In 1996, after our 18-month trip through Australia and southern Africa, we visited Zimbabwe and the Eastern Highlands for the first time. Back then, almost thirty years younger, we climbed around in the mountains. Sometimes on all fours and we were exhausted when we returned to camp. (We don’t feel like it anymore – everything in its own time! After two days of driving, we enjoy the peace and quiet and the beautiful surroundings. We leave the scrambling and climbing to the younger ones!)

The farmhouse where we set up camp on the campsite houses horses, chickens and cows. Mildred, the housekeeper, milked them yesterday and brought us two liters of fresh milk (US$ 2.-). (I thought of my grandfather on his farm who milked the cows early in the morning so that we had fresh milk for breakfast. Grandmother skimmed off the cream to make butter, which was cooled in the well water – there were no refrigerators back then! Beautiful memories of a wonderful youth!)

But we not only get milk here, but also fresh eggs from the chickens that peck their food in the area. They are accompanied by proud roosters that mount them every now and then and alert us with their crowing early in the morning, at 4 am., that a new, beautiful day is about to dawn. (The sun rises behind the mountains shortly after five o’clock.)

Last night we had a grilled ostrich fillet with potatoes and pumpkin. The meal was accompanied by a Chenin Blanc for the aperitif and a Shiraz with the meal. For dessert we had Lindt chocolate, an espresso, a Vega Fina and a (small) glass of Irish whiskey. We sat in front of the flickering fire, watched the full moon rise behind the mountains and warmed ourselves for a cool night. (The temperature drops to 6° C at night and guarantees a refreshing sleep!) Can life be more beautiful?