One day our driver took as down two adjoining streets referred to as "the beach." In reality they snug up to a wall which borders industrial areas along the Congo River. Aggressive saleswomen surrounded our vehicle and shoved 6 yard lengths of rolled fabrics through the driver's window hoping for us to purchase. Their price: USD10.00/6 yards. Most of the rolls were pushed back out the window to the shopkeepers as others attempted to insert their fabrics. Our driver had prewarned us to keep our windows up as she negotiated our looking and purchasing.
It was about 20 minutes of the most intense shopping we have ever experienced. Interestingly, it was the men (Ron and our SLC Security Manager) who made the first choices on fabrics. As we drove away we realized we had been so immersed in the hectic shopping experience that not one of the four of us had taken a photo!
As we toured selected meetinghouses we came upon two groups of Relief Society women, representing a span of ages, enjoying each other's company. This first group had met on the grassy inner courtyard to launder their husband's Church ties and dry them in the sunshine. They then made popcorn on a charcoal brasier (cooker). They warmly welcomed us to their activity and were delightful in sharing smiles for photos.
At another building we happened upon a second group of women just concluding a meeting. They too were gracious in smiling for photos and chatting with us. With our limited French and their limited English we were able to communicate with simple phrases and hugs.
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