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Well, romance was in the air during June at Vuyatela, with two weddings
and many honeymoon couples passing through.
The couples tying the knot were Herman Boschloo and Mirjam Karsijns
from the Netherlands, on the 16th June; Julian Smith and Imogen Edmunds
from the UK, married on the 21st of June. Both weddings happened in
the afternoon just as the sun was setting adding to the romance. All
family and friends at home watched as they exchanged vows on the live
cameras on www.africam.com . People from around the world were watching
the camera and sending messages of congrats to the lovely couples. Julian
and Imogen did not have their family and friends along with them but
we had amazing guests in camp that stood in willingly. From all at Djuma
we wish both newly wed couples all the best and hope to see them back
in the bush soon.
Our Minister Pierre Naude took care of the ceremony in his very special
way and had all and sundry at peace with not a dry eye in the house.
The ceremonies took on an African twist, with the handing over of traditional
gifts and rings between the couples. The gifts take the shape of a kaross
(or blanket), the calabash (or drinking vessel) and bracelets of beads,
metal or skin. The significance of these gifts is the kaross or blanket
which the groom hands to his bride as a sign that they will take care
and protect each other. If there is no shelter the kaross or blanket
will keep the cold off them at night and give them something to sit
on during the day. The second gift is the bangle or bracelet; the groom
gives the bride her bracelet, which is usually beaded. The number of
beads determines the number of kids the union will produce. The bride
gives the groom a bracelet of metal or skin as a symbol of trust and
provide adequately for the family. The bangles are the African equivalent
of the wedding ring. The third gift is the calabash or drinking vessel.
This is a sign that they will drink many things together and whatever
life brings their way they will be able to face because they have each
other.
Sightings have been great around the lodge with up to four Hippos in
the dam daily, leading to some serious battles between rival males over
territory. We have had a couple of visits from Leopard as well as plenty
of general game. A bull Elephant found his way into camp one evening
via the staff entrance. Mark was on his way to the lodge when he opened
his back door to find the ellie enjoying a snack from a bougainvillea.
Both got a huge fright and retreated to where they came from. The Elephant
headed straight for the open gate and a little up the road. Mark slowly
ventured up towards the gate to close it with no incident just a lot
of heart palpitations.
Out in the bush, two new males lions have joined the Skutane pride.
There is no sign that the original male has been killed, but rather
driven away by the newcomers.
The bush has been on the cold side early morning and late afternoon.
We have been sending guests on drive with hot water bottles and warm
blankets. We had some very unseasonable rain too, just to add a twist
to the cold morning drives!
Charmian has been very busy knitting beanies and scarves for the staff
to help with the cold weather. Char has also managed to single handedly
knit the same for all the staff kids too. So from all of us a huge warm
thank you. This lovely gesture from Charmian comes at a perfect time
as we have had most of the staff down with bad colds. Now we will all
be warmer and less susceptible to more colds and flu!
This generosity has spread further, with our guests sending books, blankets,
and other goodies to our local villages. Amongst them, Sue Spencer,
on her second visit of a week, sent us tons of clothes and books for
the villages and schools. Jimmy went to hand them out with Helen, Nick
and Kaethe Rohrs. Dean Rohrs, Helen's mother, also a repeat guest to
Djuma, sent us blankets to hand out in the village for winter. We would
like to thank all involved with this drive, as it was much appreciated
by all and the community has asked us to say a heartfelt thank you on
their behalf.
We have had some faces from the past come to see us again this month.
Dr Mike and Yolandie McDonough spend two days with us at Vuyatela before
heading off to Galago to join Lex Hess and some friends. Mad Mark from
Animal Planet's "Mad Mike and Mark" fame and Ilse Tennant
popped in for some rest and relaxation with the family. Bruce and Sharon
Griffiths also visited for a weekend to spend some time with us. Denise
and Stan Kessel from the USA visited us and sent us some lovely pics
of their stay with us. They will be in the Guest Gallery section soon.
Last, but not least, we had Kate Mackenzie drop in. Kate worked at Bush
Lodge a couple of years ago and has returned to see how we are all doing.
She is now working in the UK for Audley Travel. Great to see you all
again.
The spa is complete and has been named "The Rubbing Post".
Neliswa has been in her element since her return from leave. We thank
George and his team for their wonderful effort. George has taken some
well-deserved time off and upon his return will be treated to a therapy.
Jack Scott celebrated his third birthday this past month. He is absolutely
divine and as all boys of that age is rather a handful but is keeping
us all entertained with his antics.
On a sad note we send our condolences to Rodney and his family, as Rodney's
father was killed in a road accident a week ago.
Mark and the Vuyatela team.
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