Yesterday afternoon, Leon from Jabula called to say he had someone standing right beside him at the restaurant that we would definitely want to talk to. The moment he said their names, I smiled. It was our dear South African friends, Carol and Colin, whom we have come to know and love over our time here in Marloth Park.
They have a beautiful home overlooking the Crocodile River, one of those settings that never gets old, no matter how many times you visit. We have shared lovely evenings with them over the years, whether at their home, at various restaurants, or around our own table. They divide their time between here and their other home in Knyana, and every visit feels like picking up right where we left off.
Carol explained that they were having dinner at Jabula at 5:00 pm with 10 members of their family and asked if we would like to join them. Of course, we said yes without hesitation. It did not matter that we had already dined at Jabula on both Friday and Saturday nights. There was no way we would pass up the opportunity to spend time with them and meet more of their family.
At 5:00 pm, we arrived at Jabula and joined them at a large table set for fourteen in the VIP area. It is a comfortable space for larger groups, and the table quickly filled with conversation and laughter. We had already met a few of their family members on previous occasions, which made it easy to settle in. The rest of the group welcomed us just as warmly, and before long, it felt as though we had known everyone for years.
Dinner was delightful in every way. Good food always tastes better when shared with kind and interesting people, and this was no exception. Stories were exchanged, introductions made, and there was that easy sense of connection that seems to happen so naturally here.
Since they were all leaving early this morning, the evening ended fairly early. After dinner, they said their goodbyes and headed off, while we made our way to the bar. We were thrilled to run into the lively group of four we had spent time with on Saturday night, and sure enough, they were there, along with several familiar local faces we have come to recognize over the years.
Once again, the conversations were animated and engaging. There is something about these evenings that feels both energizing and comforting. We laughed, shared stories, and appreciated the simple joy of being surrounded by such a mix of people, all brought together in this unique place.
By the time we returned home, it was 9:30, and we both felt that contented kind of tired that comes from a full and happy evening.
Tonight, we are heading to Giraffe Pub and Grill for dinner and Quiz Night. It is always fun to see our friends who gather for this weekly event. There is a playful energy to it, with plenty of laughs along the way, and we are looking forward to another enjoyable evening.
This morning has been quiet and productive. We are catching up on laundry and hoping the sun will stay out long enough to dry everything before we head out later this afternoon. It is one of those ordinary tasks that somehow feels different here, perhaps because everything is set against the backdrop of this remarkable place.
All is good. We are having a spectacular time, just as we always do when we are here. There is a deep sense of ease and gratitude that settles in, reminding us again why we continue to return.
Be well.
Photo from ten years ago today, June 16, 2016:
