First off, let me just say that. . .
I LOVE AFRICA!
Africa is my most favorite place on earth except of course my home.
Here are 5 reasons why!
1. Outdoor Markets
Similiar to our farmers markets, but OH SO MUCH better!! These markets are open everyday, only closing during the hottest part ofthe day to rest (depending on the country). And they tend to be cheaper than the indoor shops, and always expect to barter. If you don’t, then you will be charged ‘white man’ prices, which are 3x higher than the actual price! All kinds of items can be found in these markets, rows of fabric, piles of fruit and vegetables, pots and pans, bags of beans and rice, so many good things. There are also outdoor meat markets with a side of beef hanging nearby, and fresh eggs that don’t require refridgeration (this is safe, but must be used sooner). Outdoor markets should definitely become prominent in the United States. You have no idea what you are missing out on!
2. Generous and Hospitable People.
These people have so little! Most of the continent struggle to even feed their family! But when you visit, you will be offered the best that they have. And even though you know that they cannot hardly afford to offer you this meal, you take it, because if you don’t you will offend them greatly. The people of Africa are some of the happiest people I have ever met and they have nothing. Makes you wonder if we would be better off with less here in the U.S, since our typical motto is ‘more, more, more.’ We can be so greedy, and deperately need to take a lesson from the African people!
3. The Masai
Yes, I’ve already mentioned the people and the Masai are no different from what I explained above. But I have to include them separately as well! I had the privilege of visiting 2 groups of the Masai People while I was in Tanzania. These are the people that you see in National Geographic with the long colorful cloths watching over their flock or herd with a long pole. I am so inspired by these people, who have continued their traditions even in the face of western modernizations and technologies. My favorite worship experience was with the Masai under an Acacia tree decorated with cloth and ribbons.
4. Simple Life
Life in Africa is so simple. As in the opposite of the United States. Africa is slow paced, no one’s really in a hurry, they know how to just enjoy life. Our lives here are so full, running from this thing to that. We don’t take the time to breathe and enjoy what we already have. We are too busy trying to fill our lives with even more stuff, most of which doesn’t even matter in the long run. But the people of Africa, their lives revolve around family, friends, community. . . Yes, there are still distractions, but not near what we deal with here in the U.S. We make our lives so complicated, when in reality most of us could handle a huge dose of the simple life.
5. Animals
The animals of Africa are so beautiful and free. I had the opportunity to go on a safari in Tanzania in the Ngorongoro Crater in Tanzania. It was amazing to see these wild animals on their own turf, not in a manmade habitat, but their true home. (I still like the zoo, by the way!) To watch zebras, lions, elephants, monkeys in such an alluring and captivating landscape was breathtaking and so fun. Highly recommend this adventure to any fortunate enough to visit Africa.
Have you been to Africa? If so, what are your favorite things?
I agree. Those markets make our farmers markets look silly. Everytime I watch Tv food shows that go overseas I get a bit jealous I must say. It always amazes me how humble people can be…it’s the little things in life I guess. Great post!
Africa is by far the best place to go for animals and nature!! To see them in their natural habitat was absolutely breathtaking!
I was surprised how many people spoke with decent or fluent English in East Africa. It was so much easier to connect with people when you speak the same language!! Although, language barriers made for interesting gestured conversations! When I was in Burkina Faso, West Africa though, they only spoke French and native languages.
I have heard wonders about Africa and of course I saw the videos I could find on YouTube. I hope to make it to Africa one day, I love nature and animals.
Sarah I Though French was more popular than English, this is good to know.
Sarah, love this! My husband is from Ghana, West Africa, and I was lucky enough to visit back in 2003. He was born and raised there, for the first 11 years of his life. He goes back every couple of years. And last summer 2011, he went for a month and took our then-5-year old with him. It was a great experience for them! I wish I could get back there to visit, but I’ve been popping out babies for the past 6 years (HA!) and just haven’t had the chance to go back to Ghana. But I agree with EVERYTHING you said! 🙂 Love my African family 🙂
I haven’t had a chance to go to Ghana yet, the closest I’ve been was to Burkina Faso. Yea, starting our family is pretty much the only reason why I haven’t traveled in the last few years. But I’m anxious to go back and to take my family! Thanks for commenting!
Dear Sarah,
great read! I am planning to visit Kenya for the first time this summer, so a great way to prepare! I also like your video on your Kenya visit 🙂
Are you planning to go back?
Thats great! Where in Kenya? I was mostly in Mbita, a tiny town near Lake Victoria. And yes I can’t wait til I can go back. My goals include visiting every country in Africa, preferably while doing mission work!
I would love to visit Africa. The farthest I have been is Canada and it’s pretty much like the US. Was there a big language barrier?
Actually no, I found that more people spoke English in Africa than in almost any other place that I have been around the world. It also depends on what part of Africa. Eastern Africa like Kenya and Tanzania, English is one of the top languages. But in Western Africa like Burkina Faso, their other top language besides the native tongue is French.
I love to hear you talk about Africa!