How do you describe the trip of a lifetime?
Feb 19th, 2008, 12:57 AM
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How do you describe the trip of a lifetime?
Words. Words have literal meanings but they also have individualized emotional meanings. What word should I use to describe the fact that I am going to Africa to take a safari?
Trip? When I use the word trip I usually mean a short visit to someplace like WalMart to pick-up groceries. Or going on vacation to the beach. Not descriptive enough.
Adventure? It surely is that! When I think of the word adventure I think of something done with some risk, something that I’ve never done before. Something very special that is out of the ordinary.
Journey? Sounds rather nondescript and bland. Isn’t descriptive enough.
Safari? That sounds like the obvious answer but it also has a negative connotation in that the meaning originally referred to a hunting expedition. There is a certain theme or style associated with the word, which includes khaki clothing, belted jackets and Land Rovers.
Photo Safari? I certainly do plan on taking photos but it is more than just taking photos.
So fellow Fodorites, please help me out with my dilemma. When you talk about going to Africa what word do you use?
Trip? When I use the word trip I usually mean a short visit to someplace like WalMart to pick-up groceries. Or going on vacation to the beach. Not descriptive enough.
Adventure? It surely is that! When I think of the word adventure I think of something done with some risk, something that I’ve never done before. Something very special that is out of the ordinary.
Journey? Sounds rather nondescript and bland. Isn’t descriptive enough.
Safari? That sounds like the obvious answer but it also has a negative connotation in that the meaning originally referred to a hunting expedition. There is a certain theme or style associated with the word, which includes khaki clothing, belted jackets and Land Rovers.
Photo Safari? I certainly do plan on taking photos but it is more than just taking photos.
So fellow Fodorites, please help me out with my dilemma. When you talk about going to Africa what word do you use?
Feb 19th, 2008, 02:19 AM
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Jerry, actually Safari is a swahili word, a noun:
"safari" - journey, expedition, trip
"funga safari" verb - set off on journey
So in it's true sense of the meaning it has no connection with hunting.
So I think Safari is the truest definition of your undertaking.
"safari" - journey, expedition, trip
"funga safari" verb - set off on journey
So in it's true sense of the meaning it has no connection with hunting.
So I think Safari is the truest definition of your undertaking.
Feb 19th, 2008, 02:24 AM
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Hi jerrytufts
Not really sure about this one - is this really the biggest problem you are facing?
Words going will not be as easy as words to describe your experience when you return!
I have been a number of times, and to me, it is my obsession and my passion both the gameviewing and the photography side. What other people think about this is of no real consequence to me!
I don't really see it as a dilemma at all, and everytime I go it is an absolutely fantastic experience and always see so many different things!
Kind regards
Kaye
Not really sure about this one - is this really the biggest problem you are facing?
Words going will not be as easy as words to describe your experience when you return!
I have been a number of times, and to me, it is my obsession and my passion both the gameviewing and the photography side. What other people think about this is of no real consequence to me!
I don't really see it as a dilemma at all, and everytime I go it is an absolutely fantastic experience and always see so many different things!
Kind regards
Kaye
Feb 19th, 2008, 03:17 AM
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Kaye,
I agree with you entirely. My next safari to Botswana starts on 11th March and I can't wait!
Jerrytufts,
Just GO then you will discover the thrill that all of us on Fodors Africa already know.
Safari it is!
Jan
I agree with you entirely. My next safari to Botswana starts on 11th March and I can't wait!
Jerrytufts,
Just GO then you will discover the thrill that all of us on Fodors Africa already know.
Safari it is!
Jan
Feb 19th, 2008, 04:23 AM
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Jambo jerrytufts. WORDS. Just wait till you come back! Talk about looking for words to justifiably describe your Safari Adventure, for each day you are gone it will take that many weeks to have everything sink in and give justice to how you describe your experience. I am back four weeks and long to return to Tanzania soon.
Feb 19th, 2008, 06:48 AM
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jerrytufts,
I'm sure you are going to have a wonderful time and get hooked on safari ........
One of the things you will notice after your return from safari - the Reality of being back to the real world will hit you really hard!
I guess, i'm speaking from safari withdrawal symtoms right now ...... can't wait for the next one!!!!
Rgds
Hari
I'm sure you are going to have a wonderful time and get hooked on safari ........
One of the things you will notice after your return from safari - the Reality of being back to the real world will hit you really hard!
I guess, i'm speaking from safari withdrawal symtoms right now ...... can't wait for the next one!!!!
Rgds
Hari
Feb 19th, 2008, 08:43 AM
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Your comments on what to call your upcoming trip-of-a-lifetime got me thinking (about one of my favorite topics!) and then got me rolling at the keyboard.
For Africa travel, I like the word discovery because each day you discover something new about the animals, the people, the environment, and maybe most importantly--about yourself.
But I can understand not wanting to announce, “I’m going on a discovery.” Others may think a trip to Africa is a weird enough destination without you going all “discovery” on them.
Words aside, Africa permeates the senses.
<b>Sight</b>—The pictures you see in the various trip reports will be similar to what you will see and what you will capture on disk. These are not lucky flukes or locations off limits to the average traveler; these postcard images are accessible to anyone on safari.
You can view Africa on the grand scale with breathtaking sunrises and sunsets and the vast plains with immense herds. There’s also the micro aspect with fascinating insect activity or tracks that tell a story.
You can hone your own spotting skills as you find camouflaged animals, with help from your guide. Binoculars for each participant are a good idea.
