The conversations between us have changed since we were back home, especially now that we are camping in the national parks of southern Africa where things are a little different….
In London: I don’t think we can park here as it’s a resident’s parking bay.
In the bush: I don’t think we can set up the tent here as it’s on the hippo path as they come out of the river.
In London: I don’t think we can go down this road as there are roadworks.
In the bush: I don’t think we can go down this road as there are some elephants crossing.
In London: Watch out for that pothole!
In the bush: Watch out for that elephant turd!
In London: Can you hang out the washing to dry, please?
In the bush: Can you figure out where to string up the washing lines, please?
In London: Can you watch the sauce doesn’t boil ever while I chop the veggies, please?
In the bush: Can you scare away the baboons while I chop the veggies, please?
In London: Can you lay the table while I plate up?
In the bush: Can we move the table as there’s a buffalo behind me?
In London: Can you put the kettle on while I do the washing up?
In the bush: Can you scan for hyenas with your torch while I do the washing up?
In London: Ten o’clock – I think I’m going to go to bed soon.
In the bush: Eight o’clock – I think I’m going to go to bed soon.
In London: Shhh, what’s that sound? I think it’s one of the taps dripping.
In the bush: Shhh, what’s that sound? I think it’s a hippo under our roof tent.
In London: Shhh, what’s that sound? I think someone’s trying to break in?
In the bush: Shhh, what’s that sound? I think there are hyenas just behind the car.
In London: I wonder where those police sirens are coming from?
In the bush: I wonder how close those lions roaring are?
In London: Wow, come and look at this bill from the gas company. I think they’re overcharging us.
In the bush: Wow, come and look at these footprints under our roof tent. I think we were visited by a leopard last night.
In London: A: Ven, stop snoring! V: It’s not me, you’re just imagining it!
In the bush: A: Ven, stop snoring! V: It’s not me, it’s the hippo!
(Ven making a hasty return to the car)
(Image: Frank Zoon)
(Putting the kettle on)
(Imagine the size of the elephant!)
(Should we move away from the buffalo?)
(Laundry day)
(Visitors in the night)
(Did we have to go through the deep end?)
(Elephant eyeing up our car to the left)
(Oh no, not the clean laundry)
(Think you need to move out of the way…)
(Phew, no interest in Ven)