Howdy Mercedes fans!

Greetings from Uganda - the Perl of Africa. I am here with a friend who is adopting a couple of children from one of the orphanages here.

This is my 2nd time in Africa (I've been to Egypt before 2 yrs ago) and my first time here in Uganda - Kampala, the capital city. Here are some impressions from this country for those who may want to visit one day:

o The roads are not in good condition they are full of pot holes and muddy in spots, even in the city itself

o The traffic can be overwhelming with vehicles, vans, buses, motor cycles, tons of pedestrians, heavy trucks and even military vehicles

o The country is very poor but its people are very, very friendly - they have easy smiles and are very friendly to all foreigners (especially Americans)

o The host family that we are staying with are extremely hospitable and kind to us - they share with us their food, their drink, their lives and even some of the problems that they have in their everyday lives

o There are many languages here but the dominant one here is Luganda language. It helps to know few of the local phrases - they help endear you to the local folks - who really love their culture and appreciate the effort - they will help you with pronunciation and usage of it and they will be very impressed that you know 'something' in their language. Here is a useful link: http://kabiza.com/kabiza-wilderness-safaris/blog/luganda-phrases/

o There are few Mercedes G Wagens that are running around here - they are the symbol of wealth around here (along with the big Range Rovers and Land Rovers) - everything big here means one thing: money

o There are many Mercedes heavy trucks - they have very good reputation

o There are more motorcycles for hire (boda boda) that I have ever seen anywhere else...

o It is not a good idea to photograph an Embassy compound, even if it's your own country... they are not very sympathetic... ask me how I know.

o It is illegal to smoke in public here - you could go to prison for it!

o Men are more dominant in this culture - it is not uncommon for females to kneel in front of male visitors as a sign of honoring you as male guests - something we need to accept as a long running local custom (I have personally witnessed it during a wedding ceremony)


Thx and take care all,
James

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1987 Mercedes 300SDL; SOLD
1985 Mercedes 300D; SOLD
2006 Honda Pilot - wife's ride; 122K;
1995 Toyota Land Cruiser - 3X locked; 182K