Woke up early, as usual, but today it's not us that's drained and tired, it's Katryn. My girl just refused to get out of bed. Dante tried his best to lure his sister out of the tent, but she didn't want to budge. I must say, I didn't feel like getting up either, so we decided we'd put in a day's rest, called my sister Natasha, invited her to spend the day with us at Jopie Fourie Kampterrein. We also let the caretakers of this camp site know that we'd be staying another day, and this is how we met Chris du Preez. He came around to unlock all facilities, and was kind enough to bring camp chairs, gas for hot water, and anything we might need.
This was the most entertaining, interesting man I have met in a long time. We spoke for hours about the Voortrekkers, our culture, where we all came from, and great people who have defended and died for their country, and their people. We spoke about tradition, and how one should embrace one's tradition, because that is ultimately where you come from, and who you are.
Sometimes we encounter people who are not particularly proud of their heritage or their culture, and who try to reinvent themselves, by aquiring a new name, or language, and who even trade in their religion. I believe that we were all born to a certain culture, for a reason. Whatever the reason, is for everyone to discover by themselves. Sure, there are things to be ashamed of, but those are not the things that define a person or their culture, those are mostly deeds implemented by higher authoroties. In my opinion, we are all here to learn from each other, not to deny who we are. Right?
We were just getting warmed up when Natash arrived. Glorious!!! She brought everything that a person who have been on a provita and tuna diet might crave. Steak, crisps, sweets, and Hunters, my favourite! What started out as a lazy day, turned out to be tremendous fun, and one hell of a lesson in history. Well, for me at least.
Even the dogs were energized and happy, because Natasha brought her two dogs, Lady and Lizzy, Dante & Katryn's cousins of course. Only thing, Lizzy is becoming a woman now, so Dante kept to himself, as he wasn't aloud to do unspeakable things. He's such a gentleman, and sat all by himself, trying his best to contain himself.
We tried to get the bargeque going, but apparantly we didn't have the right firewood for this, so had to dash out and get some, after many futile attempts to get enough coals. Maybe it's the Hunters, but we had a fabulous dinner in the end. I must say, I didn't quite know how well sleeping arrangements would go, for this camp site is a bit secluded, well, not at all, but we were the only people there, and my sister is scared shitless of anything that makes a sound after it gets dark. It didn't help much that there's a shibeen closeby, and there were many drunken people hanging out in the street below. It all turned out fine though, because it's all good, isn't it?
