Tuesday evening brings a welcome change from dinner for one in the Park, Ben has more Protea specialists staying with in the shape of Jane and Chris, accompanied this time by their boss, Kent, and fellow colleague Bronwyn, who remains quiet for most of the evening, yet has us all in stitches when she asks deadpan, 'Ben have you decorated the house yourself or used an interior designer?'. Let me explain, Bens place is..... err what you would say an acquired taste, an unusual choice of colours, add an eclectic mix of furniture and assorted nik naks, then you are about there. LivingEtc it ain't!
Bontebok staff join forces with CapeNature on Wednesday evening to distribute informative Baboon leaflets to Swellendam residents affected by these somewhat troublesome primates. The issue being the town is encroaching into the baboons habitat. We believe a minority of residents have been feeding the baboons, this attracting the baboons into people gardens and quickly making them fearless of human presence and quite intimidating. Feedback is generally positive, although Phiebe heatedly explains that when the residents see baboons, they see black people. The conflict between baboons and humans becoming a race issue...... seriously who would have thought it?!? As we are in town, Bulelwa, Phiebe and myself take the opportunity to dine out at Mattsens.
The rest of the working week is taken up with preparation for World Environment Week, racing around town trying to generate sponsorship and prizes, I feel I am meeting myself coming backwards.
On the most part I find people welcoming and quite generous, considering I am new to the area and English speaking. Although I am disappointed by a couple of local firms that will remain nameless, I have approached companies that are either suppliers for the Park or that I have personally used. I get a bee in my bonnet about not using the firms that aren't prepared to support us, at this rate there will be nowhere for me to eat out. Ummm I think I might have to reconsider!
