Earthquake in Kigali

Minor earthquake shook Kigali in the midnight, twice. I was wakened, felt like someone shook my bed, but I thought was just a dream. But my colleagues who stay on the higher floors felt vigorous shaking. They said dogs in Kigali were howling, many residents ran down to the open space… I was not aware at all. Maybe a volcano in the region will erupt soon.

人在江湖

逐渐体验到人在江湖身不由己的处境。我不耍心机、不计算他人，奈何却未能阻挡暗箭。整个佈局我只是一颗棋子。若我抽身离去将会影响部分的运作令到同事的负担雪上加霜。友说我蠢，何必为公事太执著？我想这是因为自我要求过高及珍惜现状的团体精神。友劝亦应学习如何放手。

Haiti Earthquake

Have been >2 weeks since the earthquake shook Port-au-Prince. The city is left with a huge pile of rubbles, enormous figure of casualty and death toll… Foods are scarce and expensive, no shelter, 5000 prisoners escaped, lawlessness is fostering, the city falls disorder. The calamity has worsened the struggling life of this country - among the world’s poorest.

I don’t know what would I do if the home I built up was shattered overnight, and lost everything. I wouldn’t have the time to re-build what I’d lost. I’m always curious, what keeps these poor people to live their life? Many of them have to struggle for foods, sickness, education and all kind of problems that couldn’t be solved without money. Don’t they feel tired? What’s the meaning of life?

Our Driver Is An Artist

Patrick, one of our company drivers, is a part time artist, fairly well known in the country. Our Client knows him more than our boss. He attracts some fans wherever he goes. He has released a new album recently. Two songs have been uploaded to YouTube.

Burj Khalifa

Formerly known as Burj Dubai, the 828m world’s present highest building officially opened on 04-Jan-10. It’s more iconic rather than realistic. This money burning project doesn’t look so unique, the structure design is not innovative, lacking the elegance of Petronas Twin Towers, can’t beat the gravity defying idea of Beijing’s CCTV building… only tallness is about. For this height, not much can be done on the slim structure.

I’m curious if one would feel swinging on the top floor? How could rescue work be done in case of fire or emergency case? How much energy is wasted to flush the toilet alone? How much time and cost is needed to clean the dust off the glass?

A friend said, it would be a good exercise if you recall leaving the house key on your office desk when you are at the car park!

Arson Attacks

4 churches in Malaysia have been set arson by unknown on Friday. Police yet not solve the case. The Prime Minister condemned this provocative action jeopardizing the integrity and harmonious relationship among the races. He defended his political party would never involve in this crime, another idiot politician warned the public not to accuse them or they might face consequences. Stupid!

Feel so bad that the racial and religious issue has been escalated to another level. Why someone’s brain is so small that they couldn’t tolerate the existence and believe of the others?

If I were the Prime Minister, I would order the full force to investigate this issue and the mastermind to be executed!

The Lost Symbol – Dan Brown

Probably over expected, the latest novel of Dan Brown turned out to be quite boring – I spent 3.5 mths to finish reading (well partly because of the hectic works recently). Apparently the author is trying hard to layout a suspense and mysterious yet with realistic element plot, but it lacks the magic of his previous success. The ending of the novel was particularly uninteresting, too much biblical talk.

New Year Watching Movies

Did nothing but just staying at home watching the following films.

Surrogates – Quite an interesting futuristic idea, story was simple, Bruce Willis was no longer an invincible hero. Not bad to kill time.

Inglorious Basterds – Germans wouldn’t like to watch this movie. The character of the Jews Hunter – Col. Hans Landa (Christoph Waltz) was impressive, but Brad Pitt was overacting. So-so…

Where The Wild Things Are – Stopped after 15 min, it was for the kids.

This Is It – The final tribute to MJ, composed largely of the footage of his final concert rehearsal. The film was only presenting the MJ’s dedication to his music, not a hint of any negative element. The choreography was beautiful, that’s what I like most of this documentary.

Christmas Eve

I didn’t want to be alone yesterday night, so I went to the disco near to my apartment, anticipating some celebration or special program. Within 5 min a foxy lady approached me offering her companion. In the next 10 sentences, she started urging me to go back to my apartment, touching my hand, my face, staring at me passionately… I wanted to have someone to chat with but her English was limited for “business” communication. I ignored her later and excused myself.

When I shifted to the dance floor, immediately 2 more ladies came to say hi… not so attractive. They invited me to dance, but I had no intention to move. They caught the signal and left me alone.

At 12:00 midnight, no countdown, no screaming, no artificial snowflake, no whistling, no Santa Claus, no mask, no caroling, no special program, not a bit of Christmas feel… what a disappointment. The whole disco had only countable foreigners… I left after 2 beers, it was showering.

人情味

三日前账房向我索取本月雇员工资表，并说要赶在佳节之前发放。我问点解最后一刻先至通知，我需要时间齐集工作时间表。Alright，无所谓，为咗同事我一日之内赶起畀佢。
寻日下昼，條友先致电问我何解超时津贴过高，担心总部问长问短，可唔可以将工资延至一月直至阿头过完节返来。我话班同事需要呢笔钱过圣诞，唔应该抽起。跟住账房走来话佢地嘅计算方式同我嘅有啲出入，要我重新计算，否则条友唔会签纸。顶！玩嘢啊！为免佢诸多借口，我再做过，明知条友今日亦都唔会发放工资。班井底蛙冇料却揸住鸡毛当令箭。真系滚！
同事话冇钱呢个圣诞点happy啊？

Earthquake

The recent management re-shuffling has caused some colleagues losing their jobs recently in the head office. Sad to learn a few known persons are on the retrenchment list. Ever since working in this project, I realize the cruelty of the office politics, had never experienced so tense as yet. I reckon the flame would spread to this site office sooner or later… see who would be the unlucky. I’m losing my faith and hope to this company gradually.

No Christmas Feel

No Christmas feel in the town - no Christmas songs blaring our loud, no decoration in the public... only a Christmas tree at the airport, a life size Santa Claus model shaking hips in front of the supermarket... very quiet... I don't feel the Christmas atmosphere.

Miss Rwanda

Last Friday, Sport and Culture Ministry of Rwanda re-organized the national beauty pageant after 17 years apart. TV live broadcasted the sensation. I managed to watch the climax at the end of the show.

My personal opinion is that most of the contestants are too thin, not far from famine look. They performed catwalk on the stage, but exaggeratedly swaying the hip and crossing their steps like modeling… kinda lacking of graceful look. It was awkward to see the crowned champion while waving to the audiences, she cupped her right hand turning 90 degree left and right. The image consultant should be spanked. The first three was each presented a big shopping bag with gifts sponsored by a local supermarket, imagine how it matched the elegant night gown?

Christmas Vacation

All colleagues have left Kigali for Christmas vacation, am now alone in the office monitoring and running the on-going projects. Have been quite stressful lately, and these additional works from the colleagues burden me additionally. Colleagues said I could leave for vacation together if I wish to, and leave the shits behind. I don’t know if they really understand what we are aiming for. The whole thing might be turned upside down if our projects are left unattended, it would ruin the efforts we have been working hardly on so far…

KaraOK

Last week we found a new Chinese restaurant in town, newly opened in Oct. Service is good, foods is authentic and excellent, the best among the Chinese cuisine in Kigali though prices are slightly higher than the others. Billiard pool and KaraOK are for free.

We spent 3 dinners last week here. On Friday, after dinner we had an enjoyable KaraOK session, though English songs choices are limited. Has been years since my last KaraOK visit. We “screamed” like hell… had no idea if our voice chased off other diners. Anyway, it was good to find another entertainment.

楚河汉界

难以抽离颠覆的楚汉局势。左右为难、举步维艰。纷争白热化，只想尽早完成任务，奈何地头帮处处针对为了想公告谁才是掌权人。权与利益也！一山不能藏二虎，而养虎者未能驯服猛兽。担心他一天反被虎嚼。

Facebook

与旧同学再度联系的感觉很窝心。简单的问候挑起某段愉快的日子。面容依稀不变，但十多年前的傲慢青春已逝。照片上多了个伴侣与小孩。不自禁唏嘘自身还是孤单寡人。。。人生到了某个阶段是否该找个伴相互依靠到老？好累人的选择。。。我仍享受自由不甘受束缚。

Volcanoes National Park

Last Saturday, with colleagues and friends, 6 of us had visited the Volcanoes National Park for the last mountain gorillas on earth. We spent a night at Gorillas-Volcanoes Hotel (USD 110), but the mosquitoes in the room kept me awake almost throughout the night.

At 7am, we reached the ORTPN office (Rwanda Office of Tourism and National Parks). Our guide Felix gave a brief introduction. We were told only 7 Gorilla groups were open to the tourists presently, ranged from 7 to 20 gorillas each. Max 8 tourists were allowed to visit per group per day. The one we were going to spent with named Umubano, comprised of 11 members including 2 babies.

After half an hour drive on the so-called “African massage” service road, we parked our cars at a village. The guide “advised” us to hire a watchman to look after our cars, this cost of EUR 5 was kind of blackmailing, I believed.

The trekking took approx 1.5hr. The sceneries were great, passing through green farms and villages, kids asking for money or shoes or pen. Guide explained the diets of the gorilla, and reminded us repeatedly of our behavior for safety and conservation sake.

Some parts of the trek were full of mud, but much better than my expectation. The final stretch was a little challenging when climbing up very steep slopes. The weather turned cloudy, light showering. All of us were over excited to see the Silverback (leader of the group) sitting just 3m from us. This lazy beast just sat idly crossing his arms with head bowing down. Shortly we spotted other members scattered around. Our cameras clicked non-stop. We had only a small place to stand, all of the photos were more less shot from the same view. Every single movement of the gorilla especially the baby's awkward move cheered us up immensely. We were only allowed to stay 1 hr with the gorilla, was said not to stress the beast too much.

With my resident visa, I paid USD 250 for the visit permit, otherwise USD 500 would be charged to the tourist. I think the price is OK, considering this was an opportunity of the life time.

Felix explained the enormous efforts were being carried out to protect these primates. The statistic shows more than 700 gorillas are living presently in Uganda and Rwanda… couldn’t remember what he said about Congo statistic. A certificate was given to each participant end of the trip.

Birthday

For the 29th birthday today… Colleagues sang birthday song over long distance phone call; messages filled the Facebook; received a cake, gifts plus chunks of my favourite non-ordinary chocolates; had a great dinner at an Indian restaurant; followed by a brief drinking session at Mille-Collines Hotel.

Really appreciate the cheering moments with friends, at least had a great time before X’mas… I would be alone then in this city monitoring the projects.

Please...

Since weeks many people walked in daily seeking for job. With the limited vacancies, I have no choice but to shun off many applications.
Please! Give me a chance...
Please! I have a family to feed…
Please give me a try…
Please, I have been jobless for months…
Please… God bless you…
“I’m Sorry…,” I replied. I’m really sorry…

不困愁城

当猜疑逐渐侵蚀累积的信任，很无奈兼失望。为免将事件复杂化唯有啞忍淡化承受指责，不为了某某的言语而困愁城。看来是铺排功成身退之际了。

累！

办公室政治越演越烈无法置身事外。
庞大的工作量令人窒息精神紧张。

Disabled

A young boy came to the office yesterday accompanied by an elder teenager asking for donation. The boy presented his academic result trying to convince us his effort. Both of them are deaf and mute… I gave EUR2.50, so did my colleague. Probably he would visit other offices in the same building asking for the same.

