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এক যে আছে দেশ।


 
-In my country you give the first line of the story! Karen, in Out of Africa. 



What would the first line be for me? 

Africa came into my life with চা৺দের পাহাড়। And I always wanted to be like Joy Adamson or Jane Goodall. Live in the wild. 

Didn't happen. Lead a humdrum life, grew old and arthritic. 

But Africa did happen from a chance discovery of a childhood school mate, whom I call the queen of Africa. Mau helped me with my dream the second time. 

Traversing in her land cruiser, from the foothills of Kilimanjaro to the Savannah of Masai Mara, Africa can never grow old. It springs surprises when you are complacent and amazes you even if you have come with an attitude of I have seen it all.


PC Abhro

Last time I missed the king, but this time I found him courting his sweetheart. The honeymoon couple ready for action, as our guide said. 


PC Abhro

Herds of elephants surrounding our car and crossing the road. Stay silent, they hate noise! Warning. 

Leopard n cheetahs up close. 


PC : Abhro 

Snake in the room. 

Car getting stuck in the quagmire at Mara and lions lurking close. Chant Hanuman Chalisa! 

- How did the car come out? 

- Big Monkey did it! 

Dancing with the Masai warriors. And they did not wear masks, and that made me too uncomfortable! 




There is a story in every nook. Sunrise from the hot air balloon looked wonderful as we sang আহা কি আনন্দ আকাশে বাতাসে..... 


As I walked away I drew my breath.. Filled my lungs, filled my heart.... One last time! 



If never, then this is it. Thousands of pictures in my memory card, but the best ones are in my heart! 

Early morning I woke up to the cooing of the pigeons, but last week it was a Hyena next to the moat where our tent was. 


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