I
am currently on the road; or in the air, whatever suits the English language
better and in about 10 day’s time, this will all be over. Much as this is
purely a work related travel, I am very enthusiastic and excited about this
phenomenon. I am in fact sad that it is about to end because my heart feels
life when it travels, as if it were born to do just that. Today, I wish to
write about this and in fact just as I have began this article, I am seated on
top of my bag at an airport waiting for a colleague before we depart to the
hotel…
I
am composing this second paragraph from the airport again but this time I am at
a restaurant waiting to receive someone – literally 24 hours have gone…I just
did not manage to sit and finish the article yesterday!
I
thoroughly enjoy travelling but when the road is ending, it is one of the most
painful things for me; I guess it is human nature that we do not look forward
to a new road but try and hold on to the existing. As each day passes, every
moment that is gone, I realize I’m closer to the end of this trip. Considering
how busy it will be commencing tomorrow, time is not going to be an ally; it
never is actually; or it is if we make it our ally. Regardless, in the end, all
time does is leave with us memories of things we can’t have, people we can’t
meet or see again, places we can visit but never have the same feelings twice,
and so much more that words will not touch. Time can never be our ally, it
wasn’t meant to be one. He who is above all else has made time in such a manner
that it teaches us to value the present moment, the people we have a chance to
spend time with, because believe it or not, it takes a moment to change one’s
life – take it from someone who knows the depth of that statement!
As
I continue composing this article, I want to mention that I am currently at the
Mara, nighttime, completely dark, a soothing cold breeze across and the silence
as the soul craves.
This
is my 4th Safari Masha’Allah and I tell you this that the one
constant feeling across is; I don’t want to return. It’s not about how good
this lodge is or whatever but the sheer power of nature drives me towards it.
And this paragraph of this special article is being written at my favourite
restaurant in Uganda, Café Javas. I want to say that I am a day away from
returning back to Karachi and how painful is it to bid goodbye. On this trip, I
have been to Tanzania twice, Kenya thrice, Uganda twice and even landed in
Kigali briefly yesterday. It has by far been one of the most special trips
because I have had the chance of working with a group of exceptionally
dedicated individuals, learnt and interacted with outstanding achievers,
laughed at some seriously intellectual humor, watched the King of the Jungle
right up close in the safari, flew in a 19 and 12 seater aircraft, sat and took
a photo as a pilot and much more. I ask myself, what reason do I have to complain
to Him? After dad went, I think this kind of an experience was much needed and
He gave it; I am so grateful. Shukar!
I conclude
by saying I hit the road on 20th July and this journey ends on 07th
August; that is like what; 17 days may be!! And I truly look forward to many more such trips… Ameen!
Peace!
Champ!
