Hostel Saint Famille Kigali

... thus far always been quietly and happily spoken turned right around to look at us and his voice rose. What he told us was how every year a Rwandan commission gathers to judge the veracity of events as depicted in films produced about the genocide. They have a scale going from precise to downright false. The latter is where Hotel Rwanda lies.



“Why do you think they had to go to South Africa and use South African actors to shoot that film?! Not one ...

We land into the truly THOUSAND hills of Kigali with lush greens and red earth all around. We notice the lovely big homes everywhere (a far cry from the shacks that surround Jomo Kenyatta and Maputo airports). Alizeti may have brought a file of paperwork but duly forgot to print out and transport her Visa application acceptance. However, at first she was told she didn't need a Visa. Question mark on her face, she pulls out her passport and the guy says "Oh! Vous ...

... a bolt of lightning or a swift swine flu attack. Whatever works for you is fine for me. And send me a pizza, preferably one from Papa John’s because I’m so damned hungry. And, God, if you have time, can you install a hot water heater at my house and make sure said water works all the time. And a bagel. I love you.”

2:39 pm: The Minutes – Secretary (that’s her name as far as I’m concerned, since everyone calls ...

... treat myself to a sandwhich and pizza but I think I've had my does of "home food". Then went to have a drink at Hotel des Milles Collines which the Hotel Rwanda film was based on. The hotel in the movie was actually in South Africa and the one here is more of a modern cement and glass structure but it was interesting sitting and having a beer where so many tragedies happened not long ago. That being said I really felt the tourist and although I can check it off as ...

... and backdrop of stunning scenery. The wildlife wasn’t prolific, but what we did get to see was great. We even got to see the elusive leopard so Kaz a happy bunny!

After 2 nights there we drove to the soda lake, Lake Flamingo, to chill out before driving to Nakura NP. We were meant to have just 2 hours there before driving back to Nairobi, but spent 4 as the driver felt guilty about not finding the cheetah I was jokingly demanding - difficult customer! We didn't ...

... in the away colours, this caused great excitment as they are similar to Rwandan flag colours.

Yet another great display of Scottish and Rwandan youth coming together to have a great experience.
A special well done to Ross for organising the contact with Felicité

Tuesday 28th
Our final day at KEC following a morning of final touch ups to the playground and some intense discussion about how to attach a plaque to stone which I was involved in ...

... be in the region of 100 years old. We are having a quiet morning today in an attempt to catch up with some sleep and rest. We are then heading off to the Kimirnoko market and luch at the Hotel Tech for a Rwandan Buffet. In the community surrounding the school in Kicikuro the team have become friends with all the local kids in particular Florence who has stolen Jutins heart and looks out for him at the gate. [ she is 5 we ...

... ultimate game of ultimate Frisbee. Patrick Mundeli got his team together to chant a special cheer which ended with “invincible.” Being on the other team, I teased him about the wisdom about bragging when one takes his armor off not when he puts it on. He laughed good-naturedly, as always. Far be it from me to brag (well maybe not too far), but our team ended up winning rather handily. I teased Patrick that perhaps he should change his cheer to ...

... finally succeeded as well.

We walked back to our classroom to debrief and give instructions for the evening. It was dark by the time we left. Mr. Mundeli and the local staff took over for the rest of the evening and the night. We four visitors drive back to town where we changed and took a taxi to a little Italian restaurant called Sole Luna with great pizzas and a plunging view on the hills of Kigali.

Day one of camp was an encouraging success.

... probably wants it, a visit to Jambo Beach will bring a happy reward, a chance to explore a beautiful landscape brimming with unspoiled natural beauty.

Getting to Jambo Beach is easiest by hiring a driver in Kigali. Buses also run hourly between Kigali and Kayonza, operated by the Atraco, Stella, or Sotra companies. In Kayonza, motos, minibuses, and the occasional taxi are available for the short ride to the north.