Ijwí ryūzúye urukûndo

Whether we acknowledge it or not, have one or multiple cases in our city, this pandemic is and will affect us in ways never anticipated by many. In fact, living in a big city never felt more distancing like now.

Yet, I have a confession to make. Three weeks ago, when the government stated that due to the spread of COVID-19, we were to practice social distancing - meaning staying home, avoiding large gatherings and for some working from home - I was low key happy! As a three-hour commuter, I felt relieved and that was selfish, I know. But I can reassure you that feeling did not last very long. On my last day at work, I watered my plant, waved bye-bye to my co-workers and left the office with essential items. When the Uber driver dropped me home, I quickly realized how staying in my room to only leave for walks or groceries might not be enjoyable after all.

Living in a very dynamic city, we come across a lot of various people. We barely make eye contact as we naturally look down or scroll down our phone screens. In fact, way before all this happened, we were somehow socially distanced already. We get busy. Days, weeks and months pass by without hearing from each other except on social media - for those who use them of course. But, let me speak for myself. Living in a busy city and not being very much active on social media taught me to cherish random things such as Uber rides (now you see why I do not mind staying home? yes, no? never mind).

I have had some of the deepest, hilarious and insightful conversations with Uber drivers. Like this gentleman who drove me home from work the other day. Obviously, our first conversation was about the pandemic and he mentioned toilet papers. We were trying to figure out why people fight over toilet tissues but not bottled water or food when he pointed out that the majority of the global population do not even have access to proper restrooms. I was shocked and I did some research. In fact, according to the 2017 World Health Organization report, only 45% of the global population use safe managed sanitation service, 14% use toilets or latrines where waste is properly disposed, and we are here battling over bathroom tissues!

Anecdotally, commuting in a big city often makes me miss small ones. Being born and raised in the land of a thousand and one hills, I heard our northern neighbors have a soft spot for our accent. In summer 2016, to move around the city “Mu Rwagasabo”¹, I relied on this gentleman and his Moto Taxi. His name was Emma. The moment he heard where I was from, his customer service upgraded. If you ever rode one of those motorbikes, you know well how hard it is to talk. With the wind blowing, the bumps on the road, while trying to keep balance. But this gentleman always managed to keep a conversation. He would text me the next day and ask how my day was going or if I needed to go somewhere. Lo and behold, one day he texted “Ufite ijwi ryuzuye urukundo” ². I blushed! Umutoma³ on a whole other level! lol. So, me being a words lover, I got a signature out of Emma’s words. (Emma, if you ever read this...please share this post!)

By the way, to be honest, I did not know how to end this text. I will just say; let's stay safe, wash our hands, love and pray for each other, and always say Imitoma³ - they may end up in a blog.

N’ijwi ryuzuye urukundo,

Irakoze

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¹ Rwanda

² You have a lovely voice

³ A Kinyarwanda word meaning “romantic sweet words”