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#1 |
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Join Date: Mar 2005
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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 ...
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#2 |
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Good luck Vautrin. I hope you will be able to keep up with the posting here. Keep safe while you are there.
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#3 |
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I'll try to.
It should be very, very interesting what happens in the next week.
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None are so hopelessly enslaved as those who falsely believe they are free. -- Johann Wolfgang Goethe |
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#4 |
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You'll sure be missed, as always!
I'll try to speak unselfishly, to say 'have a WONDERFUL time, you deserve it!
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To keep the heart unwrinkled, to be hopeful, kindly, cheerful, reverent that is to triumph over old age. ~Thomas B. Aldrich |
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#5 |
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It will be hectic, but that means you'll be well-informed of the Local Madness there.
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None are so hopelessly enslaved as those who falsely believe they are free. -- Johann Wolfgang Goethe |
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#6 | |
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Quote:
.....or not?
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To keep the heart unwrinkled, to be hopeful, kindly, cheerful, reverent that is to triumph over old age. ~Thomas B. Aldrich |
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#7 |
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take care have safe time, be alert you will be missed
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#8 |
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Goodness Vautrin. Will you be dodging bullets while there? I sure hope not. What a mess.
Good luck and happy travels.
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#9 |
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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.
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None are so hopelessly enslaved as those who falsely believe they are free. -- Johann Wolfgang Goethe |
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#10 |
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Leaving tomorrow for Amsterdam.
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None are so hopelessly enslaved as those who falsely believe they are free. -- Johann Wolfgang Goethe |
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#11 |
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Have a GOOD trip, Vautrin! I hope you will be able to keep us posted on how you are doing!
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To keep the heart unwrinkled, to be hopeful, kindly, cheerful, reverent that is to triumph over old age. ~Thomas B. Aldrich |
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#12 |
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Good luck Vautrin. Hey I may get a business trip to Amsterdam one of these days. Will I like it there?
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#13 |
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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).
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None are so hopelessly enslaved as those who falsely believe they are free. -- Johann Wolfgang Goethe |
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#14 |
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Bye Vautrin have a safe trip!
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Love and compassion are necessities, not luxuries. Without them humanity cannot survive. Dalai lama I love my doggies!
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#15 |
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Leaving shortly.
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None are so hopelessly enslaved as those who falsely believe they are free. -- Johann Wolfgang Goethe |
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#16 |
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Safe travels.
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#17 |
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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 ...
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None are so hopelessly enslaved as those who falsely believe they are free. -- Johann Wolfgang Goethe |
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#18 |
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VAUTRIN!
![]() ![]() ![]() I wondered how you were doing and how your trip went! SO good to hear from you! ![]() ![]()
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To keep the heart unwrinkled, to be hopeful, kindly, cheerful, reverent that is to triumph over old age. ~Thomas B. Aldrich |
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#19 |
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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.
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#20 |
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Great to hear from you Vautrin. Glad you made it okay.
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#21 |
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Join Date: Jul 2004
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Glad your ok there. My South African freind advises not to drive round with the window open!
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#22 |
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Join Date: Mar 2005
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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.
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None are so hopelessly enslaved as those who falsely believe they are free. -- Johann Wolfgang Goethe |
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#23 |
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Have a safe trip V!!!
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#24 |
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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...
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None are so hopelessly enslaved as those who falsely believe they are free. -- Johann Wolfgang Goethe |
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#25 |
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gimme some boerewors!!!!!
![]() lol have fun its sounds like you are
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Love and compassion are necessities, not luxuries. Without them humanity cannot survive. Dalai lama I love my doggies!
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