Tuesday, March 31, 2009

A Hairy Story

In preparation of starting at a new job I have this ritual of getting a new spiffy hair cut. I’m not sure why I do it…it’s like this cleansing exercise: out with the old in with the new or something hippie like that.

I went to my usual haircut haunt; after they cut your locks there, they always give you this fantastic head massage. Only this time after my fantastic head rub, they had my hair in a bag waiting for me – I thought this odd.

“Here’s your hair like you requested” said my hairdresser.
“Excuse me?” I asked her, really, really, really surprised.

For a brief moment I thought while I was getting my message; she had gone out back and smoked something other than a cigarette, only to return disillusioned with reality.

It turns out though, that some lady from a production company had come in; requested to have some hair, for a hair cut scene in a movie. And my hair, in the bag; that was for her not me. Stranger things have happened to me I guess, but looks like my hair is going to be more famous than me…I wonder if I need to get my beautiful locks an agent?

Monday, March 30, 2009

The Big Boring

I’ve decided to keep the next couple of days, before starting at Global Vision, as stress free as possible. In fact, I would love them to be completely devoid of all activities. Yip, you are not going to hear me say this often, but I want to be bored. I want to be so bored, that come Wednesday, I’m pretty much begging to get started…

The Easy Life

I sometimes have to remind myself what a blessed life I live. Sure there are certain days which are difficult, but on most days I have it easier than others. I am able to feed myself, clothe myself, have shelter over my head, have fun and live in arguably one of the most breath taking locations in the world.

I realized this as I bit into a chunky piece of meat at a braai at a house on Glen Beach; overlooking the ocean. I watched the breaking waves and was in awe of the beautiful mix of colours in the sky as the sun began to set and realized: “Life, it could seriously be worse than this.”

I must admit the standard of living for an average person is South Africa, and particularly in Cape Town does seem much higher than most people in other parts of the world, first world countries included. I suppose I only have the Far East to compare to since I’m not that well traveled, but it seems that people don’t have to have as much to enjoy an extravagant lifestyle.

Perhaps I’m wrong here, but I just find this theory being confirmed by the many overseas visitors that I have had the pleasure of befriending.

I know sometimes I complain. But I am certainly grateful. I am grateful for what I have and realize that I have it better than the fair majority of people out there.

Saturday, March 28, 2009

To Write or Not to Write? That is the Question

I had a moment yesterday where I felt like I should stop writing. It felt like it was the logical point to stop. I had begun to write when I started at DVT, so I figured that perhaps it should also end when I finished there.

I reasoned that I had proved to myself and everyone else around me that I could commit and be disciplined at a specific task; I also believe that I proved that I could get relatively good at something through sheer determination and practice. So everything that I wanted to prove I had proved.

To be honest keeping up with this personal goal of mine has started to get tiring. I often find myself wanting to just kick back and relax, but my deluded sense of responsibility to fulfill an outrageous accomplishment often prevents me from that desire. That reason alone serves as a deterrent to carry on.

However, I did commit to my daily writings for a year. One month out, I cannot stop. I don’t think I could live with the regret of coming so close to accomplishing something and not follow through with it.

Friday, March 27, 2009

Full Circle

I realize as I sit here at my desk that I've almost come full circle. I began writing on a daily basis when I joined DVT. Now, as I'm about to leave, I realize that I have just one more month before I achieve the goal of penning my thoughts for a full year.

It seems quite coincidental that the two beginnings and the two ends should almost coincide. Perhaps it merely marks the end of a season in my life.

After my goal is achieved, I will still continue pursuing my passion to write but it will be less frequent, as I need to start making space to pursue phase two of my long term goals.

Thursday, March 26, 2009

Penultimate Day

It's my penultimate day at DVT. Gosh! I love that word "penultimate", I try to use it as frequently as possible, but the opportunity doesn't come too often. I can feel the end - as the last seconds of my tenure count down.

It has certainly been an experience, with many highs and personal lows; but throughout everything, the support which I have received from the management team has been quite simply - phenomenal.

