Uganda #8: Learning the People & Culture

People seem to love life no matter how hard it seems. By US standards, some people live in dire circumstances, poverty, but you'd never know it if you talked to them. People are just happy to be alive. My aunt, who's a nurse, says the suicide rate is virtually non-existant & crazy serial killings or murders don't exist; there is just petty crime. It makes me wonder if commercialization & industrilization mean positive progress. In the US, people kill themselves over being overweight, losing $$$ in the stock exchange etc. Those people who are depressed need to come to Uganda for 2 weeks & they'll quickly appreciate whatever or whomever they have.
The women here are beautiful with facial features unlike those in America & deep soulful eyes. Ther skin is mooth & flawless. No makeup required. Wigs are in fashion, especially pinkish red nes. Most women have closely shaven hair, so wigs give them an opportunity to have long hair without the maintenance. I prefer natural beauty.
The men have small waists, nice skin & most are short. They remind me of my father wth their distinct noses & facial features. Macho-ism is big here in a subtle, non-showy way but you can feel that women are meant to be subservient to men & not question their authority. Many are suprised or annoyed when my mother & I question ideas.

Cell phones are everywhere, which is a shck because most people can barely afford food & clothing or even house telephones. Cell phones are everywhere maintained through calling SIM cards not 500min/month plans, even my grandfather in the village wants one, but who will he call? It shows that quick communication & maintaining relationships in any culture can be more important than basic necessities.