July 20, 2007 –
There’s this funny thing people think about Canadians: that we’re really nice and polite people.
There’s some truth to that. But however nice we think we are, it doesn’t even compare to the people in Rwanda. Though they start off staring at me, a quick wave or “Muraho” and they’ll smile, greet back, ask how I am and even shake hands. Children come running at me, screaming at the sight of a muzungu and fight over who gets to hold my hand. They’ll also scream “Bonjour!” from across the road and up a cliff when they see us.
Rwandans show such immense hospitality that I’d feel guilty for not accepting their offers. Last night, a man who was at the Internet café with me shone a light at the stairs so I could get down to the street safely. The café’s closing was kind of strange too. Around 8:15, all the lights just went out. The computers were still on though so I sat there in the dark, quickly saying bye to some friends. I took that as a sign the place was closing.
Anyway, the man who lit the path for me also offered me a drive home. Home was kind of out of the way for him but he said he’d drop me off nearby. I hesitated to think about it. If I got dropped off at the Papyrus restaurant, it would still be a 20 minute walk in the dark and I wouldn’t be sure where to go anyway. So I thanked him for the offer but said I’ll just take a moto to get directly home. He said OK and I started walking away.
Just a couple minutes later, he pulled up beside me and offered again. He really wanted to help so I agreed. After a stop at his office to grab his laptop, we got going towards home. We chatted about what I’m doing in Rwanda, and why I chose to come here. He eventually stopped by a spot where I could get a cheap moto ride home. He also gave me his contact information to possibly link up a volunteering opportunity. I think he was interested in me being a journalist and having the ability to do public relations work.
It’s important to be weary of offers from strangers when travelling but sometimes taking chances pays off. Rwanda is full of remarkably nice people. I never get tired of shaking hands and talking to them.
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