Tuesday was a bit of an office day for me so not much else happening. Early evening I went to go and meet one of the overland trucks and take their gorilla permits to them. Also spent a couple of hours chatting to their clients about Rwanda and the gorillas. Andy and I did go to the Cyanika border (Uganda) to sort out some Customs documents for the car which was a nice scenic outing with the lakes and mountains looking amazing as usual. I didn't take any pics as there always seem to be powerlines in the way at the best spots.
This morning, Andy and I set out to the site with compass and drawings to start the marking out process so we can be ready to start clearing immediately when we get our Environmental Impact report approval. It was really good to be out at the site and actually even more exciting because we are potentially (and hopefully) only a few weeks away from turning the first soil. It was once again abundantly clear that the layout of different sections and/or buildings will be moved a little to accommodate the contours. Part of this process will also include us making a call on whether we will be incorporating certain rocky outcrops into the buildings and if so, how.
The evening I took some of the overlanders to the little local bar where they had bought their beers for the campsite (no beers sold at the present place they camp) and we had some beers with the local patrons. I hadn't been to this little bar before but I knew some of the guys there and it turned out to be a really good little visit. Also realised again how much people in town actually knew about the project and everyone's just extremely keen for it to get started. I was also offered a trip up to the peak of Karisimbi (one of the Virunga mountains) with the helicopter doing the flights up there to set up the new mast/antenna. I'll see tomorrow if it was just talk - it will be nice if it does happen though.
Wednesday, May 31, 2006
Monday, May 29, 2006
Good News - EIA!
Sarah and I set off for Kigali this morning - she was leaving in the afternoon :( Anyway, we went to the craft shop at the KBC (Kigali Business Centre) that has very reasonably priced traditional art and crafts. Objective: buy two woven trunks. Result: success! We had a look around at some of the other things but decided that we should go to Butare in the near future where a lot of these art and crafts originate. After a nice lunch at Hotel des Mille Collines (Hotel Rwanda), Sarah set off back to the UK.
I had a meeting with the consultant who is doing our EIA (environmental impact assessement) for Ikoro. We went through the report and at end realised that we were pretty much ready to submit the document to REMA for perusal and hopefully approval. The date was set for Thursday this week - very exciting now, we're reaching another milestone toward commencing with construction.
After the meeting I set off for Musanze having a not so good drive through driving rain, some fog and some bad drivers. My nerves were a little in tatters at the end but go there safely.
I had a meeting with the consultant who is doing our EIA (environmental impact assessement) for Ikoro. We went through the report and at end realised that we were pretty much ready to submit the document to REMA for perusal and hopefully approval. The date was set for Thursday this week - very exciting now, we're reaching another milestone toward commencing with construction.
After the meeting I set off for Musanze having a not so good drive through driving rain, some fog and some bad drivers. My nerves were a little in tatters at the end but go there safely.
Long Awaited Visit
Friday morning I was up early and eventually off to Kigali International Airport like a shot - Sarah was arriving for a short visit. Having picked her up, we went to one of the nice charcuteries in Kigali and got some sausage for a BBQ the evening. The BBQ was our frst proper meal on the new BBQ that had been made for us - mmm!! Lovely sausage and ugali (maize meal).
We couldn't plan anything for Saturday morning as it was Umuganda. This happens the last Saturday of each month and is a national event where everyone goes out and does some work in their community i.e. cleaning up the streets, sidewalks or whatever the community projects may be. During this time, all shops are closed and nobody drives around. Around midday we went for a stroll around our immediate area of Musanze including some parts that I hadn't yet been through - not that I remember anyway.
Lunch was at Hotel Muhabura with Greg and his little daughter and catching with whats been happening. We also decided that our first "entertaining" would be on Sunday afternoon with Greg and his daughter as our guests.
Sunday late lunch turned out to be kebabs and baked potatoes etc. The skewers had to be made in town but was done in just over an hour and only cost us about 15pence each - they did look very professional though. The kebabs (brochettes) were massive with meat we had bought at the local market butcher and some tomatoes, onions and peppers. Everything was of course done on or in the coals. mmmmmm again!
We couldn't plan anything for Saturday morning as it was Umuganda. This happens the last Saturday of each month and is a national event where everyone goes out and does some work in their community i.e. cleaning up the streets, sidewalks or whatever the community projects may be. During this time, all shops are closed and nobody drives around. Around midday we went for a stroll around our immediate area of Musanze including some parts that I hadn't yet been through - not that I remember anyway.
Lunch was at Hotel Muhabura with Greg and his little daughter and catching with whats been happening. We also decided that our first "entertaining" would be on Sunday afternoon with Greg and his daughter as our guests.
Sunday late lunch turned out to be kebabs and baked potatoes etc. The skewers had to be made in town but was done in just over an hour and only cost us about 15pence each - they did look very professional though. The kebabs (brochettes) were massive with meat we had bought at the local market butcher and some tomatoes, onions and peppers. Everything was of course done on or in the coals. mmmmmm again!
Thursday, May 25, 2006
Kinigi
Up at 5am this morning and greeted soon afterwards by a stunning sunrise as only the Virungas can offer. I drove up to Kinigi with one of the tour group's leaders to tell ORTPN that this group may be a little late. This road has unfortunately become notorious for being in very bad shape so at times we were doing about 5km/h max with the 4x4. Good news is that the upgrading is due to start soon. Anyway, a 12km journey that takes about 40min to complete but hugely scenic and ending at the ORTPN office with fantastic views of the volcanoes.
Having delivered the message, we waited and had some coffee hoping that our estimate of the group arriving 15min late is not an under-estimate. In the meanwhile, I managed to get some video footage of the ORTPN office there and some pics of the volcanoes. I also overheard someone say that the altitude at which the ORTPN office is, is about the altitude at which the gorilla sightings take place at Bwindi in Uganda - I can't vouch for this but its an interesting observation.
The group's arrival made us sigh a massive sigh of relief - they arrived exactly 15min late. So everyone got sorted into the various groups going to the different gorilla families. Susa family was quite low so only a 45min trek was anticipated - this is a family which can on occassion go quite high up on Karisimbi and offer the visitor some challenging trekking and tracking.
The afternoon the group offered me dinner with them at the Hotel Muhabura as a little token of thanks for the help the morning. We had a really good time and obviously a lot of the discussions was on the days' gorilla tracking.
Poison & a Witchdoctor
On Wednesday afternoon and evening, Andy and I realised that our gardener/housekeeper, Claude had gone out and not let anyone know the reason. By late evening he was still not back. He got back about 7am on Thursday morning with news that his wife was ill.
Somebody had come to call him to take his wife to the doctor as she was ill. The doctor apparently examined ("looked" was the word used) her and told Claude to take his wife to the traditional healer as his wife had been poisoned. My immediate question was whether it was food poisoning. It was patiently explained that Claude's wife had been "poisoned" by somebody i.e. a by supernatural means. Claude couldn't explain how the doctor determined that it was something for the witchdoctor and not the medical profession.
The traditional healer is actually also referred to as the witchdoctor here and this particular one had space where he could admit patients who needed more attention. Claude's wife went on a treatment of various herbs and "other things" that witchdoctors use.
This was quite interesting having worked in Northern-KwaZulu Natal (South Africa) where there is a very large number of traditional healers, both herbalists and black magic witchdoctors. Andy proceeded to explain that for example if one had a fracture this could be treated by the witchdoctor.
