Crime doesn’t pay

If you hadn't realised yet, or because I haven't actually said so, I'm leaving Cape Town for London at the end of this month. This is something I have wanted to do for a while and I'm excited that I've finally got off my ass, completed most of the admin and am really doing it. I have a 2-year Working Holidaymaker VISA, my flight leaves in just over two weeks. And all of this hasn't hit home yet, but I expect it will very soon.

Be assured this site will become a lot less technical and more personal since I'll have so much more to write about, and I know more people will be visiting to keep in touch. digicam.coza will also remain up-to-date.

Thanks to everyone for feedback on my photography, always appreciated. Something I feel I have to add however, is that no matter what camera you have, it's ultimately up to you how the photo turns out. So inflate my ego a little more next time and don't comment what a great camera I have, because it's not the camera doing all the hard work. ;) I spend at least 5 minutes on each photo in my digital darkroom (aka. Photoshop). Let's not downplay the role of the camera though - my polarizer filter is the best thing since sliced bread was packaged in eco-friendly plastic wrap.

Crime doesn't pay.

A funny thing happened this week while I was taking some photos in the city of the CTICC building on the foreshore. Nothing out of the ordinary, a beggar approached me and muttered something about extra change, to which I replied "No, sorry". I believe there is *always* something you can do to make a buck or two, begging is just pathetic. Anyway. So I continued with my photos, already keeping in mind that this guy had gotten a good look at my camera. Another bloke appeared from the hotel behind to take some photos as well, and it was at this point that the beggar disappeared and I moved on to the Metropolitan building.

On my return, I passed him once again. Keep in mind, it's broad daylight and the surroundings are a busy intersection with people walking past all the time. So he approaches me, initially I thought to ask for money again. And as quickly as these things happen, he grabbed at my arm, looked at my camera and in the other hand motioned with a smaller than small pocket knife.

Now, I had already lost my previous camera to a mugging by four guys. This time the same thought went through my mind, about how it's never worth it to fight back not knowing the potential consequences. But it was so laughable that I didn't even consider that. I grabbed his arm that was holding the knife, while he continued to threaten me with broken english which sounded something like "I'll kill you!". To which I looked down at him and responded in a rather calm voice: "No. Fuck you.".

He replied "ok" and made a hasty exit from the scene. It was really bizarre, but what struck me most afterwards, is how desperate he must be. Can we supersize third-world debt relief? I don't know...

I've removed my referer list from the side panel because of too much spam. I really don't enjoy having links to Young Asian Guys on my site!