Independence Day Ugandan Style --Kisoro+ St. Francis Hospital

Dear Friends

Friday, the 9th was Uganda's Independence Day. The morning had typical activities such as parades. Well, not exactly typical, as instead of musical instruments and flags, most were carying guns and sticks, but a parade is a parade (I suppose)

In the afternoon was a huge celebration at the Nurses Dining Hall at St. Francis Hospital. Huge amts. of food were served (each person had a dish the size of a serving tray, with two kinds of rice, potatoes, fish, meat , matoki and greens. Everyone received a soda, warm as can be but they were happy for the treat.

Following the lunch-dinner, was entertainmnet , primarily by the Nursing Students. There had not been any power all day and at 4pm there still was none, but with great african drumming, who needs a sound system.

I had Michael for the day and he was ,as always, absolutely adorable. After he finished eating his plate full (didn't ssem to care for the fish) he proceeded to take a piece of food from one student and then give it to another. There was no stopping him! He decided we were all going to share each others food and so we did-ha. But boy did he enjoy our 1 coke. Each time it was my turn for a swig, I'd wipe off the top, not so much to protect myself from germs as because it was sopping wet from his trying to swollow the entire bottle. It seems Michael noted me doing this and decided that he also had to wipe the bottle top clean prior to his turn to take a swig. Now it was obvious he was not quite so willing to "share" the coke but he did it anyhow.

I enjoy when the nursing students entertain us with their local dances. What is interesting is how different the movements are from one area (Village) to another. With the grass skirt on , indicates an area more north of here, toward Kenya, with major hip movement, whereas here in Kisoro, the primary movement is a jumping up and down. You'll see it with the children in the following Blog, as well as here (if the video's come out, as I hope they will). ----Often the dances are mateing rituals, as seen in the video of the two young woman seducing the young man. Looks as if he liked Edwinah's hip movements, to me (ha)






If you ever are curious how Beyonce learned those "shake your booty" moves, just check out Edwinah in the blue shirt. (now that girl knows how to move!).