Friends & Family,

It does not take a particularly ‘green thumb’ to tend a garden in Musanze. If you toss a few seeds in the ground, you’re destined for success. The fertile, mineral-rich volcanic soil of the northern province yields a diverse and abundant bounty, making it the breadbasket of Rwanda. Nearly 70 percent of households depend on agriculture as their main source of income as well as for consumption. The percentage is even higher for women.

I’ve never had a proper vegetable garden before Moving to Musanze. Our guard- gardener, Jean Paul, is a confident and patient agriculturalist. We share what we grow with him and Ritha, my lead negotiator at the farm market, where I buy a significant amount of produce each week.  

Karen teases me about my ‘morning rounds’ around the garden. Shortly after daybreak, when the songbirds are singing, I like to walk the perimeter of the property to assess the slow ripening igitoke (cooking bananas), pumpkins and rows of basil and lettuce. I’m thinking about our next meal, but also about our business. 

I have begun an intensive effort to shape a detailed implementation plan for the on-site cafe/grill at Virunga Mountain Spirits. I’m getting advice from Deb Leatt, the founder of Food & Stuff, on things like staffing, kitchen design, and menu planning. Deb, a  Zimbabwean, received her qualifications in South Africa and worked in the UK for eight years before settling in Rwanda. We first met Deb when she began to cater lunches at the International School of Kigali, when our boys were students there a decade ago.

For many years, I’ve been affectionately called Chicken Bill, due to my near obsession with smoking poultry, for all occasions.  Smoked meats will no doubt play a prominent role at our cafe, with an eye towards a great pairing with a vodka-based cocktail. The menu will surely include a vodka-infused BBQ sauce as well.

I’ve spent countless hours at home in Musanze testing out potential menu items on Karen and occasional guests. I’ve identified a fabricator in Dar es Salaam who makes a highly-rated commercial grade smoker. I plan to test out ‘Papy’s Smoker’ early next year.

Thanksgiving came a bit early this year, when we joined our community here at a celebration hosted by the American Chamber of Commerce. The recently confirmed U.S. Ambassador to Rwanda was introduced to the local business community at that same event, with more than 100 guests.   
Karen and I have so much to be thankful for as we anticipate the 2024 launch of Virunga Mountain Spirits. We are especially grateful to have all of you in our lives.

Wishing you and yours a happy and peaceful Thanksgiving.

All the best,

Bill