Africa - From Coast to Coast: Crossing borders and appreciating food

After two weeks - it was time to say goodbye to beautiful Namibia and make for the border with Botswana. A tarmac road took us east towards the Kalhari border crossing. Africans waited for visas and tourist 4x4s parked up under the waving blue and white flag. With fresh ink, embossed in another random portion of the passport, we were given permission to proceed. Out of the small shack, two women, a few biros and a desk covered in stamps - welcome to Botswana.

Lying blessed above rich fields of diamonds and under the intense blue skies of the African savannah - It is clear we are in a new country. The roads run smoother, the cattle roam free - herds of donkeys, cows and goats are all too frequent obstacles to swerve on the road. Yet, in many ways the isolation experienced in Namibia is paralleled here in Botswana. With a population of 2.3 million, it is hardly surprising that the roads are sparsely occupied and the land masses adjacent only throwing up the occasional shack or tent. In a land mass equivalent in size to France, it is mainly nature which will give you things to stop and smile at!

The path is set as we rattle on through Africa, away from the Atlantic towards Maun, northern Botswana. The closer we get the hotter it gets. The thermometer on the cockpit begins to tick towards 40 and the AC is now non-existent. Dry air beats the face as sweat drips down the back. Warm water suffices. Anything will do.

Having complained about the heat and hunger along the way, all is what given perspective with a small stop in the San Village - close to Ghanzi. Greeted by the warm smile of the San leader - a man who revealed every muscle fibre through is thin skin. A small lesson in medicines of the bush and songs of pleas for rain - we feasted on the tribal dance.

Albeit a somewhat underwhelming performance - the experience of witnessing a group of men and women - the same as us - yet born into an extremely different scenario - living the hunter gatherer life - was compelling. These people live in one of the harshest environments on earth - with little source of water and the threat of wild animals on a daily basis. The men hunt and the women provide. A backwards way of life - but one which seemingly provided contentment, faith and strong relationship. Perhaps sainsburys takes away the joy of feasting. Perhaps the ease and availability of food has diminished our appreciation for the trouble some have to go to, to get it.

Alarmingly, in a land of so few people, it is the few which have taught the most since leaving our post code in South West London. When a man displays his quadriceps and hamstrings with every step - you can’t help but be alarmed at the state he finds himself.

Be conscious of what you eat, where it comes from and those who struggle without.