It will be fair to say Amos planted a seed or two which sprouted into shoots of I know not what dimension. I’m reminded of those B-Rated horror movies where the cute pot plant turns into the monstrously overeager devourer of pets and people.
One of the seeds led to the birth of Zach. Where Zach’s life will lead is a question of mystery for the both of us. I’m already realising Zach has been slinking in the recesses too long. It’s as though he needed a jolt of reality to move out of the dark shadows of Irish mist into the full glare of the scorching Kalahari sun.
It will only be too fair if I should say recognition is required. I didn’t know of the existence of the hamlet of Rolbos until only a month or two ago. I think Amos commented or liked one of my posts… that led me to having a look at the intriguingly titled Rolbos. The banner photo dragged at my memory. It also tugged at my African-ness!
Many will agree… once you have Africa in your blood it never leaves! Whatever you try… you can’t leach it out! Africa courses through my whole being. The wild, wide open spaces are what I miss most. The vastness under the blue African sky…
The tight, almost claustrophobic, life we lead here has merit but it’s also a tad restricting to the idea of freedom… of wide open horizons. Maybe that’s why I crave to create my own bit of Africa. Maybe that will be my eventual dirt track back… in my imagination. Living Zach’s memories… fictitious as they may be.
Yes… Amos’ writing ignited the spark. For that I cannot thank him enough. Thank you a thousand times. Rolbos has become a bit of a haven for me. The characters there are SO South African it’s not funny!
My only fear? That I could chip Amos and the folk of Rolbos off with my take on their lives, especially Gertruida’s life. She is Zach’s aunt… the one who nurtured him as a lad… the one who steered him toward manhood. She, that knows everything, was and is the guiding light in Zach’s life, even now that he’s been living in Ireland for more the 23 years.
Another regret? I don’t have any photos of the Kalahari or the other places Zach will take you to on his travels… so, for now, I’ll have to use photos off the internet… the biggest library known to mankind. Aunt Gertruida would approve of showing you her world… of that I am sure.
Maybe it’s quite apt for me to pinch a National Geographic photo for this post… the cheetah is my all time favourite cat and the National Geographic is Gertruida’s all time favourite magazine… and I have to add, Zach’s as well!
Thank you all… Amos, Gertruida… the National Geographic… and last but not least, Zach…
Lastly… if you feel in need of a great read… well, a succession of great reads… then visit Rolbos… you may, just like me… become totally hooked!!
You have probably posted this somewhere in your blog, but what took you from Africa to Ireland?
The simple answer I always give to that question is ‘opportunity’ … as I say, that’s the simple answer. I will do a refresher post some day soon…
I know what you mean about Africa calling me back. Somehow I don’t think I’ll make it the Kalahari, this trip. But maybe I’ll chance upon a few other places that Zach carries in memory. Taking photos all along the way, of course.
I envy you… I hope someday I’ll make it back… I need to get some photos of my own!
I’m looking forward to seeing your path documented with that Nikon! Fun!!
Oh there’s enough space in the Kalahari – and Rolbos – for a thousand stories. The Arabian Nights have nothing on the Kalahari! So often, the melody of memory is a sweet lullaby that wants to take us back to a time of happiness and joy. Long may the music continue. Play it again, Zach! Follow that long and winding road and enjoy every step of the way. And then, somewhere deep in the mind, the music will change: the soft voice of Africa will join, and the song will carry you back to the red-red sands and the silence that is so special in the Kalahari…
Thank you Sir! Exceptional words… let the music play on maestro! Let it play!