Mashirika

[GMT +2 Rwandan time]

Glad I had the foresight to fill a bucket of water last night. Water was off this morning :op

Walked into work for 9am. The place was being washed, so I sat next door with the Rastas who run a music studio. They have a lovely plaque that says: 

If you can walk you can dance, if you can talk you can sing. 

They also have a massive Casablanca movie poster.

I was sitting next to this really nice Rwandan guy called Simon, who was there to record a track about domestic violence. He also does a lot of work on the genocide, involved in music and films. He’s a casting director and helped out on The Last King of Scotland! Watch out for him in England. He tours universities with his band and is involved with Mashirika performing arts group. He also lives in Remera, so hopefully meet up for a drink some time. 

I asked what the general feeling about Hotel Rwanda was here, and was surprised to hear a really negative reaction. Apparently, it’s pretty inaccurate in that people weren’t saved indiscriminately – money allegedly had to change hands. Bit of a Hollywood spin put on things, not to mention the fact it was actually filmed in South Africa. He’s also worked on a number of other plays and films, including Shooting Dogs and Shake Hands with the Devil, based on Roméo Dallaire's account of events.

Léon went to an all-day meeting and I’m not officially starting until Monday, when I meet the Chair, so I just came home again. I tried to do some typing, but power-cuts made it impossible. Helped Muhammad scan a letter. He’s hoping to transfer to a Deaf school.

So, here I am at home already. Just recuperating from the walk, then I’ll go do some bits and bobs at the shop.

Had a nice time with Philip last night. We went to a bar over the road and had goat brochettes. I also had a savoury banana. It’s weird eating a banana that looks like anything you’d get in a supermarket back home but that tastes really bland, like potato. He’s a retired Barrister from Lancashire. A bit disillusioned with his placement as he’s being asked to write and advise on legislation, and it’s all a bit vague. He’s cutting his six-month placement to three. Going to ask to come back for another short stint in the future, so he can go and prepare the resources he needs. Sort of a consultancy placement. Interesting guy. His son is a self-taught chef who walked into Gordon Ramsey’s kitchen one day and asked for a job! That’s where he ended up training.

*

Home, just in time. Stepped through the door and the heavens opened – major storm breaking.

Just went to the bank! Hard work. They really didn’t understand the concept of international transfers. Had to go see one of the head ladies about it, who was brilliant and knew exactly what I meant. You apparently need a SWIFT code to transfer internationally. You give the code followed by your bank account number, so: BCRW RW RW 5*****9-01-58

They also neglected to tell me in town that I need a cheque book to withdraw money from the bank, and they charge you for that. I had to pay 1,000 (£1) to use a temporary one today. Pain in the arse. Banking here sucks. It takes an age to work out the system and get things done. Then they charge you.

Anyhoo, I took money and bought some more bits and pieces. Discovered ikivuguto is actually quite nice with honey.