dangerous tourism

Sorry for the writing drought I have been on the go for past few weeks and haven't had a chance to write. But I am back.

Instead of taking the regular route home Nadine, Tella and I decided it would be a good idea to go and check out the view from the top of mount Goma. Don’t get too excited it wasn’t actually a mountain, more of a glorified hill.

As we began our ascent i was really worried because i had forgot my camera and would not be able to document the view of greater Goma town and the harbor. However i quickly realized that this was the least of my worries. We passed by the army barracks and the heat in the car was turned up by the burning stares coming from the lounging soldiers.

After passing by the barracks we are convinced the only thing we would need to brave now would be the bumpy off camber road to the top. WRONG!

We came across two “checkpoints” on our way up to the microwave tower. Both military men in charge of their respective piece of tape blocking the road did their very best to make it clear that they were in charge and that it was going to be a difficult ride to the top. However, Nadine used her awesome Congolese sweet talk and got us through no problem.

Upon reaching the summit you could see all of Goma. It was quiet and the only sound was our complaints of how hot it was. We were totally alone on top of our small Congolese world. At least that is what we thought. Our moment was quickly shattered by a shoeless soldier with a gun come up to us and begin to forcefully become our personal “tour guide”. We quickly gained attention and soon we were being berated for money, condoms and whatever else we could possibly hand over.

As we took mental note of the astonishing view we quickly backed up towards our car only to catch a glimpse of the rocket launcher pointing towards Rwanda. One of the men, who knows could have been a soldier sporting a tank top and soccer shorts, told us it was for “killing the Rwandese” and the only reason why we are walking around free in Goma was because of what they were doing. ya...okay. We just smiled and nodded to what he was saying.

We thanked the Congolese combatants and took haste as we ripped down the bumpy cliff side road.

I apologize for the lack of photos but I hope you understand.