Passport to South Africa
South Africa was a vacation distinct from others. My two weeks in the country can be best described as an invitation and opportunity to immerse myself in a unique culture. While there are so many moments I can explain in detail, here are some of the most vibrant memories that I hope everyone can experience once in their life.
My favorite photograph, the natural safari: seeing elephants, lions, cheetahs, impalas, zebras, giraffes, buffalos, hippopotamus, and rhinos in their natural habitat was refreshing. These pictures did not utilize the zoom function on my camera, that is really how close I was on our safari Jeep. Being placed in these animals’ playground showed me a care-free demeanor of these “wild” animals that I did not know existed.
My favorite moment, Cape of Good Hope: a breathtaking view of the meeting point between the Atlantic and Indian Ocean, as seen while standing on the most southern tip of Africa. The average eye may not be able to see it, but there is a slight change in the color of the sea that makes you know there is something greater than you and I.
My favorite emotion, happiness through strength: a feeling that overwhelmed me during my interactions with the community, who were beautifully happy despite the emotional scars from their past/present society. I exuded their same happiness after I saw my first full rainbow, stretching from beginning to end while I was finishing my dinner.
” Thank you for flying with South Africa Airlines.” That was the last thing I heard when my vacation came to an end. If only I could respond “no South Africa, THANK YOU.”
“Travel is fatal to prejudice, bigotry, and narrow-mindedness, and many of our people need it sorely on these accounts. Broad, wholesome, charitable views of men and things cannot be acquired by vegetating in our little corner of the Earth all one’s lifetime.” – Mark Twain
Please go travel the world and inspire to not only fill your passport but your mind and heart with love.