This is why we
came to Lalibela (besides the game viewing)
- the wine in the plastic tumbler even
tasted good as the sun was setting!
DAY 2:
Destination:
Lalibela Game Reserve
The breakfast at the Courtyard Hotel was
unbelievable - very worthy of their 4* rating,
and most of us could not believe that we
actually enjoyed breakfast for almost TWO hours.
"Oh that life could be like this always - pure
bliss - and no tidying up afterwards either"
With breakfast over, some of us waited in
the lounge for our transport to Lalibela. Others
were "chomping at the bit" to get going!
Lalibela is a 90 kms drive out of PE through
beautiful scenery so the trip whizzed by.
Or was it because most of us spoke to friends
for the entire trip?! Anyway on arrival
our luggage was lined up for tagging for
Marks
Camp before we were all transported down to our
new 'home'.
On arrival Yolandie met us in the bar
and explained the 'routine' at Lalibela.
(Start video to
the right). She even showed us the dining room,
explaining everything we all needed to
know in great depth - does this have
something to do with our age?! (I
believe, it has to do with the precise
way they run Lalibela which makes for a
wonderful time away!)
The comfortable lounge area and spacious
rooms make one feel immediately that
your stay @ Lalibela is going to be very
special indeed.
We were all getting ready to have lunch
when suddenly Yolandie and Joseph saw
the entire herd of Elephants arrive at
the water hole immediately in front of
the lodge. What a welcome for our
group - and immediately Werner came and
put up the sign - "Elephants in the
area" - "No Entry"
This herd had so many babies - what an
absolute treat for us all - of course,
binoculars came out and Barbi seemed so
surprised to see them SO CLOSE!
She had no idea what waited for her
later that afternoon.
Alice so happy with warm jacket all
ready for our first game drive.
Werner originally from the Ceres area
introduced himself, and told us the
'rules and regulations' of game driving
at Lalibela. His comment later
that evening that he was going to come
and "knock us up at 5.30 am"
caused much hilarity!
The photo at right was Ingrid who
literally sat on Heather's knee when we
spotted the lion so very close to the
vehicle! Heather was heard to say
"In Times of Adversity We Stick
Together"
This photo shows how the staff of
Lalibela set up drinks on the plateau
for us with lovely snacks included.
However, all the occupants of the second
vehicle needed more than a sip of wine
to calm their nerves. They had a
'near-death-experience' with Gaaitjie
the rogue elephant who came just a
little bit too-close-for-comfort.
In fact Barbi said his breath stank - "Barbi
how CLOSE was he to you" to experience
this! (Too close for comfort?).
Toasting to a good life and the end of
our second day away - as you can see as
soon as the sun sets it becomes
immediately cooler - so jackets,
scarves, hats come out for a bit of
warmth!
The sun finally reached the horizon -
there is nothing so 'rich' as an African
setting sun! What a treat - After
this we returned to the camp to enjoy a
sumptuous buffet dinner - "Why are we
always so hungry" was the cry - must be
the fresh air!.
