By Eliza J
Although our time in Uganda was spent with amazing people, food and unique cultures, we are excited for new adventures and where our journey will take us. Early this week, we finished our time in Uganda with new friends and local communities during our three day hike and canoe on Lake Bunyoni. Over the course of our three day adventure we spent the first day paddling in our dugout eucalyptus tree canoes, stopping in between for passion fruit juice and lunch breaks until we reached our homestay with the generous Mama Bena. Although she spoke not one word of English she made us feel right at home. After our long hike the next day we rested on Tom’s Island and listened to local music and ate some homecooked food our main dish that was perfectly seasoned crayfish caught locally on the lake. After a goodnight’s sleep in our tents we had to say goodbye to our trusty guides and friends and began our trip across the border to Kigali.
Arriving in Rwanda was quite shocking to see the difference in quality of life and modernization of the capital city. Our time here was spent exploring the city and enjoying the comforts of urban living. Although the pleasant lifestyle here was a nice change of pace we also learned and reflected on the cultural conflicts that have surrounded Rwanda’s recent history. Despite the events that have created a darker image for the country of Rwanda the resilience of its people to forgive and see the better tomorrow have been moving and aspiring qualities to see. To see a society that has endured so much and still has the ability to see the good is amazing and i look forward to learning more from the communities here.
