When the Lion Feeds by Wilbur Smith

Living on a Council Estate on the outskirts of London in the late 80s and early 90s, a street-wise, 15-year-old lad from a low-income family discovers a world beyond his concrete jungle. Through this simple gift of three old books by the author, Wilbur Smith a kind neighbour who understood the family's struggles passed on his unwanted items to young Michael. It was within the pages of these worn-out books that his imagination ignited, and the course of his life forever changed.

When the Lion Feeds

This book was more than just about words; it was a gateway to uncharted territories. Having never fully read a whole book before, Mike was immersed in the pages, he embarked on a voyage of self-discovery and inspiration that he had never before experienced. During his past, tough circumstances, Mike's dreams expanded beyond the confines of his reality, and the idea of South Africa, the culture, the smells, the animals, and the vast openness began to captivate his thoughts. The pages of Wilbur Smith's novel became a sanctuary, Mike found a place among the Courtney Family where he could escape the limitations of his bleak surroundings. He was able to embark on grand adventures with them anytime and without restrictions. Each sentence was a stepping stone, leading him deeper into a world filled with exotic landscapes, daring explorers, and untamed beasts. Through Sean and Garrick Courtney, he glimpsed the resilience and audacity needed to navigate the challenges of an unforgiving environment.

Mike Couldn't Get Enough of It

Days turned into nights as Mike devoured each chapter, living vicariously through the characters whose lives unfolded before him. The struggles and triumphs of the Courtney brothers mirrored his aspirations and fears, and with each passing page, Mike found himself connecting with the essence of their adventures. The Relationship between the brothers was remarkable, so much so that Mike was able to relate to his real-life relationship with his own younger brother. The captivating tale of "When the Lion Feeds" remained etched in Mike's memory long after he turned the final page. He couldn't shake the allure of Africa, the vast landscapes teeming with life, the allure of the wilderness calling to something deep within him. The book had planted a seed of curiosity, a seed that would germinate and flourish into an unquenchable thirst for adventure.

The Adventure Begins

Years later, at the age of 23, Mike stood on the threshold of a journey that had once seemed beyond his grasp. With too many hardships lining his past life growing up, Mike was now working hard in central London and had become very good buddies with a co-worker from South Africa.

Pieter was the kind of person who would invite all his friends around to his shared London home. Everyone would drink, listen to music and have BBQ food in the garden. Mike was Pieters's mate and was welcomed into the South African group like a brother. However, disaster was about to strike the pals because Pieter's UK Work Visa was over, and he had to return home. This was the last time the guys, who had become brothers, would ever see each other. The lads decided they would embark on a pilgrimage to the very land that had stirred so much imagination all those years gone by. They had the perfect excuse Pieter would be returning home to a birthday/homecoming celebration and Mike was invited.

An adventure through South Africa would become a transformative odyssey, replete with both challenges and revelations.

Nothing Around For Over 150km

Staying with Pieter's South African family, on their farm, Mike was enveloped in a world vastly different from his own. Everything Mike touched, smelt and experienced was like a fantasy to his body. Mike was surprised to find out that he was the first English guy to ever visit Pieters Small town which consisted of a few shops, farms and nothing around for over 150km in any direction. Pieter's father owned the local Grocery store, Butchers and was also the local Police Sgt Major. As the boys shared stories and experiences with their hosts, the boundaries that once separated their lives dissolved, replaced by a shared sense of humanity. Mike presented gifts to his hosts sourced from the UK Houses of Parliament, Pieter and Mike had worked there together as Security. Mike marvelled at the warmth and hospitality of his hosts, their ability to find joy amidst adversity, and the richness of a culture steeped in history around him.

The Honour of The First Kill

Hunting expeditions with Pieter Senior and his workers, on horseback led them deep into the heart of the wilderness and onto vast land that Pieter's father owned, they navigated the intricate dance between predator and prey, it was springbok male to be culled from a heard. The workers on horseback located the herd and drove them towards the family, Mike was given the honour of the first kill of the biggest male. The experience was a testament to the delicate balance of nature and the unyielding cycle of life and death. As they witnessed the circle of existence unfold before their eyes, Pieter hurried Mike up from the stalking position he identified a magnificent springbok male and under the ever-watchful eye of his father he instructed Mike where to land his shot. Now he whispered while spotting through binoculars, and that was the first kill of the day. Mike had pulled off a perfect kill.

Later that evening all the men sat around a large campfire drinking Cherry wine and brandy. Mike was instructed on the hanging and skinning of the animals by a very experienced worker, who he later found out was over 70 years old, earlier that day this guy had been leading the drive of the herd. The men had an amazing bonding session sharing stories late into the night. Explorations through rugged landscapes offered moments of awe and reflection. The sweeping savannas and towering mountains carried whispers of ancient stories, a testament to the land's enduring connection with those who had tread upon it for generations. Mike found himself humbled by the grandeur of nature all around him, his soul hummed in harmony with the heartbeat of the earth and these kind people, who asked nothing of him but honesty and loyalty to their home.

