THE LITTLE ELEPHANT

A young man once browsed around in a small stall selling African curios and art. There were beautiful woven baskets with lovely patterns weaved into them. There were many statues of animals such as elephants, rhino and antelope. Some were made of stone, and some of wood. Exquisitely decorated and designed in true African style. There were many splendid busts and statues of African men and women. The shop was a world of wonder to the tourist, but he was a local and carried no cash on him, as such he was merely browsing with no intent to buy anything. None the less he spotted a small soapstone elephant, that was pretty neat, and asked the African shop assistant the price just for interest sake. 'Five rand.' said the young man, which was very cheap to him, but he said; 'I have no cash on me, so I'm merely asking. I'm simply browsing,' he explained to the shop assistant. As a gesture of goodwill the young man told him 'You can have it for free.' He was bit taken aback at this, but thanked the shop assistant very much, departing with his new small prize. Now many years later, as a much older man, he sits and admires his souvernirs from his younger days, and spots the little soapstone elephant, and smiles. He recalls the young sales assistant and his typically African tradition of generosity and kindness. If everyone had his humility and nature for sharing, the world would indeed be a better place. He places the little stone elephant back on the shelf and smiles. Africa has always been home to many travellers and strangers.