The day that the rain came down, mother earth smiled again! Remember that song? Well after last Wednesday mother earth should be smiling. It was ok first thing and I nonchalantly put my silver steering wheel cover and windscreen shield in place. About 11 it started to rain. I kept working, others had disappeared, I had lunch....the place is deserted, It is torrential rain by now, and in short sleeved t-shirt I was getting cold. So battling the elements I drove home....scary....hail at the same time. Was very glad to reach the house. Apo and I were soaked by the time we'd managed the gates and got inside. So had to don a jumper and I was very glad to snuggle into my duvet that night!
So now I'm ensconced in my large office at the cathedral and getting to grips with the remit. I've almost got the initial team in place, a couple of more people to contact, taking time as I need translations and people are also away. I've been working on the classes I'm teaching at the ordination retreat, very much having to be aware of the cultural differences!
Last Friday we had a fundraising dinner for the new project at the cathedral. A dinner at the Serena ***** Hotel, 100,000 francs, about £100 in real money. Naturally no alcohol! The food was good though. It was all in kinyawanda which wasn't too interesting and I left at 9.30 when the pledges began....anyway 64 million francs was raised....£64,000 a great result.
Monday, 25 September 2017
Thursday, 21 September 2017
The Wedding
Saturday 16th September
I was collected by Nelson, (you may remember I went to his wedding 2 years ago) at 10.30 in the company vehicle....a somewhat elderly and battered Land Cruiser, thankfully I got to sit in the front! It was rather difficult getting in as I was in heels and the dress whilst floaty on top was rather straight skirted beneath the float!
We headed south east picking up folk along the way, an hour's drive on tarmac to Nyamata, followed by another hour on rather rough unmade road, arriving at the parish church at 12.40. It is the most remote area I've driven through I think, but many coffee trees along the way, in flower (small and white) but also bearing coffee beans ranging from green to red in ripeness.
Much astonishment from the children at seeing their first white person in the flesh! By the end of the day I was having to seek cover in the vehicle as the hundreds of children were trying to touch me, it was a bit scary at one point.
We were shown into the 'vestry', flask of African tea and bread rolls offered. I'd had a hearty breakfast, organised as ever! so stuck to my bottle of water. As we waited we were joined by more and more clergy, over 30 I think, some I knew such as my friend Venuste from another remote parish near the border with Burundi. He came on an old motor bike the journey taking an hour on those rough roads. The rector from Jean Paul's college was present, and some of his fellow students, it was good to meet up again. Shows what esteem John Paul is held in.
The parish church typical here, dirt floor, benches, chairs for clergy in the front by a door....it was very warm. Lots of singing and dancing whilst waiting for the wedding party. Jean Paul and Solange were seated in the front on a sofa. Of course the couple had previously had the civil ceremony, and on Saturday morning the dowry ceremonial, but the service seemed quite abbreviated to me, although did last nearly 2 hours. Seemingly we had the declaration, the vows, rings exchanged but abbreviated words, and a blessing. Good sermon though but in Kinyawanda so I didn't understand it. It is a strange custom that the bride is veiled until after the rings are exchanged, then the groom lifts the veil. JP did this very elegantly a little at a time. Of course the church was packed, one of their own being married.
Then to have photos taken, in and out of the vehicle again! Photo site at the health centre, the only place at the end of the dry season with green foliage
I was collected by Nelson, (you may remember I went to his wedding 2 years ago) at 10.30 in the company vehicle....a somewhat elderly and battered Land Cruiser, thankfully I got to sit in the front! It was rather difficult getting in as I was in heels and the dress whilst floaty on top was rather straight skirted beneath the float!
We headed south east picking up folk along the way, an hour's drive on tarmac to Nyamata, followed by another hour on rather rough unmade road, arriving at the parish church at 12.40. It is the most remote area I've driven through I think, but many coffee trees along the way, in flower (small and white) but also bearing coffee beans ranging from green to red in ripeness.
Much astonishment from the children at seeing their first white person in the flesh! By the end of the day I was having to seek cover in the vehicle as the hundreds of children were trying to touch me, it was a bit scary at one point.
We were shown into the 'vestry', flask of African tea and bread rolls offered. I'd had a hearty breakfast, organised as ever! so stuck to my bottle of water. As we waited we were joined by more and more clergy, over 30 I think, some I knew such as my friend Venuste from another remote parish near the border with Burundi. He came on an old motor bike the journey taking an hour on those rough roads. The rector from Jean Paul's college was present, and some of his fellow students, it was good to meet up again. Shows what esteem John Paul is held in.
