Mr Lava Man

After acquiring all the necessary paperwork required for our trip west, Mitchell and the three Pauls caught a bus to the Rwandan town of Gisenyi. We spent two nights here next to Lake Kivu preparing for our journey into The Democratic Republic of Congo, a rule of thumb that I have about countries is that if a nation puts the word Democratic in it's title it most likely does not exercise democracy. Crossing into the town of Goma didn't prove too difficult though as there were no bribes required and no real hassle. Our main reason for coming to this part of Africa was to climb Mount Nyiragongo which is the most active Volcano on the continent and had it's last devastating outbreak in 2002. The five hour ascent to the top through rainforest and over volcanic rock and lava-rubble was strenuous but once we reached the peak and could peer down into the largest lava-lake in the world, it was all well worth it as it was easily one of the most fascinating sights I have ever encountered. We spent hours just staring into the mesmerising effect of the red liquid below, then slept in cabins on the rim of the crater and started our descent early the morning after. Back in Goma we had a relaxed night out and checked out the huge market the following day. Our plan was then to head back into Rwanda but after a brief meeting with Major Arsene who is head of security in the region all that had changed. Instead we once again linked up with the two other Swedes and Americans and were having Scotch Whisky for lunch and acquainting ourselves with his various mistresses protected by two macho bodyguards. Needless to say we did not make it across the border that evening but had a night out which I doubt any of us will forget any time soon. Our second attempt at leaving the country was more successful and once we were back in Gisenyi we had a quick lunch and got a bus to Kigali. We spent a couple of nights in the capital and at the time of writing we are all preparing for one final night out before the crew will split and head in different directions.