*Editor’s note: K-VIBE introduces travel journals by alumni of Yonhap News Agency Travel Academy, provided in Korean and English. The original Korean article precedes the English translation.

 

 

우간다 여행기 2편: ‘나야, 짜샤!’

조경옥 (Cho, Kyoung-Ok) (여행자학교 5기)

 

[K-Traveler] Uganda 2: ‘Never had a friend like me!’

Alumna of Travel Academy season 5) 

1.

After much ado at the airport, I got on the old Toyota with Mary's two younger brothers and my orange trunk. As we entered the downtown of Kampala, the Ugandan capital, armed police officers stopped the car. They had long rifles on their sides.

 

Though we hadn't violated any traffic laws, tension filled the air. Robert sweated profusely because he forgot to bring his driver's license. The police officer, resembling a gang leader, jumped onto the back seat and demanded the license. He took off after receiving a few coins. Phew!

 

Eventually, we arrived at Mary's family home. In contrast to the humble neighboring houses, the house was a spacious one with a slate roof and red brick walls. I might have mistaken it for a rural house in Korea, if it weren't for the banana tree hanging across the neighbor’s fence.

 

The true African vibe hit me after browsing the kitchen. There was a battered kettle, a few scarce utensils, and an old kerosene stove -- the marks of time were evident.

 

What amazed me the most was the bathroom. Below the slanted cement floor was a small hole --that was it. Perhaps the hosts were embarrassed to show such a bathroom to a guest. Initially, they directed me to a modern flush-down toilet of the nearby gas station. But from the second time, I favored Mary's own special bathroom.

 

▲ 저자의 낡은 트렁크. This photo, provided by Cho Kyung-ok on Nov. 6, 2023, shows her orange luggage bag, worn out from frequent travel.

 

 

In my childhood memories, I used to stare at the guests’ gift package with great anticipation.  

 

“What could be inside Coco's orange trunk from Korea?”

 

Inside my orange travel trunk were gifts for Mary's mother and siblings, Meg and Julie, Brian, and Robert -- mostly clothes and food. The orange shirt well suited Brian. I was happy see him beam with smile.

 

During my stay at Mary's house, I volunteered for the evening meal duty. Despite my simple dinner course of ramen, fried rice and curry, the group poured praises every time a plate was set.

 

After supper, we sat on the floor with the kids and played “3-6-9 (sam-yuk-gu) game,” a popular ice breaker in Korea. In this speedy game, a player starts counting from 1. If a number contains 3 or 6 or 9, then player has to clap. Those who clap at the wrong number or forget to clap at the right time die out. The game continues until only one player is left.

 

The rhythmic opening of "sam-yuk-gu!" made us laugh even before the game began.

 

When the rain drizzled, I either immersed myself in thoughts or observed the passersby. Innocent eyes of the little ones left warmed my heart.

 

Mary's home felt comfortable, just like visiting a grandmother's house. It must be because of the kind nature of Mary's mother, who expressed gratitude for even the smallest considerations, and the family's warm hearts.

 

The atmosphere, flavors, especially the taste of corn and sweet potatoes, were just like back home.

 

▲ 해맑은 아이들의 미소/ Smiling children. This photo, captured from internet, was provided by Cho Kyung-ok. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE)

 

2.

One day, after several days had passed, Mary’s family said a container had arrived from Korea. The cargo contained used computers, seemingly worthless and on the verge of disposal. Mary's family wanted to sell them in Uganda.

 

I tagged along with excitement as a complete novice in trade.

 

The first step in taking over the container was customs clearance. Mary family, who were also inexperienced in trade, sought the help of a Ugandan “broker.” But seeing his face, I screamed in my mind, “I can't trust this sly-looking guy!”

 

My skepticism came from: First, Mary's younger brother Robert, who recruited the broker, was quite naive (sorry but he was). Second, I was irritated by the broker's dubious demeanor, such as his rash demand for service fee and vulgar words.

 

"Why ask this person? We could do it ourselves. There's a customs office right around the corner. Just go ask the customs officers directly!"

 

Unable to hold back, I blurted out. Everyone nodded in agreement, adding their own comments.

 

"Yeah, Coco is right! Welcome to Uganda, Coco!"

 

With a determined stride, I confidently walked to the customs office.

 

“Without knowledge, honesty is your best friend!”

 

▲ 낡은 폐기 직전의 중고 컴퓨터/ Used computers at the verge of disposal. This photo, captured from internet, was provided by Cho Kyung-ok. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE)

 

 

Frankness was my tactics. The customs officer, having heard the situation, accepted the goods at a much lower price than the broker’s offer. Kindly, he even explained what’s to be done in the next procedure.

 

After all, the used computers from Korea safely arrived at Mary's house warehouse. In the end, the deceptive broker disappeared with his hands empty.

 

I, Coco, raised my shoulders high and shouted to myself:

 

“Never had a friend like me!”

 

 

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