I am really starting to struggle to find time to write lately and the last few days we have been without internet again. Starting work at 7am, I am now on the 1-2pm lunch break (if one is fortunate enough to get the whole hour) Technically we finish at 5pm for dinner but then there are late shifts and chores most evenings. Free time, it seems, is a waste of time.
It was an exciting weekend for me as Helienki (whom I mentioned previously when she was ill) and Kolata’s surrogate human mother Minette was away for the weekend. This means that I got to be nanny for the weekend to her two remaining babies who have not yet ventured into kindergarten. Night feed, nappies and two little furry balls of baby monkey to play Mom to. Wonderful!
On Sunday I was asked to drive the volunteers to a nearby crocodile farm for a short tour and their renowned breakfast. Thankfully I had the foresight to get an International Driving Permit before leaving the UK. It has been a long time since I have driven on the red sands found in Africa. Fortunately (apart from missing the turning both ways), there were no mishaps and the bakkie (truck) was returned in the same shape with passenger content all intact too.
The crocodile farm visit is quite a strange trip. It’s a fairly limited tour as obviously any interaction is decidedly unwanted and definitely not recommended. The farm is one of the largest in South Africa and the crocs are bred for slaughter to satisfy the commercial demand for skin and meat. It seemed all the more of a contrast coming from Bambelela which strives to protect its inhabitants. Even the wild monkeys here are friends, some of them having been resident at one time. We noticed one of the wild babies had an injury to her back leg and she was captured and treated. It was a suspected bite from one of the baby pythons I regret to say are in the vicinity. Unfortunately septicaemia had set in and she was unable to be saved. The dead baby had to be given back to her mother in order that she could understand that she had not been taken away and to allow her to grieve.
A point of interest - at the crocodile farm they sell a product called Repcillin. It has apprently been proven that crocodiles never sustain wounds which go septic. This wonder cream is said to heal bites/stings and psoriosis amongst other things. If you would like further info, remind me. I have a pamphlet I can work from.
Last night was the final night for Lilia (our Icelandic representative) and so we again had cheese, biscuits and a glass of wine. Our dorm has worked so well with everyone getting on, we are very sad that she is heading out on the next stage of her trip. Having said that, she is going to Kenya so I know she is going to have a great time there.
Food is very much a feature in our lives although I cannot be entirely sure this isn’t something to do with Kristen’s excitement at every gastro experience. Kristen recalls some of her favourite travels with a mention of what she ate there and it seems that her preferred destinations have been inextricably linked to the quality of the food! However, it would be wrong not to mention the wonders that Chef Damien creates from his most basic of kitchens. Bearing in mind the nearest shop is about a 40 minute drive away, he relies on the shopping run every Monday and Friday to be able to cater for around 20 people. Sunday evening we had a braai (barbeque) with beef boerervors which is a favourite South African sausage. Served with the best potato and egg salad, it was amazing. However, the lack of fresh fruit and vegetables for human consumption does continue to be a problem.
Saturday night we had fruit salad and ice cream. I cannot begin to express how much of a treat that was and we certainly savoured every moment….
I am sitting with the lion cubs again while everyone goes to help unload the truck that has just come back from Johannesburg dropping off Lilia at the airport, collecting a new volunteer Alex and going to the market to buy the huge quantities of fruit that will be stored in the cooler room for the monkeys. More than once I have quoted “water, water everywhere and not a drop to drink” with reference to fruit.
Minette is back this evening and so my babysitting services will not be required – until Friday anyway! The following week Sue is off for a couple of nights so I shall be babysitting her two – Merlin (the naughtiest boy and Peroni a small, sweet but feisty female). All but four of the babies have a Guardian Angel which is a sponsor to help with the costs of Pampers nappies (I feel this would be good publicity for them), the fruit, baby’s milk powder, enclosure and care manpower. Needless to say, if Helienki was not already spoken for then I would not hesitate!
The weather continues to surprise us on a regular basis and can go from sunshine to thunder storms within a short time- a planned pool trip can suddenly become a mad dash to put the covers down to keep the monkeys dry! Africa will always dance to her own song and we can embrace and join in or find another song to sing.