This would entail a visual examination of the location of the fracture followed by the witchdoctor putting something like a short stick on that injury. His advice would then to be to return home as by the next day at a set time, your fracture would have healed - this being due to him rubbing the little stick between his hands during that period. I am told that this treatment works!
The witchdoctors are much more active in daily life than we are sometimes led to believe and obviously also yield a lot of power over a persons decision to do something or not. Definitely something else worth being aware and sensitive of when dealing with staff in future.
Somebody had come to call him to take his wife to the doctor as she was ill. The doctor apparently examined ("looked" was the word used) her and told Claude to take his wife to the traditional healer as his wife had been poisoned. My immediate question was whether it was food poisoning. It was patiently explained that Claude's wife had been "poisoned" by somebody i.e. a by supernatural means. Claude couldn't explain how the doctor determined that it was something for the witchdoctor and not the medical profession.
The traditional healer is actually also referred to as the witchdoctor here and this particular one had space where he could admit patients who needed more attention. Claude's wife went on a treatment of various herbs and "other things" that witchdoctors use.
This was quite interesting having worked in Northern-KwaZulu Natal (South Africa) where there is a very large number of traditional healers, both herbalists and black magic witchdoctors. Andy proceeded to explain that for example if one had a fracture this could be treated by the witchdoctor.
This would entail a visual examination of the location of the fracture followed by the witchdoctor putting something like a short stick on that injury. His advice would then to be to return home as by the next day at a set time, your fracture would have healed - this being due to him rubbing the little stick between his hands during that period. I am told that this treatment works!
The witchdoctors are much more active in daily life than we are sometimes led to believe and obviously also yield a lot of power over a persons decision to do something or not. Definitely something else worth being aware and sensitive of when dealing with staff in future.
Wednesday, May 24, 2006
Back Home (Musanze)
This morning I went with Greg to pick up one of the tour operators at the airport from the UK. The visit was planned to discuss some future business opportunities for Greg and other Rwandan operators. A very important part of the visit was sorting out permits for their tours for the rest of the year which entailed paying deposits for all those permits as guarantee of their availability.
I joined Greg for some of the discussions and potential new projects in Rwanda were discussed - I won't divulge any details now but it will be a pleasant surprise for a lot of people. I set off back to Musanze with some gorilla permits Greg had asked to give to one of the overland groups that had arrived that day.
I knew the crew, so had a couple of drinks with them and their clients and discussing Rwanda and of course, the gorillas. There was also some sad news that their head office had banned their trucks from entering Rwanda so the tour leaders had to source local transport in Uganda and come in that way with their clients. I'm not really sure what the reasoning is behind that decision but hopefully we can get them to change their minds on that eventually.
Discovered that this group had a departure time for the ORTPN office up at Kinigi, half an hour later than they should be departing to reach there in time. I'll meet with one of the tour leaders early morning and go up there with my car so we can tell ORTPN that the group is on their way but will be 15 minutes late - otherwise they think the group is not coming and may use the permits for people waiting to see if they can get some leftover permits.
I joined Greg for some of the discussions and potential new projects in Rwanda were discussed - I won't divulge any details now but it will be a pleasant surprise for a lot of people. I set off back to Musanze with some gorilla permits Greg had asked to give to one of the overland groups that had arrived that day.
I knew the crew, so had a couple of drinks with them and their clients and discussing Rwanda and of course, the gorillas. There was also some sad news that their head office had banned their trucks from entering Rwanda so the tour leaders had to source local transport in Uganda and come in that way with their clients. I'm not really sure what the reasoning is behind that decision but hopefully we can get them to change their minds on that eventually.
Discovered that this group had a departure time for the ORTPN office up at Kinigi, half an hour later than they should be departing to reach there in time. I'll meet with one of the tour leaders early morning and go up there with my car so we can tell ORTPN that the group is on their way but will be 15 minutes late - otherwise they think the group is not coming and may use the permits for people waiting to see if they can get some leftover permits.
Tuesday, May 23, 2006
Investment Conference - Day 2
Another good and informative day at the Investment Conference. Although this day was set out for Breakout Sessions, the day started an hour earlier to allow for the opening speech by Dr Kaberuka, the President of the African Development Bank. He had been delayed the day before and was consequently not able to make his speech. This session and the Finance session was also attended by the First Lady.
I attended the Finance session in the morning at the InterContinental Hotel and the Tourism Session in the afternoon at the Hotel Novotel. Both sessions were very informative and constructive with my focus obviously being on the Tourism session.
The latter session was attended by a wide spectrum of delegates from Rwanda and abroad. It also highlighted how much ORTPN (Rwanda Tourism) took into consideration the opinions and suggestions from the private sector and considered the consultations between public and private sectors very important. Madame Rosette Rugamba took us through the tourism strategy and policy after which the floor was opened to questions, suggestions and discussions with the panellists.
It was heartening to see the growing interest by large hotel groups and/or investors willing and ready to invest in Rwanda especially considering the mass of opportunities here. The most important issue that was agreed as the crux of the industry's way forward was capacity building. In this the Government had taken the lead and was already offering burseries to Rwandan students to study at a hotel school in South Africa. At present there are 29 students busy with their studies on this scheme and as I understand it, 11 have already returned and are ready to help with training etc in Rwanda. Hotels Chez Lando and Gorillas also made available their establishments for new entrants to the industry where trainee staff could undergo internships.
The conference was closed at a dinner hosted at the InterContinental Hotel by RIEPA and MTN (Mobile service provider) and included traditional singing and dancing. I missed out again on getting some good video footage of the traditional displays - didn't take my camera with!
I attended the Finance session in the morning at the InterContinental Hotel and the Tourism Session in the afternoon at the Hotel Novotel. Both sessions were very informative and constructive with my focus obviously being on the Tourism session.
The latter session was attended by a wide spectrum of delegates from Rwanda and abroad. It also highlighted how much ORTPN (Rwanda Tourism) took into consideration the opinions and suggestions from the private sector and considered the consultations between public and private sectors very important. Madame Rosette Rugamba took us through the tourism strategy and policy after which the floor was opened to questions, suggestions and discussions with the panellists.
It was heartening to see the growing interest by large hotel groups and/or investors willing and ready to invest in Rwanda especially considering the mass of opportunities here. The most important issue that was agreed as the crux of the industry's way forward was capacity building. In this the Government had taken the lead and was already offering burseries to Rwandan students to study at a hotel school in South Africa. At present there are 29 students busy with their studies on this scheme and as I understand it, 11 have already returned and are ready to help with training etc in Rwanda. Hotels Chez Lando and Gorillas also made available their establishments for new entrants to the industry where trainee staff could undergo internships.
The conference was closed at a dinner hosted at the InterContinental Hotel by RIEPA and MTN (Mobile service provider) and included traditional singing and dancing. I missed out again on getting some good video footage of the traditional displays - didn't take my camera with!
Monday, May 22, 2006
Investment Conference - Day 1
Today saw the opening of the 3rd Rwanda Investment Conference in Kigali by the President who attended with the First Lady. They remained till lunchtime and the President actively participated in the discussions on the programme.
