Looking to 2006

I haven’t had much motivation to blog these past few weeks, while also have preferred to spend as much time as possible away from the internet information overload that is contaminating my notebook of late, favouring the good company of family and friends under the African sun. I’m now looking forward to a relaxing month of further good times … view full post

d’Afrique du Sud

I went to pick up my new passport yesterday. There are a few things about it which I don’t understand.

Firstly, the English/French-only languages throughout (Afrikaans is now completely removed). Wikipedia claims that “The South African passport [...] lists the other official names of South Africa on an inner page”. No, it doesn’t.

Then the Coat of Arms … view full post

Five random things

The countdown has begun: in a month’s time I’m relocating back to Cape Town after two and a half years in London. Bring it on!One great thing about 8mb broadband is that you can download random crap that you usually wouldn’t have the time or resources for, which is something I’ll have a tough time readjusting to. On the weekend … view full post

Scotland so far

Our time in Scotland has been good – despite the dreich weather, we’ve made the most of it and have plenty of pictures to show for our short time in Glasgow, Edinburgh, and our roadtrip around this beautiful nation. Thanks to my aunt Moira for her unmatchable hospitality.

It’s especially nice to escape from CSS, RSS, … view full post

You know you have a good idea when…

You know you have a good idea when you lie awake conceptualising it for hours, and it still sounds good when you wake up the next morning. That’s all. :)

If A is a success in life, then A equals x plus y plus z. Work is x; y is play; and z is keeping your mouth shut.

- Albert Einstein

Makosi … view full post

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 … view full post

I went snowboarding today

I went snowboarding today on a little region of the Swiss Alps they call the Matterhorn. ;) Oh yeah, and I got to experience that snow stuff too for the first time! (that day in London hardly counts).

It was by far the best, worst, most crazy, memorable and surreal day of my entire trip. When I calm down enough to … view full post

South Africa is, in fact, a country

My flight to Berlin is booked for Thursday night, hence the “just passing the time chilling” blog frequency of late.

I popped into a tiny side-alley, self-proclaimed market store yesterday afternoon for a snack. While mostly ignoring the ongoing conversation between himself and another bloke, I was caught out when the elderly shopowner asked me with an English tongue if I … view full post

R.E.M.embering 1994-2004: a ten year anniversary

It was shortly after ‘Monster‘ was released that I became a devoted R.E.M. fan. I distinctly remember taping “What’s the frequency, Kenneth?”, “Star 69″ and “Crush With Eyeliner” off the radio. Then, after hearing their other albums, and more familiar with the distinct vocals of Michael Stipe, it soon became apparent that they … view full post

Reflecting

And so begins my last week in South Africa before I return to London on the 27th. I’ve had such an amazing time this month that quite honestly the only reason for my want to return is knowing that I’ll be spending two to three months backpacking through Western Europe in the summer! yeah!! Although I haven’t given my travel … view full post