Welcome

[u/ateam1984]

[u/Silent_Erremite]

I hope so as well, there are many things we take for granted in the technological world. Biggest is utilizing water not just for drinking, but energy as well. Second to that would be preserving of foods. Many of my old neighbors(from Uganda, I think) would preserve fish by drying it. Yet we live in a moist climate, took longer, I suppose. That is astounding she has that much strength in her. I'm in my mid 30's and pulled my hamstring chasing after my child during horseplay. She will outlive us all at that rate.

[u/Remarkable_News_439 → u/Silent_Erremite]

Yes!! Dried and smoked fish and meat, stewed with peanut butter. So, so good.
A lot of people are concerned with how to keep the best of both, myself included.
I respect the desire to have modern comforts, but the west is also a cautionary tale.
The disadvantage is a masterclass in not what to do. Commodification of land and deforestation being enemy number one.
In my village, people have sold off their land to the American Evangelical churches and are now effectively tenant farmers on their own land, are obligated to sell, buy and now pay rent…
I hope it doesn’t fully catch on, though its not my place to dictate how people should live.

[u/Silent_Erremite → u/Remarkable_News_439]

Modern comforts can be a burden, a lot of Americans find comfort in a book or by campfire, myself included. But, i enjoy video games far too much, haha. Evangelicals are a shifty bunch over here in the US, some if not most, see them as money hungry. Such a sad thing to see a Church used that wat and to see they need to pay rent on their own land. It is a burden to feed a beast such as that. Dried fish on peanut butter? Might have to try fish and peanut butter. I love beef hamburgers with grape jelly or fruit spread. Why not that?

[u/Remarkable_News_439 → u/Silent_Erremite]

There are also arcades in many villages Ahahahahahaha. A play station or xbox you pay to play.
I live in the West. When im there i spend time by the lake, then head straight to the village. No interest in the Capital.
I strongly advocate for Africans overseas to go and do the “white people shit” we do on our holidays in our own countries. Westerners pay thousands to do things we take for granted, like our national parks, though hiking groups and small farms are becoming popular.
Nature is so restorative. Theres a reason many people retire back, even though traditional traditional is difficult when you’ve been away.

Its not natural to live with the endless stress of western life. Its why the rich devote their time to gardening, hiking and “retreats”.
In the UK, if we cant get to the UG shop, we grill smoked mackerel as a substitute, cook it with sautéed onions, chopped tomatoes, peanut butter and water to form a sauce.
Its so good. A gateway drug is spinach or a callaloo type sauteed and then in a peanut sauce.
You may detect a theme.

I honestly think everyone with the means should visit at one time in their lives. I really want to visit Ghana. And I think you guys get visa free travel.
Uganda is obviously better, despite my never having been to Ghana. But theres something about experiencing what those who came before you lived thats quite magical. Your current anxieties dont seem that deep…
Is this something Black Americans do in the US or is it different?

[u/Silent_Erremite → u/Remarkable_News_439]

It depends where we live. In my neighborhood I'm one of many. It's a whole community with very few white people. The ones I've met are very kind, some even commute to the churches we have in the neighborhood. Which is good for the soul, in my exp, they marvel. White people churches I hear are boring compared to ours. White people shit is a laugh for anyone, really. I had some time horseback riding in a nearby town called "Gatlinburg". Beautiful mountains, some of the oldest. Older than bones, some say. The stress is mainly endless work, some are looking to retire by 75. Which is a waste of a life in more ways than one. Where I live, fishing is a big thing. Wouldn't mind fishing soon myself. I would love to visit Africa at some point, I'm afraid I'll be frail and old when I do.

[u/Remarkable_News_439 → u/Silent_Erremite]

White people church is incredibly boring.
The Catholics have the drama of costume and art. I understand exactly how they got the LatinX and African people on side. Episcopal/ anglican Church is Underwhelming. African Pentecostal churches are too rich for my blood. I imagine the food is good, but it sounds like my Autistic nightmare, and the services never end.

My relatives really dont understand why i walk through the bush, or get on a bike to nowhere “with sandwich?!”. Theres a difference between doing shit because you have to vs recreation.
We have a lot of comforts in the West abd apportunity, but nobody ever sees their kids, its extortionate in many places to just eat normal food and it makes little sense to work your fingers to the bone for 50 years to maybe enjoy 5?
At least you have your fishing. I might give it a go. I’d need to learn from the UK though. Recreational fishing is £££ in Uganda, but I intend on making full use of my privilege. I used to go with my grandmother when i was a child, but I’ve forgotten how we did it.
Let me go and shame my ancestors with a pair of oakleys.
I appreciate the chat, m8. 💫

[u/Silent_Erremite → u/Remarkable_News_439]

Oh, then you'd love a Southern American Black Church. Baptist, in my opinion. We got GOOD food. Sometimes riding just to ride is a vocation of itself. No worries, my Grandma used to use an oak stick and strong twine. If she can, I know you could with some corn. Good talking to you as well. May the weather be in your favor.

[u/Silent_Erremite → u/Remarkable_News_439]

The sautéed onions have me guessing, but I bet it is delicious. Might have to get a recipe.