Back to the real story…
Hashing is actually a worldwide phenomenon. Our best comparison to the Hash House Harrier group is that of a fraternity. There are “rules” that the group respects. For instance, using technology on a hash is strictly prohibited. There are ceremonial traditions like introducing first timers or reprimanding “backsliders” (people who have missed more than 2 hashes in a row) but it is all in good fun. Most of the time the group goes out to party after a Hash for more bonding time. There is a $4 fee every time you show up but that covers unlimited drinks and food is always provided. There is a treasurer and group leaders that run the “meetings.” To be fully adopted into the Hash House Harriers, you must attend at least 10 hashes (which are hikes) and then you go through an adoption ceremony where you are given a hash name. Once you are adopted in, you can show up to any Hash House around the world and have a common bond. Basically, Hashers bond over socializing and hiking. We really enjoyed meeting new people and sharing in a love for the outdoors. If you would like to read more about the background of hashing, please check out the link: What is a Hasher? on the left side of our blog.
Our first hash was on the outskirts of Kigali. We can’t remember the actual name of the area but we do remember that the word meant “the tree of the birds.” It was an intense hike to the top one of the hills with a steep descent. The view was indescribable and impossible to capture through a camera lens. Most hashes last around 1 hour but the entire event, including the hash meeting, can last up to 4 hours or more depending on how long you want to socialize.
The second hash took place in our neighborhood: Kacyiru. Michelle went by herself since Nate’s ankle felt a little sore that morning. This was an eventful hash because Michelle got to witness a “naming ceremony.” Sandra (a woman from Germany) was the “hare” (which means she is the one who set the trail) and had completed her 10th hash. It was a very different hash, being that the terrain was in the valley between two hills so was mostly flat and was in the middle of residential neighborhoods. Michelle got to see a lot of Rwandan homes that were more lower class and an authentic street market. It was also the first time Michelle witnessed goat intestine served as a dish. So far we have been really sensitive to taking pictures of people because most adults in Rwanda aren’t comfortable with their picture being taken. Once we have established ourselves as neighbors and not tourists, we will take more pictures. We are trying to upload a Picasa album to our blog tonight so hopefully you can view some pictures we have taken so far.
Imana ibarinde kandi ibahe umugisha.
just browsed the photos! what a NEAT NEAT NEAT adventure you are having!
ReplyDeleteOK so you really had me going on your blog story glad that you cleared that up! Of course we know you well but....... Hashing around the world is a great idae, i guess like Sauntering around the world which another friend of ours does. Nice posting, just like we are along with you in some respects.
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