Me and my SUV

That's right.  I am now the unproud owner of a lean, mean, green, somewhat dorky Rav 4, and I drive it everywhere.  

It actually belongs to me and Alex, but since he was always working, I was the one who dealt with all the paperwork, the offices, the stamps, and so my name is on the title.  It is, BY FAR, the most expensive thing I have ever owned - by a factor of at least 3 (probably more).

I mentioned how hard it is to get around here, and how we're advised not to take motos anywhere (and I guess I can say, having been here 6 weeks now, I have seen at least one major moto accident and several minor ones), and since we're moving to the top of a gigantic mountain that is very far from normal transport options, we pretty much had to buy one.  I have very, very mixed feelings.

Having a car definitely makes things easier.  We have some more freedom, and there is less stress when we have to get something done, and it's definitely better when I have to be at work at 7.15 a.m.  But I can't begin to tell you how weird it feels to drive around Africa in my big SUV that I bought (we bought) with all our spare cash.  It's just kind of....ick.  And so not what I'm used to.

That said, I'm happy we have it, as going anywhere (especially together) before was a total nightmare.

We had a hard time deciding if we really needed an SUV, or could get around in a sedan.  The majority of roads here are paved, and great.  But there are many that are unpaved, and have foot deep ruts throughout them.  And now that I've seen a pickup truck get stuck for 20 minutes in our soon-to-be driveway, I'm pretty happy we splurged.  The last few hundred meters to the house we are moving into are.....well....quite something.  And I'm sure I'll have some very exciting rainy season adventures to share here.

mechanical inspection

Our hot new ride.

Most expensive thing I've ever owned.

There is much, MUCH information I could share here about buying a car in Kigali - but I fear the details will bore too many of you.  Suffice to say the office visits were impressively quick (though I did have to go back three times), I did pay a 5,000 rwf bribe (a bit under $10) - but it saved us a day, I did spend many, many hours of my life preparing to buy said car, and, supposedly, we found a good deal.

We were hoping to buy something with a bit more style - like an old school, beat up range rover or land cruiser.  But apparently they cost 3 times as much.  And we pretty much had to get a Toyota, because apparently it can take months to get parts for a Suzuki, Mitsubishi, Nissan, etc.  I definitely wanted to play it safe when it comes to repairs.  Rav 4s are kinda lame, but with 4wd, the Toyota reputation, and the fact that 1/3 people have them makes it the obvious choice.

Another fun fact about our SUV is that we're spending about $170 a month in gas, to go absolutely no where except around town.

!!!!!!????!?!?!?!??!?!?!???!?!?!?!?!??!?!?!?

Holy crappers.  I don't think I would have bought the SUV if I had known that.  MAJOR BUMMER.  Alex says our lives are worth it.  I'm still unsure.

So let's play a game....
Since many people are apparently reading this blog, but no one is commenting on it, let me entice you.
It's a 1999 Rav 4, with supposedly 84,000 miles (which has obviously been doctored but what can you do?), with mechanic's approval, working a/c, and decent stereo.

Anyone want to wager a guess on the price???  Winner gets bragging rights...
(Hint: don't forget we're in RWANDA!)