I travel overland with kids. Children are unlike real people because they have this weird perception of reality, distance, priorities and danger.
My daughter, Jessica, is seven and she waits for Mommy and Daddy to be up to the ears setting up camp or having a warm debate before hinting that she is hungry or thirsty. Hungry or thirsty does not mean what we think it means, it is code for I want sweets and a milkshake. As we arrive at a new camp the kids ask, ‘Are we staying in accommodation?’ meaning anywhere but the tent and preferably somewhere with a television, clean toilets, a roof, showers and even beds are nice … but Disney channel is awesome! Jessicat absolutely adores animals and anything furry is greeted with, ‘Aww cute!’ Her favourite trick is to grab the poor animals snout or face with both hands and to get in there eyeball to eyeball. Cats, monkeys, tame and rabid dogs all get the same treatment if we are not watching. No matter how many times we explain to her the dangers involved she will always go in for the kiss. Luckily animals seem to love her as much as she loves them but she keeps us on our toes amongst the often spotted brown African dog as commonly found up North. Jessicat is also the kindest, most considerate child you will ever meet. She will share her food and treats with anyone who asks even though she has a big brother who asks a lot. She will mother you if you are ill and will massage your neck and shoulders after a long day’s drive.
My son, Keelan, is 12 and twice the size of Casper de Vries but not the same shape. He is tall with the build of a rugby prop and he wears size 10 shoes. Since he was a baby the car’s engine has put him to sleep and when we set off in the Landy his eyes invariably begin to flutter closed. He hasn’t yet grasped the idea, after seven years, that the back seat is not his personal bed and he will quietly compete with Jessie for hours for back seat real estate. Where Jessicat loves animals Keelan loves water. Yes, there may be crocs in Lake Malawi and sharks in the ocean but Keelan is willing to take his chances. From dawn till dark Keelan will be in the lake, ocean, swimming pool, pond. If it is wet and knee deep he is in their like a frog. Our inflatable mattresses are sneaked out of the tent and used as lilos, SEAL attack craft, pirate ships and forward operating bases. If we are lucky he will emerge at lunch time for a drink, a snack and the obligatory 20 minute digestion period.
Strangely they hardly ever argue, with each other that is. Because we spend so much time on the road the kids have learnt to accept each other and to compromise. Keelan sleeps on Jessicat’s lap then Jessicat sleeps on Keelans and when an unmovable object meets an unstoppable force Jessica sleeps on top of Keelan. He doesn’t mind. She is a bony little blanket.
Some will (and do) call us irresponsible for taking our kids out of school and off on our adventures. They may have a point but we are disinclined to accept criticism from anyone who has not overlanded with kids. I get to spend almost every waking hour with my kids. We learn, play and grow together. My dream is that one day they will look back at their childhood and will be inspired to do something great with their future.
