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by Dahis
Julian Nolen
Blog Admin |
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PrintIt seems like forever since I've taken the time to write something up, and I guess it has been. For whatever reason "blogging" (I ******* hate that word btw, it just rubs me the wrong way) really hasn't been high on my priority list for the past while. I don't see my schedule really loosening up any time soon, but I'm gonna' try and focus more of my free time on writing some interesting stuff. I'd really like to get back on top of daily updates (picture a Shadow-Gaming revival but with better writing and content), and if that happens I may end up moving to my own page again. We'll just have to see.
A big part of my hiatus from writing (at least on Gameriot and related sites) has been due to my hiatus from WoW. It's nice to write about other topics, but if you're going to bother writing for a gaming audience then you better have some gaming things to write about as well. I'm happy to report that I'm back in the game full-swing.
WoW
I'm playing WoW seriously for the first time in over a year. I'm currently playing Rogue, Warrior, and Druid in arenas, and re-learning Shadow Priest. I feel like I'm starting to catch up and play at or above the level I used to on all of these classes, and I'm having a great time in arenas. I'm playing with two incredible Vengeful Gladiators, and there's a very good chance that we'll be looking to get sponsored and attend events once we get rolling. I'll be more detailed about where I'm playing and who I'm playing with once we've figured out the teams we're using seriously.
Isolee, HL, and I played Rogue/Rogue/Druid for a couple nights on the TR and got to about 1740 (I believe it was the highest rated RRD in the second phase of TR2 at the time, could be wrong) before getting frustrated with the limitations of the comp. Despite the performance of SK-Gaming at MLG San Diego, RRD should simply NEVER lose to teams like Resto Shaman/Druid/Warrior, and these type of comps are out of control on the tournament realm. It didn't help that we never played RRD enough to really get on the same page in terms of strategy, but it was still an interesting couple of nights. We probably could have pushed RRD higher eventually but it just wasn't enjoyable for anyone.
I'm out of town for the next 3-4 days, but we're already working on another team that looks much more promising so far. I expect we'll probably end up doing better things on live due to the time limit on TR (TR doesn't give us much time to compete on synergy with teams who have played together for months), but I think our new setup is certainly capable of making top four if we put in the time.
Anyway, I'll start working on another video ASAP to (hopefully) prove that I'm not a total has-been. Expect to see footage from at least three different classes.
Porn (lol)
My second interview with Winter Sky has been done for a while, but she's a little reluctant to post it due to the response that she got last time.
(9:38:49 PM) Winter: its just bull****
(9:38:54 PM) Winter: im just there to chat
(9:39:01 PM) Winter: people dont realise that im just a person too
(9:39:05 PM) Me: yeah
(9:39:06 PM) Winter: or maybe some of them do
Obviously I responded by saying:
Actually I can see where she's coming from, and after I explained that her experience is really no different from anyone else who presents themselves on Gameriot, she agreed to let me post the interview. Still not sure if I'll bother, we'll see.
Have a good weekend everyone. I'm spending the fourth at my gf's cabin so I won't be around to respond to anything on here.
Happy Independence Day etc., etc.
A big part of my hiatus from writing (at least on Gameriot and related sites) has been due to my hiatus from WoW. It's nice to write about other topics, but if you're going to bother writing for a gaming audience then you better have some gaming things to write about as well. I'm happy to report that I'm back in the game full-swing.
WoW
I'm playing WoW seriously for the first time in over a year. I'm currently playing Rogue, Warrior, and Druid in arenas, and re-learning Shadow Priest. I feel like I'm starting to catch up and play at or above the level I used to on all of these classes, and I'm having a great time in arenas. I'm playing with two incredible Vengeful Gladiators, and there's a very good chance that we'll be looking to get sponsored and attend events once we get rolling. I'll be more detailed about where I'm playing and who I'm playing with once we've figured out the teams we're using seriously.
Isolee, HL, and I played Rogue/Rogue/Druid for a couple nights on the TR and got to about 1740 (I believe it was the highest rated RRD in the second phase of TR2 at the time, could be wrong) before getting frustrated with the limitations of the comp. Despite the performance of SK-Gaming at MLG San Diego, RRD should simply NEVER lose to teams like Resto Shaman/Druid/Warrior, and these type of comps are out of control on the tournament realm. It didn't help that we never played RRD enough to really get on the same page in terms of strategy, but it was still an interesting couple of nights. We probably could have pushed RRD higher eventually but it just wasn't enjoyable for anyone.
