"Travel is fatal to prejudice, bigotry, and narrow-mindedness, and many of our people need it sorely on these accounts. Broad, wholesome, charitable views of men and things cannot be acquired by vegetating in one little corner of the earth all one's lifetime." (Mark Twain : The Innocents Abroad, 1869)

Monday 25 January 2010

Back to Africa !

So, once again I plan to return to Africa and friends and family again ask "WHY ? You've been before !

Why go back yet again ?"

. . . and they may have something - looking back I've visited Sub-Saharan Africa 10 times over recent years.

So there must be something drawing me back. However, like many other people who admit to this addiction - for that is what it is - I can't put a finger on what that something is.

Some wit said "Everything in Africa bites, but the travel bug is worst of all."

The most scientific based explanation I've heard was put forward by Richard Leakey, the famous paleoanthropologist and fellow Africa addict. His theory was that as all mankind has its origins in that continent, when we visit it sets off some genetic level resonance which, subconsciously, establishes some powerful link.

Whatever the reason, I'm going back ! ! !

No comments: