A Walk In The Countryside

Rwanda is stunning. An Australian friend Simon and his wife (of 4 weeks) Emma have come to do his Medical Elective at the hospital here. So off we all went together for an adventure…a walk in the countryside.

We drove a fair way, and coming across some particularly stunning views decided this was the spot for the walk.

We parked at a small village and asked to use their path along the hillsides. There was much excitement about our random visit, and everyone decided to join us for the walk.

The old lady (an honorary term here) present formally greeted us and asked to have her photo taken with me, our babies side by side. There was much laughter. Then the fifty or so of us set off, our number growing as we passed houses and people. William was a little overwhelmed, particularly as people kept trying to hold his hand or pick him up. He and Hannah were quite a novelty.

At one point an even older lady came out to greet us, and there were huge cheers as each of us returned her hug and ‘Muraho’.

On the way back to the car Simon decided to run ahead, and about fifteen or so kids ran with him. He sat down part way to wait for the rest of us, and the kids all sat themselves in a line in front of him calling out ‘teacher, teacher’ with big smiles. After a minute he realised that there were bull ants climbing on him, so he jumped up and began to brush them off. The kids all pitched in, and between them managed to remove the ants. Then they ran on again in a pack following him with another burst of running.

Meanwhile, when the community found out Tim is a doctor he was asked for medical advice as we walked. A baby with a badly infected scalp (flies buzzing around it) who needs to visit the local health centre, and an old lady who needs a knee operation. She had had traditional medicine used to no avail (evident by the scars), and was still hobbling with a (possibly) broken and swollen joint. When we met a young man who spoke English Tim suggested she needs to go to the hospital for an x-ray, and he replied that they have used traditional medicine and look after their own. We got the idea that she probably would not be brought to hospital.

There were exuberant waves exchanged as we climbed back into the car, and headed home. A very cross-cultural walk in the countryside!