Paradise

I wanted a decent shower, some peace, and a good sleep.  And while searching for some decent food I came across Paradise Malahide and decided it was time to treat myself.  I went back the next day to this beautiful little resort, located on a peninsula on Lake Kivu in a small fishing village.  I had an extremely relaxing stay.

At dusk as I was walking out to take photos of the sunset I walked thru the parking lot and saw a very showy white Audi convertible.  Quite a sight in these parts.  This must be a popular place for sunset drinks.  I settled onto the rocks and watched the fishing boats going out for the night... then heard footsteps behind me.  He asked if he could join me.  Of course (darn).  He sat, flicked his butt into the lake, and drank his whiskey.  Then along came his friend.  Now we were three.  Intros and conversation began.  #1 was from Oman visiting #2, his brother.  #1 loves Africa, has 2 houses in Kigali, a yellow Hummer, and is staying at the Serena Hotel in nearby Gisenye.  Africa is sleeping, he says, while he is making money.

Then he said don't think I came here to see the lake.  He pulled a small bag of uncut diamonds out of his pocket.  I put out my hand, he gave me one, I looked at it and gave it back.  Diamonds from the Congo (10km away across the lake).

He told me to take a drink, any drink, he wanted to order me a drink.  I took a lemon soda.  He took another whiskey.

They both remarked that I must be rich when I said that I travel.  I chuckled and said that I don't normally stay at places like the Paradise... I don't normally meet diamond-dealing Omani's in the places I stay.

I did for a moment think of asking for a place to stay in Kigali.

He asked why I was staying alone, why don't I come dancing in Gisenye? 

I was much more interested in enjoying my only night at Paradise Malahide.  I laid on the mattress, oh my, I hadn't slept on anything that comfy in a long time.

I regretted that I would be leaving in the morning.