Come on baby light my fire
on Rose Hardman (Rwanda), 06/Sep/2010 13:33, 34 days ago
After an absolutely brilliant night’s sleep which wasn’t even disturbed by Pete’s 6am phone call (I doubt he was awake that early so I’m not sure what happened there), I awoke to a very tasty breakfast of an omelette and cheese sandwich. In-country training began at 8.30am. We were given a security briefing and discussed whatwe expected from the training. We were then given a time to meet with our Programme Managers. As National Volunteering (the programme I am part of) is very small, the National Volunteering Programme Manager only had to meet with me so I very luckily was given two slots. I had one this morning wherewe discussed YWCA and a bit of information about Rwanda. It all sounded very positive and the NV Programme Manager was very helpful. I had very few questions though as, until I am in placement, I am not really sure what to expect.We met some current volunteers at lunch, which again was very tasty (choice of rice, chips and plantain, and various vegetables followed by a‘tree tomato’-a fruit that looks like an oddly shaped apple on the outside, a red kiwi on the inside and tastes like a sour tomato, and as I discovered, stains your hands). The plan was that they would take us into Kigali centre to show us round. However after walking to catch the bus we found that all the buses were full as it was the President’s inauguration today and it had just finished so everyone was trying to catch a lift. A few of us decided to go to the Programme Office to have a look around, check out the books and use the internet. I only had time to read my emails- no replies- but I did pick up a Tracy Chevalier book which I haven’t read before so I was happy about that.The walk to and from the Programme Office allowed us to see some of Rwanda. It is very green and hilly. Despite reading about this in guide books it was still unexpected! And the red dust people talk about is true. Although I have not found myself covered in it yet, probably because I haven’t taken a moto taxi.Most of the others were waiting for drinks in a cafe- they’d been waiting for almost an hour so we decided not to stay and headed back to the accommodation. Once everyone had arrived back after finally receiving their Rwandan tea, and once all the correct equipment had arrived, two current volunteers showed us how to use a kerosene stove, a charcoal stove, a kerosene lantern, a water filter and a mosquito net. We each got the option to have a go. I managed to almost break the lantern by lifting up the top and letting the glass part fall out. I also couldn’t turn off the kerosene stove so I imagine I’ll be getting through a lot of kerosene!Louise, Nadine and I went to find an internet cafe in the evening. I had to use a French keyboard to type so I am not sure my emails were legible! I couldn’t find a comma, apostrophe or exclamation mark and the ‘m’ didn’t work very well but it was great to be able to send and read a few emails. We will be taken to get a dongle soon so I will be able to spend more time emailing. And I’ll actually be able to upload the blog!The evening ended in the local bar. Louise and I almost ended up in the toilet but luckily a nice Rwandan showed us where everyone was sitting. I am still drinking fanta limon- the heat is putting me off having alcohol but I really must try a Primus and a Mutzig having heard so much about them!Highlight: Chatting with the NV Programme Manager about the placement- it sounds great!