24th of February, 2018.
Hitchhiking in Rwanda: Gisenyi
Something around one hours passes and nobody is stopping. The situation is aggravated by the children who keep surrounding me. The cars will not stop if they see all these kids here.
One man approaches me and he is the only one who could speak English enough to understand me. I explain to him about the children and the cars. He explain to them and make they leave. He also try to talk to some friends who could drive me to Gisenyi or let me stay in a Guest House for a cheaper price. But I explain to him that I am not paying for anything. The cars are not stopping. When I decide to walk further away from there, one man comes to me and tells me he has the money a bus ticket. It’s nice of him. Of course I could not accept and leave.
In my way out of the village, people and kids keep walking with me and waiting for me ahead. Even small groups of women, youths and old ones. Why, Loki, why? I stop to have my lunch (two carrots and some raw oat flakes) but even then they don’t let me to eat in peace. After a long time they finally leave and I can continue my walking alone.
It is hard. A steep hill ahead makes me so tired. A fricking UNICEF car passes by and does not stop. What a surprise…
A fancy white pick up slow down and stops. A friendly Indian face tells me he is going to Gisenyi. “Come on in!” ha says. Ah! The beauty of the people it is in their heart. I found that man so interesting because of his kindness. Happy is his name. He is the owner of a big tea farm in Kibuye, and he is going to Gisenyi to have dinner with his sister but before he would meet a friend: another Indian guy.
The house of Sameer is in the property of the Tea Company. An amazing beautiful house, full of plants, flowers and birds. He offer us some coffee, tea or beer. I could say both of three but opted for the tea. It sounded appropriated and I would had the opportunity to prove their product. It is a very good tea, and we have it with some delicious chocolate biscuits.
Sameer is as nice as Happy, with the difference that we talk more with each other than me with Happy. We have similar thoughts and I guess both of us are the kind of people who talk when in a presence of someone new. Very smart man, kind and simple.
Before we leave, Sameer offers me some bananas and after me and Happy take one, he tells me to take another one for the trip. He also gives me the telephone number of some of his friends in case I need some help.
We three leave the house towards Gisenyi.
10 Years Around the World 