Congo Landing: Falling into the Warm Embrace of Kinshasa

Congo Landing: Falling into the Warm Embrace of Kinshasa

Colourful. Welcoming. Unexpected. These are the three words I would use to describe Kinshasa



Initially,
I couldn’t help but be slightly apprehensive of the
reception we would receive as foreigners in this vibrant place. And
the warnings from random online publications and my family and
friends dully swirled around in my head, but the reality couldn’t
be further from their fears.

We made a point to see ordinary schools, shops and more. We
watched basketball games in courts somewhat strategically placed in
the heart of the community. Spirited school children and gifted
athletes sparkled against the rundown yet equally bright
landscapes. As we set off on our adventure and explored, the
everyday people of Kinshasa stopped to greet us, rolling down their
car windows and honking their horns to say hello. Perhaps they
could sense our worry and wanted to put us at ease; in any case, it
felt as if we were long-lost relatives returning home and being
embraced.

The hum of the city felt both alien and familiar. The constantly
gridlocked, dusty and unfinished roads stretched before us. Cars,
motorbikes and taxis filled the streets with passengers trying to
get home after a long day at work. And strangely in that moment,
seeing them all spilling out of the vehicles, I was reminded of
home.

Etched in my mind, heart and soul until the end of time, this
trip has made me so grateful and blessed. I’m extremely lucky that
I met the people of Kinshasa.

@veritytherarity | verityjane.com

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Virunga National Park, Democratic Republic of Congo