We sat on the tarmac waiting for passengers to arrive from their lodges.
Ours’ was closest to the airport, with only one road to traverse. It remained passable. The other reserves were further away, and the rain had suddenly returned with a vengeance. All the grass visible in the picture (below) was soon to be totally submerged.
We had arrived to the airport safely and on time for our departure. Unfortunately others never arrived. Ultimately, the flight had to leave without its full compliment of passengers.
After a bumpy flight through bulbous gray clouds, we arrived in Johannesburg for a few (much needed) days of rest and recuperation; grateful to have escaped the disaster that was to come.
Going on safari is not new for us. We’ve been on about 9 so far. However, this time (in spite of the rain) we were both totally wiped out. Bill reminded me that we’re not as young as we used to be. But our malaise must have been due to more than just that. I felt absolutely awful.
I took a shower with hopes of revival, but discovered that I had been bitten by something that left a large red welt. I wondered if that was the cause of my fever, aches, pains and total depletion of energy?
And then there were the anti-malaria tablets – which certainly have side effects. Could it have been that? I could tolerate the awful taste in my mouth, but then I began to loose my balance as well.
Consequently, I decided to stop taking the tablets before completing the series (recommended to be taken for at least 7 days after leaving the malaria zone). This was only day 2.
Bill remained reaction free (or so he said). He decided to continue his series through to the end (model patient that he is).
However, we could do absolutely nothing for the next two days (not even take pictures, sorry). We ultimately had to cancel our plans to visit sites like the Apartheid Museum.
On our final day we managed a short drive to an artist enclave called “Victoria Yards”. There were open studios, galleries, retail spaces and artisans passionate about their work. Their enthusiasm and hope gave me energy to carry on, but not for long.
When we returned to the hotel we were both drenched in sweat and totally exhausted. We must have been quite the sight – splayed out in the lobby with our few purchases.
While gulping down carafes of water, the owner arrived and joined us in conversation. We apologized for our unattractive display, talked about our afternoon, and our narrow escape from Kruger and the Sand River.
He then asked us where we were headed to next. When we told him that we were headed for the Western Cape, his eyes widened and he asked, “Are you aware of the disastrous fires that are occurring there right now?”
Fires?! What Fires? We had no idea. We didn’t even know what day it was. Google “fires in western cape South Africa” if you haven’t heard. It’s likely you already know more than we did.
So, we had gotten out of the flood and were now heading into the fire. Totally Biblical. I get it. But Bill said that my color had turned a frightening shade of green. I was still unwell, and definitely not ready for more drama.
Bill and I just turned and looked at each other; garnering the strength to carry on.
