The mist and light showers lingered over the hills as I twisted my throttle to Rusumo, soaking up the beauty of the Eastern Province of Rwanda with a fellow biker from Kenya. The Kenyan adventurer is on a tour around East Africa, and I had the pleasure of escorting him to the entrance of his next destination: Tanzania.
After seeing him off at the border, I returned to Kigali. Somewhere along the way, I found myself craving a dose of caffeine—something to boost my energy before the final push to the capital.
While spinning my spokes along the Rwamagana bypass, I spotted a young lady holding a placard-like sign displaying Casa Center's brand. Within a fraction of a second, I made a decision to pull over and find out what was behind her bold, visibility-enhancing seduction. When I popped into the café, the welcoming gestures of the baristas felt like the opening notes of a soothing melody.
I stumbled upon this coffee house at the right time. Right when I was looking forward to my next cup. It's like the universe knew what I needed and tucked a little gem along my path. The sight of the cozy outlet, the hiss of the espresso machine, and the promise of the rich, aromatic flavor awakened my senses.
During the break, the warmth of my perfectly crafted cappuccino matched the calmness of the afternoon and the allure of the decor. As the freshly brewed Rwandan coffee kicked in, I reminisced about the thrill of the ride to Rusumo. The return leg had been exciting thus far, and the final stretch to Kigali looked promising.
Surrounded by catchy designs and the aroma of my favorite beverage, I found the much-needed stillness between the hums of the road. As I took the last sip, helmet by my side, legs stretched out, I realized that this was more than just a coffee break. It was a reminder that trips aren't only about destinations or the people we ride with but also about the quiet pauses in between.