Showing posts with label food. Show all posts
Showing posts with label food. Show all posts

Friday, November 12, 2010

Give me a P for Pizza!

I dreamed about pizza. I got pizza! Last night was awesome. When my supervisor and the operations officer brought us that pizza, I was ecstatic. Ok, it was no Pizza Hut or Digiorno's. It was actually more foccacia bread-like. And the tomato sauce wasn't exactly tomato sauce, it was more of a pink color. Which is a bit strange, but I don't care. It's pizza!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I've officially hit the 3 weeks left mark. I'm so sad!!! What will I do without my pit latrine, my Claire, or my chapati stand?! But watch out, Midwest... here I come!!! Please have some snow for me to play in.

Tuesday, November 2, 2010

Indian food makes me want to roll around on the floor like a happy puppy dog

This past weekend was great. I spent way too much money and ate way too much Indian food, but living the occasional life of excess is actually rather fun. Good thing I spend like 20 cents a day, if that, in Sembabule. Thursday night, Indian food at Haandi's. Friday night, Indian food at Nawab. Saturday afternoon, Indian food at Masala Chaat. I may have a serious addiction problem and will need to find good Indian restaurants in the Midwest and New England when I get back to the USA. Garlic naan paired with a delicious Indian dish make me want to run around squealing with happiness. Yes, I mean squealing like a little child on Christmas day.

Shopping in Uganda is not the same as shopping in the States. Obviously. But I have come to enjoy it just as much except for the negotiating prices part. Sometimes it's just nice to have everything at a fixed price and you know exactly how much you need to pay. Arguing with shop owners is not my forte (it's my dad's) and it just gets old after a while. BUT I have managed to finagle some cool stuff to bring back. Including one really sweet silver ring. I probably paid way too much for it, but I love it so that's my justification. Oh and also cuz I'm probably not going to make it to Kenya or on another trip before I leave, SO rather than spending money on hotels, bus tickets, etc... why not just shop?

30 days left in Uganda! Wicked crazy, I know! I'm going to really miss this place. Miss being around the other intern 24/7, attached at the hip. Miss my supervisor who I love and wish I could bring her back to the US with me. And miss everything about Uganda. At the same time, I'm pumped to drive a car by myself on the RIGHT side of the road. Take a hot shower. Not have to worry about frogs jumping out randomly at me, the cow mooing at the crack of dawn, dodging pigs/chickens as I cross the street. I am also rather excited for the male species. I miss the smell of boy, the boy sense of humor, boy everything. Being here has been like being on a man fast again and I have to say it's not exactly the most fun. Though it has helped me find myself and learn more about myself. Blah blah blah cliche I know, but rather true.

I have nothing of real importance to report. So for all you readers in the Midwest who I know personally, see you in a month!!!!!!!!!!!! I want beer, cranberry/vodkas, pizza, Sour Patch Kids, Wheat Thins, and a bread bowl with soup. Thank you very much.

Monday, September 13, 2010

Never Have I Ever

Never have I ever gone to a strip club. Why I'm thinking about this in the middle of Uganda? I have no idea. But I haven't. I'd like to... since I've been told, I'd be a good stripper... I think I should check out venues for employment if I'm ever short of change.

Never have I ever screamed so loudly as I did last night when a giant cockroach fell from the window sill. Yea, the loud screaming you could hear all the way from the Midwest, that was me. I'm just sitting, minding my own business, watching an episode of Glee. The plop, scratch, scratch. COCKROACH. After much screaming, I once again employed the use of my spatula to fling it out my door... Hate bugs.

Never did I ever realize that November birthdays essentially mean Valentine's Day conception babies until this morning. Don't ask why I was thinking about this either. But I'm just saying, I did think about that... I wonder if November has an unusually high birth rate as compared to the other months...

These were the 3 interesting things I can report from my weekend. I stayed in Sembabule... no power for a day... nothing really to do... I did manage to finish a really long book, read The Economist (which I bought at Nakumatt) and watch way too many TV shows for my own good.

