Today we leave southern Austria, we leave our host familys house. Its been an amazing time here ,leah and myelf have gone for many walks and rides all around this area.
Yesterday we decided to visit a chocolate factory and for some reason only know to them they let you eat as uch chocolate as you wanted to. I presonally thought this was a stupid idea after about 2 hours in the factory. I was adhearing to the man code and had to test every chocolate there was,which included the likes of chilli,fish and rose to name a few. After being a true mans man (im on a horse) I managed to consume more choclate than I have in my life,and that is saying quite abit. This did have its consequences on us however, we spent the next half an hour perched on a bench feeling sorry for ourselves,needless to say im never eating chocolate again.
we spent the rest of the day touring our countryside in the province of Steiermark.its is weird out of all the places we're going to we would never have thought Austria has the best weather.
Today we are road tripping to Salzburg taking the longer route through some beautiful areas.Now in the next 4 days our life is getting pretty hectic, ofcos tonight we in Salzberg then tomorrow we catching a train (hopefully,they dont know this yet) to Venice for two nights then we catching a train (angain,hopefully) to Milan for a night ,then we catch another train to Rome for a few nigths where we can recover. Hopefully by rome I will be in contact again.
Hope alls is well in SA. and whats up with this Greek thing??all the papers are in German and all I see are pictres, are they having a big festival?
ML
Thursday, 30 June 2011
Tuesday, 28 June 2011
Austria
So here we are its the 28th of June and we in Austria, Ive finally had a chance to sit down and write and I fear there wont be many more chances for me to do so ,but will continue to try.
I would just like to spend a minute talking about my education, it has come to my attention that people feel my spelling is rather useless, to put it nicely. This is no news to me as i know how terriable it is. I do however feel that mentoning the name of my school would not do much harm as they are truely the ones to blame so here it is,...i went to bishops, hated it,but dont think we are all as terrible spellers as I am,we try our best.
Now that that is out the way i would like to continue with our journey.
We left Amsterdam two days ago on the 26th bright and early in the morning,this is a very popular time in Amsterdam as it is about the time that all the highs are falling. Lee and myself then spent the next 19 hours facing backwards on a train with a screaming/politely talking german child running up and down the jungle gym/train and a retarted train driver suffering terrets who kept forgetting to switch the loud speaker off. Dispite the chaos we where able to really enjoy the countries we where driving through,the went through Holland , Germany then into Austria , as we where going through the Salzberg the sun started to set, the area of Austria is truely one of the most beautiful on the planet.After fighting for the window seat(not that I would ever do that) I had my eyes glued to the window which was all keeping me from the world beyond. As our train sped through the country night began to fall. We adventually arrived in Graz where we had an hour and a half wait until our next train.
We found a cosy cement brick and watched the world go by. I decided to venture into a dark alley to find a bathroom ,but rather I luckly bumped into a potential Austria serial killer who had me 'bolting' it down the platform until I found a police looking person: Thinking I was now safe I began to relax...and then it happened ,I realised I was in more danger now than ever the 'policeman' worked for the same company as UCTs Campuss 'police' (Cps). I couldnt believe my eyes,as anyone who goes to UCT will know how scary cps can be,the fear of getting a parking ticket or being spoken to rudely was just to much for me and I fled, Lee and I hoped on a train and headed to the town of Feldbach.
We then arrived at Feldbach just after one that morning ,yet our journey wasnt finished, after meeting my exchange brother from 2007/8 he then drove us to the small village of Bad Gliechenberg(dont bother looking for it on a map) once we reached this village we kept going as we where staying on the outskirts. We arrived and as our heads touched our pillows we where gone.
We woke up the next morning to a beautiful countryside full of colour ,life and peace. we spent the day swimming and laying in the sun. we fulled our tums up and then headed to the local resturant to play some traditional Austria bowling. Here Leah and I realised we are terriable South Africans and got destroyed,lots of laughs all round, mostly at us.
I went for a cycle around this area yesterday and have decided that I may even start cycling when I get home. felt like I was lancey baby riding the Tour de France, except am Matthew, Im in Austria and Im alot better than Lance Armstrong ,big ups to him though.I was however batterling to breath and blamed it on the altitude not my fittness ,only to discover our altitude is 300m,nice one.
Today we to a trip into the village of Bad Gliechenberg where we relaxed in the heat and let the fresh air full our hollow noses as we ambled along the roads.we headed back to the house for another swim where I decided to succesfully search for the local snake and regretfully found it and screamed like a little girl.
Falling more and more in love with this place was so beautiful in winter but such a different kind of beauty in the summer ,could spend alot of time here doing alot of nothing.
We've also decided to visit Salzberg for a night,but only going to be leaving here on the 1st ,so you'll hear from me before then.
