My Perfect Breakfast on a Life-Changing Journey

One particular breakfast I will always cherish was during a once-in-a-lifetime adventure that took place on one of the happiest days of my life. It was a day that felt like it was on repeat, much like the movie Groundhog Day.

The story unfolds in July 2019. My father-in-law, in his 80s, had the idea to take his extended family – including children, spouses, and grandchildren – to visit the country where he grew up: Tanzania. It was quite an extensive trip, and by the time we arrived, we were all feeling quite worn out. However, my wife and I woke up early on the first day, and rather than let that dampen our spirits, we decided to go on an early morning game drive in the game reserve.

Fortunate enough, the camp we stayed at offered the unique opportunity to have breakfast before dawn, served by a ranger. He would drop off a breakfast spread just as the sun was beginning to rise over the African horizon. The morning was so serene; various wildlife roamed calmly below, preparing for the heat of the day as they sought shade. For a short while, we could enjoy a perfect moment of luxury and nature’s beauty.

I was immersed in the joy of a new chapter in my life. I had just taken early retirement from my legal career and was starting a PhD. Meanwhile, my eldest son was nearing the end of his secondary education, having performed admirably and was set to attend Oxford in the fall. It was one of those rare moments where everything seemed to be falling into perfect alignment.

As we sipped our coffee and savored our bacon sandwiches, we were unaware that storms were gathering. Like everyone, we remained blissfully unaware of the impending global pandemic. Yet, that morning was our little oasis of perfection, where we would “do over” if we could.

Unfortunately, like all moments of perfect tranquility, reality eventually intruded. We couldn’t anticipate the subsequent challenges that life would bring, but those few hours of serene companionship and morning’s breakfast remain a cherished memory. It is a reminder that amidst life's unpredictability, there can still be moments of profound joy and significance.