01/12/2023
In 1986, Paul Simon wrote African Skies, a track from his Gracelands album. Its lyrics were political in nature but I always imagined them on a different level. In the first and last verse he talks about a path being lighted by the stars of the southern hemisphere and an individual walking his days under African skies. The lyrics spoke to me as I imagined that very scenario in my minds eye when I dreamed.
Over the last year I was privileged to be hosted in Kwa-Zulu Natal (KZN) for close to four months. Together we walked 60kms of the Giant Cup trail and on another occasion the trail to the Tugela Falls, both in the Drakensburg.
An hour from the Drakensburg we stopped to look at the view, this was my 'African skies' moment. The absolute majesty, size and sheer scale of the panorama brought me to tears, the memory of that scene still brings me wet eyes as I write this. Life changing scenery and yes, you do feel as if you could walk forever.
I will go back, African skies left its indelible mark on me. Put this one on your bucket list
