Lets try this again.

It has been almost three months that I have been back on land.

I never found time to write once I had returned to the ship because I was often pre-occupied.

While sitting on the floor at St Maarten island, I received an email requesting to come in for an interview at a game reserve.  At that stage I had plenty of time at my disposal to consider this. As I had arrived at the airport and been informed that my employers did not confirm my flight from the island, and I knew I had paid for this flight, and would miss my connection if someone did not fix this in half an hour or less. Oh well, at that point so many bad chain reactions had happened prior to me getting to the airport, I had no choice but to sit on the floor, try and contact someone, and hope for a miracle. All in all, I was quite relaxed and had befriended a few airport employees.  I would have been ok if it became fact that I would sleep at the little island, with next to nothing. No, not worried in the least, I began to read emails, and found this interview request.

So here I am, three months later, not many itchy feet travel attacks, much happier and enjoying life in the bush with clean eyes. My view on Africa has changed so much, and sometimes it feels like I'm living here for the first time. Who knew it smelt so nice, and the sunsets and sunrises were so golden and pink. Who thought elephants would roam in front of your morning view.  I never knew, and I never thought that my morning drive would consist of  no traffic, sunrises, sunsets and an odd elly.

I haven't thought much about exploring anywhere else right now. I am rather enjoying the transition between crazy travelling to a more mature way of indulging into my passion of travel. Ah the simplest of joys, how much calmer I feel not rushing around with complete uncertainty of the next point, bus stop, or plane.

Oh yes, it is really lovely here in Africa, so many wonderful places to see.

Who do I thank for this wonderful passion? It could not have been my mom, who has always been rather introverted nor my dad who has limited his passion for so long. It may have been my grandfather who told me stories about adventures and travel for two hours while he was getting ready to leave us. Or maybe my grans naughty streak and her determination to embrace and go against a few rules, as long as it was done in a ladylike manner, who gives a damn!

Maybe it was my granny and gramps from moms side, who took me camping from nine months old. I remember endless warm days lying on a mattress at the back of a bakkie, staring at the passing trees and scenery whilst we made our next journey to new adventures of camping, fishing, friends and playing games in the dark.

In fact it could have been a combination of many in my life. My mom's encouragement to think for myself, and not to rely on anyone, my dads sense for adventure and drive, my grandparents old souls and positive thinking, my aunts stories of travel and freedom. Who knows really. Maybe it's just me and what I like doing. Following a passion can often lead to irrational behaviour and decisions, but you go for it regardless.  Sometimes it leads you to exactly where you need to be. Self discovery is often found in the journey of life, so why not just be true to yourself by following those inner desires and enjoying a satisfying path discovering who you really are, what your inner wants are, what your passions are and how much peace and joy you receive really going for what you value. I doubt anyone could be negative or resentful after really living in a way that embraces all the things around them. It can only cause a chain reaction of positive go getters. Lets face it, it seems that everyone around seems to be heading towards the same goal. Everyone just wants to be happy or loved.