Top Ten...

Things We Will Miss Back in Philly

A clean city.  Sigh, Filthydelphia here we come.  No ladies in blue smocks will be cleaning up our sidewalk and front stoop.

Having someone do our laundry!  Need I say more?

A pool next door.  That’s been a wonderful perk.  ‘Course along with the tan, my freckles all came back so it’s a mixed bag.

The easy availability to purchase beer as shown here in the “African WalMart.”

The mountains.  Ok, Philadelphia has a wonderful skyline, but it will never compete with the views around here.

Pineapples.  Sure you can pick these up at Whole Foods, but not this fresh and this good.

Rwandan coffee.   I’ve heard reports that Starbucks sells Rwandan coffee in the U.S.  But no Starbucks anywhere serves coffee with a pot of steamed milk on the side as is done here.

Our furry buddy: ZouZou.  I called him Turvey, but this little guy was adopted by the staff and they called him ZouZou.  Yes, I do so want a cat back home!!

Interesting names.  We’ve met people here named “Jolly” (a woman),” Innocent” (a man),” Zephyr” (a man), and “Sunday” (a man).

All the fantastic people we’ve met during our stay.  I don’t know if I’ll remember everyone, but here goes: Alex, Annie, Beryl, Bryan, Celestine, Dennis, Duncan, Emma, Evoud, Gerald, Gwenn, Jeff, Jenn, Jolly, Jonas, Laura, Maital, Mousa, Nils, Reid, Paul, Priya, Rita, Sam, Stu, Susan, and Viresh. 

To me, the best part of traveling is meeting people.  Yes, I love seeing beautiful landscapes; visiting museums, beaches, mountains; eating new and unusual foods; hearing different languages; and learning about diverse cultures.  But the people -- that is what makes travel worthwhile to me.  People who open their homes, share their food, and let you into their life.  We’re all of course individuals encompassing an assortment of languages, experiences, and backgrounds, but our expectations are the same: we want a safe and happy community of family and friends. 

So as we say goodbye to Africa I wish you all a safe and happy life filled with friendship wherever you may find it.