Steve and Anne were up bright and early to go to the consulate. We needed to deposit our passports (while in the country we will carry copies) and extra money.
Anne—an avid fan of the reality show “The Amazing Race”—has often thought that it was silly when people couldn’t find a cab. Now, however, she has a new appreciation for what a challenge that can be in another country! Here a taxi is called a “special hire” and after several failed attempts to find one—people kept telling them to go to the next block—they finally found one who would take them. Anne was a little flustered by then, and you can imagine her surprise when Steve not only started to haggle with the driver but walked away when he wasn’t happy with the price!
All was not lost. The driver agreed to their rate and they were able all they needed to do at the consulate before returning the hotel. After that we were picked up by Cosmas who took us to the Buganda parliament. A sergeant at arms gave us a tour and a wonderful history lesson of the Buganda tribe, which has 56 clans, a Prime Minister, and a King.
The timing was just right for Cosmas to take us to the palace where people were gathering to catch a glimpse of the King. We joined a line of men and women who were clapping and singing as they waited for the King’s car, which was loaded downs with 56 spears (one for each clan), to come down the road. The women were kneeling out of respect for the King and a few enterprising souls were trying to sell badges and postcards.
The hot sun meant that we didn’t stay long after the king had driven by. It was exciting to see all the women in beautiful basooti, the traditional dress of Ugandan women. They seemed equally pleased with the white-skinned visitors.
Amazing, indeed.
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1 comment:
Good practice for your debut on the Amazing Race! Glad everything got sorted out. And it's so cool that you got to see the King!
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