Our first walk in the local area almost ends in a shooting. I suppose we were trespassing.
First, let me describe the local geography. We live in a rambling house down Bamboo Lane (I have helpfully translated all names from the Afrikaans). We are one of four houses situated on the one side of a narrow valley. Bamboo Lane runs to the end of the valley and then winds up the hill to the top of the other side, where there is a small collection of farm labourer's houses.
As the road curves at the bottom of the valley, a footpath heads off up the valley; this is the path we choose to take.
There are five of us, including little Miss F. who is strapped into Phil's backpack. She alternates between 'out-of-breath' crying and giggling happiness - sometimes within a 1 minute period. This is probably not good when you have just crossed a fence and are technically trespassing - stealth is usually what is required.
To be fair the fence has been trampled down and the footpath does, obviously continue on up the hill. At the top we survey the view, and slowly become aware that someone from across the valley is shouting at us. "I think she's saying, 'turn back - here comes the boer, he'll shoot us'", I say, rather calmly I thought. We hastily retreat to the safety of the fence, with Miss F urging us on loudly.
Later we question our cleaner, Poplap (which according to my Groot Woordeboek, translates as Ragdoll?). Yes, she says, the farmer who owns that land is a 'lelike' man - ugly man, who tends to shoot at anyone trespassing on his land.
Later still, our friend in the village is astounded by our story, as she says she walks there frequently.
It doesn't stop us from climbing over another fence a few days later though.
"Well, this is another fine mess you've gotten us into"
