Missing In Action

My humble apologies for the lack of updates recently.

After returning from our fantastic Carribean vacation, everything else that is happening is kindoff an anti-climax. I'm cathing up at the office and also with my MBA course. Well, trying. This next month - while churning out the projects - we're devouring a few Marketing Management textbooks and related case studies, a subject I find truly intriguing and fascinating.

We are also busy switching all of our albums from Yahoo to Picasso, which we find to be more user-friendly and have more functionality and higher quality. Sarah is working on adding all our recent Carribean holiday pics - which I'm not too proud to realise that probably only our parents will check out! However, there are a few stunning shots that I'm sure to post soon.

The New Google Streetmaps!

Google has outdone themselves again with a truly ambitious update of their Google Earth function. Exploring neighborhoods at street level–virtually, is now possible.

Where Google Earth allowed you to zoom in on streetmaps anywhere in the world, in select cities, this new program gives you actual street level views. The pictures are high resolution, allowing you 16x zoom and 360 panning functionality.

It is fascinating and the implications of this technology now available to us commoners boggles the mind. There are, for obvious reasons, also complaints that privacy laws are being violated.
Click on the link below for Google's explanation of this new function:
http://maps.google.com/help/maps/streetview/index.html

Nightmare Plane Ride!

This Trans-Atlantic flight takes the cake!
If you thought YOU've had a bad day, check out the experience of these passengers on Flight 1970, bound from Amsterdam to Newyark:
http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au/story/0,20867,21943029-1702,00.html

Return from the Carribean!

We're back!

The past week was overwhelming and unforgettable. We daily ate five-star, were treated like kings, were exposed to fantastic Caribbean weather, breathtaking scenery - from mountain peaks to under the sea, and made great friends. We had the time of our lives.

We're setting up a photo album on Picassa and will send the link as soon as it's ready.

Second Honeymoon

It is wickedly late on Saturday night. I've just finished packing.
I'm taking Sarah on a weeklong cruise somewhere South through the Carribean towards Barbados and back. On the way we'll throw anchor at four different island-nations.

It's been a while since I had a proper holiday and we're both looking very much forward to it.
In a few hours we're flying to San Juan, Puerto Rico, where we'll meet my brother and climb aboard.

Too much eating, little sleep, and loads of diving and island exploration looming.
Nag ou Grote!

Gas Price Hikes

Gas prices has shot through the roof during the past 4 weeks. While paying under $2.60/gallon in April, the price of gas is now hovering between $3.10 - $3.20/gallon. In the Northwest gas is more than $3.60/gallon.

Ouch!

Media Circus!

Today, in another series of media frenzy and absolute mindboggling absurdness, CBS News and Fox News interrupted their special broadcast from the Pentagon (!!!) to the aerial view of a very large, media-surrounded house, with these words: "She's coming out of the house. Paris Hilton is coming out of the house! She's going to the courthouse!" Ohaaahuu!

If everyone else finds this normal, then I must be certifiable. Well, ....uh... I've just realized that I've dedicated my Blog-space to her now by publishing this... Doh!

Grand Cayman from the Air

Friend Marius send me this stunning picture taken recently of his home, the Grand Cayman Island, just a "stone's throw" South of Miami and the Keys.
He surfs before and after work. Tough life!

We'll be anchored there sometime next week.

SA Optimistic about Future - New Study

Nearly 80% of all South Africans accross the board are much happier now than they were 15 years ago, according to Hennie Kotze, dean of the faculty of Arts and Social Sciences at the University of Stellenbosch. He based his statements about the changing values of the different segments of the Republic's population on a worldwide survey that has been done since 1981 by the Konrad Adenauer Foundation in Germany. (More than 3000 people partook in the survey.)

Ethnicity will be irrelevant to the upcoming young generation fifteen years from now, Kotze said.
Interestingly, comparing these findings with other developing countries with large numbers of very poor people, such as Brazil, South Africa came out on top by a large margin.
Politics came a distant fourth for importance among respondents, compared to a decade ago. Family, friends and leisure were more important.

The only negative mentioned was the courts failure to take tough action against brutal and serious crimes.

