Thursday, August 28, 2008

The Top Of My Head Is Sore

Kwa heri

A few days before departure a certain nostalgia came over me already. Several things Kivu will certainly miss him. Some impressions so before leaving.
Lake Kivu first, its majesty, its islands, its constantly changing appearance. It is a panorama that we never get tired. Especially at dusk when the output of large canoes, or early the morning light of the residence. The lake or going swimming every weekend and watch the cormorants, otters and kingfishers. The Congolese children, their dazzling smile despite the misery, their constant greetings throughout the road, their enthusiasm for the photos. friends and other friends Congolese expatriates from various organizations. Many of them have already gone to other places, for other contracts. Bienvenu, a small Congolese beautiful smile. Sporty, reliable partner for diving and swimming (rare for a Congolese). Former street child who has had many adventures, anyway philosopher with a big heart. IRC residence (house # 2) I have long shared with Isabelle, a young Cambodian-American who became a French friend. Good meals together (especially Asian food) and also the delicious dishes from our chef Jean-Marie (ah fries, Belgian waffles and pancakes in the morning). Our two older dogs Ben and Makala. The garden where I managed to grow some vegetables (and even arugula and endive) with the help of our gardener friend Peter. fruits, vegetables always available. The passion fruits, mangoes, avocados and strawberries small Kivu
... The sweetness of a climate almost ideal (hot day, cool at night) and the beautiful landscapes of this region. The colonial architecture of Bukavu, or what is left. The large gardens or grow all kinds of tropical flowers or other (especially those bordering the lake). The Congolese music eventually, ubiquitous and catchy. Congolese love to dance. And religious music from Sunday morning, the beautiful songs in Swahili from multiple churches in Bukavu (all denominations). Yes I have nostalgia for the Kivu despite the poverty, war, insecurity, rampant corruption, poor governance, impunity elites, violence against women, many shenanigans. And sometimes the feeling of being right in the middle ages (the campaign). The Congolese know despite all this to show great resilience and enjoy life. For resourcefulness (Article 15) is a way of life here. A lesson for us, inhabitants of richer countries, supposedly more developed, which we tend to forget the basics.

Friday, August 22, 2008

Fred Meyer Airsoft Guns .

Back in the highlands

I returned for a final time last week in the highlands of Minembwe and Itombwe. One last visit before my departure DRC. It allowed me to settle some construction contracts and in particular the work of Emergency Health Centre Bigaragara. Also improvements to our base Mikenga and in particular a new toilet and shower (not a luxury - see photo of the existing). It was a chance to see again the beauty of this region and to see friends there. I had gotten on a flight chartered by Air Serv (with a load of drugs) after trying, unsuccessfully, to achieve a MONUC helicopter. Here you see the unloading of drugs in the joy and music (thank you IPod!)
I show you some more photos of this beautiful region. dikes and canals made by many gold miners in the region. Bush fires caused by people for pastures (an environmental problem) There's a lot of livestock in the highlands (mainly cows).
Habitat traditional Banyamulenge
And my friends always!

Wednesday, August 20, 2008

Best Cpu Thermal Grease

Congo Goodbye! The dhows

Just a quick note to inform you that I will fly soon to other heavens ... I accepted a new contract in effect in Sri Lanka with the International Federation of Red Cross. I leave the DRC on August 30 for Geneva. Then I spend a few weeks in Canada, the time to do the medical examinations, receive some vaccines and resolve the visa formalities. I should be in Colombo to October 1. I intend to continue this blog there or create a new one. I'll keep you posted.

Sunday, July 27, 2008

Bulma Wants Goku In Love



The dhows (or dhows in French) are traditional boats from the east coast Africa. These wooden ships, more or less tonnage, and rigged with one or two masts, each carrying a sail trapezoidal called Latin. These boats have been popularized by the Arab sailors in the Indian Ocean. They are found in East Africa, from Somalia to Mozambique. The best known are probably those of Zanzibar. A Lamu dhows are generally quite small and have only one mate. The crew consists mostly of two or three people only. They are built (and repaired - above activities caulking) locally in Lamu and Shela same. They are used for fishing, transporting goods and construction materials (sand, coral blocks, cement and other items) but also passengers. Traditionally sail, they now often use a booster engine. The Lamu dhow generally has a square stern (or table) while that of Mozambique, much larger, has a tapered stern. It seems much more elegant. For several years he was imported to Lamu and is now manufactured locally. It is used mainly for weddings and rides for tourists. A dhow cruise is also Part of the activities required of any good visitor to this island. It is particularly pleasant to drift gently in the evening by watching the mangrove plants tailors coral or sunset on Lamu.

Monday, July 21, 2008

How To Make Ballerina Shoes Out Of Gumpaste

Shela Lamu Lamu

Shela is a small village near Lamu. I lived there during my stay on the Kenyan coast. A friend had recommended the MSF or a house I could rent cheaply a nice room with a bathroom and a large balcony overlooking the sea

In fact
Hamid, the owner, rents 3 rooms on two floors and lives below. Like most of the time I was alone (the tourist season just starting), I could enjoy both floors and a small kitchen (under the makuti). A very nice location, right in the village.

Shela was originally a traditional fishing village or Swahili dhows were built. His character has changed somewhat with the arrival of wealthy foreign tourists (mostly European) who have purchased or built homes.


However the place has retained a certain charm with its labyrinthine streets, cats and donkeys, its carved doors and architecture that respects actually quite well the character of the place.


The mosques are numerous and one of them has a unique domed minaret. He recalled m'ad'ailleurs I photographed a mosque in Yemen.


The repair and construction of dhows are still part of local activities. We can observe several artisans at work on the beach.


The great attraction of Shela probably lies in its deserted beach about 12 km long, bordered by sand dunes. You can walk freely without almost never see a soul.


Only donkeys from time to time (loaded with sand), cows (yes) and even a few camels. And even turtles that were brought from the nearby island for the purpose of marking and identification.


At the beginning of the beach you can observe a kind of medieval fort, which I soon learn, is actually the private residence of a wealthy Kenyan who (despite appearances) has been built recently. A rather surreal!

Opposite Shela (on Manda Island) you can see several homes imposing architecture rather eclectic.

Some will say that these are houses built for wealthy foreigners, French industrialists, bankers, English or Italian directors. These houses have a private beach practically. In closing here is a picture of Shela but seen from inside the island.