Today was a busy busy day. I woke up again at 5:30am. I quickly arranged my day back for my a strenuous hike up Mount Bisoke. I also packed several boxes of condoms I brought from home to give to the Kinigi medical clinic. Rwanda, like so may African countries, has an HIV/AIDS problem as well as the lack of contraceptives. Hopefully, the boxe of condoms will be put to good use. The battered boxes were smushed from travel. I had to discard several boxes because I felt the contents were compromised. That would defeat the purpose. 

I have several pictures to post but my pictures are having a hard time downloading. Often, the power flickers and the Wifi takes a while for it to come back, so photos are hard to post during these times. The hike up Mt. Bisoke and Crater lake was incredibly strenuous. We hiked straight up to 12,500 feet gaining 4,000 feet from the start. Five miles up, five miles down. Alfonso was my porter. The views from the crater lake were magnificent. We started at 9:30 and finished at 4:00. The altitude was tough but that’s once we crossed to 12,000 feet. I was winded but after quick stops frequently and swigs of water I was back to putting one foot in front of the other. We arrived at the top at 12:15ish. I had an awesome picnic lunch from the hotel. Ham ‘n Cheese bananas, passion fruit and fig newtons never tasted so good! The hiking group consisted of mainly students and Peace Corp volunteers from the USA and France. The best hiker of the group was a 46 year old woman from Denver, CO. She has been reaching English in Kigari for the past year. She was in incredible shape! But I managed to hang with her as we led to group of 26 up this rugged beast of a mountain. Actually, our guide led and he was led by the National Park spotters carrying guns. 

We came down the mountain fairly quickly and breathing became normal. We arrived back at the parking lot at 4:00. I have hiked a lot of mountains. This hike was the most difficult climb of them all. The Grand and Middle Tetons in Jackson Hole, WY were easier than Mt. Bisoke (3,711 meters.) I’m happy about this accomplishment.

Regis and I then headed to the medical clinic down the road for my special safe sex delivery. I think he laughed at me the whole way there. He said he had never seen a visitor do this before. Oh well. We pulled up to the clinic and there was one man standing outside. We had a language breakdown and I think he was confused why I was there. The clinic was a small one room cement structure with an attached outhouse. There was a Red Cross above the front door. Regis stepped out and explained to the man of my intent. He left and came back with a woman that looked about 12 years old. She was equillivent to a physicians assistant. She was also the mid-wife of the village. She pointed us to go next door and a nurse who runs the Kinigi Health Centre will help us. Regis translated. We met the head nurse after security personnel cleared us. I didn’t catch his name. I handed him a brown bag full of condoms, feminine products and lots of cold and infection remedies. He loved the Airborne bottles. I tried to clean out my medicine bag. It was also nice to unload the maxi-pads and contraceptives I have been toting around.  Regis said I made a good choice on donated items. He said female products and “the condom” are very good gifts to the clinic. What a trip! We giggled all the way back to the hotel. I guess we can find humor in everthing.Amazing day! I’m happy to have a restful evening. I took four Advil. Now, off to dinner!