The Elephant

12 Mar 09

Song for this post: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sWpERZAIy3E

At 4:30am my wake up call rang for me to go on Safari for the lions are out early. I was lucky on the drive for I saw 3 out of the "Big 5" which are Lion, Leopard, buffalo, Elephant, and Rhino. Kruger is teh place to see game for I was less than 5 feet from all of the animals we saw - Lions, Leopards, Buffalo, Kudu, Snakes, chimps, monkeys, spiders, and many more. I was disapointed I missed rhino but knew that I would be riding an elephant later in the day. Yes I said riding. Casper and Kusa were my "rides"and the 23 and 10 year olds were quite the sight. They at max eat up to about 500 lbs of food a day and weigh several tons each. The ride was amazing and they were adorable and as i understand I only feel like a light backpack to them. After the ride I had drinks at sundown. It was only me who took the ride after the elephant interaction (yes i was kissed by Kusa) so the guides joined me for water and crackers and cheese. It was gret to have a candid conversation with them and even though casper and kusa were on a free roaming walk, as the guys and I chatted, there was still a bit of an elephant in the room. I aked them if they were married and had kids ( a bit of small talk) and they mentioned they were for they start early due to their "short life expectancy" This was extremely shocking to me that this is what they believe their reality to be. If I am being aloof on what we are talking about it is because when I too was in the dark at first.

The went on to mention that HIV is so prevelant in the country that for black males, that is the reality. They said it as many American males talk about going bald. That it is what it is. Not only was I shocked that this is the attitude towards the disease but that they were talking to ME about it. Let me assure you, there were not flippant, proud or light about the subject - but very matter of fact. It find it hard to listen for I know that there is such a lack of education, and lack of empowerment in that area for many of the South African people. (I will address my views on the empowerment issue in a later blog for I have some views on this subject as well)

With all of this said, I really hope I have the privelage of meeting more South Africans who are willing to chat with me about HIV/AIDS. I am so intrested in the dynamics of it all here and just want to know more and be a part of the dialog.