While working in Africa for several months, I was invited by good friends to spend five days visiting Kruger National Park, a large game preserve. I had never done this before but always wanted to, so I was very excited by the prospect.
On our second day in the park, we returned to our accommodation after a wonderful day of game viewing. I decided to make tea for everyone. The electric kettle was placed up high on top of a microwave oven. As soon as the water boiled, I reached up to take down the kettle, assuming it was cordless. However, it was not, and as I pulled it toward me, there was resistance. The lid of the kettle opened, and all the boiling water spilled onto my torso.
My legs were covered by jeans and the impact there was minimal, but I was wearing only a light shirt at the time, which offered little protection. I stood stunned by the impact, unable to think at all, but my friend Val’s immediate response was a resounding “No!”
