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Published: September 16th 2010
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Morning Gorilla talk If your planning a trip to the third world of Rwanda make sure you have the 60 dollars US for your visa, but don't worry if you only have the copy of your application on your iPhone - that's no problem in Rwanda.
The acceptance of the iPhone for our visa verification was just the start of many wonderful surprises about this little land locked "jewel in the crown" in the heart of Central Africa.
But we were both just a little worried when Ian was still inside immigration and C was escorted to the other side to try and cash a travellers cheque! Eventually a cash ATM prevailed - we got it sorted but it made for an interesting start. The rest of the first day we just slid into afternoon siesta in our sort of new 'third world' hotel; (bought back memories of trips into China many years ago----- where everything gets old and worn out very quickly but the locals still think it is new. The day of rest was a good bridge from one Safari to another.
Next morning Kris a Norwegian, the 'in country' representative for Perigrine travel met us in the lobby to give us
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Livingston we presume an outline of our next 3 days and then handed us over to Innocent his No. 1 driver who would take us on ythe city tour to the Genocide museum and to a Rwandese typical lunch, before handing us over to John ( his No. 2 driver) for the rest of our time in Rwanda. Before heading off Kris did give us a brief overview of Rwanda in 2010 - 16 years on from the Genocide.
The President Paul Kagame has just been voted in for the third time with a 93% majority!! - he has banned all plastic bags, has initiated 1 day a month closure of all activity for national cleaning for all (and it shows), There are 53% of female members in Parliament etc. ----- a striking contrast from Kenya and Tanzania. Most importantly it seems He has given these rather shy but hard working and resilient people the courage and pride to move forward.
Our trip to the Genocide (1994) museum was the most emotionally moving experience that both of us have had since visiting the Jewish Genocide exhibitions of Germany in previous years, but what was the most horrific part of this museum was that the
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Corrie into the Bamboo Genocide only happened such a short time ago when 1 million people were killed and another 1 million people displaced. We found the exhibition very informative as it covered the history and the complex Colonial events that led up to the genocide plus it also contained a dedication to all the recent genocides of the 20th century - far too many indicates how cruel man is to man. We both left the site feeling sick and emotionally drained and looked at each other and said what were we doing 16 years ago? - how lucky have we been.
After our recovery over our Rwandese lunch which was simple, inexpensive, well presented and served and delicious, we began our 3.5 hour drive with John up towards the Northwest corner of the country into the Kinigi Region to arrive at 'Mountain View' lodge which was nestled in the lower slopes of Sabinyo Volcano - one of five surrounding volcanoes. On arrival we were greeted by a group of the local children from an Orphanage performing local dancing which we both joined in and thouroughly enjoyed - which once again displayed their spirit of a "New way".
5.30am next morning wake up call
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One wife - C jumped out of bed and started thumping her chest!! - the day had arrived we were off to see the Gorillas. After a good hearty breakfast John drove us to the park headquarters for our briefing. The trackers had set off at 4.30am and found the location of each of 7 families (and remembering they can move by the time we get there) the decision is then to be made which group each person will be placed in i.e. they assess us as to our capability
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Wendy Nash
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What an amazing time you are having, how wonderful for you both. I love the gorillas particularly the one with the flat top. When are you coming home? Miss you. Love you both Wend xxx