Culture shock Uganda

Who would have thought we'd get another cultural shock, even though we've both been to Uganda many times. There we stood in the middle of the metropolis of Kampala and were absolutely overwhelmed.

Boda Bodas (motorcycles) everywhere, literally everywhere. Without regard to losses, they're blowing past you. If you look in the right direction and no one comes, you can be sure that someone is coming from the wrong direction. Standing on the edge of the road is also not the best option, because a Boda Boda driver could just stop there and unload or charge a passenger. They're blowing across the city. Kampala has a lamp system, which works somewhat respectively. Police officers who control the traffic, all this does not care the Boda Boda driver. On the second day my boyfriend said, “Alina, don’t get me wrong, I like Kampala very much, but the Boda Bodas, are just too much and there are no rules at all!”

 
Another very big cultural shock for both of us was the high consumption of plastic bags. In Kenya, a plastic bag is prohibited, you are not allowed to take them with you, and if they catch you at the airport, you can face severe penalties. Here we get fabric bags that everyone walks around with and that are really practical. One time my boyfriend came back from getting food with at least five plastic bags and we were both completely overwhelmed and outraged by the fact that each item was actually packed in a separate bag. 

I do not know if I can call the next one a cultural shock, but it also falls within the category, another country, other customs. I was helplessly overburdened with the money. Here in Kenya there are notes from 100 /= Kenya Schilling and the highest is 1000/=. I am now completely familiar with that. Currently 100 /= 0.70€. The smallest coin we have is 1Shiling, however they are absolutely worthless and you only get them in the supermarket. So I am no longer irritated when the bill says 1,200/= (8.44€), but then it went to Uganda. Hallelujah, I was overwhelmed. Because the amount I usually deducted in Kenya has a number and then four zeros. In Uganda, it was no longer 20,000, but 200,000. I stood in front of the ATM and counted zeroes. Now you would assume that you have some notes in your hand, because I'm used to that from Kenya, but no, you just get five to seven pieces and that's it. Well, that's it, with the Shillings.

Now my Uganda series is coming to an end. I am grateful that we were able to make this trip and experience so much again in such a short time.