Carnet de Voyage: My life in Gabon

People ask me how my life is in Gabon since i left the U.S. First, I didn't leave like leaving...I went back Home because after my Dad passed away, I didn't reconnect with my country and my family. after 15 years, I think it was about time to go back home. I am African from a tribe who is really attached to the land, roots and culture. The truth is I am the only child of my parents who is back home now. My uncle sometimes says: " the spirit of your father was calling you " (smile) that's old saying to say return back home...People used to say the ancestors are calling you back to the roots. I am very happy I made that decision and if you remember about some year's ago I said something Was calling me back home and that was necessary because today i am learning so much! My life is so different and interesting. I don't say that my country is perfect. Not at all! but there are things that I personally do that make me happy. Of course I will go back to America but in a different time. I am ok. My peaceful state of mind is really accomplished when I go out of town. When I go to the countryside, my village, away from all the noise of the city, the politics. Away from the CoVid fear and drama. I understand now why my father liked Donguila so much! He would be going for work in many countries around the world but when he was coming back to Gabon, he would not stay in town. the day after his arrivals, he packed his stuffs to go to Donguila. There he will be relaxed, inspired to write and work on improving the lands he bought. Now i feel the same way. I am so thankful he showed me the way even if i was too young to understand... You have no idea how peaceful it is there and i am looking forward to spend my first Xmas vacation on my own there for the first time. I will see what i can do for people who are curious to stay in natural places. i still need to clean our home there and guess what? I am now the one who is taking care of what Dad left. Remember that video when I said Donguila i will be back for you. Donguila i didn't forget you. I know who I am and where I am coming from. When I hear the song in the video I made, i cry because there is so many memories. The song is in my native language and it talks about "Home". I didn't care much when I was young but now I understand. I get it. . it reminds me of the best family moments. I hope my son will follow this path. Do the same thing but better than me

A person without knowledge of his roots is like a dead tree. Never ever be ashamed of who you are, of where you're coming from. Never be ashamed of your culture. You can take me to the biggest luxurious place in the world, I will be glad but you can never remove my love for my little place called Donguila. I have a challenge to make it look good again. I saw my dad working so hard to keep it. unfortunately my son's father doesn't understand why I left America for this "lost" place. I understand some people have different culture. Mine is definitely different... When I went to my father's grave, I cried but i promised him I will be there for what he worked so hard. land is everything. He left something bigger than money. I have already written few articles about my village and my hometown Libreville in this blog. I miss many things. I still have old good memories but things have changed... It is a very difficult task To take care of the farm etc and you will understand why. Never did i imagine taking such responsibility. I surprise myself sometimes doing things i could never do. When returning home after many years, my cousin and my nephew took me to Donguila. the custom wants us to greet the elders first. Something that I did. However they asked me where were my two brothers? Not in Gabon. then one of them told me a woman and especially according to our culture a daughter is not supposed to take responsibilities such as working the father's farm etc. Sometimes old customs can be rough and heartbreaking. To him it requires a certain skill and ability. which is true. But Another elder responded right away, if the sons aren't here and not available then, the daughter can do it. It doesn't matter as long as she is willing to do it she will learn. And trust me i am learning. As i listened to them it comforted me to hear the last response. So yes, I can do it! The first days of work in Donguila were upsetting because everything was left with no care. I am talking about natural landscape from equatorial area. The ever green forest.Do you know what i mean!? You feel like being like an explorer seriously lost in the bush. That kind of soil grows herbs and trees very fast. And yes it is a rich soil for agricultural activities.Trust me working on a farm is a lot of work and patience. When i was young, i used to see my parents doing it and I thought it was easy. No it is Not! I must have a copybook and diary where i must write everything that i need to accomplish and what has been done. I saw my father doing it so I should certainly do the same thing.

and by the way i am still a working mom. I mudt take care of my son. I also hired someone who is taking care of the farm since i am not living there. i must always call and make the trip there to see what has been done. To be honest, I am no longer interested to work in offices, in buildings. working for people. Last time at my workplace i was sitting in front of my computer doing the same eternal job. Gosh it is boring! I was lost in my thoughts as i had the view in front of me, of the city from the big glass window and a sweet voice whispered in my ears "Donguila three times. My boss'voice was like an echo. i knew i had to go that weekend to my place but i am thinking about doing more in the land of my father. it is big and i can get more than what i make in that office. For now, I planted 31 Fruits trees (lemon, Orange trees, and trees that have local fruits) Today many young educated African s are going back to working the land. they invest in farming. this is the future for Africa i guess So how is my life in Gabon so far? Good! No regrets. I made the right decision. I share here with you some videos of my life and I hope to write more about my activities. in my videos i take you in the natural landscape and the peaceful water of my hometown with songs of local artists. Thank you for reading. Close your eyes and enjoy. listen to the sound of the waves. I actually don't live far from the beach. just 10 minutes walking distance. i like to go there and have the ocean breeze touching my skin and refreshing me. I like filming the landscape, mother nature...

with my young cousin, we went to eat some frozen yogurt

yes I am a foodie person! smile!

The view of the town, the sunset and the sea from work. People are going back home...that's our life in our little town you can see cars driving fast on the coast side of the town center

Time to take care of myself...

The day you go early at work , you are kind of bored. some days like that. So you watch the Same view of the city and how the sunrise and it gives this

and last not least my beloved land, my dear Donguila as you can see there are few more people that I paid to help cutting trees and the bushy grass etc. after this step I will be planting more. maybe you will follow my journey. I love the facts that antelopes are coming down there early morning to drink my river's water. I want them to feel safe in my piece of land.smile I have to be careful about the way I will plant pineapples because pythons like pineapples a lot. pineapple attracts them a lot because they use it for their venom. I learn all that...so I will buy a snake repellent.