I keep posting about the trip to southern Africa that Uwe and I made in November 2023. I’m doing it to share Uwe’s breathtaking photographs, and to share with you what we experienced.
The act of blogging reinforces my memories. Writing these posts helps me recall where we went and what we did.
But there’s something else going on here. In the months since we returned home I’ve created post after post after post after post after post, as if nothing can shut me up….
They aren’t just for the followers who stay with me as I tell tales. I write to keep reminding myself of how great I felt about the world during that entire trip.
The feeling came to me as a revelation. When I climbed shakily out of what I considered a toy tin helicopter after our ride over the Okavango Delta, I was startled to realize I was feeling something unfamiliar:
Optimistic.
I don’t know about you or everyone else, but it looks to me like ongoing world events are grim. Wars, climate change, mass extinctions, corrupt and greedy politicians destroying democratic governments to hang onto power…. It’s a long, depressing list. So to feel unequivocally GREAT about a spot was wonderful.
Thanks to all of you for reading, liking, and commenting on my endless flow of stories about southern Africa. I want to spread my sense of optimism. Let’s share some hope for a change!
NOTES: ©2024 Jadi Campbell. Photos ©2023 Uwe Hartmann. Uwe’s photos of our trips and his photography may be viewed at viewpics.de.
My books are Broken In: A Novel in Stories, Tsunami Cowboys, Grounded and The Trail Back Out.
Click here for my author page to learn more about me and purchase my books.
Great easy-reading stuff, Jadi. Wonderful pics too. i shall be dropping by more often.
Welcome!
Those bee-eaters are gorgeous. The extraordinary variety of birds alone in Botswana is awe-inspiring. Keep posting about your trip, Jadi!
I couldn’t agree more. There is so much good in the world, even now, and all the time, and it’s getting to these kind of places, of great natural beauty, that we can be reminded of it. All is well.
Alison
What is that beautiful bird?
A southern carmine bee eater!
The photograph of the bird is fantastic.
Uwe was really happy with this one!