It's nice to see that some businesses, still treat their employees like people and when I went through some personal hardships they provided me with space. No questions asked - no fussing about profit margins or impacts on bottom line.

As a software developer I feel that I have grown significantly under the guidance of some very talented and experienced senior members; I've worked on many interesting projects and at times have been left to my own devices and was given the opportunity to drive the technical direction of some of them. The camaraderie and friendship amongst my peers has been more than welcome and certainly much appreciated.

Since my stay has not been long, it came as a bit of a surprise, but alas this is where my journey ends; it is time for me to move on and bare fruit from the seeds planted by DVT. I have some fond memories and will cherish these.

DVT stands under a banner of "Smart People, Smart Solutions"; with emphasis on the first bit, it is a rarity these days for a business to be people centric. I have always been a firm believer that if you look after your people; that your business will prosper. If this trend continues; despite hard economic conditions and market fluctuations DVT will always be successful.

Wednesday, March 25, 2009

Coffe Club Goes Live

Ernst and I have been working tirelessly on the Coffee Club website… Well to be honest mostly him, I’ve just been sitting back watching, learning and being the irritating “business” guy commenting on what I like about the site, what I don’t like and what I think it should be capable of; without any inkling of development implications of course…

I must admit, being the ignorant guy for a change has been pretty cool. At my work I’m usually the other guy who gets dumped with the task of implementing the crazy, pie in the sky requirements which come from business. I fear however that when I join Global Vision, our roles may reverse and the wrath of Ernst may descend upon me with great vengeance and furious anger…

I digress, so the site is up. But don’t expect too much yet it’s still very much in its infancy. Our goal for now is just to create a little presence on the web; also we wanted to start getting some early feedback so that we could provide members with a better experience. We have some rather interesting ideas for the club in the not so distant future and hope that this site will serve as the mechanism to unleash our vision to the world. First the web…then the world *evil laugh* - Ahhh the megalomaniac in me coming out.

Tuesday, March 24, 2009

Last Week

It dawned on me today that it's my last week at DVT.

It's strange to feel excited but anxious at the same time. I'm excited to move onto newer and hopefully, better things; but anxious at the same time, of change and the unknown. It's only natural and I've gone through this many times; but still, the contrast in feelings are foreign to the body.

As I went to visit one of my clients for the last time, I decided to walk instead of drive, I realized that I'm going to miss all the excitement that goes on in Kloof Street and the rest of the city center. There's such an incredible energy here, during the day. I know that where I'm going to be based is going to be good, but it will be different.

I'm going to miss the familiar faces and regular routines, so for my last few days I shall make an effort to savour all that working at DVT has to offer...

Monday, March 23, 2009

Party of the Summer

What I thought was going to be a very chilled Braai yesterday, turned out to be the party of the summer.

We were at a house right on the beach between Clifton 3rd and 4th lying by the pool, chatting, sipping on Mojito’s and dashing to the beach for quick dips in the ocean. As the day went on, and the sun began to set though; the vibe became more festive and once our bellies were filled with delicious fish off the fire - the party was on.

Especially because the music began to pump, with a group of talented musos in the form of Gazelle this was inevitable and the combination of funk, house and good vibrations filled the air. Everyone and I mean everyone was dancing; having a good time, in arguably one of the planet’s best locations amongst a plethora of beautiful bodies and personalities.

Ah good memories, good times.

Oscars Evening

Sometimes, one finds themselves in a predicament without knowing what to get as a gift.

On Saturday evening I was invited to a birthday party – the theme was the Oscars and I felt that I wanted to get something special for the occasion. An idea dawned on me. I know of a company, called United Tribes of Africa that does customized wine labeling.

I thought, what better gift to give my friend who is an avid wine drinker, than a lovely bottle personalized to her and tailored specifically for the occasion?

United Tribes of Africa have all type of wines; from sparkling, cap classiques, to traditional whites and reds. Added to that, from what I’ve heard the quality of the wines are really good.

