The Pearlof Africa

Uganda is called "The Pearl of Africa" because it is a fertile, plush land with lots of vegetation (ifff the rains come like they should during the 2 rainy seasons).

There are 7 kinds of bananas in Uganda (one of its main crops). Here u see the beginning stages. Each tree only produces one large bunch (which can be broken down into smaller bunches). 

Getting bigger...

When the flower opens its bloom, the bananas are ready to pick. Then the tree is chopped down, leaving part of the trunk that is spliced and a new shoot will grow from it (like what Alea is holding):

Ready to sell....

Bananas are popular hostess gift, or gesture of kindness. We got these from the man who's been keeping Jonas' chicken. These are our favorite kind....the small ones are the sweetest!

Cassava, the great root vegetable that grows so heartily & readily. Simply put the stalks back in the ground after chopping and they will sprout new shoots!

Even though it is better for you if eaten cooked, many enjoy it raw as a special treat.

Because we stayed longer this year, we hit the beginning of the rainy season...

They do their planting during the rainy season, while the ground is soft for digging and the seeds will germinate quickly from all the water.

What a blessing to see the downpour! The dry season was extra dry this year and everything was soo dusty, they really needed the rain. Plus they set out containers to catch the rain, then they don't have to haul water.