Hello and welcome to issue 10 of the langeberger, the figurative finger on the pulse of the Lodge. Jislaaik, man, we’ve got news for you this time…But first we step back in time and let our fingers do some walking through the annals of South African history.
The Voortrekkers were pioneers who sought freedom from rules, regulations and taxes imposed by central government. They packed their belongings, extended families and provisions in ox wagons and headed east from the Cape to find new lands which they could call their own. They were resourceful people whose legendary adaptability is summed up by the phrase, ‘maak ‘n plan’ (make a plan). It’s said that the most treasured possessions of the men folk were: a good woman, a trusty rifle, strong oxen, the Bible (although not necessarily in that order).
Joy and I are pleased to report that the spirit of ‘maak ‘n plan’ is not only alive and well but much in evidence in our own dorpie (small town). Last night, after dark, we made our customary check on the estate before turning in for the night and we noticed an extra vehicle in our car park. Was it an ox wagon? No, I was pretty sure of that. Was it a car? Yes, we thought so, but with a large mysterious rectangular object attached to the roof. What could it mean? Taking my trusty Maglite with me, I strode off to investigate. A young woman got out of the car to meet me, leaving her male escort inside, at the wheel.
Joy and I are pleased to report that the spirit of ‘maak ‘n plan’ is not only alive and well but much in evidence in our own dorpie (small town). Last night, after dark, we made our customary check on the estate before turning in for the night and we noticed an extra vehicle in our car park. Was it an ox wagon? No, I was pretty sure of that. Was it a car? Yes, we thought so, but with a large mysterious rectangular object attached to the roof. What could it mean? Taking my trusty Maglite with me, I strode off to investigate. A young woman got out of the car to meet me, leaving her male escort inside, at the wheel.
Hi, I said, what’s going down? – or words to that effect.
“Ja but it’s all right”, she said, “we’re staying with Mr and Mrs X (name omitted to protect the guilty) for the night”, pointing to one of our guest cottages.
How can this be, I thought, my brain working overtime, there’s only one king-size bed in the room. Are they….? And then I looked more closely at the large object tied to the car’s roof: it was a double mattress!
Unfortunately and in the nicest possible way of course, I had to rain on their parade. Afterwards at a top-level management meeting Joy and I formulated the following policy statement:
Unfortunately and in the nicest possible way of course, I had to rain on their parade. Afterwards at a top-level management meeting Joy and I formulated the following policy statement:
"We, the Management, wish to eliminate any possible confusion by stating unequivocally that guests are NOT required to bring their own mattresses. We are delighted to provide a mattress for every paying guest – at no extra charge."
We can’t say fairer than that.
Now, had our night visitors actually arrived by ox wagon, that might have been a different story - true to the legacy of the Voortrekkers, we would have been obliged to 'maak 'n plan'.
If you have been, thanks for reading our ‘blog’ and a “Happy New Year” to you.
Adios amigos,
Chris
Now, had our night visitors actually arrived by ox wagon, that might have been a different story - true to the legacy of the Voortrekkers, we would have been obliged to 'maak 'n plan'.
If you have been, thanks for reading our ‘blog’ and a “Happy New Year” to you.
Adios amigos,
Chris
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