New Year, New Start, New Contract, New Home

So, as the title suggests, it's a whole load of new starts around here. I have a new work contract which will see me out here in East Africa for the next two years. It's all very exciting, but has meant a huge overhaul in my contract terms and conditions, making me now responsible for my accommodation and travel. This is good news and I relish the opportunity to have more say in where I live and more freedom to move about.

The accommodation hunt began in the latter half of last month. It was pretty tough to weigh up my requirements - somewhere very secure in a good area, close enough to the office to avoid the morning jam, but far enough away to feel like you actually "leave" work of an evening... and of course the cost. Prices seem to be very high, as there are lots of amusing developments popping up, such as the Kensington Apartments on the Kampala Northern Bypass, which are chiefly advertised by Rio Ferdinand. Nonetheless I set out on my quest and probably looked at about 10 apartments, before setting on one in an area called Naguru. I won't go on and on about about, but the best feature is a set of bunk beds. Pack your bags guys! you're all invited! 

Looking good!

Now a quick update on my Christmas knitting. I didn't go too overboard this year, just a couple of hats and a stocking for Freddie (which in the rush, I forgot to photograph! can you believe that?). But the hats turned out lovely. I particularly like the top one, which I nicknamed "the DNA hat" as the pattern look a little like a single helix.

Here's a close up of the DNA Hat. It's Knit using a Scandinavian technique called twisted stitch knitting which was REALLY SLOW. I began it on the train to Marseille and I think it must've taken about 3 weeks in total.

So I bet you'll all wondering how much wool I brought out here as part of the four-suitcase-Great-Exodus, well I took a picture for you! See below.

As you can see, it's all piled around my safe. To be honest, if I could fit it, it would be going IN the safe as my most treasured possession, but sadly the safe is a little too small!!

I've just started a shrug from some black sparkly "Twilight" wool that my Dad bought me for Christmas as a joke. The joke's on you, Dad, because I actually like this wool! I have a cardigan that I knit last year also, that is in desperate need of sewing up... and I need some buttons for it, but I'm yet to find a button shop here.

In other Kampala news, the pre-Election stuff is hotting up. Lots of good posters everywhere, which I intend to document for you. As yet, no riot police have been required... but as you can see - we are in desperate need of grammar police!