Isuzu Ikhaya lekhaya trip 2: A journey through the heartland

Hey there! Remember that amazing road trip we took together? It was quite the adventure, wasn’t it? Well, today I want to share with you the second part of our journey, where we explored the heartland of our beautiful country. Let me tell you, it was a truly special experience.

Our journey through the heartland was filled with breathtaking landscapes, charming small towns, and warm-hearted people. It was like stepping into a time capsule, where the past and present coexist harmoniously.

One of the things that struck me the most was the sense of community in these small towns. The people there have a genuine connection to one another, with everyone knowing their neighbors and lending a helping hand when needed. It reminded me of the importance of strong relationships and how they can foster a sense of belonging and support.

As we drove through the heartland, we couldn’t help but be captivated by the stunning natural beauty that surrounded us. Rolling hills covered in vibrant greenery, pristine lakes reflecting the clear blue sky, and endless fields of golden wheat dancing in the wind. It was a feast for the eyes and a reminder of the incredible diversity and splendor of our country.

But it wasn’t just the scenery that made our trip unforgettable. It was the encounters we had with the locals. Each town had its own unique story to tell, and the people we met were more than happy to share their history and traditions with us. We got to taste mouthwatering local delicacies, hear fascinating tales passed down through generations, and learn about the customs and values that hold these communities together.

The heartland is a place where time slows down, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in the present moment. It’s a place where nature thrives and traditions are cherished. It’s a place where people live simply and appreciate the beauty of the world around them. It’s a place that makes you pause, take a deep breath, and truly appreciate the wonders of life.

So, my friend, if you’re looking for a journey that will touch your heart and awaken your sense of wonder, I highly recommend exploring the heartland. It’s a journey that will leave an indelible mark on your soul and remind you of the beauty and magic that exist in every corner of our country. Trust me, you won’t regret it.

Returning home can be a complicated experience, even when it’s the familiar place you’ve known your whole life – like for me, Anneliese Burgess, a journalist who went back to my childhood home as part of Isuzu’s Ikhaya Lekhaya campaign.

I was filled with nostalgia as I flipped through old family albums, with Isuzu bakkies gracing almost every page. It seemed like we never owned anything else during our years on the farm, as if Isuzu was synonymous with our way of life.

That’s why it felt so right to embark on a journey back to my childhood home, with a brand new 3.0-litre turbo-charged Isuzu D-Max as my companion. This special trip was about more than just revisiting the past; it was about finding the missing pieces that would bring my new book to life.

As I drive home, I can’t help but feel a mixture of familiarity and a sense of something new. This route, one I’ve taken countless times, leads me through familiar towns and mountains to a little-known place called Indwe. But today, it’s different. The weight of my father’s recent passing hangs heavy, turning this drive into a pilgrimage of sorts – a way to close a chapter and bid my final farewell.

Driving through Indwe, passing the store that my great-grandfather opened, I turn off the smooth pavement. The new D-Max kicks up a cloud of dust, glowing in the light of the setting sun. The dirt road ahead is bumpy, but I know it well. I’ve traveled it my whole life. “I really love going on trips,” I admit, as the D-Max effortlessly glides over the ruts left behind by the last heavy rain. “Being on the road makes me so happy. But when it’s time to go home, it’s the destination that matters most to me.”

“I reckon that for most folks, ‘home’ can be a bit tricky cuz we’re always changing,” I thought. “I ain’t the same girl who used to ride horses on this farm when I was sixteen. Families ain’t set in stone, and they sure can be complicated. This place, for me, is full of mixed emotions – but at the same time, it’s also not all that complicated, ’cause it’s home. It wouldn’t really feel like home if things were simple and easy, and you never had to wrestle with where you fit in. ‘Home’ is complicated – and that’s a good thing.”