The parish church typical here, dirt floor, benches, chairs for clergy in the front by a door....it was very warm. Lots of singing and dancing whilst waiting for the wedding party. Jean Paul and Solange were seated in the front on a sofa. Of course the couple had previously had the civil ceremony, and on Saturday morning the dowry ceremonial, but the service seemed quite abbreviated to me, although did last nearly 2 hours. Seemingly we had the declaration, the vows, rings exchanged but abbreviated words, and a blessing. Good sermon though but in Kinyawanda so I didn't understand it. It is a strange custom that the bride is veiled until after the rings are exchanged, then the groom lifts the veil. JP did this very elegantly a little at a time. Of course the church was packed, one of their own being married.
Then to have photos taken, in and out of the vehicle again! Photo site at the health centre, the only place at the end of the dry season with green foliage
Then we walked to the reception venue.
The couple had to walk to an arch and cut the ribbon to enter the reception area, which was outdoors.
The dais where the wedding group sit. The steps were a little dodgy!!!
Again I found myself in the front row.
At weddings here you hire an MC who manages everything, various speeches from representatives from both families, drinks exchanged,,,,non alcoholic, gifts of fruit to both families. A number of rituals to be observed , I especially liked Solange's father saying how great a daughter she was, but now he's giving her to JP......tears from the bride....it was very biblical!
Then the cake was cut and we all had a piece and a bottle of soda. There was no food which I think very sensible, why feed hundreds when you have very little money. By 6.15 when it was getting dark and we had no lights we set off home again. Jean Paul and Solange really enjoyed their wedding he told me yesterday.
Next we have the graduation which should have been tomorrow, but is now on 26 October, I don't know if I can attend then, but will do my best.
That's all for now. But lots more to tell so tune in after the weekend.
Friday, 15 September 2017
Busy week....the norm
Well here I am, back in Kigali. I enjoyed the weeks in Portugal and the UK, a fair number of days spent on the beach and sufficiently strong wifi to watch the Lycra! A strange journey back in that the plane from Gatwick to Kigali had only 19 passengers, yes, 19. Had my own loo! 7 folk in business, me in premium economy and 11 in economy, the latter were able to lie down properly as the seat arms went up....mine didn't but managed to get comfortable and slept a little. After deplaning only 2 of us ended flight in Kigali, the rest were in transit, When I saw the other passenger depart with his luggage I began to be concerned.....guess what, my cases left on plane, I imagine because in a separate area as not in business or transit. At Gatwick, as I had an overnight and several hours at the airport I put the luggage into Baggage Express, worth every penny not to struggle with heavy cases etc.
My friend Eric met me at Kigali and drove me home, then we went for a decent cooked breakfast at Java House, perfect after a night flight and I never want food when the crew wake you at an early hour. Spent the rest of the day unpacking and sorting and managed a snooze mid afternoon. Apollo came over and we went to the Japanese for dinner, he at last has his visa and leaves next week to begin studying for his PhD at a theological college in Belgium. The next day I had to shop for food of course, Bosco drove me as I wanted to go to the fresh veg and fruit market and it's awful parking there. We had no water at the house so Bosco set out with 5 jerrycans, he had to go 5K to find water....it's the end of the dry season. So there I was last weekend washing hair and self in a bucket, my 6 months in the convents taught me something. Thankfully after a day or so we got water again, also we have had heavy rain most afternoons this week. As happens in Portugal the grass is now greening almost instantly.
To the cathedral Sunday morning, Apollo came, bringing a friend with him, after the service we went to a local coffee shop with some of the young church folk and spent a very pleasant time chatting. Lent Apollo my umbrella to keep him cool, it was passed around. Pastoral care!!
The beginning of this week Eric and I spent reserving flights and travel insurance for him, photocopying what seemed like hundreds of documents etc for him to apply for a Schengen visa. Of course, my computer decided to play up, once again Apollo to the rescue and after a further 3 hours we had everything done. So Tuesday to the Belgium Embassy, there by 6.45 and Eric was 4th in line, everything appeared to be in order except I had put copies after each original.....they wanted originals in one pile and copies in another. Anyway we are hopeful the visa will be granted.
Then we drove to Musanze in my car to give it a decent run, visiting Eric's mum who's not well and enjoying dinner at my favourite place, 5 Volcanoes, it was quite chilly but soon became very pleasant with the charcoal burners alongside.
