A cup of coffee, a travel book, and a conversation about Rwanda's royal past set the stage for today's Turning Pages session at Mwene Gihanga Café Resto in Kigali.
The session adopted a hybrid format, with two participants attending in person and one participant joining virtually.
While the numbers may appear modest, the discussion demonstrated once again that meaningful conversations around books do not require large audiences. Sometimes, a small group gathered around a table can produce insights every bit as valuable as those generated in much larger forums.
The in-person discussion featured a young participant named Josiane UYIZERA, who was introduced to the publication during the session. Together, we explored the booklet page by page, discussing the destinations featured in the publication and the experiences that shaped the tour. Although she had not previously read the book, the discussion sparked her curiosity and she expressed interest in reading it in full at her own pace.
One attraction immediately captured her attention: the King's Palace Museum. Having grown up hearing stories about King Mutara III Rudahigwa from her parents, she expressed a desire to learn more about the monarch's life and legacy. Her interest was further strengthened by the fact that she works at Mwene Gihanga Café Resto, a business whose name itself draws inspiration from Rwanda's royal heritage.
The virtual participant, having already read the publication, offered detailed feedback on the book and participated in a question-and-answer session with the author. The discussion explored themes including slow travel, domestic tourism, community engagement, historical interpretation, and the role of everyday experiences in shaping meaningful journeys.
In keeping with the long-term vision of the Turning Pages program, copies of Nyanza: Through the Eyes of a Domestic Tourist were left behind at the café after the session. The books will contribute to the establishment of a reading corner at the venue, allowing future visitors and staff members to access the publication and continue the conversation long after the session has ended.
As Turning Pages continues to grow, hybrid sessions such as this one demonstrate how physical and virtual participation can work together to expand access to books, ideas, and meaningful dialogue. Whether gathered around the same table or connected from different locations, participants remain united by a shared commitment to reading, learning, and exploration.