I have made it safely to Rwanda. I made the right choice of coming via Kisoro to Ruhengeri. It was over a high mountain pass with fabulous views over Lake Bonyonyi where I left my fellow volunteers;and another lake, towards the Virunga volcanoes and into Rwanda. It was a fabulous journey althoug not great for those with travel sickness, which two of the eight passengers in the saloon cars were suffering, strangers sharing the same carrier bag. Every one was very understanding and helpful, waiting more than 15 minutes for change for a bottle of mineral water purchased at a remote highland village, where it was difficult to find the 300 shillings, (|10p) change. It was also interesting that before each police checkpoint, two of the passgengers had to decant on to push bikes to be collected on the otherside to ensure our driver was not arrested; the comment from the remaining ones "this is Uganda"
At Kisoro I had to take a boda boda to the border, down a dirt track road, with magnificent views of the virunga volcanoes. Sorry there are no photos as I have not brought the camera connection with me.
It was strange to just walk across a land border, but very easy, with minimal fuss at either side. I was then into francophome Africa and into a minibus on the other side of the road.
Rwanda is very beautiful and very safe due in part to a high military presence and a huge amount of external aid. It is much better developed and I think less corrupt than Uganda.
The roads are well built and maintained; not too much overcrowding in the minibus and an almost european feel to the towns. The rural areas seem to be much better off too. My hotel had a plat du jour, three courses for apprx 5 pounds and a steaming hot shower and flushing loos every where.
I have just spent a pleasent day chilling by Lake Kivu, with yet more famous Rwandan musicians; a rap group call Tough Gang; who are also artists and I shall try to visit their gallery in Kigali when I get there tomorrow. That is another striking impression of the country, there is a much greater level of craftsmanship, artistry and general imagination. It is difficult to believe that from such a tragic recent history the people are so warm, happy and creative. I hope that once the external funding for reconstruction, diminishes as it should; the purpose and peace of the population can be sustained.
Barbs's Big Bike RIde
This year I have decided to stay and enjoy an English Spring. It has been a long time coming but at last it is here and I am off to explore my own back yard. Well actually travelling up the UK mainland as far north as possible before 21st June and see how close I can get to the Midnight Sun.
After my travels along the Camino de Santiago across northern Spain last September on my trusty old iron donkey, I have bought a lighter bike in the hope that I can get up a few more hills and by going from Lands End to John o Groats (LEJOG) I can avoid the killing headwinds of the Spanish meseta.
So here she is, we had a jolly naming ceremony on Saturday and hopefully the good friends, food and weather I enjoyed will carry me through to the farthest northern climes. Thank you all for a great send off, admirably topped off with one too many pints The Village Bike listening to Mojo Triangle.
And she is called Eleanor, isn't she beautiful, I hope I still have such tender feelings after 6 hours in the saddle, but probably only in the nether regions I fear.
The map link on the right will show a rough itinerary and route and I will try try to update with my actual route, if I can work out how and where I am as I go along, you know there will be little correlation but I will get there or somewhere in the end!
If you want an email update, submit your address in the box also on right and hopefully it will find its way through the ether to you.
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What an adventure you are having!!! Your blog has been amazing along with the beautiful photos. What a scrapbook you will be able to compile when you get home!!! The time seems to have flown by since you left - hope it's not going to quick for you!!
ReplyDeleteSending lots of love from us all, and take good care. Liz and the crew xxxxxxxxxx