I stayed at Volcanoes View B and B which is run by a lady from Yorkshire and is very reasonable. We always find plenty to talk about! Am now in Kigali again, had a long meeting with the Bishop and Pastor Winnie yesterday to decide how to go about starting the Diakonia Ministry, so begin next Monday with an office at the cathedral, must get new notebook and sharpen my pencils!
Tomorrow to a far flung parish from Bugasera to attend Jean Paul's wedding, looking forward to that.
NB My car is looking great thanks to Kenneth and Apollo. Apollo has cared for me wonderfully I shall miss him.....I've been handed over to his brother David!
My friend Eric met me at Kigali and drove me home, then we went for a decent cooked breakfast at Java House, perfect after a night flight and I never want food when the crew wake you at an early hour. Spent the rest of the day unpacking and sorting and managed a snooze mid afternoon. Apollo came over and we went to the Japanese for dinner, he at last has his visa and leaves next week to begin studying for his PhD at a theological college in Belgium. The next day I had to shop for food of course, Bosco drove me as I wanted to go to the fresh veg and fruit market and it's awful parking there. We had no water at the house so Bosco set out with 5 jerrycans, he had to go 5K to find water....it's the end of the dry season. So there I was last weekend washing hair and self in a bucket, my 6 months in the convents taught me something. Thankfully after a day or so we got water again, also we have had heavy rain most afternoons this week. As happens in Portugal the grass is now greening almost instantly.
To the cathedral Sunday morning, Apollo came, bringing a friend with him, after the service we went to a local coffee shop with some of the young church folk and spent a very pleasant time chatting. Lent Apollo my umbrella to keep him cool, it was passed around. Pastoral care!!
The beginning of this week Eric and I spent reserving flights and travel insurance for him, photocopying what seemed like hundreds of documents etc for him to apply for a Schengen visa. Of course, my computer decided to play up, once again Apollo to the rescue and after a further 3 hours we had everything done. So Tuesday to the Belgium Embassy, there by 6.45 and Eric was 4th in line, everything appeared to be in order except I had put copies after each original.....they wanted originals in one pile and copies in another. Anyway we are hopeful the visa will be granted.
Then we drove to Musanze in my car to give it a decent run, visiting Eric's mum who's not well and enjoying dinner at my favourite place, 5 Volcanoes, it was quite chilly but soon became very pleasant with the charcoal burners alongside.
I stayed at Volcanoes View B and B which is run by a lady from Yorkshire and is very reasonable. We always find plenty to talk about! Am now in Kigali again, had a long meeting with the Bishop and Pastor Winnie yesterday to decide how to go about starting the Diakonia Ministry, so begin next Monday with an office at the cathedral, must get new notebook and sharpen my pencils!
Tomorrow to a far flung parish from Bugasera to attend Jean Paul's wedding, looking forward to that.
NB My car is looking great thanks to Kenneth and Apollo. Apollo has cared for me wonderfully I shall miss him.....I've been handed over to his brother David!
Thursday, 6 July 2017
Two weeks to fit everything in!
The days are rushing by at a vast rate of knots!
It's been a funny few days; last Sunday Apollo joined me and I drove to Kanyinya Parish, he showed me the way to get from Kigali and we were really early arriving at church, so enjoyed a lot of enthusiastic singing and energetic dancing. Pastor Winnie arrived accompanied by a curate from Ely doing a three week placement here. Naturally we enjoyed chatting and realized her husband trained with me. Small world.
Some of you will have seen the pic on FB, it was deworming day. Notice had been given to the congregation the previous week, consequently all the local families sent their children to be dosed.....as Pastor Winnie says 'it's good outreach'
It's been a funny few days; last Sunday Apollo joined me and I drove to Kanyinya Parish, he showed me the way to get from Kigali and we were really early arriving at church, so enjoyed a lot of enthusiastic singing and energetic dancing. Pastor Winnie arrived accompanied by a curate from Ely doing a three week placement here. Naturally we enjoyed chatting and realized her husband trained with me. Small world.
Some of you will have seen the pic on FB, it was deworming day. Notice had been given to the congregation the previous week, consequently all the local families sent their children to be dosed.....as Pastor Winnie says 'it's good outreach'
Conservative estimate over 150 children, so we started with the youngest.
