Heart of Africa Read Online Free PDF

wonderful choice for the first-time visitor. Letaba is roughly in the middle of the park with lovely terrain, a fantastic view over the river, and loads of animals. You’re in possession of a good camera I hope? Not just your smart phone?”
    “Now, in that department, I’m prepared. I brought a Nikon with a telephoto lens. Cost me an arm and a leg, but I’m praying it’s worth it.” I suddenly felt very cheerful. This pleasant conversation with an attractive man made me feel younger and happier than I’d been in a long time. Maybe this would turn out to be a grand adventure and a tonic for my frazzled nerves after all.
    Sophie arrived with Peter’s red wine in one hand and a savory pasta dish in the other.
    “Do you work in the park?” I asked as he sprinkled parmesan cheese on his pasta.
    “Sometimes. I’m a private game guide and if I have a job, I take people through the park depending on their needs. Generally I concentrate on the northern reaches of the park, but I’ve worked all regions of the reserve. I conduct night drives, walking safaris, and guided jeep tours. But I also, because I’m a free agent associated with different travel bureaus, focus on the far north in Botswana. One of my specialties is the Okavango Delta, conducting boat tours. But, I’m off right now. Came down here to see my sister Elizabeth. She married a chap from Cape Town and works as a tour guide in Stellenbosch.”
    “The wine country?”
    “That’s right. She hosts day excursions to several of the better-known wineries on the route that include tasting, a gourmet meal, and an opportunity to meet the owners and visit their cellars.”
    I sipped my own delicious South African wine. “Sounds like a heavenly job.”
    “It is. Elizabeth lived in Namibia for about five years before moving to South Africa, so she speaks fluent German and Dutch. It’s a good gig for her.”
    An inspiration hit me. “I’m returning to Cape Town for the last leg of my trip in about ten days. Do you think you could set me up with a wine tour?”
    Peter grinned. “Your wish is my command. I’ll call her tonight. Just give me a couple of dates so Elizabeth can organize something special for you. Maybe I could tag along and give her unwanted critiques about her guiding techniques.”
    “I’m sure your sister would appreciate that.”
    He laughed. “It would all be in good fun. Elizabeth’s used to me ribbing her about whatnot.”
    “But won’t you have a job yourself?”
    “I’ll be free at that time. I’ll make certain of it.”
    Blushing, I quickly concentrated on my plate and devoured the remaining chunks of delicious fish while listening to Peter speak about Anne Bernard, the original owner of the hotel who, nothing less than adventurous, had left her native England with a husband twelve years her junior to man a post in the wilds of Africa.
    “When Andrew took over the position of governor at the Cape of Good Hope, Anne’s breeding and exceptional ability to adapt came in handy,” stated Peter. “Feeling out of sorts with all the back-biting intrigue she discovered at Table Bay, Anne opted to build her own house, and look at what a house it turned out to be.”
    “She must have been an amazing woman to visit a wild country thousands of miles away from her home and not only survive, but prosper.” I could only wish I were half so brave, and I sighed. Finished with my dinner, I pushed my plate away, dabbing at my mouth with the white linen napkin provided.
    Peter Leigh reached for the crystal salt shaker and peered at it as if were the most interesting accoutrement in the world. 
    “It’s a brave thing to venture somewhere completely foreign and make a go of it. Brave indeed, particularly for a woman.” He gazed directly at me, and a slight shiver trailed down my spine.
    “You mentioned earlier that some of Anne Bernard’s items are located in the gallery of the hotel?” How I managed to make the words come out so steady was