About 95% of all respondents were proud to be South African. The middle class has grown by nearly 10% from 1990-2001.
The future looks bright.


To see the Business Report-article go to:
http://www.busrep.co.za/index.php?from=rss_&fArticleId=3866923

Paris Hilton in the Slammer

Here in the States relevant news are taking a back seat to sensational gossip, short for RUBBISH.
Splashed over all the covers is that Paris Hilton started her 20-something days prison sentence for DUI. BIG news on Tuesday.
Wednesday's big debate in the media was over whether she'd be allowed to keep her hair extentions on during her prison stay.

We're shaking our heads...

Brittain has David Beckham. Who does SA have?

May the 4th Be With You!

Grappetje.

Capitalism and the Freedom of Choice

Had 'n interessante debat vanaand in ons Ondernemings-Argitektuur-klas (korrekte vertaling?):
Een van die vier boustene van Kapitalisme is dan ook die Vryheid van Keuse wat ons as gebruikers van 'n wye verskeidenheid produkte het - en dit in die VSA, die grootste van die wereld se vryemarkstelsels. Maar die stelling blyk onakuraat te wees in sekere opsigte.

In Florida is daar slegs een elektrisiteits-verskaffer en in die Somer sal jy bars, maar jy sal betaal as kragverbruik styg en die prys verhoog. Geen keuse daar nie.
Daar is geen keuse tussen Florida se verskeie satellietTV-verskaffers (cable) nie en elke area word slegs deur een maatskappy bedien. Geen keuse daar nie.
Die vier groot motorversekeringsagentskappe in Suid-Florida (Florida se versekering is die 2de hoogste in die land.) se premies is almal banaal en die verskil in prys tussen die mededingers is in sente. Ini mini myni moe...
Die stygende petrolprys en die banale mediese versekering-kullery in hierdie staat is 'n dissertasie op sy eie werd.

Vryheid van Keuse blyk dus in vele opsigte bloot 'n illusie te wees.

Severe Drought in Florida

Florida's worst-known drought is continuing into our rainy season, with news that Lake Okeechobee's water level today is matching a historic low. The Lake is the key water supply for nearly 5 million people in South-Florida's Miami-Dade and Broward Counties, and the Everglades.

The average water level should be around 13 feet in the 2nd largest freshwater lake in the United States. The South Florida Water Management District is expecting a new record low of under 8.97 feet by Friday due to evaporation.
According to weather forecasters, an average rainy season, which we are in now, will mean that florida will still be in drought at the end of the season. Then the impact of the drought will be much more severe next season.

Should the freshwater levels drop to low, contamination from the surrounding saltwater is highly likely and forecasters predict that in such a scenario it could take up to ten years before South-Florida's drinking water is restored.

For the moment there is severe water restrictions - which seems so unreal because there is lakes everywhere on my way to work - and everyone is looking to the Heavens for rain.

Cayaking the Loxahatchee

Today is Memorial Day, when America remembers and honors their fallen heroes in all the wars the country has participated in.

We left early morning for the Jonathan Dickinson State Park close to Jupiter, about 100 miles North-NE. The relativity of distance is amazing! Living in Cape Town we'd never even consider driving to Stilbaai, other than for a holiday or a long-weekend, but it's less than a 100 miles away. Here everything is so spread out, and Miami is so far South, you have to drive to get anywhere.

We spend the day at the park, cayaking a couple of hours in the most serene surroundings, alas the river was too busy to spot much wildlife, other than ospreys. The Loxahatchee river was designated a wild and scenic river estuary in 1985. It's certainly a worthwhile paddle and the camping area looks great.

Mayor League Baseball

Hotdawgs, beer and onions under the floodlights! Yes, on Saturday we attended our first Mayor League Baseball game as the hapless Florida Marlins hosted the New York Mets at Dolphins Stadium.
It's nearly as good as cricket and lasts only about three hours, excluding the pre-and post shows. A fantastic experience.

Marriage Announcement

Guess who's getting married in March, in Africa...?