Then to the German Butcher for lunch, very good stroganoff. Home for a brief time then back to the cathedral for the evening service, a delight as usual.
Monday was a holiday for the schools, I drove to Masaka very early and enjoyed a quick run. I'm showing the Chronicles of Narnia this week with a lot of questions to test the comprehension. Tomorrow we shall try Joseph and the Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat, so I've set 9 chapters of Genesis for the students to read tonight. I have found knowledge of the bible somewhat lacking, although it could be because they know it in French.
Yesterday I went to the furniture shop at lunchtime to complete paying for our stuff, delivery tomorrow, I am so looking forward to having a bed. I noticed that the car was gurgling a bit when I returned to Masaka, but parked up and forgot about it. On the way home got stuck behind an enormous transporter from Tanzania heading west. Had to wait nearly half an hour to get through the lights at Remera intersection, just reached the other side and the radiator blew!!!! Before I knew it half a dozen young men got me off the road, opened the bonnet and showed the trouble....steam billowing out. Apollo lives nearby, so I sent a swift message , he was at college ready to start teaching, but called Kenneth from his church who appeared as if by magic instantly. within 15 minutes Kenneth had a chap collect the car, and put me in a taxi! By 9pm the car was returned to my house by Apollo and Kenneth. The work cost £30! Naturally I was generous in payment....such service!
That was really sufficient excitement for the week.......but more to come this afternoon with the furniture.
How time flies! Another week disappeared. I guess if this was the end of my 6 months in Rwanda I'd be feeling rather sad, but knowing I'll be back in 7 weeks I just feel I'm going on holiday!
So the furniture arrived and we're very pleased with it, and the curtains are now on order and I think I need a shelving unit for my bedroom, I must measure up and get a quote.
The lounge stuff is papyrus, my bed etc is banana leaf but I don't have a pic of that just yet.
My birthday was a bit odd, cards had been opened by customs in Kampala, but I enjoyed lots of e cards and messages. Marcie took me to Heaven for dinner which was delicious as usual. Especially the Mount Kigali cocktail which we enjoyed very much....gin, lemon juice, passion fruit juice, ginger and lots of ice.
I'm looking forward to more celebrating in Portugal and the UK! Should be able to make it last 7 weeks!!
We had a 4 day weekend as it was celebrating Independence Day, also Liberation Day which was Tuesday and marked the end of Kwibuka, the months remembering the genocide against Tutsis.
We had a small dinner party Tuesday evening, our first entertaining in the house.
Marcie is busy packing all her things as she leaves next Wednesday, Marilyn leaves Busasamana today for Kigali, she also leaves next Wednesday. Marilyn and I are going to Akagera, maybe we'll see the lions this time. I'm beginning to get sorted also, as I leave on Sunday week. The next posts will be at the beginning of September unless something of note happens.
Saturday, 24 June 2017
One more step....
I little thought when I chose the song 'One more step along the world I go' at my retiring service from All Saints, that two and a half years later I would be taking yet more steps. This week I opened a bank account in Kigali! It's a very modern branch and you do everything via ipads as you go in. Such fun!
Had a great day yesterday; Marilyn came down from Busasamana on Wednesday so I was able to pick her up and drive into town. I parked at the top of City Tower, in daylight, so good, and a guard directed me to reverse park! Had to leave the windows open but that was ok. Then to Kigali Heights to get our Ugandan shillings, light lunch at Java House followed by icecream from the Italian shop....yum! Then to Masaka for the afternoon class, the sisters were delighted to see Marilyn again. Then in the evening to our local Japanese restaurant and an excellent dinner.
I'm not teaching today so a nice relaxed day at home getting ready for the weekend away, also tarting up for the reception with the British High Commissioner this evening for Her Majesty's birthday......looking forward to a g and t or maybe a Pimms!
23rd.June.
Another week flown by!
Last Saturday I collected Marilyn who had spent a few days in Kigali, and took the road to get out of Kigali and head north, except it didn't and I ended up at the American Embassy! So had to retrace steps and take another route....the main road is closed at present. Poor Marilyn had to read the map...I was dreading getting through the district I call 'little Bagdad' but we actually managed to find our way....only took 1 hour!
So drove to Musanze in Northern Province making good time, and enjoyed a relaxing afternoon. We asked for a cold beer and they took ages bringing it, but it was very good when it came. After dinner, which was in a 'dry' establishment, we asked for an alcoholic beverage to be told they didn't sell it as it was a church owned hotel. We realized then that the staff had gone out and bought bottles in the afterenoon and as we wanted cold had put them in the freezer. Good service!
