RWANDA: Travels 5 Nov- 28 Oct

Fri 5 Nov: Kigali - City Tour led by our friend Christia, to town, Nyamirambo, Belgian soldiers memorial, stadium, and Kanombe: house of ex-President Habyarimana, who died in a plane crash that landed in his backyard evening preceding onset of 1994 Genocide. Visited Christia’s house and drank BIG glasses of milk from her family’s cows (Alisa’s favorite part).

Thurs 4 Nov: Gitarama, Eastern Province – Visited Urukundo, Mama Arlene’s Children’s Home, delivered toys and other items long overdue! Lunch with Brother Stratton, dinner (brochette and potatoes – see below) in Nyamirambo with Gatete and Theo, preceded by witnessing a moto accident and assisting an injured girl in this bustling neighborhood. Visited Gatete’s grandfather who is nearly 100! And at the end of the night, visited a hole-in-the-wall music shop for African beats



Wed 3 Nov: Nyamata --> Kigali - Took Alisa on run through Maranyundo hillside, met some little friends along the way. Packed, returned to Kigali, visited Kimironko Market for Alisa’s souvenirs, to choose fabric and get African dresses made. Visited Theo’s family at their home, visited with Diana, her sister and baby at Kagarama.
Alisa en moto

Tue 2 Nov: Nyamata - 7AM taught final English class at Bugesera District Office. Visited Ntarama Genocide Memorial, followed by Nyamata Market. Goodbye party with teachers and friends at Red Lion Pub.

Mon 1 Nov: Kigali --> Nyamata, Eastern Province – Arrived back at Maranyundo School to show Alisa, hung out with S3 students and school staff, visited Nyamata Genocide Memorial
Sun 31 Oct: Cyangugu --> Kigali - 8 hour bus back to Kigali through Nyungwe Forest (this time with monkey sightings!) Alisa arrived from Uganda, dinner at Chez Lando
Sat 30 Oct, Umuganda, national morning of service: Cyangugu - Morning run (with new-found little friends) along lakeshore, into town and back, then swimming in Lake Kivu. We swam within 100 meters of DRC! Explored the region on foot.


Bridge to DRC


Fri 29 Oct: Kigali --> Cyangugu, Western Province - Left with Theo for Cyangugu, a beautiful spot located on Lake Kivu and the DRC border town of Bukavu, also where Theo was born. 8 hour bus ride through Nyungwe Forest, rife with coffee and tea plantations, lush greenery and many rainbows following the seasonal downpours. Drinks with friends at a nearby lakeside restaurant.


Thurs 28 Oct: Nyamata, Eastern Province - Said goodbye to Maranyundo’s S1/S2 (7th/8th grade) students. S3 (9th grade) students will remain at school for the next few weeks to take their high-stakes national exams, which will determine their admittance to high school. Distributed photos and letters to all students.