tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11550073095983451902024-03-13T23:47:28.505+02:00Project 52 WeeksLife in South Africa and travel experiences from Africa and India.
See the world from my point of view.Anthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17277669320607541473noreply@blogger.comBlogger69125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1155007309598345190.post-3718711378980970542014-01-18T10:45:00.000+02:002014-02-21T11:00:13.420+02:00Around Johannesburg<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b>Newtown and Art on Main Again</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: xx-small;"><b>- 18 January 2014 -</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">At the end of last year, I attended an advanced photography fine arts course. I wanted to explorer a bit and get in touch with other photographers, at the end of the course there was a planned exhibition at the Africa Museum in Newtown. The idea was to get some photographs and present the prints as a group, one photo of the people of Newtown and any other photo. The exhibition was supposed to take place last year, but people requested that the exhibition be delayed till the new year. So Mark and myself went to Newtown to get some additional final shots.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">We started out in Newtown walking through the streets between the buildings, it was early morning so we were mostly taking photos in the shade, but at times we got lucky and the sunrise light was reflecting onto the streets from taller buildings windows.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">As we walked into a small street we started taking some photos of the locals sitting on the sidewalk, but the one man wasn't very impressed with us. I approached him in a friendly manner and told him we were from the newspaper and he would be on the front cover, I did this in a "joking" way which put a small smile on his face. After having a brief discussion he allowed me to get a quick portrait of him. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">This spot was getting boring so we moved onto a busier street. There was a muslim gentleman in the window of some apartments, I showed him my camera and he showed me a book. I took this as acknowledgement, but wasn't sure if this meant I have permission.... I took the photo anyway.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">At this point we were relatively far from our starting point and wandering outside of the Newtown area, so we started heading back stopping over at a street market site where the vendors were setting out there goods for the busy day ahead. The streets and sidewalks were littered in fruit, vegetables and rubbish from the previous day.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">We then passed a butcher who was unloading some pig heads from a truck, he noticed us and put on a bit of a show. I had my 50mm prime lens on, so I had to snap up whatever I could quickly. He acted a bit crazy.... surrounded with pig heads it made for a surreal moment, which unfortunately I couldn't capture properly.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Arriving back at our cars we decided to go get some breakfast at Arts on Main. On the way there I passed an area which looked interesting, so we parked our cars at Arts on Main and walked back to the potential site.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">We ordered our breakfast and some coffee and then whipped out our laptops to compare images and supply some commentary. It is always good to get another photographer's opinion, especially when there is an exhibition looming.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Once done with the food and coffee we headed into the main "Market on Main" building where each Sunday a market is hosted with lots of interesting stalls. This being Saturday, they were preparing for the next day, but we decided to take advantage.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">This was our last opportunity to get the photos we needed for the exhibition. In the next week we convened at the DPC centurion studio where we held the course and supplied our final selection of images. However only 6 people arrived and Danie informed us that this will be too little for an exhibition, so the exhibition was cancelled. I was very disappointed....</span></div>
Anthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17277669320607541473noreply@blogger.com0Newtown, Johannesburg, South Africa-26.2025006 28.031782600000042-26.2167476 28.011612600000042 -26.1882536 28.051952600000043tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1155007309598345190.post-61440028249854471152014-01-03T07:53:00.000+02:002014-02-21T08:39:01.345+02:00Loskop Dam<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b>A Quick Trip... East</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: xx-small;"><b>- 03 January 2014 -</b></span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1fL2oZoZAXI/UwbkEud6dBI/AAAAAAAAjxw/-OS8ud2czQc/s1600/_DSC9038-Edit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Wildlife Loskop Dam" border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1fL2oZoZAXI/UwbkEud6dBI/AAAAAAAAjxw/-OS8ud2czQc/s1600/_DSC9038-Edit.jpg" height="176" title="Photography Loskop Dam" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I called up Scott on the evening of the 2nd January 2014, a Thursday, to accompany me for a drive to Loskop Dam, approximately 200km from Pretoria, about a 2 hour drive. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">It has been many many years since I visited this dam, and wanted to check it out again.</span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-S6O8X3FCzos/UsiSlqCscSI/AAAAAAAAiZ8/Y7x1oV9NDrU/s1600/_DSC8914-Edit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Photography Dam Mpumalanga" border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-S6O8X3FCzos/UsiSlqCscSI/AAAAAAAAiZ8/Y7x1oV9NDrU/s1600/_DSC8914-Edit.jpg" height="280" title="Water Loskop Dam Photography" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">The plan was to wake up very early and leave in the dark, to arrive round about sunrise, this meant that it being the summer months leaving at 4:00am would still be cutting it close, but leaving earlier just didn't feel right. So I set my alarm for 3:30am and told Scott to expect me at about 4:00am..... that was the plan. I over slept, eventually at about 5:30am or so, I got a call from Scott asking where I was.... damn I hate it when that happens, I must have switched my alarm off in my sleep, I jumped out of bed, grabbed a cup of coffee and set off to collect a frustrated Scott.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">We arrived at the dam at about 7:30, an hour and half later than I wanted, but what can I do.</span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2xHjZ9b7T3Q/UsiSrxvqfXI/AAAAAAAAiaM/kg5npny_L3U/s1600/_DSC8935-Edit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Loskop Dam Grass" border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2xHjZ9b7T3Q/UsiSrxvqfXI/AAAAAAAAiaM/kg5npny_L3U/s1600/_DSC8935-Edit.jpg" height="640" title="Grass Photography Loskop Dam" width="424" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">We drove around a bit checking out the area, but then headed for the Loskop Dam Nature Reserve, paid a small fee, and entered.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">The nature reserve has a combination of animals, consisting of various different antelope, some giraffe, some monkeys and lots of birds. Our first stop was at a bird hide, to our surprise there were a couple of cars parked nearby. As we approached the hide, it was clear that the only company we could expect this time of the morning were other photographers, trying to catch the perfect photo of the morning birds.</span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_yAZXWoeUNs/UsiSwbyiiaI/AAAAAAAAiaU/f9-ugulXzeY/s1600/_DSC8950-Edit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Photography Loskop Dam Birds" border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_yAZXWoeUNs/UsiSwbyiiaI/AAAAAAAAiaU/f9-ugulXzeY/s1600/_DSC8950-Edit.jpg" height="640" title="Loskop Dam Bird Hide" width="424" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Once done at the bird hide, I inspected the GPS and headed in the direction of the water. There were a couple of boats on the water, but other than that it was very peaceful.</span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vZjjgL5zYew/UsiS5uG1BeI/AAAAAAAAia0/_M8QSj_yf-Q/s1600/_DSC9002-Edit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Loskop Dam South Africa" border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vZjjgL5zYew/UsiS5uG1BeI/AAAAAAAAia0/_M8QSj_yf-Q/s1600/_DSC9002-Edit.jpg" height="424" title="Photography Mpumalanga Loskop Dam" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LM6D_-J5BAM/UsiS-8y-sYI/AAAAAAAAibM/7V6GE9pixZ4/s1600/_DSC9041-Edit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Loskop Dam Bird" border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LM6D_-J5BAM/UsiS-8y-sYI/AAAAAAAAibM/7V6GE9pixZ4/s1600/_DSC9041-Edit.jpg" height="458" title="Photography Bird Over Water" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XDZijYcMID0/UsiTC8DOLDI/AAAAAAAAibc/l8QgthZvb1A/s1600/_DSC9059-Edit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Black and White Loskop Dam" border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XDZijYcMID0/UsiTC8DOLDI/AAAAAAAAibc/l8QgthZvb1A/s1600/_DSC9059-Edit.jpg" height="424" title="Photography Loskop Landscape" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">We were reluctant to leave the waters edge, but our plan wasn't to spend the entire day here so we moved on, first stopping at a couple more bird hides crammed with some more bird photographers, but as we explore red the dusty parks roads we soon spotted various animals on our route.</span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dS6oav5wMaA/UsiTH_mVYQI/AAAAAAAAibk/oVNgLJ8fNKQ/s1600/_DSC9086-Edit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Photography South Africa Bird" border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dS6oav5wMaA/UsiTH_mVYQI/AAAAAAAAibk/oVNgLJ8fNKQ/s1600/_DSC9086-Edit.jpg" height="424" title="Loskop Dam Bird" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3AGpb81oMi4/UsiTKRwKUcI/AAAAAAAAibs/IL8woQEUwlw/s1600/_DSC9100-Edit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Photography Blog Loskop Dam Wildlife" border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3AGpb81oMi4/UsiTKRwKUcI/AAAAAAAAibs/IL8woQEUwlw/s1600/_DSC9100-Edit.jpg" height="424" title="Loskop Monkey" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-A5uC-MHTiZE/UsiTSY0SDpI/AAAAAAAAib8/daA9P9BrtV0/s1600/_DSC9137-Edit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Photography Antelope South Africa Loskop" border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-A5uC-MHTiZE/UsiTSY0SDpI/AAAAAAAAib8/daA9P9BrtV0/s1600/_DSC9137-Edit.jpg" height="424" title="Antelope Loskop Dam" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">We spotted some giraffe, some interesting birds and some antelope.... we looped round the nature reserve and headed to the exit. We were done here, and soon we were on the main highway heading back to Gauteng. We stopped at a coffee shop on the route, ordered an excellent coffee and the required breakfast and arrived back home at about lunchtime. It was a short trip, but I think it is worth a visit again, maybe a stay over in one of the many lodges found in the area, but this time for a whole weekend.</span></div>
Anthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17277669320607541473noreply@blogger.com1Loskop Dam Nature Reserve, South Africa-25.4333333 29.299999999999955-25.6627383 28.977276499999956 -25.2039283 29.622723499999953tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1155007309598345190.post-10058372878522744142014-01-01T15:11:00.000+02:002014-06-16T19:59:19.114+02:00New Year's Eve Aftermath<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Day One 2014 - Mary Fitzgerald Square</span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: xx-small;"><b>- 01 January 2014 -</b></span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bgXW4LloYnA/UshBt-YaokI/AAAAAAAAiZU/Vr6NPLd7R_Q/s1600/_DSC8699-Edit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Photography New Years Party 2014" border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bgXW4LloYnA/UshBt-YaokI/AAAAAAAAiZU/Vr6NPLd7R_Q/s1280/_DSC8699-Edit.jpg" height="176" title="Mary Fitzgerald Square New Year" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">The City of Johannesburg held a new year celebration on new years eve at the Mary Fitzgerald Square in the Newtown, Johannesburg. I hadn't made plans for the "new years eve celebration" this time round so I thought maybe I would go photograph others celebrating the end of their year. I came across this party on the internet and considered going out to photograph it, but this is in central Johannesburg, not the safest area in Gauteng to hang out in, especially alone! So I posted a comment on the Photo Critic site to see if anybody would accompany me, but as I suspected I didn't receive a response. After some back and forth consideration on going, I decided against it.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">The event was expecting 10000+ people, and with me alone between probably a couple of thousand drunk people, in the one of the most crime stricken areas in South Africa, was just too much to handle. So instead I decided I would go through early on the first day of the new year to see what the after effects were of the massive drunken event.</span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-68dd8WoDMwA/UsRqWU-d0uI/AAAAAAAAiTk/ocl-JflX6Y8/s1600/_DSC8490-edit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Photography New Years Aftermath" border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-68dd8WoDMwA/UsRqWU-d0uI/AAAAAAAAiTk/ocl-JflX6Y8/s1280/_DSC8490-edit.jpg" height="640" title="New Years Aftermath Newtown" width="424" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I parked my car near the square and headed straight for the M1 motorway which would give me a relative birds eye view of the area. I first walked towards the stairs leading up to the motorway, but a friendly security guard I passed warned that there might be some dodgy characters in that area and I should rather take the long way round. I thanked him and proceed towards the closest motorway onramp. I purposefully decided not to remove my camera from my backpack until I was in place on the motorway sidewalk. I figured that the motorway is a relatively open area where I can see what is coming and most "bad" people wouldn't risk stopping on the motorway if they could resist it.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">So after passing some people still partying and a couple of other roamers, I reached the spot overlooking the square, I whipped out my camera and started taking some photos. There were clearly some people still in the "New Year's" spirit.</span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Gfn14UtamUY/UsRqcMyTKnI/AAAAAAAAiTs/vnNWXsFgMak/s1600/_DSC8498-Edit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Mary Fitzgerald Square Party Morning" border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Gfn14UtamUY/UsRqcMyTKnI/AAAAAAAAiTs/vnNWXsFgMak/s1280/_DSC8498-Edit.jpg" height="424" title="Newtown Photography New Years 2013 2014" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QjQti7MZAW8/UsRqi5rgwdI/AAAAAAAAiT0/Xr_WOxC-r-0/s1600/_DSC8530-Edit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Photography New Years Mary Fitzgerald Square" border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QjQti7MZAW8/UsRqi5rgwdI/AAAAAAAAiT0/Xr_WOxC-r-0/s1280/_DSC8530-Edit.jpg" height="640" title="Newtown New Years Next Morning" width="424" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mxj8i20Ao84/UsRqpC6lpdI/AAAAAAAAiW4/1m0ldBlkowE/s1600/_DSC8559-Edit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Johannesburg Mary Fitzgerald Party Aftermath" border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mxj8i20Ao84/UsRqpC6lpdI/AAAAAAAAiW4/1m0ldBlkowE/s1280/_DSC8559-Edit.jpg" height="424" title="Rubbish New Years Aftermath" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">The stage used for the event was still standing, but there were some workers busy dismantling it. Other than that there was plenty of rubbish lying around....</span></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FHUll7vpmwQ/UsRqwzyUpvI/AAAAAAAAiUE/bveR5eLmrzY/s1600/_DSC8607-Edit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Newtown New Years Even Party Morning" border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FHUll7vpmwQ/UsRqwzyUpvI/AAAAAAAAiUE/bveR5eLmrzY/s1280/_DSC8607-Edit.jpg" height="424" title="Shadows New Years Party" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-T5SAR_RLoVY/UsRq6Kv7I1I/AAAAAAAAiUM/_PUGBERKCe8/s1600/_DSC8635-Edit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Johannesburg New Years Even Photography" border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-T5SAR_RLoVY/UsRq6Kv7I1I/AAAAAAAAiUM/_PUGBERKCe8/s1280/_DSC8635-Edit.jpg" height="424" title="Photography Mary Fitzgerald Square New Years Eve" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zMWB4pv5QR0/UsRq_kA-YrI/AAAAAAAAiUU/QRPW7kX3NDQ/s1600/_DSC8643-Edit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Aftermath New Years Party Dove" border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zMWB4pv5QR0/UsRq_kA-YrI/AAAAAAAAiUU/QRPW7kX3NDQ/s1280/_DSC8643-Edit.jpg" height="424" title="New Years Party Photography Newtown" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">The pigeons were capitalizing on the rubbish and bits they could consume, but so were some homeless.... cashing in on the excess of cans lying around all over the place.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I kept a close eye on my surroundings to spot anyone approaching, but luckily my strategy was working and I was pretty much alone. When I arrived the sun was still hiding behind some buildings so I had to wait a fair amount of time to get some dramatic morning shadows.</span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_fDSosiqzDA/UsRsLGuqyxI/AAAAAAAAiVs/Fmx6-ArdjcE/s1600/_DSC8825-Edit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Mary Fitzgerald Square Photography Aftermath" border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_fDSosiqzDA/UsRsLGuqyxI/AAAAAAAAiVs/Fmx6-ArdjcE/s1280/_DSC8825-Edit.jpg" height="424" title="Johannesburg Photography New Years Eve" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OyCJcYvzo4o/UsRrNPicXPI/AAAAAAAAiUk/P8INAsr_FhQ/s1600/_DSC8679-Edit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Photography Mary Fitzgerald Square Party Next Day" border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OyCJcYvzo4o/UsRrNPicXPI/AAAAAAAAiUk/P8INAsr_FhQ/s1280/_DSC8679-Edit.jpg" height="424" title="Newtown Johannesburg New Years Party" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-g1SXgUpT8Os/UsRrWHFo-TI/AAAAAAAAiUs/IjC7KrYInuY/s1600/_DSC8692-Edit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Shadow Photography Newtown" border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-g1SXgUpT8Os/UsRrWHFo-TI/AAAAAAAAiUs/IjC7KrYInuY/s1280/_DSC8692-Edit.jpg" height="424" title="Ariel Photography Mary Fitzgerald Square" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XwJldTkKQCQ/UsRreOejdEI/AAAAAAAAiU0/i2iaxqOHr_4/s1600/_DSC8699-Edit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Mary Fitzgerald Square Party Aftermath" border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XwJldTkKQCQ/UsRreOejdEI/AAAAAAAAiU0/i2iaxqOHr_4/s1280/_DSC8699-Edit.jpg" height="424" title="Photography Shadows Newtown Party" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--fiv1ge0vYo/UsRrjgKucDI/AAAAAAAAiU8/lxd2VZQNc5M/s1600/_DSC8751-Edit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="2014 Party Rubbish Newtown" border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--fiv1ge0vYo/UsRrjgKucDI/AAAAAAAAiU8/lxd2VZQNc5M/s1280/_DSC8751-Edit.jpg" height="640" title="2013 New Years Eve Aftermath" width="424" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_ulTfsxRTnw/UsRrpVdID1I/AAAAAAAAiVE/okp0EqKcpbo/s1600/_DSC8754-Edit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Mary Fitzgerald Party Aftermath" border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_ulTfsxRTnw/UsRrpVdID1I/AAAAAAAAiVE/okp0EqKcpbo/s1280/_DSC8754-Edit.jpg" height="424" title="Square Party New Years Aftermath" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">There was all sorts of people crossing the square, some people looked like they on their way to work, and some people just out for a morning walk.</span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-H38XM1DPZd4/UsRsR9NIa_I/AAAAAAAAiV0/U4lytFBjnKM/s1600/_DSC8842-Edit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Johannesburg Square Party 1st January 2014" border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-H38XM1DPZd4/UsRsR9NIa_I/AAAAAAAAiV0/U4lytFBjnKM/s1280/_DSC8842-Edit.jpg" height="640" title="Photography Newtown New Years" width="424" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Q7F_JT75gX0/UsRsarw0bgI/AAAAAAAAiWc/-sX89JXSgaI/s1600/_DSC8844-Edit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Ariel Shot Photography Mary Fitzgerald Square" border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Q7F_JT75gX0/UsRsarw0bgI/AAAAAAAAiWc/-sX89JXSgaI/s1280/_DSC8844-Edit.jpg" height="424" title="Fine Art Photography Shadows Square" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">A car on the onramp joining onto the motorway was approaching slowly, so I kept my eye on it while I snapped up the last of the photos. </span></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GImuGuFPMkI/UsRsp1ev23I/AAAAAAAAiWM/AZ5ej1f2ySo/s1600/_DSC8868-Edit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Newtown Pigeons After Party" border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GImuGuFPMkI/UsRsp1ev23I/AAAAAAAAiWM/AZ5ej1f2ySo/s1280/_DSC8868-Edit.jpg" height="424" title="Pigeons After Party" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MbcPTBQcgPY/UsRswsmdaeI/AAAAAAAAiWU/Xnf7d50ekEI/s1600/_DSC8875-Edit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Mary Fitzgerald Square Photography" border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MbcPTBQcgPY/UsRswsmdaeI/AAAAAAAAiWU/Xnf7d50ekEI/s1280/_DSC8875-Edit.jpg" height="640" title="Shadow Photography New Years Party" width="424" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">The car was getting closer and now there were a group of people walking closely behind the car. It appeared that the car was broken and some guys were pushing it onto the busy road. This didn't really make sense to me, why would they push a vehicle onto a busy highway where there is no shoulder lane. As they approached closer I could now count about 7 people. I start walking in the opposite direction. This way off the motorway is quite a distance, but it was the only way out, so I made my peace and picked up the pace. I heard some of the characters calling out from the vehicle, they might have to be been calling out to me but I didn't really know, regardless I kept walking. It was about a 2km walk to the next offramp, but eventually I got there and then had to walk all the way back to car, about another 2 kilometers. After about a 45 minute walk I was back at my car, still feeling a bit edgy I climbed in and headed home as the adrenaline started to subside.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">The aftermath of 10000+ drunk people wasn't as bad as I thought, and probably could have found more devastation.... but I was looking forward to a nice cup of coffee, securely at my home.... relieved!</span></div>
Anthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17277669320607541473noreply@blogger.com0Newtown, Johannesburg, South Africa-26.20342472412846 28.03058097036137-26.217671724128461 28.01041097036137 -26.189177724128459 28.050750970361371tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1155007309598345190.post-34263828427099898122013-12-31T12:56:00.000+02:002014-06-16T19:59:28.648+02:00Delmas<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b>A Foggy Morning</b></span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mLI42nOoXXg/UshAmdmrGQI/AAAAAAAAiZE/YSee7OkT4-M/s1600/_DSC8478-Edit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Photography Lonely Tree Delmas" border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mLI42nOoXXg/UshAmdmrGQI/AAAAAAAAiZE/YSee7OkT4-M/s1280/_DSC8478-Edit.jpg" height="176" title="Lonely Tree Delmas Photography" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">My trip to Delmas had been delayed due to my brother asking me to babysit my niece, Jade, before Christmas, but eventually I made it out there on the last day of the year.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I set my GPS in the direction of Delmas and headed out at about 4:00am, Delmas is about 60km from Pretoria so I took the Rigel Road / Delmas Road leading out from Moreleta Park.</span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-O6h8dASQ84c/UsLcSFOFPfI/AAAAAAAAiO4/DGFSLiHQfec/s1600/_DSC8276-Edit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Delmas Landscape Sunrise" border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-O6h8dASQ84c/UsLcSFOFPfI/AAAAAAAAiO4/DGFSLiHQfec/s1280/_DSC8276-Edit.jpg" height="292" title="Sunrise Delmas Farms" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">About 30km before Delmas the sun was rising and the clouds were really beautiful, although my objective wasn't to get the sunrise, the colours were just too tempting. Occasionally along the route I decided to stopped to get some interesting photos.</span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TeT0RtABG8c/UsLcUQ-UaGI/AAAAAAAAiPA/x-RxG71KB_c/s1600/_DSC8313-Edit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Crooked Tree Delmas Road" border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TeT0RtABG8c/UsLcUQ-UaGI/AAAAAAAAiPA/x-RxG71KB_c/s1280/_DSC8313-Edit.jpg" height="640" title="Delmas Photography Creepy Tree" width="424" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">The previous evening I had marked off a couple of spots on Google maps which looked interested, but when I neared Delmas I saw a thick low lying cloud on the other side of the town, this changed my plans and I headed straight for the cloud.</span></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eHuIoZ3aP_g/UsLcZw6VTEI/AAAAAAAAiS4/DcIeRUMxx08/s1600/_DSC8335-Edit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Delmas Photography Mystic Trees" border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eHuIoZ3aP_g/UsLcZw6VTEI/AAAAAAAAiS4/DcIeRUMxx08/s1280/_DSC8335-Edit.jpg" height="424" title="Fine Art Photography Mystic Woods" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">When I looked again I was in the middle of the cloud and kept heading in the direction of the thickest parts. The previous night I had checked out the weather to see if there would be morning fog, but Weather SA said there wasn't going to be be any.... the facts proved them wrong. I also decided I would take the Daihatsu 4x4, which turned out to be a good idea because from this point forward I was going to be mostly off-road.</span></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TwrNKcu3wu4/UsLcgJxwjPI/AAAAAAAAiSI/zBAoxoMeoUo/s1600/_DSC8350-Edit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Delmas Farm Gate Photography" border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TwrNKcu3wu4/UsLcgJxwjPI/AAAAAAAAiSI/zBAoxoMeoUo/s1280/_DSC8350-Edit.jpg" height="424" title="Farm Life Delmas Photography" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">The idea of coming to Delmas was to get some photos of the farming landscapes in the already very green and wet year.</span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-O6SnJKwJBME/UsLcjD3CzrI/AAAAAAAAiPo/Ig69uVqgIqU/s1600/_DSC8358-Edit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Corn Farming Delmas South Africa" border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-O6SnJKwJBME/UsLcjD3CzrI/AAAAAAAAiPo/Ig69uVqgIqU/s1280/_DSC8358-Edit.jpg" height="424" title="Mielie Farm Delmas" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mTbahL3v6aE/UsLcrMcBe6I/AAAAAAAAiP4/8nkcX8vrlhA/s1600/_DSC8381-Edit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Photography Delmas Farm Life" border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mTbahL3v6aE/UsLcrMcBe6I/AAAAAAAAiP4/8nkcX8vrlhA/s1280/_DSC8381-Edit.jpg" height="424" title="Farming Delmas Photography" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RRdS33dormc/UsLcvLjAwJI/AAAAAAAAiQA/eaBiyRA9uXs/s1600/_DSC8392-Edit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Delmas Farm Fog" border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RRdS33dormc/UsLcvLjAwJI/AAAAAAAAiQA/eaBiyRA9uXs/s1280/_DSC8392-Edit.jpg" height="424" title="Misty Farm Delmas" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wAGbey1oZkw/UsLcyLPwkxI/AAAAAAAAiRo/0nsNxTgAt1o/s1600/_DSC8393-Edit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Seedlings Farm Delmas Mist" border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wAGbey1oZkw/UsLcyLPwkxI/AAAAAAAAiRo/0nsNxTgAt1o/s1280/_DSC8393-Edit.jpg" height="424" title="New Plant Farm Delmas" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">It was surprising to see that once I had left the main road onto the dust roads, there wasn't any more fencing, it was as if I was driving on the farms themselves. This is always refreshing when doing photography as avoiding the fencing is always a pain.</span></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BiSNiW9fTMY/UsLc3i4SuUI/AAAAAAAAiQY/mQ-_8sd1WnQ/s1600/_DSC8412-Edit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Delmas Photography Farm Machinery" border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BiSNiW9fTMY/UsLc3i4SuUI/AAAAAAAAiQY/mQ-_8sd1WnQ/s1280/_DSC8412-Edit.jpg" height="640" title="Crop Spray Misty Delmas Morning" width="424" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I continued to follow the thickest fog and soon arrived at a relatively muddy road near a river (if I'm not mistaken it was Wilgerivier). The 4x4 was proving very useful and I can honestly say that if it wasn't for the 4x4 I wouldn't have got through this part. I even found myself engaging the diff lock from time to time.</span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-boaQpTnyxws/UsLdIjeGcoI/AAAAAAAAiTI/CfUlkS9agMQ/s1600/_DSC8461-Edit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Foggy Muddy Rain Delmas Farm" border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-boaQpTnyxws/UsLdIjeGcoI/AAAAAAAAiTI/CfUlkS9agMQ/s1280/_DSC8461-Edit.jpg" height="424" title="Delmas Muddy Farm Road" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Turns out that going this route with the 4x4 was lucrative for my photography. The river and mist / fog combination was absolutely breathtaking. </span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CFSMlOK6xdY/UsLc7CIcefI/AAAAAAAAiSQ/pn5TsgPlSTw/s1600/_DSC8415-Edit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Photography River Green Delmas" border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CFSMlOK6xdY/UsLc7CIcefI/AAAAAAAAiSQ/pn5TsgPlSTw/s1280/_DSC8415-Edit.jpg" height="640" title="Wilgerivier Delmas Farm Life" width="424" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3F5fWQ9zdRk/UsLdAxTUXaI/AAAAAAAAiSg/btgLKgf0Y9c/s1600/_DSC8422-Edit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Photography Wilgerivier Misty Morning " border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3F5fWQ9zdRk/UsLdAxTUXaI/AAAAAAAAiSg/btgLKgf0Y9c/s640/_DSC8422-Edit.jpg" height="424" title="Fine Art Photography Landscape Fog Farm" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-uIAD0TjB_jo/UsLdE8_Lq3I/AAAAAAAAiSo/WdUu9kI6GHY/s1600/_DSC8445-Edit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Delmas Photography Wilgerivier" border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-uIAD0TjB_jo/UsLdE8_Lq3I/AAAAAAAAiSo/WdUu9kI6GHY/s1280/_DSC8445-Edit.jpg" height="424" title="Fine Art Photography River Foggy Green Yellow" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Hh8eSje76Wo/UsLdL4BMxcI/AAAAAAAAiTQ/oh5ekp9FdTw/s1600/_DSC8466-Edit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Farm Landscape River Green" border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Hh8eSje76Wo/UsLdL4BMxcI/AAAAAAAAiTQ/oh5ekp9FdTw/s1280/_DSC8466-Edit.jpg" height="424" title="Delmas Farm Life Misty Morning" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">It was hard to believe that it was so beautiful and peaceful just 60km outside Pretoria and Johannesburg. The fog isolated the view a bit almost making it feel as if I was in some foreign land.</span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gKJRFjr4-h4/UsLdOyJftwI/AAAAAAAAiTY/nekHlzMHvOc/s1600/_DSC8478-Edit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Photography Misty Farm Isolated Tree" border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gKJRFjr4-h4/UsLdOyJftwI/AAAAAAAAiTY/nekHlzMHvOc/s1280/_DSC8478-Edit.jpg" height="238" title="Lonely Tree Corn Fields Foggy" width="640" /></a></div>
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Anthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17277669320607541473noreply@blogger.com0Delmas, South Africa-26.14658 28.68086100000005-26.3745625 28.358137500000051 -25.9185975 29.003584500000049tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1155007309598345190.post-23502787384015237932013-12-23T20:36:00.000+02:002014-06-16T19:59:39.980+02:00Babysitting Jade<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b>On a Dairy Farm with Jade</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: xx-small;"><b>- 23rd December 2013 -</b></span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JVLAWysfgig/UshA7-9IXCI/AAAAAAAAiZM/5swvAtGGstg/s1600/_DSC8205.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Photography Blog Niece Farm" border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JVLAWysfgig/UshA7-9IXCI/AAAAAAAAiZM/5swvAtGGstg/s1280/_DSC8205.jpg" height="176" title="Irene Dairy Farm" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Two days before Christmas my brother asked if Jade can spend the day with me. She was supposed to be with her mother, but that didn't work out so I had this privilege as my brother couldn't get off work and I was already on annual leave.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Early that morning I rode to Germiston to go collect her before Michael left for work.... they were waiting for me, Jade eagerly jumped into my car, excited about the day ahead. Michael had told her that I would be going out to take photos, which was my plan initial plan prior to agreeing to brothers request, but given the new circumstances I rescheduled this for another day.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">We enjoyed the relatively quiet ride home, occasionally chatting about the farms we saw on our was home. When we arrived we switched on my brothers newly purchased Xbox and played some Toy Story.... after 2 hours it was getting boring for both of us so I suggested we go to the Irene Village Farm up the road from my house.</span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Fx8H7nnvivM/Urp1jVegZMI/AAAAAAAAiL8/Xpan7ESWPXk/s1600/_DSC8107.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Centurion Irene" border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Fx8H7nnvivM/Urp1jVegZMI/AAAAAAAAiL8/Xpan7ESWPXk/s1280/_DSC8107.jpg" height="424" title="Photography Blog Irene Dairy Farm" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">We arrived and headed straight for the cows. </span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ru8gPD0xurA/Urp1mHYEtMI/AAAAAAAAiMM/ECfx0eDGsPs/s1600/_DSC8127.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Pretoria Cows Farm" border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ru8gPD0xurA/Urp1mHYEtMI/AAAAAAAAiMM/ECfx0eDGsPs/s1280/_DSC8127.jpg" height="640" title="Cows Lick Irene Dairy Centurion" width="424" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">One of the calves grabbed Jade's dress giving her a little fright and leaving behind a nice juicy saliva'd dress. It turned out to be quite funny in the end.</span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-N0-LvuhmhV4/Urp1tFhZHhI/AAAAAAAAiKk/cZ8U7Krrwj0/s1600/_DSC8151.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Centurion Dairy Farm" border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-N0-LvuhmhV4/Urp1tFhZHhI/AAAAAAAAiKk/cZ8U7Krrwj0/s1280/_DSC8151.jpg" height="424" title="Chickens Irene Dairy Farm" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">They also had some chickens on the farm, so we checked them out too... We did spot a couple of baby chicks and ducks wondering around too. </span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--i_vkY7qhLs/Urp1veNMb6I/AAAAAAAAiMU/_ZNiRQ67vA4/s1600/_DSC8174.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Irene Dairy Farm Babysitting" border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--i_vkY7qhLs/Urp1veNMb6I/AAAAAAAAiMU/_ZNiRQ67vA4/s1280/_DSC8174.jpg" height="640" title="Photography Niece" width="424" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KVIu1QQ8fvI/Urp1xljaHpI/AAAAAAAAiMc/hVFj-VcyaV0/s1600/_DSC8180.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Irene Dairy Farm Green Dam" border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KVIu1QQ8fvI/Urp1xljaHpI/AAAAAAAAiMc/hVFj-VcyaV0/s1280/_DSC8180.jpg" height="424" title="Photography Green Dam" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">We found a spot next to a very green dam, and to my surprise this is where we spent the majority of our time. Talking about all sorts of things, but mostly about what could be living under the green sludge.</span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--HSny8E3ziY/Urp13R_ZFEI/AAAAAAAAiMs/a-UjE-zexUM/s1600/_DSC8190.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Centurion Farm Green Dam" border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--HSny8E3ziY/Urp13R_ZFEI/AAAAAAAAiMs/a-UjE-zexUM/s1280/_DSC8190.jpg" height="424" title="Log Green Dam Farm" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1Z_-ZwxaH50/Urp178C767I/AAAAAAAAiM0/nNjEohTKzMI/s1600/_DSC8202.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Irene Dairy Farm Centurion" border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1Z_-ZwxaH50/Urp178C767I/AAAAAAAAiM0/nNjEohTKzMI/s1280/_DSC8202.jpg" height="640" title="Hello Kitty Niece" width="424" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jdSrnGfv_rU/Urp1-r209cI/AAAAAAAAiM8/6kA00rxgaC8/s1600/_DSC8205.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Green Dam Farm" border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jdSrnGfv_rU/Urp1-r209cI/AAAAAAAAiM8/6kA00rxgaC8/s1280/_DSC8205.jpg" height="424" title="Irene Dairy Farm Photography Green Dam" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CM8knw8ut5o/Urp2BKRaImI/AAAAAAAAiNE/VVXZaVHpEvo/s1600/_DSC8210.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Dam Irene Farm" border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CM8knw8ut5o/Urp2BKRaImI/AAAAAAAAiNE/VVXZaVHpEvo/s1280/_DSC8210.jpg" height="424" title="Trees, Green Dam, Centurion Farm" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">When we were done with the green dam we headed to the restaurant to grab something to eat, there we were entertained with some very brave doves who actually had developed the habit of jumping up onto the tables to get their fix of crumbs.</span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tMvm3WJSk_4/Urp2DxHAM6I/AAAAAAAAiNM/W8ngwnVN_8s/s1600/_DSC8268.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Doves Photography Irene Dairy Farm Restaurant" border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tMvm3WJSk_4/Urp2DxHAM6I/AAAAAAAAiNM/W8ngwnVN_8s/s1280/_DSC8268.jpg" height="424" title="The Barn Restaurant Irene Dairy Farm" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">The idea was to eat something and go check out the animals again, but when Jade told me that she was bored of these animals I decided to call it the day. So we stopped off at the farm stall and bought some buttermilk rusks for granny and set off home again.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">On the way home we discussed the option of going for a swim, so I called up Ryan and Nanje and asked if they minded if we pop around for a swim in their complex pool. So after a brief stop at home and a change into swim suits we headed out to Ryan's place. The pool was a little green but the water was cool and refreshing but not too cold. Jade practiced her swimming skills while I chatted to Ryan and Nanje.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">When we returned to Ryan's house we discussed the option of having a braai a little later, I called up Michael and told him to meet us at Ryan's. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Jade spend the remaining part of the afternoon playing with Amelia (Ryan and Nanje's newly born) and the cat (Chrissy), while I engaged in some deeper conversation with Ryan. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Before the braai Jade and I decided we would quickly pop round to my house to get changed into a fresh set of clothes and pick up some meat for the braai on the way back. While in the car Jade commented.... "so you are my babysitter?". I was a little surprised because I didn't even see it that way, this was more a day spent with my beautiful niece, but I guess you could call me that.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Jade is an exceptional 5 year old, extremely well behaved and intelligent but not without the normal refreshing 5 year old personality. I love spending time with her, and I think she likes spending time with me too!</span></div>
Anthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17277669320607541473noreply@blogger.com0Irene Dairy Farm, Centurion, South Africa-25.878762729759579 28.213405609130859-25.880548729759578 28.210884109130859 -25.87697672975958 28.21592710913086tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1155007309598345190.post-70084385627068035862013-11-29T07:54:00.000+02:002014-06-16T19:59:48.820+02:00A Greek Lunch<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b>A Year End Lunch, the Greek Way</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: xx-small;"><b>- 29 November 2013 -</b></span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-MU4ZOD_QrpY/UqAPM8WfyvI/AAAAAAAAiJc/6v7-EjfRSzA/s1600/_DSC7867.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="East Rand Mall Greek Restaurant" border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-MU4ZOD_QrpY/UqAPM8WfyvI/AAAAAAAAiJc/6v7-EjfRSzA/s1280/_DSC7867.jpg" height="176" title="Photography - Greek Lunch" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">It was that time of the year again where we all joined for a corporate festive lunch. This time we went to a Greek restaurant in the East Rand. I have a strange feeling that the East Rand was selected due it's proximity to Sifiso's house. I'm still waiting for the day that we have a lunch in Pretoria, but the chances are small.</span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jj4aC8pfeZ0/Up9043cmYqI/AAAAAAAAiFI/pSX558c2okQ/s1600/_DSC7726.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Photography Greek Lunch" border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jj4aC8pfeZ0/Up9043cmYqI/AAAAAAAAiFI/pSX558c2okQ/s1280/_DSC7726.jpg" height="424" title="Christmas Corporate Lunch" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">We arrived in drips and drabs.... I have never been to the mall before so knowing where to go was a problem, but I came right. However it appears that the rest of our crowd also got a bit lost.</span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-p200wbjh9rA/Up907PWOmcI/AAAAAAAAiFQ/n61AGhWo5lQ/s1600/_DSC7721.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Photography Christmas Lunch" border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-p200wbjh9rA/Up907PWOmcI/AAAAAAAAiFQ/n61AGhWo5lQ/s1280/_DSC7721.jpg" height="424" title="Greek Restaurant Gauteng" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">The gathering this year was a bit bigger than previous year. This time we had all the guys from India join, including Karen, and some other contractors working on our project. It was good to have everybody together in a more social environment.</span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xF5XhNR9z-U/Up90-M4diyI/AAAAAAAAiFY/ksKOj_qSXBE/s1600/_DSC7743.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Greek Year End Lunch" border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xF5XhNR9z-U/Up90-M4diyI/AAAAAAAAiFY/ksKOj_qSXBE/s1280/_DSC7743.jpg" height="424" title="Photography Blog - Year End Lunch" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ldAQzp0FQUE/Up97vJe9t-I/AAAAAAAAiFw/aM_tK3e8AdU/s1600/_DSC7754.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="East Rand Greek Restaurant" border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ldAQzp0FQUE/Up97vJe9t-I/AAAAAAAAiFw/aM_tK3e8AdU/s1280/_DSC7754.jpg" height="426" title="Work Lunch East Rand Mall" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ybZ3GGlDTis/Up97x9aB9JI/AAAAAAAAiF4/4c68PIzwC68/s1600/_DSC7768.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Photography Blog Christmas Lunch" border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ybZ3GGlDTis/Up97x9aB9JI/AAAAAAAAiF4/4c68PIzwC68/s1280/_DSC7768.jpg" height="424" title="East Rand Mall Lunch" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Although the idea is to be social and leave a bit of work behind, the stress of the work was evident with some people continuing to discuss the problems on the project, but a couple of drinks later the group was smiling and laughing.</span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wJvTFHBZc9k/Up98JT3fCMI/AAAAAAAAiGI/Lq-3D-icl08/s1600/_DSC7785.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Johannesburg Year End Lunch" border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wJvTFHBZc9k/Up98JT3fCMI/AAAAAAAAiGI/Lq-3D-icl08/s1280/_DSC7785.jpg" height="424" title="Lunch Year End Gauteng" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6QsF8ZyLtBA/Up98N8js9WI/AAAAAAAAiGY/9sYx0u4oKqU/s1600/_DSC7839.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Photography Blog Lunch" border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6QsF8ZyLtBA/Up98N8js9WI/AAAAAAAAiGY/9sYx0u4oKqU/s1280/_DSC7839.jpg" height="424" title="Laugh Year End Lunch" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4weQzy5yrW0/Up98PykgPqI/AAAAAAAAiGg/RXdbyXPU0QU/s1600/_DSC7802.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="East Rand Mall Year End Lunch" border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4weQzy5yrW0/Up98PykgPqI/AAAAAAAAiGg/RXdbyXPU0QU/s1280/_DSC7802.jpg" height="640" title="Greek Year End Johannesburg" width="424" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2Ngcb29VXiQ/Up98SqcDY8I/AAAAAAAAiGo/YxyhsvRpC30/s1600/_DSC7766.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Christmas Lunch Greek Gauteng" border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2Ngcb29VXiQ/Up98SqcDY8I/AAAAAAAAiGo/YxyhsvRpC30/s1280/_DSC7766.jpg" height="424" title="Lunch In East Rand" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GTgGXc1BP-0/Up98VGJ38QI/AAAAAAAAiGw/AVW8B-f9BLI/s1600/_DSC7702.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Johannesburg Year End Lunch" border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GTgGXc1BP-0/Up98VGJ38QI/AAAAAAAAiGw/AVW8B-f9BLI/s1280/_DSC7702.jpg" height="424" title="Greek Lunch Bedfordview" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_lD9xMBZwPg/Up99nktLbZI/AAAAAAAAiII/VjYD6CvNhzA/s1600/_DSC7699.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Johannesburg Year end Lunch" border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_lD9xMBZwPg/Up99nktLbZI/AAAAAAAAiII/VjYD6CvNhzA/s1280/_DSC7699.jpg" height="424" title="Bedfordview Christmas Lunch" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">For most of contractors this was their last day at work so it was fitting that the lunch was scheduled for this day.</span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xWdJSCvoZnc/Up982_c6WqI/AAAAAAAAiHw/OB4HEwKRIK0/s1600/_DSC7682.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Year End Lunch in East Rand" border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xWdJSCvoZnc/Up982_c6WqI/AAAAAAAAiHw/OB4HEwKRIK0/s1280/_DSC7682.jpg" height="424" title="Indians Greek Lunch" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4wEQLSwO7OA/Up98_MK4PcI/AAAAAAAAiIA/EVOp3mZnxIk/s1600/_DSC7685.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Rand Rand Mall Lunch" border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4wEQLSwO7OA/Up98_MK4PcI/AAAAAAAAiIA/EVOp3mZnxIk/s1280/_DSC7685.jpg" height="424" title="Indian Greek Year End Lunch" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">A greek setting is a different menu, but this being South Africa most people stuck to the red meat and chicken with the exception of the India crowd who decided to go for a veg platter as a starter. But I think it is clear that the Indians don't like the greek style veggies, they failed to eat 90% of the plate.</span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hIxSi1H02cA/Up99qDfKcUI/AAAAAAAAiIQ/qG6KVHITNGU/s1600/_DSC7723.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Bedfordview Year End Lunch" border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hIxSi1H02cA/Up99qDfKcUI/AAAAAAAAiIQ/qG6KVHITNGU/s1280/_DSC7723.jpg" height="424" title="Greek Vegetarian Platter" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Slowly some of the group started going home, starting with Shirley.... but the party animals stuck around. Sifiso left for supposedly "15 minutes", or at least that is what he promised. It's more like 30 minutes.... He had to get his kids to their swimming lessons, but seeing that he was settling the bill, he had to be the last to leave.</span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RUEuCUXDG8I/Up98YRgMD_I/AAAAAAAAiG4/6rclR678tec/s1600/_DSC7867.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Johannesburg Greek Year End Lunch" border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RUEuCUXDG8I/Up98YRgMD_I/AAAAAAAAiG4/6rclR678tec/s1280/_DSC7867.jpg" height="424" title="Wine Greek Christmas Lunch" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I eventually succumbed to my urges to take some "different" photos.</span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Um0YwwXDSqA/Up98kLP-Z0I/AAAAAAAAiHg/zMzpnr_Kb6A/s1600/_DSC7915.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="Photography Blog Year End Lunch" border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Um0YwwXDSqA/Up98kLP-Z0I/AAAAAAAAiHg/zMzpnr_Kb6A/s1280/_DSC7915.jpg" height="424" title="High Contrast Christmas Lunch" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Some people were now getting back into deep discussions about work while others messed around and laughed.</span></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3flCNYwGnus/Up98ayExBkI/AAAAAAAAiHA/eQqLHP8yoR4/s1600/_DSC7880.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Work Lunch Year End" border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3flCNYwGnus/Up98ayExBkI/AAAAAAAAiHA/eQqLHP8yoR4/s1280/_DSC7880.jpg" height="640" title="Tense Photography Lunch" width="424" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SoRWa1MKRkE/Up98gNhY-tI/AAAAAAAAiHQ/v6qaNfzky9Q/s1600/_DSC7884.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Johannesburg Bedfordview Greek Lunch" border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SoRWa1MKRkE/Up98gNhY-tI/AAAAAAAAiHQ/v6qaNfzky9Q/s1280/_DSC7884.jpg" height="424" title="Year End Lunch Photography" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bqW0JN1Flxg/Up98iK0I5KI/AAAAAAAAiHY/3onVhuw1kCg/s1600/_DSC7903.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Johannesburg South Africa Greek Food" border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bqW0JN1Flxg/Up98iK0I5KI/AAAAAAAAiHY/3onVhuw1kCg/s1280/_DSC7903.jpg" height="424" title="Corporate Lunch Year End Bedfordview" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-y3Xeb1nOipk/Up9_UbDcAmI/AAAAAAAAiIs/_gMHW_xE4PQ/s1600/_DSC7816.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Greek Lunch Gauteng" border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-y3Xeb1nOipk/Up9_UbDcAmI/AAAAAAAAiIs/_gMHW_xE4PQ/s1280/_DSC7816.jpg" height="424" title="Corporate Lunch Photography" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PdrMlvZcZT0/Up9_WuSYj_I/AAAAAAAAiI0/C81jpjZIG-M/s1600/_DSC7821.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Johannesburg East Rand Greek" border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PdrMlvZcZT0/Up9_WuSYj_I/AAAAAAAAiI0/C81jpjZIG-M/s1280/_DSC7821.jpg" height="640" title="Christmas Lunch Year End" width="424" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wtGX6NRpQag/Up9_ZCH6w8I/AAAAAAAAiI8/nBX54-j2GwA/s1600/_DSC7823.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Johannesburg East Rand Mall Restaurant" border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wtGX6NRpQag/Up9_ZCH6w8I/AAAAAAAAiI8/nBX54-j2GwA/s1280/_DSC7823.jpg" height="640" title="Photography East Rand Mall Greek Food" width="424" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">The Greek Lunch was done!</span></div>
Anthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17277669320607541473noreply@blogger.com0East Rand Mall, Gauteng, South Africa-26.18428653678837 28.115816116333008-26.187849036788371 28.11077361633301 -26.180724036788369 28.120858616333006tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1155007309598345190.post-30665651486771007752013-11-07T23:06:00.000+02:002014-06-16T19:59:58.426+02:00The Past, The Future and The Strange<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b>Gold Reef</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: xx-small;"><b>- 7th November 2013 -</b></span></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0FWT0QF8ROo/UoZ6WKfvzII/AAAAAAAAhLs/LZw-1_Fru48/s1600/_DSC6835.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Photography Gold Reef City" border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0FWT0QF8ROo/UoZ6WKfvzII/AAAAAAAAhLs/LZw-1_Fru48/s1280/_DSC6835.jpg" height="176" title="Fine Art Photography Blog Header" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Once again the objective was photography, but this time it wasn't in the damaged cultural city called Newtown, this time we headed to an entertainment theme park just south of the Johannesburg ruins -- Gold Reef City Theme Park.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Like normal getting into the theme park with a tripod was a challenge, the management of the park got all nervous when they saw some professional equipment, especially the tripods, and it took considerable explaining to convince them that we were just doing this for fun and are not on a professional photo shoot. I guess people just can't believe that someone would buy all the expensive equipment without the intention of making some of the money back.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">We stopped over at the Wimpy to get our morning coffee and something to eat but soon after we all headed in separate directions. Our objectives were our own, to capture and record in some artistic way our impression of the Gold Reef City Theme Park.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Like normal, I still had to build up my inspiration and everything around me was looking pretty normal, I was taking photos of totally ordinary and boring things. Eventually I climbed on a train that circles the park and setup my tripod facing the back of the train. It was a good idea, and I got a couple of photos of some Chinese tourists snapping away on their point and shoot cameras. I still wasn't inspired! The train stopped at the station and despite there being a board indicating that everybody should disembark the train, I asked the driver if I could stick around.....</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">The train started filling up with children, school children to be precise. These children were from a school in Soweto.... The Adelaide Tambo School, a school with approximately 400 students ranging from grade 1 to grade 12, but specifically for the physically and mentally challenged. No, not all 400 of them were there on this day, but rather about 40 or so. I don't blame the teachers for going in small groups, they looked like a handful already and having wheelchairs and various other equipment it would make it impossible to handle more than this.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">After trying to get a couple of photos from the tripod I got irritated and packed the tripod up and decided for this part I would go handheld.</span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-SroyL8cAH24/Un9GiTfdmNI/AAAAAAAAhGU/g27VE8T_m1w/s1600/_DSC5963.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Fine Art Photography Good Friends" border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-SroyL8cAH24/Un9GiTfdmNI/AAAAAAAAhGU/g27VE8T_m1w/s1280/_DSC5963.jpg" height="424" title="Photography Adelaide Tambo School Children" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">They are awesome kids, despite what the above photo says they were ecstatic to be here and really eager to experience the rides. I kept taking photos throughout the train journey to the next station (if you want to see more photo of these kids and their day, please visit a separate post specifically on this @ <a href="http://re-blended.blogspot.com/2013/11/adelaide-tambo-school.html" style="color: orange;" target="_blank">Adelaide Tambo School</a>) and got talking to one of the teachers. I take my hat off to her and her colleagues. The school offers the normal school curriculum, all the way through to grade 12 where all students need to pass like any other school child would. This is really impressive, the patience and dedication of these teachers must be out of the ordinary. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">When the train arrived at the kids mini theme park, despite the inability of these kids to scramble off the train towards the rides, they still did it with great enthusiasm, the teachers helping all the way. One of the first rides was the spinning shells which was soon packed with eager kids.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I asked one of the teachers if they don't mind me sticking around as I was enjoying capturing these moments and would gladly send them the photos, they agreed and I landed up being their unofficial photographer for about 2 hours.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">The day progressed and the sun was already harsh limiting me to the amount of good photos I could get but regardless if I was getting brilliant photos, I stuck it out, as these photos will serve a different purpose.... they will be dearly appreciated by the parents and kids a like and be a joyful reminder of their awesome day at Gold Reef City.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Eventually I had to move along so I greeted the teachers and headed off deeper into the theme park. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">My expectation for this day of photography was filled with pictures of intricate lines of thrilling rides, but to my surprise and reconfirmation at the same time, I realised that I am much more interested in the people than in the machines that surrounded me.</span></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JCOId0AQEEc/Un9HZcdDJvI/AAAAAAAAhGs/Q_ibf5jMW8g/s1600/_DSC6458.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Photo Gold Reef City Theme Park" border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JCOId0AQEEc/Un9HZcdDJvI/AAAAAAAAhGs/Q_ibf5jMW8g/s1280/_DSC6458.jpg" height="424" title="Photography Theme Park Train" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">The sun was still harsh and shadows weren't very forgiving so I was struggling, but then something changed, the sky was suddenly dark and there was a faint rumble of thunder in the distance, the rain was coming. The clouds were helping with the shadows, but good shadows only go well with good subjects, so I continued on looking for my inspiration.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">When I looked again it was raining. I covered my camera bag with the waterproof cover and set out in the rain looking for the perfect moment. </span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WJmrQPLTxzw/Un9HiSA0pII/AAAAAAAAhG8/CNMQ2LNy7qw/s1600/_DSC6541.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Kid Running in the Rain" border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WJmrQPLTxzw/Un9HiSA0pII/AAAAAAAAhG8/CNMQ2LNy7qw/s1280/_DSC6541.jpg" height="424" title="Photography Rain Starts" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">The streets were empty and huddles of people were found in sheltered areas, so I guess I looked a little odd wandering around in the rain with expensive equipment. However I was confident, Nikon claims that my camera is weather sealed... this was the day I would be testing that theory. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I caught some people running to get out of the rain, but eventually felt that I should also get some shelter from the water pouring from the sky, so I stopped under a bridge looking into one of the alleys where all the restaurants are situated and dried my camera a bit. </span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-euvR50GasH4/Un9HzgSXKrI/AAAAAAAAhDI/Xb4WkFPesRA/s1600/_DSC6594.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Photo Main Running in Rain" border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-euvR50GasH4/Un9HzgSXKrI/AAAAAAAAhDI/Xb4WkFPesRA/s1280/_DSC6594.jpg" height="640" title="Photography Wet Rain Gold Reef City" width="424" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Huddled nearby was another group of school children, so I started taking some photos. I had my zoom lens on so getting in onto the crowd was a little easier, but I knew I would still be tempted to get closer, so although my camera is weather sealed, my zoom lens wasn't, so I decided to replace it with my fixed prime 50mm lens while I was still on dry ground. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Now I had no choice, if I wanted to get some photos I knew I would have to get in </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">physically </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">closer, so I ventured out into the rain again. The school kids spotted me! As I got in closer they all wanted some of the action and I was eager to catch the moments in the chaos so I continued on. I was soon surrounded by jumping screaming kids, all wanting to be the subject of my wet photographic affair... and I played along.</span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xgc-nePVn7E/Un9H9Ev7M2I/AAAAAAAAhHM/ZAEJJfs5oyc/s1600/_DSC6640.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Fine Art Photography Cool Kids" border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xgc-nePVn7E/Un9H9Ev7M2I/AAAAAAAAhHM/ZAEJJfs5oyc/s1280/_DSC6640.jpg" height="424" title="Photography School Kid Ears" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--uaKkzcYIBE/Un9IZ5HJFGI/AAAAAAAAhEo/mC_eIImnzNg/s1600/_DSC6701.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="The Future of South Africa Photography" border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--uaKkzcYIBE/Un9IZ5HJFGI/AAAAAAAAhEo/mC_eIImnzNg/s1280/_DSC6701.jpg" height="424" title="Fine Art Photography The Future" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Eventually I had to stop the madness, they were getting more and more aggressive while trying to get the into the frame. So I greeted them all with "cool" handshakes and moved on. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">So far my day had been centred around the future of our country.... the children of this world. What would be next?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">The rain had subsided and was now only a mere drizzle. I continued up the road and spotted a unusual sight. A peacock admiring the art.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I was still soaked from the rain, so I didn't want to go into the building and I still only had my 50mm lens on, so my options were limited, but I tried my best and in return got an awesome picture.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">The rain had now stopped so I started walking back to the meeting place we arranged to meet up at @ 14h00. I was late, but I was now inspired and just about everything around me was catching my attention. I had been out taking photos for 4 hours, my feet were sore, I was soaked but the wet ground and people emerging from their shelters made it feel like it was a new day.</span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DTthWNJ7UW4/Un9I711NgBI/AAAAAAAAhFI/IdqCAGHdv0g/s1600/_DSC6765.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Photography After the Rain Gold Reef" border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DTthWNJ7UW4/Un9I711NgBI/AAAAAAAAhFI/IdqCAGHdv0g/s1280/_DSC6765.jpg" height="424" title="Fine Art Photography A New Day" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Despite getting sidetracked along the way I eventually found my fellow photographers having some coffee, but it was too late to get some myself, nonetheless everybody was planning to find a different restaurant to have a late lunch, so I tagged along.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Along the way we got cornered by a magician performing acts on the street. Some of the tricks I figured out but others were simply mind boggling, I still have no idea how he bent the spoon....</span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-aPfV66LTuCs/Un9JP6g3yXI/AAAAAAAAhLc/rBlanlyCkcc/s1600/_DSC6835.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Photography Gold Reef Magician" border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-aPfV66LTuCs/Un9JP6g3yXI/AAAAAAAAhLc/rBlanlyCkcc/s1280/_DSC6835.jpg" height="640" title="Fine Art Photography Magician Spoon" width="424" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">We stopped over at a restaurant and ordered lunch and the main conversation topic was politics, specifically around art and politics, specifically regarding The Spear, one of the most contraversal and most talked about artworks in South Africa of our President... Jacob Zuma. Either way it was still politics, so I limited my involvement... these discussions can get pretty heated.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">After lunch we headed out again, it was 16:30 and the light was getting interesting again, longer shadows and dramatics scenes. </span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2WFMjzU81LE/Un9J4uwfd8I/AAAAAAAAhJM/yPVFHubjpaU/s1600/_DSC7081.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Photo Peacock Strolling" border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2WFMjzU81LE/Un9J4uwfd8I/AAAAAAAAhJM/yPVFHubjpaU/s1280/_DSC7081.jpg" height="424" title="Photography Peacock Green" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I decided it was time to capture a little of our past so I spent a considerable amount of time photographing the old trains on the upper side of the park. The light was just right, and after wandering all around the train, I found some interesting photos of the past machinery which helped shape the province we now refer to as Gauteng -- place of gold --</span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--UN6QWW1vCk/Un9KVHLujeI/AAAAAAAAhKs/Rhbk4Dfaqqw/s1600/_DSC7151.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Photography Gold Reef Train" border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--UN6QWW1vCk/Un9KVHLujeI/AAAAAAAAhKs/Rhbk4Dfaqqw/s1280/_DSC7151.jpg" height="424" title="Fine Art Photography Our Past South Africa" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I wasn't the only one photographing this, the rest of the group was close by, but I seemed to be the only one interested in this side of the train. The problem is that when light is at this angle is doesn't last long, it disappears pretty quickly so I was soon done and we all started heading to the exit.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">It was home time, but being a Thursday I knew getting through the traffic to the other side of Gauteng where my home is, is not going to be easy, unless I wait another 30 minutes till it is 18h00. By this time the heavy traffic should have passed and could get home relatively quickly. So I spent the extra time photographing the people leaving the theme park.</span></div>
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Anthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17277669320607541473noreply@blogger.com0Gold Reef City Theme Park, Johannesburg South, South Africa-26.2355807 28.011341399999992-51.757615200000004 -13.297252600000007 -0.71354619999999969 69.319935399999991tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1155007309598345190.post-56681571096585771942013-11-07T15:26:00.000+02:002014-06-16T20:00:08.026+02:00Adelaide Tambo School<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b>A Pleasant Surprise</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: xx-small;"><b>- 7th November 2013 -</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">On an outing to Gold Reef City to take photos I bumped into a group of school children and their teachers from Adelaide Tambo School. I snapped us some pictures of them, it is a school for the disabled situated in the Soweto. I researched the school a bit when I got home and learnt that they accept students who have disabilities and learning difficulties. If you want to learn more, visit their website @ <a href="http://www.adelaidetamboschool.co.za/" target="_blank">Aledlaide Tambo School</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">The spirt of these kids is amazing and although I'm sure all kids love going to Gold Reef City Theme Park, this was a very special occasion for them. I got to know a couple of the teachers during the time I was with them, and all I can say is "I am stunned". The dedication and devotion I see towards these children from their caregivers is outstanding. They are making a fundamental difference in these kids lives, it was an honour to meet them.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">All the kids I met, were individual personalities, personalities like anyone of us. They enjoying playing, socialising and care for each other. Now this is something that I always knew, but it is truly a different story seeing it in person. By now if you have been following these blogs, you will be aware that I have been doing a photography fine arts course and have been looking for some inspiration. So I'm considering exploring this in a little more detail, I am specifically interested in this school, but will need focus on some individuals and there lives. Although I would like to, I wouldn't be able to get to know all 381 of them. I have been pondering a lot about our country recently and specifically the future of our country, which brings me to one priority.... education.... These children and the rest of the children all over our country is our future.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Obviously I will need to get in contact with this school and see if my idea on a project is feasible, but I did promise the teachers that I would send them the photos and I hope that these children, their parents and teachers enjoy the photos as much as I do.</span></div>
