Almost all Systems Go!

After a reasonably quiet weekend the new week started at a smashing pace and didn't seem to have any intention of slowing down.

At the District Director of Land's office we handed in the final document for the letter confirming building approval. The guy there said that it should be ready by Wednesday and jokingly further said it would be way before we got permission to cut the Eucalyptus trees (anticipated to take a week).

Setting off from here we had an hour and a half before meeting the Agricultural Officer from the Cyuve Sector about the tree cutting permission. Quickly into the bank and then conveniently some of the guys from the Ruhondo (at the lake) community were around so we started the planning for the wood we would need to make the frames for the corrugated iron sheeting "fence" on the roadside border. They can manage to get it cheaper and have the planks cut up cheaper than we can so - the job's theirs. This should be ready in about 5 days.

Off to the Cyuve Sector office, pick-up the Agricultural Officer and the ex-Agricultural Officer from the previous Ruhengeri Council and back to the site. After throwing the plans out on the ground and discussing them for about 20minutes, we were told that it was fine and we could continue with cutting the trees - permission granted. The amount of approximately £16 had to be deposited at the National Bank as the Sector Council fee for this permission. I'm sure my jaw was haning on the ground as everyone looked at me very strangely - I couldn't believe how quick that was. So off again and deposited our £16!

Then Andy phoned the District Director of Land's office and jokingly asked if our letter was ready as we had the permission to cut the trees. The guy there was apparently a bit bowled over and promised it would be asap.

We had time for a lunch with the Chief Park Warden, Justin and caught up on what was going on and also sharing the good news with him.

Andy and I then got into the hardware shops for sme basic tools and requirements to start working tomorrow morning. Very interesting twist again (funny that) - get a price for a pick-axe and you think "Mmmm, not bad at all." then.... it doesn't include the handle which can be bought at the market and there aren't any till Wednesday. I couldn't believe it, our great starting moment was going to be delayed by absentee pick handles!!

Reminding Andy that nothing in Musanze was ever completely "finished" or "sold out", we hunted around the town and found loads, well actually only 6, handles. YES - it was all really up and go now.

So probably about a 7am start and then rock 'n roll. Also the start of my exercise "routine" as I will be putting in a substantial amount of physical labour and looking forward it.