Tech Tribute

Growing up in the 1960's, I had a fascination with Africa. I think a large segment of the US population must have had similar romantic notions about it. Movies back then included Born Free -- about an unlikely family who chose to move to the savanna and make lions a big part of their daily life. TV shows included Cowboy in Africa, where Chuck Connors lassos wildebeests and ostriches, ostensibly to save them from themselves. Daktari (Swahili for Doctor?) was part comedy revolving around a white veterinarian who chose to "talk to the animals" and make them better. And who could forget the National Geographic Specials? My family even had the Catholic Mass sung in Swahili on a record sent from a missionary. I ate this stuff up. I wanted to go on safari.

Years past and somehow famine, wars, plagues, Ebola virus and AIDS made Africa a little less desirable as my next sunny vacation spot. I did keep up with things African to a degree -- by things like listening to the BBC on the radio (just like my father did!). Now, thirty-five years later, I have the pleasure of working with one of the most patient and reliable persons I have ever met. I'll call him "Outa Afreeka", because he truly is as an immigrant from Ethiopia. "Outa" has a wisdom beyond his years, he thinks before he speaks. His patience is exemplary -- he once had a speeding ticket reduced because the judge was so impressed that Outa had sat waiting for three and a half hours for his turn to be heard. We often talk about Africa: its past and present, its cultures and geography. I told him the story of the explorer Dr. Livingstone. He told me of falling into a construction pit and nearly drowning. I introduced him to liverwurst, he brought me some flat bread. And so it goes. You never know where your life leads to. Kudos to this "Buffalo Soldier".