07th July 2015 – 17:24
Surprisingly, almost every adult has a mobile phone in Rwanda. In fact some people have more than one. It seems that this tecnology has taken over this part of the world. The variety of services available through mobile phones is impressive. Among so many things you can do with your mobile, here you can buy credits for your electricity. However, in case of a power cut you have easy access to a place where you can charge your mobile.
07th July 2015 – pm
It was a day full of first time experiences in a foreign land.
*Delivering my luggage,
*Finding out about the new neighbourhood,
*Meeting the headmaster of my school placement,
*Visiting the local Education Secretary,
*Going to a local restaurant,
*Buying drinking water,
*Decision making and decision taking,
This is my first day in Ruhuha and the blue building is my reference point. I live just up that street.
07th July 2015 – 14:00
My new home for a month in Ruhuha is what people in Rwanda call a compound house. There are ten of these two room flats in the same lot shut behind a tall gate.
I chose the front room and my colleague the back room. As I usually get up very early every morning, I felt more comfortable if I could go out and in of my room without disturbing my colleague who was staying in the back room. The mattress is comfy and the bed clothing looks new and clean. A lovely net falls over the bed which protects against mosquitos. That was it, no shelves or any other furniture.
The two rooms next door were occupied by two other colleagues and four of us shared another two rooms that were our living room and kitchen. Toilet? Oh dear! It is outside and my colleagues call it “long drop.” I am sure you will not have difficulties to identify its meaning and any sort of explanation will not be necessary. And yes, there is a shower room (2metres square) without a shower or any tap. It is just a small room outside where you can wash youself. Good lucky with your bucket of water!
Water? Yes, there is water and there is no need to walk miles to get it. The tap with running water is in the back yard. Oh bless! I just need to fill up the jerry can with water.
The picture below shows a long line of jerry cans waiting for running water in Ruhuha.
7th July 2015 – 12:30pm
I know that there are many firsts when you arrive in a new place and in Ruhuha it was not different. Yes, it was my first feeling and impression of life passing by and a spirit of contentment fulfilled my soul. My eyes zoom everything in all directions and the long large street of Ruhuha amazes me. The soil is dry and the orange dust covers everything. Life in Ruhuha seems to be unique.
It is the movement of people and bikes everywhere that makes Ruhuha so special. The riders are more than happy to approach and offer a ride for 200 RWF (it is only 20 pence).
7th July 2015 – 8:30
It is time to leave Kigali for the place I will stay for four weeks. It is Ruhuha, Mareba Sector in the District of Bugesera in Rwanda.
The region is predominantly arid and the vegetation is characterised by short grass, savannas, shrubs and short trees.
The climate is dry and the temperature average ranges between 26 and 29C.
I am looking forward to seeing my house and to know everything about Ruhuha. It is about 60 km from Kigali.
6th July 2015 – 17:30
I had an amazing opportunity to meet the most inspiring educators of IEE – Inspire Educate and Empower Rwanda (formerly International Education Exchange).
The teacher training initiative focuses on personalised professional development that takes place in the schools. It is the key factor for effective school based mentoring and capacity building. It also promotes the use of English as a medium of instruction in teaching and learning different subjects.
The pictures below show the first meeting between GLP teachers and IEE mentors at Aroma Restaurant.
6th July 2015 – 14:49
Doing business at Kimirongo market for me is ‘having fun.’ I just love it! Think of a market place that is colourful, vibrant, alive and a friendly environment. That is Kimirongo! It operates seven days a week and you can pop in for everything you need.
Wow! I can spend hours walking through those narrow aisles. It is a competition among the vendors selling their similar products. There are lots of sweet talking “Hello Madame!” The smiley vendors drag you to visit the stalls and check their stuff. No doubt the initial price is for a muzungu (white rich person). So I advise, get the price down if you want to pay what the locals do.
Imagine the market layout. On one side, tailors, local craft , used clothing, shoes, fabrics…
Fabrics! Which pattern should I choose? The tailor is just there down the aisle and can make you a very fashionable Rwandan dress.
On the other side: food…
Everything looks very fresh; grains, vegetables and fruits.
5th July 2015 – 16:33
Kigali is the capital city of Rwanda with a vibrant commercial centre. It is clean, safe and is full of amazing historical sites. It became the capital of Rwanda in 1962 and coincidently, it is the year I was born. Something to remember!
In Kigali, mototaxi is the main mode of transportation. It is the fastest and the most convenient way to move around. I would not say it is hazard free, but the moto drivers and passengers are required to wear a helmet. Well, it does not matter where you are, you will always find a mototaxi that is very keen to take you. Make sure you negotiate the price of the ride before you get on it. It can be incredibly more expensive if you are a muzungu, a white person.
You can also visit Gesozi Genocide Memorial Centre in Kigali.
05th July 2015 – 8:44
I usually think that a picture can speak for itself.
What a lovely sunny day and a beautiful clear blue sky!
Maybe a little bit tricky to accommodate all those suitcases in 2 trucks plus 16 teachers from Scotland in 4 cars at Kigali airport, Rwanda. Everybody was very excited, maybe a little anxious of what would happen next.
Yes, it is time for a pause and a pose while my first shot is taken in Kigali. I managed to carry a world map all the way from Aberdeen to Kigali without losing it.
My husband has observed – “You have carried the world half way around it haha…”
My friend Anne Goldie also said – “got your map ready…”
Yippee! I have made it!
I am supposed to write a journal about my experience in Rwanda. However I am not so sure if I know how to do it. It seems to me that a journal is like a diary as the entries can be daily. So, I hope my written activities summarise my most intimate thoughts, which will help me to keep myself on track of all the events that have impressed me or in some way have had an impact on me.
In fact, the main objective of this blog is to bind things together and bring alive a memorable trip to Rwanda, July 2015.
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