Don't Drink the Banana Beer

I have a philosophy in life that one must work hard and then play hard. For me, both are equally. You can see how I live my life that I take this to heart. I also apply this idea when I supervise others...everyone must have the opprtunity to celebrate successes.

I decided it was time to have a celebration with the farm workers for all their hard work and suggested it to Solomon. I said that everyone could come to my house for tea and some food. Solomon laughed at me as he usually does and said that the workers are grown men. He then suggested that we have a party in Rubona with beer, food, and music...I agreed that it was a good idea! On Tuesday morning at around 8 Solomon and I road to Rubona on our "pick-up." It's our bike that lately breaks everytime we ride. Solomon pedals and I sit on the back. When we were in Rubona we went to a few different places to sample the local banana beer. We even saw some people make it...after seeing it I should have known not to drink.

The party was on Wednesday and boy was it a party. The first great thing was that it rained after too long without...being on a farm, that was definitely worth celebrating! The rain flooded Solomon's house so we moved the party to a woman's house in town. Most all of the workers came. The party started slow as people sipped on fanta and banana beer. I insisted to Solomon that he bring his music. He began by playing slower Christain music and then the Rwandan hip-hop came one (which I love). I got up to dance and some of the workers followed. Those that didn't dance enjoyed laughing at me and the others dancing. We even had a large group of kids in the doorway and windows enjoying watching the celebration.

The night was AWESOME!!!! I had a great time just chilling with everyone. I realized as I sat there that these are the experiences that will make my time in Rwanda. At the end there were many speaches (you can't have a celebration in Rwanda without them!) I even spoke and told everyone that when I return from vacation that they must help me to learn kinyarwanda...the next speach I give will be done all in kinyarwanda.

I had some of the banana beer at the party and I'm still feeling it's affects 2 days after. My tummy does not like it. A lesson learned but worth it for the fun night!