ML
I would just like to spend a minute talking about my education, it has come to my attention that people feel my spelling is rather useless, to put it nicely. This is no news to me as i know how terriable it is. I do however feel that mentoning the name of my school would not do much harm as they are truely the ones to blame so here it is,...i went to bishops, hated it,but dont think we are all as terrible spellers as I am,we try our best.
Now that that is out the way i would like to continue with our journey.
We left Amsterdam two days ago on the 26th bright and early in the morning,this is a very popular time in Amsterdam as it is about the time that all the highs are falling. Lee and myself then spent the next 19 hours facing backwards on a train with a screaming/politely talking german child running up and down the jungle gym/train and a retarted train driver suffering terrets who kept forgetting to switch the loud speaker off. Dispite the chaos we where able to really enjoy the countries we where driving through,the went through Holland , Germany then into Austria , as we where going through the Salzberg the sun started to set, the area of Austria is truely one of the most beautiful on the planet.After fighting for the window seat(not that I would ever do that) I had my eyes glued to the window which was all keeping me from the world beyond. As our train sped through the country night began to fall. We adventually arrived in Graz where we had an hour and a half wait until our next train.
We found a cosy cement brick and watched the world go by. I decided to venture into a dark alley to find a bathroom ,but rather I luckly bumped into a potential Austria serial killer who had me 'bolting' it down the platform until I found a police looking person: Thinking I was now safe I began to relax...and then it happened ,I realised I was in more danger now than ever the 'policeman' worked for the same company as UCTs Campuss 'police' (Cps). I couldnt believe my eyes,as anyone who goes to UCT will know how scary cps can be,the fear of getting a parking ticket or being spoken to rudely was just to much for me and I fled, Lee and I hoped on a train and headed to the town of Feldbach.
We then arrived at Feldbach just after one that morning ,yet our journey wasnt finished, after meeting my exchange brother from 2007/8 he then drove us to the small village of Bad Gliechenberg(dont bother looking for it on a map) once we reached this village we kept going as we where staying on the outskirts. We arrived and as our heads touched our pillows we where gone.
We woke up the next morning to a beautiful countryside full of colour ,life and peace. we spent the day swimming and laying in the sun. we fulled our tums up and then headed to the local resturant to play some traditional Austria bowling. Here Leah and I realised we are terriable South Africans and got destroyed,lots of laughs all round, mostly at us.
I went for a cycle around this area yesterday and have decided that I may even start cycling when I get home. felt like I was lancey baby riding the Tour de France, except am Matthew, Im in Austria and Im alot better than Lance Armstrong ,big ups to him though.I was however batterling to breath and blamed it on the altitude not my fittness ,only to discover our altitude is 300m,nice one.
Today we to a trip into the village of Bad Gliechenberg where we relaxed in the heat and let the fresh air full our hollow noses as we ambled along the roads.we headed back to the house for another swim where I decided to succesfully search for the local snake and regretfully found it and screamed like a little girl.
Falling more and more in love with this place was so beautiful in winter but such a different kind of beauty in the summer ,could spend alot of time here doing alot of nothing.
We've also decided to visit Salzberg for a night,but only going to be leaving here on the 1st ,so you'll hear from me before then.
ML
Saturday, 25 June 2011
Amsterdam
Today we are going to head into the city, it's raining again as it has everyday in our trip so far,but thats ok my middle name is waterproof. Tomorrow we have a 13 hour train trip tomorrow.
must be off..
must be off..
Friday, 24 June 2011
FRANCE and alittle bit of Amsterdam
We'll hello everyone,
its been awhile since ive had the chance to gnaw at your minds.
Im sitting now in my friend Toms apartment in Hilversum which is some 20min away from Amsterdam, which where we spent the day exploring the backside of Amsterdam (ah ah ah) more about that later,we arrived from france this morning on a 3 hour train journey leaving home 6 this morning, im sure you wondering how france treated us.
We arrived in france late in the night three days ago and got to the awesome Charles de Gaulle airport where we where very impressed and excited. We unfortunately started to loose our confindence in the place as we scaled deeper and deeper into the heart of Paris. Now theres a few things I have to say about france some good and some more bad, might aswel speak about the bad stuff first.
Firstly the French, they're not the most pleasant of people in the whole world, we found them very anti-tourist in a very unsociable kind of way.You get a unwelcoming chill pass over you as you scour through the city. Another thing about Paris is its a city where you get the impression that everybody in france is trying to get as close to the city centre as possible which makes it very busy,full of tourists and locals. Paris reminds me a little of a poem that i have made called 'Paris' it goes...
wake ,que ,eat, que,find a train,que,get on train,hold your nose,que, run,que, gasp, que, eat, que, get ripped off ,que, sleep.
this poem was inspired by a que we stood in while i was eating.