In the end I chose a superb Shiraz, with the following customized text elegantly printed on it:

“Winner of the Best Actress Award
Oscars Evening 2009

Happy Birthday

With Love
Benny and Joe ”

The evening was terrific and an incredible amount of effort had been put into the Oscar theme to capture it's authenticity. There was a red carpet entrance with paparazzi and even an awards ceremony at the end... My brother and I arrived as Starsky and Hutch and surprisingly managed to walk away with the award for best original costumes.

With all the effort that she went into to organize the evening, I hope the personal touch on her gift shows her how much we appreciated it.

Echo, Echo, Ecco...

The Coffee Club is starting to get recognized by the coffee institutions in Cape Town as a serious force to be reckoned with… Ecco il Café opened their store in the Victoria Junction especially for our Saturday meet. They usually don’t open that store on the weekends; but for us, they made a special effort.

I suppose with the ability to constantly generate a 30 strong crowd, it means that it’s more financially viable for stores to go out of their way to accommodate us. Even so, it is a great privilege and very much appreciated that they’ve done this and the support that we receive is warranted with much gratitude.

Nestled underneath the trees, on a beautiful day; Ecco with their amicable service, quality food and coffees, again, have shown why it amongst the coffee club members favourite spots. The choice of the Victoria Junction location is superb for coffee club, with it’s quiet, chilled, Saturday atmosphere; it felt like we were isolated and were able to have some privacy with our very own private function.

After the meet, I had the opportunity to visit Sol Kerzner’s new hotel, The One and Only. Ernst and Lauren are staying there as guinea pigs before its opening, one of the perks that Lauren receives as one of the architects working on the penthouse suites of the establishment. The hotel is not quite done yet, with endless numbers of construction workers still on site and visitors having to don construction hats to enter (at own risk).

For whatever reason, the site manager thought that I should sport a feminine pink one…I guess there’s no shame being fashionable on a construction site; but all the same why pink? And why me? Lauren was explaining how one of the suites she is working on, fetched more than R110 million before being resubmitted into the hotels rental pool. I’m not certain what I need to do to earn the kind of dosh to afford something like that. But after some consideration I felt that it’s imperative that I do.

Alternatively, I considered dropping off my CV and head shots at the reception, as a possible suitor for sugar mommas and daughters of wealthy tycoons; just in case anyone was looking and in hopes of me landing myself in good fortune. “Good companionship and well domesticated” it would read….

Seriously though, the two things that I’m looking forward to most; with the One and Only’s opening are the two restaurants that are expected to open with it: Nobu and a Gordan Ramsey’s restaurant. The two names are synonymous with fine dining the world over, and I personally cannot wait to be given the opportunity to experience the gastronomy of their reputations.

Friday, March 20, 2009

Chinese Kid in a Sweat Shop

So Tired. So so Tired. Yip just want...lie down...sleep....

If you noticed that I've been rather monosyllabic and not as incandescent as my usually sparkly self, it's because I've been busy. Busy like a Chinese kid in a sweat shop....and I should know, I used to work in my fathers textile factory back when I was a whipper snapper.

I'm pretty glad it's the end of the week. Although, I have a feeling that the weekend might be quite eventful; so the chances of me resting on my laurels are slim to none. You know that saying "I'll sleep when I'm dead"? Well,lets hope that by the end of it, I'm not the latter.

Thursday, March 19, 2009

Stressed

I'm feeling incredibly stressed out at the moment. There seems to be a sudden franticness where everyone wants me to fulfill some sort of obligation.

Moving workplaces is definitely one of the contributing factors to my being in high demand, however there are forces in my private life that are also contributing to this unnecessary anxiousness. To some extent, it is probably in my head, but I can't help but feel like an increasing weight is accumulating on my shoulders.

All the same, I'm a little bit irritable and I don't like feeling irritable. There's only one thing right now that I can think of to bring me out of this state...and that's to sit on the futon at a home with a tub of ice cream!

