Kivu

After the gorilla viewing we headed down the road which was just as bumpy going down as going up. We were trying to eat our massive lunches that the lodge gave us. It was very difficult as we were thrown from side to side. The lunch included: a sandwich, a hard boiled egg, two pieces of pepperoni, a piece of cake, two slices of pineapple, a Snickers bar and a juice box. Imagine packing that uphill for 3 hours (we left ours in the truck). As we got further down the hill children were lining the route. I tried to open the window to share some with the kids but our guide Oliver who was hitching a ride with us turned around and told us not to do this as it would turn the kids into beggars. Good advice. Actually I think Oliver was a little pissed because we were the only ones to tip him but still good advice all the same.

We finally met the main road and headed back towards Musanze. The Gorilla naming ceremony appeared to have ended and we motored on. We were planning on visiting Lake Kivu the last of the must-sees (at least that we are aware of) in Rwanda. The road was typical of every road we have driven on in Rwanda. There was never any period where we could not see someone walking or bicycling along the road. People wore a variety of clothing, school uniforms, western clothes and the traditional dress. We marvelled at the improbable items women could carry on their heads. At one point a rock climber was climbing up a high rock face and the road was lined with people watching the crazy white man.


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After 90 minutes we descended the hill into Lake Kivu, specifically the town of Gisenyi. From there it was straight to the Serena Hotel. We love Africa but this is not our universe and occasionally we need to step back into our own universe. We were met a reception with hot towels and a welcome drink before being escorted to our room (not as nice as the Lodge) where we took advantage of the hot shower.

After a latte at the poolside bar we decided to go for a walk. There is a road which runs along the beachfront and we headed north from there. Gisenji has certainly seen better days and there were a lot of rundown properties along the road and some being restored. After 30 minutes or so we arrived at the Congo border. It seemed to be fairly orderly and certainly less threatening than any Canada-US border. There was a large wedding on the beach which we had passed and we could see guests visiting from the Congo gifts in hand.

After walking back to the hotel, a little relaxing poolside seemed appropriate. Unfortunately even Africa is not immune from Sea-doos. I tried my best to wish a hippopotamus attack on them. After changing into nicer clothes we had a buffet dinner at poolside. There was a stir-fry station and we had stir-fried goat. Yes Mary actually likes goat now.

Back to our rooms watched a movie and off to sleep.

Sunday we awoke at 0700 which seems late now. We headed down for the breakfast buffet and a whole lot of coffee. Then we decided to walk the other direction south. We passed a lot of people dressed for church. At some point the road forked with one fork going down towards a small bay and one fork heading up the hill. The downhill fork had a sign saying local traffic only and a soldier so we figured that sort of made up our minds for us. Up the hill we headed. People were still walking down the hill to church. There was a steady stream of bicycle taxis with padded passenger seats, the passengers calmly sitting astride or side saddle as they flew down the steep hill. We arrived at the top and walked back down. At the bottom one of the soldiers said hi to us and explained that the lower road went towards a small navy base. Even land-locked countries need a Navy.

A swim and it was time to check out and Shema was there waiting for us. We headed back mostly the way we came. Along the way we passed a refugee camp. Shema asked if we had refugee camps in Canada. I said we didn't but that we had some refugees in our country. I didn't have the heart to tell him that our government puts up refugees in apartments and motels.

We arrived back in Kigali around 1530. Another fantastic weekend over. Kenya is going to have to pretty good to top this.

Sorry no pictures. Lake Kivu was pretty hazy.