Living with Awe – Jack Weatherly

Now in Zambia we were brought the beauty of Victoria Falls. All I could do was simply look in awe at the 1.7km long falls. We also waded in Angels Pool to look over the edge on our free Sunday morning. Following Zambia we flew to Kruger National Park, South Africa’s largest national park, for our best experience yet. On the way to a dinner under the stars in the park, we got the pleasure of stopping to watch a lion pride wander around in the road ahead of us. The natural beauty of seeing the night sky, the Big 5, a baby rhino walking with its mom, a leopard scaling a tree to tend to its morning breakfast was astonishing. We traveled through Eswatini to Mozambique. The road through mountains, filled with Army checkpoints, potholes and detours took us longer than anticipated. Just a few years ago this road was first paved. Before being paved it took about 7 hours to travel a distance of around 50 miles. We made it to the coast and learned about the coastal dolphin conservation efforts. The beach of Mozambique was picturesque with little houses dotting the mountain sides along the coast and dunes on the beaches. I wondered what a place like this would be like if relocated to America. The markets in Mozambique start close to the beach with retail items like clothing and, as you move more inland, end with the largest market– the food market. Each morning vendors pull out their produce out of stalls into an area just to the side of the main road. The produce is locally sourced from farmers in and around Ponta do Ouro where we’re staying, some coming from South Africa whose border is just down the coast. A staple chili sauce is found at every booth and is locally made. It is really, really, spicy. Unlike the markets we saw in Cape Town where vendors practically try and herd you to their booths, there is a more easy going atmosphere at these markets. Of course the people want to get your attention, but once you pass the talks move to the next passerby. There was a theme of helpfulness as we worked through a language barrier and made payment. Our final stop brought us back through the mountains and back into Eswatini to Hlane and Shewula. Our trip has brought us to a game reserve in Eswatini and to a camp fueled by gas lanterns instead of electricity. Just after sunrise we got the incredible experience of watching two male lion brothers hanging out in Hlane. In Shewula, we got to walk through the local village and see their traditions on full display. Their roots in tradition create an atmosphere of happiness and joy. We are waved at and smiled at wherever we go here. Shewula brought us to the top of a mountain to the most incredible view from which we watched the day give way to night and saw the river reflect the light of the moon, car lights twist and turn through a mountain road and the lights of cities miles away. Watching the sunset for the night and on our trip brought about a time of reflection. Over the past two weeks I was able to see the natural beauty of the south African landscape and flora and fauna. I was able to see a completely different way of life in a place on another side of the world from where I have grown up. Time moves slower here. Stripping away phones from college students is necessary– your eyes truly open up and your imagination breaks into a sprint. There is value in experiencing the world in a raw and maybe even uncomfortable way. The world is so big and we are so small, and I am thankful to have seen South Africa, Eswatini, Zambia and Mozambique.