Ever wondered where expat saffers are living around the world? SAReunited provides some insight.

Reading Fest '05 next month, anyone?

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.

I fly from Gatwick airport on 18 September, where I'll meet up with Gillette and the rest of the swimmers who are attempting the 15km crossing of the Strait of Gibraltar, which connects Europe to Africa. From Gatwick we fly to Gibraltar, and then cross into the south of Spain (into a small town called Tarifa) where we'll spend a week. From there, I plan to backpack around the rest of Western Europe for the next three months until mid-December.

As if that's not enough, I've also been in contact with Steven Klugman, another Capetonian open-water long distance swimmer, who's coming to England in a couple of days. In February this year he became the first South African and the first male to swim across False Bay. Last year he won a swimming marathon around Manhattan Island. If all goes according to plan, I'll be seconding on his attempt at the English Channel double. i.e., to France...and back, in one day. To date there have been only 17 successful double crossings.

The "seconds" escort the swimmer from a boat and assist with providing refreshments, taking photos (ah-ha), etc. Basically helping out. That should be an experience! Read more about both swims in this Sunday Times article.

UPDATE [30 Aug]:'Strait across' by Sue Seger, published in The Witness today.
Also, George Brunstad - a retired pilot - became the oldest person to swim the English Channel today, at the age of 70.

UPDATE [03 Sept]: Follow the progress of Steven Klugman's "Double Trouble" attempt over at Open Water Swimming South Africa.

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!

So on Tuesday I got my UK Visa application off, thanks to Jaco at the OVC, and I'm expecting to wait 2-3 weeks until it arrives. Which means by mid-July I could find myself living in a foreign country, away from home for the first time, and cooking my own "meals". Wh00p!! there goes gravity.

Next priority is to purchase a notebook, and I've settled on the Acer TravelMate 800 - mostly for it's thin-and-light design and unparalleled battery-life (5.5 hrs). I also like the 4-in-1 PCMCIA card reader, which supports Memory Sticks. yay!

Δ is good. It lets you know time is happening.