A few weeks into being here, I have started my job and been lucky enough to get out of Kigali to Akagera National Park and to Lake Kivu; a truly beautiful country full to the brim with exotic birds, good roads and rules that everyone seems (more on this later) to obey and which certainly make it palatable for a muzungu (loosely meaning white person) like me to enjoy. Corruption seems to be pretty low and the mosquitos even honour the flimsy net I have been issued with to cocoon myself in at night. How exotic.
So it is with disappointment that I am met with advice from many others on the matter of how to navigate my way around Rwandan life without being “ripped off.” I find this kind of conversation anywhere between tedious and downright objectionable depending on my mood.
Why on earth wouldn’t people selling things try and get the best price for them? I believe this is what is known as ‘market economy’. It is as old as the hills and we are all subject to it in one way or another… was it not Sony who recently raised the price of a Whitney Houston album on iTunes less than 24 hours after her death? Now That’s What I Call Market Economy!!
It is unfortunate that as a VSO volunteer (paid a local wage) we are likely to be charged similar prices to highly paid muzungu but life is like that I guess. And who says we are not still rich in others eyes? Yes, it is important to barter; nay, it is expected. But don’t expect or demand the same price as locals. Yes this is opportunism but who said you and I are not up to the same game?
Are we volunteers not here seeking opportunities of our own? If you think you are doing this for purely altruistic reasons, then think again. . There is no such thing. You will be looking for an opportunity in one way or another; just like me. I want to learn, I want to gain skills I can apply in a new and exciting job one day. I want to travel and see more of this beautiful country. I want to count the birds I see and perhaps some others activities I am not going to write about here!
I know that my being here will enrich my life all the greater and more opportunities will become available to me. Can the same be said for those I meet at the market?
beckybadluck's flights of fancy 
Don’t worry, pet. It’s exactly the same kind of advice as when you venture out to buy a second hand car. Everyone will tell you to make sure she’s had her cam belt done, but very few could actually show you where the cam belt is. Or the spark plugs. They might be able to kick a tyre and suck their teeth convincingly, but in reality *you* know this doesn’t mean much (and so does the seller. Hah!)
I take it you won’t be returning with a clutch of bargain price wooden carvings, then?
Ha! Well put Rhian. Actually, there’s a group of ladies who work next door to my job and they make all manner of beautful things. I’m currently trying to butter them up with fresh slices of pineapple and mango before I make my move…
Wholehearted agree, well said! By the way, your bedroom looks lovely xxx
Wholeheartedly agree, well said! And by the way, your bedroom looks lovely xxx