Day 2 Part 1 - Kigali, Rwanda

We were taken on a city tour by our guide, Aime Nshizirungu, a native Rwandian and university graduate in Journalism.

Aime explained the founding of Kigali, pre-colonial period, colonization by the Germans & Belgium, the change of classifications from economic to ethnic, the foundation of the genocide period, and the post-genocide period.  I received a thorough history lesson of Rwanda.

Kigali is surrounded by 4 mountains, the highest being Mt Kigali. Kigali means big.  Richard Kandt was a German physician who settled in Kigali in 1907.  The first neighborhood of Kigali, Nyamirambo, was the settlement for his servants.  This neighborhood is still a sought out place to live today due to its vibrant activity; stores, restaurants, etc. open late.  This is the area of the city that never sleeps per Aime.

Next, we visited the Kandt House Museum of National History; former home of Richard Kandt.  The curator was extremely informative.  The museum strives to represent the evolution of the ground, animals and plants, and to explain the interdependency between living beings and their environment. 

 

 

 

The Unity round about is the center of the city.

 

While touring the center, the Rwanda Genocide of 1994 was discussed.  Last week was the 20^th anniversary memorial services and mourning of the Genocide.  The “antenna” from the hate radio that spread the propaganda.  The Hotel des Mille Collines where over 1000 people took refuge during the genocide; it only has 112 rooms.  It was the basis of the movie “Hotel Rwanda”; but according to Aime, the story was not translated to exact details.  Hmmmmm.

 

 

Our next stop was VERY emotional.  We visited the Kigali Genocide Memorial Centre.  I will let you read about the Genocide on your own. Pictures inside of the memorial were not taken.  You are able to read the development of the class structure from economic to ethnic, the division of the Rwanda people and the actions leading to the Genocide.  You are able to see video of survivors, pictures of the victims donated by families and pictures of many, many innocent children affected by being killed or orphaned.  I can’t say any more because it pains my heart.

 

 

This is a memorial site where approximately 250,000 victims were buried in mass graves; names etched on a wall.  There is still one open grave as remains are still located.

This is where I break for a breath.  Continue on to Part 2 for the rest of the day.