Author: namugganakayiza

I am now a third-year student at the University of Denver. This is my second time studying abroad. My first time was spent in Thailand and my second study abroad experience is in New Zealand which I am very excited for. I am an International Studies and Sociology double major and I love to travel. I have been a traveller since I was younger and this is truly a passion of mine.

Sickness and Seasonal spirit

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Hello DU Study Abroad Blog,

This may or may not catch you by surprise, but I caught Covid. I tested positive last Saturday after feeling horrible for 2 days. For the protection of those at my internship and for my better health, I had to return to the city to quarantine in a more secluded place where I had more access to care. I spent my week quarantining in my room until I tested negative for Covid. Since I am back in the city, I have taken this as a chance for me to hang with my classmates amidst all our busy internships. The city has become quite festive considering it’s Christmas season already. I’ll be returning back to the village this Sunday once I’m proven fully recovered. 

Best,

Namugga Nakayiza

This was journaled while I was abroad but due to limited internet access, I couldn’t post them at the exact moment. Recorded on 12/1/23.

เทศกาลลอยกระทง (Loy Krathong Festival)

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Hello DU Study Abroad Blog,

This week, I returned back to the village to continue my internship. Before my return, my program had all the students return from their internships for a mid-course seminar. During this seminar, we received a lecture on how to go about formatting the research we were expected to do during our internship. This was an opportunity for us to receive guidance on our individual research projects. Our program conducted this seminar at a resort where we were allowed the luxuries of bike riding, swimming, yummy Thai food, and a miniature zoo. I returned to the village on Tuesday and got back to my role on Wednesday. I played volleyball with the students and was surprised by them with caterpillars as per usual. The students have been preparing for the Loy Krathong Thai Festival this week and this has included a lot of arts and crafts as well as school-wide traditions. Unfortunately, I did not get to participate in many because I began to feel sick and had to maintain distance for the safety of the people around me. Luckily, I was able to catch a glimpse of the students putting “krathong” (floating rafts decorated with flowers) into the nearby stream. This practice is done to thank the Goddess of Water and River. It’s a Buddhist holiday that has been adopted all over the country. Here is a picture of some of the students putting their krathong into the nearby stream.

Best,

Namugga Nakayiza

This was journaled while I was abroad but due to limited internet access, I couldn’t post them at the exact moment. Recorded on 11/24/23.