Our friends from Canada and Bali have arrived…New visitor to the garden…

We are thrilled that our friends Di and Peter have made it here safely, although their journey from the airport turned out to be more eventful than expected. On the way, they were stopped by police for a supposed traffic violation. As it turned out, they had not yet had the opportunity to get any South African rands and only had leftover yen from their recent trip to Japan. In what can only be described as a surprising turn of events, the officers agreed to accept 4000 yen, which equated to about ZAR 411.54, or roughly US $25. Go figure.

This unexpected delay, combined with ongoing road construction, set them back by at least 45 minutes. As time passed and daylight began to fade, we grew increasingly concerned. Driving on the N4 after dark is not something to be taken lightly, especially with the risks of carjackings in certain areas. By the time they finally arrived, the sun had already set, and we were more relieved than ever to see them pull in safely.

Once they stepped through the door, all the worry quickly melted away. It was such a joy to see them again after our cruise that ended in November 2026. There is something very special about welcoming friends from afar into this unique place we now call home, even if only temporarily. Almost immediately, they began taking in their surroundings, and it was clear they were already captivated by the magic of the bush.

They are staying in the upper level of our holiday home, which offers a comfortable and private space with a lovely bedroom, lounge area, and an ensuite bath. It is always gratifying to see guests settle in and appreciate the thought and care that goes into creating a welcoming environment. More than anything, we love sharing this lifestyle, the peacefulness, the wildlife, and the ever-changing scenery, with those who come to visit.

Over the coming weeks, we look forward to many shared experiences, whether it is spotting animals wandering through the garden, enjoying quiet evenings on the veranda, or heading out for a meal and good conversation. Their one-month stay will give us plenty of time to create new memories together, and we will be sharing more about those moments as they unfold.

On another note, we have had a delightful and somewhat nostalgic development in our garden. A much-missed visitor has returned, a francolin we have affectionately named Frank. Seeing him again has brought back fond memories of our time at the Lovebird’s Nest house several years ago, where we were fortunate to have a mating pair that we came to adore.

Now, as we watch Frank wander about, we find ourselves hoping he will find a mate. If he does, we already have the same name from the past ready for them: Frank and The Misses. For now, we have spotted him several times over the past week, but he has yet to fully claim the garden as his own. We will know he has settled in when he begins making his distinctive calls at sunrise and sunset each day, a sound that quickly becomes part of the pace of life out here.

Until then, we wait with anticipation, enjoying each sighting and the simple pleasure of his presence. Moments like these remind us why we are so drawn to this place. The bush has a way of offering small, unexpected joys that never lose their charm.

As always, the wonders of this environment continue to amaze us, just as they do for the friends who come to share it with us. There is never a shortage of things to appreciate, whether it is the wildlife, the changing light, or the connections we deepen with those around us. It is a life we are grateful for every single day.

Be well.

Photo from ten years ago today, August 7, 2016;