Catchy title, right? I wrote it on purpose (apparently that’s how it works on social media: catchy titles for something not so interesting behind).
Well, I’ve been struggling to find a topic for tonight’s post.
When I decided to leave Europe for Africa and to live alone in my Hilux, many different people advised to travel with some weapons. And when I shipped Rafiki to South Africa, I received even more of this: ‘Charline, you should consider carrying a gun’.
Honestly, I’ve experienced fear in Ethiopia (2020) where I’ve been attacked, and in Namibia (a few months ago). And it’s not the best sensations in the world.
But to carry weapons for what? Or even worst, a gun. For what? I will never enter this world.
Cliché but realistic for my personal situation: the weapons I use the most to protect me are each country’s traditional music, sense of humour, respect, and more importantly my gut and tones of common sense.
Your gut is like a muscle, I’ve noticed that the more I use it, the better I listen to it and I trust it. It’s my life saver, not even joking.
Gadgets are practical but dangerous. For long and challenging expeditions I think it’s essential to know the basics: to be able to read a paper map properly, to use a compass, to listen to our senses, to develop them, to observe nature, to read and to anticipate its signals, to open our heart and mind, to never behave like a victim, to do our own research about countries’ history and cultures.
All these together are the best weapons to explore Africa…and the world. And if one day it’s not enough…well it’s unfortunate.
Trust me, the majority of the craziest adventurous spirits and explorers I have met are not on social media, they don’t carry weapons, they don’t have a fridge, they don’t drive big rigs with thousand of gadgets, they even don't even need a car to travel with. They live, deeply, crazy, minimalist, confident, with a giant heart.
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