I jotted these words down many years ago on an African journey - and they remain just as relevant now as they were then or even more so - and are perhaps the essence of every journey, short or long. 

Travel is always a great form of focus as all the norms of everyday existence crumble and fall away and the basic elements that matter remain. Like a carpet that has lain on the ground for far too long, your life gets a good ol’ shake, sending comfort zones and dust flying in all directions. This may sound daunting, but your newly-aired vibrant carpet becomes a magical vehicle that you can hop onto for an adventure across the planet. Life gains colour, excitement - and meaning.

No matter how challenging some adventures are – and travelling in East and southern Africa as a solo woman traveller does have its challenging moments, I am always left with a handful of luminous jewels when I reminisce – and I am always, always, bowled over by the kindness of strangers.

As a budget traveller, I have often opted to travel by local transport, which immediately immerses me in the culture and creates opportunities to make friends and be invited into people’s homes. And they do open their doors and their hearts. Without much to give materially, they give so generously of their time and space. It quickly puts things in perspective.

As a freelance writer, I have recorded so many of my adventures over the years for various publications but have not had a good answer to the question: ‘Well, where can I read your articles, Ron?” So, I decided that it’s time to finally gather some of them together in one place – while also creating a space to add more accounts of sparkling new journeys and inspirational moments along the way.

I often feel that when character traits were dished out by a higher force, conveyed in genetic makeover or simply assembled by luck of the draw, I received an unusual blessing - a heightened sense of wonder. I am constantly in awe of the beauty of the planet and her children, one-, two- and four-legged. I hope that this reverence for life flows through my writing as does my love for this journey and all who are on it. 

At the heart of every story is the essence of a place, an experience or a journey. If I have managed to convey this at all, I am indeed a contented storyteller.

But, hey, hold on a sec! Your magic carpet is about to lift off. You’d better hop aboard.

Happy travels!