African safaris and sunsets

At the beginning of the week, it seemed the notorious Cleveland weather would not loosen its grips on it newest residents! The maximum temperatures at the beginning of the week here in Botswana, would not even crack the 20C mark (68F). Weather this cool is very unusual as it should be in the mid to upper 30's (95F)! But the past 3 days, the African sun fought back and raised the temperature back into the 30's (90F).

The cooler days were mostly spent doing last minute Christmas shopping and stuff to stock up the fridge. Once the weather had warmed up a bit, Nathan and I took advantage of the swimming pool. Yesterday, we all climbed into the Nissan 4x4 and drove to Mokolodi. This is a private game reserve on the outskirts of Gaborone. The beauty of this park, is that only members are allowed to drive themselves in the park, otherwise you would need to climb aboard a game vehicle. Liesel's parents are members so we could enjoy the reserve from the comfort of the air-conditioned Nissan. Another reason we used the Nissan, was that some roads required the use of the 4x4 power delivery! It was a great drive, and the reserve was so lush and green after some good rainfalls a few weeks back. It was difficult to spot the game, since the food and water supply was plentiful, there was no need for them to venture closer to the road or any of the water holes. We did however see a marvellous variety of buck. Kudu and impala were right next to the road as we drove by, and waterbuck and red hartebeests were grazing in the veld nearby! We also spotted the odd ostrich here and there! After the game drive, we sat down at their restaurant for a decent lunch before hitting the tar roads again to get Nathan back home in time for his afternoon nap!



Today we went to Church in the morning. Again the temperature was climbing and the ceiling fans were all rotating furiously, much to Nathan's delight! After the service we came home and had a fantastic lunch, consisting of a roast lamb, potatoes, butternut, salad for those who eat leaves, and then chocolate mousse for dessert. Hmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm, it doesn't get much better than that!

I, again, took advantage of the swimming pool, before dousing myself and family in mosquito repellent. We were heading off to the church's carols by candlelight service. It was held outside on the lawn in front of the church's large cross. Once the sun set, a full moon rose behind the congregation, and the sight was stunning! Nathan seemed to love the service and was singing along with some of the carol's. I guess this is something that you could never do in Cleveland, since a few days ago the temperature was -10C!!


On Wednesday, Nathan and I travel back to Johannesburg for one night, as Liesel and her parents start their 2 day trek down to George! Nathan and I get the privilege of flying down to George, where we will spend 9 more days, hopefully playing on the beaches and swimming in the ocean, so that I get a good African tan to take back home to Cleveland!

Tomorrow evening is when we open our Christmas gifts, but before we do that, I want to wish all my readers a joyous and peaceful Christmas. To those of you in the USA, I hope you get a white Christmas, but Cleveland's weather forecast does not look promising. May God grant you the desires of your heart, as we remember His Son's birth, the reason for the season! Merry Christmas everyone!