A Day On The Congo River

We met a very kind Belgian couple as we traveled back to Kinshasa, DRC from California who graciously invited us to spend the day with them on the Congo River. They picked us up and we went to their Yacht Club and got on a speed boat. We went up the Congo river for about 45 minutes.It was an interesting time as we felt so many different emotions throughout the day. First, the group (9 of us) spoke French during much of the day. They did interpret some of the conversation but it was still hard and somewhat frustrating. Secondly, the contrast between the have's and have not's was so vivid! As you can see in the photo's....the Congolese who are fishermen by trade live right on the water in huts that are above the ground/water on stilts. Their huts are open which means bugs must be a terrible presence. Here we were....having a picnic and water skiing among them as they lived and worked in their dug out canoes. Thirdly, I swam in the Congo River!!!! I know this sounds really stupid but I asked these folk if there were crocks, hippos, or poisonous snakes that I had to be aware of. I am a big chicken...but did it and lived to write it on the blog. Finally, just being with a group of people we didn't know and being in unfamiliar country was weird. It was a great experience and one that we're thankful for, but just so different than what we've been use to here in Kinshasa.So many things were awesome...the clean air, the boat rides, the great food, the nice company. It just was such a mix of emotions....having lots of great things enjoying such good stuff but going by these small villages on the river and seeing the Congolese people with so very little.