Reflections of our South African Adventure 2019
Dear Cheryl,
Our South African adventure may have started as one more place to check off on our bucket list but turned out to be a truly heart filled experience combining love of land, family, and service to others. Our most important decision was accepting the invitation from Guy and Maureen to be part of this experience. Without hesitation we signed up for what would turn out to be a glimpse of an affirmation of the human spirit, a love of the land, its people, and the daily struggle and sacrifice of many to make a living. The fifteen-hour plane ride could have deterred us as well as previous health issues, but as Dr. Van said, “Go live your life” and we did and did not look back.
Our stay in Cape Town on the water, in a luxurious hotel, was the introduction to our adventure and as it turned out the accommodations and all the luxuries that came with them were only a very small part of our experience. Rather, the people who transported us, waited on us, and shared their stories were really the highlight of our experience.
From our driver, Ameen, who shared his knowledge of Cape Town highlighting the many features of the area we could see the divergent differences of the haves and have-nots. Always those who we met were always friendly and eager to share their stories when asked.
After speaking to several employees, we got a glimpse of the long hours and often the little compensation they got for their dedication to keep us happy, always with a smile.
Even though we stayed only one night in Grootbos, we went on a nature drive as well as an ocean caves walk with “Jo” our guide. His love of the land and the human spirit especially touched our heart. He made our stay one that we will keep tucked in our heart. While there we also met Trixie, who tended the 17 horses-some rescue horses and fitted us with horses to ride, aware of our needs and perhaps fear of the ride. She took very good care of me by letting me ride Sammy. My fears soon disappeared.
On our arrival at Kruger Park at the Narina Lodge for three nights we were met by Jabu, who would lead our six game drives over 3 days. Again, our luxurious accommodations in the wilderness paled in comparison to the treatment we got from those who took care of us. Many starting their day at 4:00 am until 10:00 pm, then driving home sometimes an hour to start again the next day. All were extraordinary and smiling and shared their stories with us. The day before we left, the staff surprised us with a BBQ, called a Boma, which is an outdoor celebration. A special outdoor area was decorated with lanterns, tables set under the partial light of the moon. Our driver Jabu joined us and sat at the head of the table where he deserved to be. They shared their songs, dance, food and their love of life with us.
And yes, Jabu and Wanted, his tracker, did not disappoint in locating the Big 5 and more.
Game drives began at 5:30 am to 8:30 am, then again at 4:30 pm to 7:30 pm followed by dinner and perhaps drinks at the bar sharing more stories about family and life in Africa. From our lodge balcony we were privileged to see families of elephants, giraffes and many other animals drinking from the river.
Like many other areas in the world, this area is experiencing severe drought with water levels far below expected. Although this is considered the rainy season, they have had very little. From speaking to Jabu and others, they are truly worried about the area’s future as well as their livelihood in the park. They also worry that their children may not have these beautiful animals and wildlife in their future if conditions do not improve.
Passing shantytowns on the way to our various activities as well as the many workers at the hotels and all who we met along the way reminded us how fortunate we were to live in Canada...and that maybe because of our privileged life we sometimes let technology and the comforts we take for granted, to close our eyes to what is really important. Dismissing the struggles of those around us, near and far as not our problem lessens our ability to make a difference. We can all make a difference.
Sincerely,
Theresa & John D.