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How long will it still be around?
I’ve never written about it before. So this Kenya Lookbook is a nice way of easing into it. Although it was a life-changing trip on so many levels, I never felt like it was the right time to share. You see, unlike India or Paris that have changed the trajectory of my life; I didn’t learn more about myself in Kenya. No, Kenya didn’t coach me on who I am or who I want to be. But it educated me on mother nature, which in many ways, is far more indispensable than any traveler could ever imagine of learning. It’s an honor to be in Kenya, to be surrounded by the true goddess of all. For a long time, I felt incredibly insufficient to write anything about mother nature.
If you let Kenya speak, the trip is a resounding speech on death. “There were more zebras here years before,” our guide Colin told us. This was six years ago. I’m sure the number has drastically decreased since then. There is less grass to feed the animal kingdom. When supply doesn’t fulfill demand, animals can’t go and find another range, because mother nature is lacking supply. So animals die. Earlier than they should, and a lot more than they should.
If you let Kenya takeover any part of your soul, you will believe in global warming and start doing something about it back home. From recycling, using less plastic bags, to eating less meat; these were my ways of saying “thanks” to Kenya. “Yup, I got it. Maybe I can’t change the world, but I heard ya and at least I’m changing my actions.” One step at a time, one person at a time.
If you let Kenya stay with you, the graceful giraffes that stand in a row as a goodbye on the last day will be inked in your brain for the rest of your life. So will the stubborn monkey who loved to play until he noticed you were his paparazzi then turned around with arms crossed in front of his chest. So will the friendly Maasais who charismatically waved with one hand, while vigilantly held a giant spear in the other. So will thousands of wild flamingos transforming the muddy earth into a sea of blushing fuchsia. So will the sight of a hunting cheetah aiming at an injured gazelle for hours. Hours went by with the binoculars stuck to the bridge of my nose, I wondered if the cheetah could possibly show me a better lesson on patience. When he attacked and conquered, I fully understood that timing is key especially when you’re ready to tackle.
The circle of life is plain and simple. When birds sit on the backs of charcoal buffalos and when cubs follow their majestic lion. But the truth behind this circle is, in fact, a question: for how long will it still be around?
