Rainforest, Tropics, ...
Trip Start
Apr 15, 2009
1
11
Trip End
Ongoing
Lubutu, Congo - The Dem. Repub.
Tuesday, March 9, 2010
After my arrival in Kisangani (with a Red Cross plane) I stayed there for a couple of briefings with my predecessor. Kisangani used to be called Elisabethville, correct me if I am wrong, but anyway it's obvious that it was an important mining town (gold, diamonds,...) during the colonial era. There are lots of lovely houses that are now slowly falling down and in serious need of repair. It is sooooo much nicer than Kinshasa. Well, you would be hard pushed to find something UGLIER than Kinshasa.
Went to a disco whilst we were there and was happy to hear a couple of songs I recognised from Niger. Also had a drink at the "beach" (bordering a lake). I need to start liking beer as it's the only thing people drink here!
On Saturday we made our way to our final destination by car, on tarmacked roads, thank goodness. We had to pass a couple of little checkpoints and at one of them there was a cow lying by the side of the road. I asked if it was dead and the man said, no it's just tired! Animals to be seen here are little pigs (very cute after complete absence of them in Muslim Niger) and goats, but not as many this time. Oh, lots of burning ants that sting though. Apparently someone got evacuated because of this. Hmmm.
Stopped off in the middle of the jungle to eat in a tiny restaurant, underneath the ubiquitous Manchester United poster. Locals here often call us MONUC after the UN mission in the Congo (that's the only whites they have seen so far).
Lubutu is a beautiful place, in the middle of the rainforest, with palm trees and loud insects all around. The houses are made out of mud and wood and we are housed in a (brick) convent. No electricity here so we use a generator which cuts off at 11 (12 on Saturday) pm. No flushing toilets either!!!
Luckily the administration part of MSF in Lubutu is based in the hospital, and there is a little CRENI here as well, so I am very happy that I get to see the daily operations. Apparently we can observe people operating - I am definitely signing up for that.
Luckily there is a good internet connection so I will be able to keep in touch on a regular basis.
Haven't learnt any Swahili yet apart from Jambo and Samba (good afternoon), so I'll just say bye bye,
Emma
xx
Comments
Glad you're happier. It seems as if you'll learn loads of new things here. Operations? good grief, Oh, I remember, you thought about nursing at one point, so I suppose that ties in. Don't get carried away, you'll not get to practice on us when you get back, unless we see a certificate first. ( a relevant one that is)
Pat
xx
It was great to talk to you on Sunday and hopefuly we can see each other again soon. Oh, you'll be too busy watching Rufus....
Hi Emma, hope things are going ok. Lynn and co. were here for Easter, painting and rolling eggs, and we had an egg hunt just like all these years ago in Luxembourg.I'm aware that this will not have been an option where you are, but I just wanted you to know that we are thinking about you lots.
Ethan was 3 yesterday, so that means that it's been 3 years since Fiona & Ally got married, hmmm, doesn't time pass. We gave him a Knight's Outfit, complete with sword, shield and breastplate. He's demolishing whatever is in his way and the dogs run for cover, well Tommy tries to but he's a bit slow nowadays. Talitha is happy to be a Princess to be 'rescued' by her Knight. It's very funny. Rebecca just doesn't know what to make of it all, she's only interested in dogs and horses.
My treatment is going just fine, 10 down, 5 to go. The downside is that my travel insurance premium has shot up. Hey Ho, small price to pay though in the scheme of things. Radiotherapy seemingly stirs up all your red and white blood cells. they fight each other for supremacy, a bit like politicians!
Looking forward to seeing you all soon. Bruce is actively trying to sort out how we can get there, where we can stay, and how we can get around if we end up flying. All in a day's work for you, but for us older ones, not used to roughing it, it's a shock to the system.
Lots of love from
Pat & Bruce et al
x
Aaahhhaaaaaaa!!!!!!!!!!
I don't believe it!