Trip to the Vets... in Wau

Today I went to Wau for the second time because Oochie needed her last vaccination. Since Sabet wasn't here to take her (he is in Uganda working on items for the truck), Suzy sent me with Dabu and Awad. I had a really nice time. The road is very bumpy, but Dabu made it there in two and a half hours. For most of the ride I was able to lay down in the back and rest. I decided that it was going to be a day of listening to my favorite singer, Richard Marx. So I went to artists on my ipod, found Richard Marx and selected “play all.” It was bliss. I didn't quite make it through all 70 songs, but I made a good dent! The ride was stressful on Oochie. Because of all the bumps, she had a hard time relaxing and getting comfortable. She even got sick once. Let me just say, dog vomit is way nastier than human vomit!

We left at 9:30 and were racing the clock. The vet closed at 12:00 and usually the drive takes three hours. We made it there just in time and Oochie got her shots. After we headed to the market to pick up all the items on the shopping list. I was the laughing stock of Wau. Everywhere I went, people laughed at me and Oochie. NO ONE has a dog as a pet. Here dogs are dirty and vicious. No one caters to them; certainly no one transports them in a car, feeds them good food or walks them on a leash. When dogs get close to people, they are quickly chased away with rocks. So when people saw me in the car with Oochie they couldn't believe it. They were even more shocked when they saw me lead her with a leash. It's just crazy to them. A few people asked me if she was for sale.

As we were walking around, much to my dismay, she started to go to the bathroom in front of one of the shops. The boys in the shop were outraged and started yelling at her. Then they started to throw their shoes at her. I shouted “sorry!” (in Arabic) many times and quickly pulled her away. Unfortunately when I pulled her away, she landed in a pile of lentils that were for sale. Once again they started yelling at her (me, really) and again I was shouting my apologies. After that, I decided Oochie and I were better off in the car. So, Dabu and Awad went to lunch, but brought me chicken that I ate in the car while Oochie ate her lunch. The chicken was from the place with the yummy smoothies, but they didn't have to go cups so I had to miss out this time. It's ok, the chicken was yummy enough.

I wish I could take photos in Wau. There is so much to see that I wish you could see it too. It's a bigger town than Tonj. The market is huge and there are lots of people and cars. There is a mix of culture too. Because it is North of Tonj, there is more of an Arab/Islamic presence. Here everyone looks the same. It's nice to see different types of people there. As I was sitting outside a shop waiting for the sorghum to be grinded, a funny kid across the street caught my eye. He was probably six years old and was carrying a Fanta soda. He took off the label and put it over his eyes like a blind fold. Then he ran across the busy street, blind folded. He's lucky he didn't get run over! When he reached the other side he peeked to make sure he wasn't in danger and then continued walking down the street blindfolded, laughing, having a great time. In the States people would freak out if they saw that. Here, kids are very independent from a young age so I am used to seeing little ones walking alone.

On our way out of town, we stopped by the hospital to pick up a patient we had taken there for treatment the previous week. She was all better and ready to go home. I asked her if she had eaten and she said no so I gave her the bread that came with my lunch. Later on the ride home, she saw me give Oochie some water and asked for some. I filled up an empty bottle and gave it to her. A few minutes later, she tapped me on the shoulder and gave me a piece of candy. It was so sweet. I knew she was poor and didn't have much, but she wanted to give me something to show her gratitude. I didn't do anything that needed thanking, yet she was so grateful. I didn't want to take her candy because I'm sure she didn't often have treats, but it would have been insulting to decline so I took it and she was pleased. It was a really special gesture that I will never forget.

We left Wau at 3:30 and got back by 5:30. Crazy Dabu made it in two hours! Even the rain couldn't slow him down. Oochie got really hot so we sat up front so she could feel the AC. She did much better up there. She didn't get sick at all and just sat next to me until we got home. It was a fun trip and I even made it in home in time for movie night!