Erasmus+ Visiting Scholar from Czech Republic - Jakub Vavrovsky of the University of Hradec Kralove

Today a visiting scholar from the Czech Republic -- Jakub Vavrovsky of the University of Hradec Kralove  -- stopped by the Great Lakes Center for the Study of the United States. He is part of the Erasmus+ exchange program.

We discussed his research related to sports migration and his plans for teaching and research while at Makerere. 

He will be based in the Political Science Department at Makerere University for the next few weeks.

For more about Erasmus+ see

https://erasmus-plus.ec.europa.eu/

For more about Prof Vavrovsky home institution see 

https://www.uhk.cz/en

Thank you so much to the International Relations Office (IRO) at Makerere -and Betty Nabisubi - for facilitating the visit!

Meeting with AmCham - the American Chamber of Commerce in Uganda

It was a pleasure to sit down with the American Chamber of Commerce in Uganda -- AmCham -- to discuss the newly launched Center for the Study of the United States at Makerere University and to explore avenues for partnerships between the Center and the American business community.

For more about the American Chamber of Commerce in Uganda, see 

https://www.amchamuganda.co.ug/

I brought sunglass from Visit St. Pete Clearwater! 

https://www.visitstpeteclearwater.com/

the official tourism and marketing board in Pinellas County, Florida

I have not been able to visit the US Embassy or the US Embassy American Center while in Uganda, due to the US federal government shutdown. This has been my biggest regret/disappointment about my Fulbright position here. So, imagine the pleasant surprise when I saw literature from the US Embassy on display at AmCham. I wasn't able to visit the American Center (or bring book donations or deliver a guest lecture) - but - I DO now have a copy of the brochure.

Sadly I will already be back in the US when the chamber presents this program for businesses on what they should know about how to prepare for election season in Uganda:

Gorilla Mist Camp -- our lodging at the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest

When visiting the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest (which is about a 10-12-14 hour drive from Kampala) for the gorilla trekking adventures, we stayed at the Gorilla Mist Camp.

Given our late arrival - then early morning departures - I never managed to have more than a few minutes to sit and enjoy the scenic views from the front porch of my lodge. That said, I did enjoy the time we did spend at the Gorilla Mist Camp. I would definitely recommend to prospective gorilla trekkers.

this was the deck of my cabin

With my driver from Ondaba Safari - Muhereza Callis.  I will write separately about the treacherous drive up the mountain. THANKS to Callis - we made it up and back down the mountain and to Kampala safely 

beautiful hand-carved gorillas carved on the door of the cabin

the stunning view from my porch  

on my porch - about 6:45 am - super excited about the gorilla trekking!

this was my room attendant - pictured here bringing my luggage back to our van - on his head - which is how people carry their loads

a nice fireplace where guests can hang out after dinner - this is in the dining room area

the lodge grounds were very well manicured

Up in the mountains the nights were cool; no central heating in the lodges, but with the blankets, this Florida girl did fine.  As I nestled into bed and rolled over to get comfortable - much to my surprise - I felt something FURRY.  I jumped out of bed and turned on the lights so fast!!  As it turned out, my room attendant had prepared my bed with this water bottle LOL It was definitely cozy, even without the central heating.

this silverback came home with me -- and so did a t-shirt declaring my gorilla trekking milestone 

For more about Gorilla Mist Camp, see https://gorillamistcamp.com/