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.