We are having “significant” rainfall today.
The experts predict well over 1 inch – which, when added to the accumulation from yesterday, and the projections for more rain tomorrow; it’s suddenly quite wet here.
This morning, Bill and I were surprised to find large puddles on the floor of our unit – leaks in what before had seemed like an impenetrable bubble. Bath towels now serve as unique African carpets, cool and damp underfoot.
I can’t help but wonder about tomorrow’s departure. We’re scheduled to head back to Johannesburg. Although the airport is relatively close to the reserve, the route is largely over unpaved dirt roads.
It will be interesting to see how we manage to traverse the now liquified terrain. There were even discussions today about closing the airport because of weather. As of now, it remains open.
Bill had been going out on game drives, morning and evening. However, the inclement weather forced him to take a brief rest today. But he’s out again, now. Umbrella and raincoat at the ready. Wellies were unavailable.
Meanwhile, back at the ranch, I have decided to keep warm and dry, indoors, luxuriating with a book.
It’s quite an enjoyable experience to be immersed in the cadence, flavors and sounds of Africa, while reading a story that takes place here.
I know it’s obvious to most, but the experience of “reading in place” is really extraordinary. It could possibly only be better if it was written, and I reading in Swahili (the language most often spoken in Tanzania – where the characters are said to live).
Now I understand why books are ideally read in their original language, in their original location. And why people everywhere should be allowed to learn and speak and pray the language of their heart.
After all, language is more than communication. It’s also identity, strength, and belonging. I have been encouraged to discover young Africans determined to keep their languages alive. So many in America have lost our “mother tongue”.
“Just listen to the animals and the birds,” she said. “Their languages never change. They tell us who they are.”