A Moscow Safari

Once again, our story begins in Moscow. Two souls became three, standing in Red Square with St. Basil's Cathedral at our backs. How we came to be so far from home, so many miles from our farming community doorstep in Alberta grassland just to end up here, in Russia, one can never know. But there we were, on a beautiful summer's day basking in the glory of what to some is their motherland. My uncle Randy in particular.

There was coffee and boundless conversation outside in the sun. There was a nice long walk through Red Square, and over the Bolsoy Moskvoretsky Bridge we stood for just enough time to take a snap before the golden sun retired its wings beneath the periwinkle blue sky. And over the Moskva river we stood, the conversation endless on both sides of the bridge. Somewhere along the way I asked them, 'So what might you two actually be doing here in Russia?' The truth was, and, not to put words in anyone's mouth, they were filming a short documentary centered on our poet of the family, dearest Uncle Randy, pursuing his family history and its relation to Russia. Poetry being an integral part of the process. But their real answer, with a smile and the slightest of all slight chuckles, was, 'Well, I'm not sure we really know why we're here, either.'

What could be more exciting.

Aside from a most wonderful catch up with Uncle Randy and cousin Hans in Moscow, there was also an adventure waiting to be had, way, way down, in South Africa.

A two hour drive northeast of Johannesburg lies Pilanesburg National Park, the location where an open jeep safari, and Jake, my newfound friend, were waiting. Jake had been standing there all morning waiting to be seen here, a relieved look on his face when we finally pulled up.

We were out to see as many animals as we could. It was lions and tigers, no bears but the 'oh my!' certainly did follow. Our guide was overflowing with information and so undoubtedly full of passion for the animals. It was inspiring.

We spent all day roaming the jungle, the wind on our faces and our binoculars at our eyes as the jeep swerved and scuttled us left and right, up and down the dusty road. We managed to see the zebra, the water-buck, the wildebeest, the impala, Jake my new giraffe, the monkey, the rhino, the hippo, and far off in the distance, finding shelter under a few bushes from the heat, lay a lion and a tiger basking together in the shade. They were more than likely planning out their next meal, or perhaps discussing Simba's college fees and whether Nala was a good choice for a long term partner. It was all simply marvelous.

And at the end of a long day, after scouring the bushes and watering holes, suddenly my favorite moment arrived. The elephants bathing in the water.

We caught them at the height of the afternoon heat, with temperatures soaring above 40 degrees and the sun sweltering down on us. I was hot, I could only imagine what a giant pachyderm with skin an inch thick must have been going through. We sat and watched, gazing at them frolicking in the water. Suddenly with a mighty romp, one of them jumped on the back of another only to slip back down into the water and have the romped on, turn around and swing a mighty wave of water into the romper's face using his trunk. The only thing missing in this scenario was David Attenborough's commentary (but our guide's was more than sufficient) telling us they were all males. The water splashed everywhere, the others joined into a giant elephant water fight and if they had expressions on their faces there was no doubt they would have been smiling and laughing. They were blissfully unaware of their surroundings and dwarfed the body of water that engulfed them. The larking and leaping continued on for a few more minutes, and while watching them I swore I could hear the music from Fantasia playing in the background somewhere. Their trunks sprayed water upwards as if a fountain of joy enveloped all around them. They cavorted with their mighty tusks and trunks a bit more, and then slowly, as if a dream, they settled down and one by one retired back onto the dusty road and into the dry bushes. Their bodies had been sufficiently cooled for another day, the temperature would be dropping soon if not already. Goodbye, dear elephants, until next time. End theme music - FIN.

The elephant can be conclusively stated as my favorite animal of all, and the 'real' king of the jungle. Not even a lion will attack a fully grown elephant. A mother elephant with a young calve can shatter a small aircraft if threatened. They are serene, magnificent and refined creatures of the jungle with intellect and caliber miles above most others, and a lethal strength unmatched thus far. I bought one at the gift shop.

With Moscow and Pilanesburg National Park officially scouted out and explored, it is safe to say that another day, another Safari and trip to the Motherland has been beautifully executed.

Thanks again, Uncle Randy and cousin Hans for hosting such a lovely Russian adventure!

Bailey Sue