So I can’t really post anything about the programs here for now but I can (I think) post maybe about how well I’m being treated. I’ve got to post something because I’ve noticed that the number of people reading this has dwindled from around 50 or so to about 5. I assume those 5 consist of my mom, my roomate, and the people at Karisoke who are interested to see if I posted anything about them yet. If you’re really wondering what I’ve been up to or just plain hate to read or are a big fan of travel slideshow reels, you just need to look at my Flickr Page to see what pretty pictures I’ve taken recently. But then again, you wouldn’t be able to read any of my witty banter.
Anyway, I’ve been living at one of the Karisoke houses that are the home to the non-rwandan part of the staff. For the moment, I live with Veronica Vecellio and Simon Childs. Veronica is the program coordinator of the gorilla research program and the house is essentially her home. She’s very kind to me and has been someone I look towards when I have a problem. Simon is a smart-alec British guy who’s in charge of the confiscated gorillas program. He pretty much hangs out with orphan gorillas all day. He’s the man to talk to if you want to go out and have a “night on the town” or else known as going to have a beer at the Muhabura hotel. Weekday nights are exciting here in Ruhengeri.
The rest of my time is spent at the office where I sit in the lobby with my computer or have interviews with the staff. You’ll hear all about them when the interviews are put up.
Luckily enough there have been two other volunteers who are in Ruhengeri during the exact same time as me. Tierra and Clare are two Americans who are working with the Mountain Gorilla Veterinarian Project and they only live a block away. Having people to share the experience who are both new as you are and the same age helps tremendously. Being the only young white girl around creates quite a stir and having other girls around certainly helps deflect at least some of the attention.
However, my main source of company and who isn’t busy at any point in time is Miss. Goma, the house cat. I’ve never met a lazier cat in my life but it suits me just fine because she does nothing else but lie around in my lap all day.
Well, now you know how hard my life is. It’s been a struggle being taken care of so well but I think I’ll survive.
awww Miss Goma is so cute! it’s nice to finally have another post. haha the bit at the beginning about your roommate and mom being the ones checking back was pretty accurate. good to hear that you’re settling in and being taken care of :)
heyyy I’m always reading too :P
It just sound great. All of it. Can’t wait to hear more about your interviews/work. I’m really glad you’re meeting such warm and interesting people :)
I’m happy you have other people to talk to :) Although that cat seems like really good company :)
Snuggly-Whuggly Gomi is indeed, without a doubt, some of the best company to be found in all of Ruhengeri :-) (she beats Simon by miles)
And, mind you, she used to be much more active…much of her modern-day sloth can be attributed to the over-lovings of a certain un-named european scientist who has been, um, overfeeding that poor little kitty-cat like a vegas slot machine.
It is a ruthful fact that most locals now mistake her for a diminuative cow.
:-(
Hi Sarah
I’m actually hoping you can help me. I’m desperately trying to send an e mail to the powers that be at the Karisoke Research Centre in a bid to come and work for a short period in the Gorilla Rehabilitation Program. If you did not mind giving me an e mail address at the centre so that I could forward my letter I would be extremely grateful. I have sent it on to a couple of e mails addresses but i would really love to get my e mail to Veronica Vecellio, Felix Ndagijimana, Jean Bosco Bizimuremyi, Simon Childs or indeed Katie Fawcett. I really appreciate your help and your time.
Best wishes
Caitriona Begley