The joy of sharing this magical place with friends Karen and Rich, especially as first-time visitors, is hard to put into words. With the hope of providing them with a memorable experience in the bush, we are keeping them busy with activities we know they’ll love.
We’ve been friends with them for many years, and our shared interests are easy to tap into, ensuring that what we suggest will appeal to them. So far, they are exhilarated by everything we’ve done, and our days and nights have been full.
Most of all, Karen and Rich love the endless stream of wildlife, actually squealing with child-like wonder every time one of many species steps into our vast garden. Rich has already narrated over 20 videos thus far, bringing expertise to the content, having worked as a part-time actor in TV commercials in the US.
Karen, a still-working intellectual property attorney, possesses a mastery of words and an intellect that inspires her to learn as much as she can about every species, making it exciting for us to share what we know and work together to research answers to her many thought-provoking questions.
Additionally, the four of us easily engage in lively conversation, interspersed with roaring laughter. On several occasions, we’ve had to temper our uproariously loud laughter to respect the integrity of the bush. It’s so much fun having them here.
Yesterday, we had the glorious experience of embarking on a self-game drive/safari into Kruger National Park. Tom drove expertly through the areas we explored, avoiding potholes and treacherous roads to ensure we encountered no issues. Plus, his expert manipulation of the little car allowed them to take good photos from several angles.
Karen and I sat in the backseat with Tom and Rich in the front. Rich is tall, but we all managed to be comfortable during the five hours we spent in the park.
We stopped at Lower Sabie, had a fine lunch at the Mugg & Bean, and they both loved shopping in the best gift shop we’ve seen in the world. Tom and I have been to Lower Sabie countless times in the past, but were happy to wait for them while sitting at a nearby picnic table with no pressure for them to hurry.
After we returned from the park, we continued to enjoy the abundant wildlife in the garden while playing a favorite card game, Five Crowns. I won, and they made fun of me for doing so, which elicited even more laughter. We cooked burgers on the braai, accompanied by a big Greek salad I had made, which they loved. By 10:30, all of us admitted we needed to get some sleep after two nights, since they arrived on Saturday.
Soon, we’re off to Komatipoort for Karen and I to have “girl time” at Stoep Cafe for breakfast while the guys head to the golf course for lunch. Rich is an avid golfer and looks forward to checking out the local course.
Tonight, we’re off to Giraffe Grill and Pub for Quiz Night. I signed us up for our usual team, I & J, and six of us will play tonight.
Enjoy our Kruger photos, with many more to follow in the next few days.
Be well.
Photo from ten years ago today, July 1, 2015:
