Ch 06
Paul finishes his time in South Africa and returns to Miami
This story is entirely original and fictional. South African Safari was published on Literotica several months ago. There were requests for more chapters after South Africa Safari. I continue to examine the adventures and regrets of Paul Goodfield, a neurotic survivor of abuse who alternates between one night stands and longer term more complex relationships. All characters engaged in sexual activity are over 18. No AI was used in the production of this story. Š 2024, All rights reserved. Brunosden
When I awakened, it was already "late" by ranch standardsâit was probably 8 or so. Ron was gone, but hadn't roused me when he did so. I washed, dressed and headed for the kitchenâthe center of all activity in the manor. Ron was just finishing coffee, and he had obviously already eaten. But the sideboard contained boiled eggs, porridge, fruit and various breads. I served myself and sat beside him as Harriet brought my black coffee.
Ron looked over and did a double-take when he noted the black-rimmed glasses. I hadn't worn them since the flights over, and I guess he didn't notice when he picked me up. "Are you trying to look older? Or wiser? Or nerdier? Whatever, you succeeded." And he chuckled.
Then he sipped and went unusually quiet. But, as I finished, he remarked that the guys were waiting in the library to discuss the breeding part of the business plan. I remarked that I had little comment on that part of the plan. Assuming his projections on costs of the stock and its maintenance and his projections on sales pricing were accurate, I really had nothing to add.
So we walked together to the library. All of the friends I had met previously were there, save one who couldn't get off that morning. Ron opened the meeting and described again his plan, noting that he would need some flexibility on the stock depending upon opportunistic availability. We talked a little about the cost projections which Ron assured me were pretty accurateâprovided we had some flexibility on timing so we weren't competing with the big boys. He was going to move slowly on the most expensive animalsâlike white rhinos.
I concluded, "Based on the business plan, it appears that you will need just over USD1 million until you reach break even cash flow. Thus, you should increase the costs by about $80K per year to reflect financial carrying costs of the program. It seems unlikely that you'll make much of a dent in the livestock loan for five to ten years. So we should look for a term loan rather than a revolving credit which must be paid down periodically. There is an alternative: a co-investor or partnerships. Do you think there might be a local appetite to take 'shares" in rare breeds? If so, the borrowing costs would be decreased significantly. You could sell the shares on an animal by animal basisâso the investment could be smallâperhaps just a few thousand per investor. It would create a feeling within the area of co-ownership that would be very healthy. Even clubs or schools could become co-owners."
Several of the nephews perked up at the idea, but no one was aware of anyone with that kind of capital in the Durban area. Ron, however, said he would call some people he knew who might be interested. Later, Harriet became very helpfulâshe thought it was a great idea, and she was ready to organize the village and apply for foundation or government funding to keep the village involved as co-owner of the breeding enterprise. Giving the village a stake would have the added benefit of enhancing security.
Ron and the guys talked a little about timingâand decided that once the project was underway, they would "phase in" as employees so as not to burden the venture with high labor costs. We all rose, shook hands, and the guys left to go to their regular jobs. I had the feeling that more than a few younger guests were going to be attracted to these handsome rangers. They were stunning examples of African manhood.
"I'd like to talk about the hotel part of the plan next. If that's okay with you Paul."
"Of course. You said you had some ideas."
"About six months ago I met this guy at the Underground. He's the General Manager of the Durban Ocean Resort. It's a top hotel with about 200 rooms, all with balconies or terraces on the Indian Ocean. The hotel is owned by a local wealthy Indian family, but it is operated by a chain of African beach resort hotel operators, called African Sea and Sun, AFSS. Apparently, the family gets an annual "rent" for the property and then a share of the net profits. Russ works for AFSS, but is the liaison between the operator and the owner. He says the family owns many African hotel properties and all are managed by AFSS. The family has been pleased with the results.
I think our project could go one of two ways: we could approach AFSS to run the resort operationsâor, through Russ, we could go to the family and see whether they might be interested in co-investing in a bush hotel which could then partner with DOR. I can already see the marketing tag: Enjoy sea, sand and bush. Since the hotel is only an hour away by van, day trips could be offeredâand that would raise our tourist count quickly without having to expand the number of villas immediately. I've even heard that a dozen or so cruise ships are now calling at Durban. Day trips again might be possibleâbut we would need someone with tourist industry knowhow."
"I think that's a great idea. I'm going to find us a consultant. I'll keep the costs down. But, we need someone who has done this before to insure that we get a fair deal and that we think of everything. I think it might be a great weight off your shoulders not to have to run the hotel part of the business plan. And of course, it would significantly reduce our cash needs if they became co-investors."
"You keep using the words 'us' and 'our'. Have you changed your thinking about this Paul?"
"I've been thinking a lot about us, Ron. I guess I'm not as forward thinking as I give myself credit for. I came to Africa for a holiday and to give you some help on the venture. I certainly expected that we'd have some funâas we certainly have." I paused and smiled, recalling the many occasions when we had come together in pleasure. "But, I'm not ready to commit to anyone. And I don't think that I'm ever going to be ready to leave Miami for the bush of Africaâhowever attractive the promise of life with you seems. I'm really just beginning to realize who I am in Miami. I've got family and an exciting job."