Sunday 9th February 2014

I was left in camp this morning to go about various odd jobs, nothing too technical, its similar to helping out at the local cricket club other than it being seven days a week. Whilst I was doing this Jomi and Wien were out walking on the Sand Veld and had two elephant encounters which made me very jealous.

In the afternoon we did a phone run for the guests so it meant I was able to pick up and send some emails. Most of them were organising Johnny’s and Emma’s visit next month. I’m looking forward to showing off the reserve which I’m already becoming very proud and protective of. Their visit is giving me an extra incentive to study, I’ll hopefully surprise them with my knowledge but regardless of how much I know or don’t know they’ll be bowled over by what they’ll see here.

Being from a very close family leaves me conflicted about my stay in Africa. On one hand I see this as the gap year that it’s meant to be that will let me rush back to be with family and friends sooner than later. On the other hand I want to be paid to walk trails for a year or two and then head back to the UK with some great experience and credibility which would stand me in good stead when looking for a senior management position in a good zoo. Whatever happens I can’t see myself being away from home for too long. Still I shouldn’t be stressing about this now, there’s plenty of time until decisions have to be made:

If you’re depressed you’re living in the past,
if you’re anxious you’re living in the future,
If you’re at peace you’re living in the now. (Author unknown)

No walk in the afternoon, instead we went for a very laid back game drive, had a fantastic sunset and saw a pair of southern ground hornbills.