Wow, I am VERY behind with blogging!

Hello, hello, hello <3 

My goodness, it’s been almost two weeks since I last blogged! Ah! I always have this issue with journals/ blogs etc. where I want to be writing every single day, but often fall behind. Then, once I fall behind with journaling/ blogging, I continue to do so... 

Anyway, it’s been a hectic, but overall good, couple of weeks. I miss home dearly. I miss home SO MUCH actually. 

Kigali is a wonderful place to be, and I am really grateful to be here. Even six months ago, I probably wouldn’t have believed that I would be spending my summer in Rwanda. 

It’s a bit difficult to recall all that we’ve been up to, but here are some highlights: 

1. Work is going well! Interviews, deliverable work, interviews cont. has been our mantra recently. We spend a lot of time looking at data, analyzing data, making qualitative and quantitative comparisons, and then generating a list of recommendations/ suggestions. We also have been trying to solidify our case idea. We had one this morning, but after talking with our professor, realize we are going to have to shift our ideas and pivot a bit. 

2. Exploring Kigali: Kigali Art Cafe, Inzora Rooftop Cafe, Azizi Life, Abraham Konga Jewelry, and Repub Lounge have all become some of my favorite places here. Kigali is filled with cafes and beautiful views galore. I couldn’t ask for more! The city is ALIVE at night, and we’ve enjoyed exploring and experiencing. I quickly realized my idea of fun/ adventure isn’t necessarily the same as either Willow’s or Zodi’s so we’ve all been carving our own independent time, too. It’s is truly very hard to be living, working, and doing practically everything with a small group of people every single day for weeks on end... especially, when you barely know the people you are with and are also pretty different. We are all learning quite a bit about each other. It’s safe to say Willow and Zodi have both been here during some moments I’m not very proud of, and I’m sure the same can be said vice-versa. 

3. Opportunities! Willow and I were able to attend a United Nations’ sponsored conference on sustainable development goals here in Kigali. It was continent-wide so people from ALL OVER Africa were there!!! We talked about what the path to 2030 would look like. I personally learned so much from being there. 

4. Other things! I have been doing quite a bit of work on YIRA UN Partnerships and on Team Gillibrand initiatives, which has brought my heart so much happiness. It is so nice to be able to take a break and work on my own things once in a while. And, it reminds me of home. 

Today, itself, wasn’t the best day. But, that’s okay. I’m living and learning and growing, so it will be alright. I hope. 

Love, 

Ananya 

thoughts part two

being here until mid-July is an interesting dynamic because we definitely still feel the ‘tourist mentality’ of doing and seeing as much as we can... which is probably why our days are so hectic sometimes. but, at the same time, we’re here doing work for weeks. so, we are stabilizing too. 

our lives feel like a mesh of touring and settling, and i kinda love it 

thoughts

It’s not easy being in a very new place with people you aren’t too familiar with. It’s pretty challenging-- more than perhaps I expected. But, it’s good. 

1. At the Kigali Marriott! Such a beautiful hotel. 

2. kwibuka25 refers to remembering 25 years since the genocide... remember, unite, renew seems like such a powerful way of coming together 

3. At Mount Kigali 

3. Mural Walk in Kigali 

Question Coffee masterclass!!! 

1. taste testing

2. their coffee makes me very very very very very happy 

THE WEEKEND

Much of Kigali feels familiar now, which is wild to me because only two weeks ago I was beyond overwhelmed by this city. I find myself in moments-- concerned or afraid-- by particular adjustments we have been making since arriving here, but I truly think it is a growing process. I love the people we have met here-- so warm, generous, and passionate about their work. I feel motivated to try and be more present and happy in the moment, especially when surrounded by locals in town. 

On Saturday, we grabbed brunch at Java House-- I swear, all the employees there are the SWEETEST and know us all so well by now-- and then went over to Question Coffee. We had our masterclass! Betty, one of the employees at Question Coffee, began my explaining how Question Coffee works with Sustainable Growers to give employment opportunities to over THREE HUNDRED THOUSAND WOMEN ARTISANS IN RWANDA. YES, THREE HUNDRED THOUSAND. Betty walked us through the process of producing coffee, and explained every aspect of the coffee supply chain. I gained so much respect for those involved in the coffee industry and small, local coffee shops, especially. Then, we did a lot of coffee smelling and tasting during the masterclass, as well. We left excited, happy, and with coffee beans to take home! Willow and I stayed at Question until it closed, and then met Zodi about a mile away to go to dinner with Chaste-- a recent Yale graduate based in Kigali. Chaste is so welcoming, and we are hoping to spend time with him soon again! We ended our night in Java House (as always!) I wasn’t really able to sleep for a while so I FaceTimed some people back home and did a bit of reading. 

