We went to a resort last night called Lake Kivu Serena which reminded me a lot of Hawaii. Lush tropical plants, nice food, a full bar- and may I say the first gin and tonic I had out since arriving here. It was like being back in civilization again.
After leaving the resort, we went to the border with the DRC- the Democratic Republic of the Congo-- and there is nothing democratic about it. It is a lawless no man's land, that the US government recommends Americans not enter. We did not go in, but we were within a few hundred yards of it. Seeing the military police with AK 47s was unnerving to say the least. No tour buses go here!!
Then traveling back through villages where people live without running water and electricity was shocking. Each village has a central area with stucco buildings that are brightly colored because the local companies pay them to paint them in their colors. So all you see are bright yellows of the Skol beer brand, bright royal blues of Tigo a mobile phone provider. The colors the women wear are exceptionally bright and beautiful. The homes outside the village are tiled roofed with local-adobe bricks walls. No sidewalks, just dirt.
Tonight we are back in Kigali having drinks on Chris's patio, and going to a Trivial Night where many "ex-pats" hang out. This is ALL so amazing!!!
Rwanda is a rich farming country. If you look closely at the hillside you can see terraced plots of land. They grow everything!
A typical village in rural Rwanda. Everyone has cell phones. Notice the woman carrying her child on her back on the right side.
The resort we stayed at last night! What a contrast!
A woman in a rural village.
A Rwandan couple walking along the main road. The cars and buses whiz by, and everyone seems unfazed.
This is a pretty typical house. Notice their crops grown out front. I was told the broad leaved plants are tobacco.
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