Why I’m going to Africa
I’m going to enjoy Africa a great deal, and no doubt. But I’m telling you, the reason is not the hunting, though the hunting will be good. Not the hiking, though the hiking will be amazing. Not the outdoors, though the outdoors there will be incredible.
No, I most want to be in Africa because I want to set foot on the continent that Hemingway loved so, and while I won’t be visiting a lot of the places he went, I will be there. From the very first time I saw this picture of him drinking from his hat out of the Oleibortoto Creek in Kenya, I wanted to stand on the dark continent and breathe the air Hemingway breathed. Ten days now, before I step up onto that plane.
So, where in Africa are you going? What are you going to hunt? Are you going to hassle with taking your own firearms? If so, what firearms are going to take?
Ever since a long-time friend of mine showed me the virtues of the Model 98 Mauser action and lent me Death in the Tall Grass, I’ve wanted to go to Africa. I would really like to hear all about your trip.
Note: Do NOT drink African water out of your hat unless it’s been boiled or otherwise rendered safe for drinking. For a fairly recent account of what Africa is like these days, read Paul Theroux’s book Dark Star Safari.
trust me, I’m waaay too germ phobic for that.
But more importantly, which three of Hemingway’s books would you recommend a neophyte read first?
I’ve only read A Moveable Feast. Favorite line: “It was then that I knew Zelda Fitzgerald was insane.”
Well. Ok. The trip is more important, but still…
My own recommendations?
1. The Old Man And The Sea
2. The Sun Also Rises
3. Death In The Afternoon
#3 is an unusual pick, but it is Hemingway’s book on the Spanish bullfight and an explanation of what he liked in the spectacle. You get a better glimpse of the man in this nonfiction book than in his novels.
Have fun and kill a Zulu, just to say ya did.
You should hook up with Kees Kennis. Which, it’s only a continent. He’ll probably be within 2 or 3 thousand miles. Personally, I would take Absalom! Absalom! for light reading. Just in case you decide to go race mongreling. Say hello to Obama’s brother for me. He’s in the last mud hut on the right.