Playing Soccer in an African Village

Insider’s Take

Sometimes it’s impromptu, sometimes we plan it in advance, but it’s always a blast, indeed a kick to join a group of village youngsters as they boot the ball around.

Some of us might be a bit too creaky to keep up with these springy kids—but no matter; they’re pleased to see and play with us. We’re the exotic folks here, and they’re delighted to get to know us. And our son or granddaughter might give them a good workout, maybe learn a move or two.

And even if we lounge on the sidelines, we’ll share in the joyous laughter and the eager, earnest dialogues that follow.

We come to Africa to see its animals, but we leave in love with its people.

We haven’t done a search to see how many times we say that on this website, but we can’t say it enough, because its so importantly, heart-liftingly true.