Rwanda - 3-13-08

Lessee, now.....its Thursday, right? I have not seen a calendar for a number of days now - not that it matters, for being here is simply a one-day-at-a-time strategy.....

First meeting this morning was at another GoR (Government of Rwanda) office - this one about travel & tourism. I was invited to contribute my experiences coming into the country and now being here almost a week. Naturally, I told them I expected more than I have realized - more negativity, certainly not more blessings. They loved hearing how happy I was to be here and how great all of the people have been, even when they realize I don't speak a lick (or click) of Rwandanese or Swahili.

After the meeting, went to lunch in a local "strip mall" - lol - that's American for Rwandan shacks stacked next to each other. Each shack has a lift door, and inside are the wares for sales. Kinda like a flea market, except you have to navigate through wall-to-wall people to get to where you can see things.....and then when you think you have something in mind to buy, it takes a minute or two for them to find someone who speaks english. Then the fun begins - price hagggling. So it saved 40% over the initial quote by the time I walked out - and I'm satisfied with that. Nope, not telling what I bought - you'll just have to see when I get home.

The lunch was an awesome buffett - all-you-can-stack-on-one-plate (no return trips). So the heaps were quite high - but quality rice, potatoes, spaghetti, beef, chicken, brocolli (YEAH!), spinach (sweet!). And Fanta Orange in a bottle. way cool, for about $2 (1600 Rwanda francs).

The afternoon has been spent in a very unique business meeting - where I have had to contribute repeatedly my knowledge of parlaimentary procedure. At the end of the meeting, they asked where I learned this stuff, and when I told them Toastmasters, then did not understand until I explained it has nothing to do with bread. They laughed also when I explained about "toasting" - something Rwandans culturally do for just about any reason, and can't understand why anyone needs to learn how to make a congratulation or award with a glass of alcohol. But then they understood the principle of improving one's public speaking and communication & leadership skills. I am going to have to start a TM club in Rwanda !

Still loving all the local fare....but weather turned nasty around 3pm this afternoon - torrential rans with lightning that has lasted until darkness hit about 6pm, now just windy still.......

Tomorrow - back to the bush !