Rosh Pinah. No, this is not some Jewish public holiday. It’s a small town, even smaller than the one I was born in, but it’s a place I’ve frequented fairly often in my development years. I have an aunt & uncle whom I dearly love that lives there. Plus their added extras – children, grandchildren – which always makes for great visits every now and again.

From our farm (see Early Days) it’s roughly a 3 to 4 hour drive depending on how much you stop, plus add in the delay of a district dirt road that might not be in tip-top shape. It’s my Uncle Wil’s (short for Willie) birthday today and who needs a better excuse than that to get together and celebrate. Here I would like to deviate from the story and just state: In our family, we like to eat… a lot! More about this later.

We hit the road early on Friday. Dad, Mom and I. Plus my nephew and niece – my brothers’ kids. The intention was to have enough time to stop off at the Fish River Canyon viewpoint at Hobas. Good progress was made since the district dirt roads were in such shape that it was almost like driving on tar anyway. This is usually the case in Namibia, unlike most African countries where your vehicle would need some serious 4×4 capabilities to even start considering a rural road.

Before we could get to the viewpoint, we were intrigued by what seemed like an oasis in the middle of nowhere – The Canon Roadhouse. What lovely and quaint accommodation! Even though we weren’t staying over, I thought to myself how much I would look forward to end a long, dusty day on the road at this establishment. Their theme is obviously “roadhouse” with the wrecks of old cars featuring everywhere – outdoors and indoors – in the decor. A lovely dining area with a big bar is open to everyone and we spent a considerable amount of time here.

Next up was the Fish River Canyon viewpoint. Still as magnificent as I remembered it to be. Pictures do not do this place justice. You have to be there to take in the absolutely gob-smacking wonder of it. Mom unpacked the padkos and we nourished our bodies, as well as our eyes with the sheer beauty of nature around us. Please note: we’re eating.

After a few more comfort stops here and there we arrived in Rosh Pinah later in the afternoon. The rest of weekend was quality fa-mi-lia time which went like this: Saturday morning, brekkie at the Wimpy. Followed by birthday cake for lunch and a massive braai (also known as a bbq for those of you who don’t understand Afrikaans) in the evening with a spread that would make Gordon Ramsay weep! My uncle Wil’s is a superb cook!! Sunday was more of the same, leftover chocolate cake for breakfast. Proper Sunday roast at the clubhouse in town and leftover braai in the evening. The pattern: we ate.

The other highlight was the riveting fireworks show that was put on as a farewell gift from one blonde to another. My cousin – one blonde – pulled some strings with the Afrikaans mafia in Rosh Pinah to show her love and devotion to me – the other blonde. Jokes! This is a yearly occurrence in the town apparently organized by some Indians. The ones from India not the Cherokee kind. I have to say I was hugely impressed. For a small town, this show lasted at least longer than 20 minutes and was thoroughly enjoyed by all and sundry. Dankie blondie!

So yes, we ate a lot. Hey… which families don’t!? For me, there is such a lovely spirit of togetherness when you’re all sitting around a table/fire chatting and sharing a meal… blame it on the African in me. Suffice it to say that a ridiculous amount of running had to be done to delete the calories that was put on, but it was definitely worth the sweat. Dankie onkle Wil’s & tannie Lize vir ‘n heerlike naweek!!