Last Wednesday we visited Goma, DRC (Democratic Republic of Congo) to check on gorilla orphans that are being housed there temporarily. The border between Gisenyi, Rwanda and Goma, DRC was relatively easy to cross after we bought a $35 visa. Jacque and Eddy, the MGVP veterinarians who work in Congo, met us at the border. The difference between Congo and Rwanda is like night and day. Roads in Congo are very rough and dirty, and the city is crowded and loud, but people were still open and welcoming. We are always very careful when we come to DRC. Our veterinarians know the area well and are always alerted when rebel activity is nearby and dangerous. Today things seemed to be business as usual...
This is downtown Goma.
The black rock is a lava flow from when Nyiragongo Volcano erupted in 2002. It left 2 meters of lava in the town, but was slow moving so nearly everyone was able to evacuate. Goma is rebuilding, and it is interesting to see that some of the shops now have basements that used to be at ground level...These next photos are taken on the road to Rumangabo - things got progressively more rural. It was pretty overcast so we couldn't see the volcanoes well, but this gives you an idea of how the countryside looks.
It has taken me a while to upload these photos so I'll sign off for now. More about Rumangabo soon - the gorilla orphan facility we visited is inside the Virunga National Park, and is beautiful!
Love the photos Jan...lets us see things thru your eyes. I figured you have been very busy, but glad to have you back...missed you! Later, Candi xo
ReplyDeleteLove the information and pics! It really puts things into perspective and makes me appreciate all the things I have. Keep blogging!
ReplyDeleteNikki :)
All I know about the DRC is from reading The Poisonwood Bible. I remember the one character coming back to the States and being overwhelmed by all of the choices in a supermarket. We live with so much excess, in contrast to those who live with so little. There has to be a middle ground, where everyone can have what they need.
ReplyDeleteLoving the blog! Makes me feel like you aren't so far away. I can hear your voice thru the text on the screen. I am so proud of what you are doing. You must be overwhelmed with it all... soon you will be in a routine... then you can blog more!! :-) Lovies, AL
ReplyDeleteHi Jan;
ReplyDeleteYour my first blog. So proud of you and its fun to see and read what your up to.
Keep up the good work.
K