Arrival in Rwanda - part 1: The flight
After a flight of 8 hours I finally arrive in Kigali. The flight went great I sat next to a very interesting woman named Karina Weinstein, program director of FXB USA of FXB International with headquarters in Geneva and New York. FXB International helps the networks of the world’s poorest people (the bottom tiers). FXB works through a model of FXB villages providing basic needs of life such as housing, healthcare, food and education. It also provides training to create a business over time in order to become self sufficient within three years. FXB’ funding is coming from various donors such as USAID. I find it extremely interesting project as reaching out and helping the bottom tier in any society is an extremely difficult task. For more information on FXB International. Click here: https://fxb.org
Besides talking about her work and my work and our missions in Rwanda (I explained her Exchangevzw, BNP Paribas & microStart); we had a great time talking about our sons and personal views of the world. Our opinions were very similar; definitely staying in touch with NYC based Karina!
What was interesting on the flight was that it was packed with NGO workers. It’s clear that Rwanda is a great place for NGO workers as it a safe place which can guarantee safety to employees. Rwanda seems to be very open to foreign help and is very keen on continuous advancement. Many people on the flight were wearing t-shirts with the name of their NGO. So I noticed a lot of doctors on board for doctors without vacation. A lot of people from Water for Life (for Jesus) and other missionaries.
We landed around 19:00 and my dad had arranged for the station manager from SN Brussels to meet me at the plane. I was happy disembark the plane and immediately talk to someone I know. Especially if you are travelling to a place you have never been, it puts you at ease. I have her Rwandese number so any issue I can always call her and explain my issue in Dutch. Not that I jam expecting issues, after years of travelling in Africa I am so ready for this. Though it is the first time that I travel to the Mama Africa without having a family member waiting for me.
After a long line at immigration which is the most professional immigration line I have seen in Africa so far. Fingerprinting, questioning, pictures, etc… Well done Mr. Kagame ! I am liking this country already.
Photo of Kigali airport
P.S: Mind the spelling mistakes I am typing from iPhone 6