A life of one Asian in Africa

I visited the Kigali Genocide Memorial. I had heard about it in documentaries on TV shows and through people, but this time I had an opportunity to take my time useing an audio guide (available in various languages, $20), read the panels and learn. Although Rwanda has had a sad tragedy of genocide, after I arrived to Rwanda this April, I was often surprised by the development and security of Rwanda, which made it hard to find a trace of the tragedy. Some people may consider the Genocide as a thing of the past. However, as I talk with Rwandans in my daily life from time to time, I sometimes suddenly get struck by the stories of some people who lost their family from the genocide. There is a Rwandan mother with whom I often talk with. Sometimes I felt that she was much more cautious and sensitive about strangers than others. I have always wondered why. I realized she too lost her family in the genocide and had struggled a lot with the trauma. The survivors say that they still remember th

  Have you ever heard of isombe? Isombae is made by grinded the leaves of a cassava, cooked with peanut powder and other ingredients. (It's on the right side in the picture.) A common side dish in Rwanda.  It's full of fiber, the peanuts giving it a rich and creamy taste. I realy liked it. I heard that it is eaten not only in Rwanda but also in other African countries. If you come to Rwanda, you should definitely try! By the way, I'll tell you one Rwandan mother's little wisdom. Rather than eating isombe on the day it is made, you should put it in the freezer for a certain period of time (about 1 month) so that the flavors can blend together. It tastes better!

  I went to Kenya last week, which is just one flight away from Rwanda. In Kenya, there is the largest slum in Africa called Kibera. Susan, a friend of mine, who runs a primary education school for children in the slum, showed me around. (There are also guided tours of the slum for tourists for about $30*!) Susan Kibera Slum Kibera Slum The population density is very high. You can see the small houses packed up together. Down in side the slum area, the riverside was covered with garbage  and many stray dogs were napping there. The people living there all seemed to make a living from their small businesses. Here is a picture of a stand for fryed fish. Susan showed me on behalf of the owner. Susan frying fish Then we visited the home of a single mother with four children. I did not take pictures, but the room was approximately 2.5~m² in size,  and it was all of there living space. "This is the living space of most of the people in the slum." Susan told me. As they could not buy

  The language used in Rwanda is called "Kinyarwanda".  It sure is difficult, but there are several basic words for begginers to start with  which I think will come really handy in daily life. (Please note that some of the spelling may be not right. I looked up google translation. Ones I couldn't find, I wrote it down from how I hear it.) Good Morning : Mwaramutse (Sounds like "munga-ra mutse") Good Afternoon : Mwiriwe (Sounds like "Ni-riwe") Hello : Muraho Thank you : Murakoze Thank you very much : Murakoze cha-ne How are you? : Amakuru? I'm fine. : Nime-za My name is ~~ : Niqua ~~ Your name? : Wiqua? Delicious : Biryoshye It was delicious. : Byari biryoshye Right : Iburyo Left : Ibumoso Yes : Yego  No : Oya How much? : Anga-he? / Ama Franga nannga?

Seasons and Climate For people who are interested in visiting Rwanda, I put together some information about the seasons, climate, and things to prepare. Rwanda has mainly two seasons: the rainy season and the dry season.  Local people told me the rough cycle is as follows. April to May: Rainy Season (April is the most rainy month of the year) June to September: Dry Season October to November: Rainy Season December to March: Dry Season (Note: There are seasonal variations) Having arrived in Rwanda in April, I've personally experienced the transition from the rainy season to the dry season. When we hear "rainy season," Japanese may tend to imagine constant rainfall, similar to "Tsuyu" (Japan's rainy season). However, it doesn't continuously rain in the rainy season in Rwanda. When it rains, it comes down heavily, very noisily, but occasionally, the weather clears up. Throughout the day, you may experience multiple cycles of rain and sunshine. Currently, it

  Rwanda is a coffee producing country, so there are many nice cafes! On the other hand, I think you won't see many chains. Here are some of my personal recommendations for cafes in Kigali city. Question Coffee This cafe is located around Gishyushyu (area name). All seats are balcony seats, which is a very relaxing space. Wher I sat,  there was of a large tree in front. Observing the branches swaying in the gentle breeze just made me I feel indescribably peaceful. I had the impression that there were many Western and Asian people. Balcony seats Original cofee Inzora Rooftop Cafe This café is connected to a bookstore called Ikirezi Bookstore. There is also a terrace on the rooftop. The view from the there is spectacular for its elevated location. You can trace the silhouettes of the buildings of Kigali, spot the children playing soccer in the small square  and gaze at the view of "The thousand hills" of Rwanda. The cafe is connected to the bookstore but please note that yo