A walkabout is defined as a short period of wandering bush life engaged by an Australian aborigine as an occasional interruption of regular work

Some time in my early years of high school we read a book called ‘The Walkabout’ by James Vance Marshall. It's a story set in the backdrop of the rite of passage of a young Aborigine boy called a walkabout. I'm not sure if at the time the thought of wandering the bush on one's own, relying on primal instincts for survival and sustenance; imploring ones ancestors to guide your path and sleeping under the stars was at all appealing. Back then I used to get lost in stories; all that mattered was the thrill that would unfold on the next page. I was oblivious to my own life; its purpose didn’t matter beyond the thrill on the next page.

Now, with the year drawing to a close, my career on the verge of taking off and 25 knocking, no banging at my door no thought seems sweeter than that of a walkabout, some me-time to take a long hard look at myself. To take stock of who I’ve become and to check if this is who I actually want to be. I think everyone needs to go on a solitary holiday, a walkabout at least once in their lives.

So I'm going on my walkabout this December, in Mpumalanga and Limpopo. Okay, so obviously I don't intend to fish, dig up roots or pick berries for my dinner, nor do I intend to camp, I am black after all. But I certainly intend to be surrounded by the most exquisite of scenery. I want have my breath taken away by God's window. I want to sit under a baobab tree and get lost in stories again. I want to visit the rain queen and see if she has any bright ideas on my path. Of course I want to do the girly things too, like hang out in the spa, eat pretty looking food, do yoga at sunset and meditate to the rising African sun but the real purpose of this walkabout is to find myself.

 

So true the essence of this blog, friends celebrate life and walkabout!

 

Writer: Malitsitso Moteane

Pics from HERE and HERE  and HERE