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10 May 2001
So here I am in Uganda. Feels like I�m still on vacation, and I�m trying to relish that while it lasts. But I have started my job search. My logic, you see, is that the whole process may take a while, so I might as well get started now while I still enjoy having free time. It�s nice so far � warm weather and lots of sun. There�s a pool at the place we�re currently living, and I�m finding I�m still capable of getting a suntan after 4 pasty-white years in Germany. On Tuesday I was sitting reading by the pool, these huge Pterodactyl-like birds (marabou storks) flying overhead, and all of the sudden I notice a guy climbing the palm tree (next door neighbor?) that towers over the wall surrounding the pool. He�s barefoot, stops halfway, sees me looking and waves (holy cow, hold on!!!) Then he continued climbing to the top and disappeared in the fronds for a while to collect coconuts. On the way down, coconuts hanging in a bag off of his back side, he stopped again at the halfway point, slapped the tree to get my attention and waved again � showing off. Ah, now that�s an Africa moment. Tomorrow my singular goal is to find out where I can play some tennis, since the rackets arrived yesterday. I bought some spinach at a local market yesterday and am feeling the effects of eating �locally� today. But Askan�s fine, so I guess I�m at my 1 week �getting used to the germ milieu� point. Going to the market was quite the experience. You would think I�d be used to negotiating price after two years in West Africa, but I guess you can take the girl out of America� The Turkish lady who took me handled it like a pro (she�s been here 10 months.)
Marabou Stork