Although Paris is an exauhsting city and we where dead tired after our three days there partly due to the fact that we where sleeping on upside-down cannoes but also because we walked paris silly, we headed up to Palace of Versailles on the second day and somehow ended up with a tour giude and there we had an amazing time where we got a glimps of Paris as it may have been 200 years ago, minus 12 000 tourists.
We had a lovely smooth journey into Amsterdam this morning where i spent the whole train trip glude to the window in amazement of the wind farms , kilimoter long green houses and aquaducts. We have met Tom and are living with him and his friend "Lyon" at the moment and having a great time,
until next time
ML
oh we have a 13 hour train trip on sunday....bow-chikki-bow-wow
its been awhile since ive had the chance to gnaw at your minds.
Im sitting now in my friend Toms apartment in Hilversum which is some 20min away from Amsterdam, which where we spent the day exploring the backside of Amsterdam (ah ah ah) more about that later,we arrived from france this morning on a 3 hour train journey leaving home 6 this morning, im sure you wondering how france treated us.
We arrived in france late in the night three days ago and got to the awesome Charles de Gaulle airport where we where very impressed and excited. We unfortunately started to loose our confindence in the place as we scaled deeper and deeper into the heart of Paris. Now theres a few things I have to say about france some good and some more bad, might aswel speak about the bad stuff first.
Firstly the French, they're not the most pleasant of people in the whole world, we found them very anti-tourist in a very unsociable kind of way.You get a unwelcoming chill pass over you as you scour through the city. Another thing about Paris is its a city where you get the impression that everybody in france is trying to get as close to the city centre as possible which makes it very busy,full of tourists and locals. Paris reminds me a little of a poem that i have made called 'Paris' it goes...
wake ,que ,eat, que,find a train,que,get on train,hold your nose,que, run,que, gasp, que, eat, que, get ripped off ,que, sleep.
this poem was inspired by a que we stood in while i was eating.
Although Paris is an exauhsting city and we where dead tired after our three days there partly due to the fact that we where sleeping on upside-down cannoes but also because we walked paris silly, we headed up to Palace of Versailles on the second day and somehow ended up with a tour giude and there we had an amazing time where we got a glimps of Paris as it may have been 200 years ago, minus 12 000 tourists.
We had a lovely smooth journey into Amsterdam this morning where i spent the whole train trip glude to the window in amazement of the wind farms , kilimoter long green houses and aquaducts. We have met Tom and are living with him and his friend "Lyon" at the moment and having a great time,
until next time
ML
oh we have a 13 hour train trip on sunday....bow-chikki-bow-wow
Tuesday, 21 June 2011
Last days of Scotland
As we ready to leave Scotland for our flight to Paris I look back at our time here. Last night after a full day walking Edinburgh inside out we had a delicious supper the headed into the Old Town for a drink with those crazy Scottish woman.then took a stroll down to the pier and ate fried mars bars ,a delicacy, delicious.
Today we leave for Paris where we might not have internet as I don't know if that has got to France yet. We going to be there for three nights then head to Holland for the weekend,where after we go to Austria. We are rained in today but went to a lovely farm house for breakfast. Its been an amazing couple of days here and we've really had the time of our lives, its been great to be living with a local and Cait has shown us such an awesome time with her family and friends. Edinburgh is such an amazing city, so big yet so peaceful and clam.
Today the real journey begins,lets see how this goes...
stay close
ML
Today we leave for Paris where we might not have internet as I don't know if that has got to France yet. We going to be there for three nights then head to Holland for the weekend,where after we go to Austria. We are rained in today but went to a lovely farm house for breakfast. Its been an amazing couple of days here and we've really had the time of our lives, its been great to be living with a local and Cait has shown us such an awesome time with her family and friends. Edinburgh is such an amazing city, so big yet so peaceful and clam.
Today the real journey begins,lets see how this goes...
stay close
ML
Sunday, 19 June 2011
Road Trip
Before I start want to through a happy fathers day to my dad as i know you reading this.
The day of the Road Trip
0900; We rose with the sun to prepare for our great undertaking today.We have planned to visit Glenapp castle on the west coast of Scotland ,about a 2-3 hour drive,so about 5 for us.We would be traveling in the HMS PCB ("Politically Correct Biko",this took some debate and after throwing a bottle at the car it was decided.) We were being driven by captain Captain Cook (bow-chikki-bow-wow) and our 1st mate,1st Mate Capt. Morgan (bow-chikki-bow-wow again) ,and I, king Matthew,narrator ,adviser ,back seat driver ,padkos controler , navigator and map co-ordinator,pretty much like a jedi knight.
