Today, I woke up a year older to the sound of Ruby, my fluffy Maltese dog, barking in the living room of my parents' home in Kisoro. It was the first time I had brought her home en route to Rwanda, the "Land of a Thousand Hills." Despite it being my birthday, there was no excitement in me; just a sense of apathy towards what had become an ordinary annual event. Birthdays had lost their luster for me in recent years, having spent the last one in the hospital and the one before at a surprise dinner.
This year, I craved solitude and planned to spend my birthday indulging in my hobbies, which included completing a 1000-piece vintage map puzzle, sipping prosecco, snacking on kettle-cooked chips, and playing Sudoku. Initially, I had thought of having a birthday picnic at Ikoro, a stately hotel with stunning gardens and gorgeous views of the mountains. The plan was for my family to join me from Kigali, and we embrace activities unfamiliar to our culture. However, like any last-minute travel plan, it did not work out and I did not lose sleep over that.
In the past, celebrating my birthday with my family and friends held significant importance. It was my way of feeling appreciated and validated in my relationships. However, as I've grown older and gained more life experiences, I have become more intentional about engaging in activities that bring me joy and fulfillment. Like that, I embarked on a birthday hike with Ruby and two fantastic tour guides - Eric and Ezra, whom I had only just met.
We started our hike at Nyakabande, about a 5-minute drive from home. As I began hiking up the hill, I was immediately stunned by the magnificent scenery. The verdant green hills stretched out endlessly before me, and I was filled with a sense of awe and wonder. The hike was challenging, with steep inclines but every step was worth it to experience the stunning views and intimately connect with nature. As I made my way higher and higher, the air grew cooler and fresher, and the panorama of the surrounding landscape became increasingly impressive.
The hiking trail was well-maintained, and I soon found myself immersed in a world of natural wonders. One of the most memorable moments of the hike was reaching the summit. From there, the views were truly breathtaking – you could see the Virunga mountain ranges, Lake Mutanda, and Lake Mulehe. The surrounding hills stretched out endlessly, and the verdant landscape seemed to go on forever. I took a moment to stand and admire the natural beauty before me, feeling deeply connected to the natural world around me.
As I hiked back down the hillside, I felt a deep sense of peace and tranquility. The sounds of nature were all around me, and I was grateful for the opportunity to experience the beauty of Kisoro in such an intimate way. The hike was challenging but I was glad that I had persisted, and the experience left a lasting impression on me. We made it back to the base two hours later, hungry and sweaty. We drove to town for a light snack, then planned the next activity - ziplining over Lake Mutanda.
Ziplining over Lake Mutanda was one of the most exhilarating experiences of my life. From the moment I stepped onto the platform, I knew I was in for a thrilling ride. The zipline stretched across the lake's length, with incredible views of the surrounding hills, trees, and water below. The guide briefed us on the safety procedures before we started, ensuring we were properly strapped into our harnesses and helmets. As I stepped off the platform and began zipping toward the other side of the lake, I felt a rush of adrenaline unlike anything I'd ever felt.
The wind rushed past me, and I could feel the sun on my face as I soared over the shimmering waters of Lake Mutanda. The views were breathtaking, and I felt like I was suspended in mid-air, with nothing but the sky above and water below. It was an incredible feeling of freedom and weightlessness. I found myself laughing and whooping joyfully as I zoomed across the lake.
As I reached the end of the zipline, I felt a sense of satisfaction and accomplishment. I had just flown across Lake Mutanda, one of the most beautiful water bodies in Kisoro. It was an experience I will never forget. I watched as the rest of my group came flying across the lake, each of us sharing in the awe and excitement of the moment.
Great adventure, it must have been.