Just a Normal Day at the Shop

It was a long day today.  I stopped at the market to get fresh tomatoes for pizza Friday.  When I finally arrived at the shop, they had the ice cream sitting out waiting for the people to pick it up…. It was only 9:30 and they were picking it up at 11.  They also did not make more ice cream… we were short 120 small cups.

Although it was a tough day, we got through it.  Business has been really slow so the big order for ice cream was very important.  I am working with Louise to figure out our financials.  It may take the full three weeks.

I have decided to visit the Gorillas, if I can get a permit.  I am very excited.  I guess you only live once.  I have put together all my travel plans.  I am trying to limit the cost, but being a single traveler has its drawbacks.

I really miss everyone and am looking forward to the end of March.  Although I really enjoy the fact that I can really make a difference, I still have a hard time being away from family and friends.  I always get a little sentimental after the first week.

Rwanda is beautiful.  The people are beautiful.  I am hoping that I can return and be a tourist.  Although, I feel tourism does not really give you a full understanding of the culture of the country.

OK, I found my Malaria pills and am taking them.  The ones I found at the local pharmacy may result in nightmares.  I feel I am safe in taking them because I don’t get to sleep much with all the noise.  Who would have thought I would find a benefit to sleepless nights.

Have a great evening, Paula

Big Sale In Ice Cream

It was a very slow day at the Ice Cream store yesterday.  But, we did get an order for 220 small (teta) ice creams for today.  Today will definitely make up for yesterday. 

We have Pizza Friday today.  I am teaching Juliette how to make pizza sauce.  I purchased some olive oil, which is very expensive, based on Rwanda standards.  We are trying out different specials to generate some new business. 

I am trying to plan some vacations.  The biggest decision is whether to pay $750 to see the gorillas for one hour.  It is a one of a kind adventure that draws people from all over the world.  The price went up last year.  What do you think??

I decided I needed to find Malaria pills.  This is the first time I felt I needed to take them in all the countries I have visited.  It is an issue.  I spoke with the medical students from Belgium and they all take them.  Not sure if a pharmacy in Rwanda will have them, but it is worth the try.  I do use a net at night but like to sit on my patio at night and read.

The noise in my motel seems to be getting better or I am getting use to it.  The ladies are all so nice, but we definitely have a language barrier.  I am trying hard to learn a few words, but thank you is my only real word so far.

I meet a lot of medical students at the shop, so I do get to talk with English speaking people a lot.  The shop draws tourists, who have not had ice cream in a long time.  The ice cream is delicious.  I know you will visit next time you are in Rwanda.

I finished my 6^th book.  No wonder I do not like to read when I am back home.  If anyone has recommendations on good books, I am in need of new ones. 

My diet is going to hell… yesterday I had French fries for lunch.  I need to start eating healthy.  I bought some bran cereal, but can’t find cold milk.  I will look today. 

Definitely cannot eat the meat in Rwanda, especially chicken.  They are the skinniest chickens I have ever seen.

See you tomorrow, Paula

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

Pizza Friday

I am settling in to my job and life in Butare.  Although loud, the staff at my hotel is wonderful.  They are all young women and love to talk… too bad we have such a difficult time talking to each other.  Their language is very difficult.

I make my own coffee every morning.  They have wonderful coffee and I purchased fresh ground beans and took one of the filters from the shop.  It is really good.  I am going to try and bring some home.

I was getting cold toast that was like cardboard, but now just have them bring bread… much better.  How can life get any better!!!

Laura and I tried making Pizza for the shop and we had the Ex-Pats test it to see if they would buy it.  We sold only one to the doctor from Chicago.  Our plan is to have Pizza Friday.  Not sure if it will be profitable, but will work on it.  We are trying all sorts of things to make a profit.  We are really limited on what we charge, because we have a lot of students from the University. 

Many of our customers are foreign students at the University or international volunteers.  Most are young men and Laura being fun and cute is helping business.  I told her she can not leave, because she is our best marketing strategy... they are all flirting with her.  Oh to be young again!!!!

My work for the next few weeks is to get the books to balance, look at sourcing options, and work on the Kitchen policies.  We are trying to make sure the Kitchen is as efficient as possible to reduce waste and increase customer satisfaction.  We are limited to only two women in the kitchen during busy hours, so I am washing dishes to help.  It really is like being back in the soup kitchen in Costa Mesa.

Today we are going to Kigali to drop Laura off and do some shopping.  It will be sad to see her leave, but she will be helping for New York.  She is such a nice young woman and really is sincere on wanting the shop to do well.

Have a wonderful day.  Paula

Life in Butare

It was a long night… my cheaper room has turned out to be the busiest area in the hotel complex.  The restaurant is across from my room and open until 11pm and all the Rwanda people start work at 6am.  Not much time to get peaceful sleep.

I tried buying earplugs today, but could not find them.  I am going to try the “white noise” app on my iPhone to see if I can get some sleep tonight.

It was great fun this morning.  We went to the assistant manager’s home for tea and lunch.  It was a 45-minute walk from the center of town.  Butare is very hilly, so we did get some good exercise. 

The family was so nice.  It was a really good introduction to life in Rwanda.  After lunch and our walk back, we went to work at the ice cream store.  We have a lot to cover before Laura leaves on Wednesday. 

I am trying to figure out how to take a few days to see the countryside of Rwanda.  I have decided to not go to the gorillas because it would cost around $1000 by the time I am done.  It just is not that important to me.  I would rather take the money and go on another vacation. I am trying to convince Eric on Papua New Guinea. 

It has rained every day since I arrived.  Rainy season does not start until Mid March.  I think I am going to be in for a very wet three weeks.  I hope that I do get to take some trips without getting soaked.  I am prepared with a raincoat and umbrella.

Laura and I went to dinner and met a group of Medical students interning at the University.  There are so many young people either working or going to school here; very few ex-pats my age.  Once Laura leaves it will probably be pretty lonely.  I have to work each evening until late, so it will not be too bad.

Have a great night… Paula