Whoever reads this, can I just say... I'm hungry... hungry for real food... ramen and chapati just aren't working for me these days...

Tuesday, September 7, 2010

There was a gecko in my room last night

I'm happy to report that my mood has been a lot better the last few days. I really do enjoy my time here and the good does outweigh the bad. Given the opportunity, I highly recommend you to live in Kampala. Maybe not where I work, kind of out in the middle of nowhere, but Kampala rocks.

I have been eating candy for dinner. Delicious but definitely not nutritious. Haribo gummies make me happy- the European kind, the not American kind.

To all the readers of this blog that have skyped, emailed and/or IMed me, I am very very grateful for your keeping in touch. You help maintain my connection to the outside world and keep me sane. Thank you so much! Love you!

Monday, August 2, 2010

I enjoy Crystal Light

The title of this post has nothing to do with anything else that's written, but it is a new observation I have. Crystal light is yummy.

Getting a tan by the pool (along with several Nile Special beers) at the Sheraton Hotel in Kampala was outstanding. But afterwards, I saw the effects of my crappy sunscreen application. Oops! The army guys we met at the pool were really fun and nice to hang out with. One was rather good-looking aka extremely and had awesome tattoos, but I was disappointed to discover later that he is married.

In the US, we're taught that time is money. In Uganda, more people means more money. So taxi rides are inevitably always late and cramped. Plus, it's one thing to stuff average sized people together. When you have individuals who are larger than normal, you'd think people would consider that in the "stuffing people into vehicles" situation. They don't.

I have this fascinating itchy rash/ a bunch of small bumps on the bottom of both of my feet, in the exact same spot. Medical people- help? I've eliminated athlete's foot; definitely isn't that. I'm kind of hoping it will go away on its own since it would be rather difficult to locate a doctor out here and I don't want to make a trip into Kampala to solely find a doctor. FML.

Friday, July 23, 2010

Ugandan Issues

(Written July 22) Uganda is amazing, and I love it here. My only current issues are: bathroom use and the fact that matoke can only be eaten day after day a certain number of times.


To tackle the first issue, I’m slightly terrified to use the pit latrine for the reason that I’m petrified that I’ll miss the hole. Given, the hole is rather large and it’s not like I’m blind so I can spot myself. BUT still. And here’s the other thing, after you’ve gotten used to the porcelain throne, squatting to do your business is rather difficult. That is the one thing Americans don’t do, but the Ugandans do all the time: squat. Squat to peel plantains, squat to go to the bathroom, squat to bathe, children squat all the time. For me, after squatting for a while, my feet feel achy, my calves start to tingle, it’s not exactly the most comfortable position. But now that it’s Day 2 in Ssembabule, I’m getting a little more accustomed to it. One of my greatest fears in the world: falling into a pit latrine. You know, Slumdog Millionaire style, except that kid jumped. Just the idea gives me the heebeejeebies.

As for issue two, it is what the Ugandans call “green bananas.” As for the bananas we’re used to snacking on, those are called sweet bananas. Green bananas aren’t sweet and they are, obviously, green in color. In other words, they are plantains. One of the staples of the Ugandan diet is boiled/steamed and mushed bananas. Matoke. It really has no flavor and is always paired with meat, vegetables and/or g-nut sauce. To make it, you peel a bunch of green bananas, stick it in a pot, throw in some water, and boil. Tada. Eventually the bananas get soft, turn yellow, and get mushed together. It’s rather dense, so I can only ever eat so much. It’s pretty good. I just don’t exactly love it as a meal everyday.

Children look at me and either smile and wave OR they just stare. The young ones especially stare. Yesterday, I’m pretty sure this little girl was about to cry. The ladies around me were laughing, telling me she has never seen anyone so pale. Since I’m in such a remote area (the words of Ugandans, not me), I am one of not very many foreigners. I hear there’s one Peace Corps volunteer that works here, but I haven’t seen her yet. I haven’t seen any mzungus for 2 days now.

