smile!

I've stuck up a few photos of our Sydney travels (Surry Hills and a capoeira roda in Newtown) on Facebook if you want to check them out. We're currently in Melbourne for new years adventuring... photos will be sure to follow.
More importantly, tomorrow i'm off to the MCG for the final day of the test match against Australia... where SA will (hopefully) make history and win the series! Who would have thought this possible after our dismal batting on day two? Forgive me if i have a smug grin on my face for the rest of the week!

still streaming...

...a few more mini-streams and updates that come to mind... with pictures!

Capoeira
Julie and i started capoeira a few weeks ago, here at the ANU gym. It's great fun, and reminds me a lot of my 2 years dancing at the state theatre in Pretoria, and primary school gymnastics. It's a kind of mix between dance, martial art and music. Very tiring and enjoyable. Look it up on YouTube.

Kubb & Ben Boyd
Last month we went camping down to the coast with some friends. It was Sally's 30th, and about 15 folks trekked 4 hours to Ben Boyd National Park, just outside of Eden. It is a beautiful coastline, and i hope to get down there again soon. It was also so good to be out in a tent again. We ate, hiked, spoke, slept and played Mafia around the campfire. Good times, good times. Sally's brother in law is German, and he brought along his Kubb set. The game is a bit like pétanque, but with a bit more strategy. Maybe pétanque cross chess. We played it on Sunday morning before leaving, and i seemed to do rather well! Now to make my own set and teach my friends.

a breathtaking view of 'disaster bay' at Ben Boyd
looking out to Antarctica

Affluenza
I realised last week that the new guy in the ACC&C office is actually rather famous. I knew his name was Clive Hamilton and he was from CAPPE, but didn't know he was the Clive Hamilton of Affluenza fame. Next time he's in his office I'll have to have a chat and hear his story. I like what he writes.

Gardening
Canberra seems to come alive in Spring. The city looks fuller and greener when the weather warms up, daylight savings kicks in, and you can enjoy the long evenings outside. The spring feel also seems to get people into their gardens. We don't have a garden, but that didn't deter me from spending Saturday planting some seedlings on the patio. The garden will still develop, but for now i'm happy with my tomatoes, rocket (arugula), yellow capsicums, basil (in an old frying pan) , celery and carrots. I also plucked a few cuttings, a small oak tree, and some bulbs. I'll try to keep them alive until we have a place with a garden. Here is a pic or two:

rocket pot and basil frying

Floriade
Another neat thing about springtime in Canberra is Floriade - a display of over 1 million bulbs and tulips. Breathtaking colours! We visited 2 weeks ago - it was quite a sight. Take a look at this flowery goodness (click to enlarge):


Wheels
(this stream is very outdated, but still worth mentioning)

3 months ago Julie and i went shopping. After successful negotiations and test drives etc, she has four wheels and I have two wheels.

Julie's transport is a '04 Mazda2 Maxx, with really low kms, 1.5l, 5speed automatic and CD changer. We looked at a lot of old Subaru station wagons, but in the end chose something newer, lighter on fuel and less maintenance risks. I hadn't really noticed the Mazda 2 before, but now i see them everywhere. It is neat little car that is very spacious inside. It's in the same fold as the Honda Jazz, Toyota Echo/Yaris, Hyundai Getz etc and often reviews as best in its class.

My transport is a second hand road bike that i got from a frisbee guy here. Although not as retro and character-full as my previous bike, it does the job just fine. Canberra has the highest proportion of population in Australia that cycle to work, and extensive cycle paths and lanes throughout the city. Law here requires helmets, and front and back lights fitted on each bicycle, so in addition to the actual bike ($150) I spent almost double that on 'extras' (lights, helmet, lock, pump, puncture kit, pannier bag ... the list goes on). I'm almost fully kitted out for the daily (25min) commute to work.
As always, once i'm more financially settled, i still hope to get a fixie, and a mountain bike - there are great off road tracks in the mountains hills around Canberra.



So, things are developing rather well here in Canberra. We seem to be meeting people, making friends, learning new things etc etc. Still miss home and my family and friends there, but i'm trying to be as present as possible here in Aus-land.

It's snowtime!

One of the things i really wasn't expecting to find here in Australia-land was ... wait for it... SNOW! I mean, come on! Isn't it a just big desert island with some beaches and good sportspeople? Apparently not. Canberra is actually in an area with a inverting snowline (I'm not really sure what that is... some garden survey guy told me on monday), and gets snow every couple of years. It hasn't snowed in the city yet, but with these freezing cold temperatures, it sure it trying hard. Canberra is also a mere 2 hour drive from the highest hill mountain in the country, which incidentally is also home to the best ski-slopes in the country.
Last weekend there were record snow dumps in the Snowy Mountains, so we joined the Rathbones and headed out to Thredbo to see for ourselves. Julie's three younger cousins (Dayne, Luke & Rory) went really early and spent the day snowboarding, while the rest of us caught a ski-lift up the mountain to see the view and grab some tasty food and Lindt hot chocolate. Jules and i spent a bit of time out in the snow, before retreating back into the restaurant to eat. I'm still trying to get my head around the alpine-like town in the middle of Australia! Just to prove i'm not fabricating the whole story, here is the evidence:

Me, Julie, 'Uncle' Alan,Clyde & 'Aunty' Glynis at Merrit's Chairlift

one of the slopes

idyllic!

Snow in Australia? Who would have thought. Our next little adventure is a weekend trip out to the newly discovered Egyptian pyramids in the Outback (200 miles south of Darwin). Pyramids? Who would have thought!

ACT update... with pictures!

Yes, this one even comes with pictures!

So, we’ve been here a month, and are starting to get vaguely settled. Apart from the freezing cold, things are falling into place. We moved into our flat a week ago, and my dream of house-husband is almost realised! Without a job (yet) I’m cooking, cleaning and decorating. If only there was a garden! With a few garage sales, and some of Julie’s aunt’s surplus furniture, we’ve managed to scratch together reasonable furnishings. My favourite are 4 delightful old suitcases we picked up from a church, and use as storage and decoration:
The block we're in is old, but the unit itself is really nice, and has been recently redone. I especially like the kitchen sink, and cabinets with downlights in them. The light helps to accentuate my great Edward Monkton mug that my brother sent to me from London! Thanks Matt! ;)

our only plant, the kitchen, and my mug and classy wine glass

We’ve made some friends with the Quakers (we stay two houses down from the meeting house), and we've also met quite a few SA folks who came here in the 70’s and 80’s in exile. It’s been refreshing to hear their stories, and have people who understand where we come from. Most of the people here are civil servants, or linked to the University. I’ve begun to network some with people from the Uniting Church, as well as some developmental agencies. I was wandering around ANU last week, and looked around their courses. I’m quite interested in their Masters in Developmental and International Economics, and may try to get one of those while I’m here ;) During my wanderings I carried on through the campus to the National Museum of Australia - a rather impressive building on Lake Burley Griffin where you can see Civic (the city) and Parliament over the water.

a collage of abstract museum shots

the city, ainslie hill, and the commonwealth bridge over Lake Burley Griffin

I am enjoying the relative peace and security here - being able to walk around at night, and not worrying about hijackings when you stop at traffic lights! Sometimes I do wonder if I’ll get ‘soft’ though. I have met quite a few ‘activists’ who are saying and doing things about social justice, but in a sense it’s just not the same if you are not living with the injustices in your face. Mind you, the ‘grass-is-greener’ saying is not true, there are problems and dis-eases here in Aus too. Our flat has an alarm system, and the council houses are known for crime and drugs. From a surface level, the problems may seem petty, but there are big issues to deal with: youth suicides in the rural areas, shocking history with the natives, big environmentally un-friendliness etc. So, there are some dangers, plenty of work, and quite a lot to learn from the people here.

Oh, I’ve also met a Dutch Reformed minister from Stellenbosch here, and have really enjoyed chatting to him about Canberra, South Africa, theology and life. He followed his wife here 5 years ago, and then found a Uniting Church to minister at. He has a PhD from Holland, and a good take on the city. He’s been very encouraging about me finding a position in the church here. My question now is to discern whether that is the work i want to do just now.

bungendore...

