"All other places are tame."

I teach for a living, yet had begun to intensely dislike the sound of my voice. The spring of 2011 was a welcome respite; a respite devoted to a new research endeavor. I got to observe; and observe intently.
I traveled with the founding leader of a small international non-governmental organization as she monitored, evaluated and planned new interventions with leaders in Central Uganda, Eastern Congo and in Central Kenya. Plagued by years of conflict, these regions are highly devoid of infrastructure and yet stand as the very areas with the most potential for change.
In the pages to follow, I remain quiet. This is simply a travelogue.

- Ramya Ramanath, Summer 2011.