March 7, 2009
Return from Butare/Museum/THE DINNER
This morning we awoke and went for breakfast. Most of the cleft team was already up and the physicians were strategizing about improving their mission operations, I don’t think they ever stop looking for ways to fine tune things and improve. Breakfast was wonderful- a porridge, fresh fruit, toast and jam. We noticed that there were a lot of security personnel about and found out that Madame President was due to arrive at the hotel that morning to attend a meeting. Armed guards were everywhere and large white tents had been set up on the manicured lawns.
Jean-Paul met us and took us to the Rwandan National Museum. The museum was small but comprehensive. It showed the development of Rwanda from the beginning of record keeping- as well as all of the native crafts and handiwork. The highlight was going inside a traditional King’s hut. It was amazingly comfortable- grass padding covered in woven mats, partitions made from the same woven materials. There was a large display showing the types of baskets made her by Rwandans. I have long appreciated the baskets, but had no idea how much work went into them.
To me its amazing to see how self-sufficient most people are and have to be. There are few markets most Rwandans have very little money. The people in the villages live a very resourceful life- some stick huts are still seen, and the more solid homes are made from clay bricks which are formed and dried in the front yard. Grasses are used to make ropes to keep track of the goats or for padding on the floor of a house. Sticks are fashioned into fences and corrals for the cows. Food is everywhere and free- bananas, papayas, and avocados are falling from the trees. You really can survive with very little money.
We made unbelievable time on the return trip from Butare and returned in time to go to the Kimirongo market. This is an amazing place that we visited last year to purchase fabric. The market can be so overwhelming- millions of people and anything you could want to buy. We hired Vincent to help us shop and he assisted us in bargaining and carried our things. Apparently this is a normal job here- we didn’t have a helper last year, but I think we were not receptive to those that asked us. We purchased fabric and baskets and piled our finds onto the moto to get home.
After we returned from the market we showered and prepared for dinner at the British Ambassador’s residence with our friend Alice Cannon. Alice is a Neonatal Nurse Practitioner, previously a Midwife and is currently the head of the NICU at King Faisal Hospital. We became acquainted last year during our trip and she invited us for dinner. Alice was born in Hong Kong and is a fabulous Chinese cook… she served us an “informal dinner” of 7 courses and 3 desserts, with the corresponding wines and cordials naturally. It was nice to discuss the medical system and Rwanda in general with another
outsider. She was candid with us and it was a great evening of conversation and wonderful food, not one I will soon forget.
