Last year I packed my bags and flew out to Kinshasa with my brother and father. It was my first time visiting the motherland in 25 years. Despite being born in the Congolese capital, I had no memories of the country that I was born in. As the anticipation grew, so did my excitement! I was actually going back to Africa! After so many years of waiting, I finally sat on that plane ready to experience Kinshasa for two weeks.
After a short layover in Belgium, we headed out to the motherland and landed in the evening around 10PM. Now, for those of you that have been in tropical countries, you know how it feels when the airplane opens and the heat takes over. For those of you haven’t, let me tell you; it’s like a slap in the face if you’ve never experienced it. To me it resembled the feeling of standing outside when a bus comes by and you’re standing at the back area where it’s super hot. Imagine that feeling but all day every day lol. That was such a weird example by the way, I’m not even sure you understood me.
Cousin & I.
I spent two weeks in Kinshasa and thanks to my cousins we got to see a lot. We visited Bandal, Kintambo, N’djili, Gombe and many other areas. Of all the areas, Gombe is the area that looks like the West. In fact it resembled many European cities such as Paris and Brussels.
Downtown Kinshasa.
I know that the media like to portray Africa as one big nation that’s suffering and is filled with nothing but poverty and misery but I advise everyone to go and experience Africa on it’s own. Yes there’s poverty, just like there’s poverty in the United States. Yes there are homeless people in Congo, just like there are tons of homeless people in European countries. Just like any other continent, Africa has the good and the bad, not just the bad.
The problem with Congo is not that it’s a poor country, the problem with Congo and many African nations are the greedy leaders who would rather sell out their people and wipe out their countries for a little bit of money from the West. Despite many people suffering in the Congo and existing conflicts, Congo is one of the richest countries in the world thanks to the many minerals that comes from there. Colton, one of the most important minerals in the world is a crucial mineral that is used in cellphones. Without it, NO CELL PHONE WOULD ACTUALLY WORK. Let that sink in!
Brother & Cousin.
Congo is filled with so much culture, colorful people and a sense of content despite different living conditions. But boy was I happy to be there. Just living in the moment with relatives enjoying the strong heat while smoking shisha (hooka) on a rooftop while trying to grasp the fact that I’m actually where I wanted to be the most. It was pure magic. Despite the poverty many people seemed to be happy with what they had. They might not have had much, but the spirit was still up. That’s something many of us take for granted. Just being appreciative.
One thing I loved about Kinshasa was the fact that people dress up just to dress up. We Congolese people take a lot of pride in how we dress and present ourselves. As a result we dress even if we’re just going to visit a friend five minutes away. The women wore African prints called “liputa” that they turned into everything from dresses to shorts, and of courses head wraps (“kitambala”). Before heading out they put on their make up, their gold jewelries and pretty shoes and started their day, which included many visits to friends and family.
Downtown Kinshasa.
As we walked through the streets, everyone kept staring at my brother and I. No matter where we were, at any time by everyone. I felt it almost instantly and asked my cousin who told me it was simply because the people could tell we didn’t live in Congo. Despite not wearing African prints while yet having Congolese features, it was super obvious that we were just visitors. However despite the stares, we quickly forgot about it and stayed in a happy state of mind.
Kinshasa is a big city with a population of over 11 million people, now that’s a whole lot of people. As you walk down the streets you feel that they are crowded. With the large amount of cars driving around mixed with music playing from everywhere, Kinshasa will feel like a completely different world. A world you’re not used to yet brings you so much joy. Kinshasa is different but it’s also beautiful!
Zandu Market.
Brother in Zandu Market.
For people looking to visit the country for the first time, here are a few tips to help you along the way.
WiFi – Considering our great use of Internet, it might be difficult when you get to a country where WiFi is very restricted. Unfortunately Congo is one of those nations where the government is controlling the people by minimizing the signals enabling you to have much access to the outside world. You will find places such as certain restaurants that will offer it but be prepared to have to look for them.
Transport – Almost everyone travels around Kinshasa by bus or taxi, which are super cheap, however a great amount of men and women uses motorcycles to get around. As exciting as that may sound, Kinshasa’s traffic is ridiculous as they operate under different rules, which in my opinion makes it chaotic. Although I rode on a motorcycle in Congo, I wouldn’t advice it, as I was scared as hell lol. But hey, if you’re the adventures type, go for it!
Food – There is so much good food in Congo, especially since a lot of it is fresh. Having fresh fish is not something I get very often here in Europe, however for the locals, having fresh fish is an obvious option. Some popular foods are Thompson (Makril), Pondu Cassava Leafs, Kwanga (Root of Cassava Tree), Fufu (Semolina powder), and mikate (traditional African snack similar to a doughnut).
Weather – It is very warm in Kinshasa yet you will find locals covered with a lot of clothes. However for us not living in the strong sun on a daily basis, wearing something simple as jeans will fell like too much. Avoid bringing thick materials and many pairs of jeans, as you will not have use of it. As for shoes, sandals will be more than enough, as well as flip-flops and light shoes.
Congo was absolutely amazing I can’t wait to go back! I’ve always wanted to travel to many nations in Africa but I always said, if I haven’t been to Congo first I’m not going anywhere else. I’m now ready to take on Africa now! On that note, it feels like South Arica is calling my name..can you hear it?
Xo,
Lynda
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