THE MAJESTIC RIVER

Readers, it’s been a while since I updated my blog as I’d been traveling cross-continent and busy visiting family & friends. Now that I’m more settled, I thought of putting down some more experiences from the amazing country of greens…

Discussion on Congo is incomplete without addressing the majestic Congo River. The deepest river in the world by records, the Congo River happens to be the only source of drinking water, means of transportation, source of hydroelectric power, source of recreation, fishing den… in short, the lifeline of the Congolese people. As is true with any coastal country, the lives of the Congolese people revolve around the river. Early morning fishermen sail into the river and bring back to the customers the fresh catch of the day. It is also the chief source of sustenance for their own families. The port, Le Beach Ngobila, sees the routine arrival and departure of heavy consignments through various countries. Besides, in the cover of the night, illegal trafficking of goods is abundant on the heart of the river. These goods range from timber to ivory to diamonds, and in times of emergency (we’ll discuss this later) even cellular phones!

Apart from aiding the commercial sector, Congo River also serves as the chief source of recreation for the residents of the country. Resorts built at places on the river bed profit greatly from providing leisure boating facility to weekend tourists. Some of them also offer amateur fishing facility to the tourists at cheap rates. The equipments are charged for while the fish belongs to the catcher.

One unique attraction of Kinshasa (the capital of DRC) is the broad walk beside the Congo River near the embassy area. In the evenings people flock to this area for fresh air. Many go walking, jogging, and cycling; children play football or skate while couples and old people just sit on the grassy patches and enjoy the sunset across the river on the Brazzaville horizon. Yes, right across the river is the Brazzaville territory, the capital of Republic of Congo. Per Geographical records, Kinshasa and Brazzaville are the two closest capital cities in the world. And at sunset when other natural sounds diminish you could even hear fragments of music floating from the Brazzaville side. Thus muted music in the midst of fading evening sky induces an ethereal moment that elevates the senses, belittles all sorrows and opens the heart for a little prayer to escape! It is a worthwhile experience; more because you can capture it only in your senses not in the camera. Being the embassy area there’s high security and any kind of photography is prohibited.