Let's take a drive, shall we?

As part of my ongoing series entitled "Kigali, what's that look like?", I wanted to take you all on a drive.

First, I need to cover the disclaimers. I'll say something important: don't try this at home. I am a professional, so driving and filming should not be taken lightly.

Second, as you watch, remember this - the camera's eyes are not my eyes. My eyes are on the road. The technological advancement of the handheld camcorder allows one to have 2 points of view. One is the drivers, one is the cameras. Not the same thing. (I can feel all the moms cringing already.)

Third, enjoy seeing this unique view of riding (kind of) shotgun around Kigali on a Friday morning. You'll see and hear what we see everyday - lots of walkers, moto-taxis, questionable driving practices (mine included), people moving goods via their heads, and hopefully, you can make out the beautiful hilly landscape.

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Gardening and "Kiglai? What's that look like?"

Well, gang, it's been quite a while since the last post, and I know some of you are (ahem) dying to see more. (Maybe we should've come to San Diego?) Anyway, 6 weeks back in the States did us well and there is about a hundred or so pictures on the way from the journey, beginning more or less at Thanksgiving in Texas. Those pics are loaded and will be arriving at a screen near you shortly.

For now, though, GARDENING!

When we last left our heroes, they'd planted a number of seeds in the ground and spent the time abroad anxiously contemplating how the harvest would be coming along upon their return. Thankfully, all went well with some careful watering from Georges (the day guard). When we got back, all we had to do was do some transplanting and keep that water coming! As you can see, the watering part is no problem for my associate:

Ryder on water duty.

Wildflowers are blooming well...

...and Georges even planted an avocado seed, which started thriving quickly. We'll transplant it soon, before the sapling gets too big - pretty cool to see the see half out of the ground. It looks like the "Little Shop of Horrors" plant, burping a sapling (to me, anyway).

The basil...

...the summer squash...

...cilantro...

...spinach...

...Romaine lettuce...

...jalepenos... (yes, there is a trend to plant all Mexican-food-related crops)

...and a view from the Swiss Chard down the row.

"Kigali? What's That Look Like?"

Yes, we've come to that crucial junction in our broadcast where we show you a few pictures of the scenes around here, at least those that can be captured from a car (for now). Hopefully, you'll be able to tell that the terrain is quite hilly (hence the "land of 1000 hills" moniker) and that there is no shortage of motorcycles. Below, you can see a row of "moto-taxis," which offer a slightly more expensive ride than the matatu buses (very crowded, but used by most). What they do offer is more of a thrill ride that has a much higher possibility for road rash. The moto-taxi will zip you to and fro around Kigali as you hold on to the rear handle bar, or just practice your core strength and sit upright. (Holding onto the moto driver is a no-no, or just very uncommon.)

(below) The northern route from our neighborhood to the town center.

The view from town back towards where we live - due east, more or less. I'd love
to say that it's where that rainbow is ending, but that's a bit too far.

A view of the town center (with the tall buildings) from the north...

...and a common street view as we head into town on the main road.

(Gigantic post coming soon with US trip pictures!)

Austin > Dallas > New Canaan > New York > Lake Martin, AL > Asheville

In case you haven't strolled on South Congress in a while...

(Dallas) Hanging with Moira, John, Delia and Dairmuid

New Canaan, CT

Lots of playground time in town, and decorating the tree (the first one - 2 more to follow).

Meanwhile, back in Kigali - Ginger orchestrated the successful launch of Visa's partnership with Rwanda. Below is the official photo of Rwanda's President, Paul Kagame (center) and a certain lovely smiling woman over his left shoulder, along with top Visa brass and Rwandan Cabinet Ministers. Congrats, G!

Fairfield, CT (Adam, Jen, Elliot & Teba!)










On to New York City!

My cabbie partner.



Loving the wapiti display and the giant clam at the Museum of Natural History.







We settled in at Jeff and Joanna's place,
where Cullan showed Ryder some toys.









Walking the tree back from Union Square, then let the trimmin' begin!






Watching the trains at Grand Central Station's train shoppe.






Aahhh, cousins.









We got to catch up with Dylan, Tanya and their boys (Santiago,
Joachin and little Octavio) on the great High Line Park.



Visiting the 9/11 Memorial site.





















Also got to see Bill and Molly and sweet little Clyde.






Cruising lower Manhattan, enjoying street murals ...









Ryder channels Joseph Stella on the Brooklyn Bridge.









Nothing like a good street record sale.









Catching up with the locals.




New York City > Atlanta. On to Lake Martin, Alabama!







(above) "Ladies and Gentlemen, on the sippy cup drum....Ryder Jones."












Of course, had to get in a good swing at Tricia and Johnny's in Auburn.






Someone turned 2 years old on our trip!


















Back at the lake, time for bath with the cousins.

We spent many an hour at the Imagination Station playground in Alex City.

Christmas morning - lots of fun (especially with some hats).

(above) This is a special one for Peachy and (below) a special one for Mama.

Using the "Countries of Africa" puzzle, Garrett made it easy to test the
theory of a certain strain of competitiveness in the Baker family...

...then Ginger had to enter the ring.

Lots of good snugglin' time...

...and a little time for a good eye pokin'. (Objects on couch are closer than they appear.)

The Christmas lunch and gift giving in Kellyton.

Our first canoe ride!

A grand birthday party for Pop Pop.

Lake Martin, AL > Asheville, NC

We left Alabama and drove north to Asheville, where we also
got to see the Brittele family again in Blowing Rock.

Back to Asheville to meet the gang for the New Year's weekend.

First a little meet and greet with Ryder and Stella and Levi Bunn.

Lots of good sunrises (and sunsets, too) in Asheville. The mountains never disappoint.

The downstairs deck was especially good at keeping the short
folks entertained, while the taller folks slept upstairs.

Scott and Jenny took us all to a great hike near Woodrow Wilson college, outside town.

Reading my new book from Uncle Zac, "Hug."

No one puts Levi in the cupboard... except Levi.

A lovely home-cooked meal, and a rousing game of Celebrity ushered in the new year.

Oh, that Farmer Brown grin. Menacing.

Chillin' with Scott, Levi and Sloandog on the morning after.