アリサ・ラモスさんのインスタグラム動画 - (アリサ・ラモスInstagram)「Originally my plans in D.R. Congo included hiking and camping on the rim of Nyiragongo, overlooking the lava pools of this active volcano. Two months before my trip, it erupted, and I found out via my soon-to-be-guide, Obed’s IG Stories. I was terrified for his safety, and heartbroken for the people who lost their homes & are now displaced. Obed was actually ON Nyiragongo when it erupted. He said luckily the lava moved slowly, because despite destroying thousands of homes, it at least gave the occupants time to flee. No one saw this eruption coming. Not even scientists. Hearing the stories of people who were there’s experience was mind blowing. From the rangers in Virunga with an eye-level view, who did their best to call people in town to warn them, to the UN peacekeepers I met who looked outside when power went out to see a red sky. I count myself as lucky that I wasn’t there, and actually had planned on my trip being cancelled, but Obed insisted I still come, and I’m so glad I did. Witnessing this level of damage, walking on the still-hot jagged lava rocks that the locals can’t move or build on yet, really further pushed my desire to keep promoting tourism in this beautiful country. I know I’ve said it repeatedly, but your tourism presence and dollars go a long way in places like Congo. You can help a lot of people just by coming here to visit, shopping in the local markets, visiting the national parks, and donating directly to locals who lost their homes or organizations funding building projects. I know not everyone is ok with just giving money, which is why I am now including a $100 donation with any of my group trips to Congo (which means so far we are donating minimum $1400 so far!), and working to create a fundraiser where donations can be wired and sent through Obed for direct delivery. Speaking of Obed! I am so incredibly proud of him for finishing getting his book, ‘Kumbukumbu’ published to Kindle during our trip! Please read this man’s story about 10 years as a Congolese refugee, which tells the true story of colonization and its horrific aftermath. Learn from the locals who lived it, not the foreigners who observed it. Link in stories💖」8月5日 2時55分