On a cold clear winter afternoon here in southern Ontario, Nancy and I tingle with anticipation as we stand at the threshold of one of the greatest adventures of our lives. Opportunity, careful planning and good fortune have once again conspired to send us on the kind of journey that is a dream about to be fulfilled. As we make final preparations we can only imagine the fascinating people, places and events we are about to experience. After two fantastic weeks of rejuvenation on the beaches and in the streets of the Yucatan Peninsula in Mexico, we feel about as prepared as possible.
In addition to the requisite information that we’ve consumed relating to the practicalities of travelling through southern Africa, a couple of excellent novels have helped to bring to life for us this special part of the world. Fact and fiction agree that the "Dark Continent" is a land of great kindness and cruelty, a cauldron of racial and political turmoil that is just beginning to recover from centuries of injustice while at the same time celebrating its many achievements. We are aware of the risks: physical injury on some of the demanding hikes we have planned; dangerous wildlife; violent crime that is pervasive in parts of the land. We can only hope that we will be able to overcome these challenges through good decisions, determination and humour.
What do we look forward to most of all? The learning and beauty that often become inseparable as one travels. Life is a miracle that comes packaged as a series of mysteries. In one lifetime we merely scatch the surface of what is known. Whether it's understanding a theorem in math, a scientific principle, a new sequence of musical notes or a species of plant or animal never before observed, learning helps us to be more complete people. We can only hope that some of the experiences that we are able to share with you through this blog will be interesting. Stay tuned!
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