Things I've observed about Ugandans....
they....- love elaborate greetings—I never walk into a shop or anywhere without greeting. It’s considered very rude to just dive in and speak without greeting.
- love to give speeches. This can make assemblies, meetings, or church services extremely loooonnnngggg….
- are never in a hurry (except when driving)—if I walk quickly someone will comment on how fast I am walking.
- are ardent England football (soccer) fans—especially Manchester United, Arsenal, and Liverpool.
- think plumpness or fatness is attractive although this is slowly changing.
- are extraordinarily amiable, very willing to help
- are smart dressers and are nearly always neatly dressed and pressed, even while working in a field digging
- women rarely wear trousers (except in Kampala). Apparently the shape of a bum is extremely erotic.
- are religious--mainly christian but still retain traditional beliefs such as animism.
- are unfamiliar or vaguely familiar with technology and are amazed by it—even our bottled gas cooker was a source of amazement.
- can be bent over working in fields and gardens for hours and hours at a time.
- start working at sunrise, stop after sunset
- have children as young as 6 carrying jugs of water on their heads
- seem happy despite having little material goods
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2 comments:
What strikes me about all of these points is that they speak of a society that essentially human, not "corporate" or manufactured. I wonder if we would not be better off if we'd stayed that way too...
Could you please find a way to make admiration of "plumpness" an export? :D I think it would certainly find a market over here!
Hugs,
Lynn
Some of the sayings I love here are:
1) "Please extend yourself," when a ugandan wants you to move over on a bus or a matatu (little van bus).
2) "Where can I go for a short call?" when asking where your toilet is.
I didn't know the erotic bit about bums, i should stop wearing jeans in Kabwohe! Or at least wear long tops with them! Of course, I have absolutely nothing on the lovely ladies here so maybe I shouldn't worry.
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