Monday 29th December 2025
There must have been a breakdown in communication as last night we made it clear we wouldn’t be joining the Safari party and would have a lie in. The train manager told us to come to breakfast at 0900hrs and breakfast would be available. We did arrive early, 0845hrs to be met by someone who informed us breakfast had ended three and a half hours ago!!! We told him about the arrangement discussed to which he sort of shuffled about a said he would see what he could “rustle up”, we didn’t want to disrupt what was clearly the kitchen’s staff time to themselves and asked for tea/coffee and if possible toast. A few minutes later this all arrived but so did a very smart, “fully-dressed” waiter and took over and tried to persuade us to have some eggs at least; we think being early. “ left-footed” them, this waiter had obviously been informed of the arrangements and had to be here for 0900hrs, which of course he was!!!
Walking to the breakfast car and back to the Lounge was like walking a ghost train, there was nobody about, spooky, “everybody” had gone on the safari. So after a little time on our own in the lounge we headed back to our cabin.
Last night we had slept in the big super double bed that stretched from wall to wall but with no provision or shelf to place for my breathing machine, we had to turn about and have our pillows the other end. We then placed two chairs to stop losing them and also I could put my machine on the chair as well. This morning we left a note for Bronwyn asking her to remove the centre board so we had two single beds. When we arrived back in our cabin, the deed had been completed, much better, thank you Bronwyn.
Lunch is set for 12-noon so headed out on the “long trek” to the observation car stopping along the way to chat to a couple who had been on the Safari; they were very disappointed, 4-hours driving around and saw “nothing”, good decision made by us last night!!! We arrived at the bar in the observation car, ordered a couple of drinks, and headed to the outside where we could hear first, then see the South Africans we met up with last night. “Come on and join us” they said and shuffled up to find us two seats then went straight into a well rehearsed talk about everything they’d seen on Safari. At this point we mentioned we had already heard from other passengers about this morning’s adventure, rather deflated they changed the subject, still we had a good laugh before the lunchtime “gong” went.
Christine arrived in the dining car first but soon followed by the South Africans and was immediately asked if we would like to make up a table of four. Etienne and Lynette, the couple who live in Romsey who were great company and a two- hour lunch flew. Also in their party was Ray (his brother) and Sally his wife. We then all headed back to our cabins for a siesta before heading back for another four course meal layer.
Tonight we headed back to the observation car for our usual apéritif, and as usual it was filled with of South Africans all partying, so naturally joined in, until the gong went.
We arrived at the restaurant car and this time joined another South African couple, Michael and Gisela for anther enjoyable couple of hours of banter. After dinner the “ladies” made their excuses and left Michael and I to enjoy a few Expresso Martinis!!! Bed eventually called, and we headed into opposite directions. The good news is the train is stationary and we are in in Bulawayo for the night.