Serene Kibuye: Journey to a new place

If you have been residing in a busy place like Kigali and think of traveling to the western side of the country, many of your friends are likely to refer you to Kibuye-- one of the best places with tourist attractions that include breath-taking scenery. Despite offering these tourist attractions, it is not easy to get used to this place immediately, especially if one has the intention of settling there for some time, for work as there is much to be enjoyed. It first emerged when I received a phone call from my editor that I was being transferred to Karongi to replace my colleague as The New Times’ Bureau Chief. Ss a journalist, you remain prepared for any urgent assignment you are likely to be given. I instantly started to plan for my departure. It was generally not going to be easy to start a new life in a place I had never been to before, since I landed on this land of a thousand hills. It is Tuesday morning. The sky is blue but has a lot to tell. I carry my luggage and head for the city center, where SOTRA- the travel and tour Agency offices are located.A lot of passengers flock the office, buying tickets to board buses headed for various destinations. I join those heading to Karongi since it is my focal destination. I too have to buy a ticket like others before getting on the bus. The bus was supposed to depart at 11am, but delayed for some minutes. As we wait, I look around, trying to see if I could get some company among the passengers for the two hour long travel to my destination. I decided not to, resulting in confusion when I laterdeclined for someone to sit next to me, as I was not sure of the people on the bus with me, they all seemed aloof and not friendly. Taking me back to a moment in history, when a European politician,declared after the failure by his colleagues to reach an agreement on an issue under debate: ‘every man for him self and God for us all.’ Since I had anxiety wondering about the place I was going to, I could not help but keep looking at everyone’s face around me on the bus. As I searched for signs of friendliness or openness to strangers. Meanwhile, an old woman who was sitting behind me with her two sons, whispered to her friends: “This man must be new to this place.” As they looked at me inquisitively; I instinctively responded by talking to them with confidence as if I knew the place –which I did not. First looks can be deceiving as I would soon discover.Arriving in Kibuye town, the situation remains the same. The town is very small without much congestion, making new comers easily identifiable. A Kigalian immediately sinks into the peaceful and tranquil environment, the small town has to offer.The ‘Sun City Motel’ was the first place I noticed, where there is much hospitality. The waitresses and waiters will receive you with the good traditional greeting; ‘You are most welcome and every one fits here’ immediately you feel at home. Kibuye keeps some of the best hotels and coastlines but hidden away just a few meters from the town. This is home to big hotels sprawled over the hills close to lake Kivu shores. On tour you are exposed to some of the most hospitable people, there to make your stay worthwhile. Right from the Golf Eden Hotel, you keep going along the shore, you are likely to bump into a ship captain who will persuade to take you to Peace Island. Peace Island lives up to its name - a place to rest and forget the outside world. There is also great entertainment you immediately enjoy, complimented fresh fish straight from the Lake. Most visitors to Rwanda usually report back to their homes on the level of security in the country. In Kibuye there is nothing to fear, as the town fast gains the reputation of being one of the most safe tourist destinations, world-wide. deave204@yahoo.com