Armistice Day

Trip Start Aug 01, 2008
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Trip End Jun 30, 2010


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Flag of Congo  ,
Wednesday, November 12, 2008

Yesterday was Armistice Day here in the Congo, although, as far as I can tell, only our school and the kid's school were closed.  The Congolese kids were all in their uniforms walking to school in the morning.  David made arrangements to go with a friend of ours to the Grand Marché, the boys and I were going to go out for a bite at our favorite Lebanese/French patisserie.  On our way a cop pulled us over for no reason (well, the reason was extortion).  We were sitting in stopped traffic, so we clearly weren't doing anything wrong but he pulled us over and started yelling about how our "papers" for the car were illegal.  So we called a guy from Schlumberger who speaks French to translate for us, he told us to give him $10, so we did.  I wish he'd just said what he wanted and not wasted our time, but from what we're told, the cops make about $60 a month, so bribes are a big part of how they make their money.  To keep it in perspective, housekeepers make about $200 per month.  We've been told that unofficial fines are the standard MO and to just keep calm and not act scared or belligerent, and just pay them.  We've actually been lucky not to have been pulled over prior to this.  Some cops target white drivers on a regular basis because they know we have money, don't understand the legal system and would much rather pay them than deal with the grief.  With mid-day siesta from 12-3, you have an entire city commuting 4 times a day, so there are many opportunities to pull someone over.  We have been advised to not keep our driver's licenses or passports in our wallets, but paper copies of them which have been stamped by the city hall.  Also, I try not to keep a bunch of money in our wallets so that they aren't tempted to up the bribe when they see lots of bills.
When David had been dropped off the kids and I were on our way to La Cite for a snack, they have both popcorn and really good ice-cream, for the kids and excellent pastries, coffee, and Lebanese food for David and I.  There are several places in town that offer middle-eastern cuisine, but when I ordered a schwarma there it took me straight back to sitting in the Hashem's kitchen on Tower Hill in Lawrence.  Clearly the best, plus they have sliced fresh bread and tasty baguettes.  Their éclairs and cakes are awesome and I think it's the only place in town from which to order birthday cakes.  Plus we've never gotten sick after eating there which is the gamble anywhere in town, even places that have good reputations and pricey menus.
The rains have come and washed out our roads.  Getting the boys to and from school means shifting in and out of 4H, 4L and 2H for each leg of the journey.  Obviously the boys love it.  I am reminded of off-roading as a kid in New Hampshire with my sister and her boyfriend.  I am also extremely thankful that I had the good sense to learn a stick shift early in life.  But usually the clouds and rain are gone by the time were done with school, the sun shines, and the pool beckons.
We have been hearing and reading lots of good wishes for health and safety with regards to politics and personal safety.  I just want to let everyone know that the violence in the news in the DRC, not where we are in the RC.  But please keep reading the news and being concerned about the DCR, Darfur, Somalia, and the rest of Africa.  Africa needs all of your attention, don't be concerned about us, but be concerned about Africa.  
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