Comments on: Christmas in Uganda

By: Dan K.

Dan K. — Fri, 18 Jan 2008 13:19:23 +0000

Fantastic and thoughtful insight on cultures, both African and American! I happened to be in African for Christmas and New Year’s though in Togo, in West Africa. Yet what you wrote could apply there, too. I saw only one smoker in my 3 weeks there. Discretionary income seems to go towards gifts for family and friends and to hair styles, which are cool. The norm in public is to be calm and dignified, although they know how to party when it is time, with djembé drums and traditional group singing and shouting. Even with several liquor shops in a small town, there was only one instance of public drunkeness: it was the eve of the New Year, and there was a guy on the street who was singing and dancing a little too overtly. I pointed him out as a source of amusement to the Togolese locals I was with. But they roundly refused to even smile, much less watch at him. They all had embarrassed and disgusted looks on their faces and wanted to change the subject of discussion. Yes, the environment can be harsh and living involves sanitary concerns, but there is much to learn from these people who have next to nothing.

By: Maren

Maren — Fri, 11 Jan 2008 14:37:03 +0000

Hi Drew! I’m a fellow in Peru, I just read your blog and I can’t tell you how much I agree with your segment on Forgiveness not Retribution. We could accomplish so much more if we asked the simple question ‘why’ in an attempt to understand. Thank you!

By: Matt

Matt — Fri, 04 Jan 2008 02:42:06 +0000

Apologies for the off-topic post but do you have an RSS feed?

By: Jeff D.

Jeff D. — Mon, 31 Dec 2007 04:17:38 +0000

Drew,
I just recently joined Kiva. I have an idea for a business for someone on your end.For it to work there has to be internet access available. What is the status
of the net in Kampala? If you happen to have some time
could you possibly e-mail me so I could elaborate further to see if you think it might be possible there?
I also tried to e-mail Mrs. Kaluuba to see if I could help with school suplies, but it did not get through.
If you happen to see her again could you give her my e-mail Thanks, Jeff

By: JohnK in Los Angeles

JohnK in Los Angeles — Sun, 30 Dec 2007 12:11:07 +0000

Thanks for sharing your gifts from Christmas. You’ve passed on insights that I never thought about in Uganda. I live in Los Angeles and am far, far away from life in Uganda. Merry Christmas to you and keep on blogging!

By: Colleen

Colleen — Sat, 22 Dec 2007 19:43:29 +0000

What a gift that was to read!