Editor,

On my recent trips, I run into a German technician and somehow, we got into a conversation. He was excited about a recent trip he and his friends had taken to Rwanda to watch mountain gorillas.

He got out pictures and proceeded to show me impressive shots of the Virunga Mountains and the gorillas, and gave me information, that I am ashamed to admit, I as a Rwandan didn’t know.

He asked me how long I have lived in Rwanda (it is 15 years now) and whether I had ever visited the gorillas and I said no. He was surprised that I was Rwandan and I had beauty surrounding me but seemed unaware.

I was amused by the way he seemed excited by the gorillas and the mountains but way after he was gone, I started asking myself why people had to board planes from overseas to come and appreciate the beauty of my country when I seem to be unaware of it.

I realized that we are missing out on great and rare beauty and I promised myself that I will go and visit the virunga soon. Let us seize the opportunity and embrace our country’s beauty.

Mugisha Andrew
Kimironko