I'm here! Can't quite believe I'm in Africa. Journey was long and tiring but we got here Thursday lunch time and were met by a guy from RDIS and a British couple who live out here. There was so much to look at on the journey from Kigali to where we are staying. I'm still not sure exactly where we are - near Gitarama I think, which is west of Kigali. Everyone is so welcoming. We had a dinner last night with some RDIS people, which was lovely but we were all very tired and dazed. Today we have visited some local projects and have come into Gitarama. We looked round the local market which was really interesting - so much to see. i think we caused a bit of a scene, being white and standing out so much. There was a lot of fabric that I would like to buy. And I saw someone using a cornelli machine!! (for all you non-textilers that's a very specialised sewing machine which i used at uni and aren't available to buy in the UK). We have a lady Doreen, who is our translator and guide I suppose. She is 26 and has a son in the local nursery, which we visited today and were asked to sing a song!
It's hot and I feel a little burnt already but I'll learn. I think we're all doing ok on the team. It will take a while to settle in and learn the language but we are trying and have picked up a few things. Muraho means hello. There is so much to look at. Rwanda is very green, and hilly. And beautiful!
We're staying in room which are part of the RDIS offices. It's comfy enough and we are making it home with pictures. I still feel a bit dazed from travelling and from the heat but I am glad to be here! Thanks for the blog comments - please keep them coming! Much love to all. Miss you mum and dad (bet you never thought I would say that in public haha!) xxx
Muraho Katie. So excited to read your first blogpost from Rwanda, how wonderful the internet can be. What a surprise spotting a cornelli, although you'll need to leave everything in Rwanda if you mean to bring one home! Maybe you'll be brave enough to ask for a go on the one in the market? Keep trying with the language - mostly people appreciate attempts to communicate in their language. We miss you too, softie. xx
ReplyDeleteTis amazing how we can still communicate from different ends of the earth. Sounds amazing already Katie and glad you arrived safely. Sounds like it is a beautiful place. Well done for learning some language.
ReplyDeleteThe wedding yesterday was awesome! and lots of people commented on my dress and the organza insert! I felt amazing in it - thank you SO much.
Take care x
'I'm still not sure exactly where we are' ...hahaha, that made my laugh!! So glad you're there safely and are settling in. Thanks for the update x
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