Maun Lodge: I know I Maun a lot.

It was with a heavy heart that we left the Khwai Community Camp last Thursday, we were really getting into the swing of things in the bush and the last thing we anticipated was a return to civilization, but, unfortunately a broken alternator waits for no man. Anticipating a long and frustrating day we decided to pack a toothbrush, underwear, books and set off to Muan to find someone to repair our darling trusty steed. The hundred odd kilometer trip took a good 3 hours, but we made it and pulled into Maun Delta (garage), the owner's really friendly, we're OLD customers he said, he is really helpful but, informed us that it was a public holiday in Botswana, Ascension day. Our already over-heated morale went for a dive, but, fortunately Louw can read minds and assured us that he'd do everything in his power to get us back on the road as soon as possible the next morning. He recommended the Maun Lodge, so off we went. We arrived there at 17h30, asked for available accommodation, there were many rooms available, we could pick and choose to our hearts delight.

My husband has the pesky habit of always asking for the rack rate and then for the ""special"" price, believing that an empty bed is lost revenue. Without batting an eye, the unfriendly receptionist said ""no specials"", that's it, no discussion, but, would, after negotiations (any union in the union could get tips here) consult with the manager. She returned with an emphatic NO. We were gobsmacked to say the least. Not even one PULA! And then, to add insult to injury she had no change, when we tendered our cash, BUT, she smiled! We ended up paying P17 MORE for the room! That really felt like a slap in the face. My precious is a far better person than I am, he just smiled, shook his head and headed for the door. Why is it, that in Africa we pay International prices but when it comes to service delivery we simply have to shut up and turn the other cheek?Our accommodation was mediocre, but by then I was thoroughly ticked-off. I would love to know whether the two pictures on the wall will ever be straightened? Probably not! The shower was good and I relaxed after I'd raided the mini-bar! Here's another mystery I'd like solved please, why do some establishments have bedside lamps that serve absolutely no purpose, bar to light up the end tables, are they just ornamental, don't decorators read? When we stay in accommodations my husband needs three things 1. Air conditioning 2. Wi-fi 3. Safe parking, two out of three were ticked off the list, but, I had to giggle when our porter (he didn't carry anything as we drove right up to the front door, to safe parking) nonchalantly announced that ""The beauty"" of our cottage was that it was cool in summer and warm in winter, so no need for aircon! Reminding me of the smart Alec in the movie Exotic Marigold Hotel. The Boma Restaurant and Bar is really nice, it has free wi-fi which makes it the local watering hole, here few people chat, they're all catching up on Face Book, Youtube, Twitter, emailing and possibly checking the exchange rate and their bank balances.We supped at the Boma, which was a pleasant surprise, our waitress was delightful, she'll go places I'm sure. The Rasta playing the guitar was sublime, I love local music. On a scale of 1-10 I would, in all honesty, have to give the food a 3-10 (rating it according to it's Internationally accepted price list). Next morning we packed up, skipped breakfast, and by mid-morning we hit the road, I was thrilled to pick up my knitting again, listen to our audible book and set off for our bush camp. Everything was right with the world again. Room Tip: I think the rooms overlooking the river would be nice for a sun downers."