South Africa

Vautrin · 09-20-2008, 09:44 AM

I'll be going back to South Africa in 2 weeks time. And stay there again for 4-6 months, depending on some external factors.

The country seems to be in utter political turmoil. The President has been "fired" by his own party, to make place for a guy who is on trial for his (alleged) involvement in corrupt practices. Great... and they are busy trying to avoid early elections (which are due in 6 months anyway).

ANC dumps Mbeki, moves to 'heal rift' - Mail & Guardian Online: The smart news source

ANC plan to topple Mbeki - Mail & Guardian Online: The smart news source

Star

Many people feel a one-party dictatorship is in the making. And given the events that have unfolded since the ANC conference in December 2007, such claims cannot easily be dismissed.

Judging by the state of affairs, it seems increasingly unlikely that the country will be stable enough to host the 2010 World Cup Football (Soccer for the Americans). The problems seem to increase each and every month.

I don't expect a boring time. It will probably be one of the most exciting places in the world, but ya ... not exactly for the most positive reasons ...

TKDLady · 09-20-2008, 10:13 AM

Good luck Vautrin. I hope you will be able to keep up with the posting here. Keep safe while you are there.

Vautrin · 09-20-2008, 11:26 AM

I'll try to.

It should be very, very interesting what happens in the next week.

Luba · 09-20-2008, 01:07 PM

You'll sure be missed, as always!

I'll try to speak unselfishly, to say 'have a WONDERFUL time, you deserve it!

Vautrin · 09-20-2008, 02:42 PM

It will be hectic, but that means you'll be well-informed of the Local Madness there.

Luba · 09-20-2008, 02:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Vautrin

It will be hectic, but that means you'll be well-informed of the Local Madness there.

I know it's EX-TRE-MELY selfish of me to ask, but, just so I can be prepared, how often will you be posting

.....or not?

Waternymph · 09-20-2008, 02:57 PM

take care have safe time, be alert you will be missed

IvyRose · 09-20-2008, 05:29 PM

Goodness Vautrin. Will you be dodging bullets while there? I sure hope not. What a mess.

Good luck and happy travels.

Vautrin · 09-20-2008, 05:58 PM

It should be fine, but that is assuming the situation does not turn into anarchy. Right now, it seems the chances of that are slim, but it does not take more than a few unexpected events to change that.

As for dodging bullets, Johannesburg, SA, is the murder capital of the world. Makes even the likes of Washington D.C. seem like a playground.

Vautrin · 09-28-2008, 08:56 AM

Leaving tomorrow for Amsterdam.

Luba · 09-28-2008, 09:16 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Vautrin

Leaving tomorrow for Amsterdam.

Have a GOOD trip, Vautrin! I hope you will be able to keep us posted on how you are doing!

TKDLady · 09-28-2008, 09:28 AM

Good luck Vautrin. Hey I may get a business trip to Amsterdam one of these days. Will I like it there?

Vautrin · 09-28-2008, 10:41 AM

Really depends on what you are into.

We have "Coffeeshops" (for weed) in which it is not allowed to smoke (!). There is a sex district, which in 5 years time, probably does not have a single sex worker, and more.

Best to come in spring (winters in Amsterdam are not that pleasant).

Waternymph · 09-29-2008, 02:16 AM

Bye Vautrin have a safe trip!

Vautrin · 09-29-2008, 03:44 AM

Leaving shortly.

BridgieBridge · 09-29-2008, 05:27 AM

Safe travels.

Vautrin · 10-08-2008, 01:39 AM

Finally arrived in SA on Saturday morning, pretty much as scheduled. Was a bit brain dead as a result of the long travels (been in airports and planes for approximately 24 hours). So Saturday was pretty much just a day to recover. The Sunday I met up with a large portion of my gf's family - and otherwise still brain dead. I don't sleep well, if at all, on board of planes. So this is nothing out of the ordinary for me. Well, there is this matter of my tongue. For some bizarre reason I could not handle spicy food that well. I already opted for the medium (I usually go with hot) meal.