Glynis (Julie's aunt) took us to Bungendore yesterday. It's a little farming/artist town 40 minutes out of Canberra. It also has a fun name, that rolls off the tongue rhythmically. It reminded Julie of Howick, and reminded me of Dullstroom. Quaint little red brick houses, antiques, brick-a-brack, art and good food. All rather scenic and picturesque and all. Everybody seemed to be enjoying it, from the bikers on their breakfast run to the elderlies on their community outing. We even enjoyed it! We saw some fantastic wood sculptures at Bungendore Woodworks, and mesmerising aboriginal art at a beautiful old house. The aboriginal story is something we are trying to learn more about. How's this painting:
Here's the local hotel and a bookstore:
And here's the road on the way to Bungendore. After a few hills and eucalyptus forests (no Koala Bears unfortunately), you come out into this pastoral scene. Very similar to SA scenes.

Spring tide, sun set, moon rise

Last night Julie and I joined most of Cape Town’s young crowd in climbing/hiking up to the top of Lion’s Head to watch the sun set and moon rise. I’ve never been up there before, and it seemed as if last night was the night to do it. The panoramic views of the city, Table Mountain, beaches and the ocean were spectacular, and I had a hard time keeping my eyes on both the path at my feet and the spectacle all around me. I almost fell of the mountain once!

Julie and Dan with Table Mountain in the background; and the city from Lions Head.

We made it to the top at 7ish after an hour’s hike, met Dan and his gang and settled down for a lite picnic. As the crowds poured on to the mountain, I managed to see a Frisbee team mate with a telescope, and Julie found a work colleague and two school friends of hers enjoying the evening too. The sun set at 8pm over the ocean in the West (as it is wont to do) and was as good as sunsets over the ocean get. But wait, there was more. Last night was spring tide, and 10 minutes after sunset, in the East over the Stellenbosch mountains a full moon rose. Now that was impressive! For a while I didn’t know where to look - at the big yellow full moon over the city lights, or at the receding pink and red clouds and ocean in the other direction. A most worthwhile experience! "Day and Night" as ever chirpy Dan said.

The Twelve Apostles (mountains) and the Atlantic Ocean

The Moon over Cape Town city and Table Bay.

Thinking the show was over, we joined the multitude of people making our way back down to the car at about 8:30. Because it was dark, and there are some ladders and chains to climb down, there was quite a queue down the mountain. Thankfully we had the entertaining conversation of Nic Marais (a work colleague of Julies, and the host of SA’s biggest breakfast radio show) all the way down. So, laughing and admiring the city lights, we made our way down slowly, getting to the car at 10pm. A great night out! See you next year.

disc diving

Ariel and I had a bit of fun on Clifton beach on Sunday afternoon throwing our bodies after a piece of plastic:
Thanks to Whitney and Sarah of Team Afrika for the pics.
(click image to enlarge and experience full awesomeness of aerial manoeuvres by us)

I tried a similar stunt during our league game last night. The only difference was that this time i wasn't landing in soft beach sand. Needless to say, I now have a pretty roastie to show for my efforts.

seattle evidence

Yes, we were there, albeit for only two weeks. Had a fantabulous time seeing the sights, visiting Mt Rainier, ferrying between the San Jaun islands, exploring the cool areas in the city, and catching up with friends. Here’s a pic or two:

Wanna ride?

I’m contemplating the financial and practical aspects of getting either a messenger's ‘fixie’ bicycle, a mountain bike, or a scooter to get me around Cape Town. Until that time, Doug Bax (retired minister and anti-apartheid activist) has lent me his bicycle. Check my wheels out now:


My favourite thing, apart from the dynamo that needs rewiring, the gears on the diagonal bar, and the yellow helmet, is the red reflecting place that swings out like a flag on an arm from the back of the bicycle to remind people not to get too close! Beware the cyclist in yellow.

being 'unemployed' at the moment allows me to fiddle around with photos and things. Great procrastination material! The job search is becoming a bit of a drain... hopefully the SACC thing closes soon, otherwise i am considering doing CPE here in Cape Town for the remainder of the year. It's cheaper to be an unemployed student here than it is in the US.

Jhb/Ct?

I love Jozi


But i love the Cape too!

farewell

Well its over... this journey across the ocean.
I leave the US today.
Goodbye and thank you, it has been a pleasure.
Until we meet again...

the evidence...

