African market

Kigali has a good number of modern-looking supermarkets, as well as mom-and-pop stores. But to get the real flavor of Africa, you have to go to an open-air market. There is one at Kimironko, about a 10-minute bus ride from where I live.

This is a huge market, where they sell everything from produce to clothes to flowers to baskets. When you step into Kimironko Market, you feel like you have entered another world. It's a crazy place! If you can't handle crowded places and overstimulation, stick to the supermarkets. But that would be missing out on a fascinating look at a part of Rwanda that Westerners do not often see.

This video gives you a nice introduction to the market. (I wish it were mine, but I don't have the wherewithal to make good-quality videos.)

A local sister helped me navigate the market, since she goes there frequently and deals with many of the vendors. She pointed out those who know her well and "will not cheat you." You can ask certain young guys in the market to haul your purchases around while you shop. Just give them a tip when you are ready to leave.

Here is what I bought at the market:

Finally equipped for cooking!

Healthier in Africa than in America? No doubt . . .