Important travel news about Venice this June…A visit to Two Trees for river sightings…

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Several waterbucks across the Crocodile River.

Note: Today’s photos were taken quite far from where we were seated at Two Trees river-viewing area.

From Travel & Leisure, we encountered the following article, which may be significant to many of our readers traveling to Venice in June. We are not interested in celebrity news; we are sharing this important article for any of our readers considering a visit to Venice.

Venice is a fantastic tourist experience, which we thoroughly enjoyed in June 2013, and it is a once-in-a-lifetime travel treasure. However, if you have plans to travel to Venice

“Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sanchez’s Wedding Has Travelers Worried About Visiting Venice This Summer—Here’s What You Should Know

Venice has hosted bigger events, but you may have some trouble in one area of planning.

By Stacey Leasca

Published on April 2, 2025:
  • Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sánchez are tying the knot in Venice.
  • Amid reports and fears of travel disruptions in the popular Italian destination, the city claims it “will be easy for Venice to accommodate such an event.”
  • For anyone overlapping with the wedding, there’s one booking you should make ASAP.

When one of the wealthiest men in the world gets married, you know it will be a scene. And that’s exactly why travelers are already bracing for the impact of Jeff Bezos marrying Lauren Sanchez in Venice this June.

I caught this bird in flight, but what a strange photo!

“It seems that Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sanchez have decided to get married in Venice on June 24-26. Reports say that they have reserved all water taxis in the city and will be taking over many of the high-end hotels,” one Redditor recently lamented on the Italy Travel subreddit. “I would not want to be anywhere near Venice during that time. Make alternate plans to go somewhere else if you value your sanity and your health.”

However, it appears this was all by design. Morris Ceron, the director general of the Venice council, told the London Times he actually campaigned for the couple to have their wedding here. “Seven months ago, Domenico Dolce told me Bezos was getting married,” Ceron said. “I got to work to bring this marriage of the century to Venice—that’s how it started.

But these upcoming nuptials have drawn almost too much attention—so much so that the local government felt compelled to share a statement about the wedding to dispel any fears.

“The many speculations and fake news circulating about Jeff Bezos’ wedding are completely unfounded. Only two hundred guests will have been invited, and therefore it will be easy for Venice to accommodate such an event, without any disruption whatsoever to the city, its residents and visitors,” Luigi Brugnaro, the mayor of Venice, wrote.

Waterbucks are beautiful animals, much larger than they appear in these blurry photos.

As Brugnaro noted, the city has hosted “international events much larger than this.” He also squashed the rumor that the Bezos wedding party has already rented out all the gondolas in the city. “The organization has categorically not booked large amounts of gondolas or excessive numbers of water taxis, and it is their utmost priority to make sure the city functions as normal, for all, with no abnormal disruption to anyone.”

In fact, people may not even realize the wedding is taking place. A spokesperson for the mayor of Venice told CNN that the wedding is likely taking place on Bezos’ superyacht, which will be anchored in the lagoon.

That said, people may have trouble finding a luxury hotel room. According to CNN, the city’s best hotels—including the Belmond Hotel Cipriani, the St. Regis Venice, and the Gritti Palace—are almost all completely booked for the end of June.

Which celebrities fellow travelers may spot over the wedding weekend is really anyone’s guess, but TMZ is speculating that Eva Longoria, Katy Perry and Orlando Bloom, Oprah Winfrey, Gayle King, Kris Jenner, and Kim Kardashian have all made the list.

So yes, it will be busy. But if you’ve already got plans to visit, you don’t necessarily have to re-book if you don’t want to.

“As Municipality of Venice, from the beginning, we are mutually working and supporting the organizers to ensure that the event will be respectful of the fragility and uniqueness of the city,” Brugnaro added. “For this reason, we will work together for best result. Whoever loves Venice will always be welcome.”

Thousands of celebrity-hungry tourists will most likely be in Venice at that time, hoping to glimpse the bride and groom and his stunning yacht, which will be moored in the lagoon, along with the countless celebrities attending the festivities.
If you plan to be in Venice during this hectic period, which will extend to the end of the month, and “celebrity” doesn’t appeal to you, there are countless amazing places in Italy to choose from as an alternative. Perhaps you can save a trip to Venice for the end of your Italian vacation when this massive event is over.
On another note, we headed to the Two Trees viewing area a few days ago but only spotted the above-shown waterbucks. But Lisa was thrilled to see a species she had yet to see. We are having such fun with her. We booked some activities for next week with the help of Louise when we stopped at the Marloth Park Info Centre, owned and operated by Louise and Danie.
We will be sharing photos here after each event. We are all looking forward to these activities.
Be well.