Monday I started "working" again. Which basically meant reading a lot of Afrikaans articles in the media, and going through the forms relating to this exercise. I tried to discipline my gf's adopted cat into staying in for the night, but was ordered to give up my attempt in the middle of the night. Sigh ...

Tuesday was a bit more of the same. We went to a bizarre movie (In Bruges) which was quite a bit of fun. Now it is Wednesday morning here ...

Luba · 10-08-2008, 06:47 AM

VAUTRIN!

I wondered how you were doing and how your trip went! SO good to hear from you!

Duke · 10-08-2008, 09:14 AM

OMG, I knew you had to be leaving or soon to leave because you're actually online less than I am these days; been a long time since that was the situation.

I've been looking for a farewell or c'ya on the other side post but never thought to look in this forum

I just hope you have a terrific time my friend and don't worry about the political mess in SA, it's been there forever anyway.

TKDLady · 10-08-2008, 07:54 PM

Great to hear from you Vautrin. Glad you made it okay.

Mondo · 10-09-2008, 03:29 AM

Glad your ok there. My South African freind advises not to drive round with the window open!

Vautrin · 10-10-2008, 01:12 AM

Thanks everyone.

Thus far everything has been great, except the weather. The area around Johannesburg could do with some rain - it has been dry for 3 months now. Everyone is actually hoping for some rain.

Weiser · 10-12-2008, 03:23 PM

Have a safe trip V!!!

Vautrin · 10-12-2008, 11:45 PM

Thanks Weiser.

Yesterday I had a braai (BBQ) with some relatives of my gf. Needless to say I ended up completely stuffed. Haven't touched any food since then (16 hours ago) or so...

Waternymph · 10-13-2008, 03:37 PM

gimme some boerewors!!!!!

lol have fun its sounds like you are

09-20-2008, 09:44 AM	#1
Vautrin Administrator Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Between thought and expression My Communication Style: Experience, Supportive Posts: 10,643	South Africa I'll be going back to South Africa in 2 weeks time. And stay there again for 4-6 months, depending on some external factors. The country seems to be in utter political turmoil. The President has been "fired" by his own party, to make place for a guy who is on trial for his (alleged) involvement in corrupt practices. Great... and they are busy trying to avoid early elections (which are due in 6 months anyway). ANC dumps Mbeki, moves to 'heal rift' - Mail & Guardian Online: The smart news source ANC plan to topple Mbeki - Mail & Guardian Online: The smart news source Star Many people feel a one-party dictatorship is in the making. And given the events that have unfolded since the ANC conference in December 2007, such claims cannot easily be dismissed. Judging by the state of affairs, it seems increasingly unlikely that the country will be stable enough to host the 2010 World Cup Football (Soccer for the Americans). The problems seem to increase each and every month. I don't expect a boring time. It will probably be one of the most exciting places in the world, but ya ... not exactly for the most positive reasons ... __________________ None are so hopelessly enslaved as those who falsely believe they are free. -- Johann Wolfgang Goethe

09-20-2008, 10:13 AM	#2
TKDLady Moderator Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: At Home My Communication Style: Supportive, Honest Posts: 9,319	Re: South Africa Good luck Vautrin. I hope you will be able to keep up with the posting here. Keep safe while you are there. __________________ "Love isn't finding someone you can live with, it is finding someone you can't live without"

09-20-2008, 11:26 AM	#3
Vautrin Administrator Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Between thought and expression My Communication Style: Experience, Supportive Posts: 10,643	Re: South Africa I'll try to. It should be very, very interesting what happens in the next week. __________________ None are so hopelessly enslaved as those who falsely believe they are free. -- Johann Wolfgang Goethe

