5/12
I’ve decided that 14 hours on a plane is definately as bad as it seems. Looks like I can and do get air sick after all. Three movies and hours of restless sleep later, Kelly and I find ourselves at the Johannesburg airport. Our first impression of this supposedly hostile city was promising. A kind old lady from London, who now lived in South Africa, chatted with us and directed us where she thought we needed to go. Our second encounter, not so friendly. A man jumped at the chance to help us find our gate, then after practically running through the airport, he demanded $10, about 70 rands, from each of us. All for taking us to a place we could have found on our own. Some friendly advice, don’t accept help from strangers, they probably want something.
In any case, we were picked up from the Hoedspruit airport by a member of Moholo, Bradley, and were joined by another student, Miranda. I prepared for the new day as best I could. After all, travelling for 24 hours leaves one somewhat drained. We all took a tour of the place, met some incredible creatures, Hammy and Stoffel the honey badgers, lions, a leopard, eagles, then rode the Beast ( a massive, open, safari type vehicle) to dinner. And so our first day ended with an awesome dinner, especially compared to the dining halls at school, and clear skies and wild animals meandering through the cool night air.
I can already tell we are going to work hard and play even harder. There are some incredible people here from all over ( and from all over I mean there are the Brits, South Africans and 1 South American) and I can’t wait to get to know them. Everyone here is so excited that the Americans are finally outnumbering the Brits. I don’t care as long as we can all have fun and work together.
We also met the owner of Moholo, Brian Jones. He obviously loves the animals here and understands and teaches that it’s not just one group’s fault for the plight of lions, cheetahs or what other animal; it’s everyone’s fault. Even eating only fruit and vegetables contributes to hundreds of deaths. It’s people coming in and ruining nature’s balance and pilaging the land. Sure people can live in harmony with the land because we’re part of the system too, I just don’t think we’re doing it.
So gloom aside, though it was a valuable wake-up call, our interaction with some animals confirmed my belief that making a connection, making it personal was the key. After stroking a short-tailed eagle’s head, feeding vultures and feeling the rough hide of a baby black rhino, I cannot wait to see what the morning will bring.