Photo from ten years ago today, April 5, 2015:

It is not an Easter lily but an orchid. It was spotted in Princeville, Kauai. For more photos, please click here.

Lisa made it to South Africa!…Wildlife in abundance to meet the new human…Names of groups of wildlife?…

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Look how many mongooses stopped by to see Lisa today. 

Yesterday, when we hadn’t seen a text from Lisa telling us if she had made the flight, we waited, hoping we’d hear she’d arrived in Nelspruit so Tom could begin the drive to the airport. Finally, she texted, saying Airlink allowed her on the flight at last minute, and she didn’t have a signal to text once she boarded the plane. She was waiting for Tom at the airport.

He took off immediately and arrived 90 minutes after refilling the little white car’s petrol. It was easy for Lisa to find him at the small airport. When they arrived, I was busy feeding eight zebras while she squealed with delight, seeing her first wildlife at our house. It was very exciting for her and us.

A flock of helmeted guinea fowl in the garden.

Since then, they’ve been coming in droves, and she loves every moment while we enjoy having her with us. We sat on the veranda, had dinner, and chatted well into the evening with countless animals stopping by, including the elusive genet.

After her long trip from the US, at about 9:00 pm, she headed off to bed while we tidied the kitchen and also headed to bed.

This morning, the names of groups of wildlife were discussed, and although we’d written about this topic years ago, we thought it was a good time to write again for our new readers and those who may have missed the original post.

“If you have a knowledgeable guide on an African safari, you will likely learn all sorts of new and interesting information about the animals you see, including their collective nouns.  What is a collective noun? It is a word used to describe a collection of animals, people, or things.

The Big Daddy jumped the fence looking for pellets. We put the pellets on the ground outside this area of the garden.

Most people usually know that a group of lions is called a PRIDE, that a family of elephants form a HERD, or that ants can be found in a COLONY.  However, do you know the name of a group of giraffes? Or even a group of hippos? How about a group of rhinos? Learning these names will make you seem like an aficionado on safari!

An armoury of aardvarks
A shrewdness of apes
An army of ants
A troop of baboons
A cete of badgers
A cloud of bats
A herd of buffalo
A coalition of cheetahs

A bask of crocodiles
A murder of crows
A pack of wild dogs
A herd/parade of elephants
A flamboyance of flamingos
A tower/journey of giraffes

A band of gorillas
A pod (raft) of hippos
A cackle/clan of hyenas
A leap of leopards
A conspiracy of lemurs

A pride of lions
A troop of monkeys
A band of mongooses
A parliament of owls
A pandemonium of parrots

A prickle of porcupines
A crash of rhinos
A venue of vultures
An implausibility of wildebeest
A dazzle of zebras”

As we busy ourselves on our laptops, we’re constantly distracted by visiting animals. It’s a wonderful day.

Be well.

Photo from ten years ago today, April 3, 2015:

Based on appearance, we speculate that there’s some permanent pouch beneath this shedding skin of this Green Anole. We had difficulty finding details on the shedding process of these lizards. For more photos, please click here.

An exciting nocturnal visitor…Soon, Tom leaves for Nelspruit to pick up Lisa at the airport…Tom’s fun night out without me…

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Last night, our trail cam picked up this photo of a genet. We’ll start putting meat out for him. “A genet is a member of the genus Genetta, which consists of 17 species of small African carnivorans. The common genet is the only one in Europe, and it occurs on the Iberian Peninsula, Italy, and France. Genet fossils from the Late Miocene have later been found at sites in Ethiopia, Kenya, and Morocco.”

What a delightful sighting on the trail cam last night while we slept. This genet stopped by inspiring us to leave meat out for her or him in the future. As carnivores, they’ll eat any meat, raw or cooked.

Most nights, the trail cam picks up sightings of the same wildlife we take photos of during daylight hours. As a result, we only post unusual sightings from the trail cam.

With no luck finding meat, he ended his search and jumped off the railing. Genets are carnivores, like other feline species.

At the moment, Lisa is in a long immigration queue in Johannesburg, unsure if she’ll make the Airlink flight to Nelspruit. Tom won’t leave for the airport until we hear from her that she made the flight. If not, she’ll have to take the 4:00 pm flight, arriving at 4:50, which is cutting it close for driving on the N4 before dark. The sunset is at 5:50. Driving on the N4 in the dark is too dangerous.

We’ll wait to hear from her about whether she will make the flight. As of this writing, the flight leaves in 40 minutes.

