Assistant numero uno here (only by virtue of logging on to post first), just finishing a cup of tea this morning thinking about some stuff I am really looking forward to about Rwanda. I'm sure this list will change as we get more info about the trip, but I know it will only grow. You'll probably also realize, that well, it doesn't take much to entertain us....
1) Rwanda's biggest exports are two of my most favorite things: coffee & tea. I plan to try as many flavors as possible. Note to self: research limits on products I can take from Rwanda back to the States.
2) Weather. It is no small secret that there's nothing I hate more than rain and snow and cold. No really- some people say they hate cold weather, but I legitimately let it change my mood, typically into rage.... So needless to say, being in Rwanda during the dry season, temperatures range from 60-80 and rain is minimal. I am psyched for sunshine and no need for my rain boots. It's the little things.
3) Travel. I am a sucker for roadtrips, plane rides, etc. And this trip has awesome travel possibilities. Currently, the best airport (read: cheapest) to fly into from the states to Africa is Johannesburg, South Africa and then book a national African airline to Rwanda. Hopefully, if we plan our trip just right, we'll be able to spend a day or two in Johannesburg and see what the city has to offer. There's also a possibility we'll have a layover in Abu Dhabi, which, just by virtue of its name I think the airport is going to be wicked cool.
4) Thanksgiving - Christmas with my family. Ok- so this isn't directly related to Rwanda per se, but I'll be leaving my job right around Thanksgiving, with the lease being up in December and all it seems the best time to peace out. So I'll be moving my life back home and hanging out with my family for about 5 weeks before leaving for Africa. This will be the longest I've been able to spend with my fam since I graduated high school (double-edged sword?). Also- excitedly, since I will be home for so long and don't do well with boredom, I will be applying to substitute teach at my old school system! Good way to make some extra scratch and catch up with people I haven't seen in years.
5) The clothes in Rwanda. So basically, I get to spend 3 months in long skirts and tank tops. Long skirts are a cultural thing, so those will be mixed with jeans. I may even invest in a couple maxi dresses, even though I have been morally opposed to them in the past. Also, cotton pants are going to be great. I basically plan on clearing out the Wal-Mart spring clothes collection for a grand total of $32 and throwing it into a suitcase and hopefully picking up some locally made skirts in multiple bright colors.
6) GORILLAS!!!! So, right above Rwanda is the Congo. Inside Rwanda is the Parc National des Volcans, aka home of "Gorillas in the Mist" and right across the border of course are the Gorillas in the Congo and all the different parks there. We're hoping to do at least one Gorilla tour when we have a day off. Also, apparently, there are elephants, Lions, Rhinos and Hippos. We're crossing our fingers for some sort of cheap, day-long safari so we can see all this!
7) Hotel des Mille Collines (aka THE Hotel Rwanda) Although Don Cheadle probably gave this hotel more publicity than any well-crafted PR campaign could do, the hotel is supposed to be beautiful. I think at least once we'll be indulging in a little poolside bar action!!
that's all for now! i'm sure my compadre will be checking in soon with her own list =)
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