Kigali

Rwanda

After a few days in Kigali, I am pretty sure I could settle down here... like every other one of the hundreds of American ex-pats, mostly those of exactly my demographic, it seems (buy the way, gentlemen, it seems aid work is brimming with awesome, usually good looking, independent, single women... just sayin').

I paid a visit to the Rwandan Genocide Memorial and Museum. I have seen the movies, studied the reasons, debated the solutions, read the books and thought of the larger implications on humanity. None prepared me for seeing the cracked skulls, the photos of each individual victim alive and well, notes from their surviving family members, the stories left in their wake...

I had a hard time holding it together.

I could not tell if I felt more focused or more scattered than usual, as I walked through the streets.

I had a hard time holding it together.

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Exhibiting my expertise in logistical planning, I had done my shopping before being emotionally zapped:

So, the UTC area had everything I needed, which is strange, as that is true for the UTC area in San Diego.

• SD cards - A strip mall type structure between UTC and the petrol station has an electronics shop on the ground floor, right side. Nice Indian guy in there will give you good stuff for a good price. Such a good price that I was skeptical, however, not lost photos as of yet. 
• Shampoo, fabric, familiar food, etc. - UTC has most everything you will need to stock up on after too long in the bush. Fair warning, make your list before you go in, as upon entering you may be overwhelmed and either forget you needed anything or suddenly realize you need two of everything.
• Sandals, jewelry, crafty things in general - The Co-op something or other next to the Belvedere bus station is crammed with as much handicrafts as your eyes can take in, actually, more. Go see Alifi, the only Rastafarian Congolese in the place. He will offer slightly more unique things and good conversation on the state of African nations in French, English or both.  
• Cash - The Bank of Kigali is the only place I could find where you can withdrawal cash, takes a while and charges you 25 bucks, but at least you now have cash.
• Busses - Don't pay a moto taxi 400 francs to get you from the bank to the Belvedere bus station, it is on the same road and just across from the UTC. Ah well, live and learn.

I found lots of wonderful indulgent food here. Some off the top of my head:

• Flamingo - Great view, super friendly staff, excellent Chinese food, calming atmosphere
• Magda Cafe - Really good food, decent wireless, comfy couches and Al Jezeera

Savana Cider is basically Africa's answer to Blackthorn and it is very tasty, especially after only having Nile and Primus for months on end. When is that stuff going to make it to the DRC? 

Alright, need to finish my omelette, stop being distracted by very dramatic Mexican soap operas dubbed in even more dramatic English, pack up my stuff and make it to the bus station for a 9 hour winding ride to Bujumbura.