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Anthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17277669320607541473noreply@blogger.com0Gold Reef City Theme Park, Johannesburg South 2091, South Africa-26.2355807 28.011341399999992-51.757615200000004 -13.297252600000007 -0.71354619999999969 69.319935399999991tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1155007309598345190.post-21327295799136639712013-11-03T17:51:00.000+02:002014-06-16T20:00:16.416+02:00Newtown<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b>A Mix of Emotion</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: xx-small;"><b>- 3rd November 2013 -</b></span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-199G-wrVmmU/Un-UgBlJFgI/AAAAAAAAg_I/jy4gWMbL7Ho/s1600/_DSC5757.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Fine Art Photography Newtown" border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-199G-wrVmmU/Un-UgBlJFgI/AAAAAAAAg_I/jy4gWMbL7Ho/s1280/_DSC5757.jpg" height="176" title="Newtown Photography Elevation" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">It was a day of photography. As part of the fine art photography course I am doing, included is an exhibition of our finest work, 2 fine art photography prints exhibited at a gallery arranged by the owner of the training centre (a great opportunity), but the condition is that 1 of the photographs should be about the people in Newtown. So on this Sunday we all got together to explore the streets of this upcoming neighborhood, which has earned its name as the cultural and art hub of Johannesburg.</span></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-D8XsV7j5OUY/UnZW9_Igm6I/AAAAAAAAgiA/9N5-gWINIps/s1600/_DSC5402.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Fine Art Photography Newtown Broken" border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-D8XsV7j5OUY/UnZW9_Igm6I/AAAAAAAAgiA/9N5-gWINIps/s1280/_DSC5402.jpg" height="424" title="Newtown Photography Broken" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rtPuFy7AOEo/UnZXXML8z7I/AAAAAAAAgg8/EVYcyjCeGyQ/s1600/_DSC5411.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Fine Art Photography Newtown Building" border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rtPuFy7AOEo/UnZXXML8z7I/AAAAAAAAgg8/EVYcyjCeGyQ/s1280/_DSC5411.jpg" height="640" title="Newtown Photography Building" width="424" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">We started off in the parking lot of Sci-Bono. Francois and Pieter were waiting when I arrived, so I greeted them and lit up a smoke while we waited for the rest to arrive. Carly arrived soon after, but we were still missing about 4 others, so we started to phone around. Turns out Mark and Peter John were already here 2 hours before us and Chris was parked somewhere else and Ilze had cancelled.</span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Us-vHYiwQ8A/UnZXp2al6rI/AAAAAAAAgkc/ayOimEZyaHg/s1600/_DSC5414.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Fine Art Photography Newtown Education" border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Us-vHYiwQ8A/UnZXp2al6rI/AAAAAAAAgkc/ayOimEZyaHg/s1280/_DSC5414.jpg" height="424" title="Newtown Photography Education" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I wandered around at Sci-Bono for a while getting some initial shots of the environment. I came across a couple who looked happy and were making-out close by, they weren't eager to get their photo taken but I sneaked one in anyway.</span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zD4MOpQt7pc/UnZX_iHoIlI/AAAAAAAAgeU/hZ356cMvV-Q/s1600/_DSC5423.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Fine Art Photography Sci-Bono" border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zD4MOpQt7pc/UnZX_iHoIlI/AAAAAAAAgeU/hZ356cMvV-Q/s1280/_DSC5423.jpg" height="424" title="Newtown Photography Lovers" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">The man placed a grocery bag filled with baby stuff, nappies, baby formula, etc nearby. But after their discovery session he grabbed the bag and they parted ways in separate directions, the man taking the baby food and accessories with him. It then dawned on me that perhaps the lady in the photo is not the mother and this is a girlfriend who he decided to meet up with before returning home with goods he was sent out to get by his wife. But then again maybe I'm wrong and there is some other explanation.</span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1TngkayknjU/UnZYyWYS66I/AAAAAAAAghM/WYJyKYRZ3k0/s1600/_DSC5500.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Fine Art Photography Newtown Movement" border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1TngkayknjU/UnZYyWYS66I/AAAAAAAAghM/WYJyKYRZ3k0/s1280/_DSC5500.jpg" height="640" title="Newtown Photo Playing with Movement" width="424" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GF6qAOmJZFQ/UnZZBINkGqI/AAAAAAAAghY/iMSow9wUIG4/s1600/_DSC5505.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Newtown Photography Door" border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GF6qAOmJZFQ/UnZZBINkGqI/AAAAAAAAghY/iMSow9wUIG4/s1280/_DSC5505.jpg" height="640" title="Newtown Photo Door" width="424" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yGV5ifAGWR8/UnZZN6ml6aI/AAAAAAAAge8/oOT4sjFKkcg/s1600/_DSC5508.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Fine Art Photography Shadows" border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yGV5ifAGWR8/UnZZN6ml6aI/AAAAAAAAge8/oOT4sjFKkcg/s1280/_DSC5508.jpg" height="640" title="Newtown Photography Red Shirt" width="424" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">While the others ventured on, I setup my tripod to photograph a door under a broken light, it was about 11:00 am but I dropped the exposure, I played with a little irony in the post processing exercise, e.g. conflicting shadows, I also created the impression of light being on, but purposefully allowed it not to look too real, you could say it was an experiment.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I posted the image on the photo critic site run by the institution I am student of. The main critic took my picture apart, commenting on fact that the shadow is contradictory to the badly done artificial light source. Clearly he didn't get the message, maybe it was that I wasn't conveying the correct message, but I wasn't expecting excellent comments either. However seeing that soon after commenting on my picture he praised, commended and "featured" another photograph that was very badly done, with very bad chromatic aberration and the post editing was clearly overdone to be the point where it created some bad digital artefacts. Also Francois posted a very good photo which he did get positive commentary on, but the critic failed to feature the image, in the "featured" category. Either way it is his own prerogative to add whatever comments he likes, it is after-all a critique site. Or maybe he was just having a bad day, either way it has possibly reached the point that I have gained what I can from this site. I do get the feeling that he is not very keen to do the critique anymore and an uninspired critic is an inconsistent one. If it was another student commenting I would have brushed it aside, but this guy is a staff member of the faculty, so one would at least expect consistency. I do understand that the site gets a lot of photos posted and it might be too much for one person to handle, but when things like this happen it does impact credibility.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">So further on into the day we passed a young man sleeping on the side walk, I was reluctant to take a picture but when I passed round the back of him I was intrigued by the position he was lying so snapped up a quick one. Turns out it was one of my favourite photos of the day, but maybe my editing it not working properly, I will need to refine.</span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MgLc7BSOdhA/UnZZcKJSwqI/AAAAAAAAg-o/YZXTRFtwORQ/s1600/_DSC5516.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Fine Art Photography Street Newtown" border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MgLc7BSOdhA/UnZZcKJSwqI/AAAAAAAAg-o/YZXTRFtwORQ/s1280/_DSC5516.jpg" height="424" title="Newtown Street Photography Sad" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I was excited to get some cool photographs of a structure down the road, but turns out I don't like them as much I thought I would. </span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1GtUsX4K9ao/UnZZjziatCI/AAAAAAAAgiY/LO5K_f-fBOM/s1600/_DSC5535.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Fine Art Photography Old Station Building" border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1GtUsX4K9ao/UnZZjziatCI/AAAAAAAAgiY/LO5K_f-fBOM/s1280/_DSC5535.jpg" height="424" title="Newtown Photography Old Park Station" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3G5WlQ9ehMw/UnZZwiP2fNI/AAAAAAAAgfU/EYhEYMiYhhA/s1600/_DSC5540.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Fine Art Photography Under Old Station" border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3G5WlQ9ehMw/UnZZwiP2fNI/AAAAAAAAgfU/EYhEYMiYhhA/s1280/_DSC5540.jpg" height="424" title="Newtown Photography Old Park Station" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">We decided to go to the Nelson Mandela bridge and get some photos but the light was pretty harsh and I didn't get much that I liked. Bored with the light I asked Francois to jump while I caught the vodka advertisement in the background.</span></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cgGEnAFpGT4/UnZZ7UW5-jI/AAAAAAAAgfc/NDddxs6ye9E/s1600/_DSC5606.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Newtown Elevation Mandela Bridge" border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cgGEnAFpGT4/UnZZ7UW5-jI/AAAAAAAAgfc/NDddxs6ye9E/s1280/_DSC5606.jpg" height="424" title="Newtown Photography Nelson Mandela Bridge" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: xx-small;"><i>This photo does not represent the brand Absolute Vodka in anyway, but is purely part of the environment.</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">When we reached the end of the bridge and Peter John asked if we should continue on to Braamfontein and grab something to eat there.... we all agreed.</span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yQ3gUs4kJQ0/UnZaSGWztoI/AAAAAAAAgjo/XNOm29Poqck/s1600/_DSC5627.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Fine Art Photography Newtown Knife" border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yQ3gUs4kJQ0/UnZaSGWztoI/AAAAAAAAgjo/XNOm29Poqck/s1280/_DSC5627.jpg" height="424" title="Newtown Photography Knife" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-j5WFTIcSnu8/UnZarX5fwLI/AAAAAAAAgjI/bMrIxozpC4c/s1600/_DSC5644.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Photography Braamfontein Yellow Door" border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-j5WFTIcSnu8/UnZarX5fwLI/AAAAAAAAgjI/bMrIxozpC4c/s1280/_DSC5644.jpg" height="424" title="Newtown Photography House of Innovation" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NNBYjJQR-iE/UnZbDIsZZGI/AAAAAAAAg-w/NS1aD1SzIjQ/s1600/_DSC5653.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Braamfontein Photography Doubleshot" border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NNBYjJQR-iE/UnZbDIsZZGI/AAAAAAAAg-w/NS1aD1SzIjQ/s1280/_DSC5653.jpg" height="424" title="Photography Fine Art Double Shot" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I ordered some coffee (I really needed it) and a breakfast to keep me going. After breakfast I took my camera while everybody was still chatting away and decided to get some shots of some kids playing in the open courtyard just outside the restaurant.</span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FH79IlZmNWE/UnZbzdC7_LI/AAAAAAAAggM/vBX8M5XRn-g/s1600/_DSC5715.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Photography Braamfontein Kids Soccer" border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FH79IlZmNWE/UnZbzdC7_LI/AAAAAAAAggM/vBX8M5XRn-g/s1280/_DSC5715.jpg" height="424" title="Braamfontein Kids Playing" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DbVPpa2S8oo/UnZbPFOlL8I/AAAAAAAAg-4/Tx84FrBqIPU/s1600/_DSC5699.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Fine Art Photography Braamfontein Top" border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DbVPpa2S8oo/UnZbPFOlL8I/AAAAAAAAg-4/Tx84FrBqIPU/s1280/_DSC5699.jpg" height="424" title="Braamfontein Photography Kids Playing" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I learned soon after we left that everybody was tired and was going to leave, I was a little disappointed as I was willing to stick around until we got the good light at the end of the day, but I wasn't prepared to hang around on my own.... this is Newtown after all. </span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-UQMixs2Fd3c/UnZcEZ2JeLI/AAAAAAAAggU/TXSS_E8HHU0/s1600/_DSC5757.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Fine Art Photography Braamfontein Construction" border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-UQMixs2Fd3c/UnZcEZ2JeLI/AAAAAAAAggU/TXSS_E8HHU0/s1280/_DSC5757.jpg" height="424" title="Braamfontein Photography Elevation Construction" width="640" /></a></div>
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<i style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: x-small;">This photo does not represent the brand Absolute Vodka in anyway, but is purely part of the environment.</i></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">So we passed back over the bridge where I got another photo of elevation, and then passed some interesting clothes on the side walk.</span></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FAzpzUCAhbk/UnZcdRd3IPI/AAAAAAAAgkk/4I7PkgHQ3EQ/s1600/_DSC5773.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Fine Art Photography Newtown Dirty" border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FAzpzUCAhbk/UnZcdRd3IPI/AAAAAAAAgkk/4I7PkgHQ3EQ/s1280/_DSC5773.jpg" height="640" title="Newtown Not Clean Photography" width="424" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Our drunk sleeping young man had moved to a grassy spot and continued his midday nap.</span></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iw74dDDP5uY/UnZctoCWzvI/AAAAAAAAghg/7GSGBfhT8GY/s1600/_DSC5778.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Fine Art Street Photography Newtown" border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iw74dDDP5uY/UnZctoCWzvI/AAAAAAAAghg/7GSGBfhT8GY/s1280/_DSC5778.jpg" height="424" title="Newtown Street Photography" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4USHpcFkb2k/UnZdOr39J7I/AAAAAAAAg_A/-oOkY99DfQI/s1600/_DSC5777.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Fine Art Street Photography Sidewalk Drunk" border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4USHpcFkb2k/UnZdOr39J7I/AAAAAAAAg_A/-oOkY99DfQI/s1280/_DSC5777.jpg" height="424" title="Newtown Street Photography Drunk" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">The "People of Newtown" was turning out to be a sombre and sad subject (with the exception of kids playing in the courtyard), but just before we got back to our cars I captured a little girl on the balcony of her apartment. She had a pleasant face, but as I felt a prisoner in this town, where wandering around on my own was not possible, I felt she was a prisoner in her apartment in this sombre neighborhood. It then dawned on me that all the happiness and honesty is all confined behind locked doors. Maybe the youth hidden away will be the change to Newtown it needs, but I guess it is up to us as a nation to make sure they don't continue the cycle of dishonesty, violence, vandalism and over indulgence in the coming generations.</span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WakH6pvBMFA/UnZc-FJYJ5I/AAAAAAAAggs/pdi4EEAgIXY/s1600/_DSC5776.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Newtown Fine Art Photography Balcony" border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WakH6pvBMFA/UnZc-FJYJ5I/AAAAAAAAggs/pdi4EEAgIXY/s1280/_DSC5776.jpg" height="424" title="Newtown Street Photography Kids" width="640" /></a></div>
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Anthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17277669320607541473noreply@blogger.com0Newtown, Johannesburg, South Africa-26.2025006 28.031782600000042-26.2167476 28.011612600000042 -26.1882536 28.051952600000043tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1155007309598345190.post-6930973804254493652013-10-26T18:14:00.000+02:002013-11-04T07:51:50.894+02:0050 Years<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b>Anne and Luke</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: xx-small;"><b>- 26th October 2013 -</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">The planning for my Aunt and Uncle's anniversary started about 3 weeks prior to them arriving , but we knew this was coming for quite some time before this. My aunt called my mother about 2 months ago (I think) to inform us that they will be flying to Johannesburg from their home in Cape Town. It was a treat they were planning for themselves for their 50 year anniversary... now the question is why would anybody seek a treat for themselves in Johannesburg?.... especially if they live in Cape Town? It turns out that Gauteng has something Cape Town doesn't have... the Gautrain!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">But I guess there is more to it, my mother, brother and myself live here too, and their grandson also lives in Pretoria, so in addition to experiencing the fastest train in Africa, they would get the opportunity to celebrate their 50 years of marriage with family.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Bronwyn, my Aunt and Uncle's granddaughter also booked a plane ticket from Port Elizabeth to join us for dinner. Michael my brother was also very excited as this would be the first time they meet his daughter Jade. So everybody was getting together from across the country and I was honored with the task to make all the arrangements. With the help of Bronwyn I selected a restaurant, my mother ordered some flowers, Michael brought his car around to help with transporting everybody around. Aunty Mel, although she wouldn't be attending this special occasion, arranged a cake for the table and selflessly donated some cash towards the bill.... it was truly a team effort.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">The big day arrived and I setoff to collect my Aunt and Uncle from their hotel. Originally I was planning to collect them an our later but it was the Currie Cup rugby finals so it was essential they were at my house for the start of the game. It was amazing seeing them for the first time after all these years.... they looked great.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Soon after we arrived at my house, I had to leave to collect Bronwyn from the Centurion Gautrain station, Byron (the grandson) would be meeting us at my house with his brand new BMW motorbike (it is a stunning bike).</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">When everybody was present we popped a bottle of Champagne and toasted to 50 years of marriage.... what an occasion! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">The rugby was finished and it was time to get going to the restaurant, Tribeca Standard in Lynnwood.... we were already running late.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">The party had began... we ordered a couple of bottles of wine and got talking about the good old days.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Aunty Anne had to get a photo of the beautiful cake which Aunty Mel organized. I should have got a photo of it but unfortunately I seemed to be more interested on my family. My mother was insistent that I bring my camera along, but I didn't mind, I do like photography after-all. However after a couple of glasses of wine the photography took a downward turn. I did get some decent photos, but they were odd ones here and there.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Jade was excited and earlier in the day, they (my mother, brother and Jade) went to buy some clothes for the evening. Jade picked out a beautiful red / pink dress... she literally looked like a princess. The problem is, when she meets people for the first time she is relatively shy and it take a special person talking about a very special subject to get her to loosen up. Bronwyn being the bubbly person she is was just that person and seeing that she works with animals for a living they had lots to talk about.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Besides the discussions of animals on the one end, conversation was good all round the table. When it came time to order, uncle Lucas ordered some seafood, which wasn't any good (we weren't in Cape Town after-all) , but after sending it back to the kitchen he settled for a Pizza, which in my opinion was quite good. I ordered a lamb shank and although it wasn't heated thoroughly it didn't taste bad at all. Although I can't talk for the dishes the rest of my family ordered, I assume everybody else enjoyed their dinner.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Every so often I went out for smoke and Jade tagged along.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">But it wasn't long until she was fast asleep on the couch by our table.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">After dinner it was time to cut the cake, and what a messy affair that was... the white chocolate surrounding the cake seemed to crumble everywhere.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">It has been a very long time since I had seen Bronwyn or Byron, and although this was primarily about a 50 year marriage, it was a treat for us all to be reunited.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">When the evening was over it was essential that we transport everybody to their home or accommodation, I took my Aunt and Uncle back to their hotel in Hatfield and Michael took Bronwyn to Bryon's house in Villeria.... although Bronwyn had to catch a flight early in the morning their grandparents had a full day planned for Sunday where they would be traveling all over Gauteng on the Gautrain. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">It was sad to say bye to everybody, but the evening was a success, we all got to celebrate this awesome occasion together.</span></div>
Anthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17277669320607541473noreply@blogger.com1Lynnwood Manor, Pretoria, South Africa-25.766735550451667 28.278636932373047-25.773885550451666 28.268551932373047 -25.759585550451668 28.288721932373047tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1155007309598345190.post-7694385552158260182013-10-19T07:32:00.000+02:002013-11-14T08:02:12.821+02:00Fine Arts Photography Day<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b>Arts on Main</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: xx-small;">19 October 2013</span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Cfe0edkFW0s/UmcVrepS3AI/AAAAAAAAgYU/BS3VmIn7Qfk/s1600/_DSC5121.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Fine Art Photography Johannesburg Brick Wall" border="0" height="176" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Cfe0edkFW0s/UmcVrepS3AI/AAAAAAAAgYU/BS3VmIn7Qfk/s1280/_DSC5121.jpg" title="Berea Photography Brick Wall" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">One of my new year resolutions at the end of 2012 was to get more involved in photography and basically evolve my skills a bit. So after some research I found a course which looked like something I would do, it was the Intermediate Fine Arts course offered by Digital Photography Courses or DPC, an institution literally down the road from me. I had never done any photographic course before, but I had never previously felt the need to, but it was time to venture out into the world where other professionals and fine art photographers get together, so I decided I would attempt it.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">In January 2013 I called up DPC and booked my attendance for the February course. Obviously the entire course is after-hours which was my only option anyway, but it did span over a 8 week period so it appeared quite substantial in content. The problem is that soon after I booked my place and paid over my initial deposit it came to light that I would need to travel all over Africa for work. Although I was disappointed that I wouldn't be able to attend and expand on my photography skills, I wasn't going to let the opportunity of travel across Africa slip past me. So I contacted DPC, they were flexible and understanding enough to let me reschedule my attendance to a course later in the year. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">So I travelled across Africa visiting Ghana, Kenya, Mauritius, Egypt, Zambia and Botswana. When it was July and I still had to visit Zimbabwe, Seychelles and Mozambique, I had to call DPC again and ask if I can reschedule again for the September/October session.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">When September arrived the traveling was done, but even if there was more I would have declined, as this was the last Intermediate Fine Arts course of the year. So I paid over the remaining fees and eagerly started attending. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">The course consists of various theory, then a photo shoot, then more theory, then printing of the results of our own work and an exhibition at the end of November. Todays post is about the photo shoot which took place at Arts on Main, in the Johannesburg CBD this past Saturday.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I arrived in Fox street on the morning 1 hour before everybody else and took the opportunity to wander around the streets in the vicinity of the location. I took a couple of photos but soon returned to my car as I felt vulnerable walking around there on my own.... so I sat in the car and played with my camera.</span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Ewp3oTI4m_0/UmQNuUJuTII/AAAAAAAAgWQ/mHb1gTHppOM/s1600/_DSC5050.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Fine Art Photography Street Berea" border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Ewp3oTI4m_0/UmQNuUJuTII/AAAAAAAAgWQ/mHb1gTHppOM/s1280/_DSC5050.jpg" title="Street Photography Johannesburg" width="424" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">While sitting in my car I started taking photo of the scene behind me through the side mirror of my car and kinda liked the result. The dark and distorted images with faded water marks on the mirror added a mysterious feeling, but when I started seeing some of my fellow classmates wandering around, I packed up and went to meet up with them.</span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lNyfcDN7pOI/UmQNsaFhodI/AAAAAAAAgYc/WE_q_6tffvc/s1600/_DSC5039.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Photography Berea through Mirror" border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lNyfcDN7pOI/UmQNsaFhodI/AAAAAAAAgYc/WE_q_6tffvc/s1280/_DSC5039.jpg" title="Photography Mirror Johannesburg" width="424" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">We met up with Danie Bester, the DPC owner, lecturer and established professional photographer and fine arts photographer. We waited around for all others to arrive, and some not to arrive.... who had gotten lost in the streets of Johannesburg, but eventually we all proceeded into Arts on Main through the main gate to start our photographic day.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Danie gave us some lessons and some demonstrations of what we were supposed to do for the day, but the outline was we were going to photograph various objects and subjects in the main building where "Market on Main" is normally held, which is a warehouse type environment. In the afternoon we would venture out into the streets and do some street photography in the neighborhood. Unfortunately I would have to miss the second part of the day as I was attending a friends wedding on the other side of Gauteng later in the afternoon.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Not to give away too much of the course, the morning was split into 2 sections. The idea was that we could photograph whatever we liked but experiment with various techniques, taking into consideration the theory we had learnt in the previous weeks. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Entering the establishment I was wowed by the building and its interior, it is an old building but spiced up to meet their needs, and still keeping with the rustic feeling. The walls were covered in generations of paintwork some newly painted and some with peeling layers that gives a window to the past.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">The upper level had a couple of wooden boxes scattered around, but initially the room was relatively empty, this combined with multiple smallish skylights all over the place on a day where it was partly cloudy allowed for a perfect day of photography and experimenting.</span></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_J0eo4npDRA/UmOP1kSCh1I/AAAAAAAAgOk/P-WgnV1MeqE/s1600/_DSC5111.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Arts on Main Photography Day" border="0" height="424" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_J0eo4npDRA/UmOP1kSCh1I/AAAAAAAAgOk/P-WgnV1MeqE/s1280/_DSC5111.jpg" title="Photography Arts on Main Boxes" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">It wasn't long before I started getting some really interesting photos. The idea was to take a couple of photos and go show and discuss them with Danie and Deon (another professional and experienced photographer from DPC) who was stationed at the coffee shop downstair eating breakfast.</span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FPknV0EB0u8/UmOP4YXsiII/AAAAAAAAgOs/6JvHzZCQChY/s1600/_DSC5114.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Photography Arts on Main Textures" border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FPknV0EB0u8/UmOP4YXsiII/AAAAAAAAgOs/6JvHzZCQChY/s1280/_DSC5114.jpg" title="Photography Wall Johannesburg Textures" width="424" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mO0IQNL1GME/UmOP6GPguVI/AAAAAAAAgO0/vjjmO936dDU/s1600/_DSC5120.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Photography Johannesburg Berea Textures" border="0" height="424" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mO0IQNL1GME/UmOP6GPguVI/AAAAAAAAgO0/vjjmO936dDU/s1280/_DSC5120.jpg" title="Fine Art Photography Textures Johannesburg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-AeBJGppjBU0/UmOP9XNGFtI/AAAAAAAAgO8/Ea9MfQEMWhw/s1600/_DSC5121.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Photography White Wall Arts on Main" border="0" height="424" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-AeBJGppjBU0/UmOP9XNGFtI/AAAAAAAAgO8/Ea9MfQEMWhw/s1280/_DSC5121.jpg" title="Fine Art Photography White Wall" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-j-AmEqGnxhs/UmOQGlz3IcI/AAAAAAAAgPU/u8J54ous4eI/s1600/_DSC5135.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Fine Art Photography Day Johannesburg" border="0" height="424" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-j-AmEqGnxhs/UmOQGlz3IcI/AAAAAAAAgPU/u8J54ous4eI/s1280/_DSC5135.jpg" title="Photography Arts on Main Lines" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I got lost for a while in the simple patterns and shadows on the walls which to a degree was what we were supposed to do. We were told to experiment with flat surfaces, where words like canvas, two dimensional and flat surfaces were expressed and to avoid the 3D world..... before long I was soon getting lost in the 3D world again.</span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8WbYqqnCcIU/UmOQJfe85hI/AAAAAAAAgPc/lGoeaZddFLg/s1600/_DSC5144.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Photography Arts on Main Boxes" border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8WbYqqnCcIU/UmOQJfe85hI/AAAAAAAAgPc/lGoeaZddFLg/s1280/_DSC5144.jpg" title="Fine Art Photography Boxes" width="424" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">"Market on Main" is a rustic and hip market that is held in this location on certain days in the month and although the market wasn't on, they were busy preparing.... my guess was that the next day would be market day. So there were people carrying box, tables and chairs all over the place. The empty space soon wasn't so empty anymore but along with the boxes came something that really gets me excited photographically..... people.</span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CN4EWvLlYGo/UmOQSXAp8kI/AAAAAAAAgP0/1A27Ozsh6rU/s1600/_DSC5159.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Photography Boxes Line" border="0" height="424" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CN4EWvLlYGo/UmOQSXAp8kI/AAAAAAAAgP0/1A27Ozsh6rU/s1280/_DSC5159.jpg" title="Arts on Main Photography Day" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--ZOFkzvkfIU/UmOQMTtVylI/AAAAAAAAgVI/Y5XI0K-H5qQ/s1600/_DSC5147.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Photography Arts on Main Kid" border="0" height="424" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--ZOFkzvkfIU/UmOQMTtVylI/AAAAAAAAgVI/Y5XI0K-H5qQ/s1280/_DSC5147.jpg" title="Fine Art Photography Child Running" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uyWsSjzxxqk/UmOQUveibJI/AAAAAAAAgYk/TzSPbJl1DZE/s1600/_DSC5169.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Arts on Main Negritude Photo" border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uyWsSjzxxqk/UmOQUveibJI/AAAAAAAAgYk/TzSPbJl1DZE/s1280/_DSC5169.jpg" title="Fine Art Photography Negritude" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-EQ2NMMWmRp8/UmOQXFcr_OI/AAAAAAAAgQE/OU7HIC8MCgk/s1600/_DSC5179.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Photography Fine Arts 2 Kids" border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-EQ2NMMWmRp8/UmOQXFcr_OI/AAAAAAAAgQE/OU7HIC8MCgk/s1280/_DSC5179.jpg" title="Arts on Main 2 Kids Photo" width="424" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">After capturing some interesting people and "concepts" I really needed some coffee, so I packed up my gear and headed to the coffee shop down below where Danie and Deon were having breakfast. I ordered myself a coffee while they checked and commented on my efforts, I was happy with the feedback so downed my coffee and got back to the photography.</span><br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7RYvx1ajV-s/UmOQZJAtezI/AAAAAAAAgQM/ARLexHekquY/s1600/_DSC5187.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Photography Johannesburg Shadows and Light" border="0" height="424" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7RYvx1ajV-s/UmOQZJAtezI/AAAAAAAAgQM/ARLexHekquY/s1280/_DSC5187.jpg" title="Arts on Main Photo Shadows" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lVQ4f7wvNXc/UmOQbTFx-YI/AAAAAAAAgX8/iN50J3oDZ2w/s1600/_DSC5189.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Fine Art Photography 2 Tone Box" border="0" height="424" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lVQ4f7wvNXc/UmOQbTFx-YI/AAAAAAAAgX8/iN50J3oDZ2w/s1280/_DSC5189.jpg" title="Arts on Main Photography Day" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-uajJDBsIKlI/UmOQdD1n3NI/AAAAAAAAgXk/J0qXGqOdcTs/s1600/_DSC5197.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Photography Carpet DOF" border="0" height="424" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-uajJDBsIKlI/UmOQdD1n3NI/AAAAAAAAgXk/J0qXGqOdcTs/s1280/_DSC5197.jpg" title="Arts on Main Carpet Photography" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I went back to the upper floor and tried some additional stuff. Playing with depth of field, perspective or misleading perspective and light. Eventually I went the macro route and got some close up photos of the things on the wall.</span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-m2Wr0J9j1b0/UmOQfEdTpBI/AAAAAAAAgYE/_qlLgMadMug/s1600/_DSC5213.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Photography Arts on Main Hanging" border="0" height="424" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-m2Wr0J9j1b0/UmOQfEdTpBI/AAAAAAAAgYE/_qlLgMadMug/s1280/_DSC5213.jpg" title="Fine Art Photography Hanging" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-KwJNWEWRbbM/UmOQh0536-I/AAAAAAAAgVg/sinhNGDudK8/s1600/_DSC5219.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Johannesburg Photo Bolt" border="0" height="424" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-KwJNWEWRbbM/UmOQh0536-I/AAAAAAAAgVg/sinhNGDudK8/s1280/_DSC5219.jpg" title="Bolt Arts on Main" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">When I looked around again, there was nobody left on the upper floor and it was just me. I was feeling a bit lonely so I went to see where everybody was. For some reason everybody had migrated to the lower level. With no skylights this floor was darker and more dramatic. I decided I could use this to my advantage, but before I got there I was distracted on the stairs leading down.</span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KajvU6WVMOA/UmOQlo78EqI/AAAAAAAAgQ8/R2ICV9N3mX0/s1600/_DSC5232.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Lights on Stairs Photography" border="0" height="424" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KajvU6WVMOA/UmOQlo78EqI/AAAAAAAAgQ8/R2ICV9N3mX0/s1280/_DSC5232.jpg" title="Photography Arts on Main Step" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SKCK3xSCBXo/UmOQnM_wk3I/AAAAAAAAgVo/odPdUqrjZ30/s1600/_DSC5235.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Photography Arts on Main Stairs" border="0" height="424" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SKCK3xSCBXo/UmOQnM_wk3I/AAAAAAAAgVo/odPdUqrjZ30/s1280/_DSC5235.jpg" title="Light on Stairs Fine Art Photography" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VheB2Q_y350/UmOQp9_kxiI/AAAAAAAAgVw/Df7Siw7iEos/s1600/_DSC5243.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Arts on Main Steps Photography" border="0" height="424" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VheB2Q_y350/UmOQp9_kxiI/AAAAAAAAgVw/Df7Siw7iEos/s1280/_DSC5243.jpg" title="Photography Steps" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I turned around on the stairs and for some reason this angle on the stairs caught my attention so I set up my tripod and angled my camera downwards, I knew that I would have to set my exposure time longer as it was darker down there, and as a result I could expect motion blur if anybody came into the scene. Just then Mark, one of my classmates did exactly that. He was preparing a box at the foot of the stairs for some still photos and I found this to be an ideal opportunity. His bright orange shirt and his position was ideal. I fiddled with my settings and took a couple of photographs trying different exposures, and as a result landed with my favourite photo of the day.</span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-RnkNCQMsozY/UmOQjnPG0uI/AAAAAAAAgWs/ETrMMp6glvE/s1600/_DSC5229.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Fine Art Photography Reckless Labour" border="0" height="424" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-RnkNCQMsozY/UmOQjnPG0uI/AAAAAAAAgWs/ETrMMp6glvE/s1280/_DSC5229.jpg" title="Fine Art Photography Reckless Labour" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I processed this image in Lightroom paying special attention to enhancing with small increments as not to alter the overall quality, I then uploaded it to my other site and the photo critic site for DPC. I labelled the photo "Reckless Labour", although he is not a laborer and he actually wasn't being reckless, the curved scratches on the floor leading down and around the stairs, combined with the broken box and aggressive looking motion blur all contribute to a story.... regardless if the story is true or not. I had entered the realm of suggestion. Although I have achieved this before I took the course, this time it was more deliberate. Working with people in a scene especially when they are just part of the scene and they are not directed, has a certain element of luck involved, but I guess it is about being in the right place at the right time and the art becomes a practice of increasing the chance of capturing that "lucky" moment. I prefer the lucky option to the directed one in most cases, emotions are more real and results are more surprising, but this is just my preference. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Although I have a lot to learn, I feel to some degree I have evolved a little. I have definitely started growing in the direction I was looking for when I first decided on this course in January and this can be mostly be attributed to Danie, Deon, John and all my classmates. Unfortunately it was time for me to leave for the day, I still had to drive all the way home, get changed and prepare for the wedding and then head another 30km to other side of Pretoria to the wedding venue. </span></div>
Anthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17277669320607541473noreply@blogger.com4City and Suburban, Johannesburg, South Africa-26.204647631756682 28.055037260055542-26.205092631756681 28.054406760055542 -26.204202631756683 28.055667760055542tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1155007309598345190.post-5008665586096521352013-10-06T08:09:00.000+02:002014-06-16T20:00:25.924+02:00Lonely Melville<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b>The Ant</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: xx-small;"><b>- 6 October 2013 -</b></span></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-f6xuJg--STc/UlSzS5pt1FI/AAAAAAAAgAU/fr1-Wa-NNQw/s1600/DSC_4591.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Photography Melville Flats" border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-f6xuJg--STc/UlSzS5pt1FI/AAAAAAAAgAU/fr1-Wa-NNQw/s1280/DSC_4591.jpg" height="176" title="Melville Photography" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I have been planning to visit Melville for quite some time, so Sunday I whipped out my GPS and headed in the direction. One would think that I would know how to get there on my own, but apparently technology has made me forgot where places are.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I left for Melville at about 11:30 and was in the small suburb within 30 minutes. I felt a little out of place, but started taking photos anyway.</span></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4drkgHrZ8N0/UlSzSJZJzVI/AAAAAAAAf-E/cm5rCErrx48/s1600/DSC_4551.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Melville Corridors Photography" border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4drkgHrZ8N0/UlSzSJZJzVI/AAAAAAAAf-E/cm5rCErrx48/s1280/DSC_4551.jpg" height="424" title="Photography Streets Melville" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Melville is a old suburb close to the Johannesburg CBD and very close to the </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">University of the </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Witwatersrand. It is an old suburb where some of the old houses have been converted to restaurants and small shops especially around 7th street. The neighbourhood seems to consist of young and old people, but the evenings really liven up, where the youth flirt, party and socialise.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I browsed around in the streets where most of the activity was, but it was Sunday midday and things were a bit dead. I wandered down one street where I was greeted by 2 young fellows from the second floor of their apartment. Clearly they were still partying from the night before, but they liked the idea of me taking photos of them, so I took advantage.</span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-iCmW91D6Ijk/UlSzdI8IUKI/AAAAAAAAgAM/C_nl0zB0ANA/s1600/DSC_4592.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Street Photography Melville" border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-iCmW91D6Ijk/UlSzdI8IUKI/AAAAAAAAgAM/C_nl0zB0ANA/s1280/DSC_4592.jpg" height="424" title="Photography Fine Arts Melville" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ey7xE6yBTk4/UlSzgGajFMI/AAAAAAAAf-s/gEQQJTBgSUo/s1600/DSC_4601.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Melville Street Photography" border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ey7xE6yBTk4/UlSzgGajFMI/AAAAAAAAf-s/gEQQJTBgSUo/s1280/DSC_4601.jpg" height="436" title="Melville Photography Sophiatown" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">An hour had already passed and I wasn't getting many photos, my idea was to get people and there weren't many of them around. My plan was that I would hang around until sunset because then the light would be best and I would be familiar with the streets, but I was getting tired of walking around with little results, so I spotted an interesting restaurant.... "The Ant".... quite appropriate as generally my friends call me "Ant".... I thought I would give it a try.</span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-AMWLXUAEH54/UlSzaafKWHI/AAAAAAAAf-c/mWIK8cezKmA/s1600/DSC_4589.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Melville Streets The Ant" border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-AMWLXUAEH54/UlSzaafKWHI/AAAAAAAAf-c/mWIK8cezKmA/s1280/DSC_4589.jpg" height="640" title="Photography Melville The Ant" width="424" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9boHD0IW8jY/UlSzo2S1UTI/AAAAAAAAf_E/Mqubmc9mnIw/s1600/DSC_4635.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Melville The Ant" border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9boHD0IW8jY/UlSzo2S1UTI/AAAAAAAAf_E/Mqubmc9mnIw/s1280/DSC_4635.jpg" height="640" title="Melville Street Photography" width="424" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I first sat outside and had a Coke, but due to some interesting decor I was tempted to go explore more of the establishment. Around the back of they have a patio outside and a wood pizza oven that smelt pretty good.</span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MAE3-XOWtzE/UlSzrqUSALI/AAAAAAAAf_M/QrpEkfpsSjo/s1600/DSC_4652.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Fine Art Photography Melville The Ant" border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MAE3-XOWtzE/UlSzrqUSALI/AAAAAAAAf_M/QrpEkfpsSjo/s1280/DSC_4652.jpg" height="424" title="Melville The Ant Photography" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I landed up taking a seat in a small hallway with a skylight above my table. I was still playing with my camera so this was an ideal spot.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I soon started paying attention to the crowds and the other customers around me, some old and some young, but a lot of gay people. I was feeling a bit lonely and although I have no problem with other peoples preferences and cultural decisions, I wasn't expecting to mingle or meet some friends. Generally when I go out to take some photos I go alone, there is something distracting about having someone accompany me during the process, even if it is another photographer. One would think I would be used to this already. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I have pondered on the feeling of loneliness before and how social us humans actually are. I can imagine that if I had to find myself in a world where suddenly there is nobody but me, my primary objective would be to stay alive, but once I have found food and shelter, my next instinct would be to find company, most specifically to find other people. Suddenly fancy cars, houses and all the luxuries that we currently fight so hard for, would become irrelevant, because what is the use of having all of this when we have no one to share it with. It is also interesting to me that race, sex and religion would also become an arbitrary factor when seeking this little bit of company, suddenly all the boundaries that currently separate us as a species, would disappear and to speak to someone, even in the most un-connected sense would be a treasure more valuable than gold, diamonds or oil.</span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LhoB8mUYKCw/UlSz0CUCLdI/AAAAAAAAf_c/x_W4XfoAqZg/s1600/DSC_4700.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Photography Melville The Ant" border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LhoB8mUYKCw/UlSz0CUCLdI/AAAAAAAAf_c/x_W4XfoAqZg/s1280/DSC_4700.jpg" height="640" title="Fine Art Photography Lonely" width="424" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">After I had some excellent coffee and I had placed an order for an "authentic pizza". My loneliness subsided and I was once again intrigued by my surroundings. I read somewhere a quote (I can't remember where) "there is a thin line between boredom and hunger" so possibly "there is a thin line between the anticipation of food and loneliness"....</span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wrzhIKbcldI/UlSz2vZqGfI/AAAAAAAAf_k/ECb6_XXna3k/s1600/DSC_4721.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Melville The Ant Painting" border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wrzhIKbcldI/UlSz2vZqGfI/AAAAAAAAf_k/ECb6_XXna3k/s1280/DSC_4721.jpg" height="424" title="Photography The Ant Mural" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Xktbts8fetQ/UlSz49V08BI/AAAAAAAAf_s/mgNCFwPzcJk/s1600/DSC_4727.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Photography The Ant" border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Xktbts8fetQ/UlSz49V08BI/AAAAAAAAf_s/mgNCFwPzcJk/s1280/DSC_4727.jpg" height="424" title="The Ant Table" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">The Ant is a really interesting place, with really good food, interesting people and very well thought out decorations..... After I had filled my stomach and messed around with my camera, I didn't really feel like sticking around for another three and a half hours, so I just headed home.</span></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CZYzdRsbH5g/UlSz-bRzFHI/AAAAAAAAf_8/jeFxPja-Pgw/s1600/DSC_4736.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Decor The Ant Photography" border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CZYzdRsbH5g/UlSz-bRzFHI/AAAAAAAAf_8/jeFxPja-Pgw/s1280/DSC_4736.jpg" height="640" title="Melville The Ant Decor" width="424" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I will go back to Melville again, but this time I will leave home a little later so I can catch the good light without getting bored (or lonely) first.</span></div>
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Anthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17277669320607541473noreply@blogger.com0Melville, Johannesburg, South Africa-26.1749328 28.008361799999989-26.1891833 27.988191799999989 -26.1606823 28.028531799999989tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1155007309598345190.post-58448657700396854602013-09-06T14:31:00.000+02:002014-06-16T20:04:47.522+02:00Fellowship of Rock and Roll<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b>Ponta Malongane and a Rock Festival</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: xx-small;"><b>- 6 September 2013 -</b></span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-d3moMpAVkv8/UjTZ9VJPRJI/AAAAAAAAfRQ/AN9Ke8TUiy0/s1600/DSC_4261.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Moz Malongane FORR" border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-d3moMpAVkv8/UjTZ9VJPRJI/AAAAAAAAfRQ/AN9Ke8TUiy0/s1280/DSC_4261.jpg" height="176" title="Ponta Malongane FORR 2013" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">One morning when we were at Neptunes in Ponta do Ouro we met some guys who told us about this rock thing happening in Ponta Malongane, Fellowship of Rock and Roll or FORR. I have heard about this before but thats about it.... turns out coincidentally we were in Mozambique at just the right time. I searched google and we soon had the lineup of bands from Thursday through to Sunday.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Scott, Mike and myself inspected the band lineup and decided that Friday would be the best day to go... so that is exactly what we did after breakfast on Friday morning. I tried getting some information on ticket prices and how it works on the internet but with little luck, so our only option was to drive out there on the day to see what was happening.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Ponta Malongane is the next "point" up the coast, the one that I would have reached if I continued walking north on one of my morning walks (my previous post). Malongane is primary a dive camp, mostly made up of campsites but with some chalets, nestled between the trees right on the beach front. Although it is possible to walk to there on the beach it is more efficient to drive there on some very sandy back roads.</span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_tR24Rjd5I4/UizRK2un42I/AAAAAAAAevk/x-QyNJSV90I/s1600/DSC_3760.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Mozambique Ponta Malongane Dive Camp" border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_tR24Rjd5I4/UizRK2un42I/AAAAAAAAevk/x-QyNJSV90I/s1280/DSC_3760.jpg" height="424" title="Ponta Malongane Beach" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">After getting a bit lost we found the camp entrance and enquired about the prices and other details, we discussed it briefly and decided we would purchase the tickets and go sit at the bar in the camp until things started happening, we didn't want to drive all the way back to Ponta do Ouro and then an hour later head back again.</span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HtZqFyYVbLU/UizRNNxCE_I/AAAAAAAAevs/-Eht1HzH-TA/s1600/DSC_3762.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Mozambique Ponta Malongane" border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HtZqFyYVbLU/UizRNNxCE_I/AAAAAAAAevs/-Eht1HzH-TA/s1280/DSC_3762.jpg" height="424" title="Ponta Malongane Dive Camp Bar" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WTnPrMHg9cc/UizRRmh4ruI/AAAAAAAAev0/o5savfgnB-8/s1600/DSC_3767.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Mozambique Malongane Beach Bar" border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WTnPrMHg9cc/UizRRmh4ruI/AAAAAAAAev0/o5savfgnB-8/s1280/DSC_3767.jpg" height="424" title="Ponta Malongane Pub" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">The bar was pretty busy, but understandably so, most other attendees of the festival were staying at the campsite, so unless they went deep dea diving, snorkeling, or laying on the beach, there isn't much else to do other than hang out at the bar. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">We had a drink or 2 and then decided to go explore the rocks and the beach.</span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-SzptY6GB4a0/UizRT3PgG5I/AAAAAAAAev8/Os3b9OT5qEQ/s1600/DSC_3791.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Mozambique Malongane Tanning" border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-SzptY6GB4a0/UizRT3PgG5I/AAAAAAAAev8/Os3b9OT5qEQ/s1280/DSC_3791.jpg" height="424" title="Ponta Malongane Beach Goers" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-G8bcKe4NC5c/UizRW0k41fI/AAAAAAAAewE/9Vz2SPwZotI/s1600/DSC_3804.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Mozambique Malongane Beach Pub" border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-G8bcKe4NC5c/UizRW0k41fI/AAAAAAAAewE/9Vz2SPwZotI/s1280/DSC_3804.jpg" height="424" title="Ponta Malongane Black Cat Bones" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GXtZFzGoUng/UizRbAPW8ZI/AAAAAAAAe1g/Qb7TWBDvpOc/s1600/DSC_3823.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Malongane Mike and Scott" border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GXtZFzGoUng/UizRbAPW8ZI/AAAAAAAAe1g/Qb7TWBDvpOc/s1280/DSC_3823.jpg" height="424" title="Ponta Malongane Rocks" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8LEdHfgcVvg/UizRdU2DqAI/AAAAAAAAewc/Y3GhpfkASrg/s1600/DSC_3855.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Mozambique Malongane Snorkeling" border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8LEdHfgcVvg/UizRdU2DqAI/AAAAAAAAewc/Y3GhpfkASrg/s1280/DSC_3855.jpg" height="424" title="Ponta Malongane Snorkeling" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ewzkXAblkyE/UizRejDXLrI/AAAAAAAAewk/CUTNw8GYxPQ/s1600/DSC_3880.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Malongane Bird Running" border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ewzkXAblkyE/UizRejDXLrI/AAAAAAAAewk/CUTNw8GYxPQ/s1280/DSC_3880.jpg" height="424" title="Ponta Malongane Beach Bird" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">It was a beautiful day, nice and warm, but with a cool sea breeze blowing in. </span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kWP_Jyyux5A/UizRiQH95yI/AAAAAAAAews/Qh4xbsgUPwI/s1600/DSC_3901.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Moz Ponta Malongane Waves" border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kWP_Jyyux5A/UizRiQH95yI/AAAAAAAAews/Qh4xbsgUPwI/s1280/DSC_3901.jpg" height="424" title="Ponta Malongane Beach Waves" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">The first band was about to appear but it was someone we didn't know so we decided we would first go find some food outside the campsite. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">When we were looking for the campsite earlier we stopped at the pizza joint run by Alex to get some directions, but in the process were told to come back and get the "best pizza in town", so we decided to try out "Alex's Pizza". This wasn't the first time we saw Alex's pizza around, he has a mobile pizza oven which he moves from one location to the next depending on where the crowds are and we also saw his van parked at the market one morning which reads "If you can't Rock n' Roll, then don't f***ing come", so clearly he has reputation.</span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rNbaCkFrjLo/UizUnUS4J2I/AAAAAAAAexY/FgekhGBL5XU/s1600/DSC_3944.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Moz Ponta Malongane Pizza Bar" border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rNbaCkFrjLo/UizUnUS4J2I/AAAAAAAAexY/FgekhGBL5XU/s1280/DSC_3944.jpg" height="424" title="Ponta Malongane Alexs Pizza" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-yBmVGprfEOc/UizUprsmIFI/AAAAAAAAexg/MstomjC8jrM/s1600/DSC_3945.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Malongane best pizza in town" border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-yBmVGprfEOc/UizUprsmIFI/AAAAAAAAexg/MstomjC8jrM/s1280/DSC_3945.jpg" height="640" title="Ponta Malongane Alex Pizza" width="424" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">We ordered some pizza and a beer and waited. Soon there were other FORR goers joining us for the best pizza in town.</span></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LLi-_fJl-Wo/UizUr5lvgbI/AAAAAAAAexo/jf1RP5V5HME/s1600/DSC_3953.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Ponta Malongane Alex Pizza" border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LLi-_fJl-Wo/UizUr5lvgbI/AAAAAAAAexo/jf1RP5V5HME/s1280/DSC_3953.jpg" height="424" title="Malongane Pizza Eaters" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FXG-GCSGj4o/UizUt46vqhI/AAAAAAAAexw/XOiJnzfCUbQ/s1600/DSC_3960.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Mozambique Malongane Local" border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FXG-GCSGj4o/UizUt46vqhI/AAAAAAAAexw/XOiJnzfCUbQ/s1280/DSC_3960.jpg" height="424" title="Ponta Malongane Local Savanna" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Turned out the pizza was damn good, a perfect thin based crust and an awesome sauce to compliment it. Anybody who knows anything about pizza would know that the difference between good and an excellent pizza is the base and sauce.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">We polished off the pizza and then drove back to the campsite, we popped round to the bar again, but then soon after decided to relocate to the main concert area just off the beach, which has it's own mobile bar.</span></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bAm-LfU6A4g/UizVQLLEDGI/AAAAAAAAe0I/KJp5LMwjXag/s1600/DSC_4261.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Moz Fellowship of Rock and Roll" border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bAm-LfU6A4g/UizVQLLEDGI/AAAAAAAAe0I/KJp5LMwjXag/s1280/DSC_4261.jpg" height="424" title="Ponta Malongane FORR goers" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NTFzachXMo0/UizUzlFZ5sI/AAAAAAAAeyI/jdtPpiyNTFo/s1600/DSC_4015.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Moz Malongane Fellowship of Rock and Roll" border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NTFzachXMo0/UizUzlFZ5sI/AAAAAAAAeyI/jdtPpiyNTFo/s1280/DSC_4015.jpg" height="424" title="Ponta Malongane FORR Beach" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">There was a band performing and some people making massive bubbles.</span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-kSoMEgJB-sU/UizUxing0UI/AAAAAAAAeyA/V1eifxhYRY4/s1600/DSC_4008.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Malongane Fellowship of Rock and Roll" border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-kSoMEgJB-sU/UizUxing0UI/AAAAAAAAeyA/V1eifxhYRY4/s1280/DSC_4008.jpg" height="424" title="Ponta Malongane FORR Beach Bubbles" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-394mZCqeHGc/UizU1kRlX7I/AAAAAAAAeyQ/U2LgIu9gpRg/s1600/DSC_4017.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Moz Malongane Bubbles" border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-394mZCqeHGc/UizU1kRlX7I/AAAAAAAAeyQ/U2LgIu9gpRg/s1280/DSC_4017.jpg" height="424" title="Ponta Malongane Beach Dance" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0OEiyjkaqQU/UizU_pJfILI/AAAAAAAAey4/gwEfoMXSyBA/s1600/DSC_4103.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Ponta Malongane FORR 2013" border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0OEiyjkaqQU/UizU_pJfILI/AAAAAAAAey4/gwEfoMXSyBA/s1280/DSC_4103.jpg" height="640" title="Fellowship of Rock and Roll 2013" width="424" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zxOdVA0RL0o/UizVBaGVe7I/AAAAAAAAezA/5DXw8LaMNlA/s1600/DSC_4118.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Moz Ponta Beach Bubbles" border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zxOdVA0RL0o/UizVBaGVe7I/AAAAAAAAezA/5DXw8LaMNlA/s1280/DSC_4118.jpg" height="640" title="Ponta Malongane Blow Bubbles" width="424" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-uo67lplJEsw/UizVC3VFmfI/AAAAAAAAezI/2VP7h37TyMI/s1600/DSC_4173.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Malongane Blow Bubbles" border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-uo67lplJEsw/UizVC3VFmfI/AAAAAAAAezI/2VP7h37TyMI/s1280/DSC_4173.jpg" height="424" title="FORR Beach Bubbles" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">The sun was setting and the bands were now heating up, it was time for some rock and roll.</span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0vTaHmpPQTY/UizVNEJvn9I/AAAAAAAAez4/dmcbZUJcrl4/s1600/DSC_4247.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Fellowship of Rock and Roll Bubbles" border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0vTaHmpPQTY/UizVNEJvn9I/AAAAAAAAez4/dmcbZUJcrl4/s1280/DSC_4247.jpg" height="424" title="Ponta Malongane Bubbles FORR" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_Qh5KWZAMiI/UizVFao31cI/AAAAAAAAezQ/y8svSlxyefo/s1600/DSC_4210.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="FORR kids" border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_Qh5KWZAMiI/UizVFao31cI/AAAAAAAAezQ/y8svSlxyefo/s1280/DSC_4210.jpg" height="424" title="Ponta Malongane Beach Kids" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hdBU_6fisqI/UizVLn_N7gI/AAAAAAAAezw/UnWT9aiRpcU/s1600/DSC_4243.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Ponta Malongane FORR Kids" border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hdBU_6fisqI/UizVLn_N7gI/AAAAAAAAezw/UnWT9aiRpcU/s1280/DSC_4243.jpg" height="424" title="Ponta Malongane Tired" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4he12Mfwwks/UizVOvZLwFI/AAAAAAAAe0A/QJHlta0e3t4/s1600/DSC_4251.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Malongane Rock and Rocll" border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4he12Mfwwks/UizVOvZLwFI/AAAAAAAAe0A/QJHlta0e3t4/s1280/DSC_4251.jpg" height="424" title="FORR 2013 Goers" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">"Hoot and Anny" finished off their set and then "Johnny and the Bomb" did there thing, next was "Soil 7t7".</span></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-l2qJa-xAF8k/UizVG6cWZdI/AAAAAAAAezY/OpEoS_rvCSk/s1600/DSC_4225.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Fellowship of Rock and Rock Band" border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-l2qJa-xAF8k/UizVG6cWZdI/AAAAAAAAezY/OpEoS_rvCSk/s1280/DSC_4225.jpg" height="640" title="FORR 2013 Johnny and the Bomb" width="424" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qvlypqwMvR4/UizVJy7AKZI/AAAAAAAAezo/428tse7cVIc/s1600/DSC_4239.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Malongane FORR 2013 Bands" border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qvlypqwMvR4/UizVJy7AKZI/AAAAAAAAezo/428tse7cVIc/s1280/DSC_4239.jpg" height="424" title="FORR 2013 Johnny and the Bomb" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">By the time the sun was totally gone, Soil 7t7 was rocking the stage up and I started to really enjoy the evening photography.... and the music.</span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-sYy9yTESDwQ/UizVRm5CeZI/AAAAAAAAe0Q/09N_HnFuumU/s1600/DSC_4273.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Fellowship of Rock and Roll Band" border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-sYy9yTESDwQ/UizVRm5CeZI/AAAAAAAAe0Q/09N_HnFuumU/s1280/DSC_4273.jpg" height="424" title="FORR 2013 Soil 7t7" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Rw8mKm1Bij0/UizVXIGMV5I/AAAAAAAAe58/ZYRN4ATAN9M/s1600/DSC_4292.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Fellowship of Rock and Roll 2013 Bands" border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Rw8mKm1Bij0/UizVXIGMV5I/AAAAAAAAe58/ZYRN4ATAN9M/s1280/DSC_4292.jpg" height="424" title="FORR Soil 7t7 2013" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-E0Q3k_nIBdk/UizVa0vrgbI/AAAAAAAAe6M/NYX-f14JDxI/s1600/DSC_4295.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Fellowship of Rock and Roll 2013 Band" border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-E0Q3k_nIBdk/UizVa0vrgbI/AAAAAAAAe6M/NYX-f14JDxI/s1280/DSC_4295.jpg" height="424" title="FORR 2013 Soil 7t7" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-IIK02kMtPvM/UizVcOGIkQI/AAAAAAAAe6U/RDf3y_inxYQ/s1600/DSC_4296.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Fellowship of Rock and Roll Band" border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-IIK02kMtPvM/UizVcOGIkQI/AAAAAAAAe6U/RDf3y_inxYQ/s1280/DSC_4296.jpg" height="424" title="Malongane FORR 2013 Soil 7t7" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ETPx5KN2CVY/UizVdqziKXI/AAAAAAAAe1A/BsCTiOOuOaw/s1600/DSC_4303.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Soil 7t7 Malongane" border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ETPx5KN2CVY/UizVdqziKXI/AAAAAAAAe1A/BsCTiOOuOaw/s1280/DSC_4303.jpg" height="640" title="FORR 2013 Soil 7t7" width="424" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XFRrLIkMpo0/UizVfe-O22I/AAAAAAAAe1I/qvH5Pq2tNtU/s1600/DSC_4326.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Ponta Malongane Soil 7t7" border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XFRrLIkMpo0/UizVfe-O22I/AAAAAAAAe1I/qvH5Pq2tNtU/s1280/DSC_4326.jpg" height="424" title="FORR 2013 Soil 7t7" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">The 2 bands I was eager to see what Scicoustic, we knew the drummer and therefore have seen there act a couple of times, and after them was The Black Cat Bones, which I have never seen live before.</span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-iQi27wBGKHM/UizVgynIENI/AAAAAAAAe1Q/UCd2CK0ddeM/s1600/DSC_4331.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Fellowship of Rock and Roll Audience" border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-iQi27wBGKHM/UizVgynIENI/AAAAAAAAe1Q/UCd2CK0ddeM/s1280/DSC_4331.jpg" height="424" title="FORR 2013 Crowd" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">The bad news is that after Soil 7t7, we had to leave for reasons I'm not going to bore you with.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Either way we got to check out Ponta Malongane, plus experience some excellent live music and the interesting people that go with it. Maybe next year I will attend FORR properly, but for the remainder of this evening we went back to relax further at the chalet in Ponta do Ouro.</span></div>
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Anthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17277669320607541473noreply@blogger.com0Ponta Malongane, Mozambique-26.795689077365161 32.892806518554721-26.82403907736516 32.852466018554722 -26.767339077365161 32.93314701855472tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1155007309598345190.post-21572849412019886122013-09-03T13:00:00.000+02:002014-06-16T20:00:49.829+02:00The North End<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b>The North End of the Beach</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: xx-small;"><b>- 3 September 2013 -</b></span></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-y_aOgV38mUA/Ui-xMd8_peI/AAAAAAAAfPo/om0sda2Pq8M/s1600/DSC_3451.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Mozambique Ponta Beach" border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-y_aOgV38mUA/Ui-xMd8_peI/AAAAAAAAfPo/om0sda2Pq8M/s1280/DSC_3451.jpg" height="176" title="Ponta do Ouro North Beach" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">While sitting and having drinks with Scott and Michael we occasionally looked north along the beach and wondered what the lights against the distant sand dunes were. I knew if I continued north till the first "point" in the distance I would reach Ponta Malongane, but I had no idea if that was indeed the case and what was in-between.</span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NeYgcWhtdOA/Uii2y20z2wI/AAAAAAAAfOo/OA1GPPYARKU/s1600/DSC_3239.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Mozambique Ponta Beach" border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NeYgcWhtdOA/Uii2y20z2wI/AAAAAAAAfOo/OA1GPPYARKU/s1280/DSC_3239.jpg" height="424" title="Ponta do Ouro North Beach" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">So one morning I decided I would go check it out at the crack of dawn. After-all it doesn't look that far away.</span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ww2vsdv_5mY/UijErVuK3RI/AAAAAAAAe3A/JlpatrX1zhA/s1600/DSC_3268.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Ponta Yellow Sunrise" border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ww2vsdv_5mY/UijErVuK3RI/AAAAAAAAe3A/JlpatrX1zhA/s1280/DSC_3268.jpg" height="424" title="Ponta do Ouro Sunrise Boat" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HbTmZ6aIvRg/UijEtfgaGuI/AAAAAAAAeq0/jbMKBmQ7TRI/s1600/DSC_3289.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Motel do Mar Beach" border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HbTmZ6aIvRg/UijEtfgaGuI/AAAAAAAAeq0/jbMKBmQ7TRI/s1280/DSC_3289.jpg" height="424" title="Ponta do Ouro Motel do Mar Beach View" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Even at this hour the boats are already out on the water, and I don't blame them, it is a beautiful time of the day.</span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-R6k3CdSwsG0/UijEume4w0I/AAAAAAAAe3I/42oFMq7js38/s1600/DSC_3294.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Yellow Sunrise Mozambique" border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-R6k3CdSwsG0/UijEume4w0I/AAAAAAAAe3I/42oFMq7js38/s1280/DSC_3294.jpg" height="424" title="Ponta do Ouro Yellow Sunrise" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">The beach was relatively quiet this time of the morning but I did find a dog wandering about as I passed the Motel do Mar, he looked to be having fun too.... and he was friendly.</span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-N3SUUDE14Pg/UijEwRP2cdI/AAAAAAAAerE/YnS28pvvUss/s1600/DSC_3312.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Mozambique Beach Dog" border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-N3SUUDE14Pg/UijEwRP2cdI/AAAAAAAAerE/YnS28pvvUss/s1280/DSC_3312.jpg" height="424" title="Ponta do Ouro Dog" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YE9xCAtIqYk/UijExY8FHPI/AAAAAAAAfPI/hMUclmUO2sc/s1600/DSC_3321.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Mozambique Ponta Motel" border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YE9xCAtIqYk/UijExY8FHPI/AAAAAAAAfPI/hMUclmUO2sc/s1280/DSC_3321.jpg" height="424" title="Ponta Motel do Mar" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I parked at the beach entrance closest to Motel do Mar and headed out from there. The Motel was our alternative </span><span style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">accommodation next to the Ocean View Cabanas, but from the photos the Motel looked a little old and rundown, however I did notice they were busy repainting the Motel.... hopefully they renovate the inside too.</span></span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-X7Z5R-ubqwE/UijE2v2nVrI/AAAAAAAAerk/3sexn6vTZBw/s1600/DSC_3352.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Mozambique Ponta Beach Ride" border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-X7Z5R-ubqwE/UijE2v2nVrI/AAAAAAAAerk/3sexn6vTZBw/s1280/DSC_3352.jpg" height="424" title="Ponta do Ouro Mountain Bike" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Previously in the week Mike and I noticed a mountain bike for sale in a shop near the market and we wondered what anybody will do with a mountain bike in a town covered with soft sand, but when I saw a young woman with her three dogs going for a morning run on the beach, it all became clear. The sand at low tide is as hard as concrete and riding on the beach looked like a breeze. At this point I had been walking for about 30 minutes and started to wish I had a bike... the "point" in the distance still looked very far away.</span></span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-A3IYLEX7gl4/UijE40KLQvI/AAAAAAAAers/hx_52atDbic/s1600/DSC_3355.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Mozambique Ponta Bike Tracks" border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-A3IYLEX7gl4/UijE40KLQvI/AAAAAAAAers/hx_52atDbic/s1280/DSC_3355.jpg" height="640" title="Ponta do Ouro Bike Tracks" width="424" /></a></div>
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<span style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">It wasn't long until they disappeared into the distance, but soon they were heading back towards me, her dogs were close behind but with some additional toys they had picked up along the way.</span></span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3NTtTQzH55E/UijFBxd75tI/AAAAAAAAesU/vVly36d8c4Y/s1600/DSC_3399.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Mozambique Ponta Dog Toy" border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3NTtTQzH55E/UijFBxd75tI/AAAAAAAAesU/vVly36d8c4Y/s1920/DSC_3399.jpg" height="424" title="Ponta do Ouro Dog Bottle" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JBtiMmnY1tE/UijFEMwcyZI/AAAAAAAAesc/7Itxsv2Bswo/s1600/DSC_3404.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Mozambique Ponta Run with Dogs" border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JBtiMmnY1tE/UijFEMwcyZI/AAAAAAAAesc/7Itxsv2Bswo/s1280/DSC_3404.jpg" height="424" title="Ponta do Ouro Morning Run Beach" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I was starting to get a bit bored and it felt like I was getting nowhere but soon I arrived at some rocks which appeared to have been dropped in the middle of the beach by some majestic hand.</span></span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-S6agu4rbtks/UijFHaAfbOI/AAAAAAAAess/4ETWVsAdlz4/s1600/DSC_3419.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Moz Ponta North Beach" border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-S6agu4rbtks/UijFHaAfbOI/AAAAAAAAess/4ETWVsAdlz4/s1280/DSC_3419.jpg" height="424" title="Ponta do Ouro North Beach" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yuwRUu45gDo/UijFJpaXq4I/AAAAAAAAes0/8Aeh0AVrKhk/s1600/DSC_3440.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Moz Ponta Rocks on Beach" border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yuwRUu45gDo/UijFJpaXq4I/AAAAAAAAes0/8Aeh0AVrKhk/s1280/DSC_3440.jpg" height="640" title="Ponta do Ouro North Beach Rocks" width="424" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-h-EX3w5rYC4/UijFMgHJ_wI/AAAAAAAAe3Y/2WAC502T3r4/s1600/DSC_3450.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Moz Ponta Beach Tiles" border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-h-EX3w5rYC4/UijFMgHJ_wI/AAAAAAAAe3Y/2WAC502T3r4/s1280/DSC_3450.jpg" height="424" title="Ponta do Ouro Beach Tiles" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">The second row of rocks were the most intriguing, they appeared to have been placed there strategically... almost like massive tiles laid out on the beach sand.</span></span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_W3yo-OA2cM/UijFPf7yIfI/AAAAAAAAe3o/XR-kUUuwP3Y/s1600/DSC_3453.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Moz Ponta Beach Tiles Rocks" border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_W3yo-OA2cM/UijFPf7yIfI/AAAAAAAAe3o/XR-kUUuwP3Y/s1280/DSC_3453.jpg" height="424" title="Ponta do Ouro Beach Tiles Rocks" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-IWcg5utrqWk/UijFRH8V22I/AAAAAAAAe3w/LZsEAvsCm70/s1600/DSC_3457.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Moz Ponta Beach Tiles Rocks" border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-IWcg5utrqWk/UijFRH8V22I/AAAAAAAAe3w/LZsEAvsCm70/s1280/DSC_3457.jpg" height="424" title="Ponta do Ouro Beach Tiles" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0SD-jTbNuPo/UijFUiO4LtI/AAAAAAAAets/xqKn_IdBG4Y/s1600/DSC_3464.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Moz Ponta Carved Rocks" border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0SD-jTbNuPo/UijFUiO4LtI/AAAAAAAAets/xqKn_IdBG4Y/s1280/DSC_3464.jpg" height="424" title="Ponta do Ouro Natural Carved Rocks" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">From the tracks left from the "mountain bike lady", they didn't make it out this far, so I was all alone out here, it was awesome. Unlike the south end of the beach, this place is very close to uninterrupted coastal beauty.</span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-M5HHVjrlIpQ/UijFYEl_0gI/AAAAAAAAe34/1EyMnY5ji1w/s1600/DSC_3471.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Moz Ponta Rock Pools" border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-M5HHVjrlIpQ/UijFYEl_0gI/AAAAAAAAe34/1EyMnY5ji1w/s1280/DSC_3471.jpg" height="424" title="Ponta do Ouro Rock Pools" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I passed the rocks and found the reason for the lights on the hill, which can be attributed to what appears to be a lodge and some lavish homes. At this moment I was about three quarters of the way to the "point" (which I suspected was Ponta Malongane) and I had been walking for about one and a half hours (I stopped a lot to take pictures). I was eager to reach the point and confirm that I was indeed at Ponta Malongane but all I could think about was that every step I take in this direction means the more steps I need to take to get back home, so I turned around and started heading back to Ponta do Ouro.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I was accompanied by some additional joggers and insects in my journey back, but I stopped less than before, when I looked again I was back at Motel do Mar.</span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wFl3epVTsAE/UijFl_UXOnI/AAAAAAAAeuE/-Wqw1GrvovY/s1600/DSC_3501.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Moz Ponta Dead Insect" border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wFl3epVTsAE/UijFl_UXOnI/AAAAAAAAeuE/-Wqw1GrvovY/s1280/DSC_3501.jpg" height="424" title="Ponta do Ouro Dead Insect" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YecA5I50MoA/UijFnmW2xvI/AAAAAAAAe4A/NgNsJtUQPqk/s1600/DSC_3511.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Moz Ponta Beach Jogging" border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YecA5I50MoA/UijFnmW2xvI/AAAAAAAAe4A/NgNsJtUQPqk/s1280/DSC_3511.jpg" height="424" title="Ponta do Ouro Beach Jogging" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7hz4VKnTnm4/UijFqJUsHmI/AAAAAAAAeuU/mfK8gQgI77I/s1600/DSC_3525.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Moz Ponta Motel" border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7hz4VKnTnm4/UijFqJUsHmI/AAAAAAAAeuU/mfK8gQgI77I/s1280/DSC_3525.jpg" height="424" title="Ponta do Ouro Motel do Mar" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I headed back to our chalet, my walk had taken two and a half hours.... and it was worth it. I do envy the home owners at this end of the beach, it is absolutely beautiful.</span></div>
