it was all so familiar. 12.15.09

The minute I stepped off the airplane, it was all so familiar. The scent of the Entebbe breeze blew across my face as I heaved my luggage down the portable stairs.

As soon as I saw the smiling faces of my Ugandan friends waiting outside of the baggage claim at the airport, I felt at home.

The tires tumbling over tremendous potholes and gorges during our midnight drive to the house, tossed me around in the backseat to a memorable African rhythm.

A sweet medley of sounds from the street performed a late night lullaby for which I could fall asleep: the loud motors of speeding boda bodas, muffled African rap music from a nearby bar, and the occasional high-pitched yelp from a defeated stray dog in the alley, likely fleeing with is tail between its legs and a temporary limp.

My battle with mosquitoes picked up from where we had left off from my last trip. Constant, annoying buzzing near my ears and head resulted in a collection of red splotches across my face and lips the following morning.

The city street scenes of Kampala matched the picture I have held closely in my mind- only busier. With the holiday season approaching, the street markets were jammed with eager shoppers, forcing a level of a self-defense approach in passing through it all. Pedestrians dodging matatu taxi vans, a new mother breast-feeding her baby beside a fruit stand, and strong men walking their loaded bicycles up the steep hills was a welcoming scene for my first day back.

The toddler down the street excitedly addressed me with an energetic wave and a shrieking “Mzungu!” greeting.

The snooping geckos lurking in the ceiling corners of the living room almost went unnoticed until one anxiously scattered along the edge to the other corner.

The constant stream of visitors and Ugandan friends in and out of the house is my favorite. It always has been. It’s familiar and warm and joyful.

I am looking forward to the next couple of weeks- rediscovering my love for Africa to its fullest, remembering the smallest of details that hold so much significance, and exploring new perspectives and experiences. :0)