Hello from Rwanda – Sweat, Laughter, and Magical Moments!

I know, I know… I should’ve updated you all sooner. And to everyone who’s messaged me, wondering how I’m doing, or just been curious about my adventure here in Rwanda – I’m sorry.

But trust me when I say this: it’s been intense on a level that even a double espresso would be jealous of. And now that I finally have a moment to breathe (just a little), it’s time to share what might have been one of the most challenging, sweaty, yet utterly magical periods of my life.

A Deluxe Sweat-Fest – Heat That Made Me Look Like a Troll Doll

Let’s talk about the heat for a second. It’s been between 26 and 36 degrees every single day. You’re probably thinking, “But Therese, you love sun and warmth!”

Sure, I thought I did – until I realized:
❌ There’s no AC.
❌ There are no fans.
❌ And absolutely no mercy from the Kigali sun.

I spent most of my first month walking around like a human puddle, and my hair? Forget beach waves or tropical curls – I looked like a troll doll on an adventure. You know, that special look where every strand of hair seems to have its agenda and goes full freestyle.

But you know what? Despite sweating more than I thought was physically possible, it was worth every drop.

I don’t exactly know what my brain was thinking when I decided to arrive a whole month earlier than everyone else. Maybe I thought:
“This is smart – I’ll get a head start!”

The reality?

1️⃣ 100% school – like a full-time student on steroids.
2️⃣ More than 100% work – because we were in the middle of major activations.
3️⃣ A huge corporate activation kicking off on January 3rd – straight off the plane and right into the fire.

And to top it all off, our Amadeus course (a digital nightmare that should’ve come with a warning label) was falling behind. By now, I think you’re starting to see why January felt like a mental endurance marathon.

🛬 Meet & Greet – Where Welcoming Becomes Magical

In the middle of all this chaos, I got to be part of something truly special: the Meet & Greet experience with Uber Luxe Safaris.

This isn’t just a simple “Welcome to Rwanda!” – it’s a world-class reception, where guests are greeted with the kind of personal service that makes them feel like royalty the moment they step off the plane.

I had the chance to join the journey from the very first second their feet touched Rwandan soil – and from there, it was off to an adventure that would take us straight to the misty peaks of the Virunga Mountains.

🦍 Becoming Dian Fossey (With a Touch of Indiana Jones)

Ever since I was a kid, I’ve dreamed of becoming Dian Fossey – the legendary woman who lived among the gorillas in the Virunga Mountains. So when I finally got my Gorilla Pass (yes, that’s a real thing) and a Golden Monkey Pass, it started to feel like that dream was about to come true.

And just when I thought it couldn’t get any better, a very special friend sent me a pair of binoculars – clearly determined to have me looking like a mashup between Dian Fossey and Indiana Jones on my gorilla trek.

Now here I am, binoculars around my neck, fully prepared to dive into the jungle like a real-life adventurer (minus the whip, but with extra enthusiasm).

🏞️ Sambora Kinigi – Where Luxury and Adventure Collide

Alongside Uber Luxe Safaris and Global Events Africa, I had the incredible opportunity to spend a weekend at Sambora Kinigi – and let me just say, this is a place where time actually stands still.

We were invited by Beyond the Gorillas Experience to explore Rwanda’s rich culture on a deeper level. Local traditions, dances, stories – it felt like stepping into a time machine that transported us straight to the heart of the country’s soul.

And as if that wasn’t magical enough: we embarked on a boat trip across Lake Kivu, where the Virunga volcanoes reflected perfectly on the water, making it feel like I had stumbled into a living painting.

The Most Beautiful Lodges on Earth – Where Time Slows Down

I’ve been fortunate enough to visit some of the world’s most exclusive lodges, and let me tell you – these are places where you want time to stop.

🌋 Wilderness Bisate – So stunning it feels like someone photoshopped reality itself.
🔥 Singita Kwitonda Lodge – Where luxury and sustainability meet in perfect harmony.
🌿 Amakoro Lodge – A sanctuary for the soul, right in the heart of Rwanda’s wild beauty.
🏞️ Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge – A place where every view looks like a postcard from another dimension.

This is more than just luxury – it’s the kind of experience where nature takes your breath away, and every minute feels like a moment frozen in time.

Rwanda – A Journey Beyond Just Adventure

Looking back on my first month here, I can honestly say: it was tough. I sweat more than I thought humanly possible, juggled both work and school, and had more hair crises than I care to admit.

But… it’s been worth every second.

Every experience here – from the warmest welcomes to the most exclusive lodges – has shown me why Rwanda is a place that stays in your heart forever. And soon, with my binoculars around my neck, ready for my gorilla encounter, I know the best is still ahead of me.

This isn’t just an adventure. It’s a life journey.