Patricia Dowling

“Its the not the Destination, It's the journey.” A quote by Ralph Waldo Emerson that I have always connected with. My own personal journey this year is taking place at Leiden University studying for an MA in African Studies. Last year it was Erasmus in Rotterdam for an MA in Tourism, Culture and Society. Being of Irish nationality and having lived in The Netherlands seven years I feel fortunate to have this opportunity to return to education, a choice many dont have in some countries. I came from a life in Information Technology which opened opportunities for me to travel to and live in many countries and continents. Today, my future is directed toward Africa. Growing up my favorite movie beyond a doubt was 'Out of Africa'. I still rewatch it regularly. Little did I know then! Watching it as a child, I wanted to know where this country was, with the opening scene showing an old steam train traveling through the most picture-perfect landscape. Haunting music from composer John Barry played in the background to add to the beauty and romance of what the screen was showing us. Looking at it now, of couse I view this movie differently through adutlt eyes but what I hope I will learn more of is perspective!