Well, off I go to start a day of work (this was written on my computer early in the morning but posted later). Next time you go to the bathroom, be thankful that your toilet flushes.

Thursday, May 13, 2010

Hurling was the Theme

Yesterday at work someone choked at lunch. They were saved and it was okay. But watching that entire process... not appetizing. Lots of bile.

I was eating breakfast this morning and felt the sudden need to vomit. It was bad. I almost vomited all over a work computer. Woops! Good thing I didn't. I held it in. Ran for the bathroom and then didn't puke. No, I do not have any of the problems that are flashing through your mind right now. It is seriously impossible, unless it's immaculate conception. It's not.

Every time someone talks to me about Tongue-Down-Throat, I feel my stomach scream in protest. If I ever see him again, I may try to puke all over him to make him avoid me.

Having the words Asian Housewife and Cute in one sentence equals one reaction from me- the need to vomit. Sorry, that is not exactly my dream role. I would not like to rub your feet, vacuum your house, birth your children, and cook you dinner tomorrow. Look at my feet, they are not bound. No I will not wear a kimono for you- wrong, COMPLETELY wrong. No, I would not like to give up all my dreams and goals to make your life bliss. Sorry. I never want to be just an Asian housewife.

Sunday, March 21, 2010

Sunday Morning, Random Nonsense

A few things:

First I work in a food store, no I do not sell cigarettes or lighters. So don't walk in and ask me for them. Secondly, if I HAD cigarettes in the store, I wouldn't sell them anyway. I'm a public health student. Cigarettes = bad for health, bad for public's health, all around bad. Smoking is BAD for your health. Okay? Got it? Good.

Drinking is terrible. My body hates alcohol. Like really really hates it. Can't handle it. Yet, I always try to make it like alcohol more. Then my body always rejects me, laughs in my face and says, "there are consequences to your drinking because I DON'T LIKE ALCOHOL!" Then I'm hungover for a day or two, my body feels like it gets hit by a bus, and I'm horrifyingly unproductive. Note to self, no more tequila shots. (Can I use the label food on this one? Alcohol not really food... but close enough?)

Washing dishes- I don't like doing it. Just like I don't like doing the laundry. Maybe it's the whole concept of washing things that I don't like to do. But I don't mind showers...

And... that's all I can think about writing for now. I have all this partial blog ideas in my head but I always forget them once I sit down and actually start typing. Kind of a problem. Now, if you could just read my mind, I wouldn't have to blog.

Monday, March 15, 2010

Quality Time on My Knees and in My Head

I've spent an interestingly long time on my knees lately. No, don't think dirty. At WORK I kneel and put things away. Restocking and such. I've noticed how much time I spend on my knees and how much that hurts! But it's easier than constantly bending over. The thought was that I wish I had knee pads when I work. Now as for doing other things on my knees... well, I can do that without knee pads.

Spring Break has come and gone. I spent a little time at home and got to enjoy a meal a great friend who I've missed a lot. Also I got to sleep in. Best thing ever. I spent quality time with my mom, which ended up being great fun. We ate a lot of Chinese food and watched movies. I am fully embracing the Chinese food and Chinese pop music side of my Chinese-ness. Not sure about any other side yet. Pretty much ate myself into a delightful Chinese food coma... best feeling EVER. Better than an American food coma. I'm serious. WAY better. Try it some time. But try it with authentic Chinese food and then you will see what I mean.

I can't believe it's March. Time has definitely flown by. The semester is almost OVER. Unbelievable. Two of my favorite people are returning to the USA in April- we're almost there! Can't wait to see them. I'm still searching for my way abroad for 6 months. Keep your fingers crossed for me!

So I've been doing some thinking. It's fascinating how much has changed since I've moved out here. I was so miserable those first few months. I think it takes a few months to adjust to a new place when you don't know a single soul. And I have definitely learned the art of self-soothing. Amazing how you don't really have to do that when you have really great friends around you. But I definitely realized how I need to do that without having someone a few minutes away to talk to, hug, or to cry on their shoulder. I am much better these days. Happy is a good state of mind.

