Snapshots of Rwanda

We leave in 24 hours.  Where has the time gone?  So how can I best share Rwanda with you?  (especially without pictures) . . . the best way is to share some "snapshots" of highlights with you.

Some of the first faces to greet us were the children who live here.  They are exuberant, friendly and love attention (what kid doesn't?).  We learned very quickly that there is no such thing as "personal space" here.  When we are out with the kids, they have their arms around my waist, some holding my hands, others stroking my hair, always sitting as close as possible to me.  With Kim, it is similar.  They sit on or beside him, the little ones often stroking his head or beard.

Outside the walls, the lack of personal space continues.  In the market,  you have to push your way through the crowds.  People will sit close, want to shake your hand, put their arm around you, etc.  It's not rude or offensive, it is part of the culture here.

When it comes to traveling, the roads are an adventure!  Thankfully, just outside the gate, lies the "black road" (highway).  It is a very nice road.  In our few adventures off of it, you are concentrating on not being thrown around the vehicle due to the incredible bumps!  On any road, passing is permitted . . .anytime.  Piki pikis (motor bikes) can weave in and out of traffic whenever.  Horns are essential for passing, turning, warning of upcoming hazards or police or greeting one another.  Signal lights are optional.  Large trucks do use their hazards on the hills--which is good, considering they are traveling at 10-15km/hr.

Shopping is an all-day event (or all week, depending on what you need). Market day is Wednesday, so fruit, veggies and basics are purchased.  The rest of the week, you can either try to get what you need at a local store, if it's in stock, or go to Kigali.  Even there, it may take a few stops to get what you need.  It took us 5 days and 3 stops to get a chainsaw repaired (I think that is "fast" by Rwandan standards).  This was going to the "home depot block" of stores.  If you have a craving for western food, be prepared to spend lots of money-a large box of cereal, $12, a small chocolate bar, $5. Fanta (pop) is close to $1 and is probably the most popular drink.  It comes in orange,coke, sprite, grape and citrus. 

People are incredibly friendly.  They are always waving, smiling and wanting to shake your hand--especially if you are Mazungue (white).  If you wanted to find a "personality" for Rwanda, it would be golden retriever--friends to everyone and not wanting to make anyone sad or disappointed.  It's easy to love the people and the culture here.

For now, these are some of the many snapshots of Rwanda.