Finally I'm working my photos from South Africa

[Mira]

and I'm not sure how I can share them because there is so much - and so much emotion in my experience.

But here are a couple from my session today:





Not great, but the first one depicts my personal feeling for the country, what I expected, and what I found - and the second one depicts what I was told is the state flower of the country.

I'll get a grip soon I hope and find a way to share what I saw and felt.

[elleng]

1. Thanks, Mira.

We're with you, as ever.

[CaliforniaPeggy]

2. These are lovely, my dear Mira...

I think the flower is the Bird of Paradise. This one is especially lovely...

The first photo is also wonderful.

When you're ready to share, we will be here too...

Welcome home!

[Adsos Letter]

3. I like both of these.

I especially like the composition in the Bird of Paradise image.

[irisblue]

4. The Bird of Paradise is beautifully done.

[GetRidOfThem]

5. I totally understand what you are going through...

I have been to Africa many times, including South Africa.

Right now I am a lounge at Charles de Gaulle in Paris, going to shortly board my Kenyan Airways flight to Nairobi, with the follow-on connection to the final destination, which is Kigali, Rwanda. Tomorrow at some point I will be by lake Kivu at the border to Congo DRC. It is there that last year I shot what I thought is one of my favorite landscapes. I have my D300 and my D810 with me.

I like your work...

[Lochloosa]

7. I'm sure everyone would love to see some of your work....

Just saying.

[GetRidOfThem]

9. Thanks. I am holding my work close to my chest right now

Talk about a gallery opening early next year, here in D.C. by Dupont Circle, with 40% of the proceeds going to liberal causes, such as the ACLU and SPLC (10% to the Gallery, 50% to me). I am really excited about this, they like my work...

[Lochloosa]

10. Keep us posted. Lots of DU'ers in the DC area.

And congrats.

[GetRidOfThem]

11. I will...

...and thanks for those very kind words!

[Mira]

14. Thank you for responding

From Charles de Gaulle in Paris to the depths of Africa. WOW
I have a bit of understanding now, having been in Addis Abbaba twice along with Joburg and Cape Town. All I wanted - while there in the mother country - is to see more. To go to different countries and areas. To understand more. But I have to be with natives and folks who are well disposed and care. I don't have the money for traveling on my own in places that are so different and possibly dangerous.
Had a native guide in the largest township in Cape Town!!!
Was embraced and protected.
Please post photos.

[GetRidOfThem]

15. I made it to Kigali, Rwanda last night

Off to Kamembe this morning, which is to the border of Congo DRC in the Southwest of Rwanda. If I shoot anything good on this trip, I will post on DU.

I actually am here for work. I work in Africa, Latin America, and the Caribbean. I work on poverty reduction. My job gives me great opportunity to take photos.

Cape Town is stunning, I have cousin there who is with a South African. I have been there several times. My father, before I was born, was stationed there for a couple of years. So there are family ties to the place.

[Solly Mack]

6. Happy to see you. Share when you can and what you can.

Some things touch us too deeply for words.

[Newcanuck]

8. Giant Strelitzia

The Giant Strelitzia (Bird of Paradise) is the provincial flower of Kwazulu-Natal. The national flower is the King Protea. Both of them beautiful. I grew up there and am going back in November to attend my high school reunion.

[oldcynic]

12. The Mother Continent.

She gave birth to us all. It alters you when you go home, doesn't it?

[Mira]

13. YES - IT DID

and honestly, I'm not assimilating the changes well and quickly. So be it.
I was exhilarated and in tears many times.
From the "Cradle of Humanity" where we all started out - to "Constitution Hill" where Mandela and Ghandi both were incarcerated, and where blacks were tortured - to a five hour visit of the "Apartheid Museum".
And many other experiences.
When, and if, I get all glued back, I will tell more.