For majority of the group, this is the first time we had been to Rwanda and for some the first time in Africa. The short drive from the airport to where we are staying, starting in downhill Kigali where the smell of wood smoke lingers in the cauldron at the hill base and people walk along the hectic streets carrying, or more appropriately, precariously balancing the most inordinate amount of objects on their heads, through to the uphill executive area of Kigali with its' pristinely clean streets and  beautifully manicured road side gardens, it would be quite easy to forget the events of 18 years ago, as the only visible trace that remains are the bullet holes on the side of the main government building.

It is fitting that as this is being written Marley’s ‘Buffalo Soldier’ lyrics; ‘If you know your history, then you will know would know where you're coming from’ are coming through on the stereo and it seems appropriate, maybe more contextual, that the team visited the Genocide Museum on the first day to get an understanding of how present day Rwanda got to where it is today.

After a hearty lunch of French bread, African doughnuts and bananas, the afternoon is spent at the Rwanda Orphans project, which at present count is home to around 70 boys aged between 4 and 18. After a brief introduction from the Orphanage Project Leader, Jenny, who explains  that  she was initially due to be working there for a few months and has now stayed there for a near two years, the CWB Rwanda team after 30 seconds with the boys understood why this was the case. One thing that unifies the Rwandan nation is the massive smiles which, no matter what your age or circumstances, all possess. The boys we were coaching here this afternoon were no exception to this rule.

CWB Rwanda Project Leader, Carl, took the more professional approach in demonstrating the perfect defensive shot, which was a shock to us all too not just the boys, but looked pretty impressive.

CWB Rwanda Cricket Tutor, Mike, on the other hand, put aside his Cricket Tutoring in a bid to show the boys how to properly celebrate a wicket. At the time of writing we are currently waiting on news to see if his bid for an appearance on 'Strictly Come Dancing' will be forthcoming next year – we'll keep you posted.

After a rather hectic 24 hours in Kigali, we retired to a local Italian to consume a few drinks and pizzas before heading to bed for a relatively early night ahead of the next 12 days of coaching.

 

Day 1 – 'Of the Day' Awards

Picture of the day: Seasoned CWB Rwanda team member Kevin with the boys (see above)

Catch of the day: Currently being decided.

Bowling of the day: Currently being decided.

Batting performance of the day: Again, currently being decided.

The most extraordinary item balanced on head of the day: 5 Bar Stools