Day Nine:  (Part Two)   An Evening Out!

The only clue we had about this evening's adventure was that it included dinner, possibly the sunset and we needed to bring a sweater or jacket.

We met at 5:15 pm at the main house again and there we waited for our same 3 safari "chariots".  We boarded and off we went heading down the road towards the sunset.....

We soon turned off the main highway (just means it was paved, that's all) onto a single lane sandy road that wound its way through low dusty green shrub and the occasional green acacia tree (oh, that reminds me.  I forgot to tell you about the tiny "weaver " bird, about the size of a sparrow, that builds nests to protect their young with the entry hole at the bottom so that snakes can't get in.  These tiny birds work entirely together as one community and can build nests in the acacia tree that are larger than a huge suitcase.  The nests are made from the desert grass and look like perfect straw huts. Sometimes the shape takes on that of an elephant or a bear and are amazing to see hanging precariously in the trees).

So, we're slowly making our way across this long winding sand road with the sun slowly going down on our left and a huge black mountainous rock far off in the distance ahead.  The guide told us to look for ground squirrels (we did spot some.  They stood up tall like a prairie dog but were long bodied and ran like a weasel through the low shrub).  He told us to look for jackals (kind of glad we didn't see those as they are truly an ugly beast).  And we saw some Springbok and Oryx without him having to tell us.  All the way we are driving and neither he nor the travel agent are telling us where we are going.

Although it looked like too far away, we actually were drawing closer to the huge black rocky mountain area that just rose right out of the sandy, shrubby desert like an icon.  And , as we drew closer, we could make out a table  with a white linen tablecloth on it and what appeared to be glasses and other accoutrements.  We couldn't believe it as it was so out of context with the surroundings so we knew Michael was up to something. 

We drove to the right around the side of the mountain and past the table.  Hmmm......ok....,,,?
We stopped beside a huge rock three stories high and the driver had us all get out so he could show us paintings on the side of the rock from the Bushman from centuries ago.  Then he walked to the mountain side where a huge rock slab was balanced precariously over smaller rocks and provided a sheltered area where the early Bushman had cooked and slept and made fires for warmth.  

We got back in the vehicles and the drivers proceeded around the mountain and pulled up and parked.  They led us carefully single file around the mountain until we could make out the table with the white linen cloth!   It was beautifully laid out with buckets of champagne and beer, orange juice and sparkling water; dishes full of nuts and dried jerky of Oryx and Springbok; dates; and pistachios. Three waiters were ready and waiting and began pouring the drinks liberally.  We were overwhelmed with how beautiful it looked and being in this completely desolate place with such luxury....we felt totally spoiled. 

There we were with the sun slowly setting in its stunning yellow, orange, red glow over the rocky horizon as we sipped champagne, taking pictures and glowing, ourselves, in the absolute beauty of the moment.   


After capturing every last frame we could of the renowned African sunset, we climbed back into our chariots and were ready to be returned back to reality.  Little did we know what lay ahead.......

We drove a little further distance around another corner and again, were asked to disembark and follow the guide.  It was now dark and a little scary wandering where we could hardly see the ground but as we rounded the next corner, we could make out candles and lights everywhere on an open flat section of sand.  As our eyes adjusted to the light, we were stunned to see before us the most amazing display of tables of food lain out like a luxury cruise, and 3 round tables set with linen and all the cutlery and glasses you would see in a 5 star restaurant!  Candles sprinkled the ground, the tables, the rockside of the mountains and a large burning flame lit up the middle ground.  It was stunning and unbelievable that we would be sitting out in the middle of nowhere in such luxury under the stars. And this was the travel agent's plan - to treat us to a memorable evening that we would never forget, and he exceeded himself!

Once we were all comfortably seated, we were again graciously waited on by the hotel staff who were as excited as we were to be a part of this spectacular evening!  Drinks were served and then we made our way to the buffet where there were choices of multiple meats - zebra, Oryx, springbok, kudu as well as the traditional beef, chicken and pork. There were black cast iron pots hanging from a long pole over open flame that held mixed vegetables, beans, rice, potatoes, lentils and curries.  On the side tables, there were delicious salads - Greek, Caesar, bean, green and Mediterranean.  There were also cheese and cold meat plates of German/Dutch influence so of incredible quality and flavour.  And, for the finishing touch, desserts of chocolate, lemon, fruit, whipped creams and marzipan delicacies. 

It was beyond anyone's wildest imagination and here we were living it.  A huge thank you to Michael who went out of his way to make the arrangements for this magical night to happen!

Wish you were here.........JT