To sunset

As well as fantastic sunrises, Rwanda had some beautiful sunsets.  In Rwanda the sun sets at around 6.30pm everyday and gets dark very quickly.  I loved that this stayed constant, meaning we could tell it was time to go home for dinner by what colour the sky was - who needs a watch!  There was something about that combination of sun, sky, hills, colours and silhouetted trees... I loved it and could have taken so many more photos than I did, and still not been able to capture it. 

 

 

This last photo was taken on our final night in Cyakabiri.  We sat on Zion hill with some of the local kids and watched the as the sun went down, then the sky got brighter and a path-like strip of blue appeared.  It felt so meaningful and emotional.  It makes me feel emotional looking at it again now!

From sunrise...

On Easter Sunday and on our last Sunday in Rwanda, we got up about 5.30am and walked to the top of Zion hill to watch the sun rise.  It was really special, sitting on the steps of Zion church and watching the sky change from blues to pinks, then orange to yellow.  I was always amazed at how peaceful it felt sitting there, despite all the different noises you could hear - traffic, children, animals, the youth technology project, choir practice in the church.  Even at dawn, there was the buzz of insects and birds, and the occasional Rwandan wondering what on earth these crazy muzungus were up to now.  I like to close my eyes and think about the view from Zion hill (cheesy I know).  But it helps me to remember that it was real - that I did it, that I was really there, and that it's not just some distant memory.  My time in Rwanda feels so much more special and significant now, than when I first got back.  It's been great to be able to look back over these photos and share them with people - I hope it makes it more real and tangible for you!

 

Safari in Akagera

In June we went on a safari trip to Akagera National Park, over in the east of Rwanda.  This was an incredible experience.  It's one thing seeing these animals in a zoo, but it's so much better and more exciting seeing them in their natural habitat!  We were allowed to get out of the van at one point, and it was amazing to be a just a few metres away from a mother and baby giraffe.  They seemed so relaxed, stopping to have a look at us before casually wandering off into the distance.  I will never forget the feeling of standing on that savannah, seeing these majestic (if slightly gangly!) creatures and thinking 'wow, I'm in Africa!' 

 

Me and a buffalo skull!

Baby giraffe - I wanted to put it in my pocket and take it home with me!

Heading off into the savannah