Botswana

We steer away from the excitement of Victoria Falls and into the heart of Africa, Botswana, some say the heart of humanity. Our humanity. Where life as homo sapiens evolved in the Greater Zambezi River Basin some 200,000 years ago. That's right, where you and I began our long journey, living in this region for over 70,000 years. Until climate change forced us to migrate out of Africa and become roamers of the planet. But here I am, walking, once again, in the footsteps of my forefathers. Trekking through the hills and valleys and rivers of Botswana, along the same routes of those who came before me. We begin our trip back in time within the Chobe National Park, doing a pleasant game drive up the river. The animals are abundant and thriving. 

The following day we move to a different section of the Park, but hit a snag along the way. Our magical bus/truck loses four bolts holding the engine to the timing chain. Yes, you heard that right, four bolts literally wiggled free and fell out from solid metal.

Did I mention the roads from hell? We've been slamming around on rough, dirt roads for months now. Not all the time, but a lot of the time. Apparently it has taken a toll on our weary and battered truck. To make matters worse, we miss lunch, after leaving camp at 5 am. We are broken down on the side of the highway for a good part of the day. I'm hungry and tired. Hangry. They finally call our guides for the next adventure (poling up the Okavango Delta) to pick us up. But by the time we make it to camp, I'm exhausted and need a break from Africa. So I find a nice hotel and disappear for three nights while the rest of the group travels upriver and lives in the wild. 

Me taking a break!

Africa is kicking my butt, has been kicking my butt, and will continue to kick my butt. But I'm hanging in there. After another night in camp...

We say goodbye to Botswana and cross into Namibia. Just across the border, near Grootfontein, we travel to see the Bushmen, local people who dress in animal skins and hunt and live on the land, much like our distant forefathers. They teach us how to make medicine and poison, how to dig up roots and set snares. They speak with pops and clicks to emphasize certain words and are not hung up on nudity.

I am most definitely enjoying my trip back in time, reliving my past, hoping it will  allow me to more fully appreciate my future. The Bushmen are amazing, so friendly and open, giving me fresh hope for the future of humanity. A hope that has been waning over the last few years. We move further into Namibia and make a stop at, fittingly, the largest intact meteorite in the world: the Hoba meteorite.  

The world tips into balance. The Yin and Yang of harmony. We’ve now traveled from our past, Planet Earth, to our future: the great expanse of space! 

More on Namibia to come...