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.