Focus on Local News

I've lived in this beautiful country long enough now to have an informed opinion on most of the prevailent issues, the main topics, e.g. the federal government's strange stance on immigration, the Iraq War, Donald Trump's hairstyle and so forth.
Sometimes the daily news items are downright strange:

For instance:
According to NBC, more than 20 000 excited Star War-fans showed up this week in Downtown Los Angeles to celebrate the 30th anniversary of the movie that made George Lucas rich and famous and put Harrison Ford on the Hollywood map. Wow, 20 000 fans... they obviously don't have girlfriends, jobs or much else to do!
It started off Wednesday with a marathon screening of ALL SIX FILMS in a row, exhibits of old props and costumes and appearances by old cast members. (I can't imagine Harrison showing up, after all, he "made it". Surely Chewbacca will be there, he'll need the money. There can't be many acting opportunities for big, hairy, screaming ape-men.)

From Entertainment to Politics:
On Thursday Senator John Edwards, Democratic Presidential candidate, spoke on "The War on Poverty" to a large audience. He charged $55 000 for his appearance...

Hurricane Season Coming Up

Today marks the tenth day prior to the start of the Hurricane Season in Florida.
The Central Weather Bureau announced this afternoon that it'll probably be a busy Season, with 15-17 tropical storms/hurricanes being predicted for this year. Last year 20+ hurricanes were predicted, with eventually only one tropical storm limping past the East Coast. However, in retrospect, 2005 was expected to be relatively quiet and we hosted Katrina and Wilma.

We're gonna be buying our hurricane supplies early...

Birthday Announcement...

OK, it's my birthday today - 21 May 2007.
I have just passed the age where they say men stop growing and stop recovering as fast from hard excercise like walking to your car or playing chess. Or as friend Gideon says,"When a pretty girl smiles at you, you wonder if your fly is open!" Apparently that age is 33.

Sarah held a nice birthday party for me on Saturday evening, which was great. I BBQ'ed for the first time at our current home, made possible by the new grill Sarah got me. Apart from an unfortunate incident in which flames engulfed one of her Chinese lanterns hanging high up on the ceiling of our balcony, I was King of the Grill.

Super-South-African S14 Final Aftermath

Dis die BLOND
dis die BLOU
dis die BUL
met die BAL
dis die Shark wat hom disnis VAL
dis al......

The past few days I've repeatedly received the following e-mailed picture and poem from friends, aka Blue Bull supporters. I thought I should post it, just for the sake of the occassion.

Please note that this Blog does not endorse or support all posted items (or teams!) neccessarily.

Billboard in Orlando

I came across this pic of a billboard that I took on our last trip to Orlando with the whole Bouwer clan. Still think it's pretty funny.

O Maggies, dis Marius!

Middagete geniet ek toe gistermiddag op die Miami Internasionale Lughawe, die een met die vrot reputasie na die een bestuurs-debakel na die ander die afgelope aantal maande.

Middagete saam met vrint Marius Acker van Grand Cayman se kontrei. Surfer-vrint Marius. Huismaat Marius van Taichung-dae. Durbanville-boorling soos ek. Lekker gesels en heerlik om iemand uit die "ou dae" raak te loop.

Andre en Louis - julle moet kom kuier. Daar's genoeg van ons hier om 'n trippie te regverdig.

Cultural Diversity

I can mention many negatives about Miami, but one thing that I do appreciate here is the cultural diversity. I know I will miss this wherever in the world we are lead to go from here.
I was at a dinner the other night where we had a German, a native from Minnesota, two Venezuelans, me, the South African, a Brazilian, a Cuban and a Canadian at our table. (Canadians are like Americans, without the guns and WITH the canabis!) ;-)

In my English tutoring class, there's a ladies from Peru, Bolivia, Ecuador and Puerto Rico. Furthermore, the lady from Bolivia is a Quechua Indian - a tribe related to, and part of the great Inca race before the Spanish "invasion".
(Upon entering the New World, the Spanish started introducing their culture to the natives of South America until nearly everybody was dead!)

