Buhuro, Buhuro

Slow by slow. That was how we made it through this grueling yet incredibly beautiful mountain biking trip along the shores of Lake Kivu.  When we asked Tom how many more hills there were, he said well take 1000 hills, and subtract the number we've done, and that's how many we have left :).  

We started our biking trip at Tom's house (our guide) and met our porter Tuciere. We were thankful that our Tuciere was a former member of the Rwandan national cycling team, carrying extra bags was definitely not a problem for him.  After trying out our bikes and helmets, and of course a group photo, we were off on our 80 km bike ride.  

We saw a side of Rwanda you could never see unless traveling by bike or foot into the rural areas. We saw coffee washing stations and fishing villages and everyone stopped to say good morning (even well into the afternoon) as we went.  There was even a small town where instead of "good morning" all the children yell what's up! at the same time, they have definitely been taught by a muzungu!

We spent the night at Kinunu coffee washing station and were treated to a swim and a great meal.  We were very proud of our long day of cycling yet aware that we had to go all the way back the next day! Although we were slightly stiff in the morning we managed to get back up that first hill and with Patty's new skills in downhill mountain biking we made record time on the way back (well record for us :)). It was an incredible trip and definitely a highlight of our time here.

It was mine and Lauren's last academic day on Monday.  We filled it to the brim with teaching and left just enough time for a quiz that the residents really aced.  It was such a great feeling to know that our teaching had been effective and they had gained a better understanding of some really difficult concepts.  I think we're a really tough act to follow for those coming next month! :)

After a long day we headed to our favorite place, Khana Khazana for one last group dinner.  We were joined by Dr. Jean as well as the staff from King Faisal Hospital, and of course, the residents and staff from CHUK.  We had a great meal and even got serenaded by Eustache and Gaston on the guitar!

Just a few days left here and so much to do! Still working hard on our studies, some difficult cases tomorrow in the OR and trying to squeeze the last minutes out of this month to teach as much as possible. We will certainly need to recharge our batteries when we get back!!

Terri