Weathering the Storm with the WP#224

I have just completed a three-day seminar, conference in London. Yes, I know I was here just a few weeks ago, but the focus of this conference was difference. The one a few weeks ago was called the Destination Europe Exchange. This one, the focus was totally about Africa. You would think all of Africa, and that is a lot of territory, but no, only sub-Saharan Africa. The focus was really about eastern and southern Africa, the place of the safari and wildlife. Have you ever done a safari? It is something that I, as a professional travel advisor to arrange for you. I also, over the past number of years, have experienced the safari in Kenya and Botswana. ​

I mentioned about the countries, south and east, but also there were those from the islands like the Seychelles and Madagascar in the Indian Ocean, and Sierra Leone in the west, so almost all of Africa was represented. The countries that were not represented were those of North Africa. Why I do not know, but they are in both topography and cultural, quite different. Yes, they have animals like camels and goats, but there is no safari, even though the work safari is an Arabic word that means an expedition to observe or hunt animals in their natural habitat, especially in East Africa. Of course, the most well known are in places like Kenya and Tanzania, and other places in east and southern Africa. ​

Fortunately, the safari is of photographic nature and not hunting anymore. The people of the countries of this continent knows the importance and yes, I have been to one of the north African countries, as well, Morocco. Sidenote. Did you know that Morocco was the first nation to acknowledge the independence of America, some 250 years ago? Africa is a very diverse continent as you know, and all the possibilities. I plan on spending more time there in years to come, as it is now much closer to home. And, with that, allow me to share experiences and give you the opportunity to have the WP arrange that next amazing African adventure for you. And, as it is such a large continent, there are still many unknown or off the beaten path places beyond the usual suspects like Kenya, Tanzania, and South Africa, but if you want to see the gorillas and chimps, there is Uganda and Rwanda. ​

How many countries are there on the African continent? Do you know? I thought I did and guessed a number. There are 54 recognized sovereign states in Africa, according to the United Nations. This is also the highest number of countries of any continent on Earth. The African Union recognizes 55 member states, including the Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic (SADR), which is considered a partially recognized state by some and a disputed territory by others. Even I did not know about this one, but I also could not name them all, but there is a core number where travel is considered part of the life and that is where, along with my wonderful African partners can be of assistance, so you have an amazing time. In addition to these sovereign countries, Africa also includes dependent territories and other areas with special statuses, often governed by countries outside the continent and each is very different from one another. From Egypt and Ethiopia in the northeast of the continent to the previously mentioned Morocco as the further northwesterly located country to South Africa. ​

Yes, and there is one country, it surrounds totally, Lesotho and five countries that border South Africa. They are Namibia, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Mozambique, and Eswatini (formerly Swaziland). I had mentioned I had been to Botswana, and it is a lesser-known destination, but has the Chobe River. Africa has the most countries of any continent and some places rarely explored, but those who adventurous, with the right direction and organization will find some of the most amazing and pure experiences. Yes, there is Victoria Falls and Kilimanjaro. There are the Pyramids of Egypt, and the Big Five. I have seen 4 of the 5. How many have you seen, and do you know what the Big Five? There are penguins and wine tasting, mountains, and the Great Migration, deserts and mountain, waterfalls, and rivers. Landscapes that look like the lunar landscape. And the islands of the coast of Africa, well there are lemurs. Remember the lemurs in Madagascar 3. Well, they are the ring-tailed lemur, an aye-aye, and a mouse lemur. In the end, I found out that there are over 100 species just in Madagascar. Who knows, may this information about Africa may have inspired you to consider your next holiday here? ​

In the end, yes, I was in London, almost forgot and most of the time in the east end, where there are so many different restaurants and other food type establishments, including at Spitalfields Market, so consider a foodie tour here the next time you are in London for something different to do. I plan on retuning to London later this year, sort of a home away from home, and other experiences between now and then, with changes are a coming to the blog and the site. As you can see, I am looking forward to your input and your questions and responses. I hope that what you will see in the future will be something, perhaps a bit more interactive and be something that excites you and inspires you to consider travel to some amazing places in the world of which the WP can be of assistance. Of course, I will also be sharing my travels. Remember that travel is also the best educator and can open up one’s eyes to what is possible in this amazing world in which we live. I know it has mime. ​

As always, thank you, we so appreciate your support of our crazy little world, would love to welcome you to this side of the pond for a visit, if and when you wish to be here, and, of course, remain healthy, safe, and happy, most importantly, in this craziness in which we find ourselves. There will always be bumps in the road and it is how you handle them. Focus on the things you can control and let go of the things that you can’t. Life is too short to stress and while we all can’t be happy, all the time, find something that truly does make you happy and make that a focus. Your outlook will change as you stay on that path.