Wash

“I guess since I’ve grown up, I’ve never really slowed down enough to think about it. I feel like I’ve been on the move for years, like I’m always in a hurry, speeding down some freeway I can’t pull off of without crashing. Maybe I do need to stop and smell the roses…and the cottonwoods.”

“Well, it’s admirable to work hard, but you should work to live, not live to work. It’s all about balance. I’ve learned a lot of lessons since you knew me before, and that’s one of them.”

“Gee, Mr. Miyagi, now can you teach me to stand like a crane on a log long enough to kick someone in the face?”

“Lesson not just karate only. Lesson for whole life. Whole life have a balance, everything be better. Understand?” he said, his Okinawan mentor impression not much better than his John Wayne, which made me laugh at him all over again.

Chapter 9

We spent a couple days relaxing and marveling at the Grand Canyon before we headed out for our next stop, the Royal Malewane, located on the Thornybush Game Reserve and adjacent to Kruger National Park in South Africa. It was one of Africa’s most popular places to stay and home to the big five: buffalo, elephant, leopard, lion, and rhino.

When we arrived in Johannesburg, we had to take one more flight on a small plane, as that was the only way to reach our destination other than driving five to seven hours. The flight was a little bumpy, but we got there in an hour in a half, and I was thankful when we landed safely on a dirt airstrip.

Two friendly men were waiting for us in an open-top Land Rover. “It’s so wonderful to meet you, Jake and Ashly,” one said. “I’ll be serving as your tracker and guide for the duration of your stay. My name is Anto.” He had dark skin and a beautiful smile.

I shook his hand. “It’s nice to meet you.”

“This is Derrick,” Anto said. “He is your ranger.”

I smiled and shook Derrick’s hand as well.

They popped open the trunk and took care of our luggage, then started the engine and sped off.

I couldn’t stop staring at the animals all around me. Shouting in excitement, I pointed to impala trampling through the bush. I looked over at Jake and saw that he was grinning from ear to ear, also enjoying our safari.

When we arrived, we walked up a wooden walkway to the entrance, where we were greeted by smiling faces. Several people handed us cool towels and tropical fruit drinks, greeting us like royalty and instantly making us feel welcomed.

I took a long sip of my refreshing drink and thanked the woman who had handed it to me. “Mmm! Very good,” I said, nodding at her.

The woman’s gaze drifted from Jake to me. “You make beautiful couple,” she said.

I bit my lip and looked at Jake awkwardly.

He just shrugged at me, then smiled at the woman. “We are having a wonderful time together, and we can’t wait to experience Africa.”

“It’s a beautiful place,” she said. “I hope you enjoy your stay with us here.”

Jake went with the manager to check us in, leaving me to talk to the woman.

She smiled sweetly at me. “Please come. I escort you to your suite.”

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As she led me down the boardwalk, my gaze drifted out toward the bush. Elephants roamed freely, and giraffes stretched their necks to munch on leaves. I couldn’t stop gaping; I’d never seen an elephant or giraffe roaming free, outside a cage.

All the suites were elevated on stilts and reminded me of bungalows. Ours was spacious and decorated with dark wood furniture, a beautiful fireplace, a dining room, a kitchen, a bedroom, a bathroom with a Victorian bathtub next to a floor-to-ceiling glass window and shower, antiques, and a huge canopy bed. It was more like an apartment than any suite I’d ever been in, and the whole layout took my breath away. There was a fully stocked bar, and the refrigerator was filled with soda, snacks, and candy.

I glanced out the huge windows in the living room and could see our private outdoor terrace and a lovely view of the bush. There were no curtains, so I had a clear, panoramic view every time I looked out. We even had our own wraparound wooden deck, a plunge pool, and thatched gazebo. I couldn’t believe there was a cabana, an outdoor living area with sofas and a dining table, and even an outside shower. I smiled at the champagne chilling in a fancy silver bucket of ice.

Sweat was pouring down my back, so I decided it was time to cool off. I quickly changed into my bathing suit and climbed into the plunge pool that overlooked a clearing in the untamed African bush. It was refreshing, and as I looked around me, I couldn’t believe where I was. I was surrounded by plush green, a choir of birds I’d never heard before, and a chorus of monkeys, as well, lullabied by the trickling, soothing water coming from the plunge pool.

“We’re all checked in,” Jake said when he returned. “You gotta take a look around this place. There’s a library, a shop, a swimming pool, a spa, and more. I’m gonna hit the gym after we settle in.” He opened up the champagne, then handed me a glass. “Mind if I join you?” he asked casually.

I reached for the glass and thanked him. “I’ll be out in a few minutes. Then it’s all yours.”

He nodded and headed back inside.

I sprawled out and enjoyed my scenic view for a while longer, until a grunt echoed in the air, causing me to drop my glass of champagne. A chill shot down my spine as I anxiously glanced around. “Hey, Jake! Something’s out here!” I shouted.