Day on the Beach! (Tuesday, May 19th)

I still don’t have my voice back yet. It’s getting better but I still sound like Mickey Mouse. Today we had the option of going to the forest again or relaxing on the beach…. I chose the beach :) I’m writing my blog under a shade umbrella made out of banana leaves in a comfy lawn chair listening to my ipod. It’s pretty much amazing! I have said many times on this trip that the ipod is the greatest invention ever! It helps you relax and escape.
This morning, after sleeping in, those of us who choose to relax (3/4 of the group!) went to the hot springs near by. The hot springs are created by the volcano that is also fairly close. The volcano is actually in the Democratic Republic of Congo (there are two Congos). The hot springs are so hot that the water actually boils. If you have seen the movie Daunte’s Peak you can visualize what I am talking about.
When the group returned from the forest, some of us went into town. I was going to go to the market, but then I found out I could get my hair braided for rather cheap. Two other girls and I got our hair braided! It didn't hurt at all! Mine took the longest though. I didn't get corn rows, I just got a bunch of little braids all over my head. Does anyone remember Paige's hair when she went to Cabo freshmen or sophomore year?? That's kinda what mine looks like. The ladies who braided our hair were so sweet. They asked us if they went to America if they would have a job. We assured them that they would. It makes me think because ¾ of the people we talk to want to go to America. How lucky are we to have been born in a country with such prosperity? I've never really thought about that before, but we have so many opportunities given to us on a daily basis that people in a place like Rwanda only dream about.
After we got our hair braided we went out for another nice dinner. We needed a nice dinner because our stomachs aren't used to the food here! Pepto Bismol is our friend. While we waited for our food, we hung out by the pool and listen to some music they were playing. To our surprise it was American music! That was nice to hear.
This day was a lot of fun. We got sun burnt on our legs though. It will probably go away by tomorrow.
Missing everyone but still having a really good time and learning a lot!