Under African Skies...


“Without language, one cannot talk to people and understand them; one cannot share their hopes and aspirations, grasp their history, appreciate their poetry, or savor their songs. I again realized that we were not different people speaking separate languages; we were one people, with different tongues.”
~Nelson Mandela

South African Airways, JFK Terminal 4, NYC
Some times you just need some down time to get your strength back. Unfortunately, it’s so taboo to do such a thing in today’s world, with commitments, family, fiancés, running a business, etc…sad to say that not many take advantage of how beautiful the world truly is. It’s like somehow we all get held hostage with how our lives are supposed to look in the reality TV world of the days of our lives just being played out on a regular basis. It’s actually very health to take time of to do something you actually enjoy doing to get your strength back.  Let stillness speak and listen to the voice that comes from within on what you ought to be doing rather than what society wants you to do. 
This past autumn, I found myself back on the Go Abroad's website, just playing around. I’ve been playing around with it for years now. I know that I need to get back to the things that I love to do. Did you know that the majority of Americans do not; I repeat do not hold a passport, according to the State Department? There’s a great report, How Many Americans Have A Passport that show the statics first hand. Really, come on. I’m heart broken over these figures. It’s so sad that many will not actually take advantage of how beautiful the world is actually is. Going out of your comfort zone to combat the fear is the only way to do it. The fear of the unknown, yes the unknown, it’s not such a bad thing really. It’s even sadder that many people haven’t left the State of Maine to travel to see Boston or any other place in the country first before conquering the world. Really, these numbers have to change. Go abroad, see the world, the world is your oyster. There’s so much beauty out there.
I read Arianna Huffington’s book Thrive right before Thanksgiving & couldn’t put it down. Seriously, I got sucked in, clench to the pages with heart filled goodness. I was like “WOW”; this lady is awesome to get all of this out on paper talking about the need for us to change as a society for the betterment of our overall life condition. Let’s just say that I could relate in many respects to what she was talking about. It’s all about making healthy choices for you rather than being a people pleaser. It’s simple; you got to take care of you. Sad to say that  “the workaholic syndrome” is the norm these days for many people, honestly it doesn’t need to be that way. There’s nothing wrong with doing some volunteering, traveling, mediation, self love, etc. Check out the article, 'Thrive', Arianna Huffington on the Finical Times.
From reading the book, I was getting a strong vibe to go off & to volunteer. I just knew at this point with everything that I have going on that it would be the right time for me to do it. Why, keep on putting it off. Honestly, I had always had this vibe. I have been going back with the concept of the Peace Corps since my days prior to university. It’s been rooted in me for some time. I found my way back to the Go Abroad’s website looking at all of the options. I was looking at programs from all over the world. Honestly, it wasn’t until Cyber Monday flight specials showing up in my inbox that the vibe on where to go this winter came into play. The place that I wanted to visit showed up. I would tell myself if only when so & so happens that I will get there, however my guides were telling me to go & capture my dreams. At first I didn’t book the ticket, I went back to the website narrowing down my options. I some how found myself onto GoEco's website that I found this volunteering photography project that just stood out to me. I found this project titled “Wildlife Photography & Conservation & Thanda Reserve” with African Impact. The Thanda Private Game Reserve is located in Hluhluwe, KwaZula Natal, South Africa. It’s about a three hour drive from Durban. I applied for the program over Prelude & three days later, I got in. It must of meant to be that cos everything from that point on has been moving very fast. I have been quite please from all of the help that I have received from my booking agent at GoEco, Gap Year Travel’s exclusive “Travel Butler” service (a subsidiary of Flight Center), to a couple of friends in South Africa & not to mention a couple of friends who actually lived in South Africa for a bit. There’s this great article Five Reasons Why You Should Volunteer In South Africa that ironically I can agree with why I just found myself on my way to accept that “call” to volunteer. National Geographic has a great travel guide for the country, National Geographic Travel's South Africa Guide that is very helpful.
“Joseph’s face was black as night
The pale yellow moon shown in his eyes
His path was marked
By the stars in the Southern Hemisphere
And he walked his days
Under African Skies
This is the story of how we begin to remember
This is the powerful pulsing of love in the vein
After the dream of falling and calling your name out
These are the roots of rhythm
And the roots of rhythm remain
In early memory
Mission music
Was ringing ‘round my nursery door
I said, “Take this child, Lord
From Tucson, Arizona
Give her the wings to fly through harmony
And she won’t bother you no more”
This is the story of how we begin to remember
This is the powerful pulsing of love in the vein
After the dream of falling and calling your name out
These are the roots of rhythm
And the roots of rhythm remain
Joseph’s face was black as night
The pale yellow moon shown in his eyes
His path was marked
By the stars in the Southern Hemisphere
And he walked the length of his days
Under African Skies”
~Paul Simon

A bush tree, Thanda Private Game Reserve, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
I’m off on another adventure. Conquering my dream of reaching all seven continents of the world. A couple years back while on the National Geographic Explore in Antarctica after crossing the Antarctic Circle, I recall the Expedition Leader asking, “How many of you is this your seven continent?” I obviously didn’t raise my hand, but did when he asked about if Antarctica was your sixth continent. I’m off on another one of my soul searching expeditions. Hoping to find some growth for me, exploring new lands, learning about the land, culinary delights, working on photography & writings. It’s about having some creative play time to sooth the soul. Making new friendships. Mind Body Green has an excellent article Why Friends Are So Important For Your Well Being (Infographic) highlighting the importance of keeping in touch, having friends, etc. It’s a great read. Let your love light shine to follow your dreams, reaching for the stars in this wonderful universe. The adventure down the path is just unfolding a little bit more…





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