I'm out of town for the next 3-4 days, but we're already working on another team that looks much more promising so far. I expect we'll probably end up doing better things on live due to the time limit on TR (TR doesn't give us much time to compete on synergy with teams who have played together for months), but I think our new setup is certainly capable of making top four if we put in the time.
Anyway, I'll start working on another video ASAP to (hopefully) prove that I'm not a total has-been. Expect to see footage from at least three different classes.
Porn (lol)
My second interview with Winter Sky has been done for a while, but she's a little reluctant to post it due to the response that she got last time.
(9:38:49 PM) Winter: its just bull****
(9:38:54 PM) Winter: im just there to chat
(9:39:01 PM) Winter: people dont realise that im just a person too
(9:39:05 PM) Me: yeah
(9:39:06 PM) Winter: or maybe some of them do
Obviously I responded by saying:
Actually I can see where she's coming from, and after I explained that her experience is really no different from anyone else who presents themselves on Gameriot, she agreed to let me post the interview. Still not sure if I'll bother, we'll see.
Have a good weekend everyone. I'm spending the fourth at my gf's cabin so I won't be around to respond to anything on here.
Happy Independence Day etc., etc.
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by Dahis
Julian Nolen
Blog Admin |
Crossposted by Rage on Digg:
http://digg.com/gaming_news/From_Warcraft_to_*****craft
Quite possibly the only porn star in history to be discovered through her controversial presence in online gaming, Winter Sky (a.k.a. Teslyn) has recently become a successful fixture of the porn industry. .
Pictured below with Ron Jeremy:
Starting out with a minor role in World of *****craft, a porn series dedicated to the popular fantasy MMO, she quickly became a feature actress of that franchise and many others
What you can expect to see in World of *****craft (SFW parts):
Because I know Winter pretty well, a number of people have approached me with requests for an interview. The porn industry is an enigmatic one, and very few people know what it's really like. Winter was more than happy to answer all of my questions both in regards to her personal experience and the industry as a whole, and the resulting interview can be found below.
I guess we'll start off with some general stuff. Please introduce yourself.
Short and sweet, I guess. Still, you're a porn star, and that's certainly worth noting. How long have you been doing that?
I did my first scene in december of 2007 so about 5 months.
How did you first get into the business?
I was playing wow and we recruited a new shadow priest into my guild, Gentlemen's Club. He claimed he was a porn director I wasn't sure if i believed him. Shortly after that one of my male friends, lets call him an ex b/f to make it easier, posted a bunch of naked pics of me on the wow forums. The director saw them and asked me when i was gonna be in one of his movies. I thought he was joking but he invited me down to LA to watch him film. I watched and decided it looked like fun and that i wanted to do it. so i did.
Most people assume that the guys enjoy it, aren't there any female porn stars that get started because it's something they WANT to do?
I started because I wanted to do it. there are alot of girls that get into it because they love sex. Some of the most succefull people are in it because they love it. I don't know Jenna Haze very well but I believe she is one of the ones that really loves it. I think thats a big part of her success.
Do you enjoy working in the porn industry? How long do you plan on sticking with it?
I love it right now. I have a great time on set. I plan on taking it as far as i can. Milfs are a big part of the industry right now so potentially I could stick with it for quite some time.
What can someone starting out in the porn industry expect to make for their hard worK?
Is it different for men and women?
Why is it that guys make less per shoot?
How much does your income change as you become more popular?
That about covers it for the general questions, feel free to add anything else you'd like to say.
That's it for the interview. If you've got any more questions feel free to post them here and either I will relay them to Winter or she will reply directly.
http://digg.com/gaming_news/From_Warcraft_to_*****craft
Quite possibly the only porn star in history to be discovered through her controversial presence in online gaming, Winter Sky (a.k.a. Teslyn) has recently become a successful fixture of the porn industry. .
Pictured below with Ron Jeremy:
Starting out with a minor role in World of *****craft, a porn series dedicated to the popular fantasy MMO, she quickly became a feature actress of that franchise and many others
What you can expect to see in World of *****craft (SFW parts):
Because I know Winter pretty well, a number of people have approached me with requests for an interview. The porn industry is an enigmatic one, and very few people know what it's really like. Winter was more than happy to answer all of my questions both in regards to her personal experience and the industry as a whole, and the resulting interview can be found below.
I guess we'll start off with some general stuff. Please introduce yourself.
