Latest Adventure Story by Paula Smith

August 2006

My story is not an original one like so many before me. I was a burn out 30-something disillusioned and de-motivated with life volunteer.  I'd lost myself somewhere between work and home on the daily grind of London living. Something had to change. How I discovered Campfire Safaris I don’t know, luck fate, a path set out by the celestial stars...whatever it was I arrived here without really knowing where here was.

 My welcome couldn’t have been warmer and immediately I knew I had found my African home. No sooner had I arrived than I was being whished out to the dam (small lake) to watch students rifle shooting. Dazed and confused from my long journey I stood there with the sudden realization that I was standing in the middle of the African bush surrounded by wild things that could kill me. FANTASTIC - there’s nothing better to make you feel alive than the prospect of being eaten by something!

 This was the beginning of my adventure and over the coming days and weeks I was to experience things far beyond my expectations.

 Id walked with lions, fed a hippo, been up close and personal with 200+ buffalo, so much I could smell their breath ( and if you wondering, yes it stinks!). I practiced camouflage, started fore using Elephant dung, discovered how to find north using a piece of straw, learnt what to do if charged by the dangerous nine animals. (Lion, Leopard, Hippo, Buffalo , Rhino's, Elephant, Crocodile, Hyena)

 Sleeping out in the bush is perhaps the most magical of experiences and with noting separating me from the lions, hyenas and wild dog but fresh air, it certainly sharpens the senses. My hearing and smell has never been this good.

 And how can I mention the elephants!! Id seen these huge animals with such frequency the may as well be compared to pigeons in Trafalgar Square!

 But its not all been about wildlife and the great outdoors. Meeting the Campfire people has also brought new perspectives and inspiration to my \view and I don’t think I can put enough poetry together to express the joy and laughter each moment has brought.

 So did I "find myself"? Well, yes and no. I’ve certainly regained the vigor and motivation, but with my heart well and truly stolen I don’t think ell ever be "myself" again!!

 With many thanks for everything I will work hard to b\get back as soon as I can!

 Love Paula XX

London - England   

 

 

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