Greetings from the Republique Democratique du Congo! (email to moonride list) (02/11/01)

I realize this is the third email in as many weeks. I promise it will be tapering off dramatically after this--I am not a "spammer."

So, I actually writing to you from Gisenyi, Rwanda at the only connected computer in the only Internet cafe in Gisenyi \GEE SEN EE\.

Gisenyi is a resort town on Lake Kivu just across the border from the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC, fomerly Zaire). I actually spent today walking around the city of Goma, where I had lunch at the home of one of the members of the Rebels and his fiancee--a medical doctor.

I sure that last sentence raised a whole host of questions. I cannot answer them all here. Very briefly, the west of the DRC is controlled by the official government, under which Joseph Kabila replaced his assasinated father, Laurent Kabila last month.

The east of DRC is controlled by the rebels -- the leader resides in Goma.

I am safe. One of my friends accused me in a recent email of not giving a positive picture of Africa, and of overstating the danger to make myself out to be a hero. I hope that is not the impression I am

giving.

As for Africa, there are so many positive things, most importantly the people--by and far so warm and receptive to me. I cannot recount all the homes I have been invited to. To travel alone this deep into Africa, I hope that I have demonstrated my faith in the Africa people. And they have rewarded that faith with kindness, generosity and respect. It should say enough that I had planned for this trip to last 2 months--month 4 starts next week!

I realize that I get frustrated at times, and a bit road weary -- I'll try to keep my reports balanced and remind myself, and you, of the good things too.

As for the danger--I feel little danger here, despite the fact that this country is at war. Obviously there is the presence of many men with guns. But we have that in the U.S., you just never know who has one.

There is one kind of danger I have not overstated--the danger of the road. Driving Africa on a motorcycle is at times terrifying--and Africans are the first to tell me I must be crazy for doing it.

Warm Regards,

Jim Sowers

P.S. Find a map of Rwanda and check out the route between Kigali and Kibuye -- probably one of the most spectacular rides I have ever made. Breathtaking country!