Virunga and Mosque Birere market are my targets today. I have decided to go by foot rather than car. This not only helps with the logistics but also enables me to see the city a bit more. On the way to Virunga (towards the sight of Nyiragongo volcano) the lava still exists on the road and remains solidified after the 2001 eruption. So many sights and sounds - ladies selling dried fish, furniture stalls with a sea of velour covered huge seats that are far too pretentious for my liking.
Dried fish near Virunga ( most probably from lake Edward in Virunga National Park)
Fancy sofas for sale
We finally see a charcoal stall and start with my interviews. My eyes keep going to the two goats tied in the dark store struggling to munch on banana leaves - they were so cute! I hope they are kept for the milk. You also see that in these stores people keep leaves and vegetables in the dark as a cold storage to keep things fresh away from the sun. As we move into the market one of the charcoal sellers was braiding their daughters hair while she was asleep - adorable. It seemed to follow a cute theme.
The bicycle charcoal traders
After a few interviews we moved to Mosque Birrere - one of the largest depots for charcoal. As we approached a huge mosque appeared - hence the name of the market. We were not allowed to speak to the sellers - first we have to speak to the Association of Charcoal Traders.
After the interview with the charcoal trading association at Mosque Birere Market
I followed a Ramy and another guy that ushered us down a narrow alley and then into a dark wooden shack with wooden benches and a table. It was thrilling to be able to convince them to speak - contrary to what I thought; they were welcoming and wanted to be interviewed.
My feet after they met charcoal in the markets!
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