Last night was a night of firsts. It was the first time I rode a boda-boda. It was the first time in a long time I stayed up all night. And of course, it was the first time the United States elected an African American for president.
All of these things are actually related. I rode the boda-boda to the Sheraton Hotel in Kampala to watch the election returns at a gathering sponsored by the US Embassy. In case I haven't mentioned them before, boda-bodas are these ubiquitous motorcycles that weave in and out of traffic all over Uganda. For a minimal cost you can hire a boda-boda, climb on behind the driver and ride to your destination. I have avoided them until last night. However, there was no way to get from the UMU campus in the Rubaga neighborhood to the Kampala Sheraton except by boda-boda. I tried to get a taxi but there wasn't one availabe that late at night (9:30 PM) so I got a boda-boda.
It was an interesting experience to say the least. The driver was relatively safe, but relative is the operative word. I arrived at the Sheraton with my official invitation and my identification so I could get in.
At first, I didn't see anyone I knew, but as time went on all of the Fulbrighters found each other. Fortunately, we were all Obama supporters, so we had a good time watching the returns together.
However, since I literally stayed up all night last night, I think I'll finish this tomorrow when I have a good night's sleep behind me.
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