It’s been 2 months since I resigned from my former position.

I really enjoy these quiet moments.

I have easily forgotten about work but not the people, and I don’t hesitate to gather some information from time to time.

I am trying to make the most of my time by seeing my family and friends before my departure.

Let me share a bit about it.

I have been spending some time with my mum on the island of Ré, trying to absorb all that the island has to offer—the beauty, strength and power of the sea, its reflective power, as I’ve already mentioned, the magnificence of the fauna, the landscapes, the migrating birds, and the majestic behavior of the grey heron. I made sure to embrace all my senses with it, as it may be the last time I see and enjoy our family house, which has been inherited by the women in this branch of my family, a matriarchal house.

We also went there as we were invited by the flag bearers who attended my grandfather’s funeral. They organized a gathering with marines to celebrate the 75th anniversary of the “amicale des cols bleus” with military demonstrations, a marching band, and bagads. I thought it was a good gesture to give back some of my time, considering what they offered to my grandfather and us. What I liked most was the sound of the Bagad of Lann-Bihoué. I am a huge admirer of bagpipes; their deep, resonant sound travels through all the veins of my body, and the vibrations fill me deeply. Life’s surprises and unexpected, interesting encounters brought us joy. It was a pleasant moment filled with joy, discussions, reflection, and observations.

Then I went to see my father and siblings, near the Loire Valley. I had the chance to see my big sister, whom I rarely see. We had time to catch up on each other’s lives as if no time had passed since our last encounter. I shared a bit of her routine, met her friends, saw my nephews, and walked the dog with her. The same went for the rest of my family: enjoying good meals together, visiting museums and zoological parks (my future is getting closer and closer), walking the dog a lot, spending time together, discussing, sharing our lives, updating each other on the latest family news, brainstorming, and receiving advice for my upcoming trips.

These are priceless moments of sharing.

Of course, the rest of my organization still holds an important part in my agenda. I have almost finished the communication plan for the festival, started organizing my move by buying cardboard boxes, and got my latest vaccines (typhus, a strong one).

The worst news ever!

My visa was rejected by the South African embassy in Spain. The reason they gave suggests that they did not consider my training to be proper education.

I was in the city when I received the email.

I just sat on a bench.

Inhaled.

Exhaled.

I wasn’t expecting this reason, as the institution had assured me there would be no issue with obtaining a visa for this training. The accreditation number was provided, and they had all means of verifying that the establishment was delivering recognized educational training.

What now?

I immediately sent a message to the academy, informing them of the rejection, but I started considering all possible scenarios.

I decided to wait for the training center’s response as a starting point and try to remain confident about the future. I believe I will find a solution, and at least I have plans in my head.

I stopped worrying about it.

Later on, with the academy, we found out that the South African embassy in Madrid needed proof of the institution’s accreditation as a training center. I was provided with all the necessary documents and I have appealed the visa decision.

I am hoping for the best.

It should work, as everything in my life seems aligned with my plan to get closer to wildlife in Africa.

Clearly, Africa is calling me right now. During my stay with my family, I visited the Museum of Natural History of Tours and the bush truck at the Thoiry Zoo, getting a glimpse of Africa already. Also, the trip to Kenya is now confirmed for the beginning of May. It was possible to organize it around my availability, flight tickets have been purchased, and the itinerary is in progress.

I will actually be enjoying a safari before being trained for it! I couldn’t ask for a better gift from life. I am really looking forward to it, despite it making my schedule busier (move, festival, etc.), but still manageable with a bit of organization. I am very excited about this trip.

The rest of my trip organization is progressing. I have spoken to my landlord and know what is expected to get a full refund of my deposit. I need to repaint the flat as expected but also trim the trees, which I was hoping to avoid. I can’t do that on my own since I’m not very handy, so I will need to hire someone and fit this into my busy schedule.

So in short, the rest of my program includes:

• Preparing my equipment for the trips (sleeping bags, medicine, binoculars, khaki uniforms, and clothes)
• Arranging my flat and garden
• Seeing my friends and family
• Moving my few belongings to my brother’s house in France
• Giving my plants, most of my clothes, and books to my friends
• Organizing the festival
• Changing my official residential address
• Having a full health check
• Getting my visa
• Enjoying the trip to Kenya

A dense program!

Photo : Marie-Laure Aubert