As a Rwandese who was born and raised in Tanzania, I was always eager to learn about the Rwandese culture, I could feel it in me, I could feel like something was missing and I was ready to do whatever it takes to fill that hole. In the beginning of my high school, I moved to Rwanda. I can’t really find the words that can describe that feeling, it was magical! I felt like I was home, I felt a lot of love even from the people I had never met before. For the first time in my life, I felt like I was in a place that I belonged. There’s something about “Rwanda” that can’t really be explained, it can only be felt! I feel lucky everyday to call this beautiful country my “home” Here are some facts about Rwanda that I think you should know: - Rwanda is known as the “land of a thousand hills” because she has a lot of mountains, volcanoes and hillocks. - Rwanda’s main tourist attraction is the mountain gorilla protected in Parc National des Volcans. - The last Saturday of every month is dedicated to community service commonly referred to as “Umuganda” in Kinyarwanda. - Rwanda hosts a car- free day to promote exercise and healthy living. - No plastic bags are allowed (tourists can’t bring plastic bags into the country). People in Rwanda use paper bags/ biodegradable bags made from cassava leaves/ banana leaves. “KWIBUKA” this means to “remember” it describes the annual commemoration of the 1994 genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda, it lasts for 100 days. Kwibuka is done in honour of those who lost their lives during the 1994 genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda and to acknowledge the survivors who mourn them to this day. As well as being an occasion for remembering the victims, every kwibuka commemoration serves as a continued warning to humanity to ensure that the atrocities committed are not forgotten or repeated. “KWITA IZINA” this is a Rwandese ceremony of giving a name to a newborn baby Gorilla. Would you consider visiting Rwanda?