From Zanzibar...

...but actually concerning Uganda, here are two anecdotes, one of which is (verifiably) true:

1) A year ago the Ugandan transportation minister was invited by his German counterpart to visit for an exchange of ideas. The German minister showed his guest his beautiful house, situated on the top of an expansive valley. The German minister took his friend out to his veranda and said,"Do you see that bridge in the distance?"

"Yes, yes I do!" The Ugandan exclaimed as he caught sight of a huge suspension bridge in the distance"

"80% there," The German minister said pointing to the bridge, "and 20% here" he said patting his pocket.

A few months later the Ugandan transportation minister invited the German minister to Uganda. The German was treated to a visit at the Ugandan minister's house, a spectacular mansion atop a hill outside of Kampala. From his patio the Ugandan minister pointed out below, asking the German, "Can you see that paved road there?"

The German, squinting hard, asked, "what road?"

"100% here" said the Ugandan with a smile, patting his pocket.


2) Two American health workers go to a Ugandan primary class to teach them about HIV/AIDS awareness. The two are accompanied by a town council member, one of the most respected men in the village. At the end of an hour-long session on safe and proper uses of a condom, the town council member addresses the class: "And so, boys and girls, we all know what sort of girls use condoms?" He hesitates for a moment as the class responds with silence. "That's right, working girls."

The story that isn't true was told to me today by a PhD student who had worked in Uganda for the past several months. I don't mean to be harsh on Uganda and its people, they really are great.

Having a rainy but good time in Zanzibar!