My final blog post for the year

My final blog post for the year, because I don't feel comfortable ending 2004 with animated 80's tv nostalgia, as funny as it is.

Before I get there...
I was watching the BBC coverage of Sunday's tsunamis disaster shortly after the earthquake struck, at around 5am. At that early stage, they were reporting only 9 confirmed deaths. That figure, as we're all aware, has now risen to over 118 000 and I fear yet expect it will climb even more over the next few days. The magnitude of this disaster has had worldwide effect, and was even felt back home, where mini tsunamis hit the South African east and south coasts resulting in reported drownings near Port Elizabeth. Apart from the reported 4 SA citizens that have already lost their lives, a further 16 are still missing. FNB have set a standard by creating a Tsunami Disaster Relief Fund, making it easy for those of us who use eBanking to contribute. There are many alternative ways to do your bit. Well said, Michael Jordaan (CEO):

In many cases this disaster has tragically struck those who are most vulnerable. Those of us able to offer assistance should not hesitate in sharing the benefits of our good fortune. FNB urges everyone to look beyond their own interests and make generous contributions that may very well save lives in the coming days and weeks.

I don't feel comfortable ending off what has been a relatively awesome year on that note either, but that's life. It happens.

I've been looking forward to 2005 for some time now, a year in which almost every month has something planned. Which feels unfamiliar and a little anxious - I've never been forced to plan my life so far ahead. It's going to be a little crazy at times I expect, but for someone who avoids routine I can't complain.

For starters, I move in with my new flatmates next month. They don't know it yet. *evil laughter*

My year return flight to Cape Town is booked for early Feb, when I plan to make the most of the Afrikan sun by attending the Savanna Up The Creek music festival on the Breede River, the weekend after I arrive. Line-up includes Plush, Fokofpolisiekar, Flat Stanley, freshlyground, Bed On Bricks, Wonderboom (love their site), Prime Circle... And then like earlier this year, spending my time between Stilbaai and Cape Town. Until the big one - R.E.M. perform in Africa for the first time ever, to my knowledge. It will be HUGE!

In mid-June, I'm heading up to Scotland (Glasgow) again to visit Moira, John, James and Andrew for a week at least - I'm looking forward to that. Also during which time I'll catch another R.E.M. performance - at the Balloch Castle Country Park, Loch Lomond. Wherever that is; it sounds nice.

My UK Visa expires on July 1st. My SA Passport expires 3 months later. It'll take some stressful admin on my part to ensure that these aggravating yet fundamental documents, together with another Schengen Visa, will allow my backpack to return to Greece and Turkey for a month or two starting in July.

All the while fitting in as much freelance work as is humanly possible. And then eventuallyyy, there's the whole moving back home and settling in Cape Town again. This time it'll be "out of the nest", so to speak.

I'll end there, and wish you and your loved ones all the best for the year ahead. Stay safe but party hard! I've done well if I don't jump through any photographs like last year, and remember past 2am.

Dress up, leave a false name, be legendary.