"Brazzaville" Brazzaville by gp100

Whatever is it that gets under one's skin, into one's head, and literally saturates one's mind during a trip to Brazzaville? The people? Indeed, some of the nicest I have ever met anywhere in my travels. The climate? Well, for those who can't stand the cold weather, this is the place to be. The city itself? Ah, Brazzaville ..... a city with the atmosphere of a village. Where one can experience emotions from love to hate, and happiness to sadness, all at the same time, the same minute.

Three years of living in Brazzaville left an indelible impression in my head and on my heart. I left part of my soul in Brazzaville, in the Congo ... in Africa, but brought more knowledge, more experience, more happiness...... with me when I had to leave than I would have ever thought possible.

I must return someday, to reclaim this lost part of my soul, and rekindle the love affair I developed with this city in my time there. Yet, I am fearful of going back, because I know it won't be the same place I left, over 10 years ago, after the civil wars and political problems ..... the illnesses and problems .... the certain changes that have been bestowed on my beloved Brazzaville by father time and mother nature.

The flaming 'fire trees' and lush vegetation that simply swallows one, even in the recesses of this capital city. Even the cars and trucks which travelled the streets were 'special' in their own way.

Only three years ............. but a lifetime of memories.