Miscellaneous photos, including a fantastic gift from our friends…Last Quiz Night tonight with Di and Peter…

Tonight will be our last Quiz Night with Di and Peter, and it is hard to believe that almost a month has passed since they arrived in Marloth Park. In some ways, it seems as if they just got here, and in other ways, we have managed to pack so many wonderful experiences into the time we have spent together that it feels as if we have been enjoying their company for much longer.

Tomorrow morning, they will leave early to begin the next chapter of their South African adventure. Over the next several weeks, they have horseback riding and motorcycle adventures planned, all taking place in different parts of this beautiful country. We are excited for them and look forward to seeing their photos and hearing about all the interesting places they visit and the experiences they have along the way. Knowing Di and Peter, there will undoubtedly be plenty of stories to tell.

We have certainly kept ourselves busy. There were game drives, including some wonderful opportunities to see the wildlife in the garden that makes this part of the world so special. Every day seemed to offer something different, and sharing those experiences with friends who were seeing so much of it for the first time here made it even more enjoyable for us. Watching someone else’s excitement over the animals, the birds, and the beauty of the bush is a reminder of why we continue to love staying here in Marloth Park.

Then, of course, there was plenty of food. We enjoyed homemade dinners here at the house, sharing meals around the table and talking long after we had finished eating. We also had several fun evenings dining out at some of our favorite places. There was a birthday celebration, delicious meals, lots of laughter, and special evenings that we will remember long after Di and Peter have continued on their travels.

We shared sundowners and relaxed together, enjoying those quiet times that are often just as meaningful as the bigger adventures. There is something special about sitting together at the end of the day, talking about what we had done, what we had seen, and what might be coming next. Sometimes there was wildlife wandering nearby, and sometimes it was simply the four of us enjoying each other’s company.

Almost every day also included card playing, which became one of the regular highlights of our time together. We laughed, competed, teased one another, and enjoyed the simple pleasure of spending time together without needing to go anywhere or do anything elaborate. Those everyday moments often become some of the fondest memories.

Tonight, we will head off for one final Quiz Night together. It seems like the perfect way to wrap up this wonderful month, surrounded by friends and enjoying one more evening of laughter and fun before they leave in the morning.

We hope this isn’t goodbye forever. The wonderful thing about a friendship like this is that, as travelers, we never know where our paths may cross again. Perhaps we will meet in another country somewhere in the world, or maybe Di and Peter will return to Marloth Park one day, and we will once again find ourselves sitting together, sharing meals, playing cards, and enjoying sundowners.

Male lions in Kruger.

They have loved every moment of their time here, and we have loved having them with us. It couldn’t have been more fun, and we will certainly miss them when they drive away tomorrow morning. But for tonight, we have one more Quiz Night to enjoy together, and that is exactly what we intend to do.

Be well.

Photo from ten years ago today, September 1, 2016: