My day usually starts around 7:30, or earlier if my neighbors decide to play their radio particularly loud. First thing after waking up, I step outside to fill up my shower bucket with water and heat up a kettle to mix in and warm it up.
Around 8 or 8:30 Caitlin and I head out for the half-hour walk to work. If we’re too hungry to walk to the grocery store near the office, we stop by Alimentation Beautiful, our neighborhood grocery store.
Then we set off on the walk from Nyamirambo to town, always lively with people greeting us, cars and motos whizzing by at alarming speeds, and the varied sights, sounds, and smells of morning.
On the days that we don’t stop for breakfast at Alimentation Beautiful, I go to the BCK (Boucherie et Charcuterie de Kigali) in town for a fresh whole grain roll (150 franc = .25) and vanilla yogurt (350 franc = .60).
I arrive at work between 8:30 and 9:00.
I usually spend the mornings working at my desk.
The women in my office have a tendency to wear eerily-similar, matching, or corresponding outfits at least once a week.
Around 12 I head to lunch with my coworkers. Since my first week, we’ve gone exploring and we’ve managed to expand our lunch options to a rotation of three delicious buffets.
After lunch, I teach English classes twice a week. In class we work on pronunciation, listen to speeches and music in English, have discussions on topics like leadership, gender, Rwandan culture, etc., prepare for future debates, and discuss movies.
I leave work between 5:30 and 7. After work I often stop by a shop near our house to buy things like bread, toilet paper, drinks, dish soap, etc…all very reasonable and squeezed into a very small space.
One essential part of my day that I unfortunately haven’t yet captured in photos is stopping by the neighborhood chapati/brochette/tea stand. Stay posted for a photo at some point…
Lastly, although this wasn’t a typical day in the life, here’s a snapshot of my birthday party this past Tuesday night. It was quite festive, with over 25 people, lots of dancing, singing, Primus (Rwandan beer), cake, presents, and general merriment.
That should give all of you an even better idea of what it is I do every day!
HELAINA! You look absolutely gorgeous and SO, SO, SO happy! Looks like year 22 is off to a great start!
lots of love
xx stephanie
Belated Happy Birthday Wishes. The pictures and format of your most recent blog were delightful and informative. the saying “one picture is worth a thousand words” still holds true. Much love, Aunt Shirley
My wife sent a link to your blog, I’ve been reading your posts and enjoying them. Really enjoyed these photos and hoping to see more.
We will be in Kilgali in April, so your posts have been helpful as well as interesting.
Thanks much!
James, thanks for reading – I appreciate it. I’m happy to hear you’re enjoying my blog! I’ll definitely keep more photos and posts coming. Have a good trip next month!