Leaving Rwanda

We had planned to leave Musanse around midday, but late yesterday the driver who was coming from Kigali said there was a problem that between 0800 and 1100 was umuganda. That is once a month , when everyone is obliged to serve the community, it is also a time to make friends. If you get caught skipping it, you get a $5 fine, which is not insignificant for most Rwandans. The driver explained that is how they clean up the cities and villages and do other useful work for the community. We told him not to risk trouble, so he left at 1100 and arrived just before 1400.

See here the bbc on umuganda
https://www.bbc.com/travel/article/20200105-the…

The children home schooled in the morning, and then the little ones played with the local kids. When it was time to leave, the kids and especially Nora, were sad to leave. The hotel hosts, Alice and Peterson were outstanding at their jobs, and truly nice people. Alice gave Oscar some sugar cane as a leaving present, just as she had given him some banana beer the day before, after he demanded it. However, he was not so keen on it. Note that it's 14% alcohol 🍸 🤣.

On the road back it was a lot quieter than on the way there, but there were a few new sights, for example a wedding, and many people going to church. Apparently, Adventists here go to church on a Saturday. The bride and groom are an illustration of just how poor people are: they are walking a long way because they can't afford a car and the driver thinks they borrowed the wedding dress and suit from the church.

Quiet night watching the last hour of Out of Africa, ready for tomorrow's early start to Namibia. Not forgetting dinner in the nicest airport hotel ever. Beautiful tropical garden, views of Kigali and the hills.Read more