Hard to find the words...
... to describe what will be one of my most precious memories of all time.
The anticipation and nervousness we felt before we arrived, the immediate security and comfort that welcomed us, the professionalism and attention to detail that executed our safe arrival... Today, we are right to feel uncertain, to measure our expectations as we adapt to our new Covid way of life. I did not think we could enjoy being away, that we'd have half our brains 'stuck' in a mode that could not allow 'letting go'.
Emma and Anton greeted us with such intelligence, awareness and service, that it was hard NOT to let go.
It did not take long before, dare I admit it, I forgot all about the problems back home, the fear of what might be, and for the first time in a long time, I was living in the moment, in the here and now. Our vehicle seemed so small within the landscape, the sunlight and shadows, wild noises and smells, acute and buzzing around us. Only 30minute from the airport and immediately we had been transported into a realm of nature where humans do not rule. Our guides narrated stories of lion family dramas, of leopards lazying in trees, the names of SO many birds and then a hippo ran out in front of our vehicle... each story was interrupted by a sudden change in nature's setting, a stage without script. We were amazed by the knowledge gifted to us, to witness laser precision eye sight and ability to read dirt. By the time we got to the lodge, we had shed whatever stale stress that urban living had built around us. It was emotional, we felt exposed and vulnerable, joyous and childlike, to watch the sun set while eating the most delicious food... we slept perfectly, aware of the animals that were so near, but confident in our beautiful private cottage and the native nocturnal watchmen donning tribal dress and spears.
We woke excited, so early, the mist was lingering a meter over the ground, like a duvet. Tea on our balcony, then a breakfast fit for royalty, and we were off, another game drive... Time seemed to stand still for a while. We had never felt so cared for before, genuinely cared for. It wasn't the veneer of 'customer service' you'd see from an urban hotel, it was personal, it was real.
We do not think we had enough time at the Emakoko. There was so much to learn, to see and do - we cannot not come back. To be in the company of nature's wisdom, translated by our hosts, and so generously shared, I don't think we will ever be the same again...
