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Published : September 04, 2009 |
Author : user_#a0b
Category : Sites, Attractractions and Society News | Total Views
: 3286 | Rating :  
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By: Cindy Tshola
UNAA Convention Updates Live - Part 1.
Traveling to Chicago was with a few minor incidences, I could not connect to my flight in Hertsfield-Jackson International Airport in Atlanta. The plane landed and got entangled in a long queue, more or less like Matatus (taxis) on Ben Kiwanuka Street, by the time I took a train to my gate, it was too late to catch the plane. Thank God this is not EBB because I was imediately re-booked on the next flight out (in 1 hrs time); Delta Airlines neither asked me any questions nor charged me extra fees. If I missed my flight in EBB I probably would have to wait at least two days or probably a week. However, flying is no longer exciting, given that I checked in one bag and still had to pay for it! What happened to those days when flying was fun? The pretzels they give out taste like eating sponge, those little things have no taste at all! The only fun yesterday was the handsome and young flight attendant who happens to be from France, he heard my exotic accent and sensed I was not from the US. So he asked if I am from Africa. He happens to have been to Cote D'Ivoire and he loved it. I talked to him about the rich and diverse African culture and about African music and of course Myafricanmusic.com. Since I had on board access to the internet, I showed the website and he watched one video of Ndombolo, there wasn't much time so he had to proceed with his flight duties. In a nutshell he was impressed by what he saw and promised to be a supporter and regular listener.
Anyways, I will fast forward you to Chicago. I arrived Thursday 3, 2009 at about 4:59 local time, took my rental and I was off from the airport. So far I love what I saw in the Windy City. As you are approaching Chicago downtown from I 90 W, the first building you notice is Sears Tower which seems to be a cousin to the new "Burj Dubai" which by the way happens to be designed by Adrian Smith and Skidmore, Owings and Merrill from Chicago. The Sears Tower in Chicago is said to be the tallest building in the western hemisphere. I look forward to going to the top of the Sears Tower and experience the cherished view of four surrounding states.  Unlike New York which overwhelms you, Chicago has a welcoming view and also gives you that same feeling once you are get in the Magnificent Mile area. If you are driving like me who took a rental from the airport, be mindful that most roads in downtown Chicago are one way. The other problem is the expensive parking fees. Self parking costs $33 and valet parking is $48 per day. If you intend to be going in and out with your car, you better take the valet parking option because you can get your car as many times but self parking means you pay whenever you get out!
By Thursday night, the Marriotte Hotel loby was already populated with many early bird Ugandans, who were exchanging hugs and Luganda greetings. Of course some of the ladies try to sound like Americans. They come off like they have lived here for a life time as their accents have received an entire makeover as their sense of fashion. Registration was started on the fifth floor at about 10pm and a few people who feared the long lines of Friday came out to get their regisitration package. Registration is handled electronically by Ssensoft, a sofware company owned by a Ugandan (Ssenoga) who is the current UNAA secretary and now aspiring vice presidential candidate. Among the early registrants was Mesach Semakula. The process was going on smoothly save for the confusion by a gentleman called Kabuye from Boston who said he was in charge of the convention security and was telling people they had to line again for another sort of security pass before they can access the convention ballroom, a suggestion which was contested by some people leading to loud verbal artilerly and almost leading to a fight. That was shameful public display. Ugandans are known for being peaceful and most friendly people of Africa. As Friday starts, I will keep you posted. Follow the Friday Program here:
 | UNAA CONVENTION 2009, CHICAGO, IL | | Track 1 | Adult Programs | | Track 2 | Youth Programs |
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