My MBA group consist of me, two Puerto Ricans, a Columbian, a Cuban, a Venezuelan, a Costa Rican, and more. All of us were born outside of our adopted homeland, the culture of Miami being prevalent. However, I enjoy asking each of them on occassion to tell me about their hometown, and see their faces lit up as they explain. The different cultures guarantees that class discussions are never boring, since no one case study or management problem will play out exactly the same in any given culture, regardless of the organizational architecture and hierarchy.

It's mucho fantastico to be experiencing globalization as such. I've started my Spanish again.

S14-Plesier!

Saterdag die twee S14-semi's by die Ninneman's van F. Lauderdale gekyk - "Happy birthday bro". Ons was uiteindelik 'n aansienlike groepie Suid-Afrikaners bymekaar, wat immers vreeslik lekker was.

As I explained to Sarah, on a relative scale there really ain't that many of us around. No matter where you are, some of the first questions a fellow S.African would ask is; "Where're you from?" and "Do you perchance know....?" And I've not met a fellow - be it Taichung, Taipei, Hong Kong, Bali, Phi-Phi, Krabi, Miami etc. - where we could Not establish a mutual acquaintance within a few minutes.

Thus on Saturday I could prove my theory to Sarah, who just shook her head in amazement. Turns out (Saturday) another invitee and me both grew up in Durbanville, where his brothers went to school with me! Small SA world.

Pic:The viewing of the semi-finals was done in luxury. The ladies had the house. Las Olas, Fort Lauderdale.

Sssmokin'!

A thick blanket of smoke has been covering Miami for the past week as the fog from huge forest fires in Georgia is blowing down to South-Florida (Started by two schoolboys, imagine that.). Hundreds of homes in North-Florida has also been evacuated as a precautionary measure, should authorities not be able to control the fires.

Due to the draught we are experiencing in S-Florida, it has been reported on Tuesday that more than 200 fires were currently burning in the State! Sections of the Turnpike has been closed because thick smoke from brush fires have been blowing accross the roads, decreasing visibility dramatically. Pure fun when you're stuck in evening traffic making your way home.

Lake Okechobee, tha main municipal water source, is at a record low (Less than 20%) and tight water restrictions are in place in S-Florida. Driving on the I-95 it seems unimaginable with all the small lakes around, but water is scare and people are praying for rain... (Miskien nie in Miami nie, maar wel elders.)

(Ek voel oor Miami soos Jonah van ouds oor Ninneve' gevoel het!)

In the Eye of the Storm

So there we were watching grand finale of The Amazing Race and an announcer suddenly pops up, warning that a tornado is heading straight for our area. He gave 25-minute interval target areas in the estimated path of the storm. It was heading straight over us! Arrival time - within 30 minutes.

Ja, it brings your comfort to an abrupt end. You can't take off by car, because it's already too close. It was absolutely howling outside.

So I braved it outside and tried a few pictures towards the dark, restless night. Most of 'em came out like the posted pic - all lit up because of the lightning. This pic - not a good one - but I posted it to show the electricity in the air. I did not use a flash.

Within 25 minutes of the aired warning, it became dead calm - the eye was passing directly over us. A pretty neat experience and luckily there wasn't much damage in our area.

Lug-en-See Skou - Son, Sand en WEG

Die laatoggend-hitte maak die oorlogskip in die verte deinserig voorkom, die sweet tap my af, die irriterende rap-musiek blêr onophoudelik vanuit die geledere van die hoop strandgangers erens in die voorgrond. Ek is min gepla!

Die oue agter ons lê oopbek en snork in die hitte, ons ham-en-bloukaas toebroodjies is pap en my bier is warm, maar watwou! Ek is min gepla!

My geleende WEG lê onaangeraak en rein in die piekniekmandjie en 'n belowende dag lê braak en wag. Afrikaans, son, see en nogmaals Suid-Afrikaanse nostalgie op vandag se agenda, my China!
My aandag is verdeel tussen die blou lug, die stilte wat enige oomblik aan skerwe gebreek kan word deur die F-16's se tienduisend(!?)-silinder straler-enjins, en my geleende Afrikaanse tydskrif. Ek wil niks mis nie...

