Rwanda - Excuse Moi

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Sat 11 Oct
On the Rwanda side we found a minibus that was going all the way to Kigali just as soon as it was full. When they repacked it the second time I made a fuss about the diminishing legroom and the lanky Rwandan and I were invited to sit in the front, a great privilege as this meant legroom, seatbelt, and a window. The countryside was immediately different. A lot more hilly, banana plantations everywhere, people and more people, tarred roads (yes really.) lined with gum trees.

We reached Kigali before sunset. The minibus driver kindly dropped me at the guesthouse. It was clean and had hot water, blissful. Knowing the next day was Sunday I was keen to sort out some cash. The guesthouse manager only spoke French, which I found quite challenging after weeks of Swahili. Fortunately he was happy to change US$100. Also if possible I wanted to copy the photos from my camera to CD, as my chips were nearly full. The internet cafés mostly had French speaking staff and French keyboards, which was also challenging.

Sun 12 Oct
The next day I rather rushed breakfast, changed more money and just collected my valuables in time to get the 0800 minibus to Butare; a two-hour ride to Rwanda's university town and home to the National Museum. I found this an impressive modern building exhibiting the interesting history of the Rwandan peoples and their diverse cultures. There was also a temporary exhibition of contemporary art, which I liked a lot. Most of the pieces had been donated by CECFR (Centre d' Echanges Culturel Franco-Rwandais) and in particular I admired the work of Felician Bigirabagabo, Guy Karangwa and Binamungu Epa. Luckily for my budget they were not for sale. Outside, in the garden, a dance troupe and drummers were performing to some tourists.


Rwanda - Excuse Moi

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