What is Africa to me:
Copper sun or scarlet sea,
Jungle star or jungle track
One three centuries removed
From the scenes his fathers loved,
Spicy grove, cinnamon tree,
What is Africa to me?
- Countee Cullen, "Heritage"
The date was December 2005 and the significance was: My first trip to the African continent. I left Los Angeles, CA bound for Cape Town, South Africa, which was where I was going to begin a 25 day trip through South Africa, Botswana, Zambia, and Zimbabwe. I probably can give you a minute by minute recap of my entire trip to the southern region of Africa. Every single day within that timeframe was unforgettable as well as...no, I am not going to be cliche and say life changing but I will say humbling, paralyzing, and rejuvenating.
Africa, to me is humbling. It is humbling because of its significance to history, to the present, and to the future. It is humbling because of the way of life and generosity of its people. It is humbling because of its intimidating size and complexity of natural obstacles to overcome. It is humbling because of the diversity of not only mankind but of living creatures.
Africa, to me is paralyzing. It is paralyzing because of its vast beauty and endless skyscapes. It is paralyzing because it is unplanned, unprogramed, and unexpected. It
is paralyzing because of the magnitude of need and the abundance of powerless people. It is paralyzing because you know you will never look at the world the same way again. I should also mention that it is quite paralyzing when an animal like the one in the picture to the right, charges your vehicle!
is paralyzing because of the magnitude of need and the abundance of powerless people. It is paralyzing because you know you will never look at the world the same way again. I should also mention that it is quite paralyzing when an animal like the one in the picture to the right, charges your vehicle! Africa, to me is rejuvenating. It is rejuvenating because it is one of the few places on earth where you can truly escape and be miles from civilization. It is rejuvenating because it is humbling and paralyzing. It is rejuvenating because the days are long, as are the nights, and the food is filling. It is rejuvenating because you will have seen many friendly faces and have experienced lasting memories.
What does Africa mean to you?
Posts
I want to go back to! You ever go to Kenya?
ReplyDeleteYou should fly out to Cape Town for the World Cup. That would be quite an experience.
I am in! When are we going?
ReplyDeleteDearest Leah, this is magnificently written. You have re-defined and re-captured what I thought was obsolete for me: Africa = Overwhelming, end of story. Reading your post triggered something indescribable, probably a bit of passion, a bit of nostalgia, a bit of fear, and a LOT of appreciation. Thank you for visiting and giving me the opportunity to experience the impossible right there beside you. Looking back, I was infinitely blessed. You are always reminding me to rejoice in the positive, the current, the opportunities, and the future. I miss you......ps, where's my photo credits ;)??
ReplyDelete