While Rafiki’s brakes are overheating for these roads, my heart is falling in love with the scenic decor.
Many of you following the solo expedition, and in particular this crossing into Lesotho, messaged me recently about this surprising African country.
It makes me so happy that you are enjoying this secret Kingdom as much as I do. And even more proud that some of you consider exploring it in the future.
Yes, and yes: Lesotho is FASCINATING. And if you’re a mountain seeker, this is your Paradise.
But it’s always the same dilemma in my head: I’m so happy to share these treasures but also worried about -mass- tourism. This subject is so complex, but necessary.
Most (and probably all of them) African countries rely on tourism -or would ‘need’ to. But tourism tends to change, to transform (and sometimes to neglect!) cultures, traditions, and even laws! Indeed, it tends to implement its own frame of references overseas (and tourism mostly comes from Western countries).
I am a tourist, even if I’m not comfortable with this term. And I’m a Westerner myself. And I probably change some stuff on the way, who knows?
Would it be possible to explore without -consciously or unconsciously- change, influence, and transform a country’s cultures, traditions, and society? Not sure about this.
Why Western societies are so dominant that their undeniable supremacy makes the rest of the world following their rules, rights, laws? I’m not judging but observing, and I try to understand.
It makes me sad that we will all end up looking the same and doing the same things. It’s a fact.
It’s not because something’s different that it’s bad, less interesting, or useless.
I’m very naive but I’m more than convinced that differences are our World’s strengths, resources and richness. And Lesotho is definitely one of these typical countries with still such a strong identity and traditions I wish it’ll be preserved as long as possible.
Please, if you can give me your thoughts about it.
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