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Voices of Botswana: the dancing queen

15/9/2016

10 Comments

 
Chobe Game Lodge, Botswana
By Roxanne Reid
The night is dark, the stars and moon reflected in the Chobe River behind us. We’re in a boma overlooking the water and the smell of good food mixes with the swirl of smoke from the braai and the sound of marimba music. Food, dust, music and smiling faces – this is the meat and marrow of Botswana.

​It was our first evening at Chobe Game Lodge and we were enjoying a traditional supper in the dust-floored boma (outdoor entertainment area). A marimba quartet had been organised to entertain us, their energy impressive, their rhythms infectious. Tapping my toes and swaying in my seat, I noticed that waitress Precious Million couldn’t help moving to the music as she went about her duties.

Precious grew up in Francistown in central Botswana and now lives in the northern town of Kazungula not far from the Chobe National Park. Although she has worked as a bar lady and receptionist, she came to Chobe Game Lodge in 2014 to be a waitress. Here her bubbly personality and bright smile have made her a favourite with the guests.
Chobe Game Lodge, Botswana
Chobe is full of contrasts, like the peace of this river scene compared to the energy of the marimba music
During a lull in her chores, she started dancing in a corner. Before long one of the Australian guests joined her on the brickwork ‘stage’ in front of the marimbas. Together they were the highlight of the unscheduled entertainment, enjoyed even by the grinning marimba players.

‘Although I have two left feet I do enjoy grooving to the beat of the marimba whenever we have boma nights,’ said Precious. ‘Visitors are usually shy but with the right encouragement they can’t resist.’ She confessed that dancing feels like she’s floating on air. ‘It makes me happy and I feel very active afterwards.’

But she has her feet firmly on the ground when it comes to what she wants from life. ‘I’ve always wanted to own and run a business. I love selling clothes and I’m a people person, which makes it easier. One day I hope to have my own stall which will turn into a store and maybe even a franchise. I’m a person who dreams big.’

You go, Precious!
* This is part of a series called Voices of Botswana, which shares the stories of some of the people we met on our Botswana adventure. You can find them all in the people category of this blog.

Copyright © Roxanne Reid - No words, photographs or videos on this site may be used without permission from roxannereid.co.za
10 Comments
Stuart
15/9/2016 11:59:25 am

Awesome post Roxanne. Really enjoying these Voices of Botswana posts. Highlights the true character, nature and friendliness of the people of Botswana. Looking forward to the 30 September Independence Day celebrations there coming up!

Reply
Roxanne
15/9/2016 01:50:47 pm

Really glad to know you're enjoying the series, Stuart. I loved getting to know some backstory to each of these genuinely cool people in the Botswana tourism industry.

Reply
Amanda Williams link
17/9/2016 09:21:06 am

Botswana is my favourite country visited It's awesome that you are focusing on the people you met along the way in Botswana and the stories they have to tell. It really brings the post to life.I am going to go back and check for any posts I missed so far in the series.

Reply
Roxanne
17/9/2016 09:45:28 am

Thanks, Amanda. People are so much part of the positive experience in Botswana after all.

Reply
Laia link
17/9/2016 07:09:34 pm

So cool! some of the best experiences while traveling are the people we meet on the road :)
I really enjoyed reading about Precious, no wonder she's a favorite among the guests! I'm sure she'll have her business and will be successful, people can feel it when someone has a big dream and does something she loves :)

Reply
Roxanne
17/9/2016 08:24:46 pm

I agree about the importance of people you meet when you travel, Laia. It sure adds a deeper dimension to my experiences.

Reply
Stephanie link
17/9/2016 07:34:17 pm

So cool to see the marimba in action. We used to play it at a music class I attended! Love that video! :)

Reply
Roxanne
17/9/2016 08:23:02 pm

Thanks, Stephanie, I can't help moving to that rhythm. So much fun.

Reply
Eulanda Shead link
19/9/2016 05:04:31 pm

What a lovely series. I'm looking forward to perusing your site, and reading more of the series!

Reply
Roxanne
19/9/2016 05:13:05 pm

Thanks Eulanda, I'm so pleased you enjoyed it. Lots of interesting people to meet in the rest of the series too.

Reply

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    I'm an independent travel writer and book editor with a passion for Africa - anything from African travel, people, safari and wildlife to adventure, heritage, road-tripping and slow travel.
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