I'm Winter Sky.
Short and sweet, I guess. Still, you're a porn star, and that's certainly worth noting. How long have you been doing that?
I did my first scene in december of 2007 so about 5 months.
How did you first get into the business?
I was playing wow and we recruited a new shadow priest into my guild, Gentlemen's Club. He claimed he was a porn director I wasn't sure if i believed him. Shortly after that one of my male friends, lets call him an ex b/f to make it easier, posted a bunch of naked pics of me on the wow forums. The director saw them and asked me when i was gonna be in one of his movies. I thought he was joking but he invited me down to LA to watch him film. I watched and decided it looked like fun and that i wanted to do it. so i did.
There's a lot of assumptions about the porn industry and lifestyle, can you give us an idea of what it's really like?
Well for me its much like a normal job, I get up in the morning I go to work, I get paid, I go home. There are alot of other optional things, like parties. For me, partying within the industry is like work. I go to meet people and so people can meet me. Its very easy to get caught up in it and forget that you are there for work though. There is drugs and alcahol aplenty if you want it. Sometimes its fun to let lose and forget about work but I try and keep a leash on it. There are a ton of temptations. Overall everyone just wants to have a good time. I try and keep it all in perspective but I do lose sight of the bigger picture from time to time.
Are you all super-promiscuous outside of work?
I am very very picky about who i sleep with in my free time. I love sex but i can get it when ever, where ever i want it at this point. It makes it so much better when its selective outside of work. I have my little hareem and i love them all for different reasons. I do add and subtract from the hareem on a regular basis though so if that makes me promiscuous then i definitly am. lol
What about the major stereotypes, i.e. (female) porn stars are all drug addicts with few other options?
Are you all super-promiscuous outside of work?
I am very very picky about who i sleep with in my free time. I love sex but i can get it when ever, where ever i want it at this point. It makes it so much better when its selective outside of work. I have my little hareem and i love them all for different reasons. I do add and subtract from the hareem on a regular basis though so if that makes me promiscuous then i definitly am. lol
What about the major stereotypes, i.e. (female) porn stars are all drug addicts with few other options?
A lot of the girls i know do little or no drugs at all or are dealing with different stages of rehab. There are definitely plenty that do do drugs though. I think there is a full range of extremes in the industry. Having a lot of money and not that many responcibilities is a major factor, especially for younger girls.
Most people assume that the guys enjoy it, aren't there any female porn stars that get started because it's something they WANT to do?
I started because I wanted to do it. there are alot of girls that get into it because they love sex. Some of the most succefull people are in it because they love it. I don't know Jenna Haze very well but I believe she is one of the ones that really loves it. I think thats a big part of her success.
Do you enjoy working in the porn industry? How long do you plan on sticking with it?
I love it right now. I have a great time on set. I plan on taking it as far as i can. Milfs are a big part of the industry right now so potentially I could stick with it for quite some time.
What can someone starting out in the porn industry expect to make for their hard worK?
It depends, it has a huge range. Some new girls are a hit right off the bat but lose popularity quicky. Some girls start out slow and gain steam as they go. You can make 15-20k a month or 1-2k a month.
Is it different for men and women?
Men make about half what a girl makes per scene BUT they can work as many scenes as they can physically handle if they are good. Girls on the other hand have to be careful not to saturate the market because if they do no one will want to shoot them untill it dies down a little.
Why is it that guys make less per shoot?
Its probably because they arent the main focus of the viewer. They can be really ugly and noone will care as long as they get the job done. Aside from that I'm not really sure.
How much does your income change as you become more popular?
I'm not really 100% sure how that would work. I assume you just work more regularly and possibly are able to charge more per scene.
You've told me before that most guys (90%) can't get it up in front of the camera, is that really such a big issue?
LOL yeh its a huge issue. If a guy cant get it up then everyone on set is screwed. The scene is basically over and everyone just sits there and twiddles their thumbs. The reason the guys do it is because they are capable. Wouldn't you do it if you thought you could?
Obviously a lot of female porn stars get breast implants (and other "touch ups"), how many guys go through penis enlargement surgery for porn?
I'd have to guess MAX 1%. penis size isnt really a determining factor. Many of the really good male stars are quite small. I guess some of the big guys might do it to enhance what they already have but I'm not really sure. I havent heard of anyone getting it done.
Do you have any advice for aspiring porn stars (male and female)?