The Rwanda Investment & Export Promotion Agency (RIEPA) unveiled some of their concept designs for a new city centre for Kigali and a new modern airport with increased capacity. There were also concept designs for a convention centre and adjoining hotel in Kigali. To me one of the larger surprises was the Kigali City Tower concept design which reminded me of the tall glass buildings in Dubai and then hearing that it has gone past the concept stage and work has already commenced on the foundations.
There were also concept designs for hotels and resorts on Lake Kivu. Most of the different sectors of the economy and the relevant investment opportunities were covered in today's sessions. Tomorrow there are a variety of break-out sessions on the programme which promises for some good discussions.
Back at the hotel, I'm actually quite knackered so a quiet evening and preparing for tomorrow.
The Rwanda Investment & Export Promotion Agency (RIEPA) unveiled some of their concept designs for a new city centre for Kigali and a new modern airport with increased capacity. There were also concept designs for a convention centre and adjoining hotel in Kigali. To me one of the larger surprises was the Kigali City Tower concept design which reminded me of the tall glass buildings in Dubai and then hearing that it has gone past the concept stage and work has already commenced on the foundations.
There were also concept designs for hotels and resorts on Lake Kivu. Most of the different sectors of the economy and the relevant investment opportunities were covered in today's sessions. Tomorrow there are a variety of break-out sessions on the programme which promises for some good discussions.
Back at the hotel, I'm actually quite knackered so a quiet evening and preparing for tomorrow.
Sunday, May 21, 2006
Sunny Weekend
The weekend turned out to be quite pleasant and sunny. Our little rare bird made its appearance on both days seeming to settle in really well. Its got so used to us, it came hopping 2m away from me where I was sitting with one of the SLR cameras to get some pics of it - was a bit quick though so I'm not sure if that particular close pass will turn out as a good photo. I also found out that one the researchers at Karisoke in the Parc National des Volcans had also seen an Africa Pitta the previous weekend at a nearby forest whilst training some students. The response to our sighting has been magnificent with a lot of info being sent through. I had drawn up a proper sighting report the way we used to do it in South Africa when rarities or nominated special species were sighted. This I sent out to a few people in Rwanda and actually opened a bit of debate on the need for training birding guides - amongst other special interests.
The weekend also saw me a do a bit of domestic work - ironing. Also getting the grill back from the metal workshops. This was all going ahead at speed when I got the next draft of the EIA to proof read. Being a fairly substantial document already, it took me quite awhile to finish it and pass it on to Sarah for her comments.
Today, I finished packing and getting the pc, documents etc etc sorted out for my few days in Kigali for the 3rd Investment Conference being held at InterContinental Hotel. Once there, I also met our EIA consultant to discuss the progress on the report and determining a timeframe for completion - asap :-)).
The weekend also saw me a do a bit of domestic work - ironing. Also getting the grill back from the metal workshops. This was all going ahead at speed when I got the next draft of the EIA to proof read. Being a fairly substantial document already, it took me quite awhile to finish it and pass it on to Sarah for her comments.
Today, I finished packing and getting the pc, documents etc etc sorted out for my few days in Kigali for the 3rd Investment Conference being held at InterContinental Hotel. Once there, I also met our EIA consultant to discuss the progress on the report and determining a timeframe for completion - asap :-)).
Friday, May 19, 2006
TGIF
The day started out fantastically well. Andy called me over (didn't even have my coffee yet) and showed me a bird he'd seen in the garden this morning and identified as an African (Angolan) Pitta and showing me te pic in the field guide. My jaw just hit the deck and I said "Where?"
Actually just a few meters from me in the garden it was. My first sighting of it ever and a bird I know some birders would kill for. Just hanging around between the plants in the garden and behaving very much according to the field guide (animals usually do the opposite - to prove a point a I think) and being shy and skulking. Well, nearly breaking my neck, I found the video camera and hamered off tons of footage and stillls. Only then did I relax and try and get good shots and make mental notes of what it was doing, eating etc. I phoned a few people but not really many local birders around here. I got the Park Warden to come and have a look and he said he's never seen it before (He's worked at Nyungwe Forest and Akagera before taking over at PNV) and was quite impressed and excited with the find.
Anyway, sent off some e-mails and started getting responses back in a short space of time. By sunset, the bird was still around. So, hopefully it'll be around another day or so at least - what I can find out about it indicates this is more or less (actually less) on its migration route.
The bbq grid has gone in for some minor additions i.e. adding a few more cross wires - I think the gaps are a "little" big but I should be getting that back tomorrow morning.
Also met with Greg who's busy preparing to meet some very important clients tomorrow, so a lot of excitement there and making sure everything is sorted, down to the smallest detail
Actually just a few meters from me in the garden it was. My first sighting of it ever and a bird I know some birders would kill for. Just hanging around between the plants in the garden and behaving very much according to the field guide (animals usually do the opposite - to prove a point a I think) and being shy and skulking. Well, nearly breaking my neck, I found the video camera and hamered off tons of footage and stillls. Only then did I relax and try and get good shots and make mental notes of what it was doing, eating etc. I phoned a few people but not really many local birders around here. I got the Park Warden to come and have a look and he said he's never seen it before (He's worked at Nyungwe Forest and Akagera before taking over at PNV) and was quite impressed and excited with the find.
Anyway, sent off some e-mails and started getting responses back in a short space of time. By sunset, the bird was still around. So, hopefully it'll be around another day or so at least - what I can find out about it indicates this is more or less (actually less) on its migration route.
The bbq grid has gone in for some minor additions i.e. adding a few more cross wires - I think the gaps are a "little" big but I should be getting that back tomorrow morning.
Also met with Greg who's busy preparing to meet some very important clients tomorrow, so a lot of excitement there and making sure everything is sorted, down to the smallest detail
Thursday, May 18, 2006
A Day and a Half
Yes, the blog for a day and a half. Yesterday was quite hard getting onto the GPRS network, even the local office of the mobile service provider was complaining. What we think is happening is that signals and frequencies are being checked and/or setup on Karisimbi, the highest of the Virunga mountains. Also explains all the helicopter traffic over the last week. A telecoms tower is being setup there which will be serving the whole region (as in immediate international neighbours too) and will also be linked to main East & Southern African fibre optic line, opening up a whole new world in the telecoms future here. Anyway, while this is being done we have days like yesterday when getting a mobile signal for gprs or phone is very hard.
Lunch was quite different to the norm. Using our new old style mincer, put together some mince for hamburgers and had some lovely hamburgers for lunch. This turned out to be quite an experience for Claude (our housekeeper) who says he's never had hamburgers before - apparently not seen them either. The previous evening we had sausages from one of the German butchers in Kigali - mmmm! The menu is starting to change a bit now, I'm jumping in and showing the guys some new dishes and/or new ways of preparing known dishes. We worked out yesterday that our burgers cost maximum 50 pence each (and they were massive!) - what a bargain.
We received the final programme for the 3rd Rwandan International Investment Conference (22-24 May 2006) next week. Looks like we're up for some interesting sessions on opportunities and trends in the local economy and the region.
Also had a look last night at some of the videos I'm making of amongst other things Rwanda. This led to some re-discovery of some applications on the pc I had all but forgotten about.
Yesterday ended with a wind driven rain storm that I haven't seen for a while. Usually its all thunder and lightning etc etc but the thunder and lightning was absent last night. At the moment its all building up again for what looks like another BIG storm. The first few light drops have fallen, the wind's picking up and the thunder is starting to roll - so all toys out again on the weather again.
