Adios 2007
It has been a quiet time on the “Africa Missive” front for a variety of reasons, none of which I have the inclination to rehash – either on paper or in my mind.
I have however just managed to spend a wonderful two weeks in the quietest and quaintest places in the Eastern Cape.
So to close off 2007 and look forward to 2008 …
One of my objectives for 2007 was to travel more. By Travel More, I meant travel on my own account as opposed to my travels to all the non tourist destinations in Africa for work purposes. My trip to Cyprus and Italy (with a little bit of Greece and France thrown in) was the international result of that decision. The local results were Magaliesburg – twice, Parys, Henley on Klip, St. Lucia, an aborted trip to Swaziland due to a missing passport and trips to Nieu Bethestia, Prince Albert, Bavians Kloof, Addo and Smithfield.
In those trips I have stayed in quaint guesthouses, luxurious hotels, quaint hotels, tourist trap hotels, the ultimate waste of money guest lodge, old farmhouses with electricity, old farmhouses without electricity (no not due to load shedding) and the most hideously painted guest house I have ever subjected my color blindness to.
I have learnt how to use a storm lantern, cooked a Christmas meal in a Gas Stove, learnt that presentation does make a difference, spent the night in a “Pink Igloo” and revisited fixing punctured tubes on a bike tyre.
I have also ridden more than once on a bike, discovered that using a bike to see a small town is the best way to do it – given that one of the objectives is to stop at the local hotel and have a drink. I have also discovered that my fitness level is not that bad and I can cycle 16km without having a heart attack. (I must admit I do think 10km is a better distance for a 45 min ride *chuckle* )
I have enjoyed a whole load of meals at some very nice restaurants and have enjoyed a whole load of meals at some very basic eateries and still enjoy Nando’s and Sushi as my fave rave take away.
I have also learnt the true meaning of introspection and have realized that nothing in life is permanent, least of all one’s good health.
I have learnt that Love is something you will always enjoy even if the people you love are no longer present in your life. I have learnt that good memories are forever and bad memories will eventually fade. I have learnt that I was not destined to stay in one place for ever and I have learnt that even good ideas have bad consequences.
My 2007 building project was an unmitigated disaster. The end result is good, but the way I got there could go down in the annals of my history as the most frustrating four months of my life. The budget was well and truly blown on the job as well, but I do think I have a good thing to work with for the 2008 building project.
I will however choose my builder with more care next time.
Was 2007 a successful year?
Work wise it was.
Socially it was.
Intellectually it was.
Experience-wise it was.
Health wise it had its challenges
Emotionally it was not.
Maybe I can score 6/6 next year.
If I can – I will call it a successful year!
Best wishes for the New Year and I hope you will enjoy the new blog style for 2008.
I have however just managed to spend a wonderful two weeks in the quietest and quaintest places in the Eastern Cape.
So to close off 2007 and look forward to 2008 …
One of my objectives for 2007 was to travel more. By Travel More, I meant travel on my own account as opposed to my travels to all the non tourist destinations in Africa for work purposes. My trip to Cyprus and Italy (with a little bit of Greece and France thrown in) was the international result of that decision. The local results were Magaliesburg – twice, Parys, Henley on Klip, St. Lucia, an aborted trip to Swaziland due to a missing passport and trips to Nieu Bethestia, Prince Albert, Bavians Kloof, Addo and Smithfield.
In those trips I have stayed in quaint guesthouses, luxurious hotels, quaint hotels, tourist trap hotels, the ultimate waste of money guest lodge, old farmhouses with electricity, old farmhouses without electricity (no not due to load shedding) and the most hideously painted guest house I have ever subjected my color blindness to.
I have learnt how to use a storm lantern, cooked a Christmas meal in a Gas Stove, learnt that presentation does make a difference, spent the night in a “Pink Igloo” and revisited fixing punctured tubes on a bike tyre.
I have also ridden more than once on a bike, discovered that using a bike to see a small town is the best way to do it – given that one of the objectives is to stop at the local hotel and have a drink. I have also discovered that my fitness level is not that bad and I can cycle 16km without having a heart attack. (I must admit I do think 10km is a better distance for a 45 min ride *chuckle* )
I have enjoyed a whole load of meals at some very nice restaurants and have enjoyed a whole load of meals at some very basic eateries and still enjoy Nando’s and Sushi as my fave rave take away.
I have also learnt the true meaning of introspection and have realized that nothing in life is permanent, least of all one’s good health.
I have learnt that Love is something you will always enjoy even if the people you love are no longer present in your life. I have learnt that good memories are forever and bad memories will eventually fade. I have learnt that I was not destined to stay in one place for ever and I have learnt that even good ideas have bad consequences.
My 2007 building project was an unmitigated disaster. The end result is good, but the way I got there could go down in the annals of my history as the most frustrating four months of my life. The budget was well and truly blown on the job as well, but I do think I have a good thing to work with for the 2008 building project.
I will however choose my builder with more care next time.
Was 2007 a successful year?
Work wise it was.
Socially it was.
Intellectually it was.
Experience-wise it was.
Health wise it had its challenges
Emotionally it was not.
Maybe I can score 6/6 next year.
If I can – I will call it a successful year!
Best wishes for the New Year and I hope you will enjoy the new blog style for 2008.