three times

In Kigali, you'll need to repeat all request three times. Three times won't guarantee you'll get what you ask for, but it always takes three times to get a Yes. It's amazing how consistent this phenomenon is.

This exchange, which I observed this week at the best restaurant in Kigali, is typical:

Request #1: "Can I have #31, but with fish instead of chicken?"
Server: "The problem is we do not have chicken."
Request #2: "May I have it with fish?"
Server: "We can make #31 with mutton."
Request #3: "Can you make #31 with fish, not mutton."
Server: "Yes, with fish. #31."