(En Afrikaans rock!)
Kiekie: Me on F. Lauderdale Beach, with the aircraft carrier USS Kearsarge (LHD3) on the horizon.

Those Magnificent Men in Their Flying Machines

The McDonald's Air and Sea Show happened on Sunday from 9:00a.m. to 5:00p.m. along 4 miles of Fort Lauderdale Beach, between the famous Las Olas Blvd and Oakland Park Blvd. The military air and sea performances by the world's most powerful military force was simply breathtaking.
Amphibious Assault ships, Cobra helicopters, Hornet fighter jets, USAF Thunderbirds, air acrobatics, pararescue demonstrations, F-16's, B-2-Stealth Bombers, Warthogs, Lancer Bombers and F-15's were all part of a spectacular day's display. Glad we went.

Thus the USA Air Force and Navy paid homage to its servicemen and women - and to us taxpayers who finance their magnificent flying machines!

Die B2-Stealth Bomber was my hoogtepunt:
Dis net toe ek 'n teug wil neem uit my koeldrank-borrel wat die swart Spook onheilspellend laag - en geruisloos! - oor ons koppe swiep. Voor ek aan 'n gepaste uidrukking kon dink om my skok te omskryf, word die drukkende blou lug oopgeskeur deur 'n geweldadige klapklank wat dreunend, donderend, klaend die hemel inboor, verder en verder totdat nie een s'n spikkeltjie sigbaar is van die vlieënde oorlogsmasjien nie. Was my naam Abdul, en was en ek lid van Al Queda se woestyn-rolbalklub, was ek bokveld toe voor ek enigiets gehoor het.

Pics: The B2, F. Lauderdale Beach flowing over with beachgoers and a quartet of Thunderbirds flying past in formation.

Rugby Murder at Loftus

After the Shark's tantalizing win at Newlands (hoendervleis!) and the bulldozing, murderous performance by the Bulls on Saturday at Loftus, the New Zealand rugby media are showing little hope that either of their two sides will progress past the two semi-finals next weekend - both played in the Republic.
In fact, so much is the pessimism and shock after the 92-3 demolition of the Reds by the South African Bulls, that the Springboks are now vouched as "strong favorites" to win the William Web Ellis Trophy later this year in France!
Here's one example from the NZ Herald:
http://www.nzherald.co.nz/category/story.cfm?c_id=80&objectid=10438192

The Queen is Back in Town

Queen Elizabeth II is visiting the States for the first time in 16 years. It's a big deal in the States.
The Queen started her 6-day visit in Virginia, with a parade down Richmond, elegantly waving to the crowds of people eager to see the British monarch. Today she is in historic Jamestown, with her travelling companion, the Duke of Edinburgh. They will take part in the commemoration of the 400th anniversary of the founding of the town, the first permanent British settlement in North-America.

Her state visit will include a 2-day visit of Washington D.C., where she will meet with President Bush. The Queen certainly has star power and she's attracting huge adorning crowds. Ironic how history runs in cycles, like fashion - all the former British colonies fought to be rid of her governing power, but we do love her today.

(AP picture from BBC)

Bush Veto's

The big news here in the States, other than Angelina Jolie's new hairstyle, is President Bush vetoing yesterday the proposed Iraqi war-spending measure of Congress, led by the Democrats.
The Spending Bill was an effort to dry up funding to the Iraqi War effort, thus forcing Bush to start the withdrawing of troops, instead of the increase he strongly proposed.

A Few Good Men

Dis Vrydag die laaste rondte van vanjaar se S14 kompetisie. Dis op hierdie stadium wat dinge grootliks wyyyd interessant raak, veral met al die verskillende permutasies wat in spel kom.

Die Sharks kry Semi-finaal tuisveld-voordeel mits hulle wen met 'n bonuspunt en Mamelodi verloor die vorige dag, die Bulls ontvang 'n gratis Spur-brêkfis as hulle 5 driëe druk, dit Woensdag rëen en die Crusaders met minder as 7 punte teen die Chiefs verloor. Etc.

Iedergeval, ek gil Saterdag my longe uit vir die Sharks op Nuweland, met of sonder AJ en Bob. Take the weather mates!

