Some experts
believe that all people(s) originated in Africa and that we all share one
sturdy family tree. Maybe that is why when we came here, we felt like we were
home.
For Roy and
myself, it is the gentle breeze and the vibrant colors that make us yearn to
hear and see more clearly. Amazing, is the only word to describe the green
umbrella trees scattered in the plains or stunning mountains capped by clouds
with hues of pink and blue. As an oil painter, I was inspired by every color of
green and yellow that you could imagine touching the South African valleys.
Then of
course there is the unbelievable array of wild game in South Africa. Imagine relaxing
on your front porch as zebras, monkeys and nayalas peacefully play and graze. Then
go on a game drive where you will see hippos, elephants, giraffes, buffalo,
leopards, and rhinos up close and personal. This and so much more was what the
bush offered to us two young at heart adventurers.
There is
also something very special about the African people. When we had the
delightful opportunity to talk with them and hear their stories, we saw cultural
pride that had been passed down for many generations. The Zulu people along
with other African tribal people we met, were anxious to share their heritage
with us and proud to tell us about their customs. In one such conversation, I
asked if any members of the Zulu’s were brought to the United States to be
slaves. The gentleman that I talked to said very proudly, no. He then explained
that when the whites came to this area as missionaries the Zulu people were
very clever and they hid from them. He then told me that during subsequent
trips, the missionaries brought Indians from India to Africa as slaves to work
as laborers in the sugar and cotton fields.
Although our
journey in Africa has only begun, all the people we have met here have been
amazing. From the African and Zulu people that we got to know, to our personal
guide Manny who is a crazy fun Dutchman and of course Robert a wonderful
Frenchman who made sure our every need was met and shared so much about himself
with us. Or the three policeman that after trying to give us direction, finally
just laughed and said “follow us will show you how to get there”.
So to sum
up our experience in our first 12 days in Africa … not only were we in awe of
our physical surroundings but we were also welcomed with open arms, trusted
like old friends and treated like we were one of the family.
Now it’s
time to move down the road not over the hill……