The amount is small, but EUR5 is equivalent to 3 full day wages of a casual labour in Rwanda. Life is difficult here I strongly sensed. It is much more vulnerable for persons like them to survive in this country where unemployment stands high. Many jobless people are seen gathering in particular places hoping for a mercy of job offer to meet their daily needs.

Tomorrow Will Be OK

Guessed I had food poisoning. Since after dinner the day before, stomach was over stuffed. Lost my appetite completely yesterday, only had 2 slices of bread for the whole day. Back home from office, the pain intensified, the intestines were spraining with gust of vomiting (but nothing was thrown out). Battled for a few hours, crawling in and out from the toilet, almost collapsed at one point… today, I consumed only 1 slice of bread and a few pieces of biscuit.

Hope tomorrow everything will be fine.

Umuganda (photos)

Umuganda (Cleaning Day)

Every last Saturday of the month is fixed as the nationwide cleaning day, normally from morning till noon. People are encouraged to participate in this communal activity though not compulsory. I have not contributed any effort so far.

Our client had a fantastic thought and organized an Umuganda today to help a school expansion construction. All the contractors were “invited” (“summoned”) to participate this special occasion. We, a crowd of approx. 200 persons gathered at 7am at their office, but departed an hour later… Every participant prepared their own tools – shovel, hoe, digger. No one organized the works at site but we carried out the works spontaneously where necessary. We were digging and plowing the soil, transferring heap of stones. I had not touched the shovel for more than 10 years, this “hard” work exhausted me after ½ hr. The thought of a casual labour’s daily salary of EUR 1.80 flashed over my mind… tough life for them!!

The atmosphere was light, we made some harmless stupid jokes. It provided me a platform to meet new friends and acquaintances. A videocam recorded the hard effort of the Ministers and VIP, though they joined us much later.

At 11am, the activities stopped and we were directed to a restaurant. Ministers gave some short speeches. An anthem of Umuganda was sung (nice song). No food was prepared but just a bottle of soft drink.

I really appreciate the effort they are contributing on their land.

Am tired now… muscles sore…

Swine Flu in Kigali!

Yesterday the Ministry of Health announced 6 cases of swine flu detected in Kigali. The cause was traced to an American. The news is stirring a little panic. People are wearing mask in the public.

Hope this case would be swiftly under controlled, it will be a disaster if the virus spreading in this continent where medication is generally poorly established.

East African Union

Colleague said 6 East African countries – Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, Burundi, Congo and Rwanda are planning to form an EU-like union. The import duties among the countries would be waived, single currency to be introduced, residents could cross border freely etc. I really doubt this is a good idea at present stage. The political stability remains doubtful, considering Kenya’s and Uganda’s recent unrest. Forming such an union requires relatively well organized governmental structures and regulations, and strict obedient to mutually agreed accord.

Comparing to its neighbours, Rwanda has much lower criminal rates, better organized and cleaner government. The effort of the incumbent rulers to establish a financial hub of the continent is shaping up in great pace, with Switzerland as a successful model. The limitations of this landlocked cum mountainous country do not permit large scale of industries establishment. It is a great advantage when Rwandan could enjoy a much lower import duties.

I’m still having doubt if this idea would bring a better future to this country in short run. Some said international organizations like UN are gradually shifting their regional office to Rwanda due to its more stable politics and social status.

In The Blood

His head was bouncing with the beat of Reggae! Amazed with the musical gene in his blood. I like this boy! cool...

Works

Pretty busy lately… but I enjoyed it. Am trying hard to organize all info in order. Now is the most crucial moment to strengthen the project background, would be essential for later stage. I know my time and capability is limited, but the 2 local assistants employed had not reached my expectation after 3 months, couldn’t really hand over responsibility to them. Today the new secretary (a man, though I prefer a lady for this position) has reported to work, hope he wouldn’t disappoint me.

A colleague has just left the site, part of his works are taken over by me. Sometimes I did like the “stress”, it forced me to react swiftly and more decisively. It’s kind of satisfaction when I look back later the volume of works I have completed and achieved. When the works get routine, I would feel bored again.