To say it as been hot for the last few days is an understatement. The weather forecast on the news described the conditions as 'extremely uncomfortable' and that is pretty accurate.
Our game ride through the park was very enjoyable but very hot. Which is probably why the hippos are all hiding in the water or shady undergrowth. As it turned out we were probably lucky to see any at all. Hippos aside, we encountered quite a lot of antelope, zebra, warthogs complete with tiny babies, crocodiles and a variety of bird life.
In the end though, it has just been too hot to stay out. Thankfully the cool waters of the pool have been available or we may have wilted entirely.
The lodge has been a great place to just while the hours away. The gardens are lovely with an abundance of bird and wildlife, including a large amount of beautiful Agama lizards.
In fact if it wasn't for the useless staff it would be one of the best places we have stayed. It seems that the common room area belongs to the staff not the guests, as the seats are normally taken up by them sitting around watching soap operas. The renovations team work for half a day and glare at you if you go into the kitchen area and then spend the rest of the day playing pool. The pool although lovely, hasn't been dredged since we have been here so you have to brush aside the debris while swimming. The whole site seems to be suffering from a lack of a manager.
The situation here is by no means unique, It is something that seems to affect every place where there is no management. Black Africans have a very different work ethic and idea of customer service to we have in the west.
Away from the lodge we went to a Sibacha (traditional) dance show at the main site. It was thanks to one of our fellow guests driving us, that we saw the show at all. Having arranged it with the staff, they went home without leaving the keys to the shuttle van and the evening staff member who was here wasn't overly interested in taking us anyway. The show however was very entertaining and well worth going to.
Getting tickets for the concert on Friday night unfortunately didn't happen. We returned to House on Fire on Thursday only to find out that they had sold them all the day before! Sometimes things are just not to be, so we will be leaving Friday morning instead. It would have been nice to go, but there are plenty of other things that we can do as we head south along the coast.
Problems aside it has been a lovely place to spend a few days. We have met some great people, enjoyed the scenery and of course sunk a few beers.
Unless something comes up, we will be heading out of Swaziland within the next few days and back into South Africa. Our internet has not been working here, so it will be good to get the blog up to date again!
No comments:
Post a Comment