Floating Away

There are many reasons, personal, professional and practical, I blog anonymously. These reasons usually outweigh the occasional longings to share more, reach out. Today it pains me somewhat to be cryptic. I want to tell the story. The story is mine. But it is not only mine; I do not own it all so I may not tell it all.

Several circumstances, some amazing, some tragic, have recently converged and drawn me in with the centrifugal force only family can create. I have booked my itinerary. England early April. Africa mid April.

Once you have been to Africa, it stays in your blood and leaves you forever changed and expanded. Something about the sky. Or the history. Or bearing witness to the Cradle of Civilization. Or the last wild animal migrations.

To return like this, hastily, mostly as a travel companion--no Grand Agenda--leaves me feeling a bit untethered. I have been in a hot air balloon over Africa. I know what it is to be untethered. It has just been some time.

And I need to get a Yellow Fever shot.

The reincarnationist post -- turning into a small book so thank you for that. How many lifetimes have I lived in Africa? How many times will that continent draw me back this lifetime?

Comments

[knq]

When I lived in S.A. in the 80s - even as a kid I remember the country's beauty - and now I remember that - and realize the pain that lived there as well. I haven't been back since we left - and I miss it in a way. Those were formative years for me.

And I hated the malaria pills BLECHCCCHCCH

[caroline]

I had that same reaction to East Africa, Kenya. For me it was the light and also the smell in the air. In Nairobi it was the smell of the wood and charcoal from the morning cookfires in the high, clear air...and the beaches in Mombasa looked exactly like the ungroomed beaches of Miami Beach in the 50s when I was a small child. for all that the trip is different than you might have chosen, enjoy the return.

[Shephard]

It will be interesting to hear what you discover about being drawn there this trip. All outer travels are inner ones, as you know. And I know your travel companion will love that you are there and helping with this. ;)
~S

[Erin]

I have always wanted to travel to Africa. There's something about the continent that calls me also, although I don't have as obvious a reason as you seem to have.

Enjoy your trip.

[Princess]

I am going to miss you! I already miss you though, generally. Send me a postcard won't you?! Hopefully I can make it over to see you off.:)

Hearts,
Princess

[Pops]

I've never been to Africa, but I have been to England. I feel the same way about Blighty as you feel about Africa... only instead of the sky and the history stuff, mostly I remember all the homeless people trying to browbeat me into buying copies of "The Big Issue" at the ends of pedestrian tunnels in the middle of the night. OK, so maybe it isn't as Africa-y as I first remembered.

[Melissa]

Africa has been my dream for so long. I don't know why it reaches out to me so strongly, but I feel it and know that the moment I step onto her soil, I will understand what it is you have felt. I am so jealous.

[Jayne]

KnQ: I would love to hear about your S.A. adventures. I lived in Kenya 1983-85, formative for me too. I am ALLERGIC to the new malaria pills (Larium? Found out the hard way, full body rash.)

Caroline: Why did I not know you have been to (lived in?) Nairobi, Mombassa?? These places are forever in my heart as home.

Shephard: Yes, it will be interesting and thanks for the reminder. Considering bringing the video camera.

Erin: Thank you, I hope you are able to go one day.

Princess: I will see you all next week! Um, I guess I forgot to tell you I will be on the coast and may need a place to crash . . .

Pops: Yeah, maybe not so Africa-y. . . but I do want to hear any good London gauge you may have as we'll be there for several days.

Melissa: I hope you are able to go! And if you go in the next few years, I can hook you up with lodging etc. Seriously, start saving your $$ for airfare.