I truly believe that there are two things in life that are very important to keep your soul and human body connected. These two things are, to eat well and travel often. The problem is, we worry too much. We forget to simply be and just enjoy the moments. When you are having that 2nd helping of delectable chocolate mousse topped with lavender sprinkles and cream, you immediately start stressing about gaining weight. When you book a holiday to some far away fantastic destination, you worry about the money your spending. Yes I know, you have to keep an eye on your budget but don’t forget to live to the fullest please. So, what will be on your bucket list for 2014?
Oryx on dune near Namib Deaert Lodge. Image: Marianne Fleck
Let’s dream together for a while. Forget about everything and just imagine a sunny morning, you’re sitting outside on the porch with a Namibian bird performing its Broadway spectacular to the world. This is the first thing that should be on your bucket list this year. Not necessarily Etosha or the Kalahari. No; tranquility. This year, make time to really be silent and listen to the performance of life’s orchestra. I recently visited the beautiful Hakusembe River Lodge and had a magical experience. As I was sitting on the little porch, the calming sound of soft rain cooled off the night and in the background, a wind chime ballade was sung by the frogs. At that moment you realize how special each moment and experience is. In this fast paced life, we tend to overlook these small things.
Namibia has so much to offer. From adventure to hiking, there’s birding, swimming, river rafting and fishing. You can also just relax next to a pool with something cool in your hand.
Be more romantic this year!! What’s the best way to do this? Hot Air ballooning off course. It’s the oldest and most successful means of human carrying flight technology. Just think about it for one second. There are absolutely no propellers or engines, it’s just you in the air in a huge basket or otherwise known as a gondola. Pack a picnic basket and have some champagne while looking down on the beautiful earth below as you are gently riding the waves of the wind.
Hot Air Balloon
We are constantly busy with something; our lives have become a race against time. Whether it’s a project at work, the kids are back at school and have all kinds of activities; it’s a roller-coaster of busyness. To top it all off, you can be reached on your mobile or tablet anytime and anyplace. UNPLUG! Yes, unplug for 60 hours. No TV, no social media, no texting. Unplug from it all, do something interesting and out of the ordinary. You don’t even have to go anywhere; just stay home if you want. It’s ideal to get away though.
Get in touch with the basics of life. Have you ever milked a cow? I am serious, and I promise you I am not going totally nutty. I am absolutely serious. If you are not at all that adventurous, and just want to learn more about farming, Kalahari Farmhouse will teach you all about cows, milk, cheese and all kinds of fascinating things.
When was the last time you were flat on your back on the grass under a blanket of stars. I bet you don’t even remember. I honestly have to say I haven’t done this in quite some time. Prepare fondue and have a party on the grass tonight with nostalgia wrapping its arms around you as you appreciate the beautifully created collection of wonder above. Be young again and wish upon a shooting star. You might just be surprised.
Another thing that I personally added to my bucket list is learn a traditional song, sing it with a traditional group. I am talking the whole shebang: how to sing it, what it means, dress the part and how to dance to the music. How much do you really know about someone else’s culture? Get to know more about culture and experience it first hand at Etosha Safari Camp.
I hope I have inspired you to do something other than the usual this year. There are so much more you can do like go on a Mule trail in the Canyon or go fishing in the Kavango but whatever you decide on doing, get out and just be yourself.
The most beautiful words of Ray Bradbury just popped in my head: “We are cups, constantly and quietly being filled. The trick is, knowing how to tip ourselves over and let the beautiful stuff out. ”
I hope I have filled your cup a little bit more today.
This year, put down your map and compass, GPS or whatever and just travel. Get wonderfully lost.
What is on your bucket list this year? Comment bellow because I would really like to know. Lets share ideas start inspiring each other.
Jessica Thomas is a local freelance writer. She is an eccentric young lady who has a love affair with writing. Get on board her journey of discovery.
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