BURUNDI June 30th 2011
The Air Brussels flew over the Greek islands, the Sudan, over the Nile, over mile upon mile of dessert with little islands of rocks desperate to stay above the shifting sand. Of course it is pitch black upon arrival in Bujumara yet excitement is tangible. The small airport is on the outskirts of the capital, Bujumbura. The terminal has intricate roofs and domed metal structures that resemble astronomical observatories. It is the kind of place that seems designed to say here you leave the past behind, the future has arrived. That point on the map I’d been gazing at for half a year. I am finally here.
Asel met me at the disorganized crowded airport with lights so dim it was a feat to fill out the landing card. I squinted and was jostled by rude Europeans as family members made a fuss over their relatives. An hour later my bike arrived on the carousel. It was wonderful to be greeted by Asel - be loaded all in his Toyota and meet Asel’s affable wife of six children. She is more outgoing than Asel yet both are hospitable, warm and generous. We have a lot to learn in the West. Over an Astral beer and under the stars, he told me about the school, the 15 year war and the somewhat untrue perception of this country by Westerners. I’ll discover truths and untruths for myself. Midnight came fast. I slept hard.
D
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