Kumbya 2 - the swim

One of the Kumbya traditions is a morning swim to a nearby island. It is 2.5km! After a couple of afternoon practices, we decided that we would give it a go, despite the 0600 start : one thing in its favour is that Lake Kivu is an ideal temperature for swimming. On the day, we were both awake in our tent from about 0330, only dozing intermittently after that. Whether this was from anticipation or dread we could not tell.
In glorious dawn light, about 20 of us aged 10-50+ plunged in (the cold air made this easier than in the afternoon) and swam, accompanied by several safety canoes. It took us about 100 minutes, and involved 3 sunrises as the sun appeared and disappeared behind the hills. There were also some enthusiastic but surprised greetings from some local people setting out early in their boats. I’m sure it confirmed any notions they had that they would never understand “bazungu”!
Although the water was not cold, we were glad of the warm clothes sent ahead in the canoes and even more glad of the pancakes waiting for us when we got back to the camp. Like a half-marathon, it was hugely satisfying to have completed it and everyone was a winner, particularly the 10-year-old girl who became the youngest ever to finish and a heroine to her friends.