Kigali is a bigger city than I imagined. It is spread across an entire valley with 1,000,000 inhabitants (7,000 expats); shopping centers with free internet access in coffee lounges and new buildings are cropping up all over town. (See the incredible wooden scaffolding they use).
The gap between rich and poor is wide (9 out of 10 Rwandans don't have electricity) and mud hut slums line the outskirts of the city. Meanwhile, the tourism sectors are being improved, 4 & 5 star hotels being expanded or renovated and the streets are much cleaner and safer than in most cities in Africa. There are pelican crossings that actually work!
Nerissa & Jules get all their banking and shopping essentials done on every monthly visit. Recently the first 24 hr supermarket opened: Nakumatt from Kenya. Certain foods can't be bought out in Gisakura or are cheaper in the city. The supermarkets stock a surprising amount of imports and familiar brands- but at a price! A box of Lindt chocs for £25, olive oil for £10, european toiletries- £10-£15. I was amused to find out I am powdered milk!
Just days before I arrived, N&J bought themselves a flashy Rav 4 so I've been carted about in absolute luxury. Prior to the Rav they made do with the beat up conservation jeep.
Yeach, in everywhere....life's goes on with their own rhytm, with their owm beats. Nice to read this blog. Come to my blog so you can see another rhytm from another part of our earth.
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