Spotprent: From a Kiwi newspaper, depicting the unhappiness with this year's new scrumming laws.

Lakeside Walks at Dusk

Last night we had our usual walk around the lake after supper.
It's the most perfect time of day, this time of dusk, when the frogs starts calling and the birds start settling in. It's not as hot, there's usually a slight breeze, which is a blessing in Florida's hot, humid weather.

However, our potential romantic walk along the banks of the lake (next to our complex) turned into a photography competition. I must've said something innocent like, "Wow, I sure know how to take pictures better than you can!", or something non-provocative like that.
Sarah always ends up more artistic than her African, when it comes to taking pics. But surely I can't give in and admit to this.
You judge if her pic (left) is well-taken...

Islamorada, The Keys

Friday we had a staff retreat and did our best at it, spending the entire day at Islamorada, down in the Keys. Fluorescent crystal clear water, jetski's snorkeling, cayaking, bbq, white sandy beaches, sunshine - I need to stop working so hard.

The Keys is an archipelo of about 1700 islands (courtesy of Wikipedia) that stretches down from Florida's Southernmost tip in a gentle arch South-Southwest to West. It divides the Gulf of Mexico from the Atlantic Ocean. Key West, the South/Westernmost inhabited island, is only about 90 miles from Cuba. Key West is the most densely populated, with around 32% of the Florida Keys population. The diving and snorkeling around these islands, which are connected at one point by a 7-mile bridge (quite awesome) , are said to be some of the best in the world.

At Islamorada (Purple Island - population about 6800 - 2006) you can, among other things, swim with the dolphins, go on a chartered fishing, as the island is known for its great fishing. The laid-back attitute here is vastly different from big city Miami a little to the North. It's like "de-cellerating" your motorcycle from 120 to 30 miles/hour. It takes some getting used to.


I had a ball - any day outside in the sun is better thaninside an office. Marco's Theory: Happiness does not come from being in an office, wearing shoes and breathing in air conditioned, circulated air on a daily, routinely basis!

Give Respect, Get Respect

The United Kingdom government has recently introduced a new plan - their Respect Agenda. This cross-governmental drive was established to curb "bad", yes anti-social behavior and nurture the good in society. This includes using bad language, littering, bad parenting, youth intervention and tackling family problems.
Check it out: www.respect.gov.uk

The Plan is based on prevention, with the emphasis on taking action and to this end the Police are encouraged to use force and "any other tools available". It includes having parents take responsibility for their children's behavior in school - this part sounds wickedly awesome to me, at least in theory!
"Problem Families" reported(!) by neighbors could be temporarily evicted from their neighborhoods and send to special camps where they will be "taught" social behavior. Wasn't this similar to what happened in Socialist and Communist societies in the past?

Sounds good and decent on paper, but is this Big Brother's legitimate terrain of governance? I guess it's debatable.

WCCricket - Semi-Final

I enjoy so many other sports, apart from - and opposed to - cricket.
There's a big Marlins game on May 4th. Maybe I'll enjoy baseball...

Auz vs SA.
SA lose by 7 wickets.

World Cup Cricket Semi-Finals

This afternoon, in the bumper-to-bumper rush hour traffic home, I listened to Rap music. It was coming from the car a mile and a half behind me, in the middle lane...

Our Masquerade and Carnival Gala

Under construction...

Album up soon.

Final Gala Preparations

The University's annual fundraising event, the 2007 Masquerade and Carnival Gala, happened on Saturday night at the Ritz Carlton in Key Biscayne. Our Development Department are intimitately involved in the organizing of this glitzy event, and a fantastic experience to be a part of.

Through the Gala we raise funds for scholarships for talented, but financially disadvantaged students, of whom many are first generations immigrants to Miami and the US. The nearly 500 guests at the event are mostly the top CEO's and other leaders of the largest companies in Miami, community leaders, entertainers, politicians, lawyers, bankers, and those in the field of tertiary education.
The theme for the evening - the Masquerade an dCarnival Gala - is a mix between a Venetian Ball and a Brazilian Carnaval.

