The Echoes of Africa
A lifelong journey yet to be fulfilled
My journey to Africa began long before I was to ever set foot on its land. I was in Girl Guides, my mother introduced me to various places of the world through earning badges. She encouraged my curiosity and together we visited the library to find books on my chosen place – Africa.
I was about 7 years old and I was mesmerized. I fell in love with the continent, its people, land and animals. As a Canadian girl living in the steel town of Hamilton, I was in awe that people could live where elephants roamed. I wanted to be there.
I had to write a report on my newfound knowledge and possibly draw some flags. Learning about Africa with my mother is a cherished memory.
I earned my badge along with an extra for my substantial effort — It was a proud day.
Cultural connections
My love for African culture deepened through semi-annual visits to my parents’ best friends; refugees from Uganda who had made a loving home in Canada.
I remember their home-cooked Ugandan cuisine, made ‘especially mild’ for us, and the laughter that followed when I bravely tried the spicy ‘real’ version.
Afternoons were filled with dancing to disco music interspersed with traditional…
