TWO DUTCH TOURISTS HAVE A GOOD EVENING

On our drive back to Mata Mata, we see dark clouds gathering in the sunset sky. There are lightning flashes and a real threat of a thunderstorm. Noel and Dave stop to do some landscape photography.

Photo: David Mullin

Rain clouds are a welcome sight, as they hold the promise of life-sustaining rain falling in the desert. I am actually hoping that it will rain much later in the evening. Noel has invited Marilyn and Leonie to join us for supper. They offer to contribute their hot soup. "Soup," the South Africans exclaim, "we do not eat hot soup in Summer." We decline the offer of hot soup, and we all club together and supply meat and things like tinned corn  and bean salad for a  braai.  Noel had made two jellies earlier on. He shares the jelly amongst all of us. adding a good dash of custard. We enjoy our dessert. I have a feeling it is our last braai in the Kalahari, and sadly, it is.

Photo: Noel Hammond

There are eight of us sitting under the blanket of a dark Kalahari night sky. There are no stars this evening, and the wind whips up. A few big drops of rain fall, but in ten minutes it is all over. I enjoy the camaraderie and the company of my fellow-campers. Leonie complains bitterly that the shop would not sell her a bottle of wine, because it is Sunday. She asks for an explanation. It is the second time this trip, that I am unable to explain the laws of my country to Dutch tourists. I supply some white wine, and Geoff readily shares his bottle of red. We raise our glasses, and drink a toast. It is the last night at Mata Mata for all of us, and we will part ways tomorrow morning.

Marilyn and Leonie tell Geoff and Lynette about their bad day.

We all retire and bid each other  a good night. Tomorrow, Marilyn and Leonie will travel to the Augrabies National Park;  Geoff and Lynette will leave for a further trip in Namibia; and the Hammonds and Mullins will take a slow drive to Twee Rivieren. It may have been a bad day for our Dutch friends, but it certainly was a good evening !