A new P.E.A.CE. Team is forming to go on mission to Rwanda in October of this year.
Tourist Traps
From our Rwandan correspondent …
The group of shops right below the Gorilla Hotel which are enclosed with the green fencing is a “tourist trap.” The cost of these goods is four times what you would pay at the local markets.
The group of shops at the UTC building in town is another “tourist trap.” Items are very overpriced with the exception of Bourbon Coffee, a little pricey, but worth. Besides, Bourbon Cafe has free internet access with every order.
Fare is fair.
Get your price quote on any transportation short or long distances up front. It always works out to be cheaper.
Taxi!
From our Rwandan correspondent …
Taxi’s don’t normally charge you for wait time. I have gone to several places where my driver waited an hour and sometimes two hours before I returned. There was no extra charge.
Kinyarwandan
From our Rwanda correspondent . . .
It only took me four months, but I finally figured out the word for “please” in Kinyarwandan. It’s “nyabuneka.” The word is not used very much, but it seems more courteous than saying just “ndashaka Coca-Cola y conge” meaning, “I want a cold coke.”
Tipping in Rwanda
From our in-country correspondent . . .
Tipping is not customary in most places with the exception of some hiher end restaurants in town. For these places, 10% is customary, far different than our 15 to 20% here in the states.
Facial Hair
From our in-country correspondent . . .
Avoid making comments about a person’s facial hair. It’s considered inappropriate.
Personal Sanitation
From our in-country correspondent . . .
Bring soap or wet hand washing wipes in your bag. Most places including 99% of local restaurants do not have soap in their bathrooms. One local man explained it best to me. He said that soap was not something that you find in the average household. It’s usually found in hotels and fancy restaurants. I would agree with him based on what I’ve experienced so far.
Market Price
From our Rwandan Correspondent . . .
For fair prices on market goods, go to Ndolis Market or One Market in Remera. The gas prices are high due to the challenges Kenya is facing right now, so be aware that transportation costs may be higher than you expect.
Le Planet Restaurant
For great African Chai Tea, go to Le Planet Restaurant, located behind Ndolis Market in Remera. They also have a $3 buffet that gives the Novotel $29 buffet a run for their money.
