Guinea fowl helping themselves to the lunch buffet at the Protea Hotel in Kampala

Deep thoughts

.... on a matatu around Kampala

I can't believe I'm missing the election tomorrow. I've voted in most elections since I turned 18, and have never missed a primary or presidential race. A certain Starr would say "That's what happens when you move to Africa". True, true. I'm missing out on a lot of things being these thousands of miles away.

Not that I'd decided who to vote for. Most of the news coverage has been personality and demographics over positions; not very helpful when you'd like to make a reasoned choice. The coverage of who's most electable is maddening. As was the "Hillary crying" moment. And the media dissection of Barack's blackness almost made me forget that he's mixed. Like me. I've spent so little time thinking of myself in American racial terms since moving to here that in a strange way, I'd nearly forgotten. No matter how I identify, I'm a muzungu to Ugandans.

By the time I get back, the choice of who to vote for in the presidential election will have largely been made for me. Couldn't see myself voting for McCain, could I? I tried sending in the absentee ballot application, but with the postal service taking 3-4 weeks to deliver to Uganda, I thought the chances of me receiving it in time were pretty slim. Too bad you can't do an electronic ballot. Or just vote at the American Embassy, like all the other expats here do.

Happy New Year! I came back from the snow of Maine and Montreal and rain of Carcassonne to find blissful sunshine and heat in Kampala. It's nice to be back in the land of no coats and sandals year-round.


Christmas with the Starrs was great, even if I did miss my family. And even though I fell every single day. I guess that's why people wear snowboots; clogs really don't cut it. It was worth the bruises and chills to have a white Christmas, go sledding, break out a pink flamingo pinata, and spend time with Kodiak.

A few days after Christmas, we headed up to Canada for some quality time and tax (violation) evasion. I got to practice my French, we ate poutine, and rang in the New Year at a goth club. Apparently, goths hate countdowns because we went from trying to enjoy-some pretty hard and undanceable music, to wishing everyone a happy new year. I felt a little out of place in my sparkly pink top.


On my way home to Uganda, I stopped in Carcassonne, France to visit with my grandmother, aunt and cousins for a few days. By the end of the trip, I could understand (and enjoy) Chris Rock dubbed into French, but I still can hardly string a sentence together. Hopefully my Christmas present from the folks (Rosetta Stone program) will help with that...

I took too many pictures to post here in the blog, so please check out my flickr page here.

Kody's also put his photos on flickr here.

I'm headed back to the US for the holidays. A little scared of the snow that awaits me at Kody's house in Solon, Maine, but looking forward to spending Christmas with the Starr clan. Back in 2008!

The day after our staff gift exchange, we had a holiday party at the American Recreation Association with everyone's families, and some of our key partners.

The kids treated us to songs and dances...


































Before Santa came to deliver presents







































































A few of my new friends

I hosted a holiday gift exchange at my house for my IAVI co-workers. We did secret Santa's this year, leaving little gifts for each other around the office. After everyone guessing who had been their Santa, we revealed ourselves the final present. I hadn't managed to have a house warming party, so this ended up being my first big gathering at the house. Hopefully I'll get around to having a few more next year. It was a nice way to start the holidays, and an excuse to put up decorations that feel out of season in our 80 degree sunshine!













Examining the evidence - secret Santa or secret admirer?



























Our Primary Investigator, Dr Kaleebu surprising his Santa












A group photo on the rare occasion that everyone is around

Step #2 (placing a newspapers announcement) in the endless quest to replace my driving permit has taken place. I'm not sure what step #3 is, but no doubt it will involve at least three trips to some official office. I was robbed nearly six weeks ago now, and haven't managed to replace much yet.

I have to add that 6 weeks, five phone calls, and a few unhappy messages to online customer service later, I have yet to get my Commerce Bank ATM card replaced. Their "America's Most Convenient Bank" claim might be true when you're in the US, but they're pretty useless at dealing with people abroad. But who knows, maybe January's going to be my month.

Well, people in Kampala are sort of worried about Ebola, but trying to keep a sense of humor about things, too. Below, Ebola shots served at a party this weekend....

The Cooking Club met at Leslie for a holiday dinner and gift exchange tonight.














A very confused bat crashed the party,














and almost became Jackie's dinner