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Anthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17277669320607541473noreply@blogger.com0Ponta d'Ouro, Mozambique-26.814074987066764 32.883193481445346-26.927453987066762 32.721831981445348 -26.700695987066766 33.044554981445344tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1155007309598345190.post-85241408375626796592013-09-03T12:00:00.000+02:002014-06-16T20:00:59.241+02:00Keeping Busy in Ponta d'Ouro<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b>Around Town</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: xx-small;"><b>- 1 to 7 September 2013 -</b></span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QZodlDpFAew/Ui9VvvFBvsI/AAAAAAAAfO4/Q_3YIGziCwo/s1600/DSC_2922.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Mozambique Ponta do Ouro Curios" border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QZodlDpFAew/Ui9VvvFBvsI/AAAAAAAAfO4/Q_3YIGziCwo/s1280/DSC_2922.jpg" height="176" title="Ponta do Ouro Hanging Goodies" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">In planning the trip to Ponta d'Ouro we booked our dates from the 14th September to the 22 September, which I conveyed to the lady who made our bookings, problem is I did this via telephone and she somehow heard 14 August. It was only after I had made the payment that Michael asked why the invoice says 14 August and not September. As soon as we realized this I phone them back and asked if we can reschedule to the correct dates and not surprisingly the correct dates weren't available. I requested if I could cancel seeing that it was only the next day and she informed me that I would have to pay a 25% penalty..... I was pissed. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">So we were forced to change our dates, luckily we were all available for the revised dates so we arrived on the 31 August 2013</span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-eUxQwG7jp3s/UiivfhiU6YI/AAAAAAAAfFo/JhOujrSaujE/s1600/DSC_2798.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Ocean View Cabana's 4 View" border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-eUxQwG7jp3s/UiivfhiU6YI/AAAAAAAAfFo/JhOujrSaujE/s1280/DSC_2798.jpg" height="424" title="Ponta do Ouro Ocean View Cabana's View" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-aaE_fPSD6YA/UiivmFphOGI/AAAAAAAAfF4/6Fssi3c5E0o/s1600/DSC_2816.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Ocean View Cabana 4" border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-aaE_fPSD6YA/UiivmFphOGI/AAAAAAAAfF4/6Fssi3c5E0o/s1280/DSC_2816.jpg" height="640" title="Ponta do Ouro Ocean View Cabana 4" width="424" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">We initially thought we would stay at the Motel do Mar, but the "Ocean View Cabanas 4" looked newer and better. The view from the Cabanas is pretty cool. We would have preferred beach side accommodation, but decided that 100m from the beach is good enough. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">While preparing for our holiday we went to the shops before our trip to get all the essentials, coffee, salt, pepper and similar stuff. We figured we would get the perishables and other stuff in Ponta do Ouro. Turns out that getting meat and stuff like cheese around town is a problem. Fruit and vegetables are readily available, and I did find one shop who sells cheese and meat, but at crazy prices.</span></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KKnzHwjkAFo/UiivtC9C1PI/AAAAAAAAfGI/D7k0vE29Lvo/s1600/DSC_2839.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="General Market" border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KKnzHwjkAFo/UiivtC9C1PI/AAAAAAAAfGI/D7k0vE29Lvo/s1280/DSC_2839.jpg" height="424" title="Ponta do Ouro Market Street" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YsUeNzjUYQU/Uiivw2Wg6UI/AAAAAAAAfGQ/JPpgrOH23vE/s1600/DSC_2844.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Mozambique Cilli Sauce" border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YsUeNzjUYQU/Uiivw2Wg6UI/AAAAAAAAfGQ/JPpgrOH23vE/s1280/DSC_2844.jpg" height="424" title="Ponta do Ouro Chilli Sauce" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">On our first day I went to the market and collected some ingredients to make a potjie pot (Cast Iron Pot Stew). I found some mutton meat at crazy prices but decided to take it anyway. I picked up various other ingredients from various market stalls. I liked the look of the chilli sauce so I bought a bottle too.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Back at the lodge I prepared the fire and starting throwing ingredients in, I thought I would add a little spice using the chilli sauce I purchased earlier. I got the fire going at a low temperature, then we headed down to the beach bar to have a couple of drinks, after-all the potjie was going to need to simmer for about 3 hours.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">When we return the fire had died and it took awhile to get it going again, but eventually the food was ready and we started our first dinner of the holiday. The meat wasn't the best, but it was ok, but the biggest shock was the chilli.... it was hot! I didn't expect that, I only added a small amount but damn did it burn. It was at this moment we realized what Mozambican Portuguese Peri-Peri means..... don't under estimate it!</span></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-d7W_L9ONhSA/Uiiv5Z7yUEI/AAAAAAAAfGo/6iL9r8OJRO8/s1600/DSC_2851.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Mozambique Lemons and Garlic" border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-d7W_L9ONhSA/Uiiv5Z7yUEI/AAAAAAAAfGo/6iL9r8OJRO8/s1280/DSC_2851.jpg" height="424" title="Ponta do Ouro Fresh Produce " width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">The market is made up on many small stalls all selling pretty much the same stuff. We got bombarded every time we went to the market, each stall owner wants us to buy stuff from them!</span></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BPRw3qVSjP8/Uiiv3GkoKbI/AAAAAAAAfGg/o_wS6zoPMcQ/s1600/DSC_2848.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Mozambique Mobile Phone" border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BPRw3qVSjP8/Uiiv3GkoKbI/AAAAAAAAfGg/o_wS6zoPMcQ/s1280/DSC_2848.jpg" height="640" title="Ponta do Ouro Local on Cellphone" width="426" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-k3hzbxlAFmk/Uiiv829fA8I/AAAAAAAAfGw/tTMC5fsThnA/s1600/DSC_2855.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Mozambique Ponta do Ouro Market" border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-k3hzbxlAFmk/Uiiv829fA8I/AAAAAAAAfGw/tTMC5fsThnA/s1280/DSC_2855.jpg" height="424" title="Ponta do Ouro Empty Market Stalls" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">The market gets busy from about 8:00am but we were still able to get essentials like freshly baked bread (which is my favourite) and some fruit and vegetables earlier than that.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">A couple of times I went to the market alone to get some pictures before everything was open.</span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mxy0e3oMXZs/UiiwMdgAwPI/AAAAAAAAfHY/qKDwwU-KuIM/s1600/DSC_2873.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Mozambique Concrete Market Stalls" border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mxy0e3oMXZs/UiiwMdgAwPI/AAAAAAAAfHY/qKDwwU-KuIM/s1280/DSC_2873.jpg" height="424" title="Ponta do Ouro Concrete Market Stalls" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wabyAyPHtfA/Ui1itCuThFI/AAAAAAAAe4w/x2EyvDCq-2U/s1600/DSC_4367.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Mozambique Ponta Market" border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wabyAyPHtfA/Ui1itCuThFI/AAAAAAAAe4w/x2EyvDCq-2U/s1280/DSC_4367.jpg" height="424" title="Ponta do Ouro Market" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZQhscst_oCQ/Ui1ivrFL6SI/AAAAAAAAe44/V21x7cDTlgE/s1600/DSC_4368.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Ponta do Ouro Market" border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZQhscst_oCQ/Ui1ivrFL6SI/AAAAAAAAe44/V21x7cDTlgE/s1280/DSC_4368.jpg" height="424" title="Ponta do Ouro Market" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1y5Awy2a_7k/Ui1iq-CRpYI/AAAAAAAAe4o/xid84zo5IoY/s1600/DSC_4357.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Mozambique Freshly Baked Bread" border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1y5Awy2a_7k/Ui1iq-CRpYI/AAAAAAAAe4o/xid84zo5IoY/s1280/DSC_4357.jpg" height="424" title="Ponta do Ouro Market Bread" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vgdXLQheQ2g/Ui1ioz8ogDI/AAAAAAAAe4g/9oBp_nne-dA/s1600/DSC_4355.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Mozambique Empty Market" border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vgdXLQheQ2g/Ui1ioz8ogDI/AAAAAAAAe4g/9oBp_nne-dA/s1280/DSC_4355.jpg" height="424" title="Ponta do Ouro Empty Market" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-u6avfHsrQOo/Ui1ixqXpYVI/AAAAAAAAe5A/p8Jl0MIDHs8/s1600/DSC_4375.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Ponta do Ouro Market" border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-u6avfHsrQOo/Ui1ixqXpYVI/AAAAAAAAe5A/p8Jl0MIDHs8/s1280/DSC_4375.jpg" height="640" title="Ponta do Ouro Market" width="424" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-laFBU6NQFUc/Ui1izDlrfTI/AAAAAAAAe5I/jsqIoegZ1JE/s1600/DSC_4384.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Mozambique Empty Market Stall" border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-laFBU6NQFUc/Ui1izDlrfTI/AAAAAAAAe5I/jsqIoegZ1JE/s1280/DSC_4384.jpg" height="424" title="Ponta do Ouro Empty Market Stall" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">At other times I was joined by Scott and Mike.</span></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SS2EogFILQY/UiiwDfupEzI/AAAAAAAAfHA/44L4u7Mhln8/s1600/DSC_2866.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Mozambique Ponta do Ouro" border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SS2EogFILQY/UiiwDfupEzI/AAAAAAAAfHA/44L4u7Mhln8/s1280/DSC_2866.jpg" height="424" title="Ponta do Ouro Mike and Scott Shopping" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7nZtbw28d6g/UiiwGZd5sNI/AAAAAAAAfHI/vskSnQw-k9c/s1600/DSC_2869.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Mozambique Ponta do Ouro Market" border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7nZtbw28d6g/UiiwGZd5sNI/AAAAAAAAfHI/vskSnQw-k9c/s1280/DSC_2869.jpg" height="424" title="Ponta do Ouro Mike Shopping Market" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-z58fmTYUWeY/UiiwIiNX4HI/AAAAAAAAfHQ/f1Mhnj8kKRk/s1600/DSC_2871.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Mozambique Locals" border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-z58fmTYUWeY/UiiwIiNX4HI/AAAAAAAAfHQ/f1Mhnj8kKRk/s1280/DSC_2871.jpg" height="640" title="Ponta do Ouro Locals" width="424" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cvDMsu11waU/UiiwUJzq_aI/AAAAAAAAfHw/pfCtq_RW2lI/s1600/DSC_2886.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Mozambique Local Smoking" border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cvDMsu11waU/UiiwUJzq_aI/AAAAAAAAfHw/pfCtq_RW2lI/s1280/DSC_2886.jpg" height="640" title="Ponta do Ouro Local Smoking" width="424" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Alcohol is readily available at just about every stall, especially local beer and local rum, but there is some dedicated bottle stores to cater for a larger variety.</span></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_hoVDmZbU-U/Ui1i1APpRXI/AAAAAAAAe5Q/TIFHIIMOavg/s1600/DSC_4404.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Mampara's Bottle Store" border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_hoVDmZbU-U/Ui1i1APpRXI/AAAAAAAAe5Q/TIFHIIMOavg/s1280/DSC_4404.jpg" height="424" title="Ponta do Ouro Mampara's Bottle Store" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Right next to the market is a pub named Fernando's Bar, a small bar which only serves drinks, and especially a famous drink combination named R&R (Rum and Raspberry), made up of local rum and a raspberry flavoured soft drink, served in large qualities.</span></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XlsJujax5pU/Uiiv0AxbB1I/AAAAAAAAfGY/zqKW9eHxgDE/s1600/DSC_2846.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Mozambique Ponta do Ouro Bar" border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XlsJujax5pU/Uiiv0AxbB1I/AAAAAAAAfGY/zqKW9eHxgDE/s1280/DSC_2846.jpg" height="640" title="Ponta do Ouro Fernando's Bar" width="424" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Z8ddy-Y7ryY/UiiwO3E67FI/AAAAAAAAfHg/_m1R0MxJR9c/s1600/DSC_2880.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Ponta do Ouro Rum and Raspberry" border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Z8ddy-Y7ryY/UiiwO3E67FI/AAAAAAAAfHg/_m1R0MxJR9c/s1280/DSC_2880.jpg" height="424" title="Ponta do Ouro Fernando's Bar" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">One unique feature of this pub is, they allow anyone to nail any card of their choice to the bar, wall, tables or pillars. It is quite interesting see all the different things people are willing to nail to the wall. However it soon became apparent as to how drunk people get here when you start seeing valid drivers licenses, credit cards and passports.... yes passports! Only drunk people would do that!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">We visited a couple of other bars in town too, including Pinto's Beach Bar, Neptune's Pub and Restaurant and The Beach Bar.</span></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_Aer1eXdGGU/UijKjNP6aWI/AAAAAAAAeuk/TgQrcFadS04/s1600/DSC_3668.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Ponta do Ouro 2 M" border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_Aer1eXdGGU/UijKjNP6aWI/AAAAAAAAeuk/TgQrcFadS04/s1280/DSC_3668.jpg" height="424" title="Ponta do Ouro Local Beer" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1U5sIPAdESU/UijKkTj0mZI/AAAAAAAAeus/3UB6lMd6k24/s1600/DSC_3672.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Ponta do Ouro Local Pub" border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1U5sIPAdESU/UijKkTj0mZI/AAAAAAAAeus/3UB6lMd6k24/s1280/DSC_3672.jpg" height="640" title="Ponta do Ouro Neptunes Bar" width="424" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kcwOpupYD6E/UijKxL0VbrI/AAAAAAAAevU/b3ttoIC50nk/s1600/DSC_3723.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Neptune Pub and Grill" border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kcwOpupYD6E/UijKxL0VbrI/AAAAAAAAevU/b3ttoIC50nk/s1280/DSC_3723.jpg" height="424" title="Ponta do Ouro Neptunes Bar" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GHzN6ZvTVVY/Ui4hc0UIp6I/AAAAAAAAe5w/r_N0c9yi6uc/s1600/DSC_3745.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Mozambique Ponta do Ouro" border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GHzN6ZvTVVY/Ui4hc0UIp6I/AAAAAAAAe5w/r_N0c9yi6uc/s1280/DSC_3745.jpg" height="424" title="Ponta do Ouro Beach Bar" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sOvW2pBQgtM/UijKtZjJy5I/AAAAAAAAevE/oneS7y2drAQ/s1600/DSC_3678.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Ponta do Ouro Pub" border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sOvW2pBQgtM/UijKtZjJy5I/AAAAAAAAevE/oneS7y2drAQ/s1280/DSC_3678.jpg" height="424" title="Ponta do Ouro Neptunes Bar" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8o2bqWUbCho/UijKuaMNyyI/AAAAAAAAevM/wC7VUQdP7hI/s1600/DSC_3702.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Mozambique Ponta Pub" border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8o2bqWUbCho/UijKuaMNyyI/AAAAAAAAevM/wC7VUQdP7hI/s1280/DSC_3702.jpg" height="424" title="Ponta do Ouro Florenstinha Bar and Restaurant" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZD7CpiyfFKc/Ui4hXxGJJvI/AAAAAAAAe5g/2zjnVK3MS1Q/s1600/DSC_3733.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Snakebite Drink Mozambique" border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZD7CpiyfFKc/Ui4hXxGJJvI/AAAAAAAAe5g/2zjnVK3MS1Q/s1280/DSC_3733.jpg" height="424" title="Ponta do Ouro Snakebite Drink" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Closer to our chalet is a separate flea market which sells many little goodies to be taken back home. My only advise.... negotiate the price of curios.</span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Q1XDwVfBJzI/UiiwaJs5lSI/AAAAAAAAfII/A-gjiKj8VIE/s1600/DSC_2913.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Mozambique Ponta Flea Market" border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Q1XDwVfBJzI/UiiwaJs5lSI/AAAAAAAAfII/A-gjiKj8VIE/s1280/DSC_2913.jpg" height="424" title="Ponta do Ouro Hanging Curios" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VjJ0_lS4uCE/Uiiwd06SIRI/AAAAAAAAfIQ/x5xX4MZyJuo/s1600/DSC_2916.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Ponta Flea Market Curios" border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VjJ0_lS4uCE/Uiiwd06SIRI/AAAAAAAAfIQ/x5xX4MZyJuo/s1280/DSC_2916.jpg" height="640" title="Ponta do Ouro Personalized Curios" width="424" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-waRIB6l5TP0/UiiwfZwnMRI/AAAAAAAAfIY/H-T04vgQjJE/s1600/DSC_2922.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Mozambique Ponta Flea Market" border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-waRIB6l5TP0/UiiwfZwnMRI/AAAAAAAAfIY/H-T04vgQjJE/s1280/DSC_2922.jpg" height="424" title="Ponta do Ouro Curios" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7dN1L-n8UUA/Uiiwid2EGOI/AAAAAAAAfIg/Jg3iFDs9EII/s1600/DSC_2924.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Mozambique Flea Market" border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7dN1L-n8UUA/Uiiwid2EGOI/AAAAAAAAfIg/Jg3iFDs9EII/s1280/DSC_2924.jpg" height="424" title="Ponta do Ouro Flea Market" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tXhT0PIEjKk/UiiwWyzRF4I/AAAAAAAAfH4/dJusrdVgHAM/s1600/DSC_2889.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Ponta Flea Market" border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tXhT0PIEjKk/UiiwWyzRF4I/AAAAAAAAfH4/dJusrdVgHAM/s1280/DSC_2889.jpg" height="424" title="Ponta do Ouro Flea Market Street" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iP-_91vLBuM/UiiwYqpuxEI/AAAAAAAAfIA/0wB80pwcTPM/s1600/DSC_2908.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Mozambique Ponta Curios" border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iP-_91vLBuM/UiiwYqpuxEI/AAAAAAAAfIA/0wB80pwcTPM/s1280/DSC_2908.jpg" height="424" title="Ponta do Ouro Personalized Curios" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">There are many T-Shirts available and Mike loves these so he browsed while I took photos. However I thought I should also take something back so I set my heart on some ashtrays. The first ashtrays I looked at were tiny little ashtrays and the owner of the stall wanted R100 each, I told him it was ridiculous and when we asked what I would pay I said R20.... he looked shocked. Just then another stall owner presented nicer looking ashtrays, way better than the previous ones... he also wanted R100 each, but eventually I walked away with 2 for R100 after about 5 minutes negotiation.</span></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dIwByqCTzHg/UiiwjyopJEI/AAAAAAAAfIo/tyXlJxNVlck/s1600/DSC_2925.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Mozambique Ponta Market" border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dIwByqCTzHg/UiiwjyopJEI/AAAAAAAAfIo/tyXlJxNVlck/s1280/DSC_2925.jpg" height="424" title="Ponta do Ouro Hanging Angels" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xHpebVZMg8Q/Uiiwl6kQ4qI/AAAAAAAAfIw/hspZP44NfEA/s1600/DSC_2929.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Moz Ponta Market Curios" border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xHpebVZMg8Q/Uiiwl6kQ4qI/AAAAAAAAfIw/hspZP44NfEA/s1280/DSC_2929.jpg" height="424" title="Ponta do Ouro Hanging Curios" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-R1Cdxdz2n5A/UiiwoLSVOdI/AAAAAAAAfI4/bIXMcqEuUnY/s1600/DSC_2931.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Mozambique Flea Market" border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-R1Cdxdz2n5A/UiiwoLSVOdI/AAAAAAAAfI4/bIXMcqEuUnY/s1280/DSC_2931.jpg" height="424" title="Ponta Flea Market Mike and Scott" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">There are many other accommodation options, some campsites and other lodges, but it is essential you have a 4x4.... I have heard of people coming through in other vehicles with a diff lock and some very adventurous people in normal vehicles. I wouldn't advise it though, you will get stuck in anything less than a fixed diff lock, but if you do make it over the sand dunes you really run the risk of damaging your vehicle.</span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6e76X7xKt18/UiiwqGsirVI/AAAAAAAAfJA/IcM0gO_40Mc/s1600/DSC_2941.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Moz Ponta Beach Accomodation" border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6e76X7xKt18/UiiwqGsirVI/AAAAAAAAfJA/IcM0gO_40Mc/s1280/DSC_2941.jpg" height="424" title="Ponta do Ouro Beach Campsite" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-x0JWfMOI6WQ/Uii2p9oYP9I/AAAAAAAAfOA/v8Bwd8vUIWM/s1600/DSC_3210.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Moz Sandy Road" border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-x0JWfMOI6WQ/Uii2p9oYP9I/AAAAAAAAfOA/v8Bwd8vUIWM/s1280/DSC_3210.jpg" height="424" title="Ponta do Ouro Road to Ocean View Cabanas" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">We found just about everything we needed around town, except for meat and fresh dairy products. I wish we had brought these along from South Africa. </span></div>
Anthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17277669320607541473noreply@blogger.com0Ponta d'Ouro, Mozambique-26.847774743266328 32.888686645507846-26.876110743266327 32.848346145507847 -26.819438743266328 32.929027145507845tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1155007309598345190.post-24311015602603237832013-09-02T09:40:00.000+02:002014-06-16T20:01:08.620+02:00The South End<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b>The South End of Ponta d'Ouro</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: xx-small;"><b>- 2 & 4 September 2013 -</b></span></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IfZgdhCL0Po/Ui696dxEvDI/AAAAAAAAe7U/yBX-RIUqHNo/s1600/DSC_3034.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Mozambique Alien Crater" border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IfZgdhCL0Po/Ui696dxEvDI/AAAAAAAAe7U/yBX-RIUqHNo/s1280/DSC_3034.jpg" height="176" title="Ponta do Ouro Alien Crater" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">One morning I woke up relatively early and took a walk to the beach. Scott and Mike were still fast asleep, but I wanted to catch the day as it began. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Ponta d'Ouro stands for (Point of Gold) so I thought it was fitting to visit the "point". This end of the beach is covered by rock which is always interesting. I like wandering through the rock pools looking at all the interesting growths and creatures hidden between them.</span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1_cxUxifc9U/UiiwsV7AF3I/AAAAAAAAe1o/5mnactyYghE/s1600/DSC_2943.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Mozambique Ponta do Ouro Sunrise" border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1_cxUxifc9U/UiiwsV7AF3I/AAAAAAAAe1o/5mnactyYghE/s1280/DSC_2943.jpg" height="424" title="Ponta do Ouro South Beach Sunrise" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">This end of the beach is relatively busy in comparison, surfers love this spot and the dive camps launch their boats from here, you will also find a combination of beach restaurants and bars.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Turns out the sea was still descending to a low tide. The level of activity here is evident from the footprints in the sand, there isn't smooth sandy beaches but more a bumpy surface made of a beach goers feet, dog feet and tyre tracks.</span></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fMB4o7ISGss/Uiiwv59yPzI/AAAAAAAAe14/R03yYnDTOVQ/s1600/DSC_2962.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Mozambique Ponta do Ouro Rocks" border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fMB4o7ISGss/Uiiwv59yPzI/AAAAAAAAe14/R03yYnDTOVQ/s1280/DSC_2962.jpg" height="640" title="Ponta do Ouro Low Tide Rocks" width="424" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">As I was there early in the morning, the tide'd beach area only had a few footprints, but as the day progresses this area will soon he covered with "prints" of life too.</span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2kbwzQxlTBs/Uiiw4qSK-qI/AAAAAAAAek0/2WmAkR-lnbI/s1600/DSC_2971.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Mozambique Ponta do Ouro Rippled Water" border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2kbwzQxlTBs/Uiiw4qSK-qI/AAAAAAAAek0/2WmAkR-lnbI/s1280/DSC_2971.jpg" height="424" title="Ponta do Ouro Rippled Water" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dDaDSQ7d7VE/UiixFX0-8GI/AAAAAAAAe2I/uH65U51Y9vQ/s1600/DSC_2987.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Mozambique Ponta do Ouro BW" border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dDaDSQ7d7VE/UiixFX0-8GI/AAAAAAAAe2I/uH65U51Y9vQ/s1280/DSC_2987.jpg" height="424" title="Ponta do Ouro Single Rock BW" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LWa2mEylxTA/UiixQehrycI/AAAAAAAAel0/0pPYNHGd_KY/s1600/DSC_3006.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Mozambique Green Sea Patterns" border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LWa2mEylxTA/UiixQehrycI/AAAAAAAAel0/0pPYNHGd_KY/s1280/DSC_3006.jpg" height="424" title="Ponta do Ouro Green Sea Patterns" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ezq-igMSfsM/Uiixe_8cxtI/AAAAAAAAemM/E9pFigl75WQ/s1600/DSC_3017.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Mozambique Low Tide Rocks" border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ezq-igMSfsM/Uiixe_8cxtI/AAAAAAAAemM/E9pFigl75WQ/s1280/DSC_3017.jpg" height="424" title="Ponta do Ouro Low Tide Rocks" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I was on the beach the previous day during high tide walking around on the rocks on this end, it is a "sharp" affair, especially when walking barefoot, however I came prepared with my Crocs to assist me here, so I was free to explore the rocky pools without fear of blood.</span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-KYcW1fn1I14/UiixtvezjoI/AAAAAAAAems/LB9MvrArt1Y/s1600/DSC_3034.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Mozambique Alien Craters" border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-KYcW1fn1I14/UiixtvezjoI/AAAAAAAAems/LB9MvrArt1Y/s1280/DSC_3034.jpg" height="424" title="Ponta do Ouro Alien Craters" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FFCiVsePPhs/Uiixz1kV2mI/AAAAAAAAem8/cuy5GKKEl5E/s1600/DSC_3049.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Mozambique Alien Craters" border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FFCiVsePPhs/Uiixz1kV2mI/AAAAAAAAem8/cuy5GKKEl5E/s1280/DSC_3049.jpg" height="424" title="Ponta do Ouro Alien Craters" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">There are weird crater like formations in the rocks which are almost alien like. I stood here a while admiring the waves breaking on rocky edge, while watching a surfer head out for he's morning run.</span></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VQBxJ4Qe220/UiixwkGMWbI/AAAAAAAAe2Q/1UheJN6RySQ/s1600/DSC_3046.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Mozambique Surfer Walking" border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VQBxJ4Qe220/UiixwkGMWbI/AAAAAAAAe2Q/1UheJN6RySQ/s1280/DSC_3046.jpg" height="424" title="Ponta do Ouro Surfer Walking" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Soon I was back to exploring the rocks.</span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dBj_YgCaDhw/Uiix6NmzNFI/AAAAAAAAenM/ILrur0yJo4A/s1600/DSC_3084.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Mozambique Red and Green Rocks" border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dBj_YgCaDhw/Uiix6NmzNFI/AAAAAAAAenM/ILrur0yJo4A/s1280/DSC_3084.jpg" height="424" title="Ponta do Ouro Red and Green Rocks" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-MECYQA0uzIM/Uiix-j7OoiI/AAAAAAAAenU/3S503H6AIWE/s1600/DSC_3092.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Mozambique Red and Green Rocks" border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-MECYQA0uzIM/Uiix-j7OoiI/AAAAAAAAenU/3S503H6AIWE/s1280/DSC_3092.jpg" height="640" title="Ponta do Ouro Red and Green Rocks" width="424" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-IbVQ88xf4mE/Uii2Nd1eoSI/AAAAAAAAens/hByXFtfmiCM/s1600/DSC_3101.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Mozambique Rock Growth" border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-IbVQ88xf4mE/Uii2Nd1eoSI/AAAAAAAAens/hByXFtfmiCM/s1280/DSC_3101.jpg" height="424" title="Ponta do Ouro Rock Growth" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ay92cHdHLfM/Uii2SLG6gZI/AAAAAAAAen8/ezSOT7BomAw/s1600/DSC_3123.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Mozambique Red and Green Growth" border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ay92cHdHLfM/Uii2SLG6gZI/AAAAAAAAen8/ezSOT7BomAw/s1280/DSC_3123.jpg" height="424" title="Ponta do Ouro Red and Green Growth" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">When on the beach the previous day I tried getting round the "point", but getting around here is a tricky affair at high tide, but this morning it was easy, I peered down the beach which in the distance I could see the South Africa side of the beach, but quickly turned back.... I'd leave this for another day. I continued roaming the rocky water edge.</span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fMPqtkpGuVI/Uii2VaGpZ7I/AAAAAAAAeoM/JC_Qn4rD2Cc/s1600/DSC_3128.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Mozambique Rock Growth" border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fMPqtkpGuVI/Uii2VaGpZ7I/AAAAAAAAeoM/JC_Qn4rD2Cc/s1280/DSC_3128.jpg" height="424" title="Ponta do Ouro Rock Growth" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FIqL4NDAaas/Uii2WvllhoI/AAAAAAAAeoU/D7pXU7NlMoI/s1600/DSC_3129.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Mozambique Rock Growth" border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FIqL4NDAaas/Uii2WvllhoI/AAAAAAAAeoU/D7pXU7NlMoI/s1280/DSC_3129.jpg" height="424" title="Ponta do Ouro Rock Growth" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-iiSDfOGM3Tw/Uii2aBjJtVI/AAAAAAAAe2g/3ZmQrY7-ucU/s1600/DSC_3148.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Mozambique Ponta do Ouro" border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-iiSDfOGM3Tw/Uii2aBjJtVI/AAAAAAAAe2g/3ZmQrY7-ucU/s1280/DSC_3148.jpg" height="424" title="Ponta do Ouro Rock Growth" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9F_oZpjAejw/Uii2c3iIlYI/AAAAAAAAeos/VpuHuohFxLw/s1600/DSC_3156.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Mozambique Sand and Stone" border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9F_oZpjAejw/Uii2c3iIlYI/AAAAAAAAeos/VpuHuohFxLw/s1280/DSC_3156.jpg" height="424" title="Ponta do Ouro Sand and Stone" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">It has been a while since I visited the waves on this end of Southern Africa, so I have fallen behind on the surfing trends. I notice that a new form of surfing as emerged.... "paddle surfing". Although it looks strange when watched from a distance, something like people walking on the water, as paddling out to sea is done standing on a surf board, it appears to be a successful evolution of the sport, the paddle helps immensely with the "catching the wave" part.</span></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lgJz4N1weB0/Uii2kSGCPDI/AAAAAAAAepM/OybZA5ajurA/s1600/DSC_3194.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Mozambique Paddle Surfer" border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lgJz4N1weB0/Uii2kSGCPDI/AAAAAAAAepM/OybZA5ajurA/s1280/DSC_3194.jpg" height="424" title="Ponta do Ouro Paddle Surfer" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">It was time to head back home, I needed some breakfast so I snapped up of a photo of a crater that ironically looked like a fish and headed to the lodge.</span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BqfXKWnRH2I/Uii2njUUmKI/AAAAAAAAepU/67lU58q7Xfg/s1600/DSC_3203.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Mozambique Fish Shaped Crater" border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BqfXKWnRH2I/Uii2njUUmKI/AAAAAAAAepU/67lU58q7Xfg/s1280/DSC_3203.jpg" height="424" title="Ponta do Ouro Fish Shaped Crater" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">2 days later Scott and myself headed out again to the south end of the beach, with the specific purpose of walking to South Africa on the beach. This day low tide was now earlier than before so we timed the trip to coincide with lowest sea level. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Getting to the border meant walking around the "point" and down the beach for about 2 km. Getting to Ponta d'Ouro from the official border post is about a 30 minute drive on sandy roads, but getting to South Africa via the beach is closer than one would think.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Both Scott and myself have never encountered a border on the beach so we were interested as to what to expect. There is no official border post, so what is there? Is there a sign saying South Africa / Mozambique border? Are there officials wandering around preventing people from crossing the border illegally? </span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MR5aP510bgs/UihwvEzJf1I/AAAAAAAAeek/A_O9WAG8bY8/s1600/DSC_3545.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Mozambique Green and Yellow Rocks" border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MR5aP510bgs/UihwvEzJf1I/AAAAAAAAeek/A_O9WAG8bY8/s1280/DSC_3545.jpg" height="640" title="Ponta do Ouro Green and Yellow Rocks" width="424" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-D8Ky1sAzoMg/Uihw1stoV4I/AAAAAAAAee0/2nvLjXg08CU/s1600/DSC_3560.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Mozambique Yellow Rocky Edge" border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-D8Ky1sAzoMg/Uihw1stoV4I/AAAAAAAAee0/2nvLjXg08CU/s1280/DSC_3560.jpg" height="424" title="Ponta do Ouro Yellow Rocky Edge" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Getting to the South Africa side, we had to cross the rocky terrain once again.... I didn't mind, it is very beautiful here.</span></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-njrlhCrI9gA/Uihw3vCvqjI/AAAAAAAAee8/nELVYYqnIh0/s1600/DSC_3569.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Mozambique Green Water Edge" border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-njrlhCrI9gA/Uihw3vCvqjI/AAAAAAAAee8/nELVYYqnIh0/s1280/DSC_3569.jpg" height="424" title="Ponta do Ouro Green Water Edge" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Soon we were on the beach heading to the border, at this point everything seemed deserted.</span></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Faa4YEjVvEI/Uihw5P45zTI/AAAAAAAAe4I/sSU-nFRTqm8/s1600/DSC_3579.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Mozambique South Beach SA Border" border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Faa4YEjVvEI/Uihw5P45zTI/AAAAAAAAe4I/sSU-nFRTqm8/s1280/DSC_3579.jpg" height="424" title="Ponta do Ouro South Beach SA Border" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Clearly this side of the beach is much less crowded than the beach around the corner, but we did find some fisherman wandering around. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">We continued down the beach for about 2km all the while checking on Google Maps to see when we arrive at the border. On the hill next to the beach is a strange looking tower and a couple of houses, but still we couldn't find anything representing that this is the border between South Africa and Mozambique. Other than the fisherman we spotted, there is no person in sight.</span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-odN-qCR65tI/Uihw6s_ogSI/AAAAAAAAefM/kU5-hjHzWs4/s1600/DSC_3582.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Mozambique South Beach SA Border" border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-odN-qCR65tI/Uihw6s_ogSI/AAAAAAAAefM/kU5-hjHzWs4/s1280/DSC_3582.jpg" height="424" title="Ponta do Ouro South Beach SA Border" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">We stood on the border (according to Google Maps and Apple Maps) admired the view a bit. According to the maps we were in South Africa, but after hanging around for about 20 minutes decided to head back to Mozambique (which was a couple of steps away).</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I was quite surprised not to find anything resembling a border. I wonder if I had to continue walking towards South Africa, would I reach Kosi Bay unobstructed? Either way it didn't matter, we had come to visit Mozambique and not South Africa.</span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QmAj8565XUk/Uihw8aRX60I/AAAAAAAAefU/AW7Yx3rKUI0/s1600/DSC_3588.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Mozambique Fisherman" border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QmAj8565XUk/Uihw8aRX60I/AAAAAAAAefU/AW7Yx3rKUI0/s1280/DSC_3588.jpg" height="424" title="Ponta do Ouro Fisherman" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QhbKVm4FxbU/Uihw_hbtcqI/AAAAAAAAe4Q/wFpwLJqR5eY/s1600/DSC_3596.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Mozambique Fisherman" border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QhbKVm4FxbU/Uihw_hbtcqI/AAAAAAAAe4Q/wFpwLJqR5eY/s1280/DSC_3596.jpg" height="424" title="Ponta do Ouro Fisherman" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jMHbVZVavbc/UihxMzRxZcI/AAAAAAAAe4Y/mcf0i1cZ2q4/s1600/DSC_3619.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Mozambique Rocky Landscape" border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jMHbVZVavbc/UihxMzRxZcI/AAAAAAAAe4Y/mcf0i1cZ2q4/s1280/DSC_3619.jpg" height="424" title="Ponta do Ouro Rocky Landscape" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Soon we had passed the rocks agains and were heading home to wake Mike up. We were hungry and wanted breakfast. We had been to South Africa and back!</span></div>
Anthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17277669320607541473noreply@blogger.com0MatutuÃne District, Mozambique-26.849306312111025 32.894179809570346-26.877642312111025 32.853839309570347 -26.820970312111026 32.934520309570345tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1155007309598345190.post-62906316274415768592013-08-17T23:29:00.000+02:002014-06-16T20:01:19.681+02:00A Brown African Landscape<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b>The Rhino and Lion Nature Reserve</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: xx-small;"><b>- 17 August 2013 -</b></span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-P54Gsruk6k8/UiJfWzUUIWI/AAAAAAAAeeQ/ENfN3Bt0piQ/s1600/DSC_2415.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Rhino and Lion Park Antelope" border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-P54Gsruk6k8/UiJfWzUUIWI/AAAAAAAAeeQ/ENfN3Bt0piQ/s1280/DSC_2415.jpg" height="176" title="Kromdraai Antelope" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I visited the Rhino and Lion Nature Reserve on many occasions, it being a mere 50km from my house is truly a privilege. Before I visited the nature reserve for the first time, about 5 year ago, I heard about the reserve, but always shoved it off as just another "pretend" zoo, but when I decided to take some colleagues to the reserve, I soon realized that I was horribly mistaken.</span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xQDqcfkBOpY/Uh51eIVCjGI/AAAAAAAAeYk/eimscZFZRek/s1600/DSC_2411.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Lion and Rhino Park Gemsbok" border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xQDqcfkBOpY/Uh51eIVCjGI/AAAAAAAAeYk/eimscZFZRek/s1280/DSC_2411.jpg" height="424" title="Kromdraai Gemsbok" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Sb-aUmwzAoo/Uh51hF72DMI/AAAAAAAAeYs/diAio49yHwg/s1600/DSC_2415.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Rhino and Lion Park Gemsbok" border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Sb-aUmwzAoo/Uh51hF72DMI/AAAAAAAAeYs/diAio49yHwg/s1280/DSC_2415.jpg" height="424" title="Kromdraai Gemsbok" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">There are the well renown South African nature reserves, The Kruger National Park and Pilansberg National Park, and by no means does this replace the experience of visiting one these, these are a different experiences altogether. The experience of exploring masses of African bushveld in its raw form is something that everybody who has the opportunity to do so, to make the effort, it is truly an unforgettable experience. The only problem is, if you are visiting South Africa from Johannesburg for a short trip or even a week-end, getting to these memorable places is a days drive at best, and then you would have to spend at least 2 days exploring the park to truly experience "it". As an alternative we have places like the Rhino and Lion Park situated in the Cradle of Human Kind, about 50km from either Pretoria or Johannesburg.</span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--4gAiHQ4Gaw/Uh51njJSt5I/AAAAAAAAeY0/avjcz8shQcg/s1600/DSC_2424.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Lion and Rhino Park Dirt Road" border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--4gAiHQ4Gaw/Uh51njJSt5I/AAAAAAAAeY0/avjcz8shQcg/s1280/DSC_2424.jpg" height="424" title="Kromdraai Dirt Road" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vcasCxj9ulI/Uh51sMnl4ZI/AAAAAAAAeY8/IbwinSsUYKQ/s1600/DSC_2425.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Rhino and Lion Park Blesbok" border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vcasCxj9ulI/Uh51sMnl4ZI/AAAAAAAAeY8/IbwinSsUYKQ/s1280/DSC_2425.jpg" height="424" title="Kromdraai Blesbok" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">1200 hectares of bushveld is still a good piece of land and it has a good variety of wildlife to experience. I normally go in my Diahatsu Terios 4x4, which gives me a little more access to the more remote corners of the nature reserve. I always take the 4x4 route leading to a secluded braai (barbecue) area. I haven't really ever used this facility as it was intended, but I use it more for a quick pitstop and an opportunity to stretch my legs.</span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qoKTB8m6VWw/Uh510mxANGI/AAAAAAAAeZE/-pugV_nPdc8/s1600/DSC_2431.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Rhino and Lion Park 4x4 Braai Area" border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qoKTB8m6VWw/Uh510mxANGI/AAAAAAAAeZE/-pugV_nPdc8/s1280/DSC_2431.jpg" height="424" title="Kromdraai 4x4 Braai Area" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-sXULfySW__I/Uh52EK4OE3I/AAAAAAAAeZU/x37YXwG-4S0/s1600/DSC_2449.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Rhino and Lion Park Bird" border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-sXULfySW__I/Uh52EK4OE3I/AAAAAAAAeZU/x37YXwG-4S0/s1280/DSC_2449.jpg" height="424" title="Kromdraai Bird" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-oIvMpMBj1fE/Uh52KqhMwmI/AAAAAAAAeZc/IHi9wve_0GY/s1600/DSC_2451.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Rhino and Lion Park 4x4 Braai Area" border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-oIvMpMBj1fE/Uh52KqhMwmI/AAAAAAAAeZc/IHi9wve_0GY/s1280/DSC_2451.jpg" height="640" title="Kromdraai 4x4 Braai Area" width="424" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">The reserve boasts a reasonably large variety of antelope which wander the hills of reserve freely, and on this day in a relatively brown African landscape.</span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ObGyH-9la9g/Uh52PZRbm8I/AAAAAAAAeZk/6aFOtZODQDM/s1600/IMG_9342.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Rhino and Lion Park Gemsbok" border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ObGyH-9la9g/Uh52PZRbm8I/AAAAAAAAeZk/6aFOtZODQDM/s1280/IMG_9342.jpg" height="426" title="Kromdraai Gemsbok" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">The predators of the reserve are housed in a fenced off area of the reserve so the raw beauty of the bushveld is not available to us, but as a result the experience is relatively safe. I say relatively as there are a few larger animals that you would not want to disturb. So it is advised to remain in your vehicle at all times.</span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZUSxCtoHqIY/Uh52T_wGl4I/AAAAAAAAeZs/Ome2ZjTW5tQ/s1600/IMG_9358.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Rhino and Lion Park Buffalo" border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZUSxCtoHqIY/Uh52T_wGl4I/AAAAAAAAeZs/Ome2ZjTW5tQ/s1280/IMG_9358.jpg" height="426" title="Kromdraai Buffalo" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nxrb2han7RU/Uh52YjUTRtI/AAAAAAAAeZ0/mTmodJfo2s4/s1600/DSC_2499.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Rhino and Lion Park African Buffalo" border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nxrb2han7RU/Uh52YjUTRtI/AAAAAAAAeZ0/mTmodJfo2s4/s1280/DSC_2499.jpg" height="424" title="Kromdraai Buffalo" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FoDqH2YGtg0/Uh53rDOE7eI/AAAAAAAAecU/fkFXlMWY-Xs/s1600/IMG_9491.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Rhino and Lion Park Baby Rhino" border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FoDqH2YGtg0/Uh53rDOE7eI/AAAAAAAAecU/fkFXlMWY-Xs/s1280/IMG_9491.jpg" height="426" title="Kromdraai Baby Rhino" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-F_ydw3wJZaI/Uh53xS7zrpI/AAAAAAAAeck/RiB0SjN857A/s1600/DSC_2690.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Rhino and Lion Park White Rhinoceros" border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-F_ydw3wJZaI/Uh53xS7zrpI/AAAAAAAAeck/RiB0SjN857A/s1280/DSC_2690.jpg" height="424" title="Kromdraai White Rhinoceros" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">The white rhinoceros and African buffalo, which weight in at 2300kg and 900kg respectively are of those that you should be wary of. I make a point to bring my 300mm (used on my canon 450d, which has a crop factor of 1.5 so its more like a 450mm) lens with, so I can keep my distance from them, I'm sure that they will be able to do a fair bit of damage to my vehicle if they choose to.</span><br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-roX5DeUhYvs/Uh52fVURpxI/AAAAAAAAeaE/nJtymBDWkos/s1600/IMG_9408.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Rhino and Lion Park Bird" border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-roX5DeUhYvs/Uh52fVURpxI/AAAAAAAAeaE/nJtymBDWkos/s1280/IMG_9408.jpg" height="640" title="Kromdraai Bird" width="426" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-KAzw4rneLBs/Uh52ida23DI/AAAAAAAAeaM/5TGbi7oAUjs/s1600/DSC_2531.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Rhino and Lion Park Dry Landscape" border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-KAzw4rneLBs/Uh52ida23DI/AAAAAAAAeaM/5TGbi7oAUjs/s1280/DSC_2531.jpg" height="424" title="Kromdraai Dry Landscape" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Even in winter the landscape is awesome.</span><br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ECOzEvsuyNo/Uh525QbXC0I/AAAAAAAAea0/y5NNHQu16_0/s1600/DSC_2599.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Rhino and Lion Park Dry Tree" border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ECOzEvsuyNo/Uh525QbXC0I/AAAAAAAAea0/y5NNHQu16_0/s1280/DSC_2599.jpg" height="424" title="Kromdraai Dry Tree" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">The mix of animals is excellent, and the reserve management strategically places grass feeding areas close to the road so visitors have the opportunity to see all the animals.</span><br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-s5j1ohJ92oE/Uh521q5_vKI/AAAAAAAAeas/zTVPKWV5f7c/s1600/DSC_2582.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Rhino and Lion Park Antelope" border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-s5j1ohJ92oE/Uh521q5_vKI/AAAAAAAAeas/zTVPKWV5f7c/s1280/DSC_2582.jpg" height="424" title="Kromdraai Antelope" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lTKvUAekTDo/Uh52xZIrl5I/AAAAAAAAeak/Zh-KRiMgz08/s1600/DSC_2579.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Rhino and Lion Park Antelope" border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lTKvUAekTDo/Uh52xZIrl5I/AAAAAAAAeak/Zh-KRiMgz08/s1280/DSC_2579.jpg" height="424" title="Kromdraai Antelope" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Gz-uU9lnIWU/Uh52nzWOiHI/AAAAAAAAeaU/ruEqWWrRcqI/s1600/IMG_9420.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Rhino and Lion Park Ground Squirrel" border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Gz-uU9lnIWU/Uh52nzWOiHI/AAAAAAAAeaU/ruEqWWrRcqI/s1280/IMG_9420.jpg" height="426" title="Kromdraai Ground Squirrel " width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Venturing into the predator camps will give you a mix of lion, white lion, cheetah, and wilddog. If you go at the right time (13h00) then you will get the opportunity to view predators at feeding time. All the animals have been bred in captivity so they never got the opportunity to hunt for themselves, but because of this, visitors get the privilege of viewing their feeding habits at specific times.</span><br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--TL13__qKlA/Uh529pefzHI/AAAAAAAAea8/qkGrNL7MRWg/s1600/DSC_2616.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Rhine and Lion Park Lion BW" border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--TL13__qKlA/Uh529pefzHI/AAAAAAAAea8/qkGrNL7MRWg/s1280/DSC_2616.jpg" height="424" title="Kromdraai Lion BW" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-olDTKx6QZDk/Uh53GvVn_xI/AAAAAAAAebM/2X1eiOiUfWc/s1600/IMG_9432.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Rhino and Lion Park Wild-dogs Sleeping" border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-olDTKx6QZDk/Uh53GvVn_xI/AAAAAAAAebM/2X1eiOiUfWc/s1280/IMG_9432.jpg" height="426" title="Kromdraai Wild-dogs Sleeping" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Nhh_rjVlVhM/Uh53MTTW3iI/AAAAAAAAebU/ihdbAliB-rA/s1600/IMG_9443.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Rhino and Lion Park Wild-dog Sleeping" border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Nhh_rjVlVhM/Uh53MTTW3iI/AAAAAAAAebU/ihdbAliB-rA/s1280/IMG_9443.jpg" height="426" title="Kromdraai Wild-dog Sleeping" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I have only visited the predator camps once during the feeding time, I hardly got to see anything because soon the roads filled up with other visitors and made it near to impossible to get any descent view. On this day, I visited the camp at about 11h00, the only problem with this time is, one then needs to go looking for furry beasts. I found the lions on one of he back 4x4 roads, laying leisurely under a tree right beside the road. Visitors who came in normal road vehicles wouldn't of had this luxury.</span><br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--CtQteRN9OU/Uh53atYTUFI/AAAAAAAAeb0/3JZfpYs3Q2w/s1600/DSC_2653.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Rhino and Lion Park Male Lion Sleeping" border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--CtQteRN9OU/Uh53atYTUFI/AAAAAAAAeb0/3JZfpYs3Q2w/s1280/DSC_2653.jpg" height="424" title="Kromdraai Male Lion Sleeping" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-irKVsHZcMWw/Uh53Uh66_rI/AAAAAAAAebk/ztX5W9Q8Q6g/s1600/IMG_9464.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Rhino and Lion Park White Male Lion" border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-irKVsHZcMWw/Uh53Uh66_rI/AAAAAAAAebk/ztX5W9Q8Q6g/s1280/IMG_9464.jpg" height="426" title="Kromdraai White Male Lion" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-W95EQ-gujkI/Uh53QJxJuQI/AAAAAAAAebc/4B-9X0jOqK0/s1600/IMG_9455.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Rhino and Lion Park Sleeping Cheetah" border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-W95EQ-gujkI/Uh53QJxJuQI/AAAAAAAAebc/4B-9X0jOqK0/s1280/IMG_9455.jpg" height="426" title="Kromdraai Sleeping Cheetah" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">The white lion camp gate was closed because the lions were hanging around the gate entrance, besides the fact that the lion could wander out of there camp, the park officials would need to open the gate by hand, and if it was me, I wouldn't risk it.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Once done in the predator camp I headed to the main camp where they have a variety of animals in cages, and lion cubs which for a small fee you could play with them for 15 minutes at a time.</span><br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mNOrN4nVUqM/Uh54KqYcQmI/AAAAAAAAedc/svp_1ZsrYXk/s1600/DSC_2773.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Rhino and Lion Park White Lion Cubs" border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mNOrN4nVUqM/Uh54KqYcQmI/AAAAAAAAedc/svp_1ZsrYXk/s1280/DSC_2773.jpg" height="424" title="Kromdraai White Lion Cubs" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I have previously played with the white lion cubs, lion cubs and tiger cubs and it is truly a memorable experience. This day however, I just watched.</span><br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xQg22tveKgY/Uh54DdPYxSI/AAAAAAAAedM/iycwo6LDdd8/s1600/DSC_2739.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Rhino and Lion Park Giraffe" border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xQg22tveKgY/Uh54DdPYxSI/AAAAAAAAedM/iycwo6LDdd8/s1280/DSC_2739.jpg" height="424" title="Kromdraai Giraffe" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-l0hLxDZ2pX4/Uh54G9PbiDI/AAAAAAAAedU/i6BcEWxyRMA/s1600/DSC_2753.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Rhino and Lion Park Giraffe" border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-l0hLxDZ2pX4/Uh54G9PbiDI/AAAAAAAAedU/i6BcEWxyRMA/s1280/DSC_2753.jpg" height="424" title="Kromdraai Giraffe" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-bf-wvzlpxnE/Uh54SmAzRtI/AAAAAAAAeds/ZcasiiY4_QM/s1600/DSC_2783.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Rhino and Lion Park Giraffe" border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-bf-wvzlpxnE/Uh54SmAzRtI/AAAAAAAAeds/ZcasiiY4_QM/s1280/DSC_2783.jpg" height="640" title="Kromdraai Giraffe" width="424" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">There is a variety of other activities, like animal shows, and "pat the giraffe".... kids seem to love it.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Soon I was heading out again, and got a couple of last photos on my way towards the main gate.</span><br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GjvdefMKuxE/Uh534ozL27I/AAAAAAAAec0/jBd66I-xqVk/s1600/DSC_2721.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Rhino and Lion Park Antelope" border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GjvdefMKuxE/Uh534ozL27I/AAAAAAAAec0/jBd66I-xqVk/s1280/DSC_2721.jpg" height="424" title="Kromdraai Antelope" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rSVj-W9l8vM/Uh538Vr-33I/AAAAAAAAec8/OMAuUB-74io/s1600/IMG_9505.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Rhino and Lion Park Waterpark" border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rSVj-W9l8vM/Uh538Vr-33I/AAAAAAAAec8/OMAuUB-74io/s1280/IMG_9505.jpg" height="426" title="Kromdraai Waterbuck" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pg_m_u03Yno/Uh54W4qGXOI/AAAAAAAAed0/qgtK9VLdsR4/s1600/DSC_2787.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Rhino and Lion Park African Buffalo" border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pg_m_u03Yno/Uh54W4qGXOI/AAAAAAAAed0/qgtK9VLdsR4/s1280/DSC_2787.jpg" height="424" title="Kromdraai African Buffalo" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SmTrba-jo0o/Uh54bJyvJCI/AAAAAAAAed8/tEC9z_AvXes/s1600/DSC_2792.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Rhino and Lion Park Gemsbok" border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SmTrba-jo0o/Uh54bJyvJCI/AAAAAAAAed8/tEC9z_AvXes/s1280/DSC_2792.jpg" height="424" title="Kromdraai Gemsbok" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">If you like, there is a other things to see, like the Wondercaves and a hippo pool, and if you like you can also visit the breeding camp over the road from the main entrance. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I can't call this an authentic African experience, as it ranges between a full blown national game reserve and a zoo. But I love it, I enjoy it every time I go will go again, but more specifically for this blog I would like to post a summer post of the African landscape so when things are bright and green again I will make the effort to visit the park again to give a comparable African summer landscape.</span></div>
Anthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17277669320607541473noreply@blogger.com0Rhino and Lion, South Africa-25.977336002441497 27.789573669433594-25.9916110024415 27.769403669433594 -25.963061002441496 27.809743669433594tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1155007309598345190.post-22746587253917111852013-07-27T21:46:00.002+02:002013-09-10T16:32:14.282+02:00Ravenscroft Tea Party<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b>Actually Coffee.... and a New Baby</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: xx-small;"><b>- 27 July 2013 -</b></span></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-u9tEDC4VOgc/UfQVBiEXTAI/AAAAAAAAbgY/7uQ127Kuoig/s1600/DSC_2076.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Baby Sleeping" border="0" height="176" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-u9tEDC4VOgc/UfQVBiEXTAI/AAAAAAAAbgY/7uQ127Kuoig/s1280/DSC_2076.jpg" title="Baby in Blanket" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">While I was in Mozambique some friends of mine had a baby, unfortunately I wasn't there to share the special moment with them. When I returned, both Ryan and Nanje asked when I would be coming to visit Amelia. The plan was to go round on the first week-end, and that is exactly what I did.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Ryan was tasked to make coffee/tea and I would bring the cake, such a contrast of our previous Saturday get-togethers. Not so long ago it was braai'ing meat and drinking beer!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I woke up early'ish and headed to Centurion Mall to get some cake, but like I normally do, I bought way to much. I bought two big cakes, 6 cupcakes, some cinnamon buns, 12 cocktail pies and 12 samosas, all this for four people (Nanje, Ryan, my mother and myself), so I messaged Michael to make sure he was coming too, we needed more mouths.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">When we arrived Ryan was out buying car parts, but Nanje was home..... Obviously the main attraction was the latest addition to our lives..... Amelia.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">She's beautiful, but like most babies, sleeps and yawns a lot!</span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GQJdcBrFBDg/UfQVIRVms3I/AAAAAAAAbgg/UTU5jtEgMlA/s1600/DSC_2026.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="New Born Baby" border="0" height="424" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GQJdcBrFBDg/UfQVIRVms3I/AAAAAAAAbgg/UTU5jtEgMlA/s1280/DSC_2026.jpg" title="Amelia New Born Baby" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ktGZIWcTdkg/UfQVKQc7VtI/AAAAAAAAbk0/x0IqJ0SumrQ/s1600/DSC_2030.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Baby Sleeping" border="0" height="424" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ktGZIWcTdkg/UfQVKQc7VtI/AAAAAAAAbk0/x0IqJ0SumrQ/s1280/DSC_2030.jpg" title="New Born Baby Amelia Sleeping" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-B9YkxAyXkBk/UfQVL82uUEI/AAAAAAAAbj8/yt6WxKN2EAo/s1600/DSC_2034.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Baby Yawning" border="0" height="424" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-B9YkxAyXkBk/UfQVL82uUEI/AAAAAAAAbj8/yt6WxKN2EAo/s1280/DSC_2034.jpg" title="Amelia New Born Baby Yawn" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PUnUJeIO8c8/UfQVNNQcTyI/AAAAAAAAbkE/HEbzieTq7r4/s1600/DSC_2040.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Baby Yawning" border="0" height="424" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PUnUJeIO8c8/UfQVNNQcTyI/AAAAAAAAbkE/HEbzieTq7r4/s1280/DSC_2040.jpg" title="Amelia Yawning" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">My mother got to hold her.... I wasn't that lucky. Anyway, we didn't really want to bug her too much.... babies cry too, so I just took some photos.</span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZpcdquTf-yc/UfQVRDavIHI/AAAAAAAAbhI/DANbhy8Cnp4/s1600/DSC_2044.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Holding Baby" border="0" height="424" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZpcdquTf-yc/UfQVRDavIHI/AAAAAAAAbhI/DANbhy8Cnp4/s1280/DSC_2044.jpg" title="Amelia Holding Baby" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vdLbB9Tk7Ys/UfQVSzkJoII/AAAAAAAAbk8/OHLs5Kre2Ok/s1600/DSC_2049.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Baby with Dummy" border="0" height="424" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vdLbB9Tk7Ys/UfQVSzkJoII/AAAAAAAAbk8/OHLs5Kre2Ok/s1280/DSC_2049.jpg" title="New Born Amelia with Dummy" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--DgVDFGdFF0/UfQVUGQUR5I/AAAAAAAAblE/SzactDd6ddo/s1600/DSC_2060.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Baby Lip" border="0" height="424" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--DgVDFGdFF0/UfQVUGQUR5I/AAAAAAAAblE/SzactDd6ddo/s1280/DSC_2060.jpg" title="Amelia Baby" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_nyyuZjpeXU/UfQVVYSZIxI/AAAAAAAAbkc/C5RkfqELJZA/s1600/DSC_2062.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Soft Baby" border="0" height="424" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_nyyuZjpeXU/UfQVVYSZIxI/AAAAAAAAbkc/C5RkfqELJZA/s1280/DSC_2062.jpg" title="Soft New Born Baby" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KwS54kSRj6A/UfQVWymZ3RI/AAAAAAAAbkk/akZEmdC4fCs/s1600/DSC_2066.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Baby Almost Laugh" border="0" height="424" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KwS54kSRj6A/UfQVWymZ3RI/AAAAAAAAbkk/akZEmdC4fCs/s1280/DSC_2066.jpg" title="New Born Baby Almost Laugh" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Just as Ryan arrived Amelia went to have her lunch, so Ryan prepared some coffee and I unpacked the assortment of food I bought. Not long after, Nanje joined us with a fed baby now fast asleep with a full stomach..... it was now daddy time.</span></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qbAh9zQ4wY4/UfQVYCELcGI/AAAAAAAAbjg/vRJU1yk1LTY/s1600/DSC_2076.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="New Born Baby Sleeping Blanket" border="0" height="424" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qbAh9zQ4wY4/UfQVYCELcGI/AAAAAAAAbjg/vRJU1yk1LTY/s1280/DSC_2076.jpg" title="Amelia Baby Sleeping Blanket" width="640" /></a><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lGOiT4UpBvE/UfQVZjEhQgI/AAAAAAAAbh4/l8elwMCCeu0/s1600/DSC_2081.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Father and New Born Daughter" border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lGOiT4UpBvE/UfQVZjEhQgI/AAAAAAAAbh4/l8elwMCCeu0/s1280/DSC_2081.jpg" title="Father Daughter Moment" width="424" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-iuLsbeFUMv4/UfQVcF2CaxI/AAAAAAAAbks/QXNpFKBWYFM/s1600/DSC_2085.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="New Born and Father" border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-iuLsbeFUMv4/UfQVcF2CaxI/AAAAAAAAbks/QXNpFKBWYFM/s1280/DSC_2085.jpg" title="Ryan and Daughter" width="424" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Coffee and cake, and some baby talk.</span></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CAwpbD-aBxc/UfQVeLiWoBI/AAAAAAAAbiI/Ap5d1rOJqDo/s1600/DSC_2091.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Tea Party Guest" border="0" height="424" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CAwpbD-aBxc/UfQVeLiWoBI/AAAAAAAAbiI/Ap5d1rOJqDo/s1280/DSC_2091.jpg" title="Tea Party Guest" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8GNnJGIrtwo/UfQVf8AYMeI/AAAAAAAAbiQ/ikIfUdOLe2I/s1600/DSC_2094.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Cat Sleeping in Sun" border="0" height="424" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8GNnJGIrtwo/UfQVf8AYMeI/AAAAAAAAbiQ/ikIfUdOLe2I/s1280/DSC_2094.jpg" title="Cat Sleeping" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OlUPS13QtjU/UfQVnLXO4CI/AAAAAAAAbi4/3dYRRi6F7IQ/s1600/DSC_2115.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Coffee Mugs" border="0" height="424" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OlUPS13QtjU/UfQVnLXO4CI/AAAAAAAAbi4/3dYRRi6F7IQ/s1280/DSC_2115.jpg" title="Tea Party Coffee Mugs" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9mfstmtet3Q/UfQVhY-5AnI/AAAAAAAAbiY/BQ40Kj6I4Ac/s1600/DSC_2099.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Tea Party Cheese Cake" border="0" height="424" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9mfstmtet3Q/UfQVhY-5AnI/AAAAAAAAbiY/BQ40Kj6I4Ac/s1280/DSC_2099.jpg" title="Tea Party Cheese Cake" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Stomachs full the adults were getting drowsy too, so we got a tour of the baby room before we all started heading home.</span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SpdYeFo_sHk/UfQViuWN7LI/AAAAAAAAblM/b3yShtVXdlQ/s1600/DSC_2102.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Baby Amelia Sleeping" border="0" height="424" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SpdYeFo_sHk/UfQViuWN7LI/AAAAAAAAblM/b3yShtVXdlQ/s1280/DSC_2102.jpg" title="New Born Sleeping" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-V2RxP6zU5mI/UfQVkFkrnSI/AAAAAAAAblU/RtkG8WJCnp8/s1600/DSC_2109.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Baby Amelia Sleeping" border="0" height="424" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-V2RxP6zU5mI/UfQVkFkrnSI/AAAAAAAAblU/RtkG8WJCnp8/s1280/DSC_2109.jpg" title="New Born Sleeping" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4EndKo4MZU0/UfQVl73ihAI/AAAAAAAAbiw/A6XAk3q4y2w/s1600/DSC_2112.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Baby Owl" border="0" height="424" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4EndKo4MZU0/UfQVl73ihAI/AAAAAAAAbiw/A6XAk3q4y2w/s1280/DSC_2112.jpg" title="Baby Owl" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">The baby room is really, really cool and full of baby stuff.....duh!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I didn't really get some mother-daughter photos, but there will be plenty of time for that, plus I'd like to get some Michael-baby photos too, that should be interesting.</span></div>
Anthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17277669320607541473noreply@blogger.com0Elarduspark, Pretoria, South Africa-25.8332693013825 28.254432678222656-25.8404153013825 28.244347678222656 -25.826123301382502 28.264517678222656tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1155007309598345190.post-67237991081818775702013-07-20T18:25:00.000+02:002014-06-16T20:01:29.289+02:00Ponta d'Ouro<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b>Maputo to Ponta d'Ouro</b></span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OUuJD016FF8/UfMe4PUq1RI/AAAAAAAAbaI/Rx7aXLHNoTA/s1600/DSC_1887.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Mozambique Beach" border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OUuJD016FF8/UfMe4PUq1RI/AAAAAAAAbaI/Rx7aXLHNoTA/s1920/DSC_1887.jpg" height="176" title="Ponta do Ouro Beach" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">The first thing I did when I heard we are traveling to Maputo was started making arrangements to travel by car. Mozambique is a beautiful country, Maputo is not the most beautiful cities despite their continued efforts to rejuvenate the city. So if you want to get out and see the beautiful country we would need a car, more specifically a 4x4.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">We arrived in Maputo on a Wednesday, after an eventful day getting stopped by just about every cop that sees our skin colour and vehicle number plates. I was eventually stopped for speeding. Whether I was actually speeding I couldn't say, but it was possible. After going through a rocky conversation with the cop and many bribe hints from him (which I declined) I travelled to the nearest police station to pay the fine. Unfortunately, they kept my drivers license until I had paid the fine, so while we navigated the maze of dodgy streets on route to the nearest police station we were wondering if the cop with my license will still be there when we returned. Luckily he was..... I could have just paid the bribe, which would have cost me less and saved us at least 2 hours of our day, but I wasn't in the mood to give into the corruption that has plagued Mozambique so badly. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">We weren't planning on doing much until the week-end arrived, we had work to do.... When the week-end arrived we were ready. I had planned our route to Ponta d'Ouro, the shortest was to travel by ferry to Catembe, and then drive pretty much straight on dirt and sand roads. We left the hotel at 5:15am, we wanted to catch the first ferry at 6:00am.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Getting over via the ferry was an effortless process and we were quickly on the other side, we drove about an hour and a half to Bela Vista where we searched for the nearest petrol station filled up, then headed on. The total journey distance was about 110km, but the first 40km had taken us a while, this was going to be a long drive. The road surface was bad so driving faster wasn't really possible, and the closer we got to Ponta d'Ouro the more deep sand and less dirt road. I eventually I pulled over and let some air out of my tires, I only set it to 1.2bar, but further down the road when we were driving in only deep sand I dropped it to 0.8bar.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">After 4 hours of driving, we eventually arrived. We had no issues in the deep sand and didn't get stuck once.... The Diahatsu Terios was doing well!</span></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-s3bKwMlHazc/UfMeCy0xADI/AAAAAAAAbWw/53FZ1R48a1c/s1600/DSC_1836.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Mozambique Beach People Walking" border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-s3bKwMlHazc/UfMeCy0xADI/AAAAAAAAbWw/53FZ1R48a1c/s1920/DSC_1836.jpg" height="424" title="Ponta do Ouro Beach People" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">There was 3 of us on this journey, Johan, Vaibhav and myself. Vaibhav was testing his Samsung Note the whole journey to see if we had cellular signal and surprisingly the majority of the route does! Our journey was a bit boring, but we did play some games to pass the time, when we arrived we headed straight to the beach, Vaibhav grabbed his Samsung Note and joined us, I think he starts getting withdrawal symptoms if his is separated from it for more than 15 minutes.</span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-oSP-qkVCzgY/UfMeFyZthGI/AAAAAAAAbXA/cEswGuSwnfA/s1600/DSC_1846.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Mozambique Mobile Data Signal" border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-oSP-qkVCzgY/UfMeFyZthGI/AAAAAAAAbXA/cEswGuSwnfA/s1920/DSC_1846.jpg" height="424" title="Ponta do Ouro Beach Mobile Phone" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-73BAGt7VDkg/UfMeHukWuJI/AAAAAAAAbXI/sEm6JYolrXg/s1600/DSC_1856.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Mozambique Beach" border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-73BAGt7VDkg/UfMeHukWuJI/AAAAAAAAbXI/sEm6JYolrXg/s1920/DSC_1856.jpg" height="424" title="Ponta do Ouro Beach" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Q2ZdPHI4rjM/UfMeTaDlMzI/AAAAAAAAbX4/Ncr67fjNpEU/s1600/DSC_1887.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Mozambique Beach Swimming" border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Q2ZdPHI4rjM/UfMeTaDlMzI/AAAAAAAAbX4/Ncr67fjNpEU/s1920/DSC_1887.jpg" height="424" title="Ponta do Ouro Beach Swimming" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-EZysICs-HaY/UfMeEkAHlJI/AAAAAAAAbW4/vftlMB_Xemg/s1600/DSC_1839.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Mozambique Running Swimming" border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-EZysICs-HaY/UfMeEkAHlJI/AAAAAAAAbW4/vftlMB_Xemg/s1920/DSC_1839.jpg" height="424" title="Ponta do Ouro Running Swimming" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">The beaches are clean and unspoiled. For the majority of the population this place is inaccessible, there are some 4x4 taxis, but for the most part of the year Ponta d'Ouro is relatively quiet, hence the good condition.