They have left…Back to our usual, wonderful life in the bush…

 

Where did the time go? It seems as if only yesterday we were eagerly anticipating the arrival of our family members, Colleen and Paulette, and now, suddenly, their two-week visit has come to an end. We knew the time would pass quickly, but we never imagined just how fast those precious days and evenings would fly by.

From the moment they arrived, we fell into an easy, comfortable routine filled with adventure, lively conversations, endless laughter, fantastic food, and, frequent card games and fun at Quiz Night. There was seldom a dull moment, and even when we weren’t doing anything particularly exciting, simply being together was more than enough to make the day special.

One of the greatest pleasures of spending time with family is the opportunity to reconnect without the usual distractions of everyday life. With our nomadic lifestyle, we don’t always have the luxury of being near those we love. Visits like this remind us how fortunate we are when our paths cross and we can share meaningful time together.

We talked about everything imaginable, from memories of years gone by to our current lives, future plans, and the countless little things that make for interesting conversations. Sometimes, the discussions were thoughtful and reflective. Other times, we laughed so hard that we could barely catch our breath. Those spontaneous moments often become the memories we treasure most.

Naturally, food played a significant role in our time together. Anyone who knows us understands how much we enjoy a delicious meal, especially when accompanied by good company. Whether we were enjoying a casual bite or a wonderful evening out, every meal became another opportunity to visit, laugh, and appreciate being together.

And then, there were the card games! We certainly managed to fit in plenty of those. There’s something about sitting around a table, playing cards, teasing one another, and sharing a few good laughs that makes the hours disappear. Winning was fun, of course, but the real enjoyment came from the camaraderie and friendly competition.

Our evenings at Jabula were especially memorable. We’ve always appreciated the warm, welcoming atmosphere, delicious food, and extraordinary entertainment that make this special place such a significant part of our lives here in Marloth Park. Sharing those experiences with Colleen and Paulette made them even more enjoyable.

Last night was no exception. The food was extraordinary, the atmosphere was festive, and the entertainment was almost indescribable. We laughed, enjoyed every moment, and found ourselves wishing the evening could go on indefinitely. It was one of those nights when everything seemed to come together perfectly, creating another lasting memory of their visit.

As we’ve often mentioned, living this unusual lifestyle has taught us that experiences and relationships are far more valuable than material possessions. We may not have a conventional home filled with decades of accumulated belongings, but we have a treasure trove of memories from the people we’ve met, the places we’ve visited, and the wonderful times we’ve shared with family and friends.

Of course, saying goodbye is never easy. After spending nearly every day together for two weeks, there will undoubtedly be a noticeable void in our daily routine. We’ll miss the conversations, the laughter, the card games, and the simple pleasure of knowing they are nearby.

But rather than dwell on the sadness of their departure, we’ll focus on how grateful we are that they made the journey to spend this time with us. These past two weeks have been a wonderful reminder that the best moments in life aren’t necessarily the grandest adventures. Often, they’re the ordinary moments shared with people we love.

Thank you, Colleen and Paulette, for two unforgettable weeks. We loved every minute!

Be well.

Photo from ten years ago today, November 14, 2016: