Why Africa?

   When I tell people my plans for Uganda, a lot of people wonder why I choose to go to Africa when I could stay nearby here in Asia. The truth is, I would probably be happy anywhere, but Africa is the continent that calls to me the most; and it always has. Every since I was small, I dreamed of visiting Africa and in 2007, I finally achieved that dream. Along with a high school friend, I joined a tour group that spent 6 weeks overlanding and camping from Cape Town, South Africa to Nairobi, Kenya, traversing through six other countries along the way. It was still the most amazing experience I have ever had. 

   Every new panorama was more beautiful than the last. Every smile brightened the day and every child's giggle of delight at seeing a white person warmed my heart. We met traditional bushmen tribes in Botswana and learned how they have survived for thousands of years. We met people who live in the unforgiving environment of the Namib desert, people who live on the plentiful shores of Lake Malawi, and traditional Masai villagers. The breadth of Africa's diversity, both environmentally and culturally, is endlessly fascinating. From Cape Town's comparatively modern coast, to Namibia's deserts and adventure sports; to the tranquility of the Okavango Delta and the lush rainforests of Malawi; to riding elephants and walking with lions in Zimbabwe to the massive roar of Victoria Falls; and from the sober history of Zanzibar to wild game drives across the Serengeti. Every corner, every village, every person has a unique and interesting flavor that just doesn't seem to compare to the relative homogeneity of other places I have been. 

  I visited the Olduvai Gorge, the so-called Cradle of Humanity, and stood before the place where we first began. It is humbling and a bit unbelievable to think that these people began in these harsh conditions and survived to bore the entirety of humankind.  Everything about Africa is humbling; from the size of its lands to the size of its animals and to the warmth, generosity, and joy of its people. I never once felt threatened or in danger. I never once failed to see the smiles on the faces of the people we met. I never once thought I would never be back. 

  I cannot wait to return to Africa and stay in one place for a long period of time. I can't wait to try to dig deeper into the culture, learn and understand the history, and help in any way I can. I don't see Africans as poor people incapable of progress or helping themselves; I see them as resilient, intelligent people who have been afforded a different lot in life and are trying to make it work. I have no doubt I will enjoy each and every minute I'm granted on that wonderful continent.