Peak of My Life

I first heard of this study abroad program from my La Casa Peer Liaison. I remember her eagerly describing the global health and film curriculum and the unique travel experience. At that moment, I knew I wanted to apply for this opportunity. However, even back then, still early on in my first semester at Yale, I felt most excited about the safari. I recall her texting me: “Yeah, the safari was the peak of my life.” 

This weekend, my expectations have been met, and if anything, exceeded. Whether it was our night drive with Charles or painfully early morning drive with JP, I felt my heart race at the sight of all the beautiful animals and wildlife. So far, my favorite animal has been the buffalo. I love to watch them slowly, yet ceaselessly, chomp on their grass. Wholly unbothered by our presence, the buffalos ate peacefully. 

I also adored the elegant gazelles, who remind me of Georgie when she runs. Although I have tried to save most of my pictures of the entire trip from my parents until I return, I could not resist sending my mom an image of a mother and baby rhino. The baby follows the mother everywhere. Baby lies down when Mom sleeps. Baby shadows Mom as she walks. The simple and intimate similarities between this rhino and our human mother-child relationship touched me deeply. I could also never forget the giraffes, whose kind eyes and lovely eyelashes made me smile. Lastly, the lion cubs, all grouped together in anticipation for their mother, melted my heart. I love how they banter with one another. I know JP said to not imbue the animals with human characteristics, but I swear I saw Simba and Nala play fighting and flirting with each other.

On a deeper note, I truly feel that I will never forget this excursion. I feel very grateful for our wonderful lodging—Georgie and I think the Honeyguide Ranger Camp is the perfect romantic getaway with its exhilarating activities and nice amenities. This safari was the breath of fresh air I needed, right as I was beginning to feel bogged down by a bit too much of homesickness and routine. 

I also enjoyed listening to the rangers. I learned that male lions murder all the cubs when they join a pride because they feel threatened by the last leader’s bloodline. I learned that rhinos have different living patterns. For example, there are solitary males, who live alone and patrol their own territory. There are also abandoned female rhinos, who must work hard to make new friendships. I learned a myriad of fascinating facts regarding the families, habits, and survival of this ecosystem. 

I never completely understood why my nephew so badly wanted to become a reservation ranger for his entire life. Although I appreciate how different his North American, Ojibwe land is from this South African land, I feel that I have been given an incredible insight into his dreams. All life mirrors itself. To protect and nurture the land. To see animals up close in all of their striking proximity and distance from humanity. To appreciate and coexist in the natural world. This is all true and honest living.