<b>Sound</b>—The gnu-ing of the gnus in massive herds, the lion roar that reverberates in your chest, the constant Go-away call of the bird by that nickname, the Grey Lourie --The familiar Kiswahili words you’ll pick up and the delightful accents of the Swahili speakers when they speak English -- The night sounds that keep you company as you adjust from jetlag, laughing hyenas, the whooping sounds of jackals, hippos bellowing in the river, and lions calling to each other in the distance (and sometimes not so far in the distance)
<b>Smell</b>—Sometimes the smells are not so pleasant when they result from decaying flesh. Those scents are not agreeable to our noses, but for scavengers, it’s like the aroma that drifts out of grandma’s kitchen.
You may catch an occasional waft from the ubiquitous dung piles and even glimpse the dung beetles at work.
I’ve been conditioned to appreciate the heavy, dank stench of strong body order because shortly after that scent becomes evident in the Virunga Mountains, the gorillas appear!
If while driving around, you suddenly smell baked potatoes that means the potato bush is nearby.
<b>Taste</b>—Don’t fall for this one: You come upon a pile of dung. The guide says, we can tell what kind of dung this is with a simple test. He sticks his finger into it and then puts the finger into his mouth and makes some comment like, “I can really detect the sweetness, which indicates this is from elephants who have been eating elephant grass (or whatever).” Then you are encouraged to do the same—stick your finger in the dung and taste it. But the trick was that the guide stuck his middle finger in the dung, and put his index finger in his mouth! The conclusion based on the taste of the dung was pure BS (pun intended).
Ask about trying some ugali along the way, a traditional African dish made of ground corn with meat and/or vegetables on top.
The best meal I ever had (and my three globe trotting travel companions agreed) was in Tanzania! You can start working on SWMBO right now from the gourmet angle. Be sure to take some photos of the food on safari to show her when you get back. See, I’m planning your second trip for you already.
<b>Touch</b>—As tempting as it may be, you can’t touch the animals. But Africa will touch your heart. In fact, it will grab onto you and never let go!
For Africa travel, I like the word discovery because each day you discover something new about the animals, the people, the environment, and maybe most importantly--about yourself.
But I can understand not wanting to announce, “I’m going on a discovery.” Others may think a trip to Africa is a weird enough destination without you going all “discovery” on them.
Words aside, Africa permeates the senses.
<b>Sight</b>—The pictures you see in the various trip reports will be similar to what you will see and what you will capture on disk. These are not lucky flukes or locations off limits to the average traveler; these postcard images are accessible to anyone on safari.
You can view Africa on the grand scale with breathtaking sunrises and sunsets and the vast plains with immense herds. There’s also the micro aspect with fascinating insect activity or tracks that tell a story.
You can hone your own spotting skills as you find camouflaged animals, with help from your guide. Binoculars for each participant are a good idea.
<b>Sound</b>—The gnu-ing of the gnus in massive herds, the lion roar that reverberates in your chest, the constant Go-away call of the bird by that nickname, the Grey Lourie --The familiar Kiswahili words you’ll pick up and the delightful accents of the Swahili speakers when they speak English -- The night sounds that keep you company as you adjust from jetlag, laughing hyenas, the whooping sounds of jackals, hippos bellowing in the river, and lions calling to each other in the distance (and sometimes not so far in the distance)
<b>Smell</b>—Sometimes the smells are not so pleasant when they result from decaying flesh. Those scents are not agreeable to our noses, but for scavengers, it’s like the aroma that drifts out of grandma’s kitchen.
You may catch an occasional waft from the ubiquitous dung piles and even glimpse the dung beetles at work.
I’ve been conditioned to appreciate the heavy, dank stench of strong body order because shortly after that scent becomes evident in the Virunga Mountains, the gorillas appear!
If while driving around, you suddenly smell baked potatoes that means the potato bush is nearby.
<b>Taste</b>—Don’t fall for this one: You come upon a pile of dung. The guide says, we can tell what kind of dung this is with a simple test. He sticks his finger into it and then puts the finger into his mouth and makes some comment like, “I can really detect the sweetness, which indicates this is from elephants who have been eating elephant grass (or whatever).” Then you are encouraged to do the same—stick your finger in the dung and taste it. But the trick was that the guide stuck his middle finger in the dung, and put his index finger in his mouth! The conclusion based on the taste of the dung was pure BS (pun intended).
Ask about trying some ugali along the way, a traditional African dish made of ground corn with meat and/or vegetables on top.
The best meal I ever had (and my three globe trotting travel companions agreed) was in Tanzania! You can start working on SWMBO right now from the gourmet angle. Be sure to take some photos of the food on safari to show her when you get back. See, I’m planning your second trip for you already.
<b>Touch</b>—As tempting as it may be, you can’t touch the animals. But Africa will touch your heart. In fact, it will grab onto you and never let go!
Feb 20th, 2008, 08:00 AM
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Jerry
Its simple. Its another world entirely. If I may use an example it is like people living in the city who suddenly are into Scuba Diving and go mad for it. Its like people going into space which is another experience. Wait, you will see. I know you are going to love it.
Have a great time and I look forward to your posts when you return from "Safari"
Its simple. Its another world entirely. If I may use an example it is like people living in the city who suddenly are into Scuba Diving and go mad for it. Its like people going into space which is another experience. Wait, you will see. I know you are going to love it.
Have a great time and I look forward to your posts when you return from "Safari"