NYCPrinceton
Savannah

signs of the times

people going places

Lately I've reconnected (via Facebook and other such procrastination tools) with people from long ago. From ambitious high-school friends to neighbours in Midrand, and even some primary school names I'd almost forgotten. It's great to see how they are making their way in life. From business people in NYC, band members in SA to way too many folks eeking out a living in grey London, life goes on for all of us.

Criss, one of my youth leaders in Jo'burg, is becoming quite a deviant photographer (with some deep poetry on the side). Michael, my best friend from high school is running around Japan doing the Jesus-thing. Our neighbours, Greg and Chris Carlin are being rather creative. Chris does some awesome graphic work, and Greg is releasing his first solo album as Zebra&Giraffe. He even won an award for "Single of the Year" in the experimental category at the 2006 Los Angeles Music Awards. Nice, guy! Listen here. As for bloggers, i found another student at CTS, Marissa, who seems to be getting the scribe thing down. Benji from Bedfordview is doing some midnight rantings too.
My how we have grown!

a lightbulb at the .bE alt worship experience, Grandma Luke's, Little 5.
I'm uploading some pics on Flikr here.

pictures

The 'shiny ball' in Chicago's Millenium park

A to the T to the L (again)

Hey, hey...
Been watching the cricket? SA beat Irealand yesterday, and should beat Bangladesh tomorrow. Come on the Bokke!

I've been keeping my word about exploring the city some more. I've been to Virginia Highlands and Little Five lately. Visited Ikea and Atlantic Station, and just had a beer at The Local. Working on my thesis has shown me the insides of one too many Starbucks though! I drove (all by myself) to Target and bought some toothpaste and a webcam. So... anyone on Skype, now we can talk face to screen! It's awesome trying to drive on the wrong side of the road, and I get a kick out of knowing my way around town.
I've also been documenting the whole experience. As an almost-architect student, there are some really nice big shiny buildings in Atlanta. Wealthy city = big nice shiny buildings. My photo collection is growing daily:

A to the T to the L

= ATLANTA!After a wonderful party on the rooftop of a building in downtown Atlanta last Saturday, I've decided to (in my two remaining months) properly explore this city I find myself in.
Exploration no. 1: Bicycle. This morning i went on a fabulous cycle from Decatur to Piedmont Park with Pomo-Adam and Serene-Sarah. It was a glorious day, made all the better by being outside expending energy. The park itself is not that impressive, but you can see the city skyline nicely. The best part (apart from the shower when i got home) was cycling through wonderful little obscure ATL suburbs, and cruising down fast hills. There is also 3 miles of bike path that does some cool winds and turns. One proper cycle and I'm beginning to get a feel for this city. Exploration no.1: Complete!Photo shoot - i'm also beginning to document this whole experience with my camera. I mentioned a few days back that spring is here, and the colours are wonderful. Here is my collage of some of the blossoms and leaves from today's cycle:
As they say in SA: Pragtig, né?

Springtime!

Daylight savings changed last week, so the evenings are light until 7pm. Students are sitting on the quad, the weather is warm, birds are singing and trees are budding. Yay for spring!
All over Atlanta there are these trees with beautiful white flowers. They look like cotton wool or snow covered trees. Quite a sight. Reminds me of the Jacaranda trees in Pretoria. I still haven't found out what they are though: some say Dogwoods, others say some type of Pear. The flowers look like the African Wild Pear blossoms.

the bird sanctuary

Another day at home. Slept in late, then cycled down the road to the dentist. Thought I'd get a cheap, familiar check-up while i was here. Tash came over after lunch to say hi. It was a glorious day, so we took a walk down the road to the Glen Austin Bird Sanctuary. It really is looking beautiful: water, grass, bird-life, veld and big sky (and no trees everywhere!!!) It is one of the gifts of living out in the plots and not in the city proper.
It may seem like an idyllic picture, but all is not paradise. Thanks to Apartheid's Groups Areas Act legislation, a few kilometers over the hill (nicely out of sight) is Tembisa - an ever-expanding township with informal settlements and zink 'shack' houses. This is where society's inequalities stare at you out of every home, and the poverty cannot be ignored.

South Africa - the land of life-giving tensions and contradictions. It is still good to be home.