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Although Ponta d'Ouro</span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">and the surrounding area</span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> is quiet this time of the year, it is an active scuba diving hotspot, so all year round you will find </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">plenty</span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> of boats filled with drivers heading out to the reefs for a magical day under the ocean surface. </span></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CPVxmiy20x8/UfMeVxPIakI/AAAAAAAAbYA/nzUf8xJ0L70/s1600/DSC_1898.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Mozambique Diving Boat" border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CPVxmiy20x8/UfMeVxPIakI/AAAAAAAAbYA/nzUf8xJ0L70/s1920/DSC_1898.jpg" height="424" title="Ponta do Ouro Diving Boat" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6AFPAVQNPsw/UfMeKy_NS8I/AAAAAAAAbXY/sLwsGTzD3mk/s1600/DSC_1874.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Mozambique Diving Boat" border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6AFPAVQNPsw/UfMeKy_NS8I/AAAAAAAAbXY/sLwsGTzD3mk/s1920/DSC_1874.jpg" height="424" title="Ponta do Ouro Diving Boat" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">We didn't stay on the beach long, Vaibhav was hungry, he had missed his morning breakfast, so we headed back to the main road and found a place to eat, but we were soon back on the beach. A while ago Ponta d'Ouro was a victim of a serious fire, and due to it's proximity getting assistance is not a quick thing, so the damage was severe. Whether the buildings I photographed was actually due to the fire, I don't know, but they look like they had fire damage.</span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7PY2Xj_ntqw/UfMeNPjylsI/AAAAAAAAbXg/LzqWdvAq8jY/s1600/DSC_1881.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Mozambique Fire Damage The Salty Sun" border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7PY2Xj_ntqw/UfMeNPjylsI/AAAAAAAAbXg/LzqWdvAq8jY/s1920/DSC_1881.jpg" height="424" title="Ponta do Ouro Fire Damage" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lnSgNdsUCjE/UfMeRgj5cxI/AAAAAAAAbXw/2jKVYOPTZUk/s1600/DSC_1883.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Mozambique Fire Damage The Salty Sun" border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lnSgNdsUCjE/UfMeRgj5cxI/AAAAAAAAbXw/2jKVYOPTZUk/s1920/DSC_1883.jpg" height="424" title="Ponta do Ouro Fire Damage" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Diving is not the only activity here, due to good waves and warm sunny weather all your round complimented by the warm"ish" Indian Ocean, surfing, fishing, beach sport or just laying around in the sun, there is quite a lot to do.</span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Ntq8IpADmgg/UfMeZhnRWPI/AAAAAAAAbYQ/sohKL5m-8nE/s1600/DSC_1909.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Mozambique Point of Gold" border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Ntq8IpADmgg/UfMeZhnRWPI/AAAAAAAAbYQ/sohKL5m-8nE/s1920/DSC_1909.jpg" height="424" title="Ponta do Ouro Point of Gold" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-IGVIMmOj7Mc/UfMebyoDV9I/AAAAAAAAbYY/WIAx_C3w7dA/s1600/DSC_1919.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Mozambique Beach Dog Sleeping" border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-IGVIMmOj7Mc/UfMebyoDV9I/AAAAAAAAbYY/WIAx_C3w7dA/s1920/DSC_1919.jpg" height="424" title="Ponta do Ouro Beach Dog" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-46-k-i472NQ/UfMeiBO3hjI/AAAAAAAAbYw/CD_rPRFHuqI/s1600/DSC_1937.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Mozambique Surfing Waves" border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-46-k-i472NQ/UfMeiBO3hjI/AAAAAAAAbYw/CD_rPRFHuqI/s1920/DSC_1937.jpg" height="424" title="Ponta do Ouro Surfing" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KCgTcSpnvKc/UfMejwfzh6I/AAAAAAAAbY4/i7lohYfIQDI/s1600/DSC_1947.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Mozambique Beach Cricket Indian" border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KCgTcSpnvKc/UfMejwfzh6I/AAAAAAAAbY4/i7lohYfIQDI/s1920/DSC_1947.jpg" height="424" title="Ponta do Ouro Beach Cricket" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Cm1ydNBWdBA/UfMememsQcI/AAAAAAAAbZA/5Qzy6ITCALA/s1600/DSC_1950.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Mozambique Ocean Fishing" border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Cm1ydNBWdBA/UfMememsQcI/AAAAAAAAbZA/5Qzy6ITCALA/s1920/DSC_1950.jpg" height="424" title="Ponta do Ouro Fishing" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-R_-pF_EMnJs/UfMepAWU0jI/AAAAAAAAbZI/7T3d3iToIqg/s1600/DSC_1961.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Mozambique Fishing Casting" border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-R_-pF_EMnJs/UfMepAWU0jI/AAAAAAAAbZI/7T3d3iToIqg/s1920/DSC_1961.jpg" height="640" title="Ponta do Ouro Fishing Casting" width="424" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I also ventured in-between the rocks. The rocks are pretty sharp so I didn't explore too much.</span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kF1YSbTPT4Y/UfMedtR5OrI/AAAAAAAAbYg/xXbU8KxSYa4/s1600/DSC_1927.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Mozambique Hole in Rock" border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kF1YSbTPT4Y/UfMedtR5OrI/AAAAAAAAbYg/xXbU8KxSYa4/s1920/DSC_1927.jpg" height="424" title="Ponta do Ouro Rock" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jKFDAsmELlA/UfMegT4dxUI/AAAAAAAAbYo/U04YBo8CVn8/s1600/DSC_1931.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Rock Life Mozambique Ponta do Ouro" border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jKFDAsmELlA/UfMegT4dxUI/AAAAAAAAbYo/U04YBo8CVn8/s1920/DSC_1931.jpg" height="424" title="Ponta do Ouro Rock Life" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Once done on the beach we headed back to the car to explore the surrounding area a bit.</span></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7OgVQZd-rGM/UfMetHQia3I/AAAAAAAAbZY/8Pw6ijVgaX4/s1600/DSC_1964.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="Beach Walking Mozambique" border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7OgVQZd-rGM/UfMetHQia3I/AAAAAAAAbZY/8Pw6ijVgaX4/s1920/DSC_1964.jpg" height="424" title="Ponta do Ouro Beach Walking" width="640" /></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5kbZ4cHIrbs/UfMerqVU9_I/AAAAAAAAbZQ/kteKeG0G2P0/s1600/DSC_1963.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Mozambique Pintos Beach Bar" border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5kbZ4cHIrbs/UfMerqVU9_I/AAAAAAAAbZQ/kteKeG0G2P0/s1920/DSC_1963.jpg" height="424" title="Ponta do Ouro Pintos Beach Bar" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2AHM8Ydod8I/UfMevV0R8-I/AAAAAAAAbZg/F_twlhQT4Xw/s1600/DSC_1969.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Mozambique Motel do Mar" border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2AHM8Ydod8I/UfMevV0R8-I/AAAAAAAAbZg/F_twlhQT4Xw/s1920/DSC_1969.jpg" height="424" title="Ponta do Ouro Motel do Mar" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">We headed about 5km up the road (sand road) to Ponta Malongane, but it wasn't really accessible to us as it is a boomed-off area, so we decided it was probably best we start heading back to the ferry, the ferry runs quite late, but we didn't feel like navigating the sand and dirt roads in the dark. We worked out a new route from Ponta Malongane. We arrived at Catembe at about 4:45pm, but in record time, this time where I could, I picked up the speed and just hoped no big bumps or dips caught me by surprise (they did).</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">As we approached the entrance to the dock for the ferry to Maputo, we were surprised by a queue of cars, but it was only until I took a walk when I realized how many cars were in the line.</span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-G1zm50t8u_E/UfMexQQ5YAI/AAAAAAAAbZo/cDnHvU_d3kc/s1600/DSC_1971.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Mozambique Maputo Catembe Ferry Queue" border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-G1zm50t8u_E/UfMexQQ5YAI/AAAAAAAAbZo/cDnHvU_d3kc/s1920/DSC_1971.jpg" height="424" title="Catembe Ferry Queue" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I counted 30 cars and based on the amount of car we saw on the boat in the morning (about 10) we realized we could be there for about 3 hours. I decided to get some photos to pass the time.</span></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-b6siFScTgT0/UfMey3AhO5I/AAAAAAAAbZw/JmQ7A0c14AA/s1600/DSC_1976.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Mozambique Maputo from Catembe" border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-b6siFScTgT0/UfMey3AhO5I/AAAAAAAAbZw/JmQ7A0c14AA/s1920/DSC_1976.jpg" height="424" title="Maputo from Catembe" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-C64tij-tyF8/UfMfEH4I97I/AAAAAAAAbaw/1W3SnvOdZPI/s1600/DSC_2010.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Mozambique Catembe Fishing Boats" border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-C64tij-tyF8/UfMfEH4I97I/AAAAAAAAbaw/1W3SnvOdZPI/s1920/DSC_2010.jpg" height="424" title="Maputo Catembe Fishing Boats" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LLH43TO9O_M/UfMe60KEY3I/AAAAAAAAbaQ/1vsfo4tv7Po/s1600/DSC_2005.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Mozambique Old Fishing Boat" border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LLH43TO9O_M/UfMe60KEY3I/AAAAAAAAbaQ/1vsfo4tv7Po/s1920/DSC_2005.jpg" height="424" title="Catembe Old Fishing Boat" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cUMT97UCTVo/UfMfCe9sTzI/AAAAAAAAbao/8w95A2tJCwA/s1600/DSC_2009.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Mozambique Fishing Boats" border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cUMT97UCTVo/UfMfCe9sTzI/AAAAAAAAbao/8w95A2tJCwA/s1920/DSC_2009.jpg" height="424" title="Catembe Fishing Boats" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">When the first ferry arrived, they managed to squeeze 20 cars onto the boat, which was good news for us because that meant we would on the next ferry in one hour.</span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-84nMNGEIIis/UfMe1PAyp8I/AAAAAAAAbZ4/wX0otKN0Chs/s1600/DSC_1994.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Mozambique Catembe Ferry" border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-84nMNGEIIis/UfMe1PAyp8I/AAAAAAAAbZ4/wX0otKN0Chs/s1920/DSC_1994.jpg" height="424" title="Catembe Maputo Ferry" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">While waiting I decided I would probably need a ticket to get onto the ferry so ventured out to find out where I could buy one, when I found the right spot it was closed, but I decided it was best to get into the queue early because when the ferry arrived we wouldn't have much time to get onto the boat. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">While standing in the queue I noticed a few port officials approach our vehicle where Vaibhav and Johan were waiting. They seemed to single out our vehicle from the long queue of car, I watched while they had a discussion with Vaibhav. Soon Vaibhav came to me in the queue and told me that they wanted the car papers. So Vaibhav took my place and I went to scratch for what they wanted. The official's story changed when I arrived and now they wanted our passports, but when one of us didn't have our passport on us, this was exactly the opportunity they wanted. At this point we had now lost our spot in the ticket queue and were led through to a broken room a distance away from our vehicle. They were soon threatening us with jail time until we could produce the missing passport, but it soon became evident that what they actually wanted was for us to pay a "fine". So after an extended discussion we paid the "fine" in fear of jail time and missing our ferry. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">When we returned to the car I had now lost my spot in the now very very long queue.... there was no way I was going to get a ticket in time, but I went to the back of the queue anyway. Soon a man who I met earlier came up to me, he had seen that we were harassed and as a result lost my place in the queue. He grabbed me and took me straight to the front of the queue, some of the other people in the queue weren't happy, but when others started vouching for me they gave me the opportunity to get in front. I couldn't get to the counter though, the queue is a game of pushing and shoving, this combined with my inability to speak portuguese made it difficult. I asked the friendly man that came to collect me earlier to get the tickets I needed, which he quickly did for me. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">If it wasn't for this very friendly man we would have been in Catembe for another hour, but with the extortion by officials who knows what can happen in an hour, we just wanted to get to the other side. Soon we were on the ferry heading back to Maputo.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">It is amazing how an excellent day can be destroyed by a couple of selfish individuals. But the silver lining was the friendliness of the locals that without my request, helped me out very selflessly. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">My theory is that Mozambique would be a prime holiday spot, it has beautiful beaches and friendly people, this place could be buzzing with tourists, bringing much needed income into the country, but the government officials stop this from happening with their selfish illegal actions. Although I will still visit Mozambique, I will avoid it as much as possible. I am planning a trip to Ponta d'Ouro later in the year, but this time I will avoid Maputo and enter the country at the Kosi Bay border post which leaves me with a very short distance to drive, therefore minimizing the our involvement with officials.</span></div>
Anthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17277669320607541473noreply@blogger.com0Ponta d'Ouro, Mozambique-26.841533092305983 32.88482666015625-26.855701092305985 32.86465666015625 -26.827365092305982 32.90499666015625tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1155007309598345190.post-22598388734350115412013-07-09T08:57:00.000+02:002014-06-16T19:56:38.933+02:00Seychelles<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b>A Few Days on a Tropical Island</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: xx-small;"><b>- 9 to 15 July 2013 -</b></span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-L1FXh1Usm9A/Ueg0fMaEuII/AAAAAAAAbJo/iThvs14hcD0/s1600/DSC_1718.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Seychelles Rocks at Sunset" border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-L1FXh1Usm9A/Ueg0fMaEuII/AAAAAAAAbJo/iThvs14hcD0/s640/DSC_1718.jpg" height="176" title="Seychelles Sunset" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">It is strange that each time I fly to an island I arrive just as the sun has already set, therefore I never get the island-view as we come into land. On the day that we departed Seychelles it was in the morning, but this time I was sitting in the middle isle of the plane and it was pretty cloudy, so I didn't get the view either.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Seychelles is a small island north of Madagascar in the Indian Ocean. I'm not totally sure on the population, as when I asked around I get values between 60,000 to 120,000 people. The Seychelles Islands is actually a group of islands 100+ strong, this is something I didn't know until I researched it a bit, the main island with the majority of population is Mahe. Mahe is about 5km wide and 22km long, so in comparison to the previous island I visited, Mauritius, this is tiny.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">When we (Johan and I) arrived we booked into the hotel and headed to our rooms, although it was dark I could feel I was on an island..... humid warm </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">temperature, with a faint smell of the ocean. The resort was a beach resort and although I was here for business, there aren't really many business hotels around. My room had a balcony and although it wasn't in the first row of villa's on the sea edge I could hear the ocean just out of my reach.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I settled into my room and sat on the balcony for a while, until I decided it was time to get to bed. I couldn't sleep, although the bed is very comfortable and I had all that I needed close by, I kept waking up! This isn't a new thing, I normally sleep badly the first night I arrive at any new destination. I'm not sure if it is because of excitement or purely the unfamiliarity. Either way, I had to go work the next day so it was quite frustrating, but to pass the time I setup my camera and decided to get some night photos of the villas in my immediate view.</span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--V9fDF6xMt8/Ueg0hl3TlPI/AAAAAAAAbJw/nFiJ4gpbDbE/s1600/DSC_0646.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Seychelles Night Hilton" border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--V9fDF6xMt8/Ueg0hl3TlPI/AAAAAAAAbJw/nFiJ4gpbDbE/s640/DSC_0646.jpg" height="424" title="Hilton Chalets Seychelles" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">When morning arriving after an interrupted night of sleep I grabbed my camera and decided to get a similar photo of the one I got in the dark. Although the colours were a bit dull as I was on the east side of the island and I wouldn't see the sun for another hour or 2, it was still breathtaking.</span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WlgNq_XNHFs/Ueg0j6Lp7JI/AAAAAAAAbJ4/Wh9jZ22AiNw/s1600/DSC_0649.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Seychelles Accommodation" border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WlgNq_XNHFs/Ueg0j6Lp7JI/AAAAAAAAbJ4/Wh9jZ22AiNw/s640/DSC_0649.jpg" height="424" title="Seychelles Morning Chalets" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">The sea was just beyond the first line of villas.... I was a little jealous!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I got ready and set off for my first day of work, enjoying the lush green island while we drove. The office was about 5km away on the other side of the island and we had hired a car the night before as taxi fares are horrible and car rentals are reasonable.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">After work we headed straight back to the resort, I grabbed my camera gear and headed out to explore the resort a bit. I found a spot and setup my tripod for some shots of the sunset. It was absolutely amazing!</span></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MmamGj_dGtw/Ueg0lgVKdfI/AAAAAAAAbKA/fjsKKiBiH18/s1600/DSC_0681.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Seychelles Hilton" border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MmamGj_dGtw/Ueg0lgVKdfI/AAAAAAAAbKA/fjsKKiBiH18/s640/DSC_0681.jpg" height="424" title="Seychelles Palm Silhouette " width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">The resort was directly opposite Silhouette Island which I could see in the distance. The name I suspect was derived based on the sun setting behind it, creating a silhouette. </span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_JNNPr-LuIw/Ueg0o0rvT3I/AAAAAAAAbKQ/it4xSEHx2kE/s1600/DSC_0712.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Seychelles Silhouette Island" border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_JNNPr-LuIw/Ueg0o0rvT3I/AAAAAAAAbKQ/it4xSEHx2kE/s640/DSC_0712.jpg" height="424" title="Seychelles Silhouette Island" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Like in most sunset photo's getting a photo of the sunset is awesome, but it can get a bit boring after a while, but what I have learnt over time, turning around, one gets a view with rich colours that the sunset casts on the island behind, this is the true magic of a sunset. Combine this with the lights coming on all around the resort and a slow shutter speed, I got some truly spectacular shots.</span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NrWrEN4I_5k/Ueg0ybsFY4I/AAAAAAAAbKo/pwYUiTBOeU8/s1600/DSC_0736.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Seychelles Long Exposure" border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NrWrEN4I_5k/Ueg0ybsFY4I/AAAAAAAAbKo/pwYUiTBOeU8/s640/DSC_0736.jpg" height="424" title="Hilton Long Exposure" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Soon the sun was gone and we were thrown back into darkness with a familiar feeling I felt the night before.... "anticipation of the morning to come".</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Work continued the following day, but after work I rushed to find a spot to see some more of the immediate surroundings while there was still a glimmer of sunlight on the horizon. This time discovering a small private beach just beyond the first line villas.</span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8CeWsrCawGY/Ueg00qwizSI/AAAAAAAAbKw/be2ZNhaY2tM/s1600/DSC_0746.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Sunset Seychelles" border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8CeWsrCawGY/Ueg00qwizSI/AAAAAAAAbKw/be2ZNhaY2tM/s640/DSC_0746.jpg" height="424" title="Seychelles Rocks at the Hilton" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-cc-cnIoSRLw/Ueg04MWaZqI/AAAAAAAAbLA/0bB4241S09M/s1600/DSC_0784.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Seychelles Hilton Private Beach" border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-cc-cnIoSRLw/Ueg04MWaZqI/AAAAAAAAbLA/0bB4241S09M/s640/DSC_0784.jpg" height="424" title="Seychelles Hilton Private Beach" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2GOC0s7TN3M/Ueg08lnE24I/AAAAAAAAbLI/SbqNI6RTJyY/s1600/DSC_0794.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Seychelles Hilton Private Beach" border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2GOC0s7TN3M/Ueg08lnE24I/AAAAAAAAbLI/SbqNI6RTJyY/s640/DSC_0794.jpg" height="424" title="Seychelles Hilton Private Beach" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Friday evening it was time for the dinner but not at the hotel as a colleague of ours decided to take us out. The destination was Eden Island, an island reclaimed from the sea by spending 8 years throwing sand and stone back into the ocean until an island was formed. Eden island has a large population of South Africans and is horribly expensive. The restaurant we were planning to visit was situated on the marina.</span><br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tvtZtsolXdQ/Ueg0-BijkaI/AAAAAAAAbLQ/621zUJhFbJ4/s1600/DSC_0825.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Seychelles Boats Shaik" border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tvtZtsolXdQ/Ueg0-BijkaI/AAAAAAAAbLQ/621zUJhFbJ4/s640/DSC_0825.jpg" height="424" title="Seychelles Harbor Boats" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Our view encompassed some very expensive boats and a mountain with some houses on them. Apparently the furthest boat in the photo above and the light on the hill belongs to the Sheik of Dubai, and the light on the hill.... referring to a very expensive lavish home.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">The next morning we went for a relaxing breakfast in the resorts dinning room, which has a fantastic view of the ocean, but soon after we wandered down a couple of stairs and found another resort-owned beach, complimented with sea kayaks and snorkeling equipment offered as a complementary service to the guest. Something I haven't mentioned yet..... Seychelles is very expensive, so expensive that I get a little nauseous every time I enquire about a price. We did find restaurants which were less expensive (but still expensive), but the resort we were staying at, was the worst.... so it was a surprise and a relief to find some free services.</span><br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sX_pTDURSck/Ueg1IQ_mPlI/AAAAAAAAbLw/2F6fn_Cw5fU/s1600/DSC_0919.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Seychelles Clear Water" border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sX_pTDURSck/Ueg1IQ_mPlI/AAAAAAAAbLw/2F6fn_Cw5fU/s640/DSC_0919.jpg" height="424" title="Hilton Beach Resort " width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cAfBL0b635U/Ueg1PhbXCkI/AAAAAAAAbMA/_AJO3Qh6_XU/s1600/DSC_0956.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Seychelles Private Beach" border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cAfBL0b635U/Ueg1PhbXCkI/AAAAAAAAbMA/_AJO3Qh6_XU/s640/DSC_0956.jpg" height="424" title="Seychelles Hilton Restaurant" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xO5gS2WMzUc/Ueg1dU5zTlI/AAAAAAAAbMg/dPcEzVE67bg/s1600/DSC_0973.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Seychelles Warm Ocean" border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xO5gS2WMzUc/Ueg1dU5zTlI/AAAAAAAAbMg/dPcEzVE67bg/s640/DSC_0973.jpg" height="424" title="Seychelles Clear Waters" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-y5qAZHrofXg/Ueg1gm0hKRI/AAAAAAAAbMo/eNUCtFWKsY8/s1600/DSC_0976.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Seychelles Rocks Beach" border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-y5qAZHrofXg/Ueg1gm0hKRI/AAAAAAAAbMo/eNUCtFWKsY8/s640/DSC_0976.jpg" height="424" title="Seychelles Enjoy Sea" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-IUv9L8bQsJM/Ueg1ktYsdbI/AAAAAAAAbMw/J_2Y_DyZrjk/s1600/DSC_0998.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Seychelles Hilton Private Beach" border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-IUv9L8bQsJM/Ueg1ktYsdbI/AAAAAAAAbMw/J_2Y_DyZrjk/s640/DSC_0998.jpg" height="424" title="Seychelles Clear Waters" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pIMzV1v2rQE/Ueg1oHbNCYI/AAAAAAAAbM4/sCWtz2Oem88/s1600/DSC_1011.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Seychelles Hilton Kayak" border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pIMzV1v2rQE/Ueg1oHbNCYI/AAAAAAAAbM4/sCWtz2Oem88/s640/DSC_1011.jpg" height="424" title="Seychelles Sea Kayak" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-afsKJtbpMEk/Ueg1rXNTLFI/AAAAAAAAbVI/ZRuj7cUTj74/s1600/DSC_1013.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Seychelles Sea Kayak" border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-afsKJtbpMEk/Ueg1rXNTLFI/AAAAAAAAbVI/ZRuj7cUTj74/s640/DSC_1013.jpg" height="424" title="Seychelles Paddle to Sea" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">We attempted the snorkeling, which was amazing. I have never been snorkeling where there is so much seas life 20 meters from the shore is calm waters. It is almost as if someone had dumped an aquarium between the rocks at this exclusive beach. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Before I left for Zimbabwe I was at a photographic store, where I bought some equipment, a bag, a tripod, etc... I saw a "SLR camera underwater-housing" and knowing that I will be visiting Seychelles I thought maybe I should buy one, but after spending my money on the essentials I decided that I wasn't prepared to spend more, especially on something I'm not sure I will get the opportunity to use..... how wrong was I!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Later that afternoon we decided to explore the island a bit, so we headed north to explore the north side of Mahe.</span><br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BaMLsGnpkyc/Ueg1wUPaDqI/AAAAAAAAbNQ/sy8yLNBxTy8/s1600/DSC_1020.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Seychelles Main Beach" border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BaMLsGnpkyc/Ueg1wUPaDqI/AAAAAAAAbNQ/sy8yLNBxTy8/s640/DSC_1020.jpg" height="424" title="Seychelles Main Beach" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XhBTsSua8j8/Ueg10pbPsaI/AAAAAAAAbNg/TSuMXPZx1-w/s1600/DSC_1035.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Seychelles Main Beach Rocks" border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XhBTsSua8j8/Ueg10pbPsaI/AAAAAAAAbNg/TSuMXPZx1-w/s640/DSC_1035.jpg" height="424" title="Seychelles Main Beach Rocks" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FjeYCB4UZbk/Ueg18C9MlvI/AAAAAAAAbNw/Y4qg87tsYhA/s1600/DSC_1070.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Seychelles Clear Waters Rocks" border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FjeYCB4UZbk/Ueg18C9MlvI/AAAAAAAAbNw/Y4qg87tsYhA/s640/DSC_1070.jpg" height="424" title="Seychelles Clear Waters" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3mJXrH7y8SU/Ueg2AJRNM2I/AAAAAAAAbN4/4LKgD4n-oDs/s1600/DSC_1083.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Seychelles Main Beach" border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3mJXrH7y8SU/Ueg2AJRNM2I/AAAAAAAAbN4/4LKgD4n-oDs/s640/DSC_1083.jpg" height="424" title="Seychelles Main Beach" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DXBZabaGHJg/Ueg2PtVSuyI/AAAAAAAAbOo/LXAZFVEUYCg/s1600/DSC_1157.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Seychelles Beach Boat" border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DXBZabaGHJg/Ueg2PtVSuyI/AAAAAAAAbOo/LXAZFVEUYCg/s640/DSC_1157.jpg" height="424" title="Seychelles Beach Boat" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">After finding some pristine beaches we headed up a mountain pass called "Chemin La Misere", from up there we got a perfect view of the Capital "Victoria" and Eden Island... spectacular.</span><br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZI59PZKjBKU/Ueg2C7UhYVI/AAAAAAAAbOA/PVVVkwneJEQ/s1600/DSC_1086.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Seychelles Property Reclaimed Island" border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZI59PZKjBKU/Ueg2C7UhYVI/AAAAAAAAbOA/PVVVkwneJEQ/s640/DSC_1086.jpg" height="424" title="Seychelles SA Island" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-E0LUzB1M72g/Ueg2FlkrXDI/AAAAAAAAbOI/FJefXeofHjQ/s1600/DSC_1087.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Seychelles Wind Farm" border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-E0LUzB1M72g/Ueg2FlkrXDI/AAAAAAAAbOI/FJefXeofHjQ/s640/DSC_1087.jpg" height="424" title="Seychelles Wind Farm" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PKrXzlu_kQg/Ueg2plany5I/AAAAAAAAbPY/UL72cCYO--4/s1600/DSC_1214.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Seychelles Island Mahe" border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PKrXzlu_kQg/Ueg2plany5I/AAAAAAAAbPY/UL72cCYO--4/s640/DSC_1214.jpg" height="424" title="Seychelles Island Mahe" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">As we drove further up into the mountain we were engulfed in a cloud, it would have been nice to be above the clouds but the mountain isn't high enough, and beside that, if it was higher, the clouds would probably not settle on them.</span><br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tI7Cnqo-Vu4/Ueg2KYFqANI/AAAAAAAAbOY/uDuxQ_RK0E8/s1600/DSC_1107.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Seychelles Mahe Fog" border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tI7Cnqo-Vu4/Ueg2KYFqANI/AAAAAAAAbOY/uDuxQ_RK0E8/s640/DSC_1107.jpg" height="424" title="Seychelles Fog" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7NCM8dMP-4Q/Ueg2co9NCpI/AAAAAAAAbPA/zi1kdTwF_zg/s1600/DSC_1183.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Mahe Misty Mountains" border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7NCM8dMP-4Q/Ueg2co9NCpI/AAAAAAAAbPA/zi1kdTwF_zg/s640/DSC_1183.jpg" height="424" title="Seychelles Misty Mountains" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2GuOda_8lJc/Ueg2lVEmXHI/AAAAAAAAbPQ/KWKeIQW5TSs/s1600/DSC_1198.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Seychelles Mahe Foggy" border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2GuOda_8lJc/Ueg2lVEmXHI/AAAAAAAAbPQ/KWKeIQW5TSs/s640/DSC_1198.jpg" height="424" title="Seychelles Misty Mountains" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Heading down again, Johan and I had to decide where we would like to have dinner, at 65 Euros per person we weren't planning on having dinner at the hotel, so we decided to visit our now familiar beach spot... "La Fontaine", but before that I decided to get a couple of photos on the beach nearby, after all, the sun was setting.</span><br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_lbqAbdut7U/Ueg23QNrwbI/AAAAAAAAbVQ/aGX4MoZyw5E/s1600/DSC_1230.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Seychelles Main Beach Sunset" border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_lbqAbdut7U/Ueg23QNrwbI/AAAAAAAAbVQ/aGX4MoZyw5E/s640/DSC_1230.jpg" height="424" title="Mahe Main Beach Sunset" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lSZ5XrJef5A/Ueg25HEPYFI/AAAAAAAAbP4/cbZ0bq-6nTw/s1600/DSC_1234.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Mahe Beach Yachts" border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lSZ5XrJef5A/Ueg25HEPYFI/AAAAAAAAbP4/cbZ0bq-6nTw/s640/DSC_1234.jpg" height="424" title="Seychelles Beach Yachts " width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_HvmnXdaT8k/Ueg3ErIXQdI/AAAAAAAAbQQ/JDMASLhXGXM/s1600/DSC_1251.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Mahe Main Beach" border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_HvmnXdaT8k/Ueg3ErIXQdI/AAAAAAAAbQQ/JDMASLhXGXM/s640/DSC_1251.jpg" height="424" title="Seychelles Main Beach" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aqpfZFcz3xs/Ueg3Ikwu-PI/AAAAAAAAbQY/gy2DGm2iFL0/s1600/DSC_1257.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Mahe Yachts" border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aqpfZFcz3xs/Ueg3Ikwu-PI/AAAAAAAAbQY/gy2DGm2iFL0/s640/DSC_1257.jpg" height="640" title="Seychelles Yachts" width="424" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JGuUzodK5aM/Ueg3Knhl34I/AAAAAAAAbQg/dxLsTdg9swk/s1600/DSC_1260.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Seychelles Mahe Beach Swim" border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JGuUzodK5aM/Ueg3Knhl34I/AAAAAAAAbQg/dxLsTdg9swk/s640/DSC_1260.jpg" height="424" title="Seychelles Beach Swim" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-IlrIe-5OzaM/Ueg3MBnsf9I/AAAAAAAAbQo/Vkdq-DLV3a4/s1600/DSC_1268.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Mahe Beach Boat" border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-IlrIe-5OzaM/Ueg3MBnsf9I/AAAAAAAAbQo/Vkdq-DLV3a4/s640/DSC_1268.jpg" height="424" title="Seychelles Beach Boat" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-f5ZcDbJiEho/Ueg3Nj_oHSI/AAAAAAAAbQw/8fPFm9dMJ3g/s1600/DSC_1272.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Fine Art Photo Beach Boat" border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-f5ZcDbJiEho/Ueg3Nj_oHSI/AAAAAAAAbQw/8fPFm9dMJ3g/s640/DSC_1272.jpg" height="424" title="Photography Seychelles Beach Boat" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--BQRaFP1qwk/Ueg3QKv8VwI/AAAAAAAAbRA/zoTo1D2o2Wo/s1600/DSC_1279.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Mahe La Fontaine" border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--BQRaFP1qwk/Ueg3QKv8VwI/AAAAAAAAbRA/zoTo1D2o2Wo/s640/DSC_1279.jpg" height="424" title="Seychelles La Fontaine" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-B5J4UjA0jGc/Ueg2za6n_XI/AAAAAAAAbPo/XQaR0l3skOo/s1600/DSC_1225.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Mahe La Fontaine" border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-B5J4UjA0jGc/Ueg2za6n_XI/AAAAAAAAbPo/XQaR0l3skOo/s640/DSC_1225.jpg" height="424" title="Seychelles La Fontaine" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZJaeF0F1M8U/Ueg2ukIoiuI/AAAAAAAAbPg/OyszZh4NPVo/s1600/DSC_1224.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Mahe La Fontaine" border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZJaeF0F1M8U/Ueg2ukIoiuI/AAAAAAAAbPg/OyszZh4NPVo/s640/DSC_1224.jpg" height="424" title="Seychelles La Fontaine" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">The next morning we decided to explore the south side of the island, and once again found some beautiful beaches along the route. All in all exploring the north and south took us a unbelievable 6 hours. I would have never thought it was possible to explore the entire island in less than a day.</span><br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CUzhCFuppbM/Ueg3RpSWNmI/AAAAAAAAbRI/jPfehSDQWNY/s1600/DSC_1346.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Mahe Cloudy Beach" border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CUzhCFuppbM/Ueg3RpSWNmI/AAAAAAAAbRI/jPfehSDQWNY/s640/DSC_1346.jpg" height="424" title="Seychelles Cloudy Beach" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ikQj3BoknGo/Ueg3VuN-OCI/AAAAAAAAbRQ/UtmT9Pb4SRo/s1600/DSC_1369.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Mahe Rocks" border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ikQj3BoknGo/Ueg3VuN-OCI/AAAAAAAAbRQ/UtmT9Pb4SRo/s640/DSC_1369.jpg" height="424" title="Seychelles Rocks" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hCo7TdXa7HA/Ueg3Z4NB8oI/AAAAAAAAbRY/Q3Gn6Mc_6yA/s1600/DSC_1376.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Seychelles Waves" border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hCo7TdXa7HA/Ueg3Z4NB8oI/AAAAAAAAbRY/Q3Gn6Mc_6yA/s640/DSC_1376.jpg" height="424" title="Seychelles Rocky Beach" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-FVAm99jbe6k/Ueg3bjkZgxI/AAAAAAAAbRg/5lUihydz3fE/s1600/DSC_1390.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Mahe Crabs" border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-FVAm99jbe6k/Ueg3bjkZgxI/AAAAAAAAbRg/5lUihydz3fE/s640/DSC_1390.jpg" height="424" title="Seychelles Crabs" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bx6Ac3kklUo/Ueg3dxfEv2I/AAAAAAAAbRo/9TnPk4DOlwM/s1600/DSC_1472.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Mahe Misty Beach" border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bx6Ac3kklUo/Ueg3dxfEv2I/AAAAAAAAbRo/9TnPk4DOlwM/s640/DSC_1472.jpg" height="424" title="Seychelles Misty Beach" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">As we had left early in the morning we had missed our hotel breakfast so we stopped by at Eden Island to get some breakfast, and then returned back to the hotel to do some work before the busy Monday morning.