Sunday in Kigali

We had a relaxed pace on Sunday.  With only three of the eight Hobsons staff here, we didn't have much planned.  We spent the morning at the hotel catching up on rest.  After lunch our guide and driver from Thousand Hills Expeditions came to pick us up for a short drive around Kigali and some shopping.

First task, change some of our dollars for Rwandan Francs.  The advertised exchange rate is 600:1, but we learned that's only available if you are carrying Benjamins.  Those of us that carry more modest denominations were offered an exchange rate of 580 FRW to 1 USD.

Picking up some local currency

The next stop was an artist's cooperative for some shopping.  On the way, Charles (our guide), took us by the Hotel Des Mille Collines.  This was the hotel where Paul Rusesabagina sheltered over 1,000 people during the genocide of 1994.

Hotel Des Mille Collines, "Hotel Rwanda"

Next up was the artists' cooperative, which was an small parking lot surrounded by a number of very small shops, each with their own pushy shop keeper!  Lots of African masks, carved figures, and traditional basketry.  It became apparent after a visiting a few of these shops that most of the folks here were resellers and not the actual artists.  Still, it was very cool to see some local wares and interact with the shop keepers.

Checking out the artists' cooperative

Back at the Lemigo Hotel, Erin, Stacy and I decided that to venture out for a walk up and down the main thoroughfare out in front of the hotel.  It was nice to be out on foot and moving at a slower pace.

A cobblestone street not far from the Lemigo Hotel

Statue honoring the strength of the women of Rwanda.  This is at the center of a large traffic circle about 1/2 mile from the hotel.

The beautiful hills of Rwanda.  I took this over a fence (you can see the pointy bits at the bottom of the photo).  Apparently, this didn't amuse the military guard down near the end of the fence, who gestured to Erin that I should not be photographing near the fence.  We decided to keep moving.

The national parliament building.  The damage from the 1994 civil war is quite visible and was left purposely as a reminder of the civil war.

Today (Monday), we are off to see the Plan Rwanda office, take a tour of the city, and visit the Genocide Memorial.