Routine

Some people have asked me about my routine- what does a normal day look like for me in Burundi? When I got home last night and was reflecting for a moment, I realized I had had a most wonderful day; and although it hadn't been anything out of the ordinary, perhaps it could have been called a day of ideal routine. 

0730- Wake up. Strong, dark coffee from a press. Whole wheat toast with cheese. Fresh pineapple.  

0830- Watch Le Téléjournal de Radio Canada, news from Québec on TV5 (France morning television).

0910- Arrive at work. Email. Put almost-finishing touches on 2006 Annual Report in French.

1200- Home for a special lunch, to which I've invited Emmanuel and his wife. Eat like royalty. 

1400- Back to work. Email. Skype with Mr. James Perreaux. He asks me if I shower; respond in the affirmative. Even use soap. Feel somewhat homesick. Chat with Antonio on MSN. Should be working. Coffee.

1700- 2 hours to finalize French translation of the annual report with good friend Jean-de-Dieu. Completion brings grand sense of accomplishment and relief. 

1900- Skype with Duncan, says there's a power cut at the gym. 

1930- Duncan's proven correct, I'm alone at the gym, exercising by candlelight. Quite enjoyable, actually; nobody is around to see my profuse sweating. A choir practices next door and makes me very glad to be in Africa.  

2030- Leave the gym when the candles burn out. 

2100- Home. Shower. Warm up dinner of pasta with fresh fish. Paul Desmond on the stereo (thank aloud Mr. Daryl Alford for the iPod and Benedikte for the stereo). 

2200- Read a chapter of Sa Majesté des Mouches (The Lord of the Flies).

2300- Not entirely abstemious nightcap while catching TV5 Africa news.  

2330 or so- Collapse in bed. Reflect on enjoyable day. 

of sushi and instability

i'm still alive.

even though i dared to try sushi in bujumbura last night, after noticing it was offered at a restaurant i was visiting for the first time. i know- it was a risky move. but duncan made me do it. and i was just a little bit intrigued, to say the least. after all, if it would have been good, my life in burundi would have been forever changed. anytime a nostalgic trip back to vancouver were desired, i could hop on over for a few pieces, and go on with the day in a wonderful state of mind. so, was it good? sure, it was okay. did it merit the two-dollar-per-piece price tag? well, not really, but perhaps on the rare special occasion...

etienne nkurikiye, on the other hand, is dead.

he was beheaded by a group of rebels last wednesday, who proceeded to harvest and steal his potatoes and plunder other houses nearby. the police report that the aim of the attacks was to steal food, money and clothes. this was the latest of an increasing number of violent acts that have been occurring since the last remaining militant rebel group backed out of peace negotiations. two weeks ago the houses of five members of the government opposition were attacked with grenades. on friday the first vice president was sacked, and there has been a major shuffling of appointed positions in recent months. the current situation of political stalemate is sparking worries of a descent back into civil war that has plagued this tiny african nation since 1993.

i think everyone should just chill out, have some sushi, and decide together to stop destroying their beautiful country.