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.
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