This morning's been fairly standard on the work front. Been catching up on the e-mails left over from yesterday and Andy's gone out to the site to see if all's ok there.
Lunch was quite different to the norm. Using our new old style mincer, put together some mince for hamburgers and had some lovely hamburgers for lunch. This turned out to be quite an experience for Claude (our housekeeper) who says he's never had hamburgers before - apparently not seen them either. The previous evening we had sausages from one of the German butchers in Kigali - mmmm! The menu is starting to change a bit now, I'm jumping in and showing the guys some new dishes and/or new ways of preparing known dishes. We worked out yesterday that our burgers cost maximum 50 pence each (and they were massive!) - what a bargain.
We received the final programme for the 3rd Rwandan International Investment Conference (22-24 May 2006) next week. Looks like we're up for some interesting sessions on opportunities and trends in the local economy and the region.
Also had a look last night at some of the videos I'm making of amongst other things Rwanda. This led to some re-discovery of some applications on the pc I had all but forgotten about.
Yesterday ended with a wind driven rain storm that I haven't seen for a while. Usually its all thunder and lightning etc etc but the thunder and lightning was absent last night. At the moment its all building up again for what looks like another BIG storm. The first few light drops have fallen, the wind's picking up and the thunder is starting to roll - so all toys out again on the weather again.
This morning's been fairly standard on the work front. Been catching up on the e-mails left over from yesterday and Andy's gone out to the site to see if all's ok there.
Tuesday, May 16, 2006
Day in Kigali
The day for Kigali started with an early departure from Musanze at 6:15am with Greg and Andy. Our "To Do" was quite long and included a 50/50 chance of a planned meeting with someone there.
We started off at ORTPN to sort out some gorilla permits for people and a fairly good outcome. This seemed to be a good omen for the rest of the day as we continued to tick off the tasks for the day, eventually all of them except the meeting. So overall a very productive day with some late afternoon showers to cool us all down. There hadn't really been time to sit down for meals or anything so all of just grabs snacks and/or coffee and sodas when we got the chance.
Getting back to Musanze, Andy and I went to pick up the BBQ we had ordered from the metal workshops. Turns out everything finished on time and the added bonus of the owner having made a few improving tweaks to the final design. I'm very happy with the final product and looking forward now to a nice large BBQ. We'll be planning a "little" BBQ ceremony when putting it into use.
We started off at ORTPN to sort out some gorilla permits for people and a fairly good outcome. This seemed to be a good omen for the rest of the day as we continued to tick off the tasks for the day, eventually all of them except the meeting. So overall a very productive day with some late afternoon showers to cool us all down. There hadn't really been time to sit down for meals or anything so all of just grabs snacks and/or coffee and sodas when we got the chance.
Getting back to Musanze, Andy and I went to pick up the BBQ we had ordered from the metal workshops. Turns out everything finished on time and the added bonus of the owner having made a few improving tweaks to the final design. I'm very happy with the final product and looking forward now to a nice large BBQ. We'll be planning a "little" BBQ ceremony when putting it into use.
Monday, May 15, 2006
Pretty Good News
This morning turned out to be the time for some good news. Andy and I had a meeting with one of the building contractors who had submitted quotes for the construction. We spent a few hours going through every amount with a fine toothcomb, totally breaking it down and then putting it together again. Turns out, many quotes to date has been high due to certain methods and ratios applied in the local industry and that we could save loads of money by dissecting every task this way. Definitely something to put a smile on our faces plus the fact that he is also being considered for site engineer/technician.
The other good news, actually originating over the weekend, was the request for info for inclusion in a travel guide of Rwanda - not going to say which yet. Something small but enough to get the spirits up.
A bit on the downside though is we're still in the throes of the EIA with some unnecessary delays at the moment but as in the past, I'm sure we'll get through this too. Does get quite frustrating though because time is actually an issue.
Its also become crystal clear now (knew it before but confirmed now) that gorilla permits have become as rare as chicken teeth. Its that busy and some of the tour operators are already buying permits for next year and some even for 2008!
Anyway, off to Kigali tomorrow and hopefully that will turn out quite productive - I really need a whole day being productive.
The other good news, actually originating over the weekend, was the request for info for inclusion in a travel guide of Rwanda - not going to say which yet. Something small but enough to get the spirits up.
A bit on the downside though is we're still in the throes of the EIA with some unnecessary delays at the moment but as in the past, I'm sure we'll get through this too. Does get quite frustrating though because time is actually an issue.
Its also become crystal clear now (knew it before but confirmed now) that gorilla permits have become as rare as chicken teeth. Its that busy and some of the tour operators are already buying permits for next year and some even for 2008!
Anyway, off to Kigali tomorrow and hopefully that will turn out quite productive - I really need a whole day being productive.
Saturday, May 13, 2006
Busy Friday
Yesterday I picked up my Alien Registration Card from Immigration here in Musanze which finalises my visa matters here. I sighed a huge sigh of relief accompanied by a big smile at this.
Andy and I met the two local leaders at the site yesterday and very positive discussions and a tour of the site. The senior leader of the two is in charge of the whole Cyuve Sector with one of the borders being our eastern border. The other is the leader of the households around the site.
It was encouraging to see once again with what enthusiasm our project is perceived by the community. We discussed the employment of members of the community, involving the community in the supply of a variety of services through the construction phase and into the operational phase. Both the leaders also promised their support throughout the project.
The afternoon I was in for quite a surprise. Greg phoned me and said that a tour group had arrived and asked him for directions to our site. He replied asking if they wanted us to show them around the site but got the surprising reply that they had been told that we were up and running and they wanted to go and book in for the next couple of days. I think Greg had the same response to this as me i.e. first shocked disbelief and then burst out laughing!
I immediately went over to go and have a chat with the tour leader and his clients and explained at what stage the project is at the moment and that we're only planning to open mid-2007. I took them out to the site anyway so they could see where it was and what the area looked like etc. We couldn't get out and walk around as it was raining - again. Over some drinks and dinner we discussed our plans for the site.
Andy and I met the two local leaders at the site yesterday and very positive discussions and a tour of the site. The senior leader of the two is in charge of the whole Cyuve Sector with one of the borders being our eastern border. The other is the leader of the households around the site.
It was encouraging to see once again with what enthusiasm our project is perceived by the community. We discussed the employment of members of the community, involving the community in the supply of a variety of services through the construction phase and into the operational phase. Both the leaders also promised their support throughout the project.
The afternoon I was in for quite a surprise. Greg phoned me and said that a tour group had arrived and asked him for directions to our site. He replied asking if they wanted us to show them around the site but got the surprising reply that they had been told that we were up and running and they wanted to go and book in for the next couple of days. I think Greg had the same response to this as me i.e. first shocked disbelief and then burst out laughing!
I immediately went over to go and have a chat with the tour leader and his clients and explained at what stage the project is at the moment and that we're only planning to open mid-2007. I took them out to the site anyway so they could see where it was and what the area looked like etc. We couldn't get out and walk around as it was raining - again. Over some drinks and dinner we discussed our plans for the site.
Thursday, May 11, 2006
Early Morning
My day started quite early today, 4am to be exact. Couldn't sleep and had masses of ideas and things to do running through my head, so relented and got up. It was well worth it as I managed to get quite a bit done by sunrise when I had a coffee watching Musanze and nature wake up. Something that will never cease to be a treat for me to watch a town gradually wake up, birds starting morning chorus and then the magnificent light display when the sun touches the clouds over and around the mountains.
