From July to August, I embarked on an incredible journey, exploring one African country—Egypt—and 12 countries across Europe. Along the way, I gained valuable insights into how nations grow, how they celebrate their cultures, and how seamless transport can impact development. Here are some highlights and reflections from my travels:
- Egypt:
My time in Egypt was brief but eye-opening. I was impressed by the infrastructure, from excellent road networks to numerous factories producing fast-moving consumer goods. It gave me hope for African economies and their potential. As an XR enthusiast, I made time to connect with like-minded individuals, visiting an XR startup and a gaming center with immersive XR experiences. - Portugal:
My European adventure began in Lisbon, Portugal. My initial experience was marred by a long immigration process that delayed my check-in, but the following day was much better. I visited the Lisbon Startup Haus, tasted Portuguese cuisine, and enjoyed coffee at the CR7 Pestana Hotel. It was particularly nostalgic, as I had visited a similar hotel in Marrakech, Morocco.
- Spain:
I traveled by bus from Lisbon to Madrid, where I reconnected with an old Kenyan friend who once lived in Rwanda. Despite the language barrier, I enjoyed exploring Madrid’s museums and the bustling CBD. Although I couldn’t go inside the Real Madrid stadium due to renovations, it was still a great visit. I then took a train to Barcelona, sharing an insightful conversation with fellow tourists. My brief stop in Barcelona included a tour of the Zona Universitaria, which reinforced my belief in education as a pillar of development.
- Andorra:
I took a bus to Andorra, where I met a fascinating fellow tourist who speaks five languages and has traveled to Mozambique. Andorra’s picturesque, hilly terrain and extensive greenery, with around 30% under UNESCO heritage, were stunning. I explored the National Museum, La Massana, and a biking center supported by Rotary International, which was particularly meaningful to me as a Rotarian.
- France:
Entering France from the south, I stopped in Toulouse before heading to Paris for a four-day stay. In Paris, I met fellow Rotarians, explored Station F—the world’s largest startup campus—and visited several museums. I even had the chance to catch some Olympic games events, which made my stay even more memorable. I also visited business school I admire, INSEAD, Fontainebleau Campus- around 80 km from Paris.
- Belgium:
Belgium was heartwarming, as I spent time with friends and attended a Rotary fellowship with the Bruxelles Ouest club. My Airbnb host was exceptionally kind, picking me up from the station and giving me a tour of the city in her car. Her hospitality left a lasting impression, and I’ll always cherish the time spent with her.
- Luxembourg:
As a hub for fintech innovation, Luxembourg was a must-visit for me. I learned a lot from startups and regulators at the Loft House. I also visited the Luxembourg School of Business, an impressive institution worth considering for anyone pursuing an MBA.
- Germany:
Germany remains my favorite European countries. Its efficient transport system and the unique character of each city impressed me. Thanks to the Deutschland Ticket, I traveled across multiple cities for just €49. I admire the Germans’ love for their language and culture, as well as their liberal, open-minded lifestyle.
- Poland:
Known for its vibrant Rwandan community, Poland felt familiar yet exciting. I started in Poznan, then traveled to Wroclaw and Lodz. From Wroclaw, I flew to Warsaw for a quick tour before catching a flight to Milan, Italy. The camaraderie and warmth I encountered among the Rwandan community were heartwarming. - Italy:
In northern Italy, I explored Milan, Parma, and Turin, savoring authentic Italian dishes, especially the spaghetti. I loved the atmosphere and the people I met. From Turin, I headed to Nice, returning briefly to the south of France. - Netherlands:
My visit to Rotterdam was brief but fulfilling. I reunited with a friend I had first met in France during the Laval Virtual Conference in 2021. We enjoyed a delicious dinner and reminisced about our previous encounters. - Czech Republic & Austria:
I took a one-day trip between the Czech Republic and Austria, where I visited a leading satellite company in Brno and explored universities and startups in Austria. The trip was both enlightening and inspiring.
Overall, this journey opened my eyes to the role that robust railway systems play in a country’s development and cross-border connectivity. Imagine the impact on accessibility and affordability if a trader could send a package from Addis Ababa to Kigali in a single day. This experience reminded me that efficient transport networks can be a powerful catalyst for growth.