido enhancers

Yesterday's one of our local guides described how you get 11+ people into a Toyota Corolla - the vehicle of choice for many Ugandan rural taxi drivers. Start by locking one rear passenger door, then squeeze 7 people on two layers into the back seat. Shut the other rear door (presumably to the sound of exhaled air). Two people can set on the front passenger seat, then squeeze another passenger into the left side of the driver's seat before, finally, the driver joins the throng. Gear changing is apparently a non-trivial affair.

Writing from Kampala | June 30, 2006 | Permalink