My friend Brittany asked me, “So do you just travel to different places, hang out with people and shoot their pictures?” (Britt — I know this wasn’t exactly what you said, but something like that).
Basically, to answer that question — yes. Joburg, more specifically Lenasia is headquarters where Dr. Bhayroo has been kind enough to set me up with family and friends, but for the most part I traveled to and from Cape Town, Durban and, now, Nelspruit by myself.
For each destination I have endured long bus rides (18 hours Joburg to Cape Town, 20 hours Cape Town to Windhoek, Namibia) still unsure of where I’d sleep until I got off the bus. I would look for B&B’s or some type of accommodation in the nearby township and spend time there.
When you are staying in a township — there really is only one reason you’d do so — to spend time in the township. Most likely if you are going to Kruger National Park you aren’t going to sleep in a township. Therefore the hosts, or friends, do their best to show you around, so, I can hang out with the people of S. Africa and shoot some photos.
For most of my trip, I have been somewhat of a vagabond, sleeping in 8 different beds, spending over 4 days traveling by the time my flight comes back to the US. I am writing this down in my notepad, in my last bed, in Kanayazmane, Nelspruit.
I have spent time with the “real” Africa — the beautiful people that inhabit the country. It makes me sad to think that on Sunday, August 16th I will be traveling back home, but I know my experience has been extremely worthwhile. I hope to travel back here next year.
Kevin,
It is amazing that you have taken this great adventure on your own with no real plan. What a fantastic way to learn about a place as far away and different than where you come from. I envy you. It looks like you were taking polaroids and giving them to the people in the pictures. That is a very nice gesture. 18 hours and 20 hours on a bus? I do not envy that. Hope you enjoy your last week in Africa and have a good trip home. Thanks again for sharing your trip.
These pictures really capture something special, Kev. They go beyond the usual depictions of Africa and African culture. They capture the truth. I know you worry about where you can use them and possibly get them published, but I have faith that those answers will come in time (with a bit of research and patience). I hope your butt isn’t too sore from sitting so long on buses. Haha! Enjoy your last week in South Africa! And have a safe trip back to the states.
I am so glad this has been an amazing trip for you.
The photos show so much and the words even more.