Ok so it has definitely been an interesting couple of weeks. I'll just let you know what yesterday evening and today were like though (for now). Yesterday after work we had holiday time. Today is our first day off. Instead of going out of town with most of the delegates last night, I decided to stay in Kigali with a few others. I knew I needed to get some work done for school and to be honest after all of the traveling lately, I simply couldn't handle much more. Everyone is getting back tonight though so I'm glad I stayed. Last evening I came to Bourbon Coffee (close to my guesthouse) on a moto bike taxi to relax on the internet and try to catch up on FB, emails, and of course .... news. I didn't get a ton done, but it was nice to veg out in front of my laptop with my ipod in one ear and have random convos with strangers who came in and out of the cafe.
After getting home I fell asleep eating a couple of Pringles that I had found at the super marche earlier in the day. They were definitely worth the 1800 RWF that I paid. Interesting how something as simple as a can of Pringles can make life seem so much better! I vow to never eat rice or "meat stew sauce" again once I return home. We had gotten new rooms yesterday after we finally returned to St. Paul's guesthouse so Christina and I are now rooming together. We are all a lot closer to each other now compared to before when everyone's rooms were pretty scattered across the compound. I definitely missed having my own bed, even if it is a tiny little twin with a mattress that sinks close to the floor!
This morning I got up fairly early and moto'd out across town to Kimironko (pronounced Chimirrongo) to explore the market. Funny story.... my moto ran out of gas on the way. I got off and he was like pointing to the gas gauge and shrugging his shoulders. I was stunned. He then proceeded to hold out his hand for payment! I am so happy I happened to remember enough Kinyarwandan to get me by at this point. I firmly explained that Kimihurera WAS NOT Kimironko and I was not going to pay him anything. There is kind of a saying here about any time you need a moto, one (or 1,000) will magically appear.... so true. Somehow, another moto just randomly pulled up and I jumped on the back screaming Murakoze, Murakoze! (thank you, thank you) to the dumb driver who let his bike run out of gas as me and my new driver were speeding away. haha I don't even feel bad about it either! This was not his first rodeo... he should have known better than to take a customer when he was on empty considering how far away we were going. Don't worry mom.... completely safe! Promise :)
The market was pretty low key, although I definitely heard the words "Muzunga" or "Sista" yelled at me a million times trying to get my attention. I got a lot of stuff actually. Awesome prices for everything since I am pretty decent at that whole bargaining thing. I also got a little fabric (purple and cream) to have a skirt tailored for me. I recommend to anyone traveling: get something made! It will probably be one of my favorite souvenoirs. I was pretty excited about my two bags of purchases until I realized I had to moto back! Holding on to paper sacks while also holding on to the back of the moto seat is.... an interesting experiences. I made it though! I met Joelle and Krista at Bourbon Coffee at the UTC and had lunch. We had talked about maybe swimming at the Milles Collines (most would know this hotel as the one featured in the movie Hotel Rwanda). However, we decided to head over to the Serena, easily rated the highest class and most expensive hotel in Kigali. I mean after all, it is our day off!
Morning off tomorrow and then headed to the Nyamata Church Memorial in the afternoon. It is going to be an intense afternoon.... It is still so hard to imagine that this beautiful country was in such disarray only a short 17 years ago. To think these hills and churches and streets were filled with bodies of those slain still puts knots in my stomach. However, if I have learned nothing else while here, I have learned that reconciliation and forgiveness are possible. The resilience of the Rwandan people is remarkable; and to all of my new friends, I admire you more than you may ever know.
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ReplyDeleteLove the picture. You are right -- you do look completely lost!!! lol Enjoyed seeing you though. Love ya, MOM
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