Rwandan visitor - girl

William, an old friend and colleague, from Rwanda has just left after two weeks in the UK. Watching him experience London was almost as fascinating as it was for him to experience the city. From struggling with escalators and trains to mastering chopsticks, from experiencing 3-D films to shopping in Harrods, everything was new and exciting.

I had sort of expected William to experience culture shock akin to that experienced by Brits in Rwanda - total melt-down at the entirely different world. He didn't, at least not on the surface. He took everything in his stride, asked questions, experienced and enjoyed everything, except for broccoli which was experienced but not enjoyed!

We tried as many foods as we could in a short time - xmas pudding, sushi, British green veg, burgers and milkshakes (GBK and MacD's to give the full range), Chinese food, Italian food, Nando's, cheeses, fish and some hilarious combinations.

We saw everything: parliament, Trafalgar Sq, Leicester Sq, Picadilly Circus, the Thames, South Bank, we took a ride on the London Eye, Natural History Museum, Science Museum, Harrods, everything we could think of to show him our marvellous city.

Personally I think I found taking him to the museums the most rewarding. Being a bright guy he was quick to pick up on everything and could even acknowledge that there might be something in this 'dinosaur thing' and that what he was learning did appear to contravene his views on creation. We didn't push the issue.

Seeing his interest and excitement and hearing him revel in our world was incredible. Knowing he's gone home with a new fascination for the world and a curiosity for everything (his words) is something special. I hope he'll use some of what he saw in my office in his own office and that he'll help the kids from SACCA question the world in the way he saw us doing.