Get Away, Get Away, Get Away

[Ken Meeks]

We visited our first Game Park in Botswana.  We were very fortunate to have sighted a leopard, a black mamba, as well as, rhino's, giraffes, wildebeasts, warthogs, and Oryx. 

As I watched these magnificent animals, I was reminded of the fundamental rule of self-defense that applies to the entire animal kingdom: The best way to defend oneself and live to see another day is to avoid the confrontation; hence: Get away, get away, get away.

These animals who could tear me to shreds, or whose venom could kill me in 20 minutes were most elusive and would disappear into the bush when we approached.  In the wild, as anywhere, survival is best insured by avoiding confrontational situations.

The irony, however, is that the number one rule for humans in the African bush is DO NOT RUN.  Running triggers the predator instinct in the animal with whom a human has confronted. This, however, does not mean that one shouldn't try to get away very slowly.

[Victoria Pich]

And there is something so weird, so utterly outlandish about the giraffe! Imagine seeing one in the wild!!!

[Victoria Pich]

WOW! Such beautiful animals! I think the mamba would scare the heck out of me. I agree with Mr. Bronson about enjoying your travels vicariously. I would so love to see Africa! I imagine that rather than quiet, the bush is noisy with huge flocks of birds chirping and squacking, insects buzzing, big cats coughing, ungulates munching, and a host of unseen animals rustling about. Thanks for the trip!

[Joseph Bronson]

Wow! Glad to hear you are well. What a great adventure. Stay safe and please keep us updated as often as possible. I am being a world traveler vicariously through you.