tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4670140643389420302024-03-14T07:49:06.038+02:00Pretoria South Africa Blog, Living in PretoriaLiving in Pretoria South Africa BlogMbini Kuttahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00865179595457201141noreply@blogger.comBlogger24125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-467014064338942030.post-4301620095678826942012-02-21T14:10:00.000+02:002012-02-21T14:10:16.046+02:00Scam Alert<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WMj0BW7BIOU/T0OJCkhJ4KI/AAAAAAAAAOk/d2MqIGH5--c/s1600/scam.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div>
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WMj0BW7BIOU/T0OJCkhJ4KI/AAAAAAAAAOk/d2MqIGH5--c/s1600/scam.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="181" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WMj0BW7BIOU/T0OJCkhJ4KI/AAAAAAAAAOk/d2MqIGH5--c/s200/scam.jpg" width="200" /></a>Am I the only victim of these ridiculous scam emails? Last week I won lottery from a foreign country, a week before I was a beneficiary of millions of dollars. And then, lots of dying people found it in their heart to leave their riches with me. I am lucky like that. And this scam is rather much more researched in that, there is no drama or spelling mistakes. Even SARS and SARB are written accurately. It gets even better, Dionisio Sarabia Cordro has sent this message to other victims in their languages and I'm sure got their Central Banks and tax collectors caccurately too.<br />
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<em><span style="background-color: #fff2cc;">Frst Name: Dionisio Sarabia Cordro</span></em></div>
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<em><span style="background-color: #fff2cc;">E-mail Address: </span></em><a href="mailto:djsarabia@gmail.com"><em><span style="background-color: #fff2cc; color: red;">djsarabia@gmail.com</span></em></a></div>
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<em><span style="background-color: #fff2cc;">Country: Venezuela</span></em></div>
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<em><span style="background-color: #fff2cc;">Request or Comment: I Owe Tax (less that USD 2500)to South Africa Revenue Service SARS, which have to be paid so the South Africa Reserve Bank SARB can release funds. Due my impossibility of tranfering from Venezuela. I want you to pay the SARS tax. And when the SARB bank releases funds. You will be 10% HIGHLY GRATIFY....I can give guaranty....!!</span></em></div>
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<em><span style="background-color: #fff2cc;">CALL DIONISIO SARABIA CORDERO 58414 411 1942
56241 635 4173....!!WE have only ONWE WEEK TO DO ALL THIS....!!</span></em></div>
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You may think no one buys into these scams anymore. But after what happened a few weeks ago when a woman from the Northern Cape ran high bills because of these scammy messages. I'll make an assumption that this is a sane woman and the stores that allowed her credit based on the scam are also sane. I since stopped thinking they are too obvious. Who is going to ask a complete stranger to pay their SARS accounts? Stay alert!Mbini Kuttahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00865179595457201141noreply@blogger.com19tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-467014064338942030.post-81139036480128668902011-10-21T09:13:00.000+02:002011-10-21T09:13:03.699+02:00Of Rising Electricity Bills<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KcejKtDKH9E/TqEa-MnQCPI/AAAAAAAAAOc/iMr7YgWvbAY/s1600/closet.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KcejKtDKH9E/TqEa-MnQCPI/AAAAAAAAAOc/iMr7YgWvbAY/s1600/closet.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pretoria South Africa</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Are we all running out of solutions to bring the cost of electricity down. The more I try, the higher my bill goes. I, like most of my friends have tried all we could. Its true, our electricity has always been the lowest tariffed in the whole world. We could be a bit spoilt or the change was just too uprupt. <br />
<br />In my work visits to Switzerland "those days", a bunch of us were having a casual chat and one guy from a certain Island couldnt believe that I cooked with electricity. I, on the other hand was surprised he and the rest of the group were making a bit deal of that. Electricity was as cheap as bread, almost. My bill was about R300, I lived with 4 or 5 other family members at a time and we cooked everyday. Thats only a couple of years ago. And now I manage to pay close to ten times that and with reduced number of household members and conscious efforts to keep my bill low. <br />
<br />
My friends living in Pretoria and Joburg observed the same. One friend switched from electric stove to the gas one and that resulted in an impressive doubled electric bill. I use no tumble dryer, I have no heating and cooling system, my life has been simplified but City of Tshwane hasnt noticed. One friend has switched from the billed electric system to the p<span class="commentBody" data-jsid="text"><span class="commentBody" data-jsid="text"><span class="commentBody" data-jsid="text"><span class="commentBody" data-jsid="text">re-paid and that seems to be the best. Switching is not always easy though. Especially for those who live in sectional title units like flats and townhouses. </span></span></span></span><br />
<br />
What saddens me the most though is this affecting South Africa's attractiveness to Foreign Investors. Low electricity rates have always been our strength and advantage. <br />
On a micro level, I only want to pay ONLY for the amount of electricity I use. Is that too much to ask?<br />
What's your own story of rising electricity bills?Mbