Ok, the last post was not exactly funny or uplifting. I have
to say, especially now that I don’t live in a nature reserve, it’s harder to
come by comical tales involving wildlife.
Speaking of how things have changed in the past year, here’s
a rundown. Yes, since it’s January it’s time for more reflection and
pronouncements on the year ahead.
First of all, I think I should change the “nomad” part to
something more fitting of my aspirations, which include wealth and generosity.
I already try to be as generous as I can, but I look forward to being more
generous when I have more to share. For now the nomad part is definitely
playing out because I did a lot of house-sitting in 2012, all in Mbabane. I
went from Mlilwane (my previous home base) to Sidwashini to Dalriach to Pine
Valley (my new home base) then to a neighbor’s in Pine Valley followed by
Beverly Hills and Eveni before going to the US to visit.
My new home base, where I still live in the caravan, is not
as wild as the park, but it’s also beautiful and full of birdlife. Instead of
hearing zebras and impalas I now hear cows and goats. I still see vervet
monkeys from time to time, though not nearly as often as before. One of my
neighbors has a cat that after the first few months decided to be friendly and
is so affectionate. So now there’s an animal around I can pet. There’s also a
dog that’s close to great dane size but is really just a scaredy cat. I don’t
want to become too friendly with him though because I don’t want him jumping on
me, which is what he does to other people he loves.
The house where I get electricity and indoor plumbing is
used for homeopaths from abroad who are part of the Swaziland Homeopathy
Project. They help train homeopathy students and treat people all over the
country. This has brought several new friends into my life.
Interspersed with all the moves, my company Singwe
EcoServices became the Swaziland distributor for a nifty tool called the tree
popper which removes invasive woody plants, including their roots, in seconds.
Those of you in the US can get a tool called a weed wrench that does the same
thing. And, as you probably have read 5-6 times already, the company partnered
up with Untamed Science for our environmental education activities. Lastly, I
started selling my recycled material products in a couple of shops, so lest I
risk getting bored I have had a variety of things keeping me busy.
The main activity throughout the year continued to be the
weekly environmental lessons for grades 5-7 at Enjabulweni Primary School. In
2013, I will start working with grades 2-4. That should be fun.
I finally made it to Kruger National Park again after 2 ½
years. Pity it took so long since it’s so close. I live closer to Kruger
driving-time wise than folks in the DC area live to VA Beach or Ocean City, to
put it in perspective. That place never disappoints, especially if it stops
raining while you’re still there. I did sleep in the car one night because my
tent and sleeping bag were wet. But it was worth it because the next morning I
saw a leopard in a tree, several gorgeous elephants, a hyena babysitting cubs,
and a wide variety of other wildlife.
2013 is sure to hold in store a major development or two in
my life so stay tuned to find out!
