I’ve been wrestling with this concept for the last few weeks. How should I conclude this epic journal? What can I say after such an experience that will match or even come close to buzzing over Victoria Falls in a Microlite? The serenity of an African sunset, or sunrise? The vast splendour of the savannah, mountains and open sky? The sheer psychotic rage of the river Nile? And what of the freedom of the road or living each day for just that day? The generosity and kindness of strangers? The insight and knowledge gained of oneself?
Priceless treasures, all of them.
I will admit freely that, like our family, we couldn’t choose our travel companions. But, like family, you learn how to deal with their idiosyncrasies, or rather do your best to. In that light I can say it wasn’t an easy trip, but it was an experience. A modern day adventure. There are a great many things I would have done differently, looking back now. But then, I wouldn’t have come out the other end with all the lessons I learnt and still benefit from daily. I learnt a great deal about what it means to be African, about acceptance, about communication and about being genuine. I think for both Annelie and I, we were humbled by these interactions; sometimes fleeting moments by the roadside, others for hours at the border posts or camps. There is so much potential in Africa it’s astounding! And her people are kind, open and down to earth.
Zimbabwe strikes me still as the one country being blacklisted because of the actions of a small band of criminals. Her people are just getting on with it and I genuinely feel that if you have an opportunity to go there, do so. You will not be disappointed. Uganda, for her raw and savage beauty. Winston Churchill wrote of Uganda as “The pearl of Africa”. I agree.
Since we’ve been back in so called “civilisation” we’ve had a difficult time relating to... well... anything. Or anyone. Strange as it may seem, we didn’t feel like we belonged in South Africa or London. Trying to catch up with old friends and family was hard, sometimes overwhelming. Nothing personal, of course. Just, we were still on the road, in essence. It took more than a few tears and encouragement between Annelie and I to get back into the flow of things and start rebuilding our lives here in the UK. You need to know where you are if you you want to know where you’re going? Quite like Alice in Wonderland, when asked by the Caterpillar “who are you?” we could only wring our hands and reply “I don’t hardly know”.
And this is where I have to mention, following on the “How should I conclude this epic journal?” train of thought, that had I posted this a few weeks ago it would have been a gloomy affair indeed! Heh heh heh, yeah, life was confusing, frustrating and downright upside down. We count ourselves fortunate that we’ve had such unprecedented support from our biological and chosen families! Whole apartments for our exclusive use, a living room sofa bed here, express delivery of all our kit we had in storage... it was just heart warming and extremely humbling. We managed to find a fantastic apartment, not far from where we lived previously and for the last two weeks we have been on a mission to make it our home.
Annelie has picked up the majority of her client base and there are very exciting prospects on the horizon. I’ve been digging into the photography (with Annelie’s help) and secured a few quick turnaround jobs to keep the debt collectors at bay. And just last week I secured a 6 month contract for a very well established blue-chip corporation, starting on Monday. Now all we need is furniture! :)
I’ve “burrowed” Paulo Coelho’s “The Alchemist” from a friend’s bookshelf the other day. It’s a fantastic parable about a boy who dreams of travelling the world, seeing extraordinary things and finding his treasure. It’s a short novel I’ve known about it for years but never before picked up. I still haven’t finished reading it yet... I’m kind of savouring it. It has been a fantastic reminder, a beacon of sorts for what it means to believe in yourself, follow your heart, be mindful of the signs, to enjoy life and be in the moment. It is so easy to get stuck in the little things, to blame others for your perceived misfortune and to begrudgingly accept your fate. So many times in the last month I’ve caught myself in the act and what could have been a deal breaker was turned into an opportunity. Even more amusing: it was easy! It’s just a simple matter of perspective.
So what’s my point?
Well, it is this: sometimes you need to do some shit that scares you. Climb out of your shell and leave you’re cushy comfort zone behind. It reaffirms who you are and puts your values and beliefs to the test. Puts your identity in the blender a bit. We feel, perhaps, that we let ourselves down a few times on this trip. But then again, did we? Win or lose we have the luxury of hindsight to see both sides of the situation and learn valuable things about ourselves. What’s more, we can soundboard moments off each other, since we have fully two perspectives of one situation. Powerful stuff.
I was quite adolescent when I thought that Africa would be all about the photography for me. I’d have yet another excuse to hide behind my lens and not interact with the world. Silly rabbit. Instead it turned out to be a perception changing, life enhancing masterpiece. A delicious slice of time captured in glorious detail in this journal! And now, after its completion, I intend to create a physical manifestation of it, in the form of a coffee table book, sprinkled liberally with photos and hand written observations. This is my gift to future Gerhard and Annelie, who may have the benefit of picking it up on a lazy Sunday afternoon and be instantly transported back in time.
So, to you, future Gerhard and Annelie: remember this. Remember your time under the stars and the epic adventure you had together. The smells, the sun, the rivers and valleys. The highs, the lows, the spirit of the road. The journey, which bolstered the powerful foundation you have built your relationship and now married life on.
Be true. Love. Enjoy. Remember this.
Makhtub.
[G & A], out
this is the end, beautiful friend, the end.