This afternoon I spent some time with Andy at the metalworkers' workshops around the corner from us. The purpose was to place an order for a BBQ. Anything you want, (well most things anyway) is custom made to your design, it doesn't matter what item of furniture or indoor/outdoor items you want. Anyway, spent about a half hour there discussing what I wanted and between us using scrap and finished products around the place to explain our point. The final design is not at all what I had in mind when I went there but I'm confident the agreed design is actually better.
The reason we didn't stick around very long is that it was raining on and off and we had arrived when the rain had stopped but it started just as we reached the climax of finalising the design and commence the price negotiations. Considering what we ordered, I think we came off pretty well - only £30! It will become the source of some delicious meals - salivating just at the thought.
Also spent a couple of hours this afternoon interviewing someone for a position during the construction phase. A very informative and productive meeting with the rain pounding away outside and some helicopters continueing their noise as they had been since early in the day.
At times today, it sounded like Highbury just before a big Arsenal match with helicopters constantly overhead.
We're off tomorrow to meet two of the local leaders of the area where the site is and walk the bounderies with them and discuss the project. It'll be in the morning so hopefully the rain stays away till later in the day.
From a wet Musanze, cheers till tomorrow.
This afternoon I spent some time with Andy at the metalworkers' workshops around the corner from us. The purpose was to place an order for a BBQ. Anything you want, (well most things anyway) is custom made to your design, it doesn't matter what item of furniture or indoor/outdoor items you want. Anyway, spent about a half hour there discussing what I wanted and between us using scrap and finished products around the place to explain our point. The final design is not at all what I had in mind when I went there but I'm confident the agreed design is actually better.
The reason we didn't stick around very long is that it was raining on and off and we had arrived when the rain had stopped but it started just as we reached the climax of finalising the design and commence the price negotiations. Considering what we ordered, I think we came off pretty well - only £30! It will become the source of some delicious meals - salivating just at the thought.
Also spent a couple of hours this afternoon interviewing someone for a position during the construction phase. A very informative and productive meeting with the rain pounding away outside and some helicopters continueing their noise as they had been since early in the day.
At times today, it sounded like Highbury just before a big Arsenal match with helicopters constantly overhead.
We're off tomorrow to meet two of the local leaders of the area where the site is and walk the bounderies with them and discuss the project. It'll be in the morning so hopefully the rain stays away till later in the day.
From a wet Musanze, cheers till tomorrow.
Wednesday, May 10, 2006
The Small Things that Count
An interesting day today, in part I suppose because I spent the morning out and about in town. Got my paperwork done for the "Alien Registration Card" which entails depositing the equivalent of £5 at the bank, have the payment registered at the Revenue Authority and handing that receipt and two passport photos to the local Immigration office and of course, filling in a form with all your adresses etc. Apparently, I can collect this card on Friday which will then mean I don't need to travel around in Rwanda with my passport handy all the time - marvelous! And, being in Musanze, this all only took about 40minutes, including the driving from one place to the next - fantastic!
When I was at the Immigration office, a Rwandan lady came to speak to the officer there and noticed me and went off with a great smile to the Immigration officer in Kinyarwanda about me.
What had happened - earlier at the bank I had filled in the depositslip and put my little form and the money on the counter at the back of the queue and waited for my turn. The locals in the bank stared at me with surprised looks and suddenly the lady at the front of the queue picked up my form and money and handed it to the cashier with a huge smile. I could make out enough of what she was saying to understand that she was very impressed that I had not just pushed in as a mzungu (white person) but was willing to wait like everyone else. It was this lady who turned up at the Immigration office.
She told Andy that she wished she could speak English so she could tell me herself how much she appreciated what I had done in the bank. Through that, I had shown them respect and not considered myself above them and things like this was what convinced her that all her kids should go to school so they can understand more languages etc.
If nothing else had happened today, that would've been fine. This little incident made me feel really good about something that I had done - unintentionally really. Although it wasn't a big thing for me, this meant the world to the locals in that bank - a truly humbling experience.
Tuesday, May 09, 2006
The Bicyle "Workshops"
This afternoon we spent some time chatting to the local guys who have their bicycle repair "workshops" just outside the front of our house in Musanze. I say "workshop" but you must understand it only comprises a small little piece of ground where the one or two guys per business does the repairs on the bicycles. Each one has his little wooden box which holds the tools of the trade and one out of the ten or so regular repair guys, had a little groundsheet on which he puts his tools while he's working. Getting dirt or dust into any oiled or greased working parts is not considered an issue, as long as the bicycle works, it can earn money.
Well recently the Musanze Council ruled (whether this regulation existed before and was not enforced, I'm not sure) that bicycles were only allowed up to designated perimeters around the centre of town. (my thinking is that easing up the traffic flow was probably part of the reasoning) Since this time the bicycle workshops have moved to the immediate area around the house (we're on a corner) which is not really a problem. The guys are always available for a chat about the latest news or the latest grudge against something or someone. It is quite interesting reversing out from our yard sometimes though as the gate may be surrounded by bicycles in various states of repair or disrepair.
The bicycle is a very important part of life throughout most of Rwanda for the transport of people and goods. Historically the Rwandans used to make their bicycles from wood, of which I believe there are not many around anymore. This form of transport is very low cost and most locals can afford to use them from time to time. Even salary earners use them to save money. A step up from this are the motorcycles that serve pretty much the same purpose but cost a little more.
During the course of the morning whilst working in the office, one of the local lads was out washing the car (one has to plan this well in accordance with the weather). There was also a goat bleating its head off just outside the office window in the street. This had been going on for about the last 3-4 days. I went outside and tried to find out who's goat it was. Some of the guys we now know opposite us at the little shops started asking around. I joked and said I would buy it and use it for "Nyama chome" (Swahili for BBQ meat) upon which the goat stopped bleating! Don't know if the owner moved it or if the goat just kept quiet from there but I haven't heard it since.
The office work was pretty productive and I actually felt like I'd made progress with some of the things today. Also found out that we may be able to submit the EIA report to the relevant agency (REMA) soon which is really good news. Ground breaking day is sneaking up on us, slowly but surely.
Well recently the Musanze Council ruled (whether this regulation existed before and was not enforced, I'm not sure) that bicycles were only allowed up to designated perimeters around the centre of town. (my thinking is that easing up the traffic flow was probably part of the reasoning) Since this time the bicycle workshops have moved to the immediate area around the house (we're on a corner) which is not really a problem. The guys are always available for a chat about the latest news or the latest grudge against something or someone. It is quite interesting reversing out from our yard sometimes though as the gate may be surrounded by bicycles in various states of repair or disrepair.
The bicycle is a very important part of life throughout most of Rwanda for the transport of people and goods. Historically the Rwandans used to make their bicycles from wood, of which I believe there are not many around anymore. This form of transport is very low cost and most locals can afford to use them from time to time. Even salary earners use them to save money. A step up from this are the motorcycles that serve pretty much the same purpose but cost a little more.
