I recently left a book behind on a plane, one that I had been telling all my tolerant fellow passengers is a must-read. Despite attempts to track it down with lost property, it was gone for good. Anyone who has made this mistake knows that feeling of kicking yourself and wishing you had just paid that little bit of extra attention when getting up from your seat.
So, what was the book I lost that had me so distraught? Amphibious Soul by Craig Foster, he of My Octopus Teacher fame, who put our beautiful kelp forests on the map. It also happened to be a signed copy that everyone at the SATSA conference* was so generously gifted.
*Hint: If anyone wants to send me a spare they have lying around, it’d be greatly appreciated!
Even though I don’t plan on bracing the icy waters like Foster, I found the book so meaningful because it spoke of our connection to nature and the observation of tracks and signs, something I notice on my daily dog walks. While exploring the bush in my local neighbourhood for the last seven years, I have also sought out new discoveries, observed behaviour and watched the natural cycles of life.
I saw how the beautiful pink orchids, the Satyrium carneum, blossomed after the fire when they had all the sun. They were stocky, hardy blooms, but since the bush has regrown, they must now fight for that light. As a result, they grow on thinner stems, reaching almost a metre high. I am constantly reminded that every flower has its time to bloom and that although its beauty fades, it passes on its seeds to the next generation. I watch the birds breeding, and I marvel at the tortoises taking life at their own pace.
I remember the words of a long-passed fisherman, who abdicated from ‘normal’ life and instead chose to live out his days on his own remote paradise along the Cape Point peninsula. He had the privilege of observing the seasons for more than 40 years from this vantage point. One day, he said to me, “The grass is seeding; the canaries will come.” And the canaries did come. Every October as I walk in the long, seeding grass, I am reminded of the passing of the seasons and that those canaries will come – they always do.
Nature guides – bush, coastal and marine – will appreciate that every day, they have the incredible privilege of working in this space and reconnecting people with nature. New approaches such as forest bathing, zen guiding and citizen science are changing the way we see the world.
In tourism, we have the incredible gift of watching travellers experience life-changing moments. I saw it in the eyes of a visiting cousin, who was aglow as we watched the southern right whales frolic off the De Kelders coastline. I have seen experiences like this change the lives of young students on ocean voluntourism projects, who have gone on to switch careers to study species we can help preserve. Seeing the gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest in Uganda changed the trajectory of my own journey.
In the never-ending search for the meaning of life, these moments of reconnection remind us that we are part of something so much bigger. And, in travel, we get to make dreams come true or even inspire new ones.
Mindful Musings
What the world was musing over this week
Change your brain
If you need any more inspiration to get outside and reconnect with nature, research shows that your brain literally changes based on your daily behaviour and mental state. So, enjoy that soothing walk, knowing that your brain (and body) will thank you for it.
Better than the All Blacks?
Siya – the real springbok! In a rare event, a black springbok was born at Kingswood Golf Estate in George. The public was invited to share some names, and despite some goodies like ‘Marmite’ and ‘Oreo’, the vote went to ‘Siya’ in honour of our Springbok captain. Of course, the option ‘Allblack’ was not chosen. 😉
Pets on board
At last, pet travellers have a ‘lounge’ of their own at OR Tambo International Airport. Thanks to Swissport Pet Lounge for providing a calm environment for our beloved dogs, cats, and other animals.
It’s a thriller
Astrology lovers can find their perfect movie match for Halloween. We are just wowed by this underwater dance routine by Kristina Makushenko of Michael Jackson’s Thriller. Hold your breath (literally). This could be the next TikTok craze.