</span><br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XAPdKbG4sGc/Ueg3fgJDcOI/AAAAAAAAbRw/YJgMePc7C5w/s1600/DSC_1502.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Mahe Yachts Harbor" border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XAPdKbG4sGc/Ueg3fgJDcOI/AAAAAAAAbRw/YJgMePc7C5w/s640/DSC_1502.jpg" height="424" title="Seychelles Yachts Harbor" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-i4B7W2fInjc/Ueg3g6CGWfI/AAAAAAAAbR4/FZqucJgaU5s/s1600/DSC_1517.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Mahe Harbor Yachts" border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-i4B7W2fInjc/Ueg3g6CGWfI/AAAAAAAAbR4/FZqucJgaU5s/s640/DSC_1517.jpg" height="424" title="Seychelles Harbor Yachts" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Rn2qvmUc1Do/Ueg3kA2OogI/AAAAAAAAbSI/0gKy2jQwGcQ/s1600/DSC_1531.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Fine Art Photography Self Portrait Mirror" border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Rn2qvmUc1Do/Ueg3kA2OogI/AAAAAAAAbSI/0gKy2jQwGcQ/s640/DSC_1531.jpg" height="424" title="Photography Mirror Self Portrait" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-T80rzFjtDHc/Ueg3lZ6FEiI/AAAAAAAAbSQ/ssuzqKwIcfw/s1600/DSC_1548.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Mahe Docks" border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-T80rzFjtDHc/Ueg3lZ6FEiI/AAAAAAAAbSQ/ssuzqKwIcfw/s640/DSC_1548.jpg" height="424" title="Seychelles Docks" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Work, work, work is what came next, but each afternoon as I returned from the office I grabbed by gear and headed to the resort's private beaches to get the sunset and good light that comes with it..... it was spectacular.</span><br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nalEVWiJKLw/Ueg3rOKaFbI/AAAAAAAAbSo/cENyqlp1K2Q/s1600/DSC_1582.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Mahe Hilton Beach" border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nalEVWiJKLw/Ueg3rOKaFbI/AAAAAAAAbSo/cENyqlp1K2Q/s640/DSC_1582.jpg" height="424" title="Seychelles Hilton Beach" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Gx_rnwrKfPk/Ueg3sbDmSmI/AAAAAAAAbSw/XDGn64GT1ok/s1600/DSC_1627.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Mahe Water Tree" border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Gx_rnwrKfPk/Ueg3sbDmSmI/AAAAAAAAbSw/XDGn64GT1ok/s640/DSC_1627.jpg" height="424" title="Seychelles Water Tree" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2_ZwFLkRc60/Ueg3udA_vyI/AAAAAAAAbTA/t-CUT17uo1M/s1600/DSC_1671.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Mahe Wave Long Exposure" border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2_ZwFLkRc60/Ueg3udA_vyI/AAAAAAAAbTA/t-CUT17uo1M/s640/DSC_1671.jpg" height="424" title="Seychelles Waves Long Exposure" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FJfWSJ_o7LA/Ueg30_6ZIOI/AAAAAAAAbTY/Bl2H2NlAfGw/s1600/DSC_1697.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Photography Beautiful Painted Exposure" border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FJfWSJ_o7LA/Ueg30_6ZIOI/AAAAAAAAbTY/Bl2H2NlAfGw/s640/DSC_1697.jpg" height="424" title="Photography Seychelles Cold Sea" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nAWE-yld8is/Ueg356ZtfDI/AAAAAAAAbTw/82a1bOIb21A/s1600/DSC_1718.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Photography Mahe Long Exposure Split Sunset" border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nAWE-yld8is/Ueg356ZtfDI/AAAAAAAAbTw/82a1bOIb21A/s640/DSC_1718.jpg" height="424" title="Photography Seychelles Pink Sunset" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-H9gjYhJexKg/Ueg38CQToYI/AAAAAAAAbUA/H-ktysqjg8U/s1600/DSC_1725.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Mahe Beautiful Pink and Blue Sunset" border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-H9gjYhJexKg/Ueg38CQToYI/AAAAAAAAbUA/H-ktysqjg8U/s640/DSC_1725.jpg" height="424" title="Seychelles Beautiful Sunset" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TjXyrJDURAI/Ueg39uDjEVI/AAAAAAAAbUI/O37QSuYi5D0/s1600/DSC_1729.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Seychelles Clear Water" border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TjXyrJDURAI/Ueg39uDjEVI/AAAAAAAAbUI/O37QSuYi5D0/s640/DSC_1729.jpg" height="424" title="Seychelles Clear Water" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-VZOXT18PuV0/Ueg4AXBp2RI/AAAAAAAAbUY/yOjJSBy8JcE/s1600/DSC_1756.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Mahe Rocks Photography Long Exposure" border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-VZOXT18PuV0/Ueg4AXBp2RI/AAAAAAAAbUY/yOjJSBy8JcE/s640/DSC_1756.jpg" height="424" title="Photography Seychelles Colour Rocks" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XMoXnuTaktc/Ueg4EATJgXI/AAAAAAAAbU4/PaaNVEUDg6I/s1600/DSC_1803.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Mahe Long Exposure Rocks and Water" border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XMoXnuTaktc/Ueg4EATJgXI/AAAAAAAAbU4/PaaNVEUDg6I/s640/DSC_1803.jpg" height="424" title="Seychelles Photography Long Exposure" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-d8PGhLPG46o/Ueg4FRtSAvI/AAAAAAAAbVA/ABnnnQHs2nY/s1600/DSC_1806.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Mahe Photography Long Exposure" border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-d8PGhLPG46o/Ueg4FRtSAvI/AAAAAAAAbVA/ABnnnQHs2nY/s640/DSC_1806.jpg" height="424" title="Seychelles Hilton Lights Night" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">The morning we had to depart I was both sad and happy, sad that we had to leave this beautiful place, but happy that I was leaving behind the expensive prices..... but mostly sad....</span><br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vtrkXwjnOJI/Uet09-DpyWI/AAAAAAAAbWA/UDNIxgEsq7Q/s1600/IMG_0179.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Hilton Mahe Panoramic" border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vtrkXwjnOJI/Uet09-DpyWI/AAAAAAAAbWA/UDNIxgEsq7Q/s640/IMG_0179.jpg" height="206" title="Hilton Seychelles Panoramic " width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-S-9omA7qFPQ/Uet0_kZQXcI/AAAAAAAAbWQ/_FlpIpqcxC0/s1600/IMG_0182.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Mahe Airport" border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-S-9omA7qFPQ/Uet0_kZQXcI/AAAAAAAAbWQ/_FlpIpqcxC0/s640/IMG_0182.jpg" height="480" title="Seychelles Airport" width="640" /></a></div>
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Anthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17277669320607541473noreply@blogger.com0Mahe, Seychelles-4.6826693 55.480395999999928-4.9358787999999993 55.157672499999926 -4.4294598 55.80311949999993tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1155007309598345190.post-2677501871094926082013-07-07T19:04:00.000+02:002013-10-23T01:51:06.070+02:00Meikles Wedding<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">A View from the Window</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: xx-small;">- 7th July 2013 -</span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">The most important things we seem to share the least, and one of these is the view we have of the world. When traveling the first thing I do after I arrive at the hotel is admire (or not) the view from my hotel. </span><br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-yIrLZSdC_PA/Ud382OAof6I/AAAAAAAAbAw/BX_sjIzmWzw/s1600/DSC_0144.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-yIrLZSdC_PA/Ud382OAof6I/AAAAAAAAbAw/BX_sjIzmWzw/s1280/DSC_0144.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">In comparison the view I had from the Meikles hotel window in Harare was not bad at all. We have all read about the political issues in Harare and the collapse of the Zimbabwe economy a couple of year back, so the general impression is that capital city is falling apart. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">My experience in Harare was totally different from what I expected as I was also one of those who thought the city would be disastrous. After being in Harare a few days I realized that the fall of the Zimbabwe Dollar and the heartache it had cause for so many is probably partly the reason the Harare city centre has survived. The Johannesburg city centre doesn't look nearly this good, and the South African economy hasn't been hit nearly as hard. So why does the Johannesburg city centre look so run down.... well because as money flowed-in, the investments moved more towards a newer city centre.... Sandton and various other locations, as a result slowly the tenants and inhabitants of the CBD moved towards the newer areas. This then left a bulk of city buildings with no occupants and therefore maintenance of these buildings stopped. Harare had a hard time during the past couple of years and the limits on investment in the capital has forced the owners and tenants of older buildings to cherish what they have and make the most of the it, so maintenance and upkeep had been constant... as a result..... a well looked after city centre.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">While relaxing in my hotel room on Sunday waiting for Wimbledon mens final to begin, I heard some activity 8 stories below and peered out my window to what was going on. Someone was setting up a mobile gazebo in the hotel garden. It was clear that some event was being arranged. I decided to keep an eye out to see what was happening. Turns out the event was a wedding, this became evident as the stage was set. It wasn't long before people started arriving.</span><br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-N7M-A7JcBK8/Ud389Xx81VI/AAAAAAAAbBA/RLpVFVtecHc/s1600/DSC_0530.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-N7M-A7JcBK8/Ud389Xx81VI/AAAAAAAAbBA/RLpVFVtecHc/s1280/DSC_0530.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">At this point I decided that this will be my first and last wedding photo event from a different perspective of course, they had their own professional photographer so I could do this just for fun.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">The seats started to fill up and crowd seemed in good spirit for their special day. I then decided to order some room service to keep my mouth busy while I waited on the window sill.</span><br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zAv3YGEW7DU/Ud39pOebuYI/AAAAAAAAbC4/NqVTwP_bXv8/s1600/IMG_9229.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zAv3YGEW7DU/Ud39pOebuYI/AAAAAAAAbC4/NqVTwP_bXv8/s1280/IMG_9229.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">The bridesmaids arrived with their shiny-head partners, and some other important people too!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">It started to dawn on me that my room service might arrive just as the bride arrives.... Murphy's Law. I heard the knock at the door just as the wedding song started, so I scurried to the door, grabbed my food and quickly got rid of the waiter, but I hadn't missed it all.... as I returned to the window sill the bride was approaching her husband and her father was just about to give his daughter away.</span><br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kEK9uoMW92Y/Ud395GsTGBI/AAAAAAAAbDY/I04R4cBLGQc/s1600/IMG_9273.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kEK9uoMW92Y/Ud395GsTGBI/AAAAAAAAbDY/I04R4cBLGQc/s640/IMG_9273.jpg" width="640" /></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LTclBOHmH_Y/Ud39Jkxj0lI/AAAAAAAAbBg/SzgMRN-MHIE/s1600/DSC_0572.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LTclBOHmH_Y/Ud39Jkxj0lI/AAAAAAAAbBg/SzgMRN-MHIE/s1280/DSC_0572.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Ohr8tF4-L0M/Ud39LxqLgTI/AAAAAAAAbBo/jvCbZSJx9B4/s1600/DSC_0578.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Ohr8tF4-L0M/Ud39LxqLgTI/AAAAAAAAbBo/jvCbZSJx9B4/s640/DSC_0578.jpg" width="424" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I didn't have the ideal view of the service so I started on my lunch while the minister rambled on. I did get a photo or 2 in-between.</span><br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2EpqC3vLRTU/Ud39SE1ZU_I/AAAAAAAAbB4/R-Z4BV8Ojy4/s1600/DSC_0598.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2EpqC3vLRTU/Ud39SE1ZU_I/AAAAAAAAbB4/R-Z4BV8Ojy4/s1280/DSC_0598.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jgVbBjL2-nM/Ud39f4DNJEI/AAAAAAAAbCg/CzPsWjjYJwM/s1600/DSC_0624.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jgVbBjL2-nM/Ud39f4DNJEI/AAAAAAAAbCg/CzPsWjjYJwM/s1280/DSC_0624.jpg" width="424" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I finished my lunch just as the kiss-the-bride moment arrived and got a photo of that too.</span><br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3706gM4xIgw/Ud39bDc5LnI/AAAAAAAAbCQ/LmfyauGmeDk/s1600/DSC_0620.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3706gM4xIgw/Ud39bDc5LnI/AAAAAAAAbCQ/LmfyauGmeDk/s1280/DSC_0620.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">The bride and groom were now officially husband and wife, and headed back down the carpet to get congratulated by their friends and family.</span><br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-S_vYPgFdWFA/Ud3-I7L-DUI/AAAAAAAAbD4/eycPkIN0Ggc/s1600/IMG_9306.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-S_vYPgFdWFA/Ud3-I7L-DUI/AAAAAAAAbD4/eycPkIN0Ggc/s1280/IMG_9306.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--zUnfehi5ak/Ud3-FG3jkqI/AAAAAAAAbDw/Br-vAWJDY_Y/s1600/IMG_9305.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--zUnfehi5ak/Ud3-FG3jkqI/AAAAAAAAbDw/Br-vAWJDY_Y/s1280/IMG_9305.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5kJAlpiYQ5E/Ud3-Cq8ke0I/AAAAAAAAbDo/5nBaycuMDxc/s1600/IMG_9289.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5kJAlpiYQ5E/Ud3-Cq8ke0I/AAAAAAAAbDo/5nBaycuMDxc/s1280/IMG_9289.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">The service was done, so it was time for the celebration!</span><br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vFfoj7pMTqk/Ud39_k5ayHI/AAAAAAAAbDg/W0lguayCemI/s1600/IMG_9282.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vFfoj7pMTqk/Ud39_k5ayHI/AAAAAAAAbDg/W0lguayCemI/s1280/IMG_9282.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">It was time to turn my focus to the Wimbledon finals, this is the closest you will ever find me doing a wedding photo shoot for strangers (I might help out a friend or 2 if they asked though).</span></div>
Anthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17277669320607541473noreply@blogger.com0Harare South, Harare, Zimbabwe-17.830224398977602 31.052690148353577-17.830460398977603 31.052375148353576 -17.8299883989776 31.053005148353577tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1155007309598345190.post-40857978025527332152013-07-06T00:40:00.000+02:002014-06-16T20:01:40.836+02:00Harare<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b>A Cricket Stadium and the Wukuvisi Woodlands</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: xx-small;"><b>- 6 July 2013 -</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I couldn't imagine visiting Zimbabwe without seeing Harare, at least a little bit. So on Saturday morning Johan and I decided to find a local taxi and head out for the morning.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">We weren't totally sure where to go, so we asked the guest services at the hotel if they had any suggestions, needless to say, the guest services lady wasn't the brightest, she initially gave us a pamphlet for "The Book Cafe" close-by which specified some activities related to books. Well I'm not sure what other tourists ask for when they come visit, but I'm sure "The Book Cafe" isn't the highlighted attraction. I'm sure it is worth a visit, but not when one wants to checkout Harare in a morning. Regardless we did get a map and some other information.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Renting a taxi from the hotel is an expensive affair, so we headed out towards the street in the morning and found a couple of taxis parked nearby, picked the first taxi we saw.... negotiated a bit and agreed on a price for the day. We also agreed we would meet him a little later as we first wanted to check out the immediate surrounding which was within walking distance.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Our hotel was situation directly opposite the "Africa Unity Square", where there is a reasonable amount of activity during the weekdays. We first checked this out and then moved on to an Anglican church which I had been eyeing for a couple of days from my Hotel window.</span></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lDakKoYkwJo/UdsV3M-MfzI/AAAAAAAAa5U/bq0QT8Z0Ke4/s1600/DSC_0220.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lDakKoYkwJo/UdsV3M-MfzI/AAAAAAAAa5U/bq0QT8Z0Ke4/s640/DSC_0220.jpg" height="424" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">We tried finding different angles so I could get a decent photo, but we weren't too successful so I settled on the view I had and then headed back towards our pre-arranged taxi waiting for us.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">When we arrived back at the taxi.... there was a local family getting into our taxi, but when our taxi driver saw us he quickly chased them out and directed them to another taxi. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">We headed out, passing the presidential residence (exciting stuff).... our taxi driver first took us to the Sam Levy Village Mall, as we entered the parking area I mentioned to our driver that we weren't woman and shopping isn't the plan so he headed out to the next stop on our itinerary... Doon Estate. Although this was just another form of a mall, we didn't complain and decided to check it out.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">When we arrived we approached an outdoor gallery where hundreds of stone sculpture are presented under some trees on the one end of the estate. We met up with Eliot, a local artist who sculpts some abstract art from stone he buys outside of town. The sculptures were quite good.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Once done viewing some very interesting artwork we headed towards the shops located on the other end. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Some interesting stores, but anything I liked was in the form of wooden furniture, which is a bit big to fit into my bags so we move on.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">They have a couple of nice coffee shops too, where kids can play under the trees, and evidently leave their shoes lying around. We didn't buy anything or drink any coffee so we found our driver who had found a seat under a tree and headed off to the Harare Botanical Gardens.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">A quick peak inside an indoor desert, within a structure clearly designed to keep water out.... we a path leading into a forest and without hesitation, we entered!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">First we found a strange tree that makes an awesome amount of shade that has weird fig-like fruit growing from the stem of the main branches. We didn't try eat it, but did admire it's uniqueness.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">It is clear that these botanical gardens have been around for hundreds of years, some of these trees are really old, with some really good examples of typical African trees.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">After walking around for about 45 minutes we decided it was time to go find our driver again. As we exited we quickly viewed the map that is posted at the entrance and realized we hadn't even covered even a quarter of the property... but we weren't planning to turn around and commented that we should have checked the map out when we entered and planned our route accordingly.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Next door to the botanical gardens is the Harare Sports Club, so we decided to visit the Harare Cricket Stadium.</span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-F5mx72bnOlA/UdsYA4mTc4I/AAAAAAAAa9Q/8stN008YRxs/s1600/DSC_0384.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-F5mx72bnOlA/UdsYA4mTc4I/AAAAAAAAa9Q/8stN008YRxs/s640/DSC_0384.jpg" height="424" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">To reach the cricket field we passed through The Keg and Maiden pub.... a really cool sports pub, who stocks and locally brewed "Castle Lite" and a imported version from South Africa. We bought a local one, found a seat outside on the edge of the field. Although there wasn't a match on the go, we could really imagine ourselves enjoying a good game of cricket here.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">The upkeep of the stadium is impressive and it seems they encourage people to use the facilities too.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Next was the Wukuvisi Woodlands, advertised as a 248 hectare site. This time as we walked in we inspected the map at the entrance to see the route we were going to take. This place was 4 times the size of the botanical gardens and we needed to know where we were going.... we were not going to make same mistake twice.</span></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-p9nKR0G2Vx4/UdsYlh6GvFI/AAAAAAAAa-g/PdxxckiQikU/s1600/DSC_0428.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-p9nKR0G2Vx4/UdsYlh6GvFI/AAAAAAAAa-g/PdxxckiQikU/s640/DSC_0428.jpg" height="424" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Turns out that it <b>is</b> about 248 hectares big, but only "1" hectare (I might be over-exaggerating slightly.... it might be 2.... either was is was not big at all) is available to the public to explore. We had our whole route worked out, but when we reached our first destination after about a mere 100m we realized that this is way smaller than what we had first imagined, and that the information and map at the entrance led us to believe.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">The lookout point did yield some wildlife, some humorous wildlife too. There was an antelope getting some shade under a small shack, and a crazy ostrich obsessively, and when I say obsessively, I mean <b>seriously</b> obsessive, something like a small child with OCD, pecking at the edge of rubber tyre, when it was clear there was nothing there. The sign-work was also "impressive"...</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">There was also some cute little creatures labeled as "wild fowl", imagine that.... I had spent my entire life imaging they are domesticated Guinea Pig, but maybe there is something I don't know. There was also a dead buffalo's head.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">My favorite part were the birds. When we entered we paid an additional $1 for access to the bird park. After searching a while we found an unmanned entrance, with some cages. They were all filled seriously cool parrots and macaws. We inspected them closely until we found some loose ones wandering around on the floor. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">After having a very friendly cockatoo dismantle my shoe laces we decided to call it a day, after all we had only negotiated a half day rate with our taxi...and it was time to get some work done anyway.</span></div>
Anthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17277669320607541473noreply@blogger.com0Harare, Zimbabwe-17.812722692504995 31.050925254821777-17.814612192504995 31.048403754821777 -17.810833192504994 31.053446754821778tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1155007309598345190.post-74242779979984698672013-05-25T18:29:00.000+02:002014-06-16T20:01:49.532+02:00Lusaka<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b>My Room View and a Mall</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: xx-small;"><b>- 25 & 26 May 2013 -</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Arriving in Lusaka I was already "finished", 3 weeks of traveling... hotels, airport, work and then it all over again and again. I did ask at the reception how much it will cost to hire a car, but after I heard the price I forgot that idea, so at that point I decided I'm not going to be doing much.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">One evening I awoke early, this wasn't planned. I just could sleep, so I whipped out my tripod, switched all the lights off in my room and got some pictures of the view from my hotel. Not a bad view.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">As you can see the sun started to rise and it was morning, that meant breakfast time.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I decided to take a walk to the mall on a morning I had off, which apparently is the biggest mall around, and about 3 km from my hotel.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">To get to the mall the only way is across a reasonably large street via a bridge. Must say they are pedestrian conscious.... just wish they would build a bit more pedestrian pavements, I constantly have to dodge uneven ground and walk in the sand. But it's not that bad after all.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Approaching the mall I had a very familiar sight. I could swear this was a South African mall, just about every shop is South African.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">There must be a lot of South Africans living here, and the South Africans are definitely investing here.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Walking back from the Hotel was a long walk, just about as long as when I came, but it always feels longer when going "home".</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">These were the highlights of my week in Zambia, work went on well, but I don't take pictures of that.... how boring would that be!!</span></div>
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Anthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17277669320607541473noreply@blogger.com0Lusaka, Zambia-15.408193 28.287166999999954-15.653109500000001 27.964443499999955 -15.1632765 28.609890499999953tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1155007309598345190.post-85076507874355199982013-05-21T14:50:00.000+02:002014-06-16T20:01:59.740+02:00Khan el Khalili<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><b>A Large Souk in Cairo</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b><span style="font-size: xx-small;">- 21 May 2013 -</span></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Vaibhav, a colleague and friend from India had joined us for our visit to Egypt to assist us with some additional work that needed to be done. He arrived a couple of days after us, but met us at the office. The previous day we had decided that we would like to go visit a souk in the city which was suggested by Mariza (another friend of mine) so we decided to make a turn after work. This resulted in me dragging my camera equipment to the office.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">We knocked off slightly early in the afternoon and Pakinam (our very friendly host in Egypt) assisted us to get a taxi. It is a relative problem when trying to catch a taxi, although our colleagues in Egypt speak english very well, the remaining locals don't, at least not the ones we encountered, so my assumption is that a large portion of the Egyptian population does not speak English. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">After spending a good portion of our afternoon stuck in Traffic to get to the location which is situated relatively close to the office, we arrived in the late afternoon with about 1 hour daylight remaining.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Zima's eye caught a mielie (corn) which was being grilled by a vendor and was very excited, smiling ear to ear she soon was buying a hot snack.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Snack in hand we started to explore the market. We took the first corridor that we found, and started browsing. At least Zima and Vaibhav started browsing, while I started taking photos.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Very naturally Vaibhav started to negotiate prices of the items on sale. I must say that he is pretty good at it, he eventually got the price down, but then declined the sale. I think the negotiation was just for fun!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">This side of the market was pretty dull so we missioned on, just as the sun had start to set.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">We found more shops with pretty much the same stuff in all of them. Although the harassment from the store owners was quite overwhelming Vaibhav and Zima stuck it out, when they approached me I just showed my camera and said I was only taking pictures (it worked somewhat). Vaibhav on the other was mostly addressed in arabic due to his darker complexion. Zima on the other had was polite enough to show some interested which resulting in people chasing her down the corridors.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I wasn't really interested in the curios, so I focused my attention on the surroundings.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">The narrow corridors throughout the souk is quite interesting and seeing that it was dusk, the combination of natural light and artificial lights were confusing my camera, so I switched to full manual mode and snapped up some pics of the locals.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I moved back out into the main square to get some evening shots with my tripod setup on a slightly elevated platform. The main square has a reasonable amount of activity, complimented by some interesting restaurants.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">At this point Vaibhav and Zima were done with their shopping so they were standing around waiting for me, I started feeling a bit guilty so I packed up my gear and set off in the direction of the taxis. Next we had the challenging task of summoning a taxi to get us back to our hotels.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Not all taxis stop and the ones that do, don't understand english, however Vaibhav was staying at the intercontinental which was situation right next to a popular mall, so he came right pretty quickly. Zima and I were not that lucky as we were staying in a different hotel in New Cairo, with no distinguishing landmarks nearby so we were not coming right. Eventually I approached a police officer and asked if he understood english, he confirmed he does and we requested if he could assist us in getting a taxi to our hotel, he kindly did and explained to the taxi driver where we were going.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">You would think we would have been better prepared for the language barrier, but apparently we are not that clever.</span></div>
Anthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17277669320607541473noreply@blogger.com0Cairo, Egypt30.147502917988131 31.24224954736018830.14664491798813 31.240989047360188 30.148360917988132 31.243510047360189tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1155007309598345190.post-40539227608527408272013-05-17T20:14:00.000+02:002014-06-16T20:02:08.641+02:00The Pyramids and The Citadel<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b>...continued</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: xx-small;"><b>- 17 May 2013 -</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">We finished off on the bridge crossing over the Nile River and moved on towards our next destination.... The Great Pyramids.... we had a small preview of the Pyramids the previous day when returning from the camera store, so I was eager to capture it on my "scratched sensor" camera. Unfortunately our driver thought that it would be a good idea (without consulting us) to lure us into a presentation regarding papyrus "artwork" in a "museum" where we were probed to buy something. We humored them, I even bought something and eventually we were done and ready to move onto the Pyramids, however we were now a little irritated and skeptical that our drivers intentions were pure. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">We arrived in the streets at the back of the Pyramids and stopped in front of a building where a couple of horses and camels were roaming around. I flipped out and "kindly" informed our driver that we weren't interested in camels or horses and "WE JUST WANT TO SEE THE PYRAMIDS!". He got a little bit of a fright but then drove us to the entrance, but as we arrived, he (for the first time) explained that the grounds of the Pyramids are quite large and walking around could be a lengthy exercise. He continued to explain that we could go in the main gate and walk around but we wouldn't really see everything and if we take the horses with the guides, they will take us all around to all the pyramids. We deliberated between ourselves (in Afrikaans) and decided that maybe the camels / horses weren't such a bad idea after all. So we decided to go back to the horses. Maybe I flipped at the wrong time, but to be honest our driver was proving not be the most trustworthy individual, even though he might have had a valid point.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Finally we were on the horses and ready to go see the Pyramids. We each had our own horse accompanied by a guide also on a horse but with a young boy who was going to walk the entire distance on foot, holding the reigns of our horses. At this point I wondered why we couldn't walk it if he was going to, but I made my peace with it and moved on.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">We were taken through a back gate leading towards the Pyramids and soon we were in the desert.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">We first stopped over at some tombs where some excavation sites were demarcated, apparently the workers and builders of the pyramids were buried here. There was a fence surrounding the entire site, but our guide stopped next to the site and helped us off our horses and led us through the barbed wire fencing to take a look inside the tombs.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Our guide led us down a tunnel into a tomb deeper down.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">We headed off onto a sand dune to get a better view of the line of pyramids, something we probably wouldn't have got if we weren't on the horses.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">By this time I had taken control of my own horse and the leading little boy was re-allocated to lead Adu and Zima.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">We headed back towards the pyramids to get a closer look.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">We were led through an alley to an entrance to the tomb in one of the larger pyramids.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">But soon we were heading out again, it was getting crowded plus Zima was looking eager to get out.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">So we moved on to have a look at the Sphinx with a missing nose.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">We headed back out the main entrance on route to the office where we were required to pay for our little horse trip. My horse was eager to get back, but actually he had been eager for some time. When were arrived at the office he headed straight for some food, he didn't even give me time to get off first.... clearly he was hungry.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">So we paid for our trip, found our driver and headed off to see the Citadel.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">It looked promising, it is an awesome display of architecture which is enjoyed by foreigners and tourists alike.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">We climbed up the stairs towards a platform where we got an amazing view of Cairo. We were doing our trip on a Friday which is a religious holiday for all muslims, so we weren't permitted into the main building as they we praying.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">There was also a military site on the premises so Adu went searching for a way in. He found a very friendly police officer who took us around for free (free, which is a rare thing in Cairo).</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">We were on our way out again, back towards our driver when a man approached us and offered to take us into the Mosque of Muhammad Ali, but this time not for free. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">At this point I was pretty worn out, but not of the walking or site seeing, but more of all the costs, fees and tips hidden in everything you want to do. Cairo is an impossible place to budget for, so although Zima and Adu wanted to go visit Tahrir Square I asked our driver to drop me off at the hotel first, I just couldn't risk spending anymore money.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">The Pyramids and The Citadel was awesome, but somehow I imagined the Pyramids to be bigger, I think it's a image I built up in my head after years of hearing about it and seeing it on the television... don't get me wrong, it's still big, just not as big as I imagined it.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">So were the horses worth it.... well yes and no, honestly I could have probably got great photos just walking around on the main straight where most other tourist were walking. On the other hand I did enjoy the ride, and we did get to see the larger area.... was it worth the money? Well that I haven't decided yet.</span></div>
Anthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17277669320607541473noreply@blogger.com0Cairo, Egypt30.0444196 31.23571160000005929.934475600000003 31.074350100000057 30.1543636 31.39707310000006