Crossing the Equator: A Symbolic Milestone on my Road to the Mediterranean

After recently marvelling at the absolute wonders of the Maasai Mara-the Big Five (or what it the big 10? as there was just too much to take in)-I found myself heading north, deeper into the heart of Africa. My route was taking me inland, with my compass bearing aiming straight for Uganda and the vast expanse of Lake Victoria. As I studied my route on Google Maps, I noticed something that filled me with a surprising sense of achievement and joy:

I was about to cross the equator.

To some, this might seem like just another line on a map, but for me, traveling from the southern tip of South Africa to the Mediterranean coast in northern Egypt, it felt like a major milestone. A tangible reminder that I was making serious progress on my journey. It also seemed to mark the halfway point-though who really knows where the halfway point of such an unpredictable adventure lies? But the equator felt like a perfect symbol of it. I remember standing on the edge of Africa in Cape Agulhas months ago, gazing at the horizon, questing to myself, what am i doing here? and now, here I was, saying What have I just done? crossing the earth’s only true global border. It felt significant, like reaching a checkpoint in a long race. And honestly, I loved crossing it.

Journey Northward: On the Road to the Equator

There’s something special about visiting this geographical landmark-There aren’t many places in the world where you can stand quite directly on the equator. BUT (humble brag) I’ve been lucky enough to do this before, just north of Quito in Ecuador. I felt like a kid again, straddling the line with one foot in the Northern Hemisphere and the other in the Southern Hemisphere. It’s such a fun, almost like when you unexpectedly get intelligent joke and the experience which that entails.

There’s a lot of science and trivia about the equator, but thats not for here. Use google if you want to find out more. The joy of the moment was enough-a little boost for my spirits, which, if I’m honest, needed a lift. Life on the road is an amazing adventure, full of breathtaking moments and unforgettable memories. But it’s not always as picture-perfect as it seems. Sometimes I find myself even envious of my own photos, wondering why the reality doesn’t always match the magic they capture. I wouldn’t trade these memories for anything, but it’s also true that the road can be hard, lonely and tiring at times. Maybe that’s a “first world problem,” or maybe it’s just the reality of spending so much time alone.

But standing on the equator, feeling that invisible line beneath my feet and through my body, brought a rush of childlike wonder. It was a brief but meaningful pause in my journey, a moment that reminded me of why I set out in the first place-to experience the world in all its strange, beautiful, and unpredictable glory. It lifted my soul and gave me a sense of accomplishment. It’s funny how a simple line on a map can mean so much when you’re out here, navigating the vastness of a continent.

So here I am, Nate’s officially in the Northern Hemisphere now. And what better way to celebrate this geographical milestone than with a cold beer? Here’s to the next leg of the journey and the many more adventures that lie ahead. Cheers from the NortthernNath