Wednesday, March 18, 2009

Tea Rooms and Sad Farewells

I remember thinking once after visiting Origin, the Cape Town coffee specialists; what a great idea it would be to open up a tea room, that specialized in teas. Tea, after water, is arguably the most-widely consumed beverage in the world. Especially in the orient. So my thinking was it would only be a matter of time before it took off here in good ol' South Africa. I also figured that being an oriental looking fellow myself, that I would be an ideal candidate to evangelize and bring teas to the heathens...

After having some Lemon - Green Tea concoction earlier; I realized more than ever that the West has still a lot to learn about teas. Sadly, I have not acted upon my idea; but coincidentally the people who inspired my entrepreneurial stirrings are the same people who took the initiative and opened up a fantastically, exquisite tea room.

Yesterday evening was the opening of Nigiro - that's Origin backward in case you were wondering, not some butchering of an oriental dialect. Speaking of dialects, I often hear Mandarin being spoken, but it's not often that I hear Taiwanese getting flung about. So whenever I do hear it, I like to take the opportunity to practice it and freshen up on my lingo.

Speaking to a Taiwanese family at the event, it turns out that Dave Donde and Joel Singer, teamed up with one of my fellow country-man, Ming Wei (okay perhaps you caught me, so I'm actually South African, but my family is from Taiwan) to bring close to a hundred different types of teas to our fair city for your tasting pleasure. Being a massive fan of Origin and what they've done with coffee, I only anticipate the best from their teas.

If truth be told, I was late for the event; but that was because I was stuck in traffic coming back into the city from the airport. Like most people, I hate goodbyes, especially if it's saying goodbye to someone who is rather near and dear to ones heart. I felt rather sad watching Josephine board her flight to go home. It's already been over a month, but it seems like just yesterday that she had arrived.

I met Josephine a couple of years ago, on one of her epic adventures; in relative terms I didn't spend that much time with her. But as I've mentioned before, sometimes you just make an instant connection with someone. This time though, I truly feel like I've gotten to know her; it feels like I've known her forever and I sincerely believe that we've forged a lifelong friendship. I miss her already and hope that it won't be another two years before a visit.

Tuesday, March 17, 2009

Change

As quickly as it comes
The tide will go
Without an anchor
Away it must flow
Still life begins
After the strong storm
Instantly light renews
As darkness falls
Inevitably things turn
Only for a season
The waters will churn

Monday, March 16, 2009

Expelled

Some people should not be allowed in public. If you don't know how to behave in the appropriate manner then you should not be let out of the house. At least that's my opinion.

After a pleasant sunset on Signal Hill, which by the way is beautiful; Josephine, a friend of hers and myself decided to end the evening at Asoka. Minding our own business; having some drinks, tapas and engaging in some fantastic conversation; a wildly drunken individual began accusing us of invading her personal space. Invading her personal space? I seriously think not, we barely acknowledged her existence let alone invaded anything.

So while ignoring her and continuing with our own affairs, she decided to throw her bottled water in our direction. After this, I questioned her actions, which made the drunken beast even more agitated. She then proceeded to throw her glass of wine at me. I was furious, without a reasonable explanation besides being intoxicated, I yelled at her. After some profuse apologies from her more sober friends I calmed down. We paid our bill and walked away.

The rest of my company just laughed at the situation. But I certainly have an issue with it . When I was younger, at the tender age of 6 years old. A girl decided I was having too much fun on the see-saw with my then best friend. I didn't know her from a bar of soap either, but yet she felt the need to hurl a rock at my head. Playing on the see-saw was fun, unexpectedly waking up in hospital with 15 stitches was not. I'm not sure what ever happened to that girl, but I never saw her in the playground again - Perhaps she was expelled from school.

The behaviour of last nights individual was much the same as my childhood "rock-hurling" incident, except this time the individual was a grown ass-person. Perhaps this person should also be expelled...but from society.

Sunday, March 15, 2009

Waste

Considering that i only woke up at 13:00 and then fell asleep while watching an afternoon movie. I'd have to say that I've wasted most of the day. Probably not a great idea, seeing as we are now in autumn. I should better start taking advantage of the last of the sunshine before the weather starts turning...

