78 MARCH 2025 | THE FOREIGN SERVICE JOURNAL BY MICHAEL ROOME n SOUTH AFRICA Please submit your favorite, recent photograph to be considered for Local Lens. Images must be high resolution (at least 300 dpi at 8” x 10”, or 1 MB or larger) and must not be in print elsewhere. Include a short description of the scene/event as well as your name, brief biodata, and the type of camera used. Send to locallens@afsa.org. LOCAL LENS About 120 miles northwest of Johannesburg, Pilanesberg National Park sits within the crater of an ancient volcano. The park is home to an impressive array of flora and fauna, including the Big Five (buffalo, elephant, leopard, lion, and rhino) and more than 360 species of birds. The photo of this lioness was taken on an early morning game drive and immediately became a trip highlight. n Michael Roome is an economic officer who recently completed a consular tour in South Africa. He will serve as a political-economic officer at his next post, Costa Rica. This photo was taken in September 2024 with an iPhone 12.
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