South African countryside
Last year this time, Meghan and I were down in South Africa exploring the countryside. We had already been in Africa for about a week, and on this day we were driving ourselves from down South around Agulhas to the wine country just outside of Capetown.
I’m a big fan of straying from the beaten path, so on this part of the trip we were wandering around some dirt roads through the farmlands. Along the road we saw different animals – especially birds, as well as spectacular scenery.
This image I like because of the way the different patterns emerge. I love how the clouds in the sky mimic the plow rows on the field and how the horizon line of the hill cuts a wave through the scene. The dual track road splits across at an odd path heading up and over the hill.
Of course there’s nothing about this photo that screams “Africa.” It could have been taken anywhere. But much to our surprise, a lot of the African outback had that feel. Once we got out of the cities, the countryside could have been European or Asian (or I’m sure South America, though I can’t say from experience). To some extent, that never ceases to amaze me as I travel around – so much of the countryside the world over is so similar.
I look forward to getting back to Africa – and (at least for now) I plan on more random exploring through the countryside when I return.
