Big garden and bigger heart

When we got back from our weekend break to Magaliesburg in October, Chantal booked another weekend away almost immediately. The break had done us a great deal of good. We knew that we had to be more intentional about taking time away and the only way was to book there and then. No excuses.

It was time once again to take a short drive out of town and to the countryside. We had chosen a different hotel to visit, Whispering Pines Country Estate. One neither of us had been to before. It had decent ratings on Booking.com and the rooms looked spacious, certainly big enough to fit in a yoga mat for Chantal’s morning practice.

On Friday morning we packed our bags with grey skies and dripping weather in mind. After two meetings and a document that needed to be finished, we set off.

Matthew chose not to follow the route that Google Maps had selected. The last time it had taken us on roads congested with multiple traffic light intersections and to the vehicle-constricted Hendrick Potgieter Road. Matthew had not been impressed.

This time he went his own way and barring a particularly potholed section in Magaliesburg, we did good time with little incident. Chantal, as mostly always, kept her head down and crocheted.

Warm welcomes

We arrived at the small hotel having traversed a short corrugated sand road. It was a welcome change after veering from one side to the other to miss pond sized potholes on the tar road adjacent to it. The security guard at the entrance greeted us enthusiastically and checked the log for our names.

“Welcome,” he said, “We hope you enjoy your stay with us.” He waved us through the gate with a wide smile.

“That was a good start,” commented Chantal.

We drove past rolling green lawns edged with bright orange cannas. The spacious front garden was shaded by oak trees far older than the buildings around them. Paths ran between grassy expanses and ponds were fed by bubbling streams and tiny waterfalls.

The reception area was quiet but a friendly staff member helped us check in and pointed us to our room.

We unpacked and settled in. Matthew put on the television to check that we would be able to watch rugby the next day. He let the tennis hum quietly in the background as we read on the patio.

Power outage

The next morning we woke to a power outage. Something had blown on a pole somewhere. It required replacing. Eskom had been notified.

We didn’t mind, as long as we were able to watch the Springboks play Italy at 14h40 we were fine. We were assured the power would be restored by then and the generator fed the bar area that had a big screen tv so we had nothing to worry about.

After a hearty breakfast we went for a walk. The cooler weather and overcast skies made it particularly pleasant. The views were magnificent. Recent rains had turned the hills emerald. The surrounding fields looked more Cotswolds than Magaliesburg, but the Piet-my-vrou reminded us that we were definitely in South Africa.

By two ‘o clock the power was still not back and it had started to drizzle. True to their word, the bar area was lit up and warm. The staff scrambled to change the channel from ubiquitous soccer to rugby and we settled in for an afternoon of sport.

Arbitrary decisions detract

Italy as a rugby team have really improved this year. They are passionate, quick and determined. They were playing at home in Turin in front of a feisty crowd. The Springbok team selected were mainly young up and coming players, with a few older stalwarts to create the structure and settle the high spirits.

This was going to be a great game of rugby. Until it wasn’t. Just over eleven minutes into the game another permanent red card was flashed at another Springbok player. It was a very bad call and the start of a game of little officiating consistency, and unsound match play management by the officials.

We don’t like to complain about the ref, he is only human after all, but this performance was unsatisfactory. It negatively impinged on a game we were all looking forward to – for both sides. The Springboks had to play with 14 men for the rest of the game. The coaching staff had to make quick changes to mitigate the mess.

The Springboks still won, convincingly. However, any celebrations were tinged with disappointment for the player sent off, the players that had such little time on the field because of replacement requirements, and the concern that arbitrary decisions such as these could have disastrous effects for the game.

The rugby world spent the remainder of the weekend talking about the reffing instead of the playing. Nobody wants that.

A leaky roof did not deter

Overnight the drizzle turned into a downpour. Matthew was woken at 3am by dripping that he knew meant a leak. It turned out to be right above the bed. A dazed and confused Chantal helped him move the bed out of the way of the wet and placed a dustbin to catch the splatters.

We fell into a deep sleep on a bed islanded in the middle of the floor. And just as well because the morning light revealed a further leak above the window and a mini river running along the wall and under the bed.

“It’s heavy rains that reveal the weaknesses,” said Chantal as she set up her yoga mat on a dry spot on the floor.

“Could be loose roof tiles or clogged gutters,” remarked Matthew.

We notified the assistant manager on our way to breakfast. He was very apologetic.

“It’s fine,” said Matthew waving his apology away, “These things happen. It’s not your fault.”

Attitude and acceptance

In the dining room sat two very disgruntled customers. The two women complained about their accommodation and the lack of Wi-Fi in their room. They accused the venue of lying to them. They did so loudly and rudely, enrolling the couple at the table next to them in the process.

“I can’t believe they are being so difficult just because of Wi-Fi,” sighed Matthew, rolling his eyes.

The rooms did not have Wi-Fi. The configuration of the units, which were small independent cottage-like structures built up and around the hill, made it particularly difficult to install. There was Wi-Fi at the main building, including the business lounge.

“Imagine if they had a leak or experienced the power outage yesterday,” said Chantal.

We felt distressed for the staff who had to attend to an issue beyond their control. In spite of the inclement weather, the power outage and the leaky roof, we had a great stay. We would be back. We made certain to tell the staff that.

It’s all about attitude and acceptance, really. We know how hard it is to run a small business, especially one that is so client facing. We know how easy it is to give these establishments negative reviews and bad mouth them on social media.

Power outages are a thing, especially in the countryside, leaky roofs happen, wifi is not a given. The positive attitude of the staff, their smiles and warmth made all the difference to our stay. This small establishment with its big garden and bigger heart ensured that we will be returning for both.

Until next time.

Yours in feeling,
Chantal & Matthew

Credits for this issue — Images: 5th Place