Childhood delights

So I woke up in a cheeky mood to face the challenge… I am getting the hang of things as the days go by. So day 3 has a lovely feel, probably because of the weather.

The rain today reminded me of growing up. Trekking the roads in hideous raincoats and not too bothered about getting to school late. Those who attended Buganda Road Primary School can testify to this.

The dynamics of growing up have changed so much its hard to imagine children of today having fun without spending money. Children have become introverts reverting back to their video games, and watching cartoons to have fun.

The one thing I remember about growing up was the treats. To start the list of cool treats is kalodo (also known as sugar molasses). I remember this was all I ate during my entire P.2. It was cheap and in plenty; and since everyone could afford it, there was no need to share.

Then there was “ice”. It was really just colored water mixed with sugar and looking back, I think baatufera nyo!  We could have made these things ourselves. Sadly, the reign of ice was quickly forgotten when Cool cool Bar made its entrance into the market! One can say the reign of ice was short and sweet (pun intended).

We ate Cadbury wrapped in foil, then in the purple paper wrapping and it was only…( wait for it) shs.500! Who remembers orbit (now PK) wrapped in paper? Back in the day, things were offered at a throw-away price.

I can practically see from the corner of my eye a number of people who ‘ate their transport’ and had to sit on the Kameme. We were risk takers who braved the hot engine after spending what should have been the fare back home from school. We bought cookies and mangoes with our transport money and either waited for kameme or walked home if we were too many.

Kids who grew up during my time will tell you they all bunched up their skirts to play kwepena and round circle ….even some of the macho boys of today were a great part of this! We played dool and played with the boys despite repeated reprimanding from our mothers that girls do not squat or play boy games.

I know a few boys (Joram and Edwin sorry I have to snitch on you) who we connived with and stole things to cook. Those metal Blue band tins came in handy for our stolen rice, (we never stole beans, no one was patient enough to wait 2 whole hours)

Argh! There is just so much to write about, but the one thing I cannot forget was extra work on manila cards… those green or pink manila cards that were returned the next day to give to some other student.

So those who feel I didn’t exhaust you delights feel free to add your memories in the comments section below because I am sure I left out many more.