Goodbye Thanda

As my time here at Thanda draws to a close, I have very mixed emotions.  I guess it could be described as bitter sweet.  I AM ready to be somewhere that doesn’t have gecko poop everywhere.  I AM ready to be somewhere that has a guaranteed water supply for showers and toilet flushing.  I AM read to be somewhere that I get out and walk and not be concerned about being eaten by a lion.

However, I am not ready to go back to the real world.  There is such serenity to being out in the wild elements, being a part of nature and getting to observe the animals on a daily basis.  The thought of going back to the fast paced world of people, vehicles, noise and distraction saddens me.  I think this trip has reminded me that as with anywhere I am in the world, I think I’d rather take my chances with the wild animals then the people.

The moments spent observing, watching, and hearing the animals, especially up at close range will be my most favorite memories.  It is exhilarating and amazing to be in the presence of these creatures.  Creatures that in one moment almost make you believe that they are tame pets as they walk within a few feet of the vehicle, look you in the eye, then carry on with their day.  Making you feel safe and secure in our open top jeep in the middle of a Big 5 Game Reserve.  Yet in the next moment, they make a precarious move that keeps you on your toes, and makes you hold your breath with fear and excitement.  And you are once again reminded that these are in fact wild, dangerous animals.  Whether it’s hearing the flesh of a warthog being torn by a lion’s jaws, a elephant being a little too cheeky and touching the jeep with its tusks and trunk, or the lions on the edge of our camp growling and lunging at a not too worried (and in my mind not too smart) photographer trying the ultimate up close shot, or being woken up by lions roaring just a few hundred feet away from my hut.  And it’s not only the big or the dangerous ones that have stolen my heart.  I don’t think I will ever tire of watching an elegant giraffe as they walk along, never seeming to be in too big of a hurry.  I will always get excited to see a heard of impala, because as skidish as they are, you have to observe their beauty in a hurry as they are always quick to duck behind the bushes.  The way the muddy warthog trots along with his tail in the air will always make me think of Pumba from The Lion King.

My time spent in the community and with the local Zulu’s was amazing and the memories I made are very dear to me.  They are a wonderful culture of happy, spirited, joyful people and you can’t help but take that happy, joyful energy with you as you leave their company.  Their happiness and laughing is infectious and I love that any happy occasion is an occasion for singing and dancing.  I would love if this was common place back home.  We had some visitors today – let’s dance!!  We built a fence today – let’s dance!!  Although, I do have to say I still have some work to do on perfecting my Zulu dancing.  But I have some videos to take home with me to practice.  I think I will keep my eyes peeled for some tradition Zulu music that I could buy.  I have a special place in my heart for the Shosholoza song I’ve heard several times which I’m told is about movement.  Everyone seems to have a beautiful voice and is happy to share it with their friends and family and visitors.  Something I’ve always aspired for.  It’s a beautiful sight and sound to see a group of kids all singing and dancing in unison, and then that one standout sweet voice leading them all.