Last week, we had the joy(?) of traveling to a village named Gbadolite (pronounced bahd-oh-lee-tay). We were intrigued about the 'road to Gbado' as there was a group that had just arrived from there who stated 'if you want to subject your friends to agony' travel that road. Of course, we thought they were being dramatic. Bad roads? We came from Chicago where winters tear up our roads and swerving is second nature. Little did we know... Pigs, chickens, goats, people... Many were jumping out of our way. And the roads being made of dirt didn't help much either...
Then, we'd be trapped behind a large truck about to tip on it's side
Lots of this:
A main reason for us going to Gbado, was to visit Mobutu's palace. If you don't know much about Mobutu, I encourage you to watch this short clip from the BBC that was recently posted.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-24386990
When we went, we were told we were the first people allowed to take photos there. It is a shame to the residents of Gbado the state of the palace. I found it interesting that we passed Dan Snow in his car while he was on his way, and we were leaving the same fascinating place. Mobutu is quite a polarizing figure and we were surprised to learn how many people here still love him. Because of him, Gbadolite has paved roads and the power plant. He wanted to make his home town nice and could you really blame people for appreciating what he did for them?
Fascinating place to visit.
The hospital in Gbado
Tried some new yummy fruits
Our first glimpse of the Congo River... Right outside Gbadolite's own power plant. If this power plant was fully operational, it could power the entire province of Equateur. Yet, as it is, it only powers the town of Gbadolite.
Christine said these panels reminded her of Apollo 13
Outside the power plant
Gbado had paved roads... Quite the sight in this mostly unpaved province.
Where better to lay your clothes out to dry?
(Most people use their homes)
We went to a hotel that is well known in Gbado as being quite the place in its former glory. It was beautiful, and eery. No longer crowds to enjoy its beautiful self. We did our best in the low light emptiness.
(movie theatre)
We stayed at a hotel that we were told used to be a Hyatt. It had electricity (!)
Does it look like a Hyatt near you? The decor was only slightly dated...
(friendly visitors)
(our room, complete with MASSIVE bed)
Our shared bathroom for the 8 of us! They have a large garbage can size plastic bucket with water in it. Once you use the toilet, you pour water from the large bucket so that the toilet flushes. The sink leaked (and wasn't operational), so there was a bucket beneath it as well. The only way to 'shower' was to use the water from the large plastic bucket as well. When going anywhere here, you should always have your own toilet paper too. It was not included with our stay.
Strange to have a bidet in your bathroom, but no running water!
(living room)
TO BE CONTINUED...
Loved seeing your photos, Miriam. The roads look like a huge challenge--the one photo you posted before didn't give the full picture!
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