Journey to South Africa - Swaziland

   

Saturday and Sunday, March 14 and 15.

We leave Cape Vidal to begin our journey to Swaziland, a small country in South Africa. Our goal is to arrive at the Malolotja Nature Reserve before dark. When we get to the border, it takes us awhile to get through because a busload of people are in front of us. I have never visited such a small country and I'm a little fearful of the unknown. In the small building that houses the border patrol, I see individual pictures of the King and Queen of Swaziland hanging on the wall. I expect something more elaborate for royalty. The photos are low quality and the plain, wooden frames are unimpressive. The pictures are crooked and this bothers me. I wonder if it would bother the king and queen too?

Since my mind has drifted into the wondering state, I also begin to wonder if we know what we are doing. I silently begin to play the “What If?” game. What if they don't like us? What if they don't let us out of their country once we get in? What if I say the wrong thing? What if that guy with the rifle decides to shoot me? What if the king decides to chop off my head? Okay, the last two are a bit extreme. Maybe lack of sleep had started to take a toll on me. After a man behind a window stamps our passports, we pay the money required to drive through the gate that is being monitored by officials dressed in regular clothes. This feels strange to me. How do you know who is really an official? It seems there are people everywhere! Once we are in Swaziland, I am relieved that crossing the border is non eventful--The negative possibilities I explored in the “What If" game were completely unwarranted. From now on, I'm playing the positive version of "What If?".

The four hour drive to the Malolotja Nature Reserve is stressful. It is hard to see in the dark plus we go in and out of rain and fog. Numerous potholes, occasional roaming livestock and pedestrians make it feel as if we are on an obstacle course. My hopes to see the king and queen's palace are dashed when fog blocks our view of it. When we arrive at our cabin around 9:00 p.m., everyone is tired and hungry. We shake off our disappointment about arriving so late, check in to our cozy cabin, unload the car and go to work in the kitchen—Chicken, corn on the cob and steamed broccoli never tasted better!

 

 

 

   

Even though we only have time for a short morning hike the next day, I am glad we came here. The Malolotja Nature Reserve is one of the most peaceful places I've ever visited and the views are absolutely breathtaking. I hope to return in the future and soak in all that this paradise has to offer.  

On our way out, we make a quick stop at Tintsaba Crafts to look at Sisal baskets--high quality, hand woven baskets of Africa. (Sisal is a plant fiber used for making rope.) It is easy to see the many hours of labor that goes into making each high quality basket. For example, a 30 cm diameter basket takes about 50 hours to weave. (The last photo shows the grade of the basket I purchased is 18. The cost: 640 Emalangeni--the equivalent of $64 American dollars.)

I imagine a circle of women working together to create baskets. What do they talk about? Do they enjoy making the baskets or is it just work? How many baskets do they own? I can't resist purchasing a basket before we get back on the road and head toward Camp Satara in Kruger Park.

 

 

  

Sitting in the van once again, I watch scenery zip by and think about Kruger Park. I've heard so much about it. Can it really be as wonderful and thrilling as people say it is? I can't wait to find out!

Beverly

Photos by Greg Smith

Comments

[Elysa]

Stacy Wills sent me your way. I lived in Swaziland during the 80's and recently went back with my oldest daughters to learn more about the HIV/AIDS pandemic there and explore ways we could be involved in ministry. You are right...Swaziland is breathtaking. I love it so much and miss it desperately.

I'm glad you were able to visit that special kingdom. And I'm glad you came home with a sisal basket. They are truly lovely and I have several in my home.

[Beverly Keaton Smith]

Hi Elysa, thanks so much for dropping by! You are so right. Swaziland is an amazing, beautiful place. I can see why it has stuck wtih you all of these years...I hope you find a way to stay actively connected to this land that obviously has a deep place in your heart!