At this table, from left to right, is Sidney, his wife Patty Pan, Lorraine, Michael, friend Don’s cousins, all of whom we know. Tom played trivia with this group.

Last night was unusual for us. Tom went out without me. I would have gone to “Trivia Night” at Giraffe, but I was suffering from a gastrointestinal issue, which resolved overnight. We had committed to Patty Pan, who coordinates the event each week, that we’d both come since there were limited seats. It made sense for Tom to go without me.

He left the house at about 5:30 and returned at 9:30. They started playing at 6:30 and continued until just before he returned. I stayed in the bedroom watching movies while he was gone. He said he had a great time during the game. Since it was April Fool’s Day, many participants wore hilarious costumes and hats, as shown in today’s photos.

We don’t recognize anyone at this table since the men are dressed like women due to April Fool’s Day!

We just heard from Lisa that she made it through immigration and picked up her one piece of luggage. She’s now waiting in the security queue, which is also long; Tom won’t leave until we know she made the flight. Oh, dear.

I’ll start chopping and dicing once Tom leaves for the airport and I upload this post. For dinner, I am making a chicken peanut stir-fry with rice and a salad. I’m making enough for two nights, and then on Friday, we’ll all go to Jabula for dinner.

Tom recognized some of these participants but not necessarily by name.

It will be a fun month with Lisa here with us. It’s so enjoyable for us to share the wonders of the bush with friends. No word from her yet. Will update her arrival tomorrow!

Be well.

Photo from ten years ago today, April 2, 2015:

On a walk in Princeville, Kauai, I was enthralled by the view as I approached our condo (not shown in this photo). For more photos, please click here.

Exciting airline WiFi changes…Our friend Lisa is on her way, after several delays…

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While driving along the fence between Marloth Park and Kruger National Park, we spotted this lone elephant, which is included in all of today’s photos.

The following is an article from Breaking Travel News found here.

“United Receives FAA Certification on Starlink Aircraft and Schedules First Commercial Flight for May

United announced that the FAA had approved its first Starlink-equipped aircraft type and that the first commercial flight was planned for May, less than eight months after the deal was first announced.

The FAA issued a Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) for the Embraer 175, and the airline expects the first commercial flight to be onboard a United Express Embraer 175. United’s rollout of this new technology continues to accelerate, with approximately 40 regional jet installs planned monthly and the expectation that the entire two-cabin regional fleet—more than 300 planes—will be completed by the end of the year.

She seemed content to lounge in the water rather than swim, which elephants often do. They are excellent swimmers.

In addition to securing the STC, United will also run a beta test of the new technology on select flights between now and the first customer flight in May to ensure all aspects deliver an incredible onboard experience for passengers.

“We know customers are going to love this experience, and we think it will give them yet another reason to choose United,” said Grant Milstead, United’s Vice President of Digital Technology. “We’re working closely with Starlink and the FAA to finish installs on our regional fleet this year and bring the best inflight experience in the sky to more and more people.”

United will work with Starlink to secure an FAA STC to install Starlink on every United aircraft type, getting the new equipment (e.g., Embraer 175)—more than 16 regional and mainline aircraft models in total. According to the FAA, the process to secure each STC can include design, installation, testing, and submitting the package for FAA approval.

With the hot weather, we were surprised we didn’t see more elephants in the river.

Earlier this month, United unveiled the Starlink install process, underscoring the technical operations benefits of the equipment, including size and weight and ease of installation and maintenance. The Starlink system, when compared to non-Starlink equipment, allows for a faster and simpler install, is lighter, requires less fuel to operate, and is more reliable and weather-proofed.

Starlink access will be free for all MileagePlus® customers and include game-changing inflight entertainment experiences like streaming services, shopping, gaming, and more, thanks to Wi-Fi speeds up to 250 megabits per second (Mbps), which is 50 times faster than current regional aircraft speeds. Membership to MileagePlus is also free, and people can sign up now at united.com/starlink.”

She was at quite a distance, which impacted the quality of the photos.

Surely, other airlines will follow suit by upgrading their systems to offer the same benefit to their customers. This would be a big bonus since we’d love to be online during long flights without paying outrageous fees. Of course, I imagine the airlines will increase costs over time to compensate for this change. That’s what they do.

Today and tonight, we’re following Lisa’s flight path, hoping she makes her connections and arrives as planned. She had a rocky start, with a three-hour traffic delay on her way to Orlando Airport and a flight delay for her first flight from Orlando to Frankfurt. She is staying in close contact with us. It’s her first time in Africa, and we hope for a seamless experience.

