September 3rd, 2012 
Emily 
As a writer and a teacher, I have a deep admiration for people who are skilled at their craft. I love reading well-crafted writing, and observing teachers who make managing a classroom of 12-year-olds look like a breeze. So, when we went on a safari last weekend, I was struck by how skilled our guide and driver were at their craft. It was inspiring to see their expertise in fields of work that are so foreign to me.
Ben, who grew up near the Masai Mara, went to college to become a guide, and has been leading safaris for 8 years. He is one of only 170 silver-level certified guides in Kenya, and next year will take his exam to become gold certified. Currently, there are only 10 gold-level guides in all of Kenya. Ben’s not only at the top of his game; he’s at the top of the game.
In addition to spotting lions, cheetahs, and leopards, Ben’s knowledge of the flora and fauna in Kenya was deep. He knew the three types of wild dogs in the Masai Mara. He knew which bushes have leaves that act as an insecticide, and which animals are color-blind. He set up a picnic lunch for us with one hand, while pointing out two dueling hippos with the other.
Ben (on the left) and Tipa (on the right)
Tipa driving us across a small river, no big deal.
His compatriot, Tipa, drove a 12-person vehicle across the savannah, over boulders, and through rivers. Tipa has been driving safari vehicles for 10 years, and it shows. He knew how to ease the big truck down 45 degree inclines, and just how close to safely get to lions (let me tell you, it’s very close!). He drove us through forests of thorn trees and herds of wildebeest without danger. He even found us the best camera angles without blocking the view for other tourists and trucks.
We got this close to a lion!
These two men reminded me that when you enjoy what you do, and when you spend years practicing your craft, you become an expert. It was beautiful to watch them work so effortlessly at their craft, and it inspired me to keep plugging away at the difficult task of improving my own craft of writing.
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Josh says, “That’s a lion!” Super cool.
Haha, thanks.
I was just thinking about this very thing the other day.
I LOVE spending time with people who are experts, who love what they do. 
I moved to Australia last year and have met the most fascinating people, farmers who can fix anything with a bit of wire and some baling twine, gardeners who know you can bring a lemon tree back to life by peeing on it, and teachers who can connect with a special needs child and help them grasp an elusive concept. Amazing. 
I think I admire their skills even more when it’s something I could never imagine doing (like being able to fix anything or grow anything). It’s always so impressive!
What an adventure; and yes, so much capacity and talent in so many; i think eventually more people will reflect same; happy traveling
Thanks, Esther!
Africa, some day. Thanks for bringing it to me vicariously in the meanwhile.
That is so cool!! I’m not sure I’d ever be brave enough for an African safari. I think the lions could smell my fear from that close!! How exciting for you!
It was fantastic (although I was scared when we got so close to the lions).
I agree Emily – it is very inspiring to see someone enjoy what they do and do it well. Even when it’s not the thing you like or do well, you have to respect their wisdom and ability. What a great “observer of life” you are – did you read Bird by Bird? Way to link a safari to the writing journey! 45 degree inclines? I’m sure there weren’t seat belts…
Congrats – you’re one of the winners from last week’s vocab review! I’ll be sharing “link love”.
Thanks for the compliment! I have read Bird by Bird, but not recently. I should read it again soon, I love Anne Lamott.
As for the vocab. review- yay! It’s always good to know that my vocabulary skills are up to par.
Great photography and interesting story. You are an expert at your craft.
Thanks, Sabra!