A Far Off Land Essay

A Far Off Land
      With so many glorious places in this world to explore, I truly feel blessed to have experienced South Africa.   Although the airplane ride was in a sense excruciating, as I arrived at my destination, all of my anguish quickly melted from my memory.   The landscape viewed during the drive to Pietersburg consisted of dry grasslands, sandy bush terrain, and winding fresh water rivers.   Although the landscape that I witnessed was more breathtaking than the most sought after oil painted masterpiece, the animals contained within this body of land are the most significant subjects in this adventure.   Please prepare yourself to share in my journey, and discover with me, a multitude of creatures both great and small.
        As I settled down into my bed on the very first night, I found myself struggling to fall asleep, fearful of the unfamiliar sounds around me.   I was also very excited about going on Safari sometime within the next ten days, but the exhaustion and jet-lag quickly took over, and I drifted off to sleep just as it began to rain.   The next morning, I awoke to find that the plant life looked remarkably refreshed from the rain, as it was greatly needed.   I walked to the pavilion that separated the two chalets, and I gathered from the inviting aroma, that breakfast was ready.   As I began to eat, I pondered on what the day might bring.   I was informed that I would experience the true African Safari tomorrow after breakfast.   Today I would just meander about the surrounding property to see what I could see.   I finished up my breakfast, and went back to my chalet to prepare for the day.        
      Grabbing my camera, I began to walk about my surroundings looking for photo opportunities.   As I began to wander down a small path just off the back of my chalet, I soon discovered that although the climate appeared harsh, the many small creatures sprinkled throughout the environment that surrounded me seemed to flourish remarkably....