Be well.

Photo from ten years ago today, April 1, 2015:

This sunset in Kauai made us squeal with delight! How magical! For more photos, please click here.

Power outage all day Saturday…Baking challenge…A two hour drive in the park…

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The Crocodile River is very low due to a lack of rain.

Yesterday morning, I made another batch of keto lemon poppyseed muffins, which we’ve been savoring with dinner over the past weeks as we continue our successful weight loss goals. The recipe is time-consuming with many ingredients and requires squeezing lemons and grating the skin for lemon zest.

Tom makes the lemons while I work on the long list of ingredients. Many would not care to make these since combining all the ingredients takes a while. The recipe requires softened cream cheese and butter and some fussing with the “melt” settings on the microwave, let alone careful blending to avoid overmixing. Then, the gooey mess is placed into parchment-lined muffin papers in the muffin tins.

As in the past, Norman is a frequent visitor. We love every moment with him.

The result is the best-tasting muffins we’ve tried, and we shared some with our local friends, who also love them. However, baking in the electric oven was challenging because of a power outage yesterday morning. I was working on the recipe when I received a message from Louise stating the power grid for this side of Marloth Park had a “fault,” and Escom, the electric company, was working on the repair.

The inverter can not operate the oven, but the gas stovetop is fine. There I was with a triple batch of gooey muffin dough and no way to bake them. I considered using the gas grill since baking can be done on a grill, but often, baked goods come out uneven due to the fluctuating heat.

Another dirt road we traveled.

I placed all the dough into a large pot with a lid and put it in the refrigerator, where it would have to stay until the power was back on and I could bake the muffins. I knew the dough would thicken from the almond and coconut flours, but there was no alternative.

This morning, the thickened dough was much easier to form into the parchment papers in the muffin tins, cutting the time in half for that step. Next time, I will purposefully chill the dough overnight.

Louise informed us that the power could be out for over 24 hours. Since it’s been hot, we wanted to preserve as much of the stored power in the inverter as possible. Having air conditioning in the bedroom was more important than using power during the day.

This tower overlooking the Crocodile River was built along with a house, but with all the stairs and sundowners, I doubt it gets used much.

With the inverter system in the house, we still had lights, refrigeration, and the air con in the bedroom, which were the most critical aspects during outages. But the WiFi was fading fast. When there’s a power outage, the batteries in the towers run out, and the WiFi signal to the houses is lost until the power is restored.

Thus, while posting yesterday, I noticed the WiFi signal fading in and out and knew that in no time, we’d be out of a signal. As a result, I uploaded the post as quickly as possible, and we decided to take a drive in Marloth Park to the river to see if we could spot any notable sightings and find some photo ops when we were running low on photos.

We decided not to go to Kruger National Park because it was a busy weekend, and holidaymakers flooded the area with safari plans.

The water treatment plant. We don’t drink the water here.. We are even careful when brushing our teeth. Louise provides purified drinking water when Vusi and Zef bring it every few days when they come to clean the house. We also use the purified water to wash vegetables.

Kruger National Park is on the opposite side of the river, and we decided to drive through Marloth Park in search of exciting photo ops. Still, on a hot day, animal sightings are minimal since they tend to hunker down in their preferred shady spots. We didn’t see much.

As we grappled with photo ops, we ended up with only a few, some of which we shared today and over the next few days. As exciting as Marloth Park is, some days are quiet and uneventful, especially on weekends and when the park is rife with tourists due to multiple national and school holidays. April will be a busy month, Easter, when many South Africans head this way.

However, the animals will still visit us. When Lisa arrives on Wednesday, we’ll keep her busy and enthralled with plenty of sightseeing adventures.

Driving on the dirt roads in Marloth Park is a bouncy experience, so much so that it registers on my Fitbit as if I were walking.

Last night, at Jabula, we had a fantastic dinner with Kathy, Don, and Connie. We sat at our usual table on the veranda and reminisced about many wonderful experiences in the years we’ve all been coming to Marloth Park. They leave to return to Hawaii in a little over a month, and we’ll spend plenty of time together before they go, adding dear friend Lisa to the mix.

The power was restored last night, and the muffins were great this morning. It’s hot again today, and we’re staying put. With Norman and his family here this morning and many bushbucks and kudus, we are content sitting on the veranda, watching nature surrounding us, and looking forward to a lovely homemade dinner and evening in the bush.

Be well.

