Friends and frogs…

 

Last night at Jabula with Di and Peter was a pure delight, made even more special by watching how much they genuinely enjoyed themselves. From the moment we arrived, the energy felt just right. The familiar hum of conversation, the friendly greetings, and the lively atmosphere we’ve come to love all seemed to wrap around the evening perfectly. We settled in, and before long, we were doing exactly what makes nights at Jabula so memorable…talking, laughing, and, of course, dancing.

It’s always fun for us to be there, but sharing the experience with friends seeing it for the first time brings a whole new level of enjoyment. Di and Peter quickly embraced the spirit of the place. They chatted easily with Dawn and Leon, who, as always, made everyone feel welcome, and they even struck up conversations with other patrons drifting in and out. There’s something about Jabula that breaks down barriers, where strangers become acquaintances in minutes and laughter is never far away.

Much to our delight, they were more than happy to sit at the bar, which is our preferred spot when we’re on our own. There’s something about being right in the middle of it all that makes the experience feel more personal. From there, they could fully appreciate not only the excellent food but also the seamless service and the warm, inviting ambiance. It didn’t take long for them to understand why this has become one of our favorite places in the bush.

By the end of the evening, it was clear they were hooked. Seeing them so relaxed and happy made the night even more meaningful for us. It’s one thing to tell friends about a place you love, but it’s another to watch them experience it and feel the same way. That shared enjoyment is what makes these moments so special.

And so, without hesitation, we’ve already decided that tonight we’ll return to Jabula, just as we so often do. There’s no need to fix what isn’t broken. When something consistently brings joy, good food, and great company, it becomes part of the rhythm of life here.

This morning started on a quieter note. We had lucerne delivered, always hoping to attract a variety of wildlife into the garden. So far, though, there haven’t been many takers. Di and Peter are still waiting for one of the highlights we’ve been hoping they’d see…zebras wandering through the garden. It’s always such a treat, and we’re optimistic that before we head out today, a small herd might decide to stop by and give them that unforgettable experience.

In the meantime, we had another welcome visitor return. Our little tree frog has come back after being gone for about a week. He’s made a cozy home for himself on the groove of the outdoor refrigerator door, a spot he seems to have claimed as his own. While our usual refrigerator was away being repaired, a temporary one took its place. Apparently, that didn’t meet his standards. He disappeared entirely while the substitute was here.

But as soon as Zef and Vusi returned with the original refrigerator, now fitted with a new compressor, it only took a few days for our tiny resident to reappear. There he was again, tucked comfortably into his familiar nook, as if he’d never left.

It’s funny how even the smallest creatures seem to appreciate comfort and familiarity. In many ways, it’s no different from us. Just as we return again and again to places like Jabula, where we feel at ease and happy, our little frog has chosen his own version of a perfect spot. And just like introducing our friends to a place we love, it’s satisfying to see that some things, big or small, simply feel right when they’re familiar.

Be well.

Photo from ten years ago today, August 8, 2016: