Birthdays in Uganda

Hello Everyone,

I think most of you probably knew that it was my birthday yesterday, so after experiencing a birthday in Uganda, I thought I would write a little about what it was like....

I didn't know if it is a thing to do, to go around and proclaim that it was my birthday to everyone, so I didn't say a lot, but it didn't take long for the word to get around once I did mention it. Somewhere along the line people here picked up the "Happy Birthday" song from some "mzungus"(white people) and they love to sing it. Also, the other people on the program love to sing it as well. So, in the course of the day I think I had Happy Birthday sung to me at least 5 times, twice in one class even. I think that is a personal record, which I guess is good considering it was my 21st birthday. No alcohol, but much singing ;)

Chicken is a sort of special treat around here, so when my host-family found out that it was my birthday they told me we were having chicken. Along with the chicken my host-mom made a very large meal of rice, matoke', fried potatoes, ground nut sauce(like peanuts), pineapple, and a few other dishes I am forgetting. It was quite a feast :)

One thing that came as a surprise to me however was the chicken gizzard. Apparently the gizzard is an honored part of the chicken here, and is reserved for either the head of the house, or the honored guest....and...that would be me ;) So, for the first time in my life I at chicken gizzard....the whole thing. To my surprise, it actually wasn't too bad, actually tasted like chicken, which was a surprise to me. That being said, I'm not sure I'll find the gumption to eat it again, but we'll see.

Another bonus was that my host-mom warmed some water for my bathing last night, which was glorious, and a great present within itself. She had meant to do it for me the night before, which I didn't know, and shivered through cool temps and cool water. The warm shower was only the 3rd one I have had since being here, I won't expect it too much, and rarely need it because it is usually warmer, but it was really awesome last night!

That was pretty much my experience, it was pretty cool, a little different than the U.S. but nice all-the-same.

Later,
Justin