Learning for Pleasure

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Paradoxically, my studies over the past two-odd years kept me away from a kind of learning that is very close to my heart: learning for pleasure. Not that I didn’t enjoy learning formally, but it did rob me of the verve to learn in what little free time remained. Learning for fun is a welcome luxury.

This weekend has been devoted to learning for pleasure with an eye to my upcoming trip to Europe. I have always been one of those travellers who feels compelled to do some homework on my destination: history, culture, and of course language. The relative accessibility and rich diversity of Europe makes it an undeniable research lovefest. And more than ever before, I am conducting this research not only through books, but also online and, very valuably, fellow expats here in Salalah who have lived in and travelled in Europe.

In addition to reading up on the usual, albeit fascinating, themes of history, culture, arts, food and the like, two additional themes for my trip have struck me. These pursuits are leading me down the rabbit-hole of their respective quests: one from the past, one from the future.

The quest from the past is to visit the places of origin of my ancestors. The ancestor who gives me my family name, Gabriel Le Roux, was from the area surrounding Blois in the Orleans region of France. Another prime suspect on the maternal side is Guillaume Nel, from Rouen, although I am not entirely sure of the lineage there. Then there is the De Jager line on my maternal grandmother’s side, who originated from Middleburg in the Netherlands, and the McHardy clan of Lanarkshire in Scotland, who inexplicably sent their daughter Emily off to Africa as a teacher. Knowing what I do off her offspring, it must have been the temperament! Although I strongly suspect a some spice in my genetic mix – occurring most likely with Southeast Asian slaves in a Cape Dutch household – most of my ancestry is clearly based in Europe. In a very real sense, this will not be a trip into a new world but a return to an ancient home. This quest gives the journey deep personal meaning as I contemplate the flight of each of my forefathers, wondering whether my place is to return to South Africa for good, or do as they did.

The quest from the future is to make environmental awareness and learning central to my trip through the WWOOF program. The World Wide Opportunities on Organic Farms organization connects volunteers with organic farms. In exchange for their labour, volunteers receive, board, lodging, an unrivalled authentic experience and a chance to learn about working with the earth. Past travel experience has shown me that the richest travel memories come from actually getting involved and doing something, connecting with the local people. What could be more thrilling than to leave behind an actual contribution in the places one visits? With a view to my future plans, this may also be an essential piece of the puzzle. Just as I was wondering which way next, this possibility came my way. Learning for pleasure - and for a cause.