Day 1

*My very good friend from undergrad (Carmen) and I got the opportunity to intern with the World Health Organization in Rwanda this summer. I dared myself to start a blog (I HATE writing) so this is my attempt. I hope you like it*

We arrived in Kigali last night, at about 8pm. My first impression when I entered the airport was "It is really quiet in this airport. Is there a sign that says no noise?". I am used to entering Kotoka Airport and dealing with the prolonged immigration line, excessive noise and chaos at the baggage claim. The electricity went out twice whilst we there..Carmen looked at me and said TIA (This Is Africa). We left the airport within 20minutes of arrival. The drive to Carmen's Auntie's house was also really quiet.

We spent last night jet-lagged with nothing to entertain us (except the one episode of Unnecessary Roughness and Real Househusbands of Hollywood). The mosquitos did a good job buzzing in our ears all night long. We doused ourselves in mosquito repellent and tried to sleep--that didn't really work out. It was really hot and we were afraid to take off the covers because we didn't want to get bitten by mosquitos. We couldn't open the window because there was no netting so we just eventually fell asleep 6:00am and woke up at 11:00am to start the day.

Rwanda is BEAUTIFUL!!!!!!!! The scenery this morning was breathtaking. The weather was just right--enough sunshine to make you smile and a cool breeze :)!
We hit the streets this morning with Carmen's cousin. We ended up taking the local bus (taxi as they call it here). It was an experience on its own. People could tell we were foreigners and kept looking at us funny. This one guy turned around, looked at us up and down and rolled his eyes. I was informed that Rwandese were not as friendly to foreigners so I was prepared for that.

Our first stop was the American Embassy. Everyone was soo friendly to us--the first time today. I couldn't contain my happiness. After our trip there, we made our way to the WHO office, where we will be interning till July. We met all the staff members from the different teams and went on a tour.

It really has been a long day, trying to find our way around the city and all. We finally have internet!! I have never been as excited to get reconnected to the world (though it has only been 2 days since we left America).

Stay tuned!!