Friday we took the students and other volunteers involved in the reception and the Gala to the hotel for a final rehearsal of the program.
Pic: #1 The event planner Adriana rehearsing with some of the students.
Pic: #2 Part of the organizing committee celebrating with some bubbly that the Gala is in sight.

Commensement of Classes at Virginia Tech

After the senseless massacre of 32 students last week at Virginia Tech in Blacksburg, Virginia (http://www.vt.edu/), the campus is readying itself to start classes again come Monday. The shootin spree of gunman Seung-Hui Cho (23) is the deadliest in US history and the impact of the event has send shock waves accross the country.

Many other universities, including our own, has offered help. Around the clock news about Virginia Tech has been filling newsrooms and the airwaves this past week as America is trying to come to grips with this attrocity. There's many issues and more questions e.g. "Is any campus safe?" What if Al-Queda tries something similar? Why was the obviously sick Ho not detained in a mental institute? Should there be stricter gun control? Etc.

We've become quite calloused at hearing of deaths on the news. Seeing pics of the victims, they become real, instead of statistics -http://www.nytimes.com/ref/us/20070418_VICTIMS_GRAPHIC.html

(Pic: Thousands of students attend a candlelight vigil on the Virginia Tech campus, Tuesday, April 17th.)

Sondag-smiddae Kuiers

Lazy Sunday Afternoon: Visiting with the Ninneman's and friends in Fort Lauderdale at their house, the boss's yacht parked in the background.
Not being used to 80-foot luxury yachts, it was quite the thrill for me watching the best game of the S14 thus far (Sharks vs Blues), in it's living room/belly.

Into the Semi's SA!

Today's pseudo quarter-final showdown between SA and England tettered down to a toothless affair, SA (phew!) brutally dominating.

Following the game on www.cricinfo.com the yawning commentators on the bal-for-ball commentary started amusing themselves with some clever verbal wit - to make up for England's kindergarden display. There was quite a few gems! Here's some:

• " Who spends the most time on the crease of anyone in the English team? The person who ironed the cricket whites." Honk!


• I've heard that the English Cricket Board are making a help-line available for fans who are disappointed with the performance of the English team. The help-line number is 1800 10 10 10. That's 1800, won nothing, won nothing, won nothing."


• South Africa need a huge one run an over now. Where's your money?


• Flintoff snatches back his cap, puts it on his head, keeps his head bowed and he's grateful to have something to hide under.

Describing the incurving balls Andrew Hall was able to produce: Hall to Anderson, no run, that one shapes away from Anderson, lovely shape, Monroe-esque curvature there, and Anderson's naturally tempted.

Unfortunately, SA gets to play Auz in the semi's...

Savannah, Georgia

Ever seen the Kevin Spacey-movie Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil?

Easter Weekend's Southern Experience

Sarah took me on a roadtrip to Savannah, Georgia and Charleston, South-Carolina. A stunning area, with beauty way different from that which is in my frame of reference. The "South" is something different.

Our computer is finally running and I was able to download some of the pics we were able to bring home of this beautiful area.

Click on the link in the righthand column - "Marco and Sarah's Photo Albums" and then choose the album "Easter Weekend 07" for some pictures of Savannah and Charleston.

World Cup Cricket

Dis die lekkerste lekker om soggens met jou dagtake op kantoor te begin en heeldag die Live kriekettelling erens in 'n hoek van jou rekenaarskerm te hê.

Die Proteas se geploeter is weliswaar die tipe kyk/leesstof wat maak dat ek my toebroodjies byt en per abuis na my kollegas hap, maar dan is dit makliker om jouself te verdiep in werk - iets waarvan ek tot oor my ore toe van vol is. (Dis fantasties, ek kla g'n nie!)


Pic: (From cricinfo.com) Die Kiwi's het baljaar wyl SA weereens lyk of hulle ten spyte van 'n oorvloed talent nogmaals gaan vou by NOG 'n Wereldbeker. More (Dinsdag) dan D-Dag vs. Engeland.

Welcome in Georgia!

