Gorillas in a Twist

nomadsam — Wed, 20 May 2015 19:22:38 GMT

Exhausted from the efforts of forcing my way through the impenetrable forest, I took a moment to stand in silence and enjoy the penetrating feeling of such a dense biome. A ray of light beamed down through the canopies and lit up the first trail we’d seen in miles. The armed rangers softly told us we were now only metres away. I was finally about to meet the mountain gorillas!
As I stumbled with excitement down the steep banks of Bwindi, I caught the eye of the silverback as he calmly observed us. Uninterested in our presence he huffed a huge sigh and sat back to enjoy his daily feed. I froze and nervously locked myself in the moment. If he charged I had to stay calm. As luck had it, he kept his distance and ignored the disturbance. Knowing that he was only too used to this shamed me. Did I deserve the right to be here, or was I just another greedy human ticking off a bucket list? I wished we could communicate so I could tell him that we were supporting his cause.
Gratefully, I was distracted by the commotion of the habitat. The baby of the group was showing off swinging on branches and bothering his elders by smothering their faces with his body. Grumpily the mother, with just enough gumption, lifted him up and placed him to the side like an unwanted plate of food. Restless and in demand of attention the young one continued his performance as if knowing he’d be on the front cover of many glossy photo albums. Grabbing my camera with sweaty palms, I silently banked my memories whilst cherishing every minute I had with this precious species.
I felt satisfied that I’d been able to support the local economy. The porters had guided us there safely; across rivers, up and down steep embankments and through many thorny nests of trees, well earning their unjust fee. I left the forest feeling blessed yet concerned for the future of the people and the gorillas, both vulnerable.
Upon my return from Uganda, it has been my mission to raise awareness and support the protection of the mountain gorillas. With an alarmingly low number of the species now recorded to be left in the wild, I urge us all to get involved and save them from extinction!
Tips: Residing closer to the starting point of the trek is advisable as it cuts out an extra journey at both ends of a long day; during the rainy season the roads can get flooded and make a short journey incredibly longer. Book your gorilla permit well in advance to avoid disappointment as only a few are issued each day.

Catching a Moment - Stopping still in Mongolia – A tour leader’s adven

nomadsam — Wed, 17 Apr 2013 19:08:41 GMT

Catching a moment Samantha Hodges

Stopping still in Mongolia – A tour leader’s adventure

Watching the rainbow jut out of Khovsgol Lake I was silenced for a moment. The lake before me was so crystal clear and the position of the rainbow draped perfectly still in what seemed like the center of the Universe.

Flashes of our trip flickered through my mind as if I were flipping through a photo album. The bumpy journey across the Mongolian steppes had stirred the memories of my past and forced me to a place in my mind I hadn’t visited for many years. Childhood memories, romantic memories and thoughts of home were just some of the visions that entranced me.

The Gobi desert had been so quiet, so calm. The color of its sand was a perfect orange. Local children buried each other in the dunes and only their weathered heads could be seen, like crabs in holes. These smiley faces didn’t disappear as I got closer though. They beamed with excitement and embraced the interest and curiosity offered by the strange, weary traveler.

I could still taste the chewy goat’s meat from the supper that night and the sharp flavor of vodka sporadically tantalizing my tongue. Blood sausages had been prepared by the local ladies; skilled in their art, not a drop of blood was spilled.
A buried skull lay not far from where we were camped. This was the only remains of the feasted on animal. The skins we would take to the local market to sell tomorrow. Nothing was wasted here in the Mongolian outback.

As I reclined in the door of my tent I spotted an abundance of Yaks, filling the scenery like black clouds in the sky. The rest of the group were all sleeping as I sat and watched the rainbow appear and then disappear behind a blanket of cotton wool. It was my moment, a message for me.

Teacher's tales from around the world

Gorillas in a Twist

Catching a Moment - Stopping still in Mongolia – A tour leader’s adven