Saturday, March 14, 2009

New Balance

After I go surfing, there’s always this moment after where I feel at peace. It’s a strange sensation; I’m somehow able to detangle and break down the unnecessary complexity that I’ve built up in my life, and for some reason everything seems to be so much simpler and clearer.

I had one of those epiphanies today. I realized, bar a few minor things, that I’m in quite a happy space. And it’s all due to living a relatively balanced lifestyle. I work hard, I play hard, I try to keep healthy, I’m developing good relationships, forging great friendships and even trying to manage my overall happiness.

I realize now, that balance, is important. Previously, I tried to focus on one thing at a time. For example I would somehow reason, that it was okay to focus only on work; neglect everything else and after a couple of years, once I had set myself up, made enough money, then, only start living.

The fundamental flaw in my old way of thinking is that one can never predict the future, and I could inevitable never be satisfied with the amount of money that I make and thus never really ever start to live. I realized at some point that, that type of thinking would lead me down a path of self destruction and I could potentially never be happy.

After my surf, I felt like I needed to focus more on this new found holistic approach and be tentative not to slip back into my old mindset. For the moment I’m content and I figure that if I maintain this balance, no matter what happens, life should be easy.

Friday, March 13, 2009

Hug Me!

I hope you've hugged your favourite glasses-wearing, geeky-looking, engineer today. If you haven't go out there, right now, find one and give him a hug. You might have noticed I didn't include "her" in that previous sentence. I hate being sexist, but from past personal experience their aren't many female engineers. If you can find one though (good luck), give her a hug too.

Some of you may not be aware,it's Hug an Engineer Day. I say this because, being a software engineer I was expecting a barrage of hugs when I woke up, it's already lunch time and as of yet I haven't received any, not even one. This is my imploration "please hug us" we may not seem it, but we have feelings too.

Hugging an engineer may be difficult though, we're not very used to physical, human, contact; so if you find that he is resisting as you extend your arms embracingly, it's just because he feels uncomfortable and the sensation of your warm body is alien to him. Trust me, insist on carrying the hug through, he'll enjoy it, even if he doesn't realize it at first...

Thursday, March 12, 2009

In Your Face

The other day one of my reprobate mates from University day's thought he'd be a real smart ass and send me a congratulatory, yet insulting email about Tunnel Rats. To show you what I mean I've copied his message to me, below, verbatim:

"Yo B.

I watched Tunnel Rats a while ago.

No offence or anything but it kinda sucked. The killing & violence was the best bits of the movie. I see the movie sort of won an award... a Razzie, for worst director. LOL.

It's totally cool that you were involved in a Hollywood movie though. Did it pay well or have cool perks? Are you actually in any of the scenes getting shot or something? Let me know where so I can freeze frame it and be all like, "It's Benny taking a grenade to the face!"

Later bra"

Sure I could have just taken it, been diplomatic and try to argue how he's probably being overly harsh on the film, but sometimes diplomacy gets you no where...especially since I know my friend well enough. He would have torn diplomacy apart. Instead I came up with an "over-the-top", "in-your-face", "I'm-full-of-it", "sarcastic-as-hell" reply. My censored response below:

"Dude! obviously you don't know movies...maybe it's better that you keep your day job and leave the movie criticism to someone who is actually in the business, like me.

What more could you possibly want from a movie if not for killing and violence??? Everyone knows that the rest of that stuff like dialogue and cinematography is just candy floss. If the killing and violence is good, that means Tunnel Rats is the best goddam movie in the world ever!

*paragraph removed due to explicit content*

Not sure exactly which scenes I'm, in all I can say for certain is that I'm in a lot of them, because that's how awesome I am. I even doubled up for a mole hill in one scene. Pretty friggin' amazing. What have you ever done in your life Neil? What? Have you ever been a mole hill? Thought not.

Laters,
B"

He had no counter-reply.

Wednesday, March 11, 2009

The Magic Dancing Taiwanese Boy

Have I ever mentioned that I'm not a big fan of Karaoke, I'm sure I have. But being oriental I'm automatically stereotyped as being a Karaoke god.

