Holiday - Cape Town VIII

Time for something less serious. I gotta tell you, in South Africa they make mean strawberry margueritas! I don't like to rely on reports from others, so made my own empirical study. But what's with the cherry instead of a strawberry on top!?!

Holiday - Cape Town VII

Nelson was placed in the D block if I remember correctly. One tiny cell per person. This was where he authored the bits of papers, smuggled out in the shoes of the prisoners who were leaving, and that later became South Africas declaration of independence. This was his cell.

Can you imagine spending 24 years here and still maintain your sanity? So much that he became South Africas president? Respect man.

Holiday - Cape Town VI

1974 the prisoners got bunk beds. Before they had to sleep on the floor on blankets.

Before Robben Island became a prison it was an island for the lepers.

Holiday - Cape Town V

If you go to Cape Town you really must go to Robben Island. It affected me more than I thought. This is the place where Nelson Mandela was imprisoned for some 24 years.

The guides on the islands (you're driven around in buses, allowed only to go out in the prison itself. I was told they fear that tourists left on their own would steal things, which wouldn't surprise me. People are stupid) are all either ex-prisoners or ex-prisonguards. This was a bit surprising to me, that the guards were welcome but I guess some of them were "only following orders" (does Germany ring a bell here?).

Our two guides were both ex-prisoners, charged with treason. For me, who is white, born in a "good" and rich country, never having experienced being unwelcome, it is an eye-opener. Of course I know these things existed, but they really get more real seeing it in person.

Some of the pics displayed shown here.

Holiday - Cape Town IV

The Alps can get lost, being only 32 million years old. Table Mountain wins.

The lizard was the only animal I saw up there. Phew!

And this is Bro showing as a bedouin, he's panicky afraid of the sun since he's inclined to get burned easily, unlike his Sis who thinks sunscreen is for wimps.

Holiday - Cape Town III

After actually having done some shopping in Waterfront (big fluffy pink slippers and a more discreet blue pyjama as well as some tops - I know, I go all the way to Cape Town to shop but to my defense it was cheap) - we decided to climb up the Table Mountain the next day. Not.

Only fools actually climb up, we clever people took the cablecar. It was one of those great days with clear blue sky, perfect temperature fit for shorts and top but without being too hot. Took a little walk around the top of the mountain, where we fortunately didn't see their most common animal "the dassie".

But look at the view!

Holiday - Cape Town II

One thing that is good with Cape Town is that there is no time difference from Switzerland, so apart from the fact that you have some sleep to catch up on from the long flight you're in the same time zone. One night of good sleep, and you're good to go.

First day was spent in the relatively new harbour area Waterfront, a place that offers loads of shops, restaurants and cafes, booking agencies for trips and is a general hang-out-place. It even has seals leasurely swimming around among the boats. Cool!

Another thing that struck us that come from strong currency countries, everything is cheap! The rand has weakened quite a bit lately, which worked in our favour. A good bottle of South African wine in a restaurant could cost 80 rand, around 10 Swiss francs! This is about what a decent bottle of wine cost in the shop here in Switzerland, in a restaurant it's a lot more than that.

Holiday - Cape Town I

Now over to a much more pleasurable place - Cape Town. I tell ya, I have fallen in love with the place. It must be the ultimate place to live, well apart from Zürich then.

There are gazillions of things to do and see, they have a fantastic climate (at least when we were there, my friend recommended March and it couldn't have been better) and great beaches. The Atlantic ocean is just by the city, with the soothing sound of waves.

We were met at the airport, and spent a nice first evening catching up with my friends. We stayed with them for almost a week, and it's great with somebody who can recommend things to do and see, direct you and get you the inside information. Saves a lot of time, which can then be focused on what you want to do, rather than seeking information.

I am fortunate to have such generous friends. Love you guys!

Holiday - Dubai V

Womens fashion, the newest in burkhas, which I'm sure look exactly like they did 200 years ago. Shame on them again!

Holiday - Dubai IV

Dubai is really an oxymoron. On one hand you see burkhas, and on the other hand you see women walking around with bare bellies. Money really talks in this country. It is apparently fine with religion, as long as it doesn't clash with capitalism. Fuckin' hypocrites.