09-20-2008, 01:07 PM	#4
Luba Veteran Member Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Somewhere over the rainbow! My Communication Style: Optimistic, Experience Posts: 18,690	Re: South Africa You'll sure be missed, as always! I'll try to speak unselfishly, to say 'have a WONDERFUL time, you deserve it! __________________ To keep the heart unwrinkled, to be hopeful, kindly, cheerful, reverent that is to triumph over old age. ~Thomas B. Aldrich

09-20-2008, 02:42 PM	#5
Vautrin Administrator Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Between thought and expression My Communication Style: Experience, Supportive Posts: 10,643	Re: South Africa It will be hectic, but that means you'll be well-informed of the Local Madness there. __________________ None are so hopelessly enslaved as those who falsely believe they are free. -- Johann Wolfgang Goethe

09-20-2008, 02:57 PM	#7
Waternymph Established Member Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: lifesupporters... Posts: 381	Re: South Africa take care have safe time, be alert you will be missed __________________ Love and compassion are necessities, not luxuries. Without them humanity cannot survive. Dalai lama I love my doggies!

09-20-2008, 05:29 PM	#8
IvyRose Dedicated Member Join Date: Jan 2008 My Communication Style: Experience, Honest Posts: 829	Re: South Africa Goodness Vautrin. Will you be dodging bullets while there? I sure hope not. What a mess. Good luck and happy travels. __________________

09-20-2008, 05:58 PM	#9
Vautrin Administrator Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Between thought and expression My Communication Style: Experience, Supportive Posts: 10,643	Re: South Africa It should be fine, but that is assuming the situation does not turn into anarchy. Right now, it seems the chances of that are slim, but it does not take more than a few unexpected events to change that. As for dodging bullets, Johannesburg, SA, is the murder capital of the world. Makes even the likes of Washington D.C. seem like a playground. __________________ None are so hopelessly enslaved as those who falsely believe they are free. -- Johann Wolfgang Goethe

09-28-2008, 08:56 AM	#10
Vautrin Administrator Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Between thought and expression My Communication Style: Experience, Supportive Posts: 10,643	Re: South Africa Leaving tomorrow for Amsterdam. __________________ None are so hopelessly enslaved as those who falsely believe they are free. -- Johann Wolfgang Goethe

09-28-2008, 09:28 AM	#12
TKDLady Moderator Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: At Home My Communication Style: Supportive, Honest Posts: 9,319	Re: South Africa Good luck Vautrin. Hey I may get a business trip to Amsterdam one of these days. Will I like it there? __________________ "Love isn't finding someone you can live with, it is finding someone you can't live without"

09-28-2008, 10:41 AM	#13
Vautrin Administrator Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Between thought and expression My Communication Style: Experience, Supportive Posts: 10,643	Re: South Africa Really depends on what you are into. We have "Coffeeshops" (for weed) in which it is not allowed to smoke (!). There is a sex district, which in 5 years time, probably does not have a single sex worker, and more. Best to come in spring (winters in Amsterdam are not that pleasant). __________________ None are so hopelessly enslaved as those who falsely believe they are free. -- Johann Wolfgang Goethe

09-29-2008, 02:16 AM	#14
Waternymph Established Member Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: lifesupporters... Posts: 381	Re: South Africa Bye Vautrin have a safe trip! __________________ Love and compassion are necessities, not luxuries. Without them humanity cannot survive. Dalai lama I love my doggies!

09-29-2008, 03:44 AM	#15
Vautrin Administrator Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Between thought and expression My Communication Style: Experience, Supportive Posts: 10,643	Re: South Africa Leaving shortly. __________________ None are so hopelessly enslaved as those who falsely believe they are free. -- Johann Wolfgang Goethe

09-29-2008, 05:27 AM	#16
BridgieBridge Established Member Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Wonderland Posts: 396	Re: South Africa Safe travels. __________________ " To thy own self be true..."