After dinner last night, I somehow got convinced to go up on stage and sing Labamba. Now, it's not that I get nervous in front of crowds; I've been forced on countless occasions by a once popular, South African, rock band to make an ass of myself in the spotlight. So it's not the making-an-ass-of myself part that I'm afraid of. That's going to happen regardless. It's the mere fact that I have no control of my actions when I get up there. I think that's why the band used to call me up, to capitalize on my spontaneity.

As soon as I'm up on that thing - I have to entertain. I turn into a different animal, I develop an alter ego and do arbitrary, stupid things. It's like a reflex action. I have no control of myself. Once, without notifying me in advance; they called me up in front of thousands of people and without realizing what I was doing; I began to do a jig and chant obscenities in Japanese...only I don't dance...or speak Japanese. After that incident, a popular gossip magazine dubbed me as The Magic Dancing Taiwanese Boy.

The ramifications of my acts of stupidity are what make me afraid of the spotlight, because quite honestly I don't know what my alter-ego will do next for a quick laugh. Thankfully, last night was timid. I just sang my song, poorly; and left...although there is some video footage that might indicate otherwise.

Tuesday, March 10, 2009

Eat

Woohoo. It's the first day that I'm able to eat solid food again...I can't tell you how relieved I am; for a little while, I felt like my joy had been ripped away, like a baby from it's mother's whom (wow that was graphic... even for me).

Food, besides being necessary to facilitate every day, normal functioning of the body; is one of my favourite things. There's a lot I like about food, I like the social aspect it brings, I of course, also like the pure pleasure of taste. Because, what is life without taste?

I remember not so long ago sitting around, with a group of friends, watching as they feasted upon a table filled with loveley treats and not even being able to test a single morsel; due to my angry stomach. It made me sad, really sad and perhaps slightly grumpy. Sorry guys.

Well six days have been wasted, I know what I said yesterday about hardening the F%$# up. But this week, I fear I may procrastinate with regards to that resolution and do some catching up on the feasting side of things.

Monday, March 9, 2009

Pillsbury Doughboy

Maybe it's got something to do with my recent stomach bug, but I found myself short of breath after climbing up a flight of steps at the DVT offices.

I must confess though, even if that is the case, over the past couple of months my eating and training habits have taken a dive for the worse and I feel a fraction of my former self. Once in the not so distant past; I was able to, in a single day, hit a heavy weight session, go for a 3 hour surf, then run up and down Lion's Head all without even a flinch. Now, after a few months of ill-discipline I'm practically floored by a few meager steps???

I feel like the Pillsbury Doughboy (But don't you dare poke me - I'm not going to laugh you bastards). I feel soft, flabby and my muscles feel completley under utelized. There will be no more cupcakes and fluffly crepes for breakfast, only the taste of raw eggs and iron.As Chopper Reid so bluntly advised, I think it's time for me to "Harden the F%$& up"

Sunday, March 8, 2009

Doctor Doctor

Remind me never to go to the doctor when the Argus is on again. Especially when the wind is blowing a million miles an hour. I spent at least two hours in the waiting room in various states of undress, waiting for the doctor. This was due to riders coming off their bikes, because of the terribly strong wind, during the race. Half naked in a waiting room, not the way I imagined spending my Sunday morning.

Saturday, March 7, 2009

Wedding Bells

Well this afternoon should be fun. I’m attending Tracy and Derek’s wedding.

Of course with an angry stomach it should make things even more interesting. In any other case I’d probably give it a skip, but Tracy and Derek are important to me, so I’m going, come hell or high water.

I’m just taking a little bit of time out this morning to conserve my energy, so I can at least seem remotely alive when I have to welcome and usher guests to their seats.

Euphemisms

Why is it that when ever I’m on holiday I get sick? I’ve been struggling with an angry stomach for the last couple of days. “Angry Stomach” is my euphemistic expression for diarrhoea.

So why didn’t I just come out and say that? why didn’t I just say; I have had a stomach bug and have been suffering from diarrhoea? Well, it’s simple really; using a euphemistic expression takes away some of the grossness of the situation. Sure I’ve laid diarrhoea out in plain sight now, but I’ve only done so to illustrate a point, I could have easily explained my ailment without mentioning it explicitly.

