The Bush Bubble

I have been exposed via social media, to the reality of  life in the cities of South Africa, and have found myself going to bed with a head full of negativity. Reality or not, I prefer not to indulge in the news, and take the ostrich stance on it all, by burying my head in the bush bubble.

While most of you that read my blog, and follow my stories, are constantly faced with day to day happenings, as well as the pressure of regular city life, I am daily awoken by the sounds of a hippo, a hyena or a lion. I do feel that by sharing my stories and my inner thoughts or perceptions, I may in some way be making a small difference to the world. Whether it is by bringing a smile to someone’s face with one of my light hearted reads, or by educating people on the beauty that not only Africa has to offer, but South Africa, I am certain that even the tiniest bit of a difference is better than no difference at all.

So with all the recent negative light being shed on our beautiful country, I feel it is time to share some colorful positive light in there too.

Just a few days ago, I was graced with the presence of a family made up of a wife from Sweden, a husband from England and a daughter, who’s heart, I am certain was once in Africa in a previous lifetime. This young girl who tended to veer away from strangers and stick to herself, was in a world of her own, and this world was filled with African animals and so much knowledge about them gained in factual books. She had spent months reading all about our landscape and its creatures prior to arriving, because this is what inspired her the most. The sparkle in her eyes when she chatted to the ranger about the different species, and facts surrounding them, was something magical to see. In a world full of negativity and pain, this was definitely an absolute delight for me to witness.

Each drive with this family was filled with laughter, jokes and animated commentary of the animals we saw. At one point Helena (The Swedish wife) and myself were watching this spotted eagle owl sitting in the middle of the road, his expression was one that made us giggle. (If owls even have an expression).  His face was all scrunched up like an angry English police officer, and the fact that he was in the middle of the road only created a perfect scene for a few animated comments. With my best British accent I started off with a “AH Good evenin’ folks, and what would you be doin’ drivin’ around at this time of the night’?” to which Helena followed cue with a “I’m gonna hafta check that you haven’t been drinking or nuthin” at this point, the angry faced owl turned away from us and I just could not help myself “Ey Jerry, what ya think? These folk been drinkin tonight?” as he turned to face us again, the angry look on his face seemed much more severe and I had to continue with what we had started. “Ey, are you mockin’ me, d’ya think this is funny”. Well that was it,the whole car was in stitches. Even though I cannot recall the exact detail of the entire made-up play write, the memory of laughing so hard that my stomach hurt, will never leave my mind.

These are the moments I refer to as my Bush Bubble, the place I bury myself in when it all gets too much. I either go on a game drive, or write a story about one of those pure and usually funny moments, or i just sit and remember them with a few solo giggles. Sometimes i wish i could look at the world with the eyes of that little girl, and see what she sees. The innocence and purity as well as the untainted bush bubble she lives in must be something spectacular, although with a little reminding, i am able to enjoy just a glimpse of it, and i am almost always sure to write it down.

Sitting here now, watching the much needed rain drip down my window, I smile to myself remembering that it doesn’t matter where you come from or who you are, a connection is made none the less. We are people, and culture, birthplace or color do not separate us or create barriers. We create those barriers, society creates those barriers, and the news only fuels it. I will never forget that family, nor the joyous time I had with the three of them. I had only known them for three days, and I will probably never get to see them again, but I made a friendship with a woman who I had only known for a few minutes, and the friendship will either dwindle or I will have the opportunity to connect via social media. Regardless, the memories have already been created and the moments were so valuable, and I am so grateful to have had them. Two different women from totally different places were able to create a friendship in just under five minutes. It was Africa that brought us together and brought out the best in us, it was Africa that opened our eyes to the beauty in others by showing us the beauty in her. Africa certainly is the mother of us all, and whether you are a visitor or born here, we are all children of the land. Ubuntu – We are one! Stop Xenophobia!