Bag It

Everything is carried in a bag. It must always be concealed. Never show what you've got, what you can afford. This mirrors the expression of emotions. Keep everything closed up. Don't let on. It is rude to eat in public, to cry in public. The curtains should always be drawn.

This is contrasted drastically by the vanity of the Rwandan people. There is a high level of pride here that probably goes along with all destitute poverty. They must have some source of pride and it all boils down to hygiene here. Everything should be pressed and clean. Ironing usually involves putting hot coals into an iron and sufficing without electricity. No excuse for wrinkly pants. (I didn't iron much in the US and I don't plan on starting now!) You should be using the small amount of water you have to wash your face and body.

The ambulances at the hospital get washed everyday…EVERYDAY. Even days when I hear there is a water shortage and we might not get water to wash our hands. Do the cars really need to look perfectly clean when we all know it is the dry season and there is an inch of pure dust on the roads?

So while the quality and appearance of your clothes and shoes means everything, you can't display your wealth by eating in front of people or carrying belongings out in the open. Make sense?