I Had Dinner With the Prime Minister In My Dressing Gown

July 16, 2011

Frequently Asked Question 1: Why was the Prime Minister wearing your dressing gown?

Answer: Don't be dumb.

 

Frequently Asked Question 2: What is a dressing gown?

Answer: A dressing gown is what some people wear around the house before putting on their going-out outfit.  Similar to pajamas in many cultures. My dressing gown is an Old Navy maxi dress.  It was white when I bought it, it was a nice shade of off-brown by the time it made it to dinner.  See example below:

The evening started out boring enough.  Katie and I decided to go to Cayenne to sit outside and read.  We had no plans for the evening, and I wanted to be in bed early for once.  Cayenne is home to my favorite sign in the world:



I decided to not change clothes and I wore my dressing gown - I mean, I don't need to be attractively dressed to read outside. Apparently I do.

Our plans changed.  Katie is good friends with the son of the Prime Minister of Uganda.  We were kindly invited to join Katie's friend for dinner with his family at the mansion. 

Me: "Hold on, I am wearing a strapless dirty dress.  I can't go see the Prime Minister right now."
Katie: "Do you have a scarf to cover yourself? No? That is too bad."

So, we went to dinner as we were.

 PM's beautiful house



Their private chef fed us the most amazing Mongolian BBQ.  Definately the best meal I ate in UG.

And we played with the most adorable and intelligent children.  Katie may have tried to take one home.

I learned a lot about Hannah Montana.  Did you know that she is a super star but also an unknown teenager.  I know, that wig really tripped me up too.  I just wanted to tell this little angel that Miley Cyrus is actually a trainwreck and needs to go to rehab.  I guess I will save that until she is 9.

I also learned that snakes and alligators and hippos and sharks are very scary.  Very scary.  I added sharks to that list, obvi.  

Then the Prime Minister came home.

Me: "Hi! My name is Emily! What is yours?"

Katie (while giving formal traditional handshake): "Hello, Mr. Prime Minister.  It is a pleasure to join you this evening."

Me (in my head): Damn. Should have let her go first.

We enjoyed a delicious meal with the Prime Minister and his wonderful family in their home.  He told me that Uganda grows 13 types of bananas.  I told him that Uganda will never be able to grow peaches. Then I shared a banana with him while we discussed the American Wild West.  Good wine.  Good bananas.  Though slightly less good as a combo. 

Note: When traveling with friends who know important people - don't exit the house in your PJs.