Welcome to the carb mountain and kerosene stoves

So today I finally understood what people were talking about when they referred to the  infamous carb mountain. From left to right dinner consisted of fried potatoes, rice and spaghetti  with some coleslaw and fried fish to break up the stodge. And that was AFTER a lunch of rice, fried plantain and chips. The whole ‘loose weight in Africa’ thing doesn’t seem to be working out all too well! But the food is tasty and there is loads of if, very important for a Walmsley. Talking of Walmsley’s, it seems Ihave a new name; VSO have me down on a particular list as Jennifer Walmsley! Not sure where that one materialised from but watch out for my next identity crisis!

Loved today as it was so full of practical advice. I am now a pro at lighting a kerosene stove, which is a true art given that the matches are just waxed paper and you practically have to set your fingers alight in order just to strike the match. And then there is the possibility of singed eyebrows and setting ones hair on fire, all incidences I managed to avoid on this occasion but which will remain a threat in the first few weeks! We were introduced to the water filtering system which relies upon a large urn like contraption with calcium chalk candles inside through which the water filters.  Just lighting a kerosene stove and discussing water filtration and storage is really helping to adjust our mindset to the slower pace of life we’ll be living and the truth of what it will be like to live in rural areas in Rwanda. Most of us, it seems will have running water and electricity, but these will be intermittent and already we’re being given lots of advice on how to best prepare for this. We have life so easy in the UK;  I’m liking the idea of going back to basics, only buying what I need, getting my kerosene in plastic bottles, preserving water, being practical with what I have. Apparently there are ways to turn your stove into an oven so you can bake break and cakes, and a wooden peg makes a perfect candle holder. So simple, so resourceful.  Quite how the reality of not having things ‘on tap’ (pardon the pun) will affect me is another matter, but so far patience seems to be key. Oh, and always remembering to start cooking before I’m hungry and boil water before I’m thirsty!

So far I’ve learnt that candles will be an essential, Rwandan matches are too short and flimsy, water will be stored in various and multiple containers all over my house, the domestique will prefer to use a charcoal stove, flasks are a great way of creating myself a back up shower and when I ask for kerosene I will be asked if I want petrol.

Another thing I’ve discovered today is that it isn’t acceptable to eat or drink on the street or in public as it is considered to be showing off what you have, and anything you have you are supposed to share. I’ve also discovered that a parent chooses their child’s surname based upon the situation into which they were born , so surnames can translate as son of god or struggle, or something else that reflects a wish or feeling.  Makes tracing a family tree pretty interesting I’d have thought!

I signed my work contract today so I’m now fully committed, though I guess I really was that already. Also had my first Rwandan beer in my first Rwandan bar. So a significant day of mile stones J

The learning process has started and it’s steep but scenic!