I began penning this blog from the bush. On safari.
Not just any safari. This was my first trip in exactly 24 months. Woohoo, safari is back, tourism is back, and the world is travelling again – much to be excited about!
To say I’m happy to be here is an understatement. I have not been this excited since I got a Mongoose BMX for my eighth birthday! I was so excited for this trip in fact, that I arrived at the hotel in Cape Town one day early! Better to be early than late I suppose…
It is such a thrill to be guiding again. I have so enjoyed being on this trip; back in my happy place, doing what I love. It’s wonderful to see the enthusiasm of travellers, restaurants, hotels, guides, camps, and lodges. It is especially wonderful to share the excitement of the guests. I love seeing the experience through my guests’ eyes. During guide training we were reminded to always try to see it through the eyes of the guest. Full time guiding, seeing the same animals every day, can lead to burnout and your enthusiasm has the potential to wane. No problems with that on this trip – it was just wonderful!
Cape Town, where our trip began last week (and my new home!) was bursting at the seams. Restaurants were full. Loads of foreign accents at all our stops and activities. There is a renewed energy that is only really possible after a downturn like we’ve experienced
More good news continues to flow in – countries like Germany are now not requiring negative test results if you’re vaccinated. Some countries, like Kenya, are even welcoming unvaccinated travellers, with proof of a negative test. The world is returning to normal, and I truly believe that we have overcome the pandemic.
On the other side of the world however, the news is not so good. The Ukraine crisis seems almost impossible to believe. Once again it feels like we’re on a movie set. Just when COVID seems to be coming to an end, another tragedy unfolds. This one seems to be much more serious – watching the unthinkable happen. Let’s hope that it can be resolved, quickly and peacefully.
Whilst we celebrate all the good that’s prevailed over the last months, let’s send lots of good vibes to where they need it.