We then set off into the unknown ahead. The journey was well underway (about one minute) when we realised we had to turn around to get the maps WE left at home. Once again hitting the open road.
(input from 1st mate leah, "then matt became an asshole ,stole Leah's seat and was forced to starve as punishment for his treacherous behaviour. Cait and Leah refused to spell check his blog and he was forced to write it himself and get laughed at)
1700: After many hours of traveling South along the coast in the direction of Stranraer we managed to get very lost in our search for Glenapp Castle. This is where I decided to make a break for the shotgun and grabbed Leah's seat. I was on top of the world ,promoted myself to first officer and dictator,this did however result in tears and all my food being eaten as I left it in the back seat.
I was told my music selection skills where rubbish which is weird as my middle name is 'DJ', and I humbly left the front seat.
We eventually found Glenapp Castle ,well rather the front gate,we found we weren't so welcome. After a little bit of Leah persuasion and kidnapping of Bambie we fought our way victoriously to the castle as it didn't really have a moat but rather a tennis court so we decided to stay for tea (thanks Debbie). Once we recovered from our ambush we realised how beautiful this place was. the gardens where massive, lush, e
immaculate ,not a leaf out of place and in the middle of this stands a magnificent brown stone Glenapp Castle,draped in windows and chimneys, frozen for 200 years. Here we gor treated like royalty by the most lovely staff where we filled ourselves with tea and scones.We then went for an amble around the castle grounds,this whole area of Scotland is like something out of a Robert Frost poem,high fivies to him. I came to a fork in the road and took the path less traveled, and that made all the difference,the difference was i had mud all over my shoes, something he didn't tell us in his writing. After a lovely visit the rain called us home...I think a know a shortcut
2000: We arrive home, the shortcut wasn't that short.
For some photos see Caits pics:
http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.2130909758092.2130867.1406437079
Heres the poem, also nice to have a look at 'Mending Wall' Robert Frost's poems remind me a lot of Scotland countryside. although he was an American ,his mother was Scottish and father was English.
Tomorrow we hit the city again..
ML
The day of the Road Trip
0900; We rose with the sun to prepare for our great undertaking today.We have planned to visit Glenapp castle on the west coast of Scotland ,about a 2-3 hour drive,so about 5 for us.We would be traveling in the HMS PCB ("Politically Correct Biko",this took some debate and after throwing a bottle at the car it was decided.) We were being driven by captain Captain Cook (bow-chikki-bow-wow) and our 1st mate,1st Mate Capt. Morgan (bow-chikki-bow-wow again) ,and I, king Matthew,narrator ,adviser ,back seat driver ,padkos controler , navigator and map co-ordinator,pretty much like a jedi knight.
We then set off into the unknown ahead. The journey was well underway (about one minute) when we realised we had to turn around to get the maps WE left at home. Once again hitting the open road.
(input from 1st mate leah, "then matt became an asshole ,stole Leah's seat and was forced to starve as punishment for his treacherous behaviour. Cait and Leah refused to spell check his blog and he was forced to write it himself and get laughed at)
1700: After many hours of traveling South along the coast in the direction of Stranraer we managed to get very lost in our search for Glenapp Castle. This is where I decided to make a break for the shotgun and grabbed Leah's seat. I was on top of the world ,promoted myself to first officer and dictator,this did however result in tears and all my food being eaten as I left it in the back seat.
I was told my music selection skills where rubbish which is weird as my middle name is 'DJ', and I humbly left the front seat.
We eventually found Glenapp Castle ,well rather the front gate,we found we weren't so welcome. After a little bit of Leah persuasion and kidnapping of Bambie we fought our way victoriously to the castle as it didn't really have a moat but rather a tennis court so we decided to stay for tea (thanks Debbie). Once we recovered from our ambush we realised how beautiful this place was. the gardens where massive, lush, e
immaculate ,not a leaf out of place and in the middle of this stands a magnificent brown stone Glenapp Castle,draped in windows and chimneys, frozen for 200 years. Here we gor treated like royalty by the most lovely staff where we filled ourselves with tea and scones.We then went for an amble around the castle grounds,this whole area of Scotland is like something out of a Robert Frost poem,high fivies to him. I came to a fork in the road and took the path less traveled, and that made all the difference,the difference was i had mud all over my shoes, something he didn't tell us in his writing. After a lovely visit the rain called us home...I think a know a shortcut
2000: We arrive home, the shortcut wasn't that short.
For some photos see Caits pics:
http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.2130909758092.2130867.1406437079
Heres the poem, also nice to have a look at 'Mending Wall' Robert Frost's poems remind me a lot of Scotland countryside. although he was an American ,his mother was Scottish and father was English.
Tomorrow we hit the city again..
ML
| Robert Frost (1874–1963). Mountain Interval. 1920. |
| 1. The Road Not Taken |
|
Saturday, 18 June 2011
Edinburgh
The last couple of hours have been mayhem.
Last night after a delicious fish and chips Scotland kalkies style we headed home for some drinks before we headed to town.Here we met some of Cait's friends, Eilidh, Louise and Christine then caught the bus into town,was awesome to catch the bus,so convenient. On this bus trip I discovered that Scots speak a different language to us,I could not understand one word these girls said to each other but somehow they are hilarious. We headed to George St. and went to a club called 'why not?' ,this caused a lot of confusion on my behalf. This club was quite an experience I must say,very different to anywhere I've been before,partly because we where in Edinburgh and the people are very different and partly because the only people i knew on the whole street where five woman. I also realised that it is border line impossible to be an alcoholic in Scotland because of the price of booze.
All in all, it was an awesome night we arrived at the club when the sunset and got home when it started rising again, this isnt saying much because its still light at 10:30 at night.
We woke up at 11 today and had a delicious breakfast made by Caitlin's mom, Sarah.We then decided to head into the city and see what Edinburgh was all about, in true Scottish style it rained the whole day,but what's a bit of H2O anyway? we braved the winter weather and headed up to the castle ,I suggest to anyone that they look at Caitlin's album on Facebook to see what we got up to today . From kilts to giant rugby balls the Scots have everything, there's even a million chinese tourists there which means it must be an awesome city.
http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.2128025645991.2130643.1406437079
We headed off to Pizza Express where the three of us arguably ate more pizza than our combined weight. this was a problem as we battled to cross the road to the bus stop,so we sort of just waddled.
Tomorrow we ROAD TRIP. We're probably going through Glasgow then heading to Glenapp castle in Ayrshire ,but knowing us we could even be making a visit to Cape Town...
ML
Last night after a delicious fish and chips Scotland kalkies style we headed home for some drinks before we headed to town.Here we met some of Cait's friends, Eilidh, Louise and Christine then caught the bus into town,was awesome to catch the bus,so convenient. On this bus trip I discovered that Scots speak a different language to us,I could not understand one word these girls said to each other but somehow they are hilarious. We headed to George St. and went to a club called 'why not?' ,this caused a lot of confusion on my behalf. This club was quite an experience I must say,very different to anywhere I've been before,partly because we where in Edinburgh and the people are very different and partly because the only people i knew on the whole street where five woman. I also realised that it is border line impossible to be an alcoholic in Scotland because of the price of booze.
All in all, it was an awesome night we arrived at the club when the sunset and got home when it started rising again, this isnt saying much because its still light at 10:30 at night.
We woke up at 11 today and had a delicious breakfast made by Caitlin's mom, Sarah.We then decided to head into the city and see what Edinburgh was all about, in true Scottish style it rained the whole day,but what's a bit of H2O anyway? we braved the winter weather and headed up to the castle ,I suggest to anyone that they look at Caitlin's album on Facebook to see what we got up to today . From kilts to giant rugby balls the Scots have everything, there's even a million chinese tourists there which means it must be an awesome city.
http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.2128025645991.2130643.1406437079
We headed off to Pizza Express where the three of us arguably ate more pizza than our combined weight. this was a problem as we battled to cross the road to the bus stop,so we sort of just waddled.
Tomorrow we ROAD TRIP. We're probably going through Glasgow then heading to Glenapp castle in Ayrshire ,but knowing us we could even be making a visit to Cape Town...
ML
Friday, 17 June 2011
Last day of London ,Scotland begins.
We started our last day early, we missioned to the London Dungeons early to get our student priced tickets. The Dungeons were very interesting and lots of fun and I definitely recommend it. It’s a great laugh where you have the opportunity to get lost in a mirror maze, have constant goose bumps and be accused of having unnatural intimacy with a horse. It definitely needs to be done once.
London was chunking in all her glory, so it made getting around a little more difficult, we decided upon a coffee shop and then headed to the London science museum, now I wish we had discovered this place earlier! It is the most amazing place on the planet, Leah and I were addicted. We spent the next 3 hours, or 3 days (i'm not sure) wandering in the bliss of ‘stuff’. We realized the time and headed home to pack.We then said goodbye to the family and boarded our 11pm bus to Edinburgh, the bus ride wasn’t much fun, we didn’t really get much sleep and were at mc Donald’s at 3 in the morning.
Then it happened...we crossed the border! Scotland, the land of the unknown, the land of the wranga. We were joyfully met by Caitlin in the morning where she drove us to her house, this was a shock to us for a few reasons. Firstly, we didn’t know there where cars in Scotland, and secondly, the only reason we survived that trip was that there where no other cars in the road, and nothing to crash into. We love Scotland we love Caitlin.
