Arrival in Africa (Post #3)

 

I made it to Africa! 

As I flew over the Atlantic Ocean, the English Channel, the continent of Europe and the Mediterranean Sea, I felt so privileged to be going on this journey.  I watched the map of the plane's progress every once in a while, eager to know how far I was from home.  But when we crossed over the water and into the space called Africa, my stomach tightened and my heart started racing.  What a thrill to be in a place that only ever existed to me in stories.  I imagined the rolling sand dunes of the great Sahara under me, migrating herds of creatures thousands of years old, exotic markets and music and smells, and little me coming to join them!  I tried to sleep as much as I could, but I could feel the adrenaline that I would live on for two weeks begin to pump through my body.  AFRICA!

When I arrived, the airport was quiet.  Our plane was the only one there, so its tired passengers creeped out into the humidity and made our way through customs.  The people were stern, portraying authority and order, but as soon as my passport was stamped, a smile of welcome and joy greeted me.  

The passport agent did ask me questions about the nature of my trip, wanting to know an address where I would be staying and a contact phone number of someone local. Then I easily paid $50US for my visa and went right through.  There were a number of security check points where very young men made me put my backpack through a screening and I walked through a metal detector, but I quickly realized, these would be everywhere and more for show than real worry.  Sometimes I would have to go through screenings and the next person would be forgotten, or they would wave me by with no check, for no apparent reason.  But the presence of security and authorities is immediate and everywhere, reminding you that in every step you are expected to behave with respect and order.  As an American, this was both comforting and uncomfortable, but understandable.  

Down a little hallway, my two bags, checked two days prior in Boston, were sitting waiting patiently for me.  I was struck by how easily the process went.  So I grabbed my things and went out into the Rwandan night air.  

The weather was beautiful, much more humid than the New England winter I just left, but quite lovely.  It was about 8:30pm local time and I was happy to be off the plane and outside.  

Just out the door, I was thrilled to see a face I recognized!  

My IREME colleague Nili surprised me with his daughter Teta. 

 They came with Manzi's sister in law Linda who picked me up and would be my first guide in Kigali.  

What joy to see familiar faces, and they greeted me with a big bouquet of roses no less!

We drove through the quiet city, lit up with twinkling lights along streets lined with palm trees.  I was amazed at the beauty and cleanliness, just as everyone told me.  

You can immediately feel the vibrant energy of Kigali, even on a quiet Saturday evening.          

We got to the hotel and met Manzi!  Another familiar face made me feel right at home.  I checked in and took a very quick but much needed shower!  Then we met in the lobby's outdoor terrace for a nice late dinner.  

    

Everyone here is so joyful and welcoming.  I felt an instant connection, even though everyone was tired and struggling to stay awake.  Well, Teta was ready to dance and play, thrilled with the stuffed animal I brought her, but even more with her job of holding my travel pillow.  My new little buddy quickly became my shadow for the evening.

After filling my belly with delicious curry and vegetables, I finally had to get some real sleep.  I tucked myself into a very comfortable hotel room and slept my first night in Africa.  Wow!