I was thinking recently about the various things I've been able to enjoy since being back in the States. As I've talked about on this blog, I was grateful for the simpler and slower pace of life in Uganda which is different than the general pace of life in the States. I think part of that simplicity was due to lack of options for entertainment, shopping, etc. However, I have to admit that there are some very material things I have enjoyed since moving back. Sometimes the options seem overwhelming but here are a few material things I've appreciated:
1. The roads and traffic
Having a car and being able to drive on paved, well marked roads has been such a relief. I did not own a car in Uganda but when I borrowed a car or was a passenger it was a much more stressful experience with potholes, traffic and people walking along the roadside- not to mention boda-bodas. I would say one down side of living in a city in the States is the on-street parking but my parallel parking skills have definitely improved!
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| A foggy morning in Wilmington |
2. Access to books and magazines
Since I love to read I have really appreciated being able to go to bookstores, look at books and buy any book I want. Also being able to borrow books from friends and family so easily has been fun. I went to Barnes and Noble one night this past week and had a great time walking around checking out the many, many books. I also started subscribing to a few magazines and have realized how great it is to read a magazine while it is actually current, instead of months later when someone sends it to you.
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| Recent Christmas gifts and purchases |
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| Current issues of my magazine subscriptions |
3. Food options
This is probably the biggest immediate enjoyment- access to so many foods all the time, with nice restaurants and grocery stores. In Mukono there were grocery stores but I made many trips to Kampala to somewhat nicer shops, but even then not everything was available. This weekend I went to Trader Joe's and the selection and treats is amazing! I also went out for a really nice lunch and the service, options and presentation were great. In Kampala a nice meal out was such a treat, so I am still finding that balance of not having treats all the time!
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| Delicious meal at Terrain in Glen Mills |
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| Some Trader Joe's treats |
4. Coffe shops
There are a couple of coffee shops within walking distance of where I live and I just like the atmosphere and of course, the hot drinks. It is nice to be able to meet a friend at a low-key place or sit and use the computer while drinking a tea. Again, Mukono doesn't really have any place like that (yet!) so having a few close by seems luxurious.
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| One of the local coffee shops (and my most frequented!) |
5. Phone upgrade
When I started my new job they gave me an iphone. Lets just say the change from my Ugandan and pay-as-you-go Stateside phone was a pretty big leap. I kind of scoffed about "smart phones" before but of course now I use mine all the time to look things up, check my email, get directions, etc. It would be hard to go back!
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| The phone upgrade |
So that is a small summary of things I've been appreciating the past 6 months or so. I think some of the novelty is starting to wear off, and I also want to find the right balance of enjoying some of these things within reason.
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