Fiction:The angry hungry and ugly hungarian

Harry, a semi-centurion from Budapest, Hungary and an architect by profession had an experience which he will live to remember for the rest of his life. He had saved his money in the better part of his career in prospect of going on a holiday to an African country. After thoroughly going through his world map in search for some favourable destination to go holidaying, he had finally settled to visit the famous Akagera National Park in Rwanda. Though not bestowed with what would be perceived by many to be handsomeness simply because of his imbalanced face with scarcely dispersed beards and a big belly which is quite conspicuous compared to his thin legs, he had a beautiful young wife whom he married after the death of his first wife. The flight from Budapest was delightful and somehow evoked memories of his first date when he was a teenager. He had been offered an air ticket by his Dad to take his then girl friend for a picnic. It was his first flight and as fantastic as it was with spontaneous and electrifying kisses here and there while en route, he had puked when the plane was landing creating some discomfort he still vividly remembers and especially it being the first date for the first time lovers. At his age, he is now accustomed to flying. However, landing at Kigali International Airport was captivating. The atmosphere was fresh and green. Airport staff were particularly friendly and wore smiley faces. Harry and wife were picked from the lounge by a taxi driver who was equally just like the staff or perhaps over friendly and particularly to Harry’s wife! Ken the taxi driver drove the duo and as is his profession showed them each land mark they met explaining the history behind each one of them on their way to the park. He was well versed with Rwandan history and knew it like the back of his hand. Besides, he was eloquent, a combination that pleased the visitors well. It, however, did not go well with Harry for Ken’s constant and persistent gaze at his wife through the mirror as he drove. Harry had noticed soon after the arrival that the Park could scarcely be more different in mood to the breezy cultivated hills that characterize much of Rwanda. Dominated scenically by the labyrinth of swamps and lakes that follow the meandering course of the Akagera River, the most remote source of the Nile, which is archetype African savannah landscape of tangled acacia woodland interspersed with open grassland. Harry later learnt that Akagera is, above all, big game country! Herds of elephant and buffalo emerge from the woodland to drink at the River, and lucky visitors might stumble across a leopard, a spotted hyena or even a stray lion! Ken left them at Umubano Hotel where they had booked while at Budapest, thanks to online reservation. They were to visit the park the following day. He as usual did not miss this opportunity of leaving them with his business card just in case they would require his services. The very first night at the hotel was not pleasant for the couple. Harry who always is over jealous on his wife had a bone to pick with her. “I noticed you were entertaining the taxi driver by reciprocating to his seductive smiles. Can you explain why?” Harry had asked his wife. She did not answer him back and in fact she got irritated by the very question. His constant remarks by perceived imaginary happenings on her were reaching another level and she was not amused by this at all. She preferred not answer him but he continued nagging her with what she apparently thought were baseless questions.It reached to a level where she could not take it no more. She took her handbag and left that very night. Once out of his sight she decided to call the only person she knew in Rwanda, the taxi driver! Perhaps to teach her elderly husband a lesson! They were to use her visa card throughout their stay which she possessed in her handbag when she left. Harry was left with nothing. Angry and hungry! The driver promptly came and she directed him to take her back to the airport. He obliged and soon after she arrived at the airport, she booked the next flight back to Budapest Harry, an agitated man had no choice the following morning but to check out from the hotel and seek assistance from Embassy of Hungary in Rwanda.People who fly into a rage always make a bad landing. - Will Rogers Email: skangongoi@yahoo.com