While we headed to Cait's house, we had a lovely look at this beautiful city of Edinburgh, very old gray brick houses, spread out with lots of dark nutritious green fields. Cait's house is little way from the city, practically in the countryside. Our neighbours are sheep and our only friends, and it hasn’t rained yet.Loving this place, it’s so close to London yet so very uniquely different.It’s truly beautiful and i've spent half an hour driving through it.We headed to bed to get a couple of hours of sleep; it’s so good to be horizontal.Tonight we're having fish and chips and heading to the city…
some pics over the last week,
 |
| Our first day in London. |
 |
| We stumbled into a mnm store,was preeeeeetty awesome. |
 |
| Outside Westminister Abbey where we had lunch with the queen. |
 |
| The joys of the amazing Underground. |
 |
| Outside Buckingham Palace. |
 |
| The day we spent with Claire at St Pancras Station. |
 |
| Outside Tower Bridge |
 |
| Had a meringues with Tim and the family in Putney after which I Alpha maled him |
 |
| Outside my cousin Claire and MJ's house in Clapham |
ML
Wednesday, 15 June 2011
The London Summer
You might wonder why I named today 'The London Summer' it was for a few reasons,the first is to highlight that it is indeed summer in London at the moment,but it is definitely not summer in London at the moment.
London is very different to my home Cape Town in many amazing and disappointing ways which I observed today.London is the city where everyone takes the train to work in the morning whether your a mom, dad, child ,businessman or janitor.
The city is safe ,clean and works ,time is kept and people listen, If theres an ambulance driving down a busy road people move away and don't join in behind it. If I wait for him to cross the road oneday he'll wait for me. One gets the feeling that theres a very clever man sitting behind a cloud making sure everything is working and everybody is safe,you battle to believe that everybody in this city is doing it themselves.
Everybodys part of a clock ,its a clock that works ,but the thing is they know they are part of this clock and its a clock they,individually, want to work.
I look this city and i think to myself 'myself why cant South Africa be like this city?' Why cant i walk home safe from varsity in the afternoon without fear lurking behind every bush?why do i spend the whole day walking around my city feeling like a mismatched puzzle piece?
The more I try to answer these questions the more I realise what Im asking is not quite right. London is big,amazing, its where dreams flourish, Cape Town is small and not much of a power house ,but Cape Town is the place where my dreams where born.Cape Town is my city its where my roots sink deep its the place where my heart beats in sync,Cape Town is my city.
I cant try to understand London like that,London is to me merely as I have experienced it.
So I say all these things and i still havn't really changed anything, I will still glance over my back as long as I live and still ride home with extra vigour in my step. I see that London can never be like Cape Town,not even in the same category. What has happened though is that I have a dream that is growing,It is this splendid and naive view of London in my head and I see them sprouting endless possibilities for Cape Town,South Africa.
My love for London in these few days i've experienced it has overflowed ,anyone whos been here will know that her streets beat a unique inspiring beat,but as her cup overflows,the Cape sea floods.I feel the start if a friendship with this city.
Today we walk more than I thought my legs could carry my ,and then even further when Leah was carrying me,then even further still when I was in my pram. From the British Tate to Canary Whaft, Tower Hill to Putney.Met my brother Tim and the family for a snack and was awesome to see them, also having an amazing time at my cousins home
Tomorrow night we will be leaving to the land of Scotland.Be sure we will be stuffing as much of London into our pockets before then.Pictures will be on there way soon...
ML
London is very different to my home Cape Town in many amazing and disappointing ways which I observed today.London is the city where everyone takes the train to work in the morning whether your a mom, dad, child ,businessman or janitor.
The city is safe ,clean and works ,time is kept and people listen, If theres an ambulance driving down a busy road people move away and don't join in behind it. If I wait for him to cross the road oneday he'll wait for me. One gets the feeling that theres a very clever man sitting behind a cloud making sure everything is working and everybody is safe,you battle to believe that everybody in this city is doing it themselves.
Everybodys part of a clock ,its a clock that works ,but the thing is they know they are part of this clock and its a clock they,individually, want to work.
I look this city and i think to myself 'myself why cant South Africa be like this city?' Why cant i walk home safe from varsity in the afternoon without fear lurking behind every bush?why do i spend the whole day walking around my city feeling like a mismatched puzzle piece?
The more I try to answer these questions the more I realise what Im asking is not quite right. London is big,amazing, its where dreams flourish, Cape Town is small and not much of a power house ,but Cape Town is the place where my dreams where born.Cape Town is my city its where my roots sink deep its the place where my heart beats in sync,Cape Town is my city.
