I’m now in Kinshasa for the better part of this week before I leave for my home visit in the USA. As I get closer to this visit, I anticipate that some things back in the USA will seem odd after a year under Kisangani’s African skies:
- Not enough bicycles on the road. Since the war, bicycle taxis are the primary mode of transportation in Kisangani. There are no stoplights and intersections are controlled by traffic cops Monday to Saturday during business hours. During those times if I am stopped at a light, I am in the middle of a mob of bikes. I see people striking up conversations as they sit on the backs of bikes side by side. When there are no traffic cops, it’s unmanaged chaos.
- Not nearly enough traffic circles. I’ve gotten used to traffic circle interchanges. Congo must be one of the very few countries that allow those entering the circle the right of way. It used to be this way in Rwanda when I first visited, but they’ve since changed it. You see, if you give the right of way to those entering, in heavy traffic people are legally stuck in the circle for hours and hours and have to break the law to get out.
- Driving over 30 mph and significant distances.
- Too much food choice. Kisangani has few restaurants and I am used to the standard fare. Having to choose from thousands of food options… it might make my head explode or cause me to lose my appetite! And few places to get a brochette of goat.
- So much English speaking.
- Dry and cool/cold early spring weather.
- Very little or no dancing in church.
- Winter brown landscapes when Congo is green, green, green all year round and has been from the beginning of time.
The grocery store is what always gives me trouble. Too many choices!
I really enjoy your blog and learning about life in Kisangani - keep up the good work!