Photo from ten years ago today, March 30, 2015:

Ah, a lazy day sitting under a tree with a cold beverage and a good book in hand is all many visitors to the island require to make a glorious vacation. Not everyone is into adventure hikes and sightseeing. Many tourists come to the islands to escape a “must-do” lifestyle, preferring to relax and unwind from busy everyday life. Lounging on the beach, dining in a fun, popular restaurant, and drinking Mai Tais are all some travelers need for a perfect vacation. For more photos, please click here.

Several requests for our keto salad dressing recipe…Booking six car rentals over the next several months…

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This cute little female bushbuck often jumps the fence and stands quietly near this tree.

When I received several messages yesterday after the menu items we served for friends on Thursday night, we decided today, while it’s fresh in my mind, to post the recipe. We use this dressing daily on the salad that accompanies our dinner.

Zebras visit daily, often kicking one another while fighting over pellets.

It is healthy, free of chemicals, preservative and has only a few ingredients. See the recipe below:

Jess’s Keto Salad Dressing

  • 1 cup unsweetened Greek yogurt
  • 1 cup sour cream
  • 1 T. vinegar (with the Mother)
  • ½ tsp garlic powder
  • ½ tsp onion powder
  • ½ tsp sea salt or Himalayan salt
  • sweetener to taste

Combine all the ingredients, stirring well, and refrigerate. It keeps for about a week. When I make the dressing, I often make a small batch daily, using about 4T on a large salad. Delicious!

________________________________________________________________________________________

Last night, we had a fun evening at Jabula, as usual. We knew almost every patron in the bar, which made it especially enjoyable. After a tasty dinner of grilled hake, fried eggs, creamed spinach, and Greek salad for me and steak, baked potato, and creamed spinach for Tom, we relaxed and chatted with the people at the bar.

Nina, Nola, and Nathan visit the garden.

Since we arrive at Jabula at 5:00 pm on Fridays and Saturdays, we are usually ready to return to the house by about 8:30 and hunker down for the remainder of the evening.

We’ll return tonight, but this time, Kathy, Don, and Connie will join us for dinner. It will be the first time we’ve been to Jabula together in three years. It almost feels like yesterday. Time seems to fly by at a record pace as we’ve aged.

Notice the wildebeest calf in the center, hanging out with the boys.

In the past week, we spent considerable time searching for the best prices for the upcoming six car rentals we’ll need over the next several months, including the three weeks we’ll be in Minnesota from the end of May until mid-June. We were able to do a well-priced package for Minneapolis, including hotel, car, and round-trip flights.

The wildebeests huddle around a toss of pellets.

The power is out in our area and may be out for the remainder of the day. Who knows, maybe even tomorrow? The inverter currently provides us with power, but we’ll lose WiFI soon since the towers will go down with the electricity. Thus, I am ending this post now to ensure I can get it uploaded before this happens.

Be well.

Photo from ten years ago today, March 29, 2015:

Hanalei Bay Beauty is by Princeville Artisan Fair photographer Alia DeVille, a talented and passionate young woman born in Kauai who has adopted the fine art of photography. For more photos, please click here.

A good trip to the dentist…Fantastic dinner party with friends…See our menu..

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Three little pigs stood at the front door when they smelled our food while we dined at the nearby dining room table. We couldn’t stop laughing.

When Louise informed us that it was safe to go to Malalane on the N4 Highway, with no road closures due to protests, we left the house at 10:00 am, arriving at Dr. Singh’s office at 10:45. I was hesitant about the appointment since I tend to suffer from “dental phobia.”

We got comfortable on the plush furniture in his newly expanded and tastefully designed office waiting area, busying ourselves with our phones. I don’t mind cleaning my teeth, but I dread the prospect of Dr. Singh finding anything wrong that would require future treatment, such as having teeth pulled, root canals, or needing crowns or implants.

Big Daddy with Norman in the background.

Tom encouraged me to go first, and minutes later, I was escorted down the long hallway to the treatment room he usually uses. Moments later, Dr. Singh entered the room, and for the first time, he wasn’t wearing PPE, which I commented on. We chatted a little, and he began the thorough cleaning, which took about 30 minutes.

After the cleaning, he informed me that everything in my mouth looked healthy and that I didn’t require X-rays or further treatment. Tom had a similar experience. It had been over two years since we had our teeth cleaned, and we were both thrilled to discover that our frequent brushing and flossing had paid off.

Mongoose waiting for their paloney. Look at those adorable faces!

The bill for both of us was totaled ZAR 1928.60, US $106.07. The average cost per person in Nevada, our home state in the US, is between ZAR 31779.85, US $175, and ZAR 5084.41, US $280. Everything seems to cost less here in South Africa.

