Buying Trip to Kigali

We made a trip to Kigali today to buy things for the shop and to drop Laura off at the airport.  It was a very full day but interesting.  We went to various stores in Kigali and the wholesale center.  Kigali is the largest city in Rwanda.

Our first stop was to change money and our driver took us way back into a building in a tiny office.  We got great rates but it definitely wasn’t the normal Forex (Rwanda’s money exchange stores).

There is definitely a large Ex-Pat community in Kigali.  We went along the road with all the embassies.  The U.S. Embassy is really nice. 

Kigali is very hilly, so it is difficult to walk everywhere, especially if you have luggage.

There are some interesting facts about Rwanda:

1.  All the children in public school must shave their heads to stop the spread of lice.  It is really hard to tell the girls from the boys.  This includes both primary and secondary school.  The US has a lice problem in the schools.  Do you think our children or grandchildren will shave their heads? No way!!!!

2.  For one week during the month of April is called Memorial Week, The government holds mandatory training or various topics, such as unity and appreciation of individuals.  It is a way to prevent and future genocide incidents.

3.  Rwanda has a lot of poverty but is very clean compared to most of the Asian countries.  You rarely find garbage on the street.  Everyone landscapes his or her yards.  Even the most dilapidated home will have a simple but clean yard.

4.  Rwanda was a French colony, so many of the people speak French.  Only in the last few years has English become the secondary language and the one used in the schools. 

5.  One morning in each month is a time for every person to do something for the community; I can’t remember if it is the first Sunday of every month or???  I think it is a wonderful concept. 

I am sure I will have more facts as I go along. 

I am hoping to visit the orphanage in Rwanda.  Apparently there is a large orphanage just a short distance from Butare.  The only mode of transportation is on the back of a motorcycle.  There is a good bus system, but many of the buses do not go to specific locations.  I could walk but I am not sure of how to get there. 

I still have not taken the Moto.  They scare me and I do not want to put the dirty helmet on. 

Have a great evening.  Paula