Dear Readers,
Welcome to the Jmore Travel issue!
Several years ago, I traveled to Africa to see the great migration cross the Mara River which separates Tanzania and Kenya. One million wildebeests and 300,000 zebras travel as a single herd, making an annual circle through the Masai Mara National Reserve and Serengeti National Park.
In August, they reach the Mara River and need to cross to get to the grasses and water on the other side. The river is home to ravenous crocodiles. The animals mill about for days as their hunger increases, until one brave beast jumps in. As many as 100,000 will jump in behind the leader. The cacophony of bleating ruminants, the splashing of water, the drama of the crocs ensues.
The trip to Africa was a part of my plan to improve my mental outlook after a recent severe medical issue. I have always been a fan of the great animal documentaries from National Geographic, Jacques Cousteau, and others. I had seen the “Great Migration” on the small screen many times. Nothing, however, could have prepared me for the impact of seeing these crossings. Film can’t capture the drama. Zoos are wonderful but don’t come close to the glory of the animals in the wild. The power of the herd and the real-life struggles were unforgettable. The trip was life-changing and restorative.
I have become an annoying proponent of trips to the great parks of Africa. One business associate, after aggressive goading, took his wife to Kruger National Park in South Africa for three days as a side trip from visiting their daughter enjoying a semester in Johannesburg. The wife was hesitant and yet they came away in awe. They are planning a two-week trip to Africa next summer.
One comes away from an Africa trip understanding our need to be stewards of the animals and their habitats. Poachers are killing elephants and rhinos at a terrifying rate. Tourism is one of the few motivations for the leaders of the African countries to protect animals. Tourism brings hard currency to these nations, and a rare few are looking at the animals as a resource to be protected.
In this issue of Jmore, we will endeavor to show you various travel ideas. We hope they inspire you and that you find experiences that refresh your soul.
Enjoy the world. Teach your children well.
Scott Rifkin, MD, Publisher
Top photo: Wildebeests and zebras by the Mara River. (Photo by Scott Rifkin)
Read more May Travel stories:
- How to Do Nothing at Chincoteague
- Iceland in February — A Great Spot for Geology Geeks
- Find yourself…in the Poconos
- Fruits, Labor and the Language of Love in Italy
- Journey to the Heart of Africa
- Costa Rica’s Charms
- Pristine Beaches, Walkabouts and Charm Await on Nantucket
- An American in (Jewish) Paris
In honor of Jmore's "Aging Gratefully" issue, Jmore Publisher Scott Rifkin, M.D., reflects on aging and approaching retirement as part of the Baby Boomer generation.
Traditional family dishes are remembrances of the ones we love and those we have lost, writes Jmore Publisher Scott Rifkin, M.D.
Jmore Publisher Scott Rifkin, M.D., explains why he found hope in how the public responded after Jimmy Kimmel's recent suspension.
Throughout history, art has served to make us think about subjects from different angles, writes Jmore Publisher Scott Rifkin, M.D.