It took about 30 minutes to return on the N4 from Malalane to Marloth Park. I was looking forward to returning to the house to continue preparing for our dinner guests, including food prep, setting the table on the veranda, and reducing a little clutter in the lounge and dining rooms.

Big Daddy is napping in the garden.

We buzzed around the house, and in a short time, everything was in order, even allowing time to rest in the bedroom after another fitful night’s sleep. I rarely can nap during the day. Since we arrived almost four weeks ago, I’d yet to sleep through the night. I am currently tapering off Prednisone for allergies, which is known to cause insomnia. I will take the last tablet on Sunday night.

Much to my delight, I slept until 5:30 am and fell back to sleep for another hour, getting up refreshed and ready to tackle another day.

We often see kudus resting in the garden.

As for last night with Kathy and Don and her sister Connie, we had a wonderful evening, enjoying their friendship, along with lively conversation, and a simple dinner that included the following:

  • Bacon-wrapped pork tenderloin on the braai
  • Baked potatoes with sour cream and chives
  • Roasted vegetables
  • Fresh green beans
  • Greek salad with homemade Greek yogurt and sour cream dressing
  • Homemade keto lemon poppyseed muffins

This menu was easy to make, with only a few more items than Tom and I would have for a usual dinner. Of course, Tom finished the dishes after everyone had left, and then I headed to the bedroom. There’s no dishwasher here, which is uncommon in the bush. We all decided to meet for dinner at Jabula on Saturday night. We’re happy to be able to spend this quality time with our dear friends since they’ll be returning to the US at the beginning of May.

Tonight, we’re going to Jabula as we do each Friday night, and we look forward to more socializing!

Oops! Gotta go. Norman’s here!

Be well.

Photo from ten years ago today, March 28, 2015:

This scene of Hanalei Beach looks out to a sleeping dragon-shaped mountain that inspired Peter, Paul, and Mary to interpret the song written by a friend, “Puff the Magic Dragon, lived by the sea and frolicked in the autumn mist in a land called Hanalei.” There’s considerable speculation that the words to the song were mainly centered around smoking marijuana, which grew prolifically in Hanalei. For more photos, please click here.

Glorious rain at long last…

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The band of mongoose was the only wildlife to visit this morning in the rain. We gave them leftover chicken, which they loved.

It’s raining in buckets! I awoke during the night as usual but was thrilled to hear the rain pounding on the roof. This is such a boost for the wildlife. The grasses, trees, and bushes will sprout again, providing the animals with much-needed nutrition. It hasn’t rained here in months.

Soon, we’ll be heading to Malelane, 30 minutes from here, to see Dr. Singh for our teeth cleanings. Hopefully, no new issues will be found, and we’ll be good to go. I despise going to the dentist. Our former dentist in Komatipoort, Luzanne, moved to Chicago, Illinois, about a year ago, and no one took over her Komati location.

As a result, we’ll be going to Dr. Singh, who’s done work on both of us in the past as the highest-rated dentist within an hour’s drive. The road to Malelane was blocked a few days ago with burning tires due to protests and was unpassable. We’re hoping everything is ok now.

Louise has an app on her phone that updates her with any issues on the N4, the treacherous road to Nelspruit, where the airport is located. We always dread that drive, primarily through the gorge. We won’t have to go that far today. Malalane is less than halfway to Nelspruit.

Based on my medical status while in the US, we haven’t had our teeth cleaned in two years. During those challenging months, I had no interest in going to the dentist. I am not interested in going now either, but it’s one of these medical “must-dos” most of us don’t look forward to.

Last night, we went to Giraffe Pub and Grill for dinner. We ran into Leon, George, Patty Pan, and Sydney. It was fun to see them all, and we had a great time. I had the Greek grilled chicken salad with extra chicken and a side order of three fried eggs. Tom had the chicken schnitzel and baked potato. Tom had two beers, and I had one glass of light white wine, which they surprisingly had on the menu. Our total bill with tip was ZAR 500.57, US $27.46. Amazing!

I have to cut this short today since I need to head into the kitchen to begin some prep for tonight’s dinner party. I will chop and dice the ingredients for the salad. When we return from the dentist, I’ll get to work on the balance of the menu. It will be fairly easy since I am not making a fancy dinner.

Have a great day!

Be well.

Photo from ten years ago today, March 27, 2015:

The albatross, which may or may not be related in Kauai, often hangs out together. This could be the parents of the smaller bird from a previous season or the bird of another family. For more photos, please click here.

