VIP is for me!

July 10, 2011 PART DOS


Unfortunately we had to cut our time short at Rock Garden Bar, and so we cheersed one last Gorbie before heading out to meet some old old friends.

Now, I know that all of you are familiar with the work of Moses Radio and Weasel but I shall provide a quick reminder just for kicks.  Moses and Weasel are friends that we made in 2006 and some of my friends have been great about keeping in touch with them over the years, Katie in particular.  They have become two of the leading Ugandan popstars and are making very successful music careers for themselves.  Here is a quick video to show you what I'm talking about:



Every Monday Moses and Weasel are sponsored by a bar called High Table to meet and greet their fans.  So, we decided to join them at the VIP table.  It was a great evening for a reunion.

I ordered a vodka diet coke and this is what I got:

I know, the proportions were a little off...

In Uganda, you open a bottle using another bottle.  So, Katie and I made Moses teach us how to do it.

We failed miserably.

After some dancing, it was time to head home.  It was almost 4am afterall.  And yes, we did sleep for most of the next day.

Ahhhhhhhhh, Kampala.

Diet Coke + Vodka = Gorbie

July 10, 2011 PART UNO

Our first night in Kampala (the capital of Uganda) was truly indicative of what would be all our nights in Kampala: multiple stops, random run-ins, and lots of laughter.

We started at Rock Garden Bar.  Rock Bar is where gross white business men in town on business go to meet lovely Ugandan women friends for the evening.  And while, as Katie pointed out, we were the right race but wrong gender to meet any nice Ugandan prostitutes we did meet Steve and Mark. Steve is a middle aged development worker from Alabama and along with his British friend Mark was only in town to catch his flight home.  When I finally got Mark to stop talking about birds, he taught me one of the most important facts of my life:

My favorite drink in the world is a vodka-diet coke. Did you know that this drink has incredible historical signifance?

Coke = Classic America, Vodka = Classic Russia

This was the drink used to represent the fall of the Berlin Wall during the Cold War! Who knew??  I have named it The Gorbachev - or Gorbie for short. 

When Mark imparted this knowledge on me, I gave the only reply possible: Ich Bin Berliner.

DEN-->JFK-->ISTANBUL-->ENTEBBE

July 8th, 2011


We are off to Uganda!  Our connection through Istanbul was quick, although we did have enough time to praise the Lord that Popeye's has made it to the Ataturk airport.


The flight from Istanbul into Entebbe, Uganda left something to be desired...and it was leg room for my Amazon friend.

Luckily, the plane also provided random useless footrests and a tray table divided into two for the middle seat.  
 

Thank you Turkish Airways for making our arrival into Uganda that much more sweet. 

Introducing Katie Tobin

Before I dare begin telling the tales of Uganda 2011, I must introduce my amazing travel buddy. 


Meet Katie Tobin:

In the land of short stature, dark skinned people this 6'2 blonde beauty is like the Jennifer Aniston of Uganda - all the men want her, and the women want to be her. 


Fast Facts about Ms. Tobin:
- we met while studying together in Uganda in 2006
- she graduated from Barnard and got her masters in African Literature at SOAS in London
- this was her 5th trip to Uganda
- she is obsessed with Ugandan music
- she is obsessed with Ugandan men (sorry, Katie but you know its true!)
- she is obsessed with Ugandan men musicians (I know, I didn't see it coming either)


Now, onto the experience that was Uganda 2011...

My new blog!

I know, I know, the gift of my blog into your lives is more than you ever dreamed of.  You're welcome. I am here to celebrate my life as a teacher of unique little muffins and as a member of the wildest family this side of Italy.  Truth be told, I couldn't make this stuff up if I tried!

So, thank you for reading - and follow at your own risk!

Much love, Emily (pasta lover, triathlete, and africa aficionado)