Ugandanisms

Thought I would share some interesting cultural things that I have been experiencing while here in Uganda:
1. I am often the only white person when I ride the Mutatoo (taxi bus) to the village during the week, and that usually means that I am being stared at like an alien... and hearing "Muzungo (white foreigner)" amongst the others in their native language.
2. Taxi buses try and fit as many people in them as possible. There is a sign that says licensed to carry 14 passengers, and i would say there is an average of 21 people, 2 chickens, 10 pineapples, 2 babies, and 3 bags of rice in them.
3. Ugandans don't seem to have the personal space issue that American do.. this shows even in their driving, sitting, walking, talking.. because we get VERY close to most things moving and unmoving.
4. In their culture women's thighs are seen as something very sexual, and the breasts are seen as something maternal. It is not unusual to see women breast feeding out in the open, but it is VERY unheard of for a woman to wear a skirt that shows her thighs.
5. It is perfectly normal for 2 male friends to hold hands walking down the street, but it is not acceptable for a male and female couple to do so.
6. Most women and girls shave their heads here
7. White people are adored here. It's quite sad.. but they are all generalized as being wealthy and generous.. so most Ugandan men would like to marry a white woman, and children flock to us.
8. Women are expected to sit side saddle on a boda boda (motor bike taxi). Motor bike taxi's are also another demonstration of being very close to other people, because often 3 people plus children and bags are seen on one bike.
9. Lunch is typically after 2pm, and dinner is typically after 7pm. It is common for people to "take tea" with their meals
10. Hand washing is done so with a jug of water poured over your hands into a basin. Soap is becoming more of common thing here, but more rare in the villages.
11. The productivity and the efficiency of the work day here seems very slow compared to the U.S. it is much more laid back.. and people spend more time taking breaks and resting during the day (maybe because of the heat).
12. Money seems to be a topic of most conversations.. and it is usually about not wanting to spend the money or not having enough money to do something.
13. Confrontation and direct communication is not done. People tend to be more passive and avoid conflict
14. Is it viewed very bad here to drink alcohol if you are a Christian. The beer here is 8 or 9% as well. Christians are not seen out at bars either.
15. Ugandans seem to notice and recognize a white person. If you have introduced yourself to someone just briefly one time, they will remember your name and stop to greet you everytime they see you after that.
16. Everytime you see someone you know in town or at home, it is expected that you greet them for 2-3minutes with a hand shake and some small talk.
That's all for now.. more to come!

Cheers!