Traveling with Intrepid: People of Africa

As some of you know, this year Passports with Purpose has decided to build not one, but two libraries in Zambia. I, for one, was absolutely thrilled when I heard the news. Although I have not traveled to Zambia, I have traveled in Africa and know of the needs there. The children I met during my trip were energetic and curious. In some ways living a simple life is a good thing, but when it comes to literacy and education there needs to be an improvement and Room to Read has partnered with Passports with Purpose to make that happen for some of the children in Zambia.

Retrieving my Africa photos from what I thought was a busted external hard drive was the best part of my day on Sunday. To say I was excited would be an understatement. It had been months since I had seen my photos from Tanzania. In many ways, it was as if I were back in Africa. I was dusty. I was tired. I was having the time of my life. As I looked through (and edited) my photos I decided that perhaps I should share them with you, my reader. So, this week I’ll be posting a photo essay each day (consider this your warning). Today’s post, as you can probably tell from the title, is about people in Africa.

Children walking home...

I wasn’t the only paparazzi on my Intrepid trip from Kenya to Cape Town. Lucky for my Cillian was a die-hard photo-nut and was traveling with a 55mm-200mm zoom lens (which I didn’t have). The fact that his lens fit my camera was even better. The fact that he freely let me use it was amazingly nice. Many of the photos in this photo essay were taken while we were driving in Tanzania, and with the aid of Cillian’s lens. 

Herding goats in a dust storm

On our first day in Africa we traveled from Nairobi to Mto Wu Mbo in Tanzania. Shortly after crossing the boarder into Tanzania we stopped alongside the road for lunch. The area was dry and dust and the wind was quite active. As we set-up for lunch, locals started to appear. I stood there and looked into the horizon and I could see herders and maasai making their way towards us from the distance. This particular herder merely walked by. Others actually came to our lunch spot, stopped and watched us eat. Demanding money if any of us dared to try and take a photo of them.

Maasai girl waving as we drive by

Many people in Tanzania didn’t like having their photos taken. I think I was cursed once or twice as we drove by and my camera lens was poking out the window (which may or may not have attributed to my camera being stolen).  As we drove along the bumpy roads in Tanzania, I was looking for something different and saw this little girl standing alone in a field. I snapped the photo quickly and when I looked at it, I saw that the girl was waving. Awesome.

Playing with a tire & a stick

This little boy was so adorable. I loved watching him run down the dusty road with his stick and rubber tire. In many ways this photo reminds me of the resilience of Africa. It reminds me of how they use whatever they have. Kids can have fun with the most basic toys. Who cares about TV or video games. This kid doesn’t have any of those and he’s still having a great time.

Maasai Hanging out, laughing and having fun

Capturing a photo of Maasai is not easy, so naturally I was thrilled when I was able to capture this natural looking photo, especially since most Maasai ask for money as soon as they see a camera. I guess the fact that we were driving at the time probably helped. 

Africa is a truly amazing continent. There are so many diverse cultures and amazing sites. I was truly blessed to be able to experience a part of Africa this past summer with Intrepid Travel. It was my first group travel experience and I liked it. Shocking, I know!  That being said, I would definitely travel with them again. Intrepid Travel offered experiences that I probably would not have had access to if I had tried to do this trip solo. Sure, I could have gone solo, but there would have been a lot of stress. However traveling with Intrepid allowed me to relax and enjoy. 

Little boy outside a school in Mto Wu Mbo

This year Intrepid Travel (who I adore) has offered a prize of $500 towards a trip booking in conjunction with the Passports with Purpose campaign. To enter to win this amazing prize simply visit Passports with Purpose and make a donation of $10. That’s it! By making a donation you’re not only entering to win this amazing prize, but you’re helping build two libraries in Zambia. 

Prize Terms and Conditions
1. The prize is for $500 towards a trip booking with Intrepid Travel
2. The prize must be taken by 31/12/2012 and must be booked by 30/11/2012. No extension is available.
3. The prize is non-transferable
4. The prize is not redeemable for cash
5. Prize cannot be exchanged
6. The prize cannot be used in conjunction with any other discounts or special offers.
7. Prize does not include airfare – all incidental expenses and taxes not specified herin will be the sole responsibility of the winner and his/her guest, including without limitiation: airport transfers, ground transportation, travel insurance, visas, trip kitties, food, beverages, and the like.
8. Please refer to the Booking Conditions at www.intrepidtravel.com for more information.
9. Trip must be booked through Intrepid Canada or Intrepid My Adventure Store Canada
10. The trip must be a guaranteed departure before a prize-winner can be booked on (this applies to the higher discounts)
11. A maximum 2 pax on a discount of 50% or higher per trip
12. Prize cannot be used toward Short Break Adventures, Urban Adventures or Private Group Adventures