The scheduled activity was to head to the field and build a goat pen. We ‘picked’ Innocent (FAOC’s hired hand) and left him to cut grass for the craft hutch roof at a farm along the way. After a millet beverage that was so bitter it would put hair on my chest if I could have drank any more, we got started. First, we dug holes for the posts with pangas (machetes) and a spike. The posts were added to the holes and stabilized with rocks and soil. Next the floor was placed followed by the frame for the roof. Finally, the side poles were added and the gate, roof and ramp were to be completed at a later time. It turns out I am ok with a panga, but I don’t hold a candle to the grandmothers that were out helping. They would cut a piece in less than 1/2 the time it took me and with fewer strokes. The pen was actually intended for a pig, and after it was finished, I think it looked quite impressive. We were served lunch of beans, matoke and poeshow (mashed-potato like dish).
Back at the grass field to ‘pick’ Innocent, we found him along with several bunches of Ebinyansi (grass). It quickly became evident that the bunches were not going to fit inside our little Suzuki SUV. Onto the roof they went with 2 ropes holding them down. The passenger doors were tied shut because it was the post stable place to tie, so we had to all crawl into the front. The back was loaded with a Matoke (banana) bunch, sugar cane, and our tools. There must have been 50 kids gathered around watching us. The whole scene was very African! There were strands of grass draped on the windshield to complete the picture. The only things missing were an Mbuzi (goat), and some Encocoa (hens). The car definitely got more than the usual stares as people must have been wondering what the Mzungus (white people) were doing with so much grass.
On the ‘highway’ a matoke truck (small semi) stopped in front of us. We stopped in time, but then he backed up, right into us! He drove off as we got out to survey the damage. The bumper was loose and needed fixing, but it was still driveable. We ‘chased’ after at a brisk 30 Km/H in our grass-ladened vehicle. Miraculously, we caught up with him. When he pulled over, he denied hitting us then finally agreed to fix the car. After following him through Mbarara, he stopped at a mechanic on the side of the road. He tied the bumper on with wire and a bolt and superglued a rubber piece that came off.
I rushed home to eat and shower before an anticipated phone call. The news was devastating. I checked, but the Worst Case Scenario Travel Guide that he gave me does not contain a chapter on what to do if your boyfriend breaks up with you a month before the trip. I’m trying my best to understand and to be thankful he didn’t do this after.
I've recently posted a few more pictures, enjoy!
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