You've told me before that most guys (90%) can't get it up in front of the camera, is that really such a big issue?
LOL yeh its a huge issue. If a guy cant get it up then everyone on set is screwed. The scene is basically over and everyone just sits there and twiddles their thumbs. The reason the guys do it is because they are capable. Wouldn't you do it if you thought you could?
Obviously a lot of female porn stars get breast implants (and other "touch ups"), how many guys go through penis enlargement surgery for porn?
I'd have to guess MAX 1%. penis size isnt really a determining factor. Many of the really good male stars are quite small. I guess some of the big guys might do it to enhance what they already have but I'm not really sure. I havent heard of anyone getting it done.
Do you have any advice for aspiring porn stars (male and female)?
Learn as much about it as you can before you do it because its like a tattoo, it never goes away, its with you for life.
That about covers it for the general questions, feel free to add anything else you'd like to say.
That's it for the interview. If you've got any more questions feel free to post them here and either I will relay them to Winter or she will reply directly.
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by Dahis
Julian Nolen
Blog Admin |
![digg](http://digg.com/submit?phase=2&url=/blogs/Gamers-Edge/Interview-With-a-Porn-Star-Need-Arena-Points/&title=Interview With a Porn Star, Need Arena Points&bodytext=[IMG]http://img156.imageshack.us/img156/1531/l309f76c8e1269940047ddbee3.jpg[/IMG]I really have no idea how many people will actually be interested in this, but after a number of repeated requests I finally asked Winter if she'd be willing to do an interview about her experiences as a "porn star" and the industry as a whole. She's more than willin&topic=gaming_news){kind=small}
Digg
I really have no idea how many people will actually be interested in this, but after a number of repeated requests I finally asked Winter if she'd be willing to do an interview about her experiences as a "porn star" and the industry as a whole. She's more than willing to help out (and looking forward to the free publicity), so I'll be working on that for the next couple days.
I've already talked to her enough that I feel pretty informed, so I thought I'd give the rest of you an opportunity to put forward some questions for the interview. Obviously I'll come up with some basic ideas but I'm happy to pursue more specific subjects as well. Winter's actually a pretty chill person who just happens to like sex enough to do it for a living, so you can count on her being pretty candid if your questions aren't retarded.
Some random quotes from the past couple months (since she started in porn):
(9:10:18 PM) Me: you don't like facials though right?
(9:10:41 PM) Winter: no they are fine
(9:10:46 PM) Winter: i dont like to swallow\ (9:10:59 PM) Winter: facials only suck when it gets in yur eye
(9:11:05 PM) Me: can't say I'd enjoy that myself
(9:11:10 PM) Winter: feels like someone punched you in the face
(9:11:12 PM) Winter: seriously
(9:11:18 PM) Winter: your whole eye is sore
(11:04:58 AM) Winter: some of it was a little weird like
(11:05:11 AM) Winter: why the hell did i not r4eact when the demon chick started playing with my ass
(11:05:20 AM) Winter: wouldnt i have tried to get her to stop
(11:05:35 AM) Winter: there was something the editor left our right there (11:06:01 AM) Winter: he was supposed to do a special effect where her face changed into the demon face
(11:06:11 AM) Winter: but he didnt put it in
(11:06:19 AM) Winter: so that part doesnt really make sense
(11:06:36 AM) Winter: o well its porn its not supposed to make sense right (11:07:19 AM) Me: haha
(11:07:33 AM) Me: I don't think it's supposed to be cinematic genius, no
(7:11:34 PM) Winter: but i have to go to partieslike every night
(7:11:42 PM) Winter: to network
(7:11:44 PM) Me: oh poor baby
(7:12:16 PM) Winte: haha well you dontknow me very well if you think im very excited about that
(7:12:31 PM) Me: haha
(7:13:02 PM) Winter: im not a big partier
(7:13:06 PM) Winter: but i go cause i have to
Need points Tich Horde
If anyone wants to play with my new Orc Rogue, I need points for the next couple weeks and haven't really had the time to meet many people on Tich Horde yet. My gear isn't exactly min/maxed but I'm reasonably competent and I'd love to meet some new people and get some games in (ideally you're at least a 1900+ capable player so I don't feel like killing myself). Leave me a message on aim if you want to mess around (sn = aimjulian) and help me out with some points.
