Intuition – here is one crucial aspect of life that must be dealt with trust. Although I consider myself friendly, I do not generally start conversations with strangers in particular places (such as restaurants). Yet, one morning, while still in Johannesburg, a strong internal feeling enthused a force to approach two women sitting at a table next to mine. Turns out, they had just returned from volunteering for the Elephant – Human Relations Aid Organization – and because of such forthcoming conversation, I obtained the necessary information to contact the institution.
Such intuitive thrusts have been present since the beginning of the project; or rather, for most of my life. Indeed, it was this same internal voice that guaranteed the future path would be more suitable carrying a suitcase around the world than observe the planet from the confinements of my work cubicle. Choices are made on a daily basis – some having a greater impact than others. Decision after decision, the positive experience in Namibia confirms that such intuitive choices have been accurate all along the journey.
Namibia is a country of great beauty. The oldest desert on Earth, bright blue ocean waters and semi-arid vegetation create an unmatchable contrast of colors. In such scenery, I have luckily been documenting the work of committed individuals, as well as nature. In fact, in all these three months, I do not think I had ever gone through a busier period. Yet, even after driving 3 hours to the camp in the morning, film interviews and extra footage in the afternoon, help the volunteers pack and unpack at night, and eventually plan the schedule for the following countries, at the end of the day it still felt as though no actual work had been done.
Not because I had been slacking of through my duties. On the contrary, each and every assignment was taken seriously. After all, there is no single person managing my labor. If I wanted, I could just forgo the duties and purely enjoy the Namibian desert. However, the experience itself of conversing with different people on a daily basis, obtaining their truthful testimonials and being in close contact with nature already sufficed any signs of tiredness; and further provided the necessary fuel to keep on moving.
Besides work, what made these days so pleasurable were the moments of pure joy. Namibia would not be complete without quad biking through sand dunes, or long conversations by camp fire, or playing poker with recently met friends in Windhoek, or even hilarious (and embarrassing) moments driving through the streets of Swakopmund. Physically, I leave Namibia with a long beard, tanner skin and a smile on my face. Psychologically, I arrive in Ghana with a different perspective. New ideas for future projects are already brewing, and intuition will eventually sort out the best alternatives.
For those of you interested in visiting the country, Namibia comes highly recommended. Windhoek is a charming city, but there is not much to do. Use the extra time to explore the Namibian coastline (quad biking is a must), Etocha and Caprivi National Reserves and some nights under the starry desert skies. And do not leave the borders of Namibia without sipping a Savanna Dry while chewing on chili bites and tasting a game steak (kudu being my favorite).
Call it the universe, trade winds, mystical power, whatever. As time progresses, I believe more and more there are greater forces guiding each individual through particular paths. Every day is a crossroads, and we cannot be sure of what awaits us in the end of each opted pathway. Most certainly, each chosen road will lead to further crossroads; yet, we cannot remain stagnant. In this giant maze of paths, the beauty comes from the very uncertainty factor. Trust your instincts and allow the universe to trail the rest.
For pictures from Swakopmund and the North Desert:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/fernandosapelli/tags/swakopmund/
