Year in Africa 2.0

Around this time two years ago I was making lists and packing bags, preparing for uncertainty and adventure. I couldn’t imagine how long a year would feel, how I would manage on my own, what my job would entail, or even who exactly was supposed to pick me up at the airport when I arrived in Kenya. Now I’m in Uganda for another year: similar job, same region, even one of the same supervisors. But things couldn’t be more different this time around.

Important things first: I’m finally living in a hot part of East Africa. Not sure how I’ve managed, in the past, to seek out only the cold, the rainy, and the overcast. (I’m truly an Oregonian.) I thought I’d have to go to Mali, but it turns out western Uganda is quite warm. Not enough to make me suffer, just enough for a constant sheen of sweat on my face and clothes that dry quickly in the sun. (Downside: The cockroaches are particularly insidious.)

Notable work-related differences: In Kenya, I had ‘independence.’ (Subtext: You’re on your own, kid. Good luck!) Here, we have a team: a finance person, an office manager, a country director, and many other twenty-somethings working on projects all over the country. There are files full of training materials, previous surveys, online forums for help with data analysis problems. There’s a monthly update/newsletter. There’s protocol. I’m thrilled to be a part of a team like this and eager to glean as much knowledge as I can from my colleagues. (Downside: There’s protocol…)

Notable life-related differences: It seems the days of huge backpacks and hitching rides on pick-ups laden with cases of beer are over. I find myself, somewhat reluctantly, stepping out of my student/traveler hiking boots and into the sensible-yet-classy shoes of a ‘real’ grown-up. Here are some extravagances that I’ll enjoy this year: reliable running water and electricity; a hot shower; a real stove with four burners and an OVEN; refrigeration (although apparently that wasn’t hard to live without in Kenya.); and, craziest of all, a bright blue Toyota Rav-4. (Downside: I actually have to drive it.)

Advertisement