Dan Rather said that, and I find it's true of me. Long time eh... I'm hoping to be more regular, after I get back from winter break. I'll have a few videos for you as well. Sorry for the delay:
It’s been a good entrance back by all means. Great reconnecting with friends, excellent seeing Trina after a few weeks without her. Renewed energy, and getting settled back in to a newer community of people, which makes for a new experience of Burundi in many ways. The constant is our Burundian friends, and family. Since coming back, I’ve found things in Burundi to be much the same. But I want to point out some improvements by making a list:
Some roads have improved.
A few new buildings.
A new Indian Resturant.
I thought there would be more, but I’ll keep thinking. Burundi is sort of like the Shire, if change comes at all, it comes slowly. I’m not angry with Burundi. It’s just that improvements come slow. The government seems to be corrupting quite effectively, which is tiresome. There has been a perpetual gas shortage, and people are not going to work… which is new. It’s part of the slippery slope I didn’t see coming. When there is no gas, people decide not to go to work, because they don’t want to take the few taxis that are running… price gouging, long lines, etc… it makes sense. I’ve not seen that happen before. To this extent
Natural Gas shortage
Petrol Gas shortage
The shortage list is pretty short too, which is nice. That’s the shortage list from this last month or so possibly two. Though I here today that there is both petrol and natural gas. It’s funny when you think about driving into a gas station, and the attendants come running out shaking their finger at you, implying: “how dare you drive in here hoping to get some gas… get out of here.” I debated with a gas attendant for about 2 minutes on why he should sell me some gas that I know his boss has, and is saving for his boss’s friends and family, and people his boss wants to do business with. The attendant called for backup, and two attendants chased me off the lot. I’ve seen only three abandoned cars, and I’ve seen many pedal bikes pulling motor bikes who’ve run out of gas. Several friends have been stranded with no gas. My friend Val waited in line at one gas station for 8 hours for fuel…And I have a few friends who can’t cook because there is no natural gas. They told me they’ve been just eating fresh foods, and making dishes that don’t require cooking. I’m giving them huge creative points. It’s a good “end of the world” exercise to see how long you can survive without power, electric or gas. One must always roll with the punches. Here is a list of things Burundi has “run out of” since I’ve been here.
Gas
Natrual Gas
Sugar
Coke
Tonic
Fanta Citron
Fanta Orange
Fish
Chicken
Beef
Electricity
Water
I’m sure Burundi has run out of more items without my knowledge. But those items have resulted in fun conversations with locals, as when I discover that There is no “______” in the country, I always ask them, why they think that is, what has happened, and who do they think is responsible? I’ve gotten Great answers. One guy told me Congo, has taken all the fish in the lake. Another guy told me, that all the cows have died, or been killed because of too many wedding celebrations, and we have to get more from another country. Good stuff. Most of the time people tell me they don’t know why there is a shortage, and they don’t know when they will have more. I don’t mean to take this lightly. These are serious and unfortunate problems. I’ve not seen Burundians get super upset about these things, but I imagine a few of them may. I’m not bummed this time because I filled up my car at the right time, and Trina and I have yet to run out of natural gas. So this shortage I haven’t really felt. I guess I just can’t get over shortages recently. I wake up thinking about it, and go to be thinking about it. I don’t want to know the real answer, but I know it has something to do with money, power, and corruption.
To finish, some firsts in Burundi:
Ultimate Frisbee with cows on the pitch the entire time.
Frisbee golf with choice friends
Trina’s homemade ice cream
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
2 comments:
sorry i missed ya'll while you were here. These are very full days with kids and being in people's daily lives. You two are terrific however. God bless you for your service even when all things are run out and you are training for the "END TIMES".
Seth! I always enjoy your commentaries on life. thanks for sharing. :-)
Post a Comment