Bon Apetite

Here in Rwanda, people eat based on need and availability.  Their food selection wanders back and forth between what the can grow and what they can afford (which merely includes rice and beans).  They eat only when they’re hungry and even then, they eat only enough to get them to the next meal.  As you may have realized, this drastically differs from what we’re used to in the U.S. of A.  Americans display an entirely different mindset as we choose from a nearly endless selection of food and gorge ourselves until we’re full.  In this blog, I could babble about the obstacles that accompany the construction process in a developing country, but, as an American, I’m more inclined to tell you what’s on the menu.  The following is a quick rundown of each meal period in Rwanda.

Carbs.

Now for a more detailed rundown of each meal period in Rwanda.

               

Breakfast:  Three courses.

Loaf of Bread (whether you want it or not) – So you’re gluten intolerant? Here’s three pieces of toast.  If you don’t eat all of it, you’re rude.  No tagbacks.

Spanish Omelet – Because it has bell peppers?

Produce Section – More fruits than you can find in San Francisco (pineapple, banana, papaya, passion fruit, and tree tomatoes; the latter of which is not found in San Francisco, to my knowledge)

Short story: A couple of days ago, I ordered American Coffee with breakfast.  After confirming that I wanted American Coffee, the waiter went into the kitchen and, after a couple of minutes, returned with a warm cup of whole goat milk. 

“Thank you” I said.  That’s what I meant by American Coffee.

            Lunch:

Cliff Bars – A word of advice: If you ever purchase more than $30 worth of energy bars, get more than one kind.

Local Surprise – Not an everyday thing and not much of a surprise.  If it comes in a pot, it’s potatoes.  If it comes in a basket, it’s avocadoes.

Dinner:  This is where things get interesting.  Three options.

La Pelloete – Doin’ Italian better than the Italians (in the middle of Africa).

Hotel Bar – Make a mean goat on a stick and stir-fry pizza… if you’re into that sort of thing.

Shaky’s8 – One plate of all-you-can-eat carbs.  Offer potatoes, rice, beans, potatoes, potatoes and potatoes.

As Mazungus (white people) from a first world country, we’re privileged to have been able to experience these luxuries that I’ve just mocked.  It’s been apparent over the past few weeks that most of the families in Cyanika probably couldn’t afford to have these meals more than a couple of times a year (if that) let alone every day for three weeks.  The food is merely a small part of the culture shock that I’ve delved into this summer.  I’ve been inspired and humbled by the hard work that the community members have put forth.  This has been a great experience and is shaping up to have been a very successful one. 

For those of you who were looking for a project update, I will tell you that, of the three sites, Gasebeya and Munini are essentially finished and, after tomorrow, Nyarutosho will be as well. 

Thanks for reading.  Keep checking for more blogs.