Dear Mr R. Robin, a month has now passed since I had a nice cup of tea.
The Ugandans think "ah, he is English so I must give him some tea"
which is a lovely gesture but what they serve is very sweet and very milky.
I'm dying for a fry up, breakfast has always been my favorite meal of the
day but for my family it means a hot drink. And what I would give to go
to starbuks of an afternoon and have a chat with some old friends.
I didn't come to Uganda for food but for music. Teaching is an absolute
pleasure if not very draining. The relationships I establish with every
student is unique and is the highlight of everything that's going on.
I only wish I could have more students and less administrative work.
Admin is such a nuisance: partly as things are so dis-organised.
The school is so cramped for space and so understaffed both on
the admin and musical side that the barriers in front of getting
anything done often seems very trying. One must keep in mind
that music enhances peoples lives in such a profound way all the
challenges must be overcome. Music is such a strong influence in
Ugandan life. I think you have to see to believe it but Ugandans
have an innate musical ability. If only there were the resources to
tap all the talent in to skill. People sing, dance, smile and clap if
they hear music. When I practice the guitar at home Martha ( or
Arthur as I call her ) dances about the house pretending to be a
ballerina. Mr Bukenya started clapping and dancing when I was
playing a melancholic rennaisance Pavanne which was hilarious.
Ugandans just don't do sad.. I have a comfortable room and
en-suite facilities, the shower only does cold which can only be
described as invigorating. Even on the hottest days. Most days
are very hot but every week or so there will be a huge downpour
of rain droplets that bounce off the ground by a couple of inches.
You do get used to the heat eventually and soon it feels like the
norm. I miss neighbours but find some solace in the BBC World
Service. I'm hoping that the time I get back that Karl and Susan
will have got back together. Some people ( the neighbours crew
at chets ( don't forget the full cinematic experience ) might not
share my sentiments.
Take lots of care
David Edwards.