Time to spread the word....about AFRICA!

Today I wrote a letter to the editor of an international 'travel' magazine. They send 'postcards' to thousands of e-mail recipients all over the world on a daily basis telling us about wonderful and not so wonderful destinations they would recommend (or not recommend) we visit. What astonished me was the fact that I could not easily find, for a long time, any significant information on the beautiful country I live in, South Africa. I managed to stumble onto an article about shark cage diving on the south coast, but wondered where articles about other cities such as Cape Town was hidden!

So I decided to write them after really ignoring my disappointment for far too long. And this is what I said:
SUBJECT: Africa a no-show...but why?

Greetings!

For far too long I have simply ignored the fact that your newsletter and postcards never make mention of my beautiful country and continent, Africa! But now is the time that I speak up.

My city, Cape Town, South Africa, is simply alive with endless possibilities. Everything you would imagine a paradise would be, is here! How come it is not mentioned in your publications?

If you know the right places to visit in Africa, you will find paradise, this is true. Living in Cape Town, you can find yourself jogging on white sand beaches, hiking up a majestic mountain or mountain biking in a forest within a time frame of 10 minutes. I kid you not!

Cape Town has the honour of having the most visited tourist attraction in South Africa right on its doorstep, the Victoria & Alfred Waterfront. It is the blend of some of the diverse cultures of its people and the modern touch of the interesting curio shops as well as five star luxury accommodation that hosted the likes of pop star, Michael Jackson, that sets the scene for some fun filled and interesting leisure time in this friendly city.

I cannot express the desire I have for you to add to your publications South Africa, Cape Town specifically, to your list of paradise destinations in the world, because it simply qualifies with distinction.

And yet, I have not even begun to tell you about all the other paradise destinations in Africa such as Namibia, desert kingdom, favourite of Hollywood couple, Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie. Also Botswana, diamond kingdom, home to the ancient civilisation, the San Bushmen, as well as wildlife mecca. Also Lesotho, mountain kingdom, situated at high altitude amidst a majestic mountain range.

Africa has endless possibilities, please do not ignore us any further.

Looking forward to your reply.

Sincerely yours

Marlon C. Thieras

I feel that South Africa and the African continent should not be excluded from such publications, for what reason should it be so? We have an enormous treasure straight from paradise to share with the rest of the world, we have so much to be proud of and to admire. Why should we not feature as a retirement haven or a holiday destination of choice?

I hope I will receive a response from the editor and if I do I will let you know what was said.

I love my city....I love my country....but most of all, I love my AFRICA!

Till next time.

Home is where...

...you find yourself staring, in awe of God's creations. The unbelievable majestic views from the top of a canyon slowly but unmistakably carved out over many, many years, by the fresh waters of the Fish river. When you cast your eyes as far and wide and close to the edge of the horizon as you possibly can, you cannot help but feel proud and privileged to be one the 'chosen' few to witness the indescribable brilliance of an ingenious Artist, our Creator. And to think that, compared to the unspeakable vastness of the universe, this small and insignificant 'sketch' can create so much emotion and internal reflection that cuts to the depths of your soul. You are indeed instantly connected to the source of our souls...

To live this experience you need to take a trip down to the south of the magnificent Namibia, where the Fish river Canyon awaits you. Camp at Hobas and stay to take the 5-day hike through the canyon. The refreshing Ais-Ais resort awaits you on the other side.

Africa has indeed the most profound effect on ones soul and it doesn't take long to find a spot that can create the euphoria one could only dream of experiencing...in Africa dreams do come true!

It goes without saying that coming to Africa alone is an act of true selfishness. You simply cannot experience this elation without having your loved ones around to feel it with you. So I urge you, please, bring your family along.

I hope I leave you enticed and ready for an adventure, AN AFRICAN ADVENTURE!!!

Till next time.