Rwanda

There is a one hour time change in Rwanda. So we left Nairobi at 6:00pm and landed in Kigali at 6:10pm. Just before landing the flight attendant came on and announced that Rwanda is a plastic free Country and that any plastic bags had to be left on the plane to be discarded! The UN has recognized Rwanda as one of the cleanest Countries in Africa! Good on them.

We were greeted by Charles, our driver and guide for the 4 days we are here. Charles is the official driver for the British High Consulate (who is away on business in Uganda).

We loaded up the Land Cruiser and headed for a place to exchange some money into Francs (local currency). In Rwanda the steering wheel is on the Left and they drive on the right. It was dark when we arrived but what I can see so far, the city is very clean and doesn't seem to be as chaotic as Nairobi. The roads are much better too. I was amazed by how many motorcycles there are with riders wearing green helmets. Dan said they are "taxi-moto"... You want to go somewhere, you just hop on the back and they will take you there.

The city is nestled in a mountain side and I can't wait to see it in daylight. We arrived at the Serena hotel and let me tell you, this place is amazing! I felt under dressed in jeans and a golf shirt! The rooms a beautifully appointed and the bathrooms are all marble with a large tub and glass shower. For $250 USD a night, it is worth it.

We quickly cleaned up and met down at the bar / terrace. We had a few beers and decided to stay putt and ordered dinner. I had a traditional goat stew with plantain (not potatoes). It was really good. They offered as a condiment a hot sauce but was not saucy, it was hot pepper oil extract. Ya, I need to buy some of this to take home! Its hot! It got on my fingers and even this morning it made putting in my contacts an eye watering challenge!

It is presently 6:30 am and I am back at the terrace for a coffee. It is Rwandan grown and much stronger than Kenyan. It is really good. For some reason they look at you like you are crazy if you don't add warm milk and sugar!...funny.

Jas is still sleeping so I will go and wake her up to get ready for breakies and our departure for the Volcano's National Park at 9:00am. By the sound of it, our itinerary has changed completely aside from trekking for Gorillas and Golden Monkeys. I'll keep you posted soon!

Brian, Hope you enjoyed the Elephant pictures....and Chantal, say hi to Mom for me! :-)