Traditions

Kigali is a beautiful city. I've met some of the kindest and most genuine people in the past few weeks. It's not uncommon to be walking down the street and to make a friend in less than five minutes. I've noticed that trying to speak a little Kinyarwanda gets you a lot more patience and understanding.

Mwaramutse = Good Morning

Murakoze = Thank you

Mwiriwe = Good Afternoon

In the end of May, I relocated from a hostel to a new housing complex. My landlord Jean Marie has been so wonderful. He and his assistant Emanuel, have helped turn the Extra Inn to a home away from home.

According to my Rwandan co-workers, the bride price is still discussed in terms of cows and goats. However, in urban areas the modern trend is to exchange money instead. So, I am not certain but the boxes are likely to be either symbolic or will contain small gifts like beer, cola, or small statutes.from home for me. One weekend I had the great misfortune of catching a stomach virus that was going around my office and Jean Marie was right there to make sure I had everything I needed to get better.

During my illness, I was invited to a dowry ceremony that was taking place at the Extra Inn (the bride price is still paid in Rwanda and the dowry ceremony takes place before that marriage). The bride-to-be was very polite and insisted that I attend, however, I didn't want to get her sick, so I watch the procession from my window and snapped a few photos.