Watering holes, human v amimal

after observing the various watering holes for a few days, particularly the one here next to camp, it becomes clear that the various species maintain a strict hierarchical order in regards to when one gets to drink. this is definitely not first come first served kind of service but one more closely aligned with who is likely to eat whom.
in the heat of the day there is a slow ballet as each species constantly reorders the queue as the new players show up and the replenished depart back onto the velt. its a slow ballet as no one moves fast, unless there is a short fearful panic when the order breaks down. its just too hot to move fast (40c). this slow pace extends to the local humans but only becomes obvious when you introduce foreign humans into the experiment. the foreign humans move at a frantic, honey badger like pace, particularly around "their" watering hole, the buffet line whereas the locals move with conservative grace. first come first served definitely is the desired order of the day and perceived violators are rebuked with dispatch.
the full-house population here (reserved one year ahead unless you give the booking agent a box of chocolates) at the lodge is 65% german, 25% french and 10% waifs and strays. the german style of interaction with the local staff is a study in contrasts. you couldn't make this stuff up. tutonic tempers rise very quickly when an interaction doesn't proceed as expected or desired. voices rise and the likelihood of a good outcome diminishes. we want our room, it is not ready, we expected it to be ready, it is not ready, we want our room now, we do not give the keys out until 3pm i am sorry. contrast with geoff who gets the room key immediately upon request at 1:30pm after a study in nonconfrontation even though the room might not be completely done yet.

at the "to order" breakfast buffet line the chef asks me what i'd like. i point at the partially cooked omellete already under way. the previously assigned owner, a german lady of not insignificant size, perceives this as my attempt to jump the queue and steal her eggs (the chicken variety). She shouts at me, she shouts at the chef. The chef and i return silent amused stares as the chef starts my omellette and he serves her her previously allocated ensemble.




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