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by Dahis
Julian Nolen
Blog Admin |
Since this is apparently the badass new site to ***** WoW accounts, here's my contribution:
Level 70 Night Elf Warrior (female)
PvP realm, transfer eligible
~2700 arena points
~38k Honor
Fiery Warhorse's Reins (zomg rare etc)
If you're not an idiot you can set this guy up to be fully geared the first couple weeks of season four.
Notable Gear:
Vengeful Gladiator's Plate Helm
Vengeful Gladiator's Plate Chestpiece
Vengeful Gladiator's Plate Legguards
Merciless Gladiator's Plate Gloves/Shoulders
Veteran's Neck/Bracers/Belt/Boots
Vindicator's Ring
Veteran's Ring
Battlemaster's Determination
Medallion of the Alliance
Bloodlust Brooch
Merciless Gladiator's War Edge
Jin'rohk, The Great Apocalypse
Merciless Gladiator's Bonegrinder
Shield of IMpenetrable Darkness
The Decapitator
Breeching Comet
Iron Gauntlets of the Maiden
Eternium Greathelm
Gauntlets of Martial Perfection
Boots of Elusion
Bladespire Warbands
Warbringer Battle Helm
Ring of Arathi Warlords
Violet Signet of the Master Assassin
Sunfury Bow of the Phoenix
Spaulders of Dementia
King's Defender
Moroes' Lucky Pocket Watch
Cannonball Runner!
Ancient Cornerstone Grimoire (lol)
+tanking blues
Other:
225 riding skill
Golden Gryphon, all PvP mounts minus elekk
Level 65 Human Warlock
Standard leveling gear with some level 60 epics.
Selling for ~$300 or best offer, I'm fairly certain this is an outstanding deal but I don't pay much attention to the WoW account economy.
Just pm me if you're interested.
Level 70 Night Elf Warrior (female)
PvP realm, transfer eligible
~2700 arena points
~38k Honor
Fiery Warhorse's Reins (zomg rare etc)
If you're not an idiot you can set this guy up to be fully geared the first couple weeks of season four.
Notable Gear:
Vengeful Gladiator's Plate Helm
Vengeful Gladiator's Plate Chestpiece
Vengeful Gladiator's Plate Legguards
Merciless Gladiator's Plate Gloves/Shoulders
Veteran's Neck/Bracers/Belt/Boots
Vindicator's Ring
Veteran's Ring
Battlemaster's Determination
Medallion of the Alliance
Bloodlust Brooch
Merciless Gladiator's War Edge
Jin'rohk, The Great Apocalypse
Merciless Gladiator's Bonegrinder
Shield of IMpenetrable Darkness
The Decapitator
Breeching Comet
Iron Gauntlets of the Maiden
Eternium Greathelm
Gauntlets of Martial Perfection
Boots of Elusion
Bladespire Warbands
Warbringer Battle Helm
Ring of Arathi Warlords
Violet Signet of the Master Assassin
Sunfury Bow of the Phoenix
Spaulders of Dementia
King's Defender
Moroes' Lucky Pocket Watch
Cannonball Runner!
Ancient Cornerstone Grimoire (lol)
+tanking blues
Other:
225 riding skill
Golden Gryphon, all PvP mounts minus elekk
Level 65 Human Warlock
Standard leveling gear with some level 60 epics.
Selling for ~$300 or best offer, I'm fairly certain this is an outstanding deal but I don't pay much attention to the WoW account economy.
Just pm me if you're interested.
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by Dahis
Julian Nolen
Blog Admin |
I've been wanting to post this here for a while, and I think it's about time. I'm graduating from college in two weeks, and it's just a crazy feeling to realize all the different opportunities that are out there in the world. In reality, I don't really know what I want to do with my life beyond going to graduate school in a year to pursue a doctorate degree, and there are so many other decisions to make that will have a huge impact on my life.
Here is one of the most inspiring stories I have ever read:
http://forumserver.twoplustwo.com/showthread.php?t=787&page=28
I linked directly to page 28 because that's the only page where the whole story is collected in one place (otherwise it's scattered in order around the thread). If you can find the time to read it, this is an amazing autobiography (in progress) of a man who has traveled all over the world and had some incredible experiences. I don't think I have ever read something that has made me reevaluate my life and my future more than this. This story is just one of those things that make you realize all that's out there in the world. When I originally found this thread I spent the next three hours reading every page and every response, and the story has honestly changed my life in a number of ways.