Menagerie of Africa's Most Iconic Creatures

The Kruger National Park beckoned with its promise of untamed beauty. As they ventured into the heart of the park, they were greeted by a menagerie of Africa's most iconic creatures. Elephants strode majestically across the savanna, lions lounged in the shade, and rhinos cast imposing silhouettes against the horizon. It was a living tribute to the wilderness that had captivated Mike's imagination from a tender age.

Now it Was a Road Trip

This part of the trip at Pieter's home was over, now the lads had rented a car and planned a trip to the northern Transvaal. Now it was a road trip. Mike couldn't wait to see what wonders awaited him. Their encounters weren't confined to the animal kingdom alone. Through chance encounters, they found themselves in the presence of a member of the South African rugby team from the 1971 team. This sporting legend lived on a large farm and was a vineyard owner they stayed at his family farmhouse for the night listening to more wonders that embodied the spirit of perseverance and teamwork that had become a hallmark of Mike's journey. Their stories of triumph and camaraderie served as a reminder that the pursuit of excellence was a universal pursuit that transcended all borders.

Pretoria Offered a Unique Perspective

A visit to a taxidermist's workshop in Pretoria offered a unique perspective on the intricate relationship between humans and the natural world. The animals that had been hunted by the family were all to be honoured and nothing was wasted. Pieter's father had made arrangements to offload his skins at a good price, as the meat was used in his butcher shop to serve the community. As they toured around this amazing industrial unit Mike observed skilled artisans meticulously crafting lifelike replicas of Africa's wildlife, confronted with the complex interplay between conservation, tradition, and the desires of those seeking to immortalize their conquests. It was a sobering reminder that the line between reverence for nature and exploitation could be as fine as a spider's silk and the squeeze of a trigger.

Attempted Hi-jacking

However, their journey wasn't without its trials. An encounter with potential danger in the bustling streets of Johannesburg served as a stark reminder of the realities that existed beyond the untamed wilderness. As they navigated the unfamiliar terrain, the young lads found themselves confronting fear and uncertainty, drawing upon the resilience he had cultivated through the pages of that first book. A wandering male had approached the driver's side of the vehicle as they waited to park in a secure guarded spot, he was holding a folded newspaper under which he had a revolver. He shouted in Afrikaans. Pieter reached inside the car scrambling for something. Mike thought he was looking for spare change, he had seen him do this to less fortunate people during the trip. Not this time, Pieter pulled his gun on the stranger. He screamed something back in Afrikans and the man ran fleeing the scene. Mike could not believe his eyes. He asked "What on earth was all that about" Pieter replied, "He was trying to carjack us, The locals know this is a rental so they thought we were tourists."

Leaving His Newfound Brother

Mike felt a longing not to be a tourist and be a brave confident local fending off danger with such authority. But the trip had to come to an end, life went on and reality kicked in for Mike. Leaving his newfound brother in a beautiful country that would live in his memories forever, he said his farewells and headed home to Heathrow. Returning home, Mike faced personal setbacks and more tough challenges. Relationships faltered, joint investments dissolved, and the path ahead seemed very uncertain. Yet, the transformative power of his journey had left an indelible mark on his spirit. The lessons learned in the heart of Africa had become pillars of strength, guiding him through the turbulent waters of home life.

Mike Reconnects With an Old Flame

Amid adversity, fate intervened in unexpected ways. Mike reconnected with an old flame, a high school love whose presence rekindled a fire that had never truly extinguished. Their love story, fueled by the passion and resilience of their shared experiences, flourished into a partnership built on trust, understanding, and unwavering support. Two years later, with a bond fortified by time and shared memories, the young couple stood before family and friends, pledging their love and commitment to marriage in a wonderful ceremony. Their journey was a testament to the transformative power of love, and the importance of finding a partner who not only shared in one's dreams but also stood as a beacon of strength during life's most challenging moments.

Australia - The Land Down Under

Now, 25 years on from that transformative journey to South Africa, the couple stands united, their love and devotion unwavering. Together, they have nurtured a family of their own, raising three children who embody the spirit of adventure and resilience that has guided their journey. As they reflect on the decades that have passed, Mike and his Jackie find themselves drawn back to the pages of "When the Lion Feeds." The book that ignited Mike's imagination now serves as a cherished relic, a testament to the power of storytelling and its ability to shape lives.

Inspired by the memories of Mike's South African adventure and fueled by the dreams that have been kindled and the stories Mike shares with his family which are told by the very essence of that first book, the couple have set their sights on a new horizon: Australia. The land Down Under beckons with promises of new beginnings, fresh experiences, and uncharted territories waiting to be explored. Their decision to emigrate to Australia is a culmination of a lifetime of experiences, a testament to the impact of a single book and the journey it inspired. As they prepare to embark on this new chapter, The family find themselves standing on the precipice of the biggest adventure and challenge, their hearts full of anticipation and hope.

A Humble Gift That Transformed A Life

In the end, "When the Lion Feeds" by Wilbur Smith is more than a novel to me, it is THE catalyst for change, a source of life fulfilment and improvement.