10-08-2008, 01:39 AM	#17
Vautrin Administrator Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Between thought and expression My Communication Style: Experience, Supportive Posts: 10,643	Re: South Africa Finally arrived in SA on Saturday morning, pretty much as scheduled. Was a bit brain dead as a result of the long travels (been in airports and planes for approximately 24 hours). So Saturday was pretty much just a day to recover. The Sunday I met up with a large portion of my gf's family - and otherwise still brain dead. I don't sleep well, if at all, on board of planes. So this is nothing out of the ordinary for me. Well, there is this matter of my tongue. For some bizarre reason I could not handle spicy food that well. I already opted for the medium (I usually go with hot) meal. Monday I started "working" again. Which basically meant reading a lot of Afrikaans articles in the media, and going through the forms relating to this exercise. I tried to discipline my gf's adopted cat into staying in for the night, but was ordered to give up my attempt in the middle of the night. Sigh ... Tuesday was a bit more of the same. We went to a bizarre movie (In Bruges) which was quite a bit of fun. Now it is Wednesday morning here ... __________________ None are so hopelessly enslaved as those who falsely believe they are free. -- Johann Wolfgang Goethe

10-08-2008, 06:47 AM	#18
Luba Veteran Member Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Somewhere over the rainbow! My Communication Style: Optimistic, Experience Posts: 18,690	Re: South Africa VAUTRIN! I wondered how you were doing and how your trip went! SO good to hear from you! __________________ To keep the heart unwrinkled, to be hopeful, kindly, cheerful, reverent that is to triumph over old age. ~Thomas B. Aldrich

10-08-2008, 09:14 AM	#19
Duke Founder Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: Under your bed. My Communication Style: Honest, Supportive Posts: 25,259	Re: South Africa OMG, I knew you had to be leaving or soon to leave because you're actually online less than I am these days; been a long time since that was the situation. I've been looking for a farewell or c'ya on the other side post but never thought to look in this forum I just hope you have a terrific time my friend and don't worry about the political mess in SA, it's been there forever anyway. __________________ My Daughter Rules! "Before you criticize someone, walk a mile in their shoes. Then, when you criticize them, you're a mile away and you have their shoes."

10-08-2008, 07:54 PM	#20
TKDLady Moderator Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: At Home My Communication Style: Supportive, Honest Posts: 9,319	Re: South Africa Great to hear from you Vautrin. Glad you made it okay. __________________ "Love isn't finding someone you can live with, it is finding someone you can't live without"

10-09-2008, 03:29 AM	#21
Mondo Established Member Join Date: Jul 2004 Posts: 368	Re: South Africa Glad your ok there. My South African freind advises not to drive round with the window open!

10-10-2008, 01:12 AM	#22
Vautrin Administrator Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Between thought and expression My Communication Style: Experience, Supportive Posts: 10,643	Re: South Africa Thanks everyone. Thus far everything has been great, except the weather. The area around Johannesburg could do with some rain - it has been dry for 3 months now. Everyone is actually hoping for some rain. __________________ None are so hopelessly enslaved as those who falsely believe they are free. -- Johann Wolfgang Goethe

10-12-2008, 03:23 PM	#23
Weiser Veteran Member Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: The center of the Universe; Toronto Posts: 3,133	Re: South Africa Have a safe trip V!!!

10-12-2008, 11:45 PM	#24
Vautrin Administrator Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Between thought and expression My Communication Style: Experience, Supportive Posts: 10,643	Re: South Africa Thanks Weiser. Yesterday I had a braai (BBQ) with some relatives of my gf. Needless to say I ended up completely stuffed. Haven't touched any food since then (16 hours ago) or so... __________________ None are so hopelessly enslaved as those who falsely believe they are free. -- Johann Wolfgang Goethe

10-13-2008, 03:37 PM	#25
Waternymph Established Member Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: lifesupporters... Posts: 381	Re: South Africa gimme some boerewors!!!!! lol have fun its sounds like you are __________________ Love and compassion are necessities, not luxuries. Without them humanity cannot survive. Dalai lama I love my doggies!

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