Lunch at Asian Kitchen: A Warm Welcome Back

Today my wife and I went out for lunch at Asian Kitchen here in Kigali, one of our favorite comfort spots in the city. The restaurant is run by a wonderful Japanese couple who have become dear friends of ours since we moved here. They had just returned from a trip back home to Japan, and this was our first chance to see them since they got back.

Walking into the restaurant felt extra special today, almost like reconnecting with family after a long time apart. We exchanged happy greetings, and they immediately shared stories from their visit: time with relatives, familiar flavors they missed, and the joyful chaos of being back in Japan, even briefly. There was a warm energy in the air that you only get when people bring back a little piece of “home” with them.

Before their trip, my wife had asked if they could pick up a few items for us, small things we often miss from Japan but can’t easily find in Rwanda. They kindly agreed, and today they handed us the goodies they brought back. It was such a generous gesture, and honestly, it meant more than just receiving the items themselves. It was the feeling of being looked after, of community, of a shared understanding between people living far away from their home countries.

Lunch, as always, was delicious, comforting dishes full of the flavors we love. But the best part wasn’t just the food. It was the connection, the thoughtful exchange, and the reminder that even thousands of miles from “home,” you can find moments that feel like it.

Huge appreciation to our friends at Asian Kitchen. Their kindness always makes Kigali feel a little warmer, and today was no exception.

A Thanksgiving Spent Behind the Lens

Thanksgiving looked a little different for me this year.

Living in Rwanda means the holiday comes and goes quietly, no parades on TV, no scent of turkey drifting through the neighborhood, no familiar rhythm of family gatherings. But this year, November 27th brought something new: I was hired to work as a professional photographer for an event.

To be honest, I was nervous. Really nervous.

Even after all these years with a camera in my hands, I still have moments where I doubt myself, where I wonder if I’m good enough, skilled enough, or creative enough to meet the expectations placed on me. This job fell squarely into that space. A holiday that wasn’t really a holiday here, spent doing work I love but am often insecure about.

But I showed up.

I took a deep breath.

And I gave it everything I had.

The event was full of energy and emotion, and once I started shooting, the nerves began to settle. I found myself in that familiar flow, watching moments unfold, anticipating reactions, and capturing the connections that make an event feel alive. By the end of the day, I felt grateful in a way that surprised me. Grateful for the opportunity, for the trust placed in me, and for the reminder that growth often lives just on the other side of self-doubt.

Now the photos are edited and delivered, and all I can do is hope the client is happy with the results. I know I put my heart into it. And maybe, in its own quiet way, that’s what this year’s Thanksgiving was about, showing up, giving my best, and being thankful for the chance to do what I love, even when it scares me a little.

Speckled Mousebird in Kigali this morning

 This beautiful Speckled Mousebird (Colius striatus) gave me a perfect moment this morning, first perched proudly on a cable with its trademark crest and extra-long tail, then gliding into flight with its wings glowing in the soft Kigali sunrise.

Kigali’s everyday wildlife never ceases to amaze me. 

📍 Kigali, Rwanda

📸 Nikon Z6 (hand-held)

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Online Drinking Party With Our “Close, Yet Far Away” Neighbors in Tanzania

Last night we had one of those wonderfully unexpected evenings that reminds you just how small and connected our world can be. We were invited to an online drinking party with a Japanese couple living remotely in Tanzania. They work for the same company as my wife, and although we’ve exchanged messages here and there, this was our first time really spending an evening together.

While they relaxed in their home in Tanzania, we set up here in Kigali with our own spread of food and drinks. It ended up feeling surprisingly warm and intimate, like we were just sitting across the table from each other rather than separated by borders, time zones, and thousands of kilometers.

As the drinks flowed, so did the conversation. We talked about life abroad, the quirks and charms of East Africa, our day-to-day routines, and those small cultural details you only discover when living far from home. We laughed a lot, shared stories, and the hours passed easily, one of those nights where you glance at the clock and realize just how late it’s gotten.

Even though we’re physically distant, the evening reminded us how close we really are in spirit. In a way, this online nomikai felt like reconnecting with neighbors who simply live a few countries over.

Simple, cozy, fun, our kind of night. And hopefully the first of many more to come.

Another Special Evening - A Birthday Celebration in Kigali

Just a few days after our first unforgettable dinner together, we found ourselves reunited with our new friends for another wonderful occasion. On Saturday, November 1st, we were invited once again to the home of the Rwandan family, this time to celebrate the birthday of the visiting Japanese family’s son. We happily agreed to join, looking forward to seeing everyone again.

The evening turned out to be every bit as warm and joyful as our first gathering. The house was full of laughter, conversation, and the kind of easy connection that makes you feel like you’ve known people far longer than you actually have. It was a blend of cultures and kindness all over again, Japan, Rwanda, America, and Belgium sharing stories, food, and celebration under one roof.

We also had the pleasure of meeting an excellent local tour guide that night, the person who had been driving the Japanese family around Rwanda and showing them the beauty of the country. Hearing about the places they had visited and the experiences they’d shared gave us an even greater appreciation for the journey they were on.

What began as a simple coincidence has turned into a string of wonderful memories and meaningful new friendships. We’re grateful for these moments of connection, and for the people who made them possible. Some experiences feel like gifts, and this was definitely one of them.