Fantastic card game and Sunday Roast in the bush with our friends…Such memorable good times…

 

Yesterday turned out to be one of those easy, satisfying days that seem to unfold just as they should, especially when shared with good friends. After I had everything prepped for dinner in the morning, there was no rush, no pressure, just the anticipation of enjoying the day together with Di and Peter.

The afternoon slipped by in the most pleasant way. We gathered around the table for a few rounds of Spades, a game that always seems to bring out both laughter and a bit of playful competition. It didn’t take long before we were fully immersed, teasing one another over missed bids and celebrating small victories as if they were grand achievements. There’s something about simple games like that that creates an easy pace to the day, especially in a setting as peaceful as Marloth Park.

Dinner was set for around 5:30, but as is often the case here, nature decided to add its own special touch to the evening. At long last, the zebras made an appearance. For days, the bale of lucerne we had put out had gone mostly untouched, likely ignored during the busy holiday weekend when the bush was filled with tourist activity for Women’s Day. Clearly, the wildlife had found better options elsewhere, and our offering had become an afterthought.

But yesterday, they came. About eight zebras wandered in, calm and unhurried, as if they had all the time in the world. Watching Di and Peter’s reaction was as enjoyable as seeing the animals themselves. Their excitement was genuine and contagious, the kind that reminds us not to take these everyday bush moments for granted. We sat on the veranda, soaking it all in, appreciating the quiet beauty of the scene as the zebras munched contentedly.

In the distance, we could hear loud music drifting through the bush. Unfortunately, that’s not unusual during holiday periods. Despite the rules meant to preserve the tranquility of this environment, some visitors seem unwilling to respect them. It’s always a bit disappointing. The bush is meant to be a place of calm, not just for us, but for the animals as well. Still, we did our best to let it fade into the background and focus on what was right in front of us.

And then there was dinner. Alta, at the Wild Butchery, had ordered a huge pork roast for us, and it could not have turned out better. The crackling was perfectly crisp, that golden, crunchy layer that everyone hopes for but doesn’t always achieve. The meat itself was tender and flavorful, the kind that practically melts in your mouth. Alongside it, we enjoyed the sides I had prepared earlier, including the bacon, garlic, and onion green beans and a generous Greek salad. It was one of those meals where everything comes together beautifully.

We lingered at the table, sipping our drinks, talking about travels, sharing stories, and simply enjoying one another’s company. The conversation flowed easily from one topic to the next, as it always does when you’re with people who feel like old friends, even if the time together is limited.

Thinking back to Saturday added another layer to the weekend. Our visit to the bird hide and hippo pool had been a highlight for Di and Peter. Hearing the deep, unmistakable sounds of hippos in the water and spotting a crocodile resting along the riverbank left a lasting impression on them. It’s one thing to describe these experiences, but quite another to witness them firsthand.

All in all, it was another delightful day. The kind that reminds us why we love being here, sharing this unique place with friends, and appreciating both the simplicity and the wonder that come with life in the bush.

Be well.

Photo from ten years ago today, August 10, 2016: