So, yeah, that last post on the Gorillas took a while to do, and get done. But it was worth it! Please read that first before this one...

This is Easter weekend, so I decided to take a trip for a few days to Gisenyi on Northern Lake Kivu, literally on the border with Congo. It is a chill, beach town with some Belgian influence. There are some enormous houses here. I have heard that a lot of the wealthy Congolese have houses here; I haven't yet independently confirmed this! Give me some time...

I was here only briefly in Jan during my Gorilla trekking, and stayed in the more resort-ish town about 6 km south of here at a true resort called Paradise Malahide. From when I got off the 4 hour bus ride from Kigali yesterday, I just knew I was going to like it here. It is divided into an older, suburban town and a true African town with businesses, markets, etc. I was originally going to stay at a hostel near the beach, but the government took over that whole area for an event yesterday and today, so my reservation was cancelled... Ahhh, Africa. No worries, though; I found another hotel in my price range a few blocks away from the Congo Border.

I have been here for a little less than 24 hours, and already love it! It has a cool, beach vibe to it. There is a public beach, with coarse sand. Some say that one should not swim in Lake Kivu because of the risk of Schistosomiasis (aka bilharzia), a parasite that lives in snails that can enter the human body and cause liver and bladder problems. From what I have read, and from what others have told me, there is a low risk here. You can always have your schistosomiasis antibodies checked every few months, and take post-exposure medication (praziquantel) 2 months after exposure. So, I am covered, I think. The water is somehow clear, and perfect temperature. I went for an open water swim this AM, and felt amazing!

There is also a cool coffee shop serving California style food and drinks. They even have their own garden in front of the restaurant. Even the decor is awesome! The two Californians ex-pats that run it get it. I have been looking for a place like this for a while! Kudos to Allie and Stasi for a cool, chill spot.

Being Easter, and a practicing Catholic, I will find time to go to mass tomorrow, likely in French or Kinyarwanda. And find a good Sunday brunch. As far as the rest of the weekend, reading, relaxing, swimming, and, as I am known for saying, "Just chillin'!"

Until next time: Love Life, Enjoy Liberty, and Be Happy!

Craiger