More random thoughts… I’m procrastinating pulling together my notes for my papers (what else is new?)

– Today, a bus from the school went to the Uganda Martyr’s Day celebration. The announcement was for everyone to meet under the mango tree. I realized that I was the only person in the chapel who could not identify a mango tree.
– I think I know when everyone returned from said celebration – somewhere around 5, when the internet connectivity plummeted. It’s just a theory, but I stand by it.
– I’m still amazed at the cultural differences in communication. We had a class discussion about our papers. All the Africans are so eloquent, sharing their points with a reasonable amount of pomp and circumstance (the British influence), and the American just says what she has to say. It’s always quiet for a few seconds after I talk. Not quite sure how to read that, but they usually write down the points I bring up.
– I’m still getting in “trouble” for not eating what they consider enough. We had Irish potatoes with lunch one day, and my friend Luke made me finish all of them – even though I was over full. If you can pile a salad plate high with rice, add a large ladle of beans, and finish that whole thing, please let me know.
– People here ask me how the courses are going. I say that I think they’re fine, but will know better once I get results on my assignments and tests. One of the students responded with “yes, the American education system is very generous with grades. Here, with the British influence, it’s more of ‘who are you to get a 70?'” I was warned to expect to get 70s, but that’s going to be quite a shock.