During the course of the morning whilst working in the office, one of the local lads was out washing the car (one has to plan this well in accordance with the weather). There was also a goat bleating its head off just outside the office window in the street. This had been going on for about the last 3-4 days. I went outside and tried to find out who's goat it was. Some of the guys we now know opposite us at the little shops started asking around. I joked and said I would buy it and use it for "Nyama chome" (Swahili for BBQ meat) upon which the goat stopped bleating! Don't know if the owner moved it or if the goat just kept quiet from there but I haven't heard it since.
The office work was pretty productive and I actually felt like I'd made progress with some of the things today. Also found out that we may be able to submit the EIA report to the relevant agency (REMA) soon which is really good news. Ground breaking day is sneaking up on us, slowly but surely.
Monday, May 08, 2006
Admin Monday
A lovely sunny day initially as I said before but by early afternoon the clouds had rolled in and the temperatures had dropped followed shortly by some rain.
The day was reasonably productive as regards the admin and project planning. Mainly more drawings and notes on construction options, work on one of the draft policies for the operational phase and fine tuning the time line for the construction.
As for the time line its more a case of what time frame we looking at for different phases than doing it with a calendar which will only be possible once we have the final go ahead from the EIA. This of course goes hand in hand with the time line of expenditure and getting materials as certain materials are best obtained at certain times of the year and the rainy seasons have to be kept in mind too. All part of the fun as they say :-)
There are some correspondence etc I was expecting today which didn't turn up but I suppose it can't always all be sunshine and roses.
The one little ray of sunshine though was that there wasn't a powercut today - that made for a welcome change to the norm.
The day was reasonably productive as regards the admin and project planning. Mainly more drawings and notes on construction options, work on one of the draft policies for the operational phase and fine tuning the time line for the construction.
As for the time line its more a case of what time frame we looking at for different phases than doing it with a calendar which will only be possible once we have the final go ahead from the EIA. This of course goes hand in hand with the time line of expenditure and getting materials as certain materials are best obtained at certain times of the year and the rainy seasons have to be kept in mind too. All part of the fun as they say :-)
There are some correspondence etc I was expecting today which didn't turn up but I suppose it can't always all be sunshine and roses.
The one little ray of sunshine though was that there wasn't a powercut today - that made for a welcome change to the norm.
Weekend Update
After a bit of a blue Friday, the weekend was quiet and generally quite relaxing and as the weather was cold and rainy, indoors was the place to be.
Spent some time making sure all the software was working well after the installation of the GPRS software and re-installing the printer software. After a few glitches here and there, I managed to get it all sorted and everything is working well.
Amazing what a spot of reading and the odd movie can do to relax one. All rested and rearing to go for the new week and whatever it throws at us. The new week has started with a lovely sunny morning and a clear view of the volcanoes for the first time in a while. Already had a pretty productive morning so far but more of that on the evening blog for the day.
Spent some time making sure all the software was working well after the installation of the GPRS software and re-installing the printer software. After a few glitches here and there, I managed to get it all sorted and everything is working well.
Amazing what a spot of reading and the odd movie can do to relax one. All rested and rearing to go for the new week and whatever it throws at us. The new week has started with a lovely sunny morning and a clear view of the volcanoes for the first time in a while. Already had a pretty productive morning so far but more of that on the evening blog for the day.
Friday, May 05, 2006
Ikoro Natural History
Ruwenzori Side-striped Chameleon (Male left and Female below) 
Above, the couple of Chameleons who usually stick to the hedges we've planted. The hedges are Euphorbia family and these are known as "Finger" Euphorbia due to the thin stick like qualities.
The camera shy Spotted Eagle Owl I put a pic of on the blog the other day, is also one of a pair (did I mention that?) but you can imagine how hard it is to get a picture of both together when one on its own will hardly stick around.
In general there are quite a few bird species around with many of them nesting too. The one thing we really want to record is the variety of butterflies with some interesting species I haven't seen before and the Wildlife authorities are quite keen to get records. Its not the easiest thing to get pics of butterflies though but we're working on it.
The plant variety is also quite diverse considering that they're growing between 20,000 Eucalyptus trees! I've already got a massive amount of pics and someone has already spotted a little orchid - luckily far away from where anything on the site will be happening. We're talking to one of the guys doing the EIA about helping us do a plant survey in some of the areas as we start the setting out process.
Every now and then I'll dedicate a blog to the latest new and interesting finds we've made at the site and add a pic or two.
Blue Friday
Yip, a bit of a blue Friday which makes up I suppose for not having blue Mondays. The weather was a bit dreary as well with rain and cloud most of the way from Musanze to Kigali and the latter eventually warming up over midday and then going rainy etc again.
I only achieved 2 of my objectives today out of a fairly lengthy list. Lengthy lists is the way to approach a day in the city, one thing doesn't happen then there's always a load more to do. On the flip side, you could end up doing only one or two things like today. I must say though they were two important things.
The first, which I'm quite happy is done with is the proper 2 year visa replacing the temporary one I had which coincidentally expires on Sunday. So other than being quite keen on getting it all finalised, I was also quite nervous that the new visa couldn't be done today. I did have to pay a price for it though, a 7 hour wait! The waiting was as much my decision as anything else as I didn't feel like trying to deal with an expired visa next week etc etc. But golly! Believe me, I can't remember when last I waited that long other than in the queues on election day in South Africa in 1994 - the latter was infinitely more exciting and interesting though. Trust me - I'm not complaining - I now have the visa!!
Then I went to the Rwandan mobile network to get the modem for a GPRS modem for the laptop. This internet connection is a flat rate of £20/month - bargain, considering what the dial-up costs and how slow it is. That's the excellent thing here in Rwanda, the communications etc infra-structure is all the latest toys and is happening at speed. By coincidence we heard on the radio today President Kagame opening the ICT Investment... which is a large international telecoms convention as I understand it.
Setting up the connection turned into a bit of a circus as I had to delete some software that was blocking the installation of the GPRS software. The network technician and I ended up spending at least 2 hours sorting this out - he was an absolute star as he was working well past closing time. People like this always remind me why Sarah and I enjoy Rwanda so much and the nice thing is that people like this are in the majority.
Consequently we set off back to Musanze at 7pm, dealing with the dodgy headlights of some vehicles through the mountains and sections of torrential rain. We had quite a few "Hey!!" with some lightning on the way home - interesting ride and got home safely.
I've been referring to "we" - Greg went with as he had some things to sort out in Kigali and he was a star and hung around after he'd finished his business. On the way there and back is always a good catch up for us on the industry gossip and latest news and rumours. Sorry all reading this - I'm not going to divulge all the gossip ;-))
Otherwise, a nice quiet night at home with maybe a movie or two. Andy is off to Kampala for the weekend so other than Claude (the housekeeper), all's really quiet here.
I only achieved 2 of my objectives today out of a fairly lengthy list. Lengthy lists is the way to approach a day in the city, one thing doesn't happen then there's always a load more to do. On the flip side, you could end up doing only one or two things like today. I must say though they were two important things.
The first, which I'm quite happy is done with is the proper 2 year visa replacing the temporary one I had which coincidentally expires on Sunday. So other than being quite keen on getting it all finalised, I was also quite nervous that the new visa couldn't be done today. I did have to pay a price for it though, a 7 hour wait! The waiting was as much my decision as anything else as I didn't feel like trying to deal with an expired visa next week etc etc. But golly! Believe me, I can't remember when last I waited that long other than in the queues on election day in South Africa in 1994 - the latter was infinitely more exciting and interesting though. Trust me - I'm not complaining - I now have the visa!!
