Paradis perdus...paradise at the end of the world

I am on a constant quest to explore the world, in search of forgotten lands, away from the traveled paths. Being immersed in nature allows me to be my true self, brings me peace, joy, calmness and a sense of being, belonging to the universe.

In nature, I feel the powerful words of Max Ehrmann's timeless poem "Desiderata"

"Be Yourself"

"Nurture strength of spirit"

"Be gentle with yourself"

"You are a child of the Universe, no less than the trees and the stars, you have a right to be here"

"And whether or not it is clear to you

no doubt

the Universe is unfolding as it should"

"Be at peace with God,whatever you conceive Him to be"

"and whatever your labors and aspirations

in the noisy confusion of life

Keep peace in your soul"

"It is still a beautiful world"

"be cheerful.

Strive to be happy"

Taking in the sunset...

I found my small piece of paradise on a remote island of the coast of Mozambique, Banguerra island. A few days of pure bliss, feeling the hours go by at a slow pace, taking in every moment in this glorious gentle landscape.

Mozambique is in Southern Africa, bordered by the Indian Ocean, Tanzania, Malawi, Zambia and Zimbabwe and South Africa. Mozambique was a Portugese colony for four centuries and gained independence in 1975. The country after 2 years of independence, descended into an intense and brutal civil war until 1992. With the failure of Marxism, capitalism was established via multi reforms. The country is slowly regaining stability but still ranks among the the lowest GDP per capita, human development and average life expectancy. Unfortunately, poverty and huge prevalence of corruption affect all sectors of the country, police, public administration,judiciary, public finance and world donations.

The landscape of the outer islands is magnificent, unspoiled, some of the best diving in the world and the clear warm waters of the Indian Ocean. We stayed at the Benguerra Lodge, a beautiful thatched roof lodge, with a wonderful staff. With only 3 other guest groups in the Lodge, we really felt transported in a blissful word. Getting there from New York is an adventure in itself, we flew to Atlanta, then on to Johannesburg, a 16 hours direct flight, spent the night in a charming hotel, up early to fly to Banguerra island via 3 different planes, getting smaller and smaller in size...one lost is Navigation system, so we were rerouted via Maputo the capital. Finally last leg of a trip on a 6 seater which flew us over these magnificent islands and landed on a smooth grass runway.