Traveling via Frankfurt – with a stop-over at the lovely french city of Strassbourg – to Johannesburg. The long and usually full flights are not fun. Airports with lots of people, security checks, long lines etc. make one wish for times of the past where traveling was much smoother. Nevertheless the new route by Lufthansa from San Jose to Frankfurt was to my surprise only half full and gave me the opening to stretch out over four seats. Yeah, what an unexpected treat!
South Africa greeted me with the temperatures of the spring opposite to California going into the fall. My friend’s home is cozy and the garden around the lovely shaped swimming pool is beautifully arranged. The smell of flowers and the birds chirping all around me gives it a most relaxing flair. As everywhere in South Africa, security needs are high. Gates and iron bar windows are a common site. A difference between the haves and the have-nots. The structures of a former Apartheid state take a long time to dismantle.
The major reason for this trip is to witness and experience the outcome of the 17th Cop, or better called ” The convention on international trade in endangered species, flora and fauna” (CITES). The survival of the planet’s Elephants will be a most heated subject of this meeting of the parties. There are about 183 countries who have sent their delegates to this convention. I am very anxious what will be decided on the fate of our fellow specie, the magnificent Elephant.
The first day of the convention was a good one, hearing some speeches, seeing a colorful and spirited opening ceremony, and meeting some of my peers. The evening street party let people mingle with an array of food, drinks and dancing. The 24th the start of the Cop was also a national holiday called Heritage Day.