I am wondering why women are expected to walk around in black burkhas which attracts heat in a country that is really really hot, whereas the men wander around in white sheets with a tea towel in red and white on their heads. Oppressing women was invented here I'm sure. And what bothers me most is that I was there on International womens day, and the women did not object. There were no rallies, no demonstrations, no nothing. It's what I always thought. Women is feminisms worst enemy. Shame on them!

Btw, here's the latest fashion in sheets and tea towels!

Holiday - Dubai III

New, fresh and shiny. Dubai does not have a history, at least not in terms of buildings.

They are currently building 5 artificial islands, where they plan 30 5-star hotels only in one island. The current bank crisis is putting a damper on the construction though.

And for your educational benefit The Arab Emirates consists of 7 emirates, whereof Abu Dhabi and Dubai are the most famous. The other 5 ones nobody can remember the names of. Except for maybe those who live there.

Holiday - Dubai II

Dubai is all about new, fresh and shiny. Here the prime example is Burj Al Arab, the worlds only 7 star hotel. Expensive as hell, and where a drink cost more than a Pakistani earns in a month, the same Pakistani who built the hotel.

Holiday - Dubai I

I have really mixed feelings about Dubai, mostly negative I have to admit. Ok, so on the tourist bus around town you get to hear that Dubai has invested their (oil) money into education, health care and infrastructure, and that islam is a tolerant religion (excuse me! Haven't they heard of suicide bombings?). Investing in education, health care and infracture is great, but when you know that they have done it on the expense of foreign workers (mostly Pakistanis) who they pay 200 US$ a month it leaves you with a sour taste in your mouth. And now with the financial crisis going on, they are laying off those people. Guys who are away from their families for years earning 200$ (instead of a dollar a day at home), supporting their families including the extending ones. These Pakistanis do not get the benefits of the investment in health care. Dubai in short is the big guy (read rich due to oil) tramping all over the little guy. I do not like.

Holiday - Dubai flight

I have never been to an Arab country before, and can honestly say it was the first and last time. Had my doubts already before I went, and now I know for sure.

But I must say that it was a pleasure flying Emirates. Ok, so flying economy is never a pleasure, but at least the service and the entertainment was great. Food was not bad either. The flight information was left to imagination though (but yes, it was also shown in English).

Several hundred movies to choose from and I saw Mamma Mia, Australia, Slumdog millionaire and others. Funny though, it is hard to remember a movie you saw on a flight. Becomes a blur after a while. Nothing to do with the free wine they serve I'm sure.

I'm back!

Didja miss me? Finally after almost 2 days travel I am back at home! Think I've collected enough material for the blog for the next two months. However, very long day(s) so just wanted to say watch this space...

Closed for holiday

Goodbye, adios, farewell, arrivederci, hej då, hasta la vista, auf wiedersehen, au revoir, sayonara, farvel and ciao. Get the picture?

Preparations

Haven't actually packed yet, but am running a dishwasher, have done the washing and ironing, watered the plants, paid the bills, emptied the fridge. Anything to avoid packing. I don't know why, but it's always the same. Packing last minute. And of course the friggin shower drain is playing up. I cannot believe how much ill-smelling hair there is. Seriously thinking of shaving my head. Anyway, tomorrow it's goodbye suckers. Heatwave today in Cape Town, 38-42°C! Yessss!

Dispute between neighbours

A town councillor in Wales, Mark Easton, had a beautiful view of the mountains, until a new neighbour purchased the land below his house and built a new home. The new home was 18 inches higher than the planning dept had approved, so Mark Easton, mad about his lost view, went to the local authority to make sure they enforced the roof line height.

The new neighbour had to drop the roof height, at great expense. Recently, Mark Easton called the planning dept, and informed them that his new neighbour had installed some vents on the side of his new property. Mark didn't like the look of these vents and asked the planning dept to investigate. When they went to Mark's home to see what the vents looked like, this is what they found...

The Local Authority said the vents can stay since there is no planning law referring to shutter design.