On Sunday, we woke up at SEVEN THIRTY AM!!! So early, my goodness. It’s car-free day in Kigali-- a bi-weekly initiative to encourage activity and wellness-- so many roads were shut down. We had to budget extra time to get to the Marriott Kigali, where we met our GO KIGALI TOUR GROUP. Thank you to our instructor for getting us in touch with Xavi, who is one of the co-founders of Go Kigali! Our tourguide, Eric, is so ridiculously sweet and excited. You could tell he cares so much about Rwandan culture and being exceptional at his job. He introduced us to parts of Kigali that Willow, Zodi, and I had not even thought about going to yet! We saw murals in Kigali, went to a local market, experienced a milk bar, went to a Mosque in an integral part of the Rwandan Islamic community to learn about its key role in history, and were at the top of Mount Kigali ALL BEFORE LUNCH. After looking at the whole city from our vantage points and taking many photos, we ran into a group of local dancers who quickly put Zodi, Willow, Andrea, Stella, and me in their costumes! They were so excited to share their culture with us and Eric let us know that this is the first time this kind of experience has happened on one of his tours! Later, we went to Tamu Tamu for lunch, stopped by Question Coffee, took a boat ride, walked through a smaller village area in Kigali, and went to the Genocide Memorial. The later half of the day was just as impactful and memorable as the former. Lunch, first of all, was delicious. I enjoyed learning about the foods. We also were happy to go to Question Coffee, especially because the staff recognized us AND we LOVE it there. The boat ride and walk through the village were both eye-opening. It was definitely a part of Kigali we had not experienced before and it was interesting to do so. So many little children also came up to us and said hello, wanting high fives. We exchanged smiles too and it made my heart so happy. The children we met were so outgoing and energetic... wow. 

The Genocide Memorial was powerful. And heart breaking. The section about child victims of the genocide was gut-wrenching and difficult to walk through. I want to go back with Willow and Zodi soon to look through the museum in more detail. 

<3 

Ananya 

Past Three Days!

I just remembered I have not been too good about blogging the past couple days. Today is May 31st! 

It’s Friday and we are almost in JUNE!!! Yay. 

The past couple days have been eventful but relaxing. Work is going pretty well so far, and we have been able to set up several interviews, a focus group, and work on editing our first deliverable after receiving feedback from supervisors. 

A couple days ago, we all went back to Azizi Life where Willow and I made earrings! We learned how to weave earrings, which actually took SO long. Almost 3 hours! I ended up making mine and also buying a couple pairs to bring home. 

And then yesterday, after work, we went to the FAMOUS Question Coffee!!! We were supposed to have a master class there but there seemed to be some miscommunication so we rebooked for TOMORROW. I am so excited to harvest and brew my own coffee beans-- my goodness. Bringing them home as a gift for family and friends back home :) Question Coffee is also SO cool because it empowers over 30,000 women in Rwanda through fair trade and employment opportunities. I am very excited to go back tomorrow. 

And then today evening, Willow and I went back to Le Spa to get our nails painted again. I also went to get my eyebrows done and it was the most intricate process ever. I was so surprised. Later, we spent some time at Inzora Cafe and then Zodi and I got dinner at Khana Khazana (just clearly our favorite place in Kigali). 

We all haven’t been feeling fully well-- for one reason or another-- so hoping the weekend is fun and relaxing. 

<3 

Ananya 

1. At Inzora Cafe-- I look exhausted but the view in the photo is so expansive and showcases so much of Kigali 

2. With my candles!!! And, our patient, kind instructor!  

Willow holding up our handmade candles!!! 

And, the beeswax before we began our project. 

May 28th!

It’s officially been almost TEN days in Kigali. We had a pretty solid day today (well some of us). Unfortunately, Zodi has food poisoning and has been rather ill all day. He stayed home for the most part. 

After getting ready, I walked to Java House to meet Willow-- who was already there. I sipped on my beloved Tropical Mix Smoothie and we waited for our lunch to get packed so we could head out to Kepler. 

At work, we mostly were finishing up our graphics for deliverable one and attended a short meeting about complications regarding technology Kepler uses at refugee camps and ITEME prep sites. 

After work, Willow and I took a taxi to Azizi Life which is an awesome social enterprise empowering rural women through an opportunity to teach their artisan skills to others! I worked on making candles. It was a pretty interesting process. I put a piece of string at the end of a slab of beeswax and rolled the wax into four candles! We are going back tomorrow to work on making earrings. 

We had an hour before our dinner plans, so we visited a couple other social enterprise-related shops near Inzora Cafe. One encouraged us to check out their women’s center and cooperative, so we are planning on doing that at some point! We also visited a small chocolate shop near Azizi, where we sampled and eat some yummy homemade chocolates. With still some time remaining, we walked over to Inzora and worked in a cozy seating area for a while before taking a taxi over to Marrakesh where we met with a couple college students studying abroad in Rwanda. 

We had a lot of fun chatting and sharing stories from our first weeks, but food was not too great. Oh well! 

We ended our evening at Java House, again, doing some work and enjoying herbal tea. Zodi joined us, which was lovely, but he is still feeling pretty sick. I hope he feels better soon. 

<3 

Ananya 

May 27th!

Hello, hello-- Happy Monday!!! 

