Zippers and Pockets

31 January 2017

The romance of travel isn’t always evident by the one currently experiencing it. Truthfully, the romance exponentially decreases with the longer and farther one travels. Flying to East Africa from the west coast is right up there with a dental implant.   (more…)

Three Words – from Kigali Rwanda

30 January 2017

Three words describe my day: SADNESS, FEAR, RESPONSIBILITY.

SADNESS. I follow the informative path through Kigali’s Genocide Museum. Here is the history of the Tutsi genocide and the final resting place of over 250,000 victims. The Hutu, Tutsi and Twa (Pygmy) of Rwanda are all Banyarwanda who share a common language and background. Yet here is the tragic story of what can happen when people believe lies, blame a scapegoat, loose their humanity, and vent their frustration on others. This site honors the memory of the more than one million Rwandans killed in 1994. (more…)

Gorilla Trekking in Volcanoes National Park – Rwanda

27-28 January 2017

Silverback Akarevuro

I visited the Kwitonda family this morning. Within minutes of climbing a fence and entering their forest back yard, I found a large group of mothers and infants gathered around a rotted log having a picnic of mushrooms. The mothers ate; the infants clumsily practiced their vine and climbing skills. Their father and 450 pound protector sat close by expressing his pride and approval. He is responsible for 28 members of his extended family and I was fortunate to spend an hour with them. (more…)