Hola Amigos,
Whilst we have time at the lavandria, a good time to bring you up to speed.
Sunday, 15 April - left Nairobi after some delay and flew out to Kigali, Rwanda. Finally arrived, put through strict security and pay for our visa to enter, we were granted entry- just. On the way out in the buses through gate security, one of our member took a photo. Security guard happened to see it, thought he was being snapped - so approached the bus in a very business like fashion. The
"photographer" was sitting next to me- guard thought I took it. Wanted my camera, which I did not have- packed away, since I didn't produce, raised is AK47 ( or whatever), tapped the window again and demanded the camera again. I felt a little pressured to say the least. Finally the "photographer" fessed up showed the guard the camera & the pics. This satisfied the soldier who then allowed us to pass.
But wait, there's more! The bus driver had the need for speed and we had 1 hell of a bus ride for the next hour. Lost count of the number of near headings whilst passing. We did make it one piece in the dark and through very hilly terrain.
Monday, 16 April: spent the day touring 4 institutions run by Marists. The driver travelled much more sedately with the Rwandian president on the road and a big police and army presence. One of the schools a P-12, some classes of kids were in doing classes - even down to Yr4s- as they had not done well on the National tests and were doing makeups. One institution was for the disabled and rehabitation of soldiers back to normal life- whatever that was! Incredible high rate of unemployment. Most walked- other transport was public- push bikes, motorbikes, Toyota Hiaces and larger school buses (35 seaters). Finished the day at the Rwandian Hist. & Cultural museum.
Tuesday, 17 April: packed the buses from our accom and headed back to Kigali where we had a very sobering visit the Genocide Memorial & museum. 1/4 million buried here in mass graves. Very confronting! Finally got the plane with no further security mishaps and flew to London via Nairobi; arriving there at 6am.
Wednesday, 18April: got through border control after 2 hrs and caught a bus to our hotel - St Ives in central London.had our final meeting and evaluation of the Champagnat pilgrimage, said our au revoirs to some fantastic people who became great buddies. Part one over, part two to begin.
Part 2: Thursday, 19 April: set off on the TGV to Paris- under the Eng Channel and 2.5 hrs later in Paris. Got to Paris - Gard de Nord- and we're targeted by a pair of gypsies- trying to relieve us of money in a variety of ways. Freed ourselves of them and experienced the French taxi drivers. Reading the form guide and placing bets whilst driving through the Bastille; then he took on a bus- we did arrive in one piece. Boarded the Francisco de Goya TGV to Madrid. We had a sleeper and enjoyed a sumptuous dinner & brekkie in the dining car. Arrived at Madrid Chamartin at 9am. After another wild taxi ride made Tito our hotel in central old Madrid.
Friday, 20April: got tickets for 2 days of travelling on the open air double decker buses we have been used to in Rome and Paris. Found a 15th century church of St Joseph- where a cappielle of St Teresa of Jesus was situated. Mass happened to be on there-even if it was in Spanish.
Then enjoyed a beautiful paella, some excellent Spanish reds & whites and a rest. Brewed draught beer.
Ready for more!
Only news from home we have heard, Reds lost and Nick ( youngest) made the Sth Qld team to play in Rocky today!
Adios!!
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad.
Location:Madrid