I had tried to open the bonnet of my car unsuccessfully to check the water etc and when pushing it shut the grill in front of the engine fell out! Fortunately, as I drove it rested happily on the cowcatcher in front of Little Sprout. And our friend's mechanic fixed it for me.
Sunday morning up early and went to English service at the cathedral while Marilyn went to the RC cathedral, but we'd both been given the incorrect start times and had to leave halfway through as due to leave for Uganda at 8.30....only to learn Eric the driver going to be half hour late...we were not best pleased!
But it was a nice day and we enjoyed the drive to Lake Bunyonyi in Uganda, getting through immigration very quickly.
I always say when we cross from Portugal into Spain that everything appears different immediately and it's the same here as you leave Rwanda, houses, animals...lots more cattle in Uganda, and litter.....Rwanda is very very clean, the road from the border was excellent though, so a tick for Uganda there. It took about 2 hours to get to the car park on the Lake, the last half hour on dirt road.
We parked and caught the motorised canoe to our resort, we had planned to paddle a canoe but that would takeat least 50 minutes and we were hungry and thirsty. So enjoyed the boatride to Boonyi Amagara eco resort. It was splendid; Marilyn and I shared a deluxe 'geodome' open on one side, we could lie in bed looking at the lake...it was great. Eric our driver wasn't relaxed about it he was nervous of animals in the night!
There were loads of birds around, wish I'd had binos, including several different humming birds.
Sadly we could only manage one night there and returned to Musanze Monday afternoon, then took Marilyn back to Busasamana....the community members gave me a resounding welcome back! Great to see them again. Received an email from Marcie who went to Canada last Saturday for a conference , saying our gate guard had been arrested for stealing!!! So, after driving back from Musanze on Tuesday morning I had to go to the police station to identify our property. The police asked if I'd like to see him, I said would they arrest me if I hit him....they laughed. Anyway I left him in custody to reflect on his behaviour, unfortunately he didn't reflect very well as he's saying that the police are lying!! They released him yesterday and he arrived at our house this morning showing no contrition, so i took him and his belongings to his mother. I have to discuss the matter with Marcie as soon as she returns after the weekend.
Today is umuganda so I stayed in the house doing domestic things, am going to try roasting in the new cooker this evening....if it is not a success I shall potter to the Japanese.
Had a great day yesterday; Marilyn came down from Busasamana on Wednesday so I was able to pick her up and drive into town. I parked at the top of City Tower, in daylight, so good, and a guard directed me to reverse park! Had to leave the windows open but that was ok. Then to Kigali Heights to get our Ugandan shillings, light lunch at Java House followed by icecream from the Italian shop....yum! Then to Masaka for the afternoon class, the sisters were delighted to see Marilyn again. Then in the evening to our local Japanese restaurant and an excellent dinner.
I'm not teaching today so a nice relaxed day at home getting ready for the weekend away, also tarting up for the reception with the British High Commissioner this evening for Her Majesty's birthday......looking forward to a g and t or maybe a Pimms!
In the garden at the Residence
The Pimms, followed by Hampshire sparkling white wine most enjoyable. Nice eats also, fish and chips, scones and sticky toffee pudding to mention a few items.
Another week flown by!
Last Saturday I collected Marilyn who had spent a few days in Kigali, and took the road to get out of Kigali and head north, except it didn't and I ended up at the American Embassy! So had to retrace steps and take another route....the main road is closed at present. Poor Marilyn had to read the map...I was dreading getting through the district I call 'little Bagdad' but we actually managed to find our way....only took 1 hour!
So drove to Musanze in Northern Province making good time, and enjoyed a relaxing afternoon. We asked for a cold beer and they took ages bringing it, but it was very good when it came. After dinner, which was in a 'dry' establishment, we asked for an alcoholic beverage to be told they didn't sell it as it was a church owned hotel. We realized then that the staff had gone out and bought bottles in the afterenoon and as we wanted cold had put them in the freezer. Good service!
I had tried to open the bonnet of my car unsuccessfully to check the water etc and when pushing it shut the grill in front of the engine fell out! Fortunately, as I drove it rested happily on the cowcatcher in front of Little Sprout. And our friend's mechanic fixed it for me.
