Tea and Rusks

My writing done, I join M and his mother on the other side of the large stoep for a second cup of tea and a rusk. We're still in our pyjamas. M's Dad sleeps.

We look out over the long grass, through the perimeter fence, and out at the bush. I enjoy my tea with a South African rusk. I have never taken to dunking the large dry biscuit in my tea as most South Africans do. Not because I don't like my rusk a little soggy from the hot drink - I just don't enjoy drinking my tea with the rusk bits that end up floating in the tea cup.

I crunch the rusk and sip my tea. We discuss the wild life we saw the previous day driving to Talamati, our bush camp: elephant, giraffe, buffalo, water buck, zebra, roan antelope, blue wildebeest and crocodile. We have hopeful expectations for our first full day in the Park. More of the same, plus lion, rhino and leopard to compliment the elephant and buffalo we have already spotted of the Big Five.

The morning sun warms us. My skin becomes increasingly clammy. We shower morning and evening freshening ourselves from the cloying humidity of the Lowveld. My rusk is finished; my tea cup empty. It's almost 8 o'clock and time to get the morning underway.

I head indoors. M calls quietly, "Wait. Come look." Stealthily, I settle back in my chair. On the fence is a Woodlands Kingfisher. The Kruger Park has an abundance of wild animals; its draw card. But it is also a spectacular showcase of South Africa's prolific and varied bird life.

We have already feasted our eyes on the magnificent Lilac Breasted Roller, the European Roller, the Yellow Billed Hornbill and the striking Carmine Bee Eater. Now it is the turn of the kingfisher. Of all God's birds, I have a special regard for the kingfisher.

My fondness for this fisher of kings stems from our newlywed days living in Johannesburg. A Brown Hooded Kingfisher moved into our neighbourhood. I could spy it flitting in our back yard when I was in the kitchen. It was company for us when M and I gardened in the front or enjoyed a cup of tea on the patio. This busy bird probably never even noticed us but, for me, it was part of the rhythm of our lives and part of our family: two adults, a dog, a cat and an uncaged bird.

When we sold our townhouse in preparation for our move to Canada, M's brother and family adopted Annie, our Staffie, my parents adopted Cheshire, our black and white cat, and our unnamed kingfisher stayed behind in the neighbourhood. I was sorry to say goodbye to all of them.

Tea, rusks and a kingfisher: no matter how many animals we may see today, I have already had a taste of Africa this morning.