South Africa delivered the perfect opportunity to propose

I would often dream of visiting South Africa and more so whenever I listened to or watched the cricket live from South Africa. In the breaks of play the English commentators fondly discuss where they have been in between the games on tour. These conversations are normally prompted by the native commentators asking what they have done.

There is nothing like listening to cricket commentary with the delightful conversation breaking out in between play. Normally, when watching the cricket on TV, there are brief interludes in play during which the ‘local area’ is shown. No doubt the local tourism boards use the cricket to promote the area to Brits to encourage them to come and visit. Those beautiful clips give colour to the dreams. I tried to sell the dream to my future wife a few times. 

Perhaps I went wrong in trying to focus on cricket and a visit over Christmas and New Year. My selfishness was wanting to be in South Africa around that time so I could enjoy the Boxing Day and the New Year’s test matches at the iconic Cape Town ground. As our relationship flourished she came round to the idea of wanting to visit South Africa though maybe not at Christmas or to watch the cricket but definitely to go and see the animals in the wild. 

Hannah’s desire to see animals in their natural habitat was one that was equally shared with myself. Where better than Africa? I believe when I first started dating Hannah I said I would never take her to a zoo – animals shouldn’t be confined to a small pen or pool. My journey through life has provided many opportunities and some taken have led to regrets but offered valuable learning experiences. Seeing animals trapped for entertainment isn’t one.

So, it was time to turn those dreams into reality. Wish lists were created. Compromises were made. Family and friends who had been were consulted and warnings were heeded.