Easter at Ximongwe

Wednesday 31 March to Monday 5 April

Lockdown Day 370 to 375

How excited was I to get back to Ximongwe? Once we'd unpacked it felt like I'd never left. Hippo Cottage was our 2020 lockdown home for over 6 months. It was great to catch up with Ronell and Johan and the family and share our spot with Hanlie and Andrew again.

On Thursday morning I heard branches breaking and went out with my coffee to watch 2 elephants browsing around. It was my old mate Skew-Tusk. He had come to visit me and he'd brought a friend. The really unbelievable thing is that Johan and Ronell have not seen him on the property since we left 6 months ago. But he was back. They swam in the river and roamed up and down in front of the house for quite a few hours before moving off.

We all enjoyed the lazy days with late starts, boozy brunches, books,  arvy dozes, sundowners on the deck and evening braais; all with the bush and the river as the backdrop and animal visitors to keep us entertained. I enjoyed some cooking too, for old times sake. This very delicious focaccia was a joint effort and decorated by Hanli. We decided we work well together in the kitchen. 

Our stay was just too short..6 days not 6 months..

Ximongwe we will be back... As soon as we can....