Then I went to the Rwandan mobile network to get the modem for a GPRS modem for the laptop. This internet connection is a flat rate of £20/month - bargain, considering what the dial-up costs and how slow it is. That's the excellent thing here in Rwanda, the communications etc infra-structure is all the latest toys and is happening at speed. By coincidence we heard on the radio today President Kagame opening the ICT Investment... which is a large international telecoms convention as I understand it.
Setting up the connection turned into a bit of a circus as I had to delete some software that was blocking the installation of the GPRS software. The network technician and I ended up spending at least 2 hours sorting this out - he was an absolute star as he was working well past closing time. People like this always remind me why Sarah and I enjoy Rwanda so much and the nice thing is that people like this are in the majority.
Consequently we set off back to Musanze at 7pm, dealing with the dodgy headlights of some vehicles through the mountains and sections of torrential rain. We had quite a few "Hey!!" with some lightning on the way home - interesting ride and got home safely.
I've been referring to "we" - Greg went with as he had some things to sort out in Kigali and he was a star and hung around after he'd finished his business. On the way there and back is always a good catch up for us on the industry gossip and latest news and rumours. Sorry all reading this - I'm not going to divulge all the gossip ;-))
Otherwise, a nice quiet night at home with maybe a movie or two. Andy is off to Kampala for the weekend so other than Claude (the housekeeper), all's really quiet here.
Thursday, May 04, 2006
Quiet Thursday
A day with not too much happening although it turned out reasonably productive and most of it being office work.
Setting up a database for the job applications we're getting so all that info is all available at the push of a button. Not really hard work but a lot of detail. Very similar to some drawings I started doing to explain some new suggestions on the construction details of parts of the public areas.
Also managed to do a fair bit of prepping for some meetings in Kigali tomorrow as well meetings next week with some potential contractors.
Early evening I went to meet Greg and Sheba (Ugandan partner of Greg's) and talk about the latest developments in the tourism on both the Rwandan and Ugandan sides. Joined them in meeting with one of the overland trucks' crew who have just arrived with 14 clients from Uganda. We'll meet with them tomorrow evening and give them a bit of background on the project - they've heard "something" about a project here in Musanze but don't what, who or when.
Strangely enough the power didn't go off tonight, something that seems only to happen when I'm out of the house. Having been home about 5minutes, the rain started - first time today! It does seem like this is going to be going on through the night now - lovely "lala salama" weather.
Off to Kigali tomorrow morning so hopefully back tomorrow evening with a full notebook and a big smile.
Setting up a database for the job applications we're getting so all that info is all available at the push of a button. Not really hard work but a lot of detail. Very similar to some drawings I started doing to explain some new suggestions on the construction details of parts of the public areas.
Also managed to do a fair bit of prepping for some meetings in Kigali tomorrow as well meetings next week with some potential contractors.
Early evening I went to meet Greg and Sheba (Ugandan partner of Greg's) and talk about the latest developments in the tourism on both the Rwandan and Ugandan sides. Joined them in meeting with one of the overland trucks' crew who have just arrived with 14 clients from Uganda. We'll meet with them tomorrow evening and give them a bit of background on the project - they've heard "something" about a project here in Musanze but don't what, who or when.
Strangely enough the power didn't go off tonight, something that seems only to happen when I'm out of the house. Having been home about 5minutes, the rain started - first time today! It does seem like this is going to be going on through the night now - lovely "lala salama" weather.
Off to Kigali tomorrow morning so hopefully back tomorrow evening with a full notebook and a big smile.
Wednesday, May 03, 2006
Site Visit
Yes, that time of the day again - the power is off and time to update my blog again.
Andy and I had planned a visit to the site today if the weather played along as well as a visit to the bank. The latter had to happen in the morning before lunch as it get very busy in there during lunchtime.
Well, the weather played along and we got the cameras, binoculars, notebooks and birdbooks sorted out and packed for the site. On the way there, we finished our business at the bank first.
A massive surprise was waiting for me at the site - I knew that everything was growing fast but the sight that greeted me was incredible. The average ground growth varied between just above ankle height to above knee height. Some of the outstanding points were well and truly hidden behind and in vegetation. It was starting to look in some places like a little jungle in the making and with all the rain was amazingly green, add to this all the little flowers that were out - STUNNING.
The road is not even visible from some of the close points like where reception will be. The birdlife was also amazing; flycatchers, fire-finches, weavers, cuckoos and sunbirds etc. Our big goal was to find the little bird of prey that had been making its appearance quite a few times during our previous visits.
The best ID we could do it so far was that it looks like and African Hobby, generally uncommon to rare in Africa, its not a call I want to make unless I'm 100% certain and have the pics and/or video to prove it. Unfortunately, it/they did not make their appearance this time but there was a bonus waiting.
One of the lads who look after the site for us i.e. walk around on a regular basis and check alls ok, told us he had found the new roost for the Spotted Eagle. From the north eastern corner he took us on a little bundu bashing into the site and then suddenly stopped and pointed. About 20m away was the owl perching on an open branch of an eucalyptus tree. Andy and him stopped there leaving me to stalk it with the cameras for the elusive photo. To date the owl has proved very camera shy and disappears when I arrive at the site with the cameras. At this stage I would be happy with a record shot only.
I managed to get quite a few 'record' shots and some video footage. As can be seen with the pic above, it is a record shot - not meant for a photo competition. I'll wait and see how the SLR pics come out but light etc was not on my side AND, Murphy's Law, I had left my big zoom lens at home. I must admit though that I'm very happy with what I got (for now anyway) to add to the records of everything we find there.
The lad also told us that someone is grazing their cows on the site at about 4am in the mornings and regardless of him being told not too, returns time and again. Now as I understand it, in Rwanda this is against the law in two aspects; firstly grazing on somebody else's land and secondly, allowing your cattle/livestock out on the roads. Andy will go and have a chat with the local leader who will then act on it. The locals have been fantastic though in general (other than this individual) and as soon as they realised we had bought the land and were to commence with a project there, stopped crossing over it and rgazing their livestock there. Even the young boys who using the site as their card game venue, stopped going there when we asked them.
Back at home it was back to some work on the pc again. I also got a visit from Greg (Amahoro Tours) who had some good news about a new service provided by the mobile service provider that will save us a fortune on the dial-up internet connection. I have some meetings set up for Friday in Kigali so will go and check it out.
Tomorrow is Gacaca trials again (every Thursday) so all businesses around here will be closed until noon. One of those days that you do all the things you need to do around the house or in the office till after noon.
Tuesday, May 02, 2006
Rainy Day
Yes, it continued to rain on and off for most of the day with cool to medium temperatures. Not that we really mind the temperatures, at least we don't really get very hot and humid days. The rain can sometimes be a bit frustrating but has become very much part of the way of life here in Musanze.
I managed to get quite a bit of work done today albeit on the pc but very necessary. Finished some lengthy notes on meetings and quotes to date and fire off some e-mails. I also have at least a couple of meetings in Kigali on Thursday planned - time for a day in the city again.
Andy and I were both quite excited at the prospect of making our first mince meat with the new old-style mincer. Initiation was the mincing of 2kg of good fresh beef from the market. To celebrate, I said I would do the cooking, well most of it anyway. We would make a decent spaghetti bolognaise with Andy only having to do the spaghetti while I prepped for and cooked the meat. Claude ( our housekeeper) was also invited to dine with Andy and I. This was quite a challenge as he regularly asks Andy why we eat so little. Trust me, the amounts of food on the table is not what I, and many others, would call little.
