East African quests, drunks, and edible termites

The first time I came to East Africa, I kept very busy traveling throughout and working in each of Uganda’s major regions. When I wasn’t on a main quest, I could usually be found reading or playing Skyrim. One of those days, a woodworking neighbor asked me if I would make him a website in exchange for a custom carving. In the process of fulfilling the request, I remember telling my brother, “Being White in Uganda is like playing Skyrim; when you explore and interact with locals, you can easily pick up side quests.”

This phenomenon is partly because East Africans are curious about foreigners. One of my neighbors put it like this, “I dream about going to America. Why would an American come here?” I stick out in a crowd, and people want to say hello. A novelty. A curiosity. A local mystery. An opportunity. That’s how I think strangers see me every day as they call out for my attention. Young (and occasionally old) drunks seem particularly drawn to me, and in their inebriated state, they have little inhibition preventing them approaching. It happens enough that I have developed a sort of conversation formula for making such interactions meaningful and impactful.

One evening I reversed roles by curiously starting a conversation with two locals. It was nightfall, and as I was alone. Two young men loitered around a corner, one crouched. I had my money bag with me, so I gave them a wide berth. After passing them, I felt compelled to engage them in conversation, so I turned and asked, “Did you find something interesting down there?”

The crouched guy replied, “Enswa,” as he popped one winged termite after another into his mouth the instant they surfaced from their burgeoning mound. Feeling inspired to connect—and always game to try new things—I squatted down next to him and snacked on a few of the live creatures. Bland taste, awful texture. Hold them by the wings and only eat the bodies, I quickly learn as I spit out a set of wings. And “the small one,” my neighbor warns, pointing to a soldier termite, “it is danger.”

The Main Quests 

Earthy local delicacies are not my reason for being in East Africa again, believe it or not. I’m here to work on two main projects. First, I am an assistant editor for a documentary about an indigenous land rights conflict. The next step in that process is to collaborate with a translator because many of the scenes and interviews are captured in a language that even our director does not speak (there are over 40 indigenous languages spoken here).

Second, I am a consultant for a school. I spent time observing classes, interviewing the staff individually and together, and even did some teaching. I then wrote up a SWOT analysis and a list of recommendations for the school directors. They were very appreciative. I am also the volunteer coordinator for the school, and we are working to establish a program for (international) volunteers to be housed and fed as they serve the students. Might you be interested?

Birthday Request 

I won’t be able to spend my birthday (tomorrow) or Christmas with family, and I don’t expect any gifts this year. All I ask is that you send $32 to support the education work I’m doing abroad as I turn 32.
@Shuawilmot on both Venmo and PayPal. Much thanks!