City Life

I’m in Kigali for a few days before I leave for Kampala.  It is so different here than ‘in the middle of nowhere’, but interesting just the same.  Ralf kindly let me stay at his house this week.  It has been fun to get to know Eli and Norman better—all really great people.

Not that I’m not working for Victor anymore—Cristina and I ran errands for him on Tuesday which included picking up his passport from the German embassy, getting some more RAM for his disabled laptop and picking up his iPod from some hotel.  Thursday, I went to immigration to find out what a new work permit was going to cost him.  In between I managed to visit a genocide widows sewing and craft cooperative (where they also made me a lovely skirt), do a little shopping, and have dinner with my new Danish friends, Helle and Helene, and attend an art opening with them. 

And lunch Wednesday with Cristina was quite fun.  After countless numbers of children asking for money or trying to sell you something, we walk into the restaurant and she grabs the menu and says, I’m going to buy that kid a sandwich—meaning the one standing outside the front of the building.  Not sure why this exact child captured her, but he did and we decided we would invite him to eat with us.  He was about five years old and initially very shy.  The waiter helped translate (we learned his name was Patrick) and we ordered him the milk and bread that he requested—later a Fanta after he eyed Cristina’s.  He gulped down the milk and when he finished his croissant, he asked if he could go get his brother.  Sure, why not.  His brother, Kerry, was probably about two or three.  They were so darned cute—one of the best meals we have had here.  When we were finished we boxed up some leftovers and had them take us to where their Mom and other siblings were sitting on the street.  She was very appreciative. 

Most every trip requires a ride on the moto and now I barely notice the crazy driving and death defying merges into traffic.  Just seems normal and I’m beginning to wonder why we don’t have this in Denver—maybe I’ll get a scooter when I get homeJ  With a sidecar for Willie?

Today will be my last day here before a 5:45 am bus to Uganda.  I’m sure I will question why I didn’t fly after 8 or more hours on the bus, but it just seemed like a waste of money.  And supposedly it is much more luxurious than the buses I’ve taken here to date.  We will see.