Using euphemisms often soften a hard situation and it’s far more diplomatic than laying it down as it is. Euphemisms can also get the point across in a far more polite fashion. For example, instead of me saying something like “He was fired because he was stupid” I might say “He was subsequently let go due to his inability to meet expectations”. See how I did that? It’s far less brash.

Anyways, what I was trying to say is that I’m on holiday, but I woke up about 20 times due to an angry stomach last night; I am as tired and as grumpy as hell, yet I somehow managed to perform an arms length of chores. While I’m asking questions, why is it that there is always more that one needs to do when one is not feeling well? And I did them all without killing anyone too…quite an achievement if I do say so myself.

Thursday, March 5, 2009

House Party

The best thing about being on holiday is that there is no pending feeling or urgency to do anything, least of all having to call it an early night and go to bed.

I attended a braai last night at a fabulous Camp’s Bay house, apparently once frequented by the Ghallager brothers from Oasis.

It was the stereo typical scene of a great house party. Some people were chilling and having cool conversations, while others were dancing to crazy, break-beat music blaring in the background. There were even a few games of pool being dished out with some rather interesting stakes for the losers, like having to jump into the swimming pool.

Whatever people were doing, they were having a good time. I think that’s the beauty of house parties, you’re always able to find your own little vibe and still have fun.

Normally on a school night, when the clock hits 10 I begin to stress, there’s always this anxiety that overcomes me, I begin panicking about having to get home, go to bed and wake up early. So I become a bit of clock watcher and am never able to fully appreciate the evening on offer.

Being on holiday, this stress disappears, I felt great and instead of heading home early as I usually do I was able to stay until the rest of the party fizzled out.

Wednesday, March 4, 2009

Coincidence

I love penguins. I love the fact that they are clumsy as hell, but at the same time they always look terrifically, well-dressed and ready for a black tie event.

Boulders Beach in Simon’s Town is quite a spectacular place, within this magnificent setting of rock mazes and tranquil pools lies the habitat for a colony of African Penguins. It seemed almost inconceivable for my overseas friends that one could chill out on one of Cape Town’s most beautiful beaches and still get to mingle with these little natural socialites.

On this beach though, you can, and you could literally go up to one and hug it too; so as long as you don’t mind being pecked by one of their wonderfully, understated, yet powerful beaks. The combination of natural beauty and wildlife seems just a little too coincidental.

Speaking of coincidences, on our way back into the city, I had an idea to stop off at Olympia Café in Kalk Bay for a bite to eat, but as it so happens another group of my friends, separate from our penguin excursion, decided to go surfing in Muizenberg and they also had the same inkling to refuel at Olympia. Now, usually I would think nothing of it. Two groups of friends converging on one spot – big deal right?

Well get this, the story gets even more exciting. Firstly, neither groups had planned on meeting up, and it’s not natural for us townies, as the locals call us, to venture too far out from the city center, so the chances of meeting up in Kalk Bay were slim.

Secondly, to grasp the magnitude of this coincidence I need to explain the dynamics of our group. In my group, from here in known as Group A: we had an Eastern Cape boy i.e. moi, a Danish girl, a Canadian girl and a Spanish guy. In the other group, now known as Group B: there was an Eastern Cape girl, a Danish guy, a Canadian guy and girl and a cool, chilled out, laid back, surfing Aussie.

I knew everyone from Group B, but oddly enough I know them separately from each other and didn’t even have a clue that, those social circles overlapped. The Eastern Cape girl just so happened to have gone to one of the schools that I had been schooled at too.

I met Danish girl in Group A close to two years ago, as she was living in my block of flats, and met Danish guy in Group B recently through a friend of a friend. However, it turns out that Danish girl and Danish guy are close friends in Copenhagen.

The Canadians in Group A and B live in relative close proximity to each other and my friend the Aussie seemed like the only exception and didn’t have any freakishly, coincidental connections with the rest of the group. At least none that I could deduce, but I’m certain if I had to pry a little deeper something would have popped up.