Dear friends coming for dinner tomorrow…Plus, an 11:00 am dentist appointment…

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When we last visited in 2023, we called a starling Vega. They are commonly seen but iridescent and pretty.

We will have our first dinner guests tomorrow night since we returned to Marloth Park three weeks ago. First, we had to recover from the long travel days, and shortly thereafter, I started having allergies, including asthma, hay fever, and itchy eyes.

The new drug has controlled the asthma, but the hay fever and itchy eyes continue. As requested, I will call Doc Theo today to determine what to do next. Yesterday, the pharmacist in Komatipoort suggested 24-hour allergy eye drops, which I used, providing some relief last night. However, I must wait until tonight to take another drop in each eye.

I think this is a bush shrike, but I could be wrong.

This morning, I left Theo a WhatsApp message with the update he requested. By the end of the day, we’ll see what he recommends for the hay fever and proceed from there.

Since we have dentist appointments for teeth cleanings tomorrow morning, we’ll be busy in the afternoon when our dear friends Kathy and Don and her sister Connie arrive around 5:00 pm for sundowners, followed by dinner shortly thereafter.

This young female bushbuck visits daily.

On Friday, we’ll post the menu, which is light and casual since none of them are big eaters. They like small portions and have food restrictions, so I let Kathy help with menu suggestions. As a result, the prep for this simple meal will be easy. Having them here with us again will be wonderful after they’ve been away from Marloth Park for three years to deal with medical issues.

Their friendship is way more important than serving them food. Still, as we all know, socialization often centers around food and drink, especially in South Africa, along with lively conversation. Over the past years, they’ve been gone, most of which we also spent in the US and stayed in close touch.

Norman stops by almost every day. We are always thrilled to see him.

We even planned to return to Marloth Park at the same time to spend time together. We are fortunate to have many friends throughout the world, some Americans, some not. We love making memories with our friends and family members. (It’s hard to believe we’ll be back in the US 60 days from today. It feels as if we just got here.)

Today is an easy day, with a little prep for tomorrow. We’ve decided to go out to Giraffe Pub and Grill for dinner tonight. We haven’t been there yet. They have a few dishes I can eat, including a delicious salad, which I’ll most likely order. Tom will decide when he gets there.

The fine white hairs on his back stood up, and a large male animal was nearby. At this point, Big Daddy was standing outside the fence watching Norman.

A few days ago, I baked some Keto Lemon Poppyseed muffins, and tonight, when we head out, we’ll stop at Louise and Danie’s home to drop some off for them. They are keto-conscious like us.

We had a busy morning in the garden today, with at least six species visiting simultaneously. We tossed pellets, carrots, and apples to our animal friends, including Norman and his family. What a delight! Photos will follow in the next post.

That’s it for today, dear readers/friends! We’ll be back with more.

Be well.

Photo from ten years ago today, March 26, 2015:

In Kauai, the colors in this scene took our breath away. For more photos, please click here.

Did an old friend find us!…Is it him?…

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Could this be our old friend Little, whom we haven’t seen in the past few years? He responded enthusiastically to my voice, as far as a warthog can be enthusiastic.

Often, tourists perceive negative thoughts about the safety of traveling to South Africa. Like any major city, the big cities in South Africa can be unsafe and rife with crime and corruption. We avoid spending time in big cities anywhere except for a few days to discover their wonders, culture, and history. From there, typically, we head to rural areas where we can embrace scenery, nature, and wildlife.

Tourism in South Africa is thriving in 2025, offering travelers a dynamic blend of adventure, culture, and natural beauty. This vast and diverse country continues to enchant visitors with its breathtaking landscapes, vibrant cities, and rich history. South Africa has positioned itself as a must-visit destination as the world embraces a new era of travel—one shaped by sustainability, digital convenience, and a desire for deeper, more meaningful experiences.

There are a few contortions for an itch.

Cape Town: A World-Class Destination

Cape Town remains one of the world’s most sought-after travel spots, and for good reason. The Mother City’s iconic Table Mountain is a silent guardian over a bustling, cosmopolitan metropolis where history and modernity intertwine. In 2025, Cape Town has expanded its reputation as a scenic retreat and a place where visitors can engage with local communities, explore world-class art galleries, and enjoy sustainable dining experiences.

One of the biggest tourism trends this year is the rise of immersive experiences. Tourists no longer just visit Cape Town—they become part of it. Walking tours through the historic Bo-Kaap neighborhood, with its candy-colored houses and rich Cape Malay heritage, offer insight into a community that is striving to preserve its identity amid increasing gentrification. Local guides share stories that go beyond the postcard-perfect facades, giving travelers a chance to understand the complexities of life in this historic quarter.

