Blogs from Congo Democratic Republic, Africa - page 5

Time to visit a country not on the tourist trail, DRC... Gisenyi is a shared border town with Goma in Congo, although they are very different towns. Stamping out of Rwanda is simple and painless, entering Congo is another matter entirely. First we have to open our bags for customs inspection, which as we struggle every morning to close them is a hassle. Next the immigration official says we should have obtained a visa in our own country not in Rwanda, therefore we cannot come in. This is clearly a ploy for money as they used to sell visas at the border for $35 but have since stopped that practice, we are told no visas can be bought at the border but the women says she sells them for $220, so is basically annoyed at not ... read more

OH MY GOD!!! I have come face to face with a big silverback Gorilla, literally stood 3ft away and almost had a heart attack when two had a flight and came charging towards us. My heart has never beat so quickly!! But what an experience, definately up there as one of my top 3!! Definately worth the exhausting trek. Got up bright and early on sunday, ready to see the gorillas. Attempted to have a shower but no such luck, good job I didn't bother in the end anyway. After a 20min drive in the truck, we arrived at the border to the DR Congo. Once we got our visas (yey another one, and my most impressive yet) we had to wait for what seemed like a life time until our car came to pick us ... read more

I'm back in Iowa now, but wanted to complete my journey with some photos of how we spent our last days before returning to the USA. It was a wonderful adventure with one week in Belgium and two weeks in the DRC. I met so many genuine and sincere people during my travels. It was also special to have the time with my parents and oldest brother. If you get tired of hearing my stories or looking at my pictures just close your eyes and I'll get the hint! On Thursday, June 17 we went to see the Bonobo Apes, they are only found in the DRC. They are very entertaining and when they all get communicating your ears will hurt! If you ever visit them realize that you are going out in the jungle, I ... read more

Thursday, June 17, 2010, Kinshasa The Bonobo Preserve outside of Kinshasa is a must-see. There is not very much publicity about it. It is only about a 30-minute drive (depending on the traffic) outside of Kinshasa. The only day it is closed is Monday. The hours of operation you may see in one of the photos below. On weekends there are guides who can give you a tour. The admission fee is $10 and is worth every penny. The screech is similar to a baboon but perhaps higher. I could watch them for hours.... read more

Tuesday, June 15, 2010 Nsona Mpangu As the station where I spent my first four years in the Congo, and where my parents worked for seven years, Nsona Mpangu was probably for me the most anticipated stop on our trip. Of course for my sister Patricia it was seeing where she was born in Sona Bata. We were welcomed by former students warmly. As background, Nsona Mpangu has become an isolated outpost for both geographic and political reasons. It is 35 km. off the main highway and the road is narrow and rutted. As soon as we arrived I headed for our former house, the water tower, and other landmarks I remembered from living at this station. It is no longer a mission station as no missionaries work there. It was amazing to see trees I ... read more

On Sunday, June 13 we traveled to Sona Bata, the village where I was born. Thus this day was the foundation of the idea behind my proposal for the grant I received from Lilly. It was of course with heavy emotion that I approached this day. Sona Bata is just about an hour West of Kinshasa. We left MPH around 8:30 and traveled the Matadi Road to Sona Bata. When we arrived we were greeted by the Pastoral Staff of the church at Sona Bata. We had time to tour the Hospital before Worship so we started up the hill. We were accompanied on our trip to Bas Congo by Dr. Samuel Mampunza, the Dean of the Medical School at UPC and also Sammy, our driver from UPC. You'll hear more about them as the following ... read more