Sunday morning up early and went to English service at the cathedral while Marilyn went to the RC cathedral, but we'd both been given the incorrect start times and had to leave halfway through as due to leave for Uganda at 8.30....only to learn Eric the driver going to be half hour late...we were not best pleased!
But it was a nice day and we enjoyed the drive to Lake Bunyonyi in Uganda, getting through immigration very quickly.
First sight of Lake Bunyonyi
We parked and caught the motorised canoe to our resort, we had planned to paddle a canoe but that would takeat least 50 minutes and we were hungry and thirsty. So enjoyed the boatride to Boonyi Amagara eco resort. It was splendid; Marilyn and I shared a deluxe 'geodome' open on one side, we could lie in bed looking at the lake...it was great. Eric our driver wasn't relaxed about it he was nervous of animals in the night!
There were loads of birds around, wish I'd had binos, including several different humming birds.
More crested cranes foraging for grubs
Very thankful we decided not to paddle our own canoe!
One of the geodomes seen from the lake.
The eco shower and loo
The interior of our geodome
View from bed
The food was very good, staff excellent. Someone in the resort had a very English sense of humour displayed in notices and on the menu. For example one item was an 'i crepe', the latest offering from 'Apple' .......(apple and cinnamon crepe!)
Today is umuganda so I stayed in the house doing domestic things, am going to try roasting in the new cooker this evening....if it is not a success I shall potter to the Japanese.
Sunday, 11 June 2017
Trying to catch up!
Another service which ran 20 minutes over time. Why don't the frocks up front keep an eye on things and omit things if necessary.
Anyway, have had a good week, no teaching i the morning, and finished Paddington, and the Sound of Music with the sisters in the afternoons. I took Friday off as the traffic is so bad that day . However I did work hard each morning on lesson plans for the next few weeks.
The house is coming along, still no hot water but the sun is warming the water in the the tank which is on top of the latest project of the owner, so morning showers are not too bad.
This week I've been driving Sprout everyday and managed to locate the lights and drive back from KH (what we residents call the new Kigali Heights, probably because there is a large KH on the building) We had dinner there one evening which was very good at the Java House once more.
I took myself to City Tower quite early Friday morning hoping I could park without a hassle, the guards kept trying to make me reverse into tight spots, 'no, no, I'm going up? I cried. Eventually found an easy spot.....guard running alongside me! Went in a little crooked but guard said ok. He pointed out open windows....they won't shut always....so I shrugged and he looked after Sprout till I returned.
Those of you on FB will have seen that I spent yesterday by the pool at the Gorilla Golf hotel, had the place to myself which was great and enjoyed swimming for the first time this year. An ice cold Primus, avocado salad and chips, very good....and I watched Saturday Kitchen!
If you imagine coming back from the pool, turn to face away from pool, there is a garden below then the boundary, a road ....and our house the other side of the road.
There is a huge project at the cathedral, pic below. The old meeting room has been demolished and a multi use building will be started soon.
Marilyn is coming to Kigali on Wednesday for a little R and R, then Saturday I'm driving us to Musanze where we I shall bless the land and the build of his new home for Eric, our friendly tour operator, then to 5 Volcanoes for dinner all being well. The next day we're going to Uganda, at least Marilyn is as she has an East African visa. I've been told I'm ok as I have a Rwanda ID card....I hope this is so.
All for now....back after our adventure into foreign parts.
Anyway, have had a good week, no teaching i the morning, and finished Paddington, and the Sound of Music with the sisters in the afternoons. I took Friday off as the traffic is so bad that day . However I did work hard each morning on lesson plans for the next few weeks.
The house is coming along, still no hot water but the sun is warming the water in the the tank which is on top of the latest project of the owner, so morning showers are not too bad.
The ceiling light in my bedroom
Putting the water tank up
This week I've been driving Sprout everyday and managed to locate the lights and drive back from KH (what we residents call the new Kigali Heights, probably because there is a large KH on the building) We had dinner there one evening which was very good at the Java House once more.
I took myself to City Tower quite early Friday morning hoping I could park without a hassle, the guards kept trying to make me reverse into tight spots, 'no, no, I'm going up? I cried. Eventually found an easy spot.....guard running alongside me! Went in a little crooked but guard said ok. He pointed out open windows....they won't shut always....so I shrugged and he looked after Sprout till I returned.
If you imagine coming back from the pool, turn to face away from pool, there is a garden below then the boundary, a road ....and our house the other side of the road.
There is a huge project at the cathedral, pic below. The old meeting room has been demolished and a multi use building will be started soon.
