Captains of Industry Sleepout at Ndlovu Lodge

29/6/2021

Good morning Sunshines ☀️😁
I am waking up to the most beautiful morning and thinking of you both. Thank you so much for accepting my late plea to visit with you and your evening 🤗

Finding you was a mission without GPS but coming up your driveway gave me a sense of peace and curiosity to arriving at your grand entrance with the most spectacular views. I not only loved your entrance but all of these intriguing hand made massively creative chandeliers and lights, décor, colors.

I absolutely loved your host, Emmanuel who is very warm, charming, professional, willing and simply delightful who gave me an envelope and a ticket to keep with me till dinner.
He communicated well with protocols and that I should first settle in the rooms and join you in the boma but that he would show me after I settled.

Coming into the room was a lovely experience while climbing up the staircase with all the intriguing trophies, knowing that this place has had shared many stories and walking on the balcony with a spectacular view to a warm, cozy room with everything needed (PS. the basin leaks from under the sink down) but ❤️ all the features.

I took my time to settle with preparing my toiletries, dressing gown, bed socks and a hot water bottle and freshen up from the trip and my shitty day.

Once I came out of the room I just saw lights flickering and knowing that although the city is on your doorstep, you get a sense of nostalgia of what those views looked like but still surrounded by nature, followed by coming down the grand staircase with the sound of the fountain creating a peaceful but charming atmosphere with a wonderful but subtle choice of music.

Emmanuel escorted me to the boma and felt as if I was approaching a different world with a beautiful fire and torches creating a soft ambience and a warm welcoming drink concocted just for us.

Prem warmly said hello with all of the protocols in place like seeing an old friend and joined by Ruby with the same welcoming in her true fashion.

We were introduced to the other couples also in the tourism industry. After all this was a purposeful private invitation to people in the industry.

I took the opportunity to talk about KwaThabisile and could not resist to highlight Dinokeng and our Dinokeng.co.za project and passion.

It was great to be able to share our experiences and new challenges and how each are being creative in these unprecedented times.

Dinner was ready and brought to our respective tables all well distanced around the fireplace. We were then explained our menu which really got my attention and appetite.

The starter was equally as beautiful in its taste and presentation and dinner was awesome.

Then Prem presented us with instructions on a game for the evening and had to open our envelopes and ticket. Ours had to do with belief, obstacles and opportunities (Prem will know) & the ticket had a name of a staff member with whom would team up with this game. Each person in the team had to choose a word and be able to talk for a minute about what this word meant to them. What an awesome way to connect on an equal level with the people who serve you and create a meaningful and memorable experience with you where each person walks away in a positive way.

The evening was followed by general chitchat in the most comfortable lounge, again sharing conversations with fellow travelers

The evening ended in a warm, beautiful room and waking up to a well deserved sleep ready for the morning and delicious breakfast.

Ruby gave me a personal tour of Ndlovu Lodge which has many wonderful ideas and plans for the future while taking things in their stride while of living out their dreams, living in their most beautifully set cottage, privately set in nature with the most wonderful views.
Upon coming back breakfast was served on the deck in the fresh morning air and sunshine ☀️

Here we ended up chatting and talking about ideas while creating collaborations for the future before saying our goodbyes to new friends

A massive Thank you to Prem and Ruby for sharing your special space and inviting us to participate in your ideas. I am looking forward to collaborate with you on other projects.

I most certainly do hope that Kay and I get another invite when times permits it and look forward to seeing you again with your amazing hospitality which shows with your lovely staff compliment.

Wishing you much success in your venture and future

Lots of love

Author

Alex Roesingh - KwaThabisile Game Lodge & Dinokeng.co.za

The Chirp