Today, Willow, Zodi, and I had a pretty streamlined schedule. We woke up, went to Kepler and began working on our graphics for the ITEME report, took a lunch break (where we eat steamed veggies, rice, and fried plantains-- a Rwandan classic), worked for three-four more afters in the afternoon and then left Kepler around 5:30PM. 

For dinner, we went back to Brioche! I am such a fan!!! Initially, we were planning to go weave at Azizi Life after dinner but realized it was nearing Azizi’s closing time. So, instead Willow and I went back to Java House and worked there for a couple hours. I got a lot of emailing and some research done, which felt good. 

All in all, a pretty ordinary day. But, to be honest, getting in a routine brought me so much joy today.

<3 

Ananya 

DAY 8!!!

Oh, what a lovely Sunday. I have a habit of going to bed rather late and waking up leisurely on weekend mornings as it is, and it’s interesting to see that while much has changed in Rwanda-- this weekend habit sure has not changed at all. I woke up around noon today (wow, late I know) and read a bit in the living room to start of the morning. Zodi had decided to go to service this morning, so Willow and I were just waiting in the apartment for a while. We both felt really rested and got to take an actual WARM shower today because we decided to splurge a bit and plug in our water heater. Around 2:30PM, we realized we were actually pretty hungry, but it was still raining pretty heavily in Kigali. So, we waited for a while and kept reading but the rain just did not stop today! Eventually, it was near 3PM, and we decided to brave the weather. 

We walked to Java House where I got pancakes and a fruit smoothie. Zodi also got some breakfast foods, while Willow ordered her treasured rice and plantains here. It is honestly so funny how quickly our moods change after eating. 

I pulled out my laptop and started working on some YMUNI emails and mail merging while Willow continued reading. Zodi left to go on a walk and explore a bit on his own, and we continued to work for a few hours. Willow and I decided it would be our new Sunday ritual-- waking up mid-morning, walking to Java, and working/ relaxing/ talking in the cafe for hours. 

I even got to Facetime Mama Kach and Papa Kach today!!! My beautiful parents-- they are so cute and adorable sometimes, my goodness. It was so sweet to hear about their plan for the day. 

At some point, Willow and I started doing some research and found some INCREDIBLE social enterprises in Kigali. I remember hearing women empowerment is a central theme of progress and development in Rwanda, as shown by the female-majority in the country’s Parliament BUT I did not expect to see so many cooperatives and social enterprises focused on training, teaching, and giving opportunities to talented Rwandan women. Willow and I are really excited to go to a craft workshop tomorrow, at Azizi Life. Azizi Life gives opportunities to women in rural Rwanda and has a compelling vision. Zodi texted us in the meantime because he found the Women’s Bakery in Kigali. New York Times raves about this social enterprise, which focuses on education and business skills, and Zodi loved it too. I am looking forward to visiting soon. There are also so many UN agencies here, and other inspiring humanitarian initiatives. Willow and I now plan on cold-calling some departments and offices to see if we can meet or talk!!! Excited :) 

After working and talking at Java for a couple hours, we rejoined Zodi and walked over to a restaurant called Syria in Kigali. I was SO EXCITED to find mediterranean food here. Zodi and I ordered ZATAAR at the restaurant!!! It brought me back to memories from my childhood so quickly, and I thought of Dubai. It is so rare to come by good Zataar back in the states. This made my heart so happy. 

I felt a bit dizzy after dinner, and realized it may be due to dehydration. I need to be more careful about drinking enough water. We spent the rest of the night talking and sharing stories in the living room. Willow and I talked a lot about our childhood and important people in our lives, which got pretty emotional at one point. I genuinely did not expect to tear up and cry during that conversation, but I did. I am happy to have had a relaxing, quiet, and energizing Sunday before going back to work tomorrow. 

See ya <3 

Ananya 

We ended our night at Khana Khazana. Here, I am sitting next to Audrine-- who is one of our awesome, inspiring, and fun coworkers. 

I love bonding with Audrine over Bollywood movies (she’s a big fan). 

Willow contacting Innocent, one of the founders of Inema, and asked if we could come paint in the evening with him. He kindly said yes, and Ella, Willow, and I joined in to paint a canvas while Innocent and Zodi relaxed, talked, and played some music. We had a lovely, relaxing evening. Painting felt therapeutic and made me feel so calm. I want to paint soon again! 

AT INEMA ART CENTER 

All of the photos above are taken at Inzora Rooftop Cafe in Kacyiru, Kigali. 

1. Willow and I on the rooftop balcony area of the cafe. 

2. The VIEWS from this rooftop balcony!!! 

3. My hibiscus tea (tasted incrediblé)

My BEAUTIFUL choc-banana pancake brunch at Brioche today. I almost did not want to start eating it because of how beautiful and photogenic it looked. 

1. Sipping my coffee at Brioche 

2. The design on my coffee reminds me of Maison Mathis in New Haven! Reminders from home :)) 

3. Zodi and I laughing as we post at Brioche. Our server was so sweet and funny. 

4. Coffee, milkshakes, me and Zodi.