A dream come true

Remember M? He's the most reliable friend I have, at least here in Zürich, so tonight we met up for him to get my keys since he will be looking after my flat (and my precious plants) when I'm away. It's good with friends like that.

And it gave us a chance to catch up, since he's "too busy" to read my blog and I hadn't heard the latest in his life. It's a good thing to catch up now and then.

Also, he has access to cheapo chocolate, so a coordinated visit to his neck of the woods on Friday was agreed. I need to bring lots and lots of chocolate to friends in Cape Town.

But the funniest thing happened on the way home from the bus. I saw this (see pic). I can only conclude that somebody had gotten very angry and thrown a plant on the street from a window. I always wanted to do that. But I guess more so with clothes from a soon-to-be-ex. Throw all the clothes on the street in an act of passion. I still have 1. to be passionate enough and 2. find somebody to piss me off enough. There is still time...

Credit Suisse sucks again

Got another letter from Credit Suisse today, saying that "The investigations (are there more than one?) are being delayed and we are unfortunately not yet able to comment on the issue you raised. Therefore we kindly ask you for your patience. We will contact you in due time." The two letters I received in response to my complaint letter both have two peoples signatures. Why? I guess nobody in a bank wants to take responsibility, but want the opportunity to blame the other. What do you think? The first letter was dated 17th of February, the other 2nd of March. It wasn't exactly a rocket science complaint I had. Guess the new buzzword(s) in business "customer centricity" doesn't mean a thing to Credit Suisse.

One down, more to go

So paid an arm and at least one leg today for all my extravagant choices for the new flat. It was a good feeling. Until I got home and had yet another bill waiting. Balcony floor. Who knew it would be so expensive? Well, it is natural stone and the good news was that my balcony is seemingly 16 m2 instead of the 15 m2 I thought. And what is money then? The other bill I'm fearing is for the parquet floor in the bedrooms and the granite floor in the rest of the flat. This ain't gonna be cheap! But it'll be soooo cool. An investment, that's how I look at it (or at least try to).

Wildlife, naaah!

Persistence

Well I know why snake-loving friend is a friend. She's persistent, not a quitter. Just look at this: http://beesknees101.blogspot.com/ She promised to do 101 things in 1,001 days. That's nearly 3 years. And she's still going strong. That is what I call commitment, and something that deserves respect. Even though I'm a better blogger (or at least more frequent!), I couldn't even be arsed to put 101 things on a list. Too lazy. Too whatever. I guess we're all good at different things. I'm glad I found my niche :)

Crushed snake

As you may have picked up I'm not extremely fond of wildlife (I mean we have Zürich zoo, and there is always Discovery channel, why bother with scary animals in the wild?), and I got my opinion confirmed when reading a friends blog. She had been out in the outback in Australia. In a tent! I know, I really don't understand what we have in common, I wouldn't even under gunpoint sleep in a tent in Australia. Nevertheless, in the morning they folded the tent and found a crushed snake under it. Like they had been sleeping on it, crushing it to death. Her take on it was "well, it was only a small snake". Me thinking, well what if it friggin wasn't? What if it had been a great big anaconda (and don't tell me they don't exist in Australia or something) or boa constrictor? You wouldn't have been laughing then, now would you?

Holiday is approaching

I cannot tell you how much I look forward to my holiday, starting Friday afternoon. The preparations so far including ordering cash for the appropriate countries, since it turns out the bank doesn't hold a reserve (!), charging up the camera, collecting all the stuff I need to bring to Bro (amazing pile already! Like his mail that for some obscure reason is still sent here although he now has an address, movies he lent me, movies he wants to borrow etc etc). Well I guess that's about it. The chocolate I plan to buy and bring to my friends cannot be bought this early in the week, then I will need to buy twice. Chocolate never lasts in this apartment! Packing will happen at the earliest the night before, more possibly the same morning. I know myself. And the only thing I ever forgot to pack was a beach towel when going to the Caribbean many moons ago, and guess what? They sold beach towels there. So Friday early evening I'll be cruising down with the train to Italy. Saturday the flight takes off for Dubai. I am not completely comfortable going there, because of their view of women but we're only staying 2 nights. Then on to the final destination, Cape Town. Check out the weather suckers!