Now if it could just stop RAINING in Boston, I'd be happier!

Tuesday, March 2, 2010

Law, Sleep, Bathrooms, Sushi... Can I be more random?

My destiny will never lead me to be a lawyer. I am currently studying for my Health Law midterm. It is all G.I.B.B.E.R.I.S.H. I'm serious. This doesn't make sense. It's a completely different language. Give me biology, chemistry, foreign languages any day. This stuff is like #@*(&&^@#)#@$^*&# to me.

I now have a complete inability to wake up in the morning. I miss the mornings where I could just roll out of bed and get going. Like an energizer bunny.... Or when I had a human alarm clock to kick me out of bed. These days I just lay there, sleep through alarm clocks, and stare angrily at my phone.

A thought: guys have it so easy when it comes to going to the bathroom. This thought occurred to me at work yesterday. I was in the bathroom and decided, why not use one of those silly toilet covers. Pulled one out. Put it down. Turned around... then turned back around. And it had fallen into the toilet. #($&^@! Seriously, guys can just stand there and go. Girls have to pop a squat and work on their thigh muscles. OR just sit on the grossness of a toilet OR use a toilet cover (either ready-made or impromptu toilet paper). Why is it so difficult for us to go?! I can tie this into the time I was in the hospital. Bed pans? Psh, don't know how to use those. Guys just have this lovely thing they can just use and relieve themselves. I had to push a call button, get a nurse, go, and have her help me throughout the entire process. Female anatomy is difficult sometimes...

Best work shift last night: discounted sushi and free Chai Latte. Gotta love fellow employee camaraderie. Mmmm sushi. Spicy Tuna Roll me!

This is my attempt at not studying law anymore... but it isn't working. The gibberish is pulling me back in... probably because I'm worried I'm going to fail my exam. Wish me luck!

Sunday, November 29, 2009

Thanksgiving wrap-up

Thanksgiving story: my family bought a bottle of wine. First bottle of wine for Thanksgiving. EVER. It was only 1 bottle, but still. It was some wine. Problem: no wine opener in the house. Yes, I live in a dry house... except for the vodka my mom cooks with. So there was no way to open this bottle of wine. We tried using a Swiss army knife's bottle opener- no luck. We tried Googling "How to open a bottle of wine without a wine opener." I tried the screw and hammer technique. Stick a screw into the cork, use the hammer's nail prying end and pull... It didn't work. After much sadness (on my part), we finally pushed the cork into the bottle. The wine was good and it was well worth the effort.


Black Friday morning- 4am, I joined the other crazies on the shopping excursions. JCPenney provided me with the yearly Disney snowglobe. I didn't really buy much, but I enjoyed the neurotic atmosphere of people buying tons of shit.

I am so full. I think I ate my weight in food these past few days. I should not eat again for a very long time. Now on to homework doing... Curse my public health writing class. It is taking over my life and it's driving me a little nutty. HATE HOMEWORK RIGHT NOW. All I want to do is watch a movie and take a nap.

Brilliant Idea: Do not eat again until winter break. I will never become unfull unless I don't eat for 3 weeks.

Monday, October 12, 2009

Bounce thoughts, Bounce

I bought a dress I can't afford today. I can't afford it because I have no money. But I love the dress. So I bought it. But who knows when I'll actually wear it because 1) it's kind of fancy 2) I need to lose weight to look better in it 3) I don't have anyone I feel the need to impress here.

I don't like doing homework. I procrastinate constantly.

I'm really full right now... Garlic bread pizza is awesome. But now I want a beer.

Glow in the Dark condoms... I find them an interesting invention (not that I have recent experience)... it would be like a light saber... think about it.

I painted my toenails red. I think painted toenails are cuter than non-painted toenails.

I need to work out more. I want to run a 10K.