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MM is a day visitor in Kruger today and I received this sms from her earlier:

Hi, I am back.
I did 2 day trips in Kruger and saw some stunning stuff.
I did the steering, but a few family members took photos. Unfortunately, I need to wait for their return.

They are still in that lovely lowveld place.

Great stuff, Deville

I have to wait for pictures, but I would like to make a couple of comments here.

There were 2 very negative events, one where I don't think I behaved myself too well

On my "day one" trip we arrived shortly after opening at Numbie Gate.
As luck would have it, there was a slight systems problem with the computers, the flustered young reception lady and a hostile and irate queue.
The queue consisted of folk from all over the world.

One thing I have learnt is that when things are out of your control, relax, there is nothing you can do about it.
This was one of those times.

Unfortunately I seemed to be sharing my space with a bunch of Neanderthal louts..
Sorry, I think that is an insult to the Neanderthals

This group of loud-mouthed sub humans started to pass comments and make racist innuendoes.
I was burning with shame, not only for the young woman who was trying to rectify a situation beyond her control, but also for visitors from overseas who were meeting a dark side of Africa in all its ugliness.

I would like to say at this point that another reception person arrived at 6am and it relieved a tense situation. However, the start of my journey was not marred by certain inconveniences, it was shadowed by my fellow Saffies disgusting behaviour.

The second incident happened at a sighting. It was a most lovely ellie sighting on the banks of the Sabie River.
I was with a UK visitor when suddenly trash started flying out of the window in front of us
My visitor, who is very trash sensitive, but Kruger illiterate hooted in disgust.

Eish, not the best way to act in Kruger.

I also, however have a big problem with litter in Kruger, so I broke a rule myself.
I climbed out of the car, picked up the litter and went to give it to them at their window.
(the ellies were far enough away not to be disturbed)
I just told them politely that this was unacceptable and to never do this again.

I think I was so angry at the litter, that had someone said, MM, a lion is waiting behind that bush, I would have replied, "tough takkies"

I find it difficult to tidy my desk, but don't litter in Kruger.

I had another very strange experience.

On my first day trip, my youngest daughter and I went to have a "fill up" at Skukuza.

It was close to midday and we were both very hungry.

I was waiting for my bacon and egg sarmie, looking at the Bat postings on the wall when I heard a young man's voice.

"Are you still running"

huh

I could not believe it.
I was face to face with a young man who saw me 3 months previously.

Then I was sitting in Skukuza, looking at bugger all, the day before out mini meet.
I had a Comrades T-shirt on.
He came up to me and said, "you are a hero"
we spoke for a few minutes.

He told me how much he loved running and Comrades was his dream.
He spends his days wiping tables. He remembered MM, despite going blonde, this man has passion.
He called me "gogo", granny.

Here I was again.
How many people does this young man meet?
His job is to clear tables.

Yet he has a passion for running and a spirit needing to be uncovered.

We spoke and I asked him about his running.
"Not much" he said, "I am saving for running shoes"

A good pair of running shoes costs R800. That is about 30% of his salary.