Butare

The school has been so great about taking us on day trips so that we can leave Kigali and see more of Rwanda. On Saturday, we all climbed on a bus and headed south to the city of Butare. Year's ago, as recently as 1960, Rwanda was ruled by a king. Between Kigali and Butare, you can visit the palace and the King's huts. The huts were very fascinating. Emma was very excited to visit a palace. She had visions of Disneyland in her head I am sure. The palace is really more a house by most standards. It is said that when the King visited Europe and saw the palaces there, he returned and started construction on a new larger palace. Unfortunately, he died before he was ever able to live in it. His new palace is now an art museum full of wonderful pieces.

The King's Hut. There are also 2 other small huts. One for the milk and one for the beer.

Here is the palace that he lived in until he died in the early 60's.

This is the palace that was under construction at the time he died.

We also visited the National Museum in Butare. It was a beautifully done museum with wonderful displays on the history of Rwanda as well as instruments, weapons, baskets, etc. Of course, no pictures allowed!

On the drive home, we stopped for some fast-food Rwandan style. Goat brochettes! Delicious!