And so it Begins - My Journey to Rwanda
As the clock strikes midnight and a new year dawns, a story begins. A story of resilience, of hope, and of a land that has risen like the morning sun over a thousand hills. On January 1st, join me as I take the first steps into this remarkable journey.
Stay tuned – the adventure awaits
Chapter 1
From Snowstorms to Sunlit Hills
It was the kind of night that feels like the edge of a dream — Stockholm wrapped in a thick, swirling snowstorm, the air cold and heavy with winter’s breath. Yet, somewhere between the stillness of the dark and the rhythm of falling snow, my journey began. My friend Andreas Levander braved the midnight storm to drive me to Arlanda Airport. The roads, barely visible beneath the snowfall, became a passage between two worlds—one I was leaving behind and another I was about to discover.
At the airport, the check-in process was smooth, almost too easy for a night like this. Thanks to a few powerful, kind women at Qatar Airways, I was unexpectedly upgraded—business class, all the way to Doha. A small gesture on their part, but a grand beginning for me.
In Doha, I checked into the Mondrian Hotel, a masterpiece crafted by the visionary designer Marcel Wanders. Time seemed to bend within its walls—my room felt like something pulled from the pages of Aladdin, with carpets soft as desert sand and decor that whispered tales of faraway lands. It was as if I had stepped into a story, one where dreams unfold like silk in the warm desert breeze.
Before dawn broke, I left this dreamlike world to board my flight to Kigali. A few hours later, as the plane descended over Rwanda’s lush, rolling hills, I felt the quiet excitement of a new beginning. Upon arrival, a friendly man from Uber Luxe Safaris greeted me, handling everything from passport control to my luggage while I rested in the comfort of a private lounge. Full service, thoughtful and seamless—just what I needed after the long journey.
Outside the airport, a few colleagues from Uber Luxe Safaris awaited me, ready to take me to my new home for the next four months. As we drove through Kigali’s scenic streets, I couldn’t help but marvel at the city’s beauty, a vibrant contrast to the snowstorm I had left behind. When we arrived, I was greeted by a house that felt like an idyll—magically beautiful, peaceful, and full of promise. It’s the kind of place where every corner seems to hold a story waiting to be told, much like this journey I’ve just begun.
That evening, two of my new colleagues took me to a lovely restaurant for a welcome dinner. It was the perfect way to ease into this new chapter—good food, great company, and a moment to relax after the whirlwind of travel.
The next day, I made my way to Norrsken House, where my new colleagues from Uber Luxe Safaris were waiting to welcome me. Everything felt so new, so exciting. After spending half the day getting to know the team, we headed to ONECUP for a coffee experience. Despite my excitement, it was hard to absorb everything—I was still feeling the weight of the long journey and the many impressions that came with it.
Yesterday, I finally met Bonita Mutoni, the founder of Uber Luxe Safaris. She invited me to dinner with her friends at her own restaurant, KOZO. We sat for hours, enjoying what can only be described as the most delicious meal imaginable. It reminded me of those cherished evenings back in Stockholm, sitting around the table with friends at The Hills—moments filled with laughter, belonging, and well-being. For a brief moment, nostalgia washed over me, and I found myself thinking of all those Sunday dinners spent with my closest friends.
But Bonita’s friends made me feel at home in an instant, sharing captivating stories from different corners of the world. It was the perfect blend of familiarity and adventure, a feeling of stepping into something entirely new while being warmly embraced by a sense of belonging.
A strong start to my first days here
Chapter 2
Excited, Expectant, and Slightly Overwhelmed – The Adventure Begins
There’s this funny mix of excitement and anticipation swirling around inside me as I settle into life here in Rwanda. It’s that feeling of knowing you’re on the brink of something incredible, but also realizing that not everything is going to run smoothly right from the start. This isn’t my first time arriving solo in a new country, and while I like to think I’m pretty seasoned by now, the initial days always come with their share of chaos.
Take this time, for example. It took me a few days to get a working phone and reliable Wi-Fi (because, obviously, no adventure is complete without the thrill of wondering whether you’ll have internet today). And let’s not forget the occasional power outages – a little extra drama to keep things interesting. But hey, nothing builds character like fumbling through settings in the local language trying to connect to the world, right?
Despite the minor hiccups, things are falling into place – and just in time for something truly exciting. Tomorrow, the entire Uber Luxe Safaris team and I are heading to the airport to welcome our first VIP guests of the year, Yes, you read that right – this is a big deal. A high-end, meticulously planned luxury experience for clients who expect nothing less than perfection. I can’t lie, it feels pretty surreal to jump straight into something like this, but it’s exactly what I came here for.
From months of preparation to last-minute tweaks, the team has worked tirelessly to make sure every detail is flawless. This isn’t just another luxury trip – we’re talking ultra high-standard clients with expectations as elevated as the mountains they’re about to explore. Honestly, I can’t think of another team that could have pulled this off so seamlessly. I’ve definitely landed in the right place, surrounded by true professionals.
Tomorrow’s itinerary? We’re heading up to the volcanoes, home to mountain gorillas, golden monkeys, and breathtaking landscapes. While we, unfortunately, won’t be doing the actual gorilla trekking this time, I’ll have the unique chance to participate in educational sessions with Gorilla Doctors and expert guides. And if that wasn’t enough, I’ll also be visiting some of the region’s most stunning luxury lodges, including Singita, Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge, Amakoro, and hopefully Bisate Lodge. Honestly, it feels like stepping into a dream – one of those moments you pinch yourself to believe it’s real.
Oh, and did I mention I’ll be seeing the famous Ellen DeGeneres Campus of the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund? That’s definitely a bucket-list experience right there.
The mood at the office today was a mix of excitement and laser-sharp focus as the final pieces of the puzzle were being put together. Adjustments were made, last-minute details were checked, and the air buzzed with anticipation. Truthfully, I don’t think any other team could have handled this project with such precision and professionalism.
I’m beyond grateful to be part of this – to witness firsthand what it takes to deliver a luxury experience of this caliber and to contribute, even in a small way, to something so remarkable. Tomorrow, it’s go-time. Time to hit the road, head into the mountains, and dive into an adventure I’ll remember for a lifetime. Stay tuned – this is just the beginning.