Three hungry zebras. Many zebras visit daily.

Another major draw is the city’s flourishing food scene. Sustainable and locally sourced cuisine is at the forefront, with restaurants emphasizing indigenous ingredients and traditional cooking methods. Just a short drive away, the Cape Winelands continue to lure wine enthusiasts with their exquisite vintages and picturesque settings. Franschhoek and Stellenbosch remain at the heart of South Africa’s wine industry, but newer, lesser-known regions are emerging, offering more intimate and off-the-beaten-path tasting experiences.

Safari Reinvented: Luxury Meets Conservation

No trip to South Africa is complete without a safari, and in 2025, wildlife tourism has evolved to focus even more on conservation and responsible travel. Uber’s latest innovation—Uber Safari—has made it easier than ever for travelers to experience the Big Five without the hassle of traditional bookings. Now, visitors in Cape Town can order a safari day trip through an app, seamlessly connecting them with game reserves just a few hours away.

Big Daddy jumped the little fence to stand on this mound by the pool.

More importantly, game reserves across South Africa are placing greater emphasis on ethical wildlife encounters. Gone are the days of large-scale, disruptive tours. Instead, smaller, more intimate game drives provide an immersive experience while ensuring minimal environmental impact. Places like the Sabi Sands Game Reserve and Phinda Private Game Reserve lead the way, offering luxurious yet eco-friendly lodges that prioritize conservation efforts. Travelers witness Africa’s iconic wildlife and contribute to preserving these magnificent creatures.

Big Daddy is reaching for leaves on a tree.

Urban Adventures and Cultural Experiences

Johannesburg, often overshadowed by Cape Town, has firmly established itself as a cultural powerhouse in 2025. The city’s vibrant art scene, particularly in Maboneng and Braamfontein, showcases contemporary African creativity. Galleries, pop-up exhibitions, and street art tours offer visitors a deeper understanding of South Africa’s artistic evolution.

History lovers are drawn to the Apartheid Museum and Constitution Hill, where the country’s complex past is explored with depth and honesty. But Johannesburg isn’t just about looking back—it’s about celebrating the future. Trendy rooftop bars, gourmet food markets, and music festivals make this city an exciting destination for young, curious travelers eager to engage with the heartbeat of modern South Africa.

Big Daddy, Hal (wildebeest) and a few warthogs.

The Balance of Tourism and Sustainability

While tourism brings undeniable economic benefits, it also presents challenges. For instance, Cape Town faces concerns over mass tourism’s impact on its delicate ecosystems and historic neighborhoods. Bo-Kaap residents are grappling with increased foot traffic, which brings both economic opportunities and the risk of cultural erosion.

To combat these issues, South Africa is pioneering sustainable tourism initiatives. The government and private sector have worked together to introduce limited-access permits for high-traffic areas, eco-friendly accommodation options, and conservation fees that directly support local communities. Travelers are encouraged to make responsible choices, from supporting locally owned businesses to participating in voluntourism efforts that contribute to community development.

Mac and Norman seemed to get along.

Why South Africa in 2025?

So, why choose South Africa in 2025? Because it offers more than just beautiful scenery—it provides depth. It’s a country where every journey tells a story, every landscape holds meaning, and every traveler can leave a positive impact. Whether sipping wine in the rolling vineyards of Stellenbosch, tracking lions in Kruger National Park, or engaging with the resilient communities of Johannesburg, visitors leave with more than just photographs. They leave with a sense of connection, an appreciation for history, and a longing to return.

In a constantly changing world, South Africa remains where adventure, culture, and conservation converge. In 2025, it will be one of the planet’s most exciting and meaningful destinations.

Bushbucks are gentle and calm animals.

There are many areas in South Africa we have yet to visit. But, with only 90-day visas, we love the bush so much that we can’t seem to drag ourselves away from Marloth Park. People often push us to explore South Africa rather than just the bush. But our answer is always the same…we are happy here…what more could we ask for?

Norman never fails to bring smiles to our faces.

And isn’t that what travel is about: visiting locations that bring you the most joy? Whether it be a tropical island, a resort in Dubai, a horseback ride on the Grand Canyon, or a cruise to Alaska, there are no rules on where our wanderlust takes us.

Be well.

Photo from ten years ago today, March 25, 2015:

When we visited a cattle ranch in Kauai, we saw the Brangus cattle, who, like other breeds, are often curious when humans approach. For more photos, please click here.