I cant try to understand London like that,London is to me merely as I have experienced it.
So I say all these things and i still havn't really changed anything, I will still glance over my back as long as I live and still ride home with extra vigour in my step. I see that London can never be like Cape Town,not even in the same category. What has happened though is that I have a dream that is growing,It is this splendid and naive view of London in my head and I see them sprouting endless possibilities for Cape Town,South Africa.
My love for London in these few days i've experienced it has overflowed ,anyone whos been here will know that her streets beat a unique inspiring beat,but as her cup overflows,the Cape sea floods.I feel the start if a friendship with this city.
Today we walk more than I thought my legs could carry my ,and then even further when Leah was carrying me,then even further still when I was in my pram. From the British Tate to Canary Whaft, Tower Hill to Putney.Met my brother Tim and the family for a snack and was awesome to see them, also having an amazing time at my cousins home
Tomorrow night we will be leaving to the land of Scotland.Be sure we will be stuffing as much of London into our pockets before then.Pictures will be on there way soon...
ML
Tuesday, 14 June 2011
London Day 2
We woke this morning with energy in our step. I was armed with different shoes in true tourist style so hopefully my feet wouldn't take to much strain as i discovered yesterday after many miles of walking,we mostly walking miles now,so its further than km's and it takes its toll on one.
We made it to the Palace where we saw the queen getting changed,then headed off to find our friend Claire who is living in England for alittle while now,but is returning to Cape Town soon which we all looking forward to.
Leah, Claire and myself then headed off to the city centre where I discovered what shopping is really about.It is a difficult thing for a male kind to do as it requires concentration and patience which are two words I battle to comprehend yet alone practice.
I was the third wheel, not like a third wheel on a roller blade more like the third wheel on a tricycle, I was the support, the balance,but i didn't know what was happening.Those two troopers powered on with such might i could only admire, explores in the land on concrete and clothes and concrete clothes.
I have however made a few observations in my journey, firstly shops are sexist and secondly I have no fashion sense according to my personal assistance ,this became as a bit of a shock to me as my middle name is 'Fashion'.
We did so many things today it was ridicules. Was great to see Claire and have Lee by my side.
lets see what tomorrow holds...
ML
We made it to the Palace where we saw the queen getting changed,then headed off to find our friend Claire who is living in England for alittle while now,but is returning to Cape Town soon which we all looking forward to.
Leah, Claire and myself then headed off to the city centre where I discovered what shopping is really about.It is a difficult thing for a male kind to do as it requires concentration and patience which are two words I battle to comprehend yet alone practice.
I was the third wheel, not like a third wheel on a roller blade more like the third wheel on a tricycle, I was the support, the balance,but i didn't know what was happening.Those two troopers powered on with such might i could only admire, explores in the land on concrete and clothes and concrete clothes.
I have however made a few observations in my journey, firstly shops are sexist and secondly I have no fashion sense according to my personal assistance ,this became as a bit of a shock to me as my middle name is 'Fashion'.
We did so many things today it was ridicules. Was great to see Claire and have Lee by my side.
lets see what tomorrow holds...
ML
Monday, 13 June 2011
London Town
We got up early this morning and walked to my cousins Oli and Luke to school. Amazed by how well everything works here,everyone travels by public transport,no messing around, its amazing.
Once we had delivered the package we put on our walking shoes and tubed it to London,we managed to only get lost twice today. We have walked london dry ,my feet are now sore and my eyes are heavy,its 10pm and the sun is setting.
With so much walking today it became apparent that leah has a serious addiction to 'graceful lunges' (ie,tripping) its a serious problem considering she nearly landed face first on the pavement about 50 times, it has brought up the fact that London pavements are alot more hardcore than anything in South Africa.
Again my eyes are tired ,its been a long day ,sorry to cut things short ,we have big smiles on our faces though and loving every second,even took myself for a run today realised it wasnt working so had a few beers instead.
PS, had a look at the SA embassy today,flags a half mast,anyone???
Tomorrow we will be meeting our friend claire
until next time
ML
Once we had delivered the package we put on our walking shoes and tubed it to London,we managed to only get lost twice today. We have walked london dry ,my feet are now sore and my eyes are heavy,its 10pm and the sun is setting.
With so much walking today it became apparent that leah has a serious addiction to 'graceful lunges' (ie,tripping) its a serious problem considering she nearly landed face first on the pavement about 50 times, it has brought up the fact that London pavements are alot more hardcore than anything in South Africa.
Again my eyes are tired ,its been a long day ,sorry to cut things short ,we have big smiles on our faces though and loving every second,even took myself for a run today realised it wasnt working so had a few beers instead.
