Genocide Memorial

When I mentioned to people that I was going to Rwanda, it is inevitable that they asked me if it is safe; the answer? Very. Many of us, myself included have images taken from the movie Hotel Rwanda – which I have actually visited – see below pictures of the Hotel Mille Colline – and hold onto impressions of war because for those of us who have never been in a war zone, it is hard to imagine both the violence and the life after it. We see it in movies as pieces of history, rather than the long progression it really is. That being said, of all the places I have been on this continent – I have never felt so safe, or met people so peaceful. Yet the genocide is still very much a part of the people’s history and important to learn about when trying to get an understanding of how this countries works.

On my second day, I went with Emily, a friend of mine from Tanzania/Boston, and my housemate Stephanie to the genocide museum. The museum was exceptionally well done, and in defiance of the way the rest of the world had ignored them in 1994, the exhibition refused to let anyone run away from any of the gruesome facts. Pictures, videos, and testimonies coupled with factual and historical information brought what to me is horrifying and incomprehensible into some sort of barely digestible form. However, within minutes of entering the memorial, the emotion, jet lag, sun and dehydration all began to accumulate at an alarming state and I fainted. Emily, helped me to sit down, drink some water and soon we were able to continue; nevertheless we did not make it to the second floor of the exhibit – it was just too much. Although I think it was an important thing to see and learn about, I am not sure I will be returning any time soon.

The picture of the three of us is taken outside the genocide museum - our smiles are a bit forced and a bit misplaced.