Africa Won't Leave: And I Don't Want to Either
DRC (Democratic Republic of the Congo)
Like that lover that lingers, Africa won’t leave. And I’m so glad for that fact! It’s the last official African stop on this multi country journey - and what a sheer joyride it’s been. DRC was the driver for coming to Central Africa and for extending the trip in time and location, all in the name of being able to serve.
Organized and ambitious, my time in Kinshasa has been earmarked for back-to-back sessions with various segments of the community so as to push dialogue (and limits) on needed topics. Fulfilled, I feel so grateful for these global opportunities and look forward to the promise of more in store.
Across the bridge, just a stone throw away is Brazzaville, Congo (yes, another country). Most unfortunately though, our seven day single city visa meant that we couldn’t cross over and instead, in the little bit of downtime we had, we could only explore the most local and nearby places.
A sold out Zongo falls meant that the runner up was a day chasing the Bonobos and checking out the mislabeled “must see” Ma Vallee, an ordinary lake where the only highlight was the local dinner.
This 40 km excursion literally took the entire day. Given that the bonobos are infamous for their love making, I suppose this gave us a reason to brave the sheer chaos called ‘usual traffic’ and the flooding roads post rainfall.
While we caught a glimpse of the action at the outset, the rest was watching our predecessors roam rambunctiously.
Maintaining relationships and settling conflict through sex has made them a popular attraction yet even though they (as well as chimpanzees) share 98.7% of our genetic material, their peaceful matriarchy seems to run things a bit different than the homo sapiens.
Near the bustling Congo River too, we tried to explore the scenery, yet the only thing that was impressive was the sheer speed of the water flow along the continent’s second largest river and the local lads with creative ways to cash out.
One sold agarbatti, another unripe mangos and my favourite, was the ventriloquist who dangled a curvaceous marionette who danced and shook a booty like no other puppet I’ve seen!
How much effort does it take to make a buck? Clearly, it's all really relative, but it does beg the question of where I spend my energy and emotion - is it in a career that enables both cause-work and coin, or is there temptation to misplace focus onto things that matter less in the grand scheme of things?
After all, the hustle has upped the ante for how and where we generate our income, and equally so, how and where the fruits of labour can then be spent (which in turn is generative for another, I suppose). With that in mind at the snazzy Pullman hotel, we admired sunsets following a short stroll in the nearby walking waterfront view.
On a whim, we splurged on massages and though the galivants were limited, the genuine company forged friendships that may take us back to their country.
With these newfound companions, we had chai, played games, had fondue, boated to nearby excursions and let life’s circumstances be what they were, facade-free. I wondered if travel and limited time opened up these deeper connections, or if I just remained myopic to the magic of my mundo - this meaningful and mammoth world around me.
During my community service sessions, I felt my own spark reignite as I tried to light the flame for others.
How is it that in using up inspiration, more is generated? The feeling of having my tank refueled is such a solid sentiment that I wondered the ways in which we could continue to be in service of the other, so as to catalyze more of these moments in “real life”.
Just the night before, my dainty necklace that’s accompanied me for over a decade, suddenly snapped. Yet as serendipity played out, the community I served gifted me a Gucci perfume and, as if on the wish list, a tasteful rose gold necklace that’s now on my neck’s display. Interestingly, for the past few months, I’d sensed that it was time to change that energy, so the search for new bling had intermittently begun. Who knew that today I’d have a fabulous story for the breaking and replacing of my necklace - all because of the community expressing their appreciation.
This then is my time tested experience of giving - whenever I think I’m serving, in actuality, I’m the one being ordained, be it with presents or presence.
For my time in Kinshasa, these wonderful women have presented me with a tangible reminder that encircles my neck and glistens in the sun, reminding me of their affection and the brilliance of this ride. What a way to capture this unparalleled experience, the journey that lulled and lured me and above all, for the connections that’ve been added to my concentric circles of networks and the mosaic of me.
From heartfelt moments like these, snazzy sites, serious sharing, sumptuous meals, serendipitous synchrony and satiation that makes my heart flutter, Africa won’t leave.
So before we board the final outbound flight, it behooves us to hit the town for some late night dancing - of course by now, it's become a scientific study comparing clubbing experiences across Western and Central Africa ;) … C’mon, someone had to do it!
I look out atop the stairs connecting me to the plane that’s soon to fly from DRC to Brussels and beyond. The night has settled in.
Like a child curled up into Mother Africa, I’m so full and carefree, at peace and pleased - this undoubtedly has been one of the most legendary lullabies the Universe has let me experience #Shukar.
May the stories we get to live through envelope our lives in bliss, bounty, Love and Light,
Enjoyed seeing the bonobos and learning about the Congo River. Thanks for sharing your journey.