I never thought I'd say this, but I found a town that can compete with Stellenbosch. Historical grandeur galore, small town charm and absolute beautiful parks, gardens , old buildings and river views made this a wonderful experience. More than 800 of the town's historic buildings has been restored, making the town look just as it did 150 years ago.

Savannah, founded in 1733, was named by Frommer's as North-America's most beautiful town. It's splendid. Many movies, e.g. Forest Gump, was shot here, and I stood next to the bench where Forest told his life story, waiden for de bus, yes sir.

The free spirit resembles Key West and the sight of the big ol' live oaks, dripping Spanish moss, stately mansions, magnolia trees, marshes and horse-drawn carriages meant that my film cartridge was full before the end of our first day!

I've been in this country for about 2 years now, and still I often catch myself shaking my head at the sheer abundance of simple natural resources - space, water, forest, rain - this part of the world is blessed with.

Even the main road here - the I-95 - is in places swamped on both sides by forest, tall green towering on both sides, providing shade for the weary motorist. The road North from Jacksonville, crossing the St. Mary's River, past sleepy Brunswick, into Chatham County is stunning. I had a ball driving.

Sarah can drive for 9 hours straight. Start and get there!
I'm more of a "Let's stop everywhere, stretch, and enjoy the ride"- kinda driver. Can't sit still for more than two hours. Fun driving together, let me tell you... Oh boy!

Savannah is part of what Americans call the "Deep South". As you'll recall, the South lost the Civil War and this whole region, including Gerogia and S-Carolina, is drenched in history. Down here, no-one refers to any war, it's called the "Recent Unpleasantness".
The War did end the region's prosperity as one of the leading economic hotspots in the country, back then. Most of the little places we visit are "sleepy"-something. None really ever recovered and tourism is today the main source of income in the towns that were not burned by General Sherman in his march South - Similar to Lord Kitchener's "Scorched Earth"-tactics in the Second Boer War.

Sherman gave Savannah to President Lincoln as a Christmas present. Kan jy dit nou oorvertel!

A deep channel in the Savannah River connects the town to the ocean. We could nearly touch a massive freighter as it made its way to the terminals of the Georgia Ports Authority.

Pic: On the right above - The famous Paula Deen's (Food Network) restaurant - The Lady & Sons. An hour before the booking counter opens, this line of people are already piling up, waiting to taste the most well-known Southern cooking in the country.

Brief Moments with my Boet

'n Vinnige kuier saam met my broer Tian en vriende nadat hy in Miami geland het vanuit die Republiek. Hy vertrek weer Maandag na Tampa vir werk. VLnR - Grant, Tian, Dayna, Sarah and Megan.

Easter Weekend Roadtrip

Savannah, Georgia and Charleston, South-Carolina are absolutely beautiful places!!! Ditto S-Carolina's official motto - "Smiling faces, beautiful places". Truce Bob.

Our computer's hard drive was wiped and we've been playing the waiting game the past couple of weeks. Those data retrieval guys are slow. No computer or Internet at home though. Apologies all round for our lack of e-mail responses, and the late Blog postings.

Be back in a few days. I'll post pics of our trip in a day.
Thanks for visiting our Blog!

Formal Evening

Our University recently had their Faculty Appreciation Dinner at a stunning venue in West-Miami.

Here's me and Development Department colleague Andrea with our Vice-President and direct boss, Mrs. Teresa Albizu-Rodriguez. An incredible personality and born leader, she epitomizes every quality I believe a competent, dynamic leader should possess, and more. She makes things happen.
Second picture - me and the love of my life.


Third picture - some of the ESOL and Education Faculty.

Spring Break Roadtrip

We're leaving straight after work tonight on a roadtrip up the East Coast.
School is out and Sarah has the week off, while Good Friday is my break.
We're heading North, our final destination being the old historic town of Savannah, Georgia in the "Deep South". From there we're planning on doing a daytrip to Charleston, South-Carolina. I've always wanted to see these towns and Sarah is gonna play tourguide.

We're wrapping up preparations at the office for our fundraising Masquerade and Carnival Gala, an annual highlight on the Miami social calendar, but my thoughts are already on that open road.

Food for Thought!

Grappetje.