The new batch of volunteers has come

I am a volunteer of the VSO (Voluntary Service Overseas, a U.K.-based charitable organization with website at http://www.vsoint.org).  This blog is not authorized by VSO and my postings are entirely my personal views.

At the airport we were met by a VSO officer and a volunteer and we were  taken to our hotel in Kampala.  Mobile phone sim cards and our allowance for the rest of the month were immediately distributed.  This is such a high complement for the tiny cell phone.  It was just assumed that everyone regardless of nationality, origin and final destination in this planet has a cellphone - and it was given the same importance as cash.  You don't leave home without them.

This is the picture of our hotel - the Landmark International Hotel, from the outside. In my room, despite the screened windows, there was a mosquito net uniquely hanged in the ceiling and spreads out to cover the bed.  This mosquito net is chemically treated and the treatment stays for 20 washings.

Why the mosquito net?  Malaria is prevalent in Uganda, as in other African countries.  It is believed that since they are new to the place, precautions such as use of mosquito nets, and anti-malaria prophylaxis should be taken by foreigners.

Malaria is contracted through the bite of the anopheles mosquito.  The mosquitoes hover from 8:00pm to 5:00am.  Malaria can be deadly if not attended to right away.  So when symptoms such as fever,  nausea, diarrhea occur and they are not gone in 3 days, see a doctor.  Better yet, see a doctor right away at the first signs.  You should also stay covered as much as possible.  Wear socks, even under the net, and use repellent - as additional precautions.

My first pictures of Uganda

Here's how Entebbe airport looks like from my window aboard Emirates... as we were about to land.  This airport was written about many years ago in a book entitled "The Battle for Entebbe" when Israeli commandos staged a successful rescue of hostages aboard a plane that landed in Entebbe.  If anyone sees the book, I recommend that you read it.  It's thrilling.

And this is a picture taken on the road from Entebbe to Kampala.  Notice the flag of Uganda.

First day in Africa

I had been unable to post any entry since the first one I did 10 days ago. My accommodations were temporary then.
I landed at the Entebbe International Airport then traveled to Kampala (the new capital of Uganda) and stayed there for a week for an in-country training. Now I am in Gulu, around 350 kilometers and 5 hours away. Will add more posts next time.

The decision of what to pack

How do you react to an expert's  suggestion to take two years supply of intimate wear because water and detergent in your destination can easily discolor the delicate materials?  What do you do with a wardrobe that is also suitable to the climate where you are headed?  Will you leave behind usable personal belongings that could not be given away because there were no deserving beneficiaries among your friends, household, and relatives?   In my case, I planned to take all my worldly possessions in 2 suitcases, and one wheeled cabin bag.

Before packing, I checked the airline's website.  It was useful but I had to ask whether more than one piece of checked-in luggage (with a combined weight of 30 kgs.) was allowed, and made sure that in addition to the checked-in luggage, a cabin bag with a total dimension of 45 inches (and weight of 7 kgs) was allowed.

The attached picture shows a very promising beginning.