Hubby and I were once novices to the world of camping and caravaning. We bought our first caravan four months after we got married. And we have been camping ever since … something we never did as kids, mind you!!! We usually camp over weekends and sometimes for longer periods. We love camping. We get a whole lot of enjoyment out camping. Our kids are just as fond of camping - these days we do it for them most of the time.

We also get a kick out of the enjoyment curiosity of our fellow campers because of our presence in a campsite. Strange but true. People are ALWAYS amazed at our presence in a caravan park.

Since our first caravan trip up until now … our last being this past weekend … we always get the same reaction when we arrive at a campsite. Mind you, we have never been to the same caravan park twice. And we always get asked the same questions from our fellow campers around us … usually in Afrikaans!!

1. Is dit julle eerste kamp? (Is this your first camp?)
2. Julle mense kamp mos nie gereeld nie? (You poeple don’t camp often, do you?)
3. Hoe lyk dit vir my julle sukkel om daai tent op te slaan? (Seems like you guys are having a problem setting up your tent?)
4. Weet julle darem hoe daai ding werk? (Do you at least know how to use that thing?)
5. Haai, dit lyk of julle darem vorder? (Glad to see you guys have progressed.)

Other observations we have made over the years …

1. People stop and stare as we enter our chosen camp site …. ALWAYS!!!
2. Once we start setting up camp, people watch us (usually from a distance) as if they’re watching a local soap opera.
3. The first trip to the ablutions block is usually met with a stiff smile and at times a cold stare.
4. People secretly walk past our campsite to “check” on us.
5. By Sunday afternoon, when we get ready to leave we are heroes silently admired, all because we survived the weekend.

It is so much fun for hubby and I to compare “notes” from our last caravan trip. I must also add that we met very friendly and “helpfull” people on our journeys, too.

Some of the joys of living in South Africa camping!!!