PS, had a look at the SA embassy today,flags a half mast,anyone???
Tomorrow we will be meeting our friend claire
until next time
ML
Sunday, 12 June 2011
Arriving in London
Its been a long,long,long day for Leah and I.After leaving Jo-burg we took an 8 hour flight to Doha ,where I happened to get a new meaning for the word migriane when the brilliant pilot decided to drop out of the sky making my head feel like a helium ballon in a volcano!
We made it to Doha airport at 6:40 and 35 degrees where we spent another 5 hours waiting before connecting to London,Heathrow.
We made it to Doha airport at 6:40 and 35 degrees where we spent another 5 hours waiting before connecting to London,Heathrow.
Doha is an Arab country, so evidently most the announcements will be in Arabic first the translated into English. It is abit disconcerting however when you are one of the few non-Arabic speaking people on the plane during the safety talks. They ramble on for 20 minutes in a language you don’t understand, then switch to English and say, “Good Morning. Escape doors at the back of the plane, have a good flight. Good luck!”
We got picked up by my cousin Claire after a long wait in a very long queue at the airport,which was fine cos we used to lions in South Africa...ah ah ah
K im going to bed ,Londons amazing, my cousins looking after us amazingly but i cant feel my head
ML
Saturday, 11 June 2011
The Journey
We are currently sitting in jo-berg airport for the next hour,that wasn't the plan...but anyway we continue forward.Next stop is the oil well of Doha where we will sit and twiddle our thumbs for an hour or Five.they do supposedly have a duty free the size of cavendish and also longdrops,we're excited.
This unfortunately will be one of my last regular posts as vadacom doesn't have service in Europe,which isn't really a surprise when they battle to reach pinelands,but I will try and keep you updated!keep well Cape Town
ML
This unfortunately will be one of my last regular posts as vadacom doesn't have service in Europe,which isn't really a surprise when they battle to reach pinelands,but I will try and keep you updated!keep well Cape Town
ML
Getting ready
It’s a couple of hours until we leave and I have conquered packing. Interesting story though, my bag is a monster, 85L of pure joy. Leah can fit inside my bag, while wearing hers….FULL!!! It’s 35L. Guess I’m re-packing.
It did take me about 5 minutes to pack as I don’t know what to pack and will probably be 5 minutes into the air when I’ve realized if forgotten something, like my bag.
We leave at 18:45 in our metal tin traveling 1000km/h through the air, very excited.
Here we go! The next 6 weeks are going to be an adventure of a life time. Just ate my last boerie roll for a while, that’s not because they don’t have boerie rolls in Europe, it’s because I’ve stocked up on food for a while. Lets do this
ML…
It did take me about 5 minutes to pack as I don’t know what to pack and will probably be 5 minutes into the air when I’ve realized if forgotten something, like my bag.
We leave at 18:45 in our metal tin traveling 1000km/h through the air, very excited.
Here we go! The next 6 weeks are going to be an adventure of a life time. Just ate my last boerie roll for a while, that’s not because they don’t have boerie rolls in Europe, it’s because I’ve stocked up on food for a while. Lets do this
ML…
Friday, 10 June 2011
Prelude
On Saturday the 11th of June, which happens to be tomorrow, we shall disembark on the ultimate road trip, except without the road and not so many cars, YES I’m talking about what is to be known as ‘backpacking’. Myself, Matthew and my girlfriend Leah shall be setting off tomorrow to the land of England ruled by kings and queens and tea drinking,…mostly.
Our plan is simple; make it through Europe, to Athens, Greece by the 22nd of July alive, with lots of memories a headache and no cash in our wallets. How will we do this you may ask? Well we simply reply by saying, we ask ourselves the same question.
Our first stop is Cousin Claire whom has agreed to take us into her humble abode for a couple of days while we spread our green and gold through London town.
Right now though we have a nice small, little, tiny, 24 hour journey to look forward to on ‘Qatar’ Airways (I know I asked myself the same question, I though a ‘u’ always came after a ‘Q’).
Our plan is simple; make it through Europe, to Athens, Greece by the 22nd of July alive, with lots of memories a headache and no cash in our wallets. How will we do this you may ask? Well we simply reply by saying, we ask ourselves the same question.
Our first stop is Cousin Claire whom has agreed to take us into her humble abode for a couple of days while we spread our green and gold through London town.
Right now though we have a nice small, little, tiny, 24 hour journey to look forward to on ‘Qatar’ Airways (I know I asked myself the same question, I though a ‘u’ always came after a ‘Q’).
Anyway must go and pack something and find something to pack it into now, will let you know how that works out.
Until then
ML
Until then
ML
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| As many of you might not know us and what we look like, we are both in this photo. |
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