You’re probably wondering about Spanish guy? I only met Spanish guy yesterday through Danish girl, but conveniently he is friends with another Spanish guy that just so happens to do stunts with my very good friends Dan and Paul. Also, later in the evening Spanish guy meets a Venezuelan friend of mine and the topic of a Penguin beach excursion surfaces. Venezuelan friend quickly puts two and two together and figures out that he must have gone with me, as Venezuelan friend was supposed to come too, but could not, due to work obligations.

Ow my head hurts! All these freakish coincidences just blew my mind.

Overall I had an amazing day, I mean how could I have not? Hanging out with friends and penguins in one of the most beautiful settings in the world; life, it doesn’t really get much better than that. But, honestly there were brief moments where I also felt quite down.

I still get incredibly anxious driving along parts of the M3 due to Lauren’s accident. Every time I drive past the scene, I get shivers down my spine, and yesterday coincidentally as we drove past: Beatle’s, depressing Yesterday was playing. In particular the lyrics “Why Why she Had to go I don't know, she wouldn't say.” came up as we drove past

In that instant my emotions and thoughts shifted elsewhere. Retreating and concealing the joy I had just previously experienced. I’m sure I became a lot quieter and my passengers must have wondered what happened as in an instant, I had gone from being extremely happy-go-lucky to least sociable in the car.

I miss you incredibly, Lauren. I’ve accepted that you are no longer here, but how much fun would it have been if you had to come on our day out?

Tuesday, March 3, 2009

Beat

I had a very eventful day, but the combination of sun and fun have taken it's toll on my creative juices. Instead, I'll leave the details for a more fitting piece of writing tomorrow. Damn I'm tired. Think I may kick back put my feet up and fall asleep in front of the old idiot box...

Monday, March 2, 2009

First Day - First Gear

I’m on holiday! From not having a holiday in 2 years to having 2 holidays in 3 months is a luxury I cannot begin to describe! What an incredible feeling, this is what real living must be like.

Waking up late, coming and going as one pleases and not having the weight of the world on ones shoulders is definitely something I can get used to. Too bad the weather was a bit cruddy. But the thing about the sun not being out though, is that you don’t feel bad for spending it inside in a mall.

I spent some time having lunch and catching up with a dear friend at the V&A Waterfront. After which we spent most of our day lazing around on the couch chatting.

So some may think that I did not make the most of the first day of my holiday, but it was good, it was chilled, it was exactly what I needed. I like to start things slow and finish strong. Tomorrow though I kick things into second gear.

Sunday, March 1, 2009

Blink

It’s strange how some relationships forge. Sometimes you just meet people that you instantly gravitate towards, while other times you spend a life time fighting to form anything that remotely, resembles a relationship.

Recently in friendship I’ve made this instant connection a few times, and I’m rather sad that it is one of these peoples last day here in Cape Town. Desi is going back to Milano today.

I met Alejandro, one day randomly, while at the gym in my block and we started chatting. The next time I saw him; he was with his amore, Desi, downstairs in the courtyard. After only those encounters they invited me out with them.

Nine times out of ten, I probably would have shrugged the offer off, but for some reason I liked them and I felt that I should take them up on it. Three months have passed and the memories that we have shared together have been unforgettable. It’s strange, in quite a short period, it feels as if I have known them my entire life.

Even with some of my other best friends, I knew within seconds of meeting them that they would play a significant part of my life.

In the romance department, I’m still uncertain. I’ve heard people talk about their love at first sight, bolt of lightning, sudden butterflies in the stomach experiences; but in my twenty six years of living, I have felt this less than a handful of times. For it to be relevant though, the feeling needs to be mutual from both parties; and sadly since I seem to be quite unhitched, I guess it means that I have yet to experience it in its entirety.

The probability of me feeling this instant connection with someone again and then have that feeling be reciprocated seems highly improbable; but if it could happen in friendship than why not romance? The hopeless romantic in me remains confident that it could still happen.