The Dream

It all started in Mozambique on a 4X4 trip in June of 1997 (my the time has passed), we (Brian & Maureen Day, Willie & Ingrid Hardman and ourselves Dave & Beryl Kotze) spoke about a trip through Africa. We felt that 2007 would be the ideal timing for such a trip as our youngest daughter, Rayanne would be matriculating in 2006 and during 2006 was Dave’s 50th and Carmen-Jo’s (our eldest) 21st, so 2007 was a “free year” for us. March was decided as the departure month allowing us to submit TAX returns etc. So it was set March 2007.
What seems a dream to us would be a nightmare for others (my sister being one). I suppose either you like it or you don’t. There is something very special about sitting out in the middle of nowhere at night with no sounds, except nature talking to you and no lights, except the stars above.
A gap year at 50 (Dave), are you out of your mind, must be a comment some people have thought, but as yet not said. They could possible be right, three kids at varsity, keeping our home running with a maid and dogs left at home, with no income. Why not wait a few years you may think. But when is the right time? Either you have the money and the time but now you are too old or sickly to do such a trip or you get too wrapped up in your day to day routine and before you know it, its too late. In fact we, and all those traveling with us, will have to come back and work again. So if you haven’t done what you have always dreamt of doing, don’t leave it too late, get on and do it. You only have one life so make the best of it.