The 25th Meeting on Friday 6th July 2012, of the International Women’s Association was attended by 9 members and guests. Mrs Morizono’s talk on RWANDA was most informative and the computer photographs were wonderful.
Mrs Morizono explained that she was not too keen on visiting Rwanda after hearing negative stories of genocide and seeing the movie ‘Hotel Rwanda’. Also, Mrs M wondered if she would be able to endure the travelling time to this central African country. Travelling from Japan to Amsterdam first and then taking a 9 hour direct flight. There was also the question of the vaccinations that were needed for the trip. Hepatitis A/Yellow Fever and because of the side effects from the Malaria vaccine she and her husband declined that one. However, whilst seriously considering this journey of a life time…their friends and connection in Rwanda had bought them 2 tickets for the Gorilla Mountain National Park. (Each ticket costing US$500). So, after a visit to the Rwanda Embassy in Setagaya, Tokyo…they were off!
It was February 2012 and quite cold on arrival at the capital Kigali, Rwanda airport. Being a very small central country of 10 million, 60% are Catholic/Protestant and 1% Islam and other native religions.
Tea and Coffee is produced and exported widely. The eco-tourist Industry is growing and there are so many visitors now to visit the Gorillas at the Gorilla Park, that only 80 visitors are allowed each day in parties of 10 each and only in the mornings for 1 ½ hours for each group. There are now 700 Gorillas living in the Volanos area between Uganda, Democratic Republic of the Congo and Rwanda.
There were certain rules to observe during the visiting time 1. No eye contact 2. No flash photography 3. No coughing to keep germs at bay 4. Should the Gorillas approach, quietly walk away.
It seems that through DNA research these Mountain Gorillas are 97% from the same route as human beings, which separated 8 million years ago.
Mrs M explained that during the tour one of the baby Gorillas came down from the bamboo trees and came right up to touch her knee. She was so moved by this act that she felt like it was being with her own grandson! A most wonderful experience. The Silverback Gorillas were so fascinating to watch and be with.
In 1994 1 million people 10% of the population were massacred using axes, knives over a period of 100 days of ethnic cleansing. Tensions between the Tutsi clan who were the minority and the Hutu, the majority clan, who came to power in the rebellion in 1958-62.
It is now very peaceful and very safe to walk out alone at night. The cities are very clean and the climate is very temperate with little humidity.
The infrastructural investment is made by China. There are many varieties of vegetables like beans, potatoes, river fish, beef and lots of bananas.
Each day was spent enjoying the amazing countryside and the safari viewing elephants, zebra, giraffe and many more fantastic animals.
IWA thanked Mrs M for her wonderful talk and a very delicious potluck supper was enjoyed by all afterwards.
