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I had heard magical things about the drive from Johannesburg to Maun and I wasn't disappointed. When I tell people that we drove for 13 hours they assume it was nightmareish, cramped and boring but they are so far from the truth! It was a educational, fascinating and beautiful 13 hours that really allowed me to experience the vastness of Africa.
This drive reminded me of the moment when I first realised that I had to travel to Africa. Charley Boorman and Ewan McGregor riding their motorcycles through Africa was what inspired my desire to go to Africa and later my passion for the exotic continent. During this drive I saw real African people living out in the bush living off the land and their animals, I encountered sandstorms in the desert and I soon learnt the art of a "bush pee"! The landscape was just breathtaking, even when the land is around me was flat for as far as I could see it was still a magnificent sight that I will never forget. The car journey also gave me a chance to talk to Tony and Elsie properly as well as get to know Andrew and Benji.
As we got closer to Maun the atmosphere in the car became eletric with excitement. For the first time since I began planning this trip I had some nerves building in the pit of my stomach. I would soon be arriving at the home of Tony and Elsie's daughters, Lisa and Laura, and their families. Two families that I had never met before but who I was about to spend three weeks living with. Would I stand out horribly as an English girl trying to pretend she knew about the bush and Africa?!
The first thing I saw when I arrived in Maun was a billboard advert for Nandos! I laughed quietly to myself and my nerves eased a little. I distinctly remember Tony telling me that the traffic lights we were stopped at were one of only two sets in the whole town. We turned left off the long and straight main road onto a small sandy road, and a little way down it we reached a gate. Behind the gate I could see two buildings, children running around and dogs barking at the gate. We pulled into Lisa and Laura's compound and everyone rushed out the car to greet each other. Laura, who I had been communicating with about the trip, came over and introduced herself and from that very moment I knew we were going to have a brilliant time together. Jess, Laura's daughter, came over to say hello as did Lisa and her daughter Jolie. Everyone had a smile on their face, everyone was hugging and kissing and I knew I was going to fit in perfectly with this beautiful, happy and loving family.
Lisa cooked a delicious roast impala for dinner - the first of my African delicacies! I got into bed, well Jess' bed, that evening and reflected on the day that had gone by. I was so blessed and lucky that Laura had welcomed me into her home and her family. All together, we were about to experience Africa and all its beauty.
- comments
laura Hey Victoria. . its like reliving it all over again !! great writing.. I was in the process of clicking on the stars ( all 5 was the plan !!) and my computer froze ,now I cant adjust it ;-(.. aarrgghh !!! if you know how I can edit it please let me know..
elsie Great stuff Victoria.... What fun to relive it all. And to see the experiences through your eyes. Believe me, you were only a pleasure to be with and certainly not anything less than great. Best wishes tony and elsie
Andrew Fantastic writing and so encouraging to relive the experience. Keep on writing. I hope to write some someday. For now my work at the new terminal at Heathrow is taking up my time :-)