The last week has been a whirlwind of goodbyes and hellos. My last day of work in Kigali was last Friday and I had to say goodbye to a lot of wonderful people that I had just gotten to know. I also said goodbye to a beautiful city nestled in the Rwandan hills. On my last day there, I took a walk into downtown and took some final pictures of Kigali.
On my way back to DC, I stopped over for one night in Brussels - just enough time to say hello to some good friends who came in from Switzerland and the Netherlands for the weekend. Below are a few shots of our day together, which Tamara and Erik started off brilliantly with an order of make-your-own mimosas to celebrate my PhD and Naomi's recent marriage.
After a wonderful 24 hours, I had to say goodbye to them, too.
Once I arrived in DC, I got to say hello to my husband, Brian, and my friends and colleagues. Then, I got to say goodbye to Brian as he had to go to Kenya for a few weeks of work (at least). Quite a revolving door of people in and out of my life.
Now that I am home, I can say that I am mostly enjoying it. Unfortunately, the house is under renovation so it is a complete chaotic mess but its still good to be home. Over the last few weeks, I have thought about many things that I was looking forward to getting back to (other than the obvious friends and family). Some of them may surprise you:
Brushing my teeth with water from the tap
Once I arrived in DC, I got to say hello to my husband, Brian, and my friends and colleagues. Then, I got to say goodbye to Brian as he had to go to Kenya for a few weeks of work (at least). Quite a revolving door of people in and out of my life.
Now that I am home, I can say that I am mostly enjoying it. Unfortunately, the house is under renovation so it is a complete chaotic mess but its still good to be home. Over the last few weeks, I have thought about many things that I was looking forward to getting back to (other than the obvious friends and family). Some of them may surprise you:
Brushing my teeth with water from the tap
Eating produce that didn't have to be put through bleach water multiple times
My bed
My bed
Processes and management structures
Charmin
Restaurants that serve food other than pizza, pasta, and goat
High-speed internet
My office with its four walls, ceiling, and door
Results the Gym
Good wine that doesn't cost $30 a bottle
There are also some things that I really miss about living in Kigali:
The weather
The weather
The weather
Schola, my housekeeper
Being inspired by the Rwandan people
The complete lack of domestic responsibilities
Did I mention the weather?
Pineapple
Of course, the weather
The twinkling lights of Kigali at night as seen from my apartment balcony
Restaurants that serve food other than pizza, pasta, and goat
High-speed internet
My office with its four walls, ceiling, and door
Results the Gym
Good wine that doesn't cost $30 a bottle
There are also some things that I really miss about living in Kigali:
The weather
The weather
The weather
Schola, my housekeeper
Being inspired by the Rwandan people
The complete lack of domestic responsibilities
Did I mention the weather?
Pineapple
Of course, the weather
The twinkling lights of Kigali at night as seen from my apartment balcony
Thanks to all of you who followed me on my journey to Rwanda. I hope you have enjoyed the trip. I say goodbye to you for now but hope to see you on my next adventure.
