“ If it is given the opportunity, Africa will crack your heart open and make space for something different, a wild and unbelievably magic experience.” – Maskarm Haile, Abyssinian Nomad
Maskarm Haile’s adventurous journey in Africa from Cape to Cairo is a fun story which is exciting and emotionally honest. Her travels were not always easy, but that’s kind of the point – testing your comfort zone and feeling and appreciating the rhythms of life on the move. Her journey over 16 countries in 9 months included driving, hitchhiking, bus, train, ferry, plane and motorbike – am I forgetting one?! Whether it was a baboon at Cape Point in South Africa, the looming economic crisis in Zimbabwe, or the numerous aggressive men she met, she faced many challenges, as one could expect. These challenges did not, however, take away from her appreciation of the natural beauty of the continent and its many friendly and welcoming people.
“… to watch the sunrise and sunset whenever we got the chance. I loved how it unwound me and grounded my experience for the day by allowing me to reflect. It was the time when I was the most filled with gratitude…” – Marskarm Haile, Abyssinian Nomad
The natural beauty she encountered, included Victoria Falls, Okavango Delta, Lake Malawi, the Great Migration, Zanzibar, and the Nile River; the cultural diversity included BBQs and drinks with locals, Ethiopia’s Mursi village, the strong Somali women, and meeting people from all walks and points in life through couch surfing. Haile was able to accomplish more on one journey than many will do in a lifetime. Not forgetting to mention her own personal struggles that challenged her during her travels, she was able to grow in so many different ways. Going out into the world and living, following her dreams, has provided her a confidence which only these type of experiences can provide. Waking up to welcome each day, and bringing one’s thoughts together at the end of the day to express gratitude for those life experiences.
“The road you take is what you will look back on and call your life.” – Tim Wiley, quoted in Abyssinian Nomad
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:
1. Have you ever dreamed of a long overland journey? Where and why?
2. Do you consider Africa dangerous? Why?
“When I started my journey, I was convinced if Africa didn’t kill me, it would heal me.” – Maskarm Haile, Abyssinian Nomad
