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. 
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!) 
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). 
And my friends always! 
