So, I believe I have not yet shared my most unfavorite part of this cultural exchange: the pit latrine. Let us just say that I would rather pee in the woods than go to the pit latrine. Here is how it works... From the exterior it resembles the rectangular shape of an American outhouse, there is usually a wall that creates a small walking space from the exterior to the interior. The latrine itself usually has a door constructed of wood or corrugated metal, or nothing as is the case with some of them. Once you enter the beloved latrine you will immediately come upon a deep hole that has been dug into the earth with a layer of cement that has been layed - a small opening has been created in the cement - it is about 3.5 inches wide and 6.5 inches long. The walls of the latrine are only 6 inches from the sides of this hole - needless to say it is a very small space. You then close the door and take care of your business, easy enough, right? Uh no. By mid-afternoon at my school the latrine has been infested with flies, not just common houseflies but the creepy loud buzzing flies - I literally cross myself before I enter as I stand there amidst the flies as they attempt to find a way out - note I am in a skirt so I have big big fears during this time. So, as I slightly moan to myself I have to aim carefully as flies are hitting my face (while peeing mind you) and I pray that nothing comes from underneath. It is my most displeasing experience and I am working on drinking less and less water to avoide the experience. Even my friend, Kevin, says that this is the worst part of our "Exchange" - OH to pee in a toilet again and put that toilet paper in the toilet! At the house we cannot do so - in Uganda you throw the toilet paper in a waste basket - there is a pee toilet and a not pee toilet - the not pee toilet is located across the compound. By the by, let's just say that my pee is difficult to aim into the hole - I definitely won't have athletes foot when I get home!
Yesterday, I went to Angeline's for lunch with Amy, our program coordinator. We first went to the market to buy a chicken, garlic, onions, rice and greens called "Bo" - Amy and I ended up helping by 'picking' the rice, this means that at her home we sorted the rice in a dish and picked out all of the bad pieces and rocks - It took us close to an hour. In the meantime Angeline slaughtered the chicken (she promises that next time it's my turn - I might seriously gag as I did when I saw the blood stream of the chicken running down the side of the slaughtering block) and cooked everything else -it was amazing - so I spent the day hanging with the children and chatting with Angeline; having visitors is a BIG deal here in Uganda - you are always "most welcome" to come and show up at peoples homes, even unannounced - it is part of the culture - I was telling her that in America you are not considered polite if you 'invite yourself' - she laughs!
More soon - I am off to dinner:)
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