On Atripila, in a country I don't like and have a question.

[newnick61]

Habari.

Greetings from the Dark Continent. Nick has relocated to central Uganda, a country that should be the poster child for everything that is wrong with Africa. It is amazing where you will live when you are somehow in love. Somehow.

In any event, I have switched to Atripila because it is one pill and locally available. It makes me paranoid but that is probably not a bad thing being a muzungu in Uganda.

The Nickster has an opportunity to move from Idi-Amin-Land to another job but I have to face the dreaded HIV test. Currently I am undetectable and plan to stay that way - does anyone know if I can "pass" an HIV test? Strange question I know but I am a strange guy.

Baadaye.

[Ann]

Hi Nick! Good to hear from you.

You cannot "pass" an hiv test. Hiv tests look for antibodies, not the virus itself (unlike the viral load tests) and I'm afraid once you're positive, you're positive. Sucks, don't it?

Why do you have to take the test? Is it to get a visa into the country you want to relocate to or a prerequisite of the job application process?

Good luck anyway. It's no fun living somewhere you don't like.

I wish we heard from you more often, Nick! Don't be such a stranger. 

Fond hugs,
Ann
xxx

[Victory101]

You know what I feel insulted by this thread as Im  half Ugandan. The English have a saying and I  might not quote it correctly something along the lines its okay for us to complain about our weather but not for foreigners. Just as most people will complain about their Mums, husbands, wives etc its not quite the same when someone else does it.

First thing that irked me, the op refers to Africa as the Dark Continent. This was a derogatory term used by the colonisers to describe Africa.  Sounds to me like he is looking down his nose at Uganda and in general Africa. A possible racist.... Seems to feel that his country is waay better than Uganda. My advice to the op is get out and get out fast as Ugandans and Uganda do not like you either.

To call Uganda, Idi-Amin land is totally distasteful. It almost makes my blood boil but then I don't know you and won't even bother explaining why or even getting myself angry.

Yes, Uganda has its problems (what country doesn't?)  but I have  lived there for 7 years and had some of the best years of my life there. I often go back and visit and have a great time.  Maybe if he didn't have such a negative view, he would see some of the positive aspects?

Just couldn't let this pass without posting how I feel.

[redhotmuslbear]

First thing that irked me, the op refers to Africa as the Dark Continent. This was a derogatory term used by the colonisers to describe Africa.  Sounds to me like he is looking down his nose at Uganda and in general Africa. A possible racist.... Seems to feel that his country is waay better than Uganda. My advice to the op is get out and get out fast as Ugandans and Uganda do not like you either.

To call Uganda, Idi-Amin land is totally distasteful. It almost makes my blood boil but then I don't know you and won't even bother explaining why or even getting myself angry.

I'm feelin' ya!  I read "the Dark Continent" and thought "What next?  Women are 'bitches' and 'hos,' people of color are 'darkies'?"  We internalise a lot of oppression in our lives, no matter what our background may be.  However, to vent so much on one place where one apparently went willingly is beyond distasteful.

Cheers,
David

[megasept]

"Dark continent" really sounds like something out of 19th Century King Leopold's greedy mouth. "A country I don't like" is an odd lead-in.

No need to defend Uganda (where I have heard some promising news regarding HIV prevention), or being Ugandan. Or loving Uganda. We should be careful if we choose to air what we presume to be someone's else's dirty laundry before our own. This is a global Site. We all benefit.

Good points.

  -megasept