Jonathan Ager-Harris
One Life 2006 & A.C.E. Game Ranger Course
I first saw the One Life Show advertised in the papers, and thought that it would be a good place to get some inspiration for my next holiday. Little did I realise how much this would later change my whole outlook on life, and what was around me in general!
I arrived at the show, with a very open mind as to where I wanted to go and what type of holiday I was looking for, although I did have a slight idea of going back to Africa a place which has always been close to my heart. Well I walked around the show for half an hour or so, and well I was just blown away with all of the many different destinations and types of trips on offer. I was in a kind of haze - I needed a coffee and a ciggie to clear my mind and to come up with a game plan, so to speak.
That done I set off again in search of some type of trip that I would be able to either put something back into the place I visited or to take part in and really experience the true wildness of the destination. So it was Africa, it had to be, anywhere, and anything, but it had to be something where I could really be a part of the place. There were many companies offering all sorts of different types of trips, experiences and just holidays, all were good, but not quite what I wanted yet.
After visiting about 4 or 5 different stands, I came across African Conservation Experience (www.ConservationAfrica.net ). I had never heard of them before, but right at the outset, I knew these were the people to inspire me (and not just because of the two very pretty girls on the stand)! I met Sarah, who had just come back from South Africa, and she explained that one of the many projects she had visited was the game ranger course run by a chap called Johann. That was it, (I only had enough holiday time to be away for a max of 2 weeks) they had a course which would give you an insight into becoming a Game Ranger, it would be very hands on, out in the middle of the bush and at then end of the course, if you passed the exam you had a qualification. It sounded perfect and something that I could really get my teeth into and gain a great deal from. I knew this was the trip for me right then!
Well July came and after collecting all of my gear together it was time to get off on the experience of a lifetime in the Klasarie Game Park in South Africa. It was two weeks of very intense learning, from bush craft, bird identification, tracks, through to animal behaviour. It was awe inspiring, it made me feel even more passionate about what Africa had to offer and meant to me, it changed my whole outlook on life in general. This was not so new to me either, as just over 6 months ago, I suffered a nervous breakdown, for 3 months or more my life was in turmoil, after much help and support from family and friends, I started to rebuild my life, had a complete career and life style change. Taking part in the Game Ranger course was another step to my new way of thinking – where I wanted to be, and what I wanted to do with my life. During the course our tutor Johann, was the very best source of inspiration one could have, he is so passionate about the bush, its flora and fauna, you can’t but help absorb some of his passion for Africa.
I knew really before the end of the course that Africa was where I wanted to be, but that it would take time for me to be able to realise my dream - much planning would be needed for my next adventures.
I have decide that in 2008/9 I will travel overland, either on my own or with friends in a 4WD to Africa, and travel extensively throughout, ending up in South Africa, to join up with Johann again, to complete an Advanced Game Ranger Course, to enable me to become a full time ranger.
Many thanks to all at ACE, and especially to Sarah, Johann and Natalie.
Finding the way
Tessa Mills and Show Me The Way Travel
In my early fifties and after 26 years of marriage and running a successful business, I decided there was another world waiting for me. I left the comforts of a sensible life, for a journey that took me on a road less-travelled, and the life more lived. But it’s not the easiest thing, moving outside your comfort zone and starting out alone in middle age, although the sense of freedom and new possibilities were very palpable. ‘Live a little,’ friends said. ‘Take a risk, do something adventurous’….. So despite the inevitable doubts that threaten to jeopardize a brave new idea, I set off for a grown up gap year.
The adventure was a wonderful, inspiring, mesmerizing dream. I saw brown bears and Alaskan jade in Canada, spent New Year under the Sydney Harbour Bridge, got lost in the ruins of Angkor Wat, hung out on the beach in Thailand, whirled with the dervishes in Turkey and saw the sun rise over the sublimely beautiful Taj Mahal. I had planned to do some environmental and voluntary projects or work while I was away, but in the event I didn't. I came to feel that my journey was not about saving others, or even the planet, but about saving me. It was as much a mental journey as a physical one that I undertook.
I knew life would seem very dull back in England. it would have been all too easy to slip back into the sensible, safe comfort zone of old, but a chance encounter with an inspiring man who reminded me to do only in life what I felt passionate about and to make a Life and not a Living changed everything.
At the start of 2007 still inspired, invigorated and empowered by my travels, I tentatively began forming the idea for my new business and a life and career I could be excited about. ‘Show Me The Way—Travel’ would provide the service I couldn’t find when I planned my Gap Year and it would be a chance to share with others my knowledge, enthusiasm and passion for travelling and exploring the world.
Unexpectedly, and with very short notice, I received an email suggesting I visit the One Life Live exhibition in February. Quite by chance – well I expect the Universe knew what it was doing!!... I happened to be in London that very weekend.
The Exhibition is a treasure trove of ideas and inspirations for those wanting to make a difference to the quality of their lives and I spent several happy hours wandering through the various sections, meeting and talking to many interesting people.
At this stage my own business was a mere embryo but at One Life Live it truly came alive. I went to see the organizers and there and then booked a stand for the 2008 Exhibition. I was telling the world I was serious: I too could change my Life and now things are moving so fast as I grow and develop ideas and contacts.
February 2008 fast approaches and I’m so delighted that I am now going to be an exhibitor myself at this inspiring and truly life enhancing and life changing exhibition.
See you there…..
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