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As I sit here working, catching up on e-mails, trying to make sense of the Covid-19 pandemic, a hyena laughs in the distance. It also started raining softly \u2013 a welcome relief from yesterday\u2019s heat. And so, life goes on… Even though it is 04:00 in the morning, during the start of our three-week lockdown, somehow sitting on the porch, listening to these sounds, the world around us seems fine. And the situation feels surreal.<\/p>\n
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The past few weeks have been chaotic, with more admin than anyone in the travel industry have possibly had to handle before. We had cancellations, postponements, altered travel arrangements… Guests and travel partners alike experienced\u00a0 a roller coaster of emotions \u2013 some upset, difficult, or scared, while others were more understanding and kind. We tried our utmost best to be as accommodating and helpful as possible. We started long before dusk and worked late into the evenings. We send out a newsletter with our postponement and updated cancellation policy when it first started and now that already seems like a distant memory. Another lifetime. We committed to review all correspondence on a case-by-case basis and to try and find an amicable solution for everyone involved. As always, we were transparent and honest. Meetings were held, conference calls were made, decisions were made. I ended the first Covid-19 newsletter by quoting Einstein: \u201cIn the midst of a crisis, lies great opportunity.\u201d I still truly belief this. It is just a matter of your perspective, in a sense.<\/p>\n
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From the beginning, when the virus first spread to South Africa, I told Etienne that this would be a \u201cshow of character\u201d opportunity for everyone. And it was indeed. It still is, daily. We would therefore like to thank our very loyal staff members, guests and travel partners for your continued support and understanding during this unprecedented time. We have worked tirelessly to find the best possible solution for our staff members. Most have been sent home to be with their loved ones. Etienne and I have committed to bring them back to the lodge, as soon as things return to normal.<\/p>\n
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Etienne jnr. spent the first six years of his life on the farm and now we have returned as a family for the interim. We celebrated his 12th<\/sup> birthday at EP. And although we did not plan anything at all, Tersia and Angelique decided to surprise him with a banner at the entrance to the lodge. Yoland\u00e9 baked the most delicious, beautifully decorated cake. We sang together. It was a good birthday.\u00a0Martin also now has the opportunity to settle into life in the bush, for an extended period. Although tough times lie ahead and there are a lot of uncertainties for everyone, this remains a special time for us as a family.<\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_code _builder_version=”4.4.2″]