Day 9: To Uganda I Go

"If you can't handle the heat, get out of the ___"

It was time to put aside pleasure and get back to work. I left Nairobi for Kampala, Uganda for the second African university involved in the iLabs project: Makarere University. And oh my, Uganda is hot! The heat was not a problem in Tanzania or Kenya, but here, I can definitely feel it. Lagos is still probably the hottest city I have ever been but oh my, definitely could have melted in this weather. I was too lazy and bothered by the heat to trek out outside, so I just chilled in the comforts of my room.

Day 8: Negotiation for Souvenirs

"I came, I saw, I bought"

Of the many things I am good at, bargaining is not one of them. Herman (MIT '10) took me to the Maasai market to look around and buy souvenirs. I let Herman take charge of the bargaining - well, he is a local. And as I found out, he has good negotiating skills. But he also has a conscience. He gave one of our vendors an extra 50 Kenya Shillings (Ksh) after we had paid Ksh. 500 for three sets of matching bracelets and necklaces.

At the end of the day, I had bought one set of matching bracelets & earnings and one set of matching bracelets & necklaces for each of my sisters. I did not come away empty-handed though. I got a free bracelet as a bonus from one of our vendors. Extra cash and bonuses! These Kenyans are so generous. Definitely a good day of shopping in a wonderful city.