The Spirit of Africa
I am concentrating so hard it is as if I am there; I see every grain of sand, feather, glint of the ocean, sound of the waves, the starry night. I left my spirit somewhere in Africa and there it will remain.
The motherland of humankind, Africa has an energy that flows through the land it is throbbing with life and those who are truly living. An energy which cannot be tamed by rules and regulations, one which once you tap into you can never escape from, you never want to escape from and your body craves it every waking moment you are away. This is the spirit of Africa, the spirit of the Earth, the Spirit of Life.
The West Coast calls, driving into the evening sun with no plan, just desire, a desire to discover untouched places. We were diverted inland due to a huge bush fire ravaging the coastal landscape. As we drove through the dry farmland back towards the coast the roads emptied and soon there were no cars, just untouched spaces. Fire left the landscape charred, as the sun descended the light caught the charcoal branches, emphasising the stark naked beauty of a parched wild land.
Onwards into the sunset we cruised, stumbling upon a deserted beach with the fading light of day. Behind us the mountains loomed, to the front the ocean stretched, silence engulfed us as the moon rose illuminating the skies. We set up camp and watched the night pass us by until the moon set over the oceans horizon and the stars grew brighter and brighter.
Early next morning, waves eluded us yet the distant mountain ridgeline called out to be explored, leaving the cool sea breeze behind we entered the interior. Hot and sweaty we searched for water to cool off in alongside the dirt track which led us to a river valley high in the wilderness. Civilisation ceased to exist as we drank up the tranquillity, refreshed we made our base alongside the river for another night beneath the stars. Hiking a nearby peak early the next morning and exploring downstream we were lucky enough to watch a beautiful Malachite Kingfisher catching fish a few meters from us.
Eventually we had to leave this wild land. The road back was engulfed by a dense sea fog which swallowed everything up. The energy flow of Africa was all that now connected us to this otherwise featureless landscape. We all felt revitalised by the simplicity, our minds empty of all matters other than enjoying the moment.
Take some time, explore, feel the sand between your toes, gaze at the night sky and listen to the music of nature. Keep it simple. Manera
