High Morale in Rwanda

We rolled out of our hotel to the start of Stage 1 of the 2011 Tour of Rwanda in high spirits. Yesterday, we swept the podium in the prologue and made our presence well known at the race. After signing in, we headed to the team car to get bottles and other supplies that were needed for the upcoming stages and a crowd of children had amassed. At most other races, that would be a very cool scenario but in Rwanda it is a bit different. The kids weren’t crowding our car because they were big Team Type 1 fans. They were there because they thought that we had extra supplies, like food and water to give them.

The Impact of Life in Rwanda

For all that it has been through in the past, Rwanda is a really great place. I first came here for the Tour of Rwanda in November last year and really had a great experience. Fortunately, I was able to return again this year and it is already starting to be another great trip.

When people think of Rwanda, they likely think about the time of genocide, roughly 15 years ago. That was definitely a dark time in this countries history and they are still on the mend from it, but I think if feel safer in most places of Rwanda than I do in parts of Atlanta or Chicago. Before coming here, I was not too familiar with what went on during the genocide, but today we walked through the memorial/museum that was constructed to remember the victims. It was one of the most humbling experiences I have ever had.