Saturday, April 30, 2011

Looking for Torpedo

A couple of you have asked about our little neighbor "Torpedo" from my 2008 stay in Gitarama (see June 2009 blog entry). I named her that because when she saw Micaela or me she would dash toward us at full speed and not stop until she crash landed into our legs with a big hug. Even when a native speaker of Kinyarwanda asked her what her name was, he couldn't understand her reply, so others started calling her Torpedo as well.
One day last week we drove slowly down the old street--it's even bumpier now--so I could look for her. We stopped near the house I stayed in then, and I got out and looked around for her. Some curious kids stopped to observe us (they never seem to tire of gazing at muzungus), but I didn't see her among them. We tried to ask about her, but no one spoke English, and Kinyarwanda still eludes me.
Next time, if there is a next time, I'll take a picture of her and a Kinyarwanda translator with me to increase my chances of finding her. I hope all is well with my little buddy. I'd love to see her beautiful smile again.

Location:Gitarama, Rwanda

3 comments:

PSE said...

Sorry your search was unsuccessful. And now you have another reason to make another return visit.

Leslie said...

I have been lurking, but just wanted you to know that I have read and enjoyed your blogs and feel like I need more. Will you wrap up your trip or give final thoughts or something? I feel like the reel broke and I had to go home without seeing the rest of the movie.

Jacquie said...

I was following your blog, but never left you a comment. I'm so glad you let us in on your visit to Rwanda and I felt like I was a part of it thru your writing. I agree with Leslie and want to here your final thoughts.