Julie, Alena, Ellie, Jessica, and Kiki on the balcony of Hôtel des Mille Collines, the hotel that protected persecuted individuals during the genocide and is the focus of the popular blockbuster “Hotel Rwanda.”
Saturday, July 14
Today, after visiting the Rwanda Genocide Memorial in Kigali, we went on an extensive tour of the city. The tour lasted three hours where we were able to visit other main towns, historical sites and local places where many events take place. The first place we were able to get out and stretch our legs was the location of the “hate antenna” that broadcasted hate propaganda during the time of the genocide. Shortly after we stopped at the former headquarters for the Rwandan Army during the Genocide, we hopped off the bus and went inside a room where ten United Nations Belgian soldiers were murdered. In and around the room there were dozens of bullet holes as well in one corner there was remnants of a grenade that is known as the cause of their deaths. Outside of the room is a memorial for the men that were killed, we gathered there to learn more about these tragic events. To end the tour we stopped at Mille Collin where the story of Hotel Rwanda took place, it was interesting to see how it was re-built and fully functional. The hotel is very developed in a modern way filled with tourists and families with no signs of the genocide. After stopping at the hotel we headed back to our place where we were able to witness dozens of weddings taking place, learning that Saturday afternoon is a common time to get married in Rwanda. The experience was very rewarding because we were able to take away lots of knowledge about the place we will be living in for the next week and a half.
Madeline and Shoshi
Madeline, just read your blog, how interesting it must of been, and such a coincidence, Dad just rented and watched “Hotel Rwanda” last night! I’m on a trip, enjoying reading the daily blogs, miss you, love , Mom