Anyway, dinner turned out a winner. As a bonus, Claude told me that the one serving he had was more than enough to satisfy him and he would not be able to have a second. I couldn't believe it, I thought he was joking.
Late afternoon, Glen introduced me to someone whom he knows has experience in the construction industry. We had a nice relaxing chat (we hadn't had a chat since early Feb this year, so a lot of catching up). Andy and I proceeded to have a long discussion with the guy on some of our plans for the construction and he came up with some suggestions that may well save a lot of money but at the same time enhance what we want to build at Ikoro. This left me quite cheery, a feeling that was further supplemented by a massive good dinner with the guys.
Overall, a pretty good rainy day I reckon.
I managed to get quite a bit of work done today albeit on the pc but very necessary. Finished some lengthy notes on meetings and quotes to date and fire off some e-mails. I also have at least a couple of meetings in Kigali on Thursday planned - time for a day in the city again.
Andy and I were both quite excited at the prospect of making our first mince meat with the new old-style mincer. Initiation was the mincing of 2kg of good fresh beef from the market. To celebrate, I said I would do the cooking, well most of it anyway. We would make a decent spaghetti bolognaise with Andy only having to do the spaghetti while I prepped for and cooked the meat. Claude ( our housekeeper) was also invited to dine with Andy and I. This was quite a challenge as he regularly asks Andy why we eat so little. Trust me, the amounts of food on the table is not what I, and many others, would call little.
Anyway, dinner turned out a winner. As a bonus, Claude told me that the one serving he had was more than enough to satisfy him and he would not be able to have a second. I couldn't believe it, I thought he was joking.
Late afternoon, Glen introduced me to someone whom he knows has experience in the construction industry. We had a nice relaxing chat (we hadn't had a chat since early Feb this year, so a lot of catching up). Andy and I proceeded to have a long discussion with the guy on some of our plans for the construction and he came up with some suggestions that may well save a lot of money but at the same time enhance what we want to build at Ikoro. This left me quite cheery, a feeling that was further supplemented by a massive good dinner with the guys.
Overall, a pretty good rainy day I reckon.
Morning Coffee
Andy and I had planned to go to the site this morning but on waking at 6am, found it was raining. This carried on well past 8am and everything was soaked from the all night rain. We've put off the visit for this morning - not like there's nothing else to do.
Having coffee and checking out the latest bird arrivals in the garden turned out quite productive once again. I've been hearing a bird call on a very regular basis that sounded very familiar nad similar to what I've heard at Kembu in Nakuru, Kenya - well, a Grey-capped Warbler showed itself! (saw it the first time at Kembu) Very happy with this as it added another bird to my Rwanda list and according to Andy he hangs around quite a lot in the hedge in the back garden - very typical of them to be in the hedges.
Then, another little black and white bird appears near the warbler and its one that has been mystifying me for a long time. Problem is I never to get to take some footage and/or pics of it and sit down and try and identify it as it just appears for a few minutes and is off again - over and above the fact that I've only seen it about 3 times.
Well, anyway got into the working thing and Andy started on sorting out the stack of job applications. We got nearly 10 just in the 3 weeks I was gone. Reading them just brings home the amount of trained people there are in this town, ranging from the construction industry to food & beverage & hotel industry. Many of them did their university diplomas, certificates etc at the Ugandan universities.
Having coffee and checking out the latest bird arrivals in the garden turned out quite productive once again. I've been hearing a bird call on a very regular basis that sounded very familiar nad similar to what I've heard at Kembu in Nakuru, Kenya - well, a Grey-capped Warbler showed itself! (saw it the first time at Kembu) Very happy with this as it added another bird to my Rwanda list and according to Andy he hangs around quite a lot in the hedge in the back garden - very typical of them to be in the hedges.
Then, another little black and white bird appears near the warbler and its one that has been mystifying me for a long time. Problem is I never to get to take some footage and/or pics of it and sit down and try and identify it as it just appears for a few minutes and is off again - over and above the fact that I've only seen it about 3 times.
Well, anyway got into the working thing and Andy started on sorting out the stack of job applications. We got nearly 10 just in the 3 weeks I was gone. Reading them just brings home the amount of trained people there are in this town, ranging from the construction industry to food & beverage & hotel industry. Many of them did their university diplomas, certificates etc at the Ugandan universities.
Monday, May 01, 2006
Labour Day
A quiet day here at home today. Thats more than I can say for the community though, it was party day again - celebrations for 1 May.
I told Andy and Claude they could go to the celebrations (I only found out about it last night). Andy ended up going but Claude said he doesn't go to celebrations (I think this can be translated as he doesn't go to celebrations when he's working)
Anyway, Andy came back and said that everyone in town had been represented in a march past in the Ruhengeri, sorry - Musanze stadium including all the hotels etc. He met Joseph (the ex-Ruhengeri council surveyor) who asked why we didn't join. Apparently Andy just replied that it would hardly make sense at this stage when there's only 3 of us at this stage - maybe next year.
Meanwhile I had settled down at home with the pile of slides that need sorting. All files, frames, viewres, markers and mini light table was out. A bit of a holiday for me when I don't spend the day in front of the pc (joke!) Found (or rather re-desicovered) some really good shots of France, Cornwall and the Mara. Time to get this all sorted so I can start selling them again.
Early evening was a movie that Andy had got - "Sweepers" with Dolph Lundgren and Ian Roberts (SA actor) about the guys lifting landmines in Angola. Pretty good.
As normal, the power is off now which seems to have become the time for me to do this blog before the power runs out.
The weather wasn't that cold today but we did have the obligatory quick shower at 5pm and now its all cleared up.
Ah, the new old-style mincer - we took that out of the box today and was going to use it but realised we would need to give it a good wash first - pretty well oiled at the moment being all new. We'll probably give it a spin tomorrow.
I told Andy and Claude they could go to the celebrations (I only found out about it last night). Andy ended up going but Claude said he doesn't go to celebrations (I think this can be translated as he doesn't go to celebrations when he's working)
Anyway, Andy came back and said that everyone in town had been represented in a march past in the Ruhengeri, sorry - Musanze stadium including all the hotels etc. He met Joseph (the ex-Ruhengeri council surveyor) who asked why we didn't join. Apparently Andy just replied that it would hardly make sense at this stage when there's only 3 of us at this stage - maybe next year.
Meanwhile I had settled down at home with the pile of slides that need sorting. All files, frames, viewres, markers and mini light table was out. A bit of a holiday for me when I don't spend the day in front of the pc (joke!) Found (or rather re-desicovered) some really good shots of France, Cornwall and the Mara. Time to get this all sorted so I can start selling them again.
Early evening was a movie that Andy had got - "Sweepers" with Dolph Lundgren and Ian Roberts (SA actor) about the guys lifting landmines in Angola. Pretty good.
As normal, the power is off now which seems to have become the time for me to do this blog before the power runs out.
The weather wasn't that cold today but we did have the obligatory quick shower at 5pm and now its all cleared up.
Ah, the new old-style mincer - we took that out of the box today and was going to use it but realised we would need to give it a good wash first - pretty well oiled at the moment being all new. We'll probably give it a spin tomorrow.
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