Leah’s Travel Page

In case anyone comes back to this blog to get info about my Gorilla trekking experience, I just found out that as of July 2007, the price is increasing to $500 in both Rwanda and Uganda. Definitely still worth the money, you won’t regret it! That being said, I’m sure glad I didn’t have to spend the extra $100+ at the time…

Okay, so I’m not in Africa anymore obviously, but I just came back to this blog because today marks one year to the day that Zach, Charles and I were in the village of Nyamasheke, Rwanda, for the 12th National genocide commemoration. I’m sure no one reads this anymore, but I figured I’d post this anyway! I can’t really believe a year has gone by, I’ve only got about 3 weeks left of living in Montreal, and I’m planning on moving to London for grad school next year. Even though I’ll be ridiculously broke, I hope that the proximity of England to Africa will allow me to visit again, because I can honestly say that I miss it sooo much. Especially Rwanda, that country is so incredibly special and beautiful and wonderful! If I could wish anything for all of you it would be that someday you all have the chance to travel there! This year, practically ever essay or term paper I’ve written has been about that part of the world. In the fall, I got into a heated debate with a T.A. about Rwanda during a conference, and she said arrogantly, “Oh yeah, well have you ever BEEN to Rwanda?”, and I (probably even more arrogantly) retorted, “Actually, I have, I most recently returned from there in April!” Hehe, that ended that!

Last night I saw a special on the Rwandan genocide on CTV news. Every time I see these sort of reports, I have mixed feelings, because I know that we get so few news stories about Africa here that they should be encouraged. But on the other hand, the only time we ever hear about Rwanda is with regard to the suffering and violence of 13 years ago. You never get stories about the fact that Rwanda is one of the safest, most well developed, friendliest countries in Africa, with an amazingly well-established and burgeoning tourist infrastructure, and the most unfathomably amazing example of reconciliation I think ever exhibited on this planet. I mean that. There is no malice, no desire for retribution among the Rwandan people. Just a profound sorrow that they allowed this sort of atrocity to occur, and a true and heartfelt belief that harboring hatred for behaviours of the past will only lead to more death and suffering, and they’ve been through enough to know that that’s not worth it. To be honest, I don’t know very much at all about the Middle East, but I feel like many people there could learn a great deal from this tiny country. The people of Rwanda are really a testament to the goodness of humankind. But if you just got North American news, wouldn’t you think just the opposite?

Okay, well this wasn’t going to be a philosophical rant, but I guess it is now. I hope you’re all doing well, and hopefully I will resume my travels soon to be able to add more real stuff to this page!!

Peace out, homies,

Leah