Kinshasa, DRC - Friday 11 May 2007 - Lilliane, cape2cape's new friend

We have something to report! Although we haven't seen much of this vast country (and city for that matter), we have again learned the true meaning of African hospitality. The Director of CMC Automobiles Lilliane Tsika gave us shelter when she found out that the protestant mission was charging us for parking. We now have our own guest room with all the necessities that you will ever need. Sitting on the terrace chatting with Jonathan (Lilians 17 year old son) in the same street that people were slaughtered down just a few weeks back, that's surreal.

500 people lost their lives in this centre of Kinshasa 22 March and the following days. One one of the President candidates, a rebel leaders didn't confine to the election results. It was three days of heavy fighting before he surrendered and as you drive through the city you see scattered buildings and workers busy fixing the "scars" of this brief but devastating warfare. Kids were locked up inside their school buildings for three days before they again could attend to their families. Lets hope that newly elected President Kabila can get peace to to do his job and that the pedestrian areas along the road again can be safe for walking, working and playing.

Betsy is in good hands and will be roadworthy again sometime on Friday afternoon. Visa for Congo Brazzaville is fixed and the interview took place on Friday afternoon. We are invited to attend a party on Saturday and will depart from Kinshasa on Sunday. All this thanks to our new friend, Lilliane.