Marilyn is coming to Kigali on Wednesday for a little R and R, then Saturday I'm driving us to Musanze where we I shall bless the land and the build of his new home for Eric, our friendly tour operator, then to 5 Volcanoes for dinner all being well. The next day we're going to Uganda, at least Marilyn is as she has an East African visa. I've been told I'm ok as I have a Rwanda ID card....I hope this is so.
All for now....back after our adventure into foreign parts.
Wednesday, 7 June 2017
A few challenges along the way
Well, what's life without a few challenges! Although these were not unpleasant and involved attempting to furnish the house.
So, used to driving Sprout into the city now, not as scary when I'm more in control as much as possible...but....Marcie and I went to City Tower first, which involved parking in the multi storey car park, first though security....open bonnet...?how! Anyway got through that. And managed to park. We didn't see anything we liked so walked around the block to have a look in 2000 Chinese shop.....just to have a look. But bought loads of stuff all too heavy to carry back to City Tower, so I had to walk back to City Tower, try to find the car and then drive to 2000 in Friday Rush hour traffic.
Saturday was umuganda so a morning in, then we got a taxi to take us to a lovely furniture shop, gorgeous stuff make by local artisans, so we ordered what we needed and more. Unfortunately will take a month, so I'll be sleeping on the floor. Then to the Union Trade Centre for fridge freezer and mattresses and Marcie's bed, so she'll be ok.
Then to Kigali heights for Marcie's bank, I had a delicious chocolate ice cream from the Italian ice cream shop which is growing in popularity daily.
Sunday After church we drove to the house to measure up for curtains etc. the electricity was on so we had a look at all the lights which the owner has put in, my bedroom light is rather astonishing full of bluish LEDs, I'll try to take a pic.
We went to the Gorilla Golf Hotel for lunch by the pool, I'm going to see the manager to negotiate a special rate for daily early morning swim when I come back.
Now nearly at the end of another week, June first today and we should have had the key....the house is not in too bad a state but the cooker isn't installed yet, and the garden area is now a bomb site as JB the owner decided to make some alterations!
We are moving in tomorrow, I'm desperate for hot shower and hairwash! I'll spend the weekend there, but whilst teaching will probably stay in the community during the week.
I've been driving frequently to my local printer in Masaka, I like to give handouts to the students, now whenever I drive past the lads all pile out and wave. and some of the locals indicate they'd appreciate a lift so I invariably have a passenger as far as Masaka.
The children run out and wave and those at school call 'Good morning'
So, used to driving Sprout into the city now, not as scary when I'm more in control as much as possible...but....Marcie and I went to City Tower first, which involved parking in the multi storey car park, first though security....open bonnet...?how! Anyway got through that. And managed to park. We didn't see anything we liked so walked around the block to have a look in 2000 Chinese shop.....just to have a look. But bought loads of stuff all too heavy to carry back to City Tower, so I had to walk back to City Tower, try to find the car and then drive to 2000 in Friday Rush hour traffic.
Saturday was umuganda so a morning in, then we got a taxi to take us to a lovely furniture shop, gorgeous stuff make by local artisans, so we ordered what we needed and more. Unfortunately will take a month, so I'll be sleeping on the floor. Then to the Union Trade Centre for fridge freezer and mattresses and Marcie's bed, so she'll be ok.
Then to Kigali heights for Marcie's bank, I had a delicious chocolate ice cream from the Italian ice cream shop which is growing in popularity daily.
Sunday After church we drove to the house to measure up for curtains etc. the electricity was on so we had a look at all the lights which the owner has put in, my bedroom light is rather astonishing full of bluish LEDs, I'll try to take a pic.
We went to the Gorilla Golf Hotel for lunch by the pool, I'm going to see the manager to negotiate a special rate for daily early morning swim when I come back.
Now nearly at the end of another week, June first today and we should have had the key....the house is not in too bad a state but the cooker isn't installed yet, and the garden area is now a bomb site as JB the owner decided to make some alterations!
We are moving in tomorrow, I'm desperate for hot shower and hairwash! I'll spend the weekend there, but whilst teaching will probably stay in the community during the week.
I've been driving frequently to my local printer in Masaka, I like to give handouts to the students, now whenever I drive past the lads all pile out and wave. and some of the locals indicate they'd appreciate a lift so I invariably have a passenger as far as Masaka.
The children run out and wave and those at school call 'Good morning'
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