What happens when you leave it all behind and see through other eyes
I'm not real sure that people in the United States really go on vacation anymore. Yes we take "holidays", and even plan some extended trips away from home. But, even when we travel, "it" is always there. "IT" is in fact there throughout most of the world today. It can be virtually impossible to truly break away to free one's mind and live in the moment. If you haven't guessed by now "it" is the internet, with all its blessings and curses of email, Facebook, and instant access. Where can you go to truly break away in this connected world?
Seeing through the eyes of Ingonyama … The Lion King
They say that Safari is the last great adventure
Just say the word "safari" and it oozes images of intrigue and exotic settings. As I recall, safari means "journey". I suppose you could take a safari anywhere, but there is something unique and incredibly special about a safari to Africa! And, when your passion is photography, there is no place better to have a camera in your hands and live in the moment of watching the natural world unfold before your eyes.
A wise old impala who has managed to escape many a lion and survive another day.
And, if you know anything about me at all, one of my great passions is photography! It is almost impossible to put your camera down with so many photo ops around every corner. There are over 30 species of antelope, not to mention the Big 5. If you start on the birds of Africa, you simply will never get finished. And, that's the great joy of safari … the joy of the unexpected and literally living in the moment.
One of the classic members of Africa's Big 5. Unfortunately due to poaching, this magnificent animal is quickly disappearing from the wild. Put it on your "life time list" before it's too late.
Literally breaking away to gain new perspectives
Africa is certainly not the "dark continent" when it comes to being connected in today's world. I see cell phones and smartphones everywhere throughout South Africa. But, when you go on safari out to the "bush", connections are not so frequent or reliable. While you can usually find enough signal somewhere to text by phone, connecting your notebook is not so easy in safari camp miles from civilization. In many places is it impossible … which is pure joy.
Africa's tallest … literally having breakfast in the bush.
And you know what … I've rediscovered a fundamental freedom and pleasure in breaking away from it all! There is a very unique and special thing that happens on safari when you forced to take a break from your "inbox". You literally start seeing through other eyes. You make ask: "Is it possible to really leave email behind?" The simple answer is yes, if you have great team supporting you! My deepest appreciation goes out to my team who has let me roam free this past week with my cameras.
With all of the big stuff roaming the plains, it is easy to miss the double collared sunbird.
Update on "life inventory list"
In a previous post I shared my "life inventory list" (aka … the bucket list). This year has a banner year for my list. I managed to achieve two big adventures:
- Walk on the Great Wall in China
- Ride an elephant (talk about a new perspective on the world!)
The great thing about the concept of a "life inventory" is that you can look back on your journey and see where you've been. And as you complete items, you can add new ones to continue your life journey.
Riding an elephant … will definitely change your perspective and open your eyes.
If you don't have a life inventory list of personal adventures, make one! And, I would highly recommend adding "Safari" as one of those great adventures not to be missed.
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Photos: Courtesy of Chris Petersen
I would like to say excellent blog! Thanks!
Posted by: Latashia | September 29, 2013 at 02:24 PM
I'm inspired and couldn't agree more. Incredible photos, too!
Posted by: Jacqueline | June 26, 2013 at 07:17 AM