An excerpt:
I had my laptop with me and I was made to fire it up to prove it was mine. I did as I was asked and then a whole bunch of airport staff came over and wanted to see it. It took me almost half an hour to get away. I made it through customs and walked out to the taxi stand. It was evening now. The air was warm. A Ugandan dude came up to me with a sheepish look and handed me a note. This must be my ride into Kampala. The note said;
“Run Adam, run. It’s all gone to shiit. Get out while you still can.”
There was what appeared to be dried blood on the note. I didn’t even consider for a moment that this was real. Where was I supposed to run to? The Congo? I asked the little dude if he was a taxi driver. He was. I loaded my bags in the back of his taxi and we were all set to go when just at that moment Uncle Mick and Colin came out from behind a pillar with grins on their faces. Yeah guys, really funny. The first thing that Mick said was, “Where’s your fecking guitar?”
“I sold it to get here.”
“You sold it!? We only got you the job cause of how you play the guitar!”
We unloaded my bags from the now unhappy looking taxi drivers car and piled into the company car. It takes an hour to drive into Kampala from Entebbe. The first thing that struck me was the number of people. Between the airport and the city it’s basically scrubland and jungle, but there were people everywhere. Every 50 or so meters there was a fire on the side of the road with people standing around it. I couldn’t get my head around the situation. We were following an open-backed truck which had about 20 revelers in the back. They were drinking and shouting and carrying on and we couldn’t get past them. The state of the road was disrepair taken to lavish extremes. Suddenly the tailgate of the truck dropped open and a large box flew out of the truck. We had to swerve to avoid it. It cracked open and a body rolled out. It was a coffin. They were going to a funeral. We were stopped behind the truck as we watched the ‘revelers’ jump out to retrieve the body. They were all laughing and passing around bottles of beer. Smoke from the roadside fires drifted across the scene. Mick turned to me and with a deadpan stare said,
“Welcome to Africa.”
Hopefully some of you will find this as eye-opening as I have. If not, at least I tried.
Here is one of the most inspiring stories I have ever read:
http://forumserver.twoplustwo.com/showthread.php?t=787&page=28
I linked directly to page 28 because that's the only page where the whole story is collected in one place (otherwise it's scattered in order around the thread). If you can find the time to read it, this is an amazing autobiography (in progress) of a man who has traveled all over the world and had some incredible experiences. I don't think I have ever read something that has made me reevaluate my life and my future more than this. This story is just one of those things that make you realize all that's out there in the world. When I originally found this thread I spent the next three hours reading every page and every response, and the story has honestly changed my life in a number of ways.
An excerpt:
I had my laptop with me and I was made to fire it up to prove it was mine. I did as I was asked and then a whole bunch of airport staff came over and wanted to see it. It took me almost half an hour to get away. I made it through customs and walked out to the taxi stand. It was evening now. The air was warm. A Ugandan dude came up to me with a sheepish look and handed me a note. This must be my ride into Kampala. The note said;
“Run Adam, run. It’s all gone to shiit. Get out while you still can.”
There was what appeared to be dried blood on the note. I didn’t even consider for a moment that this was real. Where was I supposed to run to? The Congo? I asked the little dude if he was a taxi driver. He was. I loaded my bags in the back of his taxi and we were all set to go when just at that moment Uncle Mick and Colin came out from behind a pillar with grins on their faces. Yeah guys, really funny. The first thing that Mick said was, “Where’s your fecking guitar?”
“I sold it to get here.”
“You sold it!? We only got you the job cause of how you play the guitar!”
We unloaded my bags from the now unhappy looking taxi drivers car and piled into the company car. It takes an hour to drive into Kampala from Entebbe. The first thing that struck me was the number of people. Between the airport and the city it’s basically scrubland and jungle, but there were people everywhere. Every 50 or so meters there was a fire on the side of the road with people standing around it. I couldn’t get my head around the situation. We were following an open-backed truck which had about 20 revelers in the back. They were drinking and shouting and carrying on and we couldn’t get past them. The state of the road was disrepair taken to lavish extremes. Suddenly the tailgate of the truck dropped open and a large box flew out of the truck. We had to swerve to avoid it. It cracked open and a body rolled out. It was a coffin. They were going to a funeral. We were stopped behind the truck as we watched the ‘revelers’ jump out to retrieve the body. They were all laughing and passing around bottles of beer. Smoke from the roadside fires drifted across the scene. Mick turned to me and with a deadpan stare said,
“Welcome to Africa.”
Hopefully some of you will find this as eye-opening as I have. If not, at least I tried.
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