We got back into the work groove on Monday. Our task is to clean, paint and tile the farmhouse for staff living. It’s going to take a lot of work, the tools are second rate or non-existent and Andre is a control freak, doling out just what he thinks we need when he feels we need it. To top it off, one of the rooms was used to house young vultures and the smell is something to behold. So we have been washing walls, painting mouldings, cutting-in and washing away jumbo-size bird poop. It’s starting to take shape and we will be proud when it’s finished.
Last night there was a little party – combination bon voyage for Alan who is going to California on holiday and a birthday celebration for Marilyn and Andre. Gabbi is also hoping to go to the States to visit Terek, the Egyptian, who works at the Tampa Zoo. She’s taking a lot of grief, mostly from Alan who thinks we should get at least three camels in trade for her. Gabi has adopted Connie as a surrogate mom but even she can’t keep Alan at bay. The visa process for South Africans to go to the US is terrible so Connie called the embassy to help Gabi out.
We have had yet another change of plans regarding the Colorado contingent who will be coming with Marsha and Emmett in June. When they go to Zambia to see Victoria Falls they will stay at the Zambezi Sun. It costs $380 per night and we refuse to pay that much. So we will pass on that part of the trip although Vic Falls is said to be spectacular. We may still join them in Chobe, Botswana once we (read Connie) checks out the lodging there. Africa has a three-tied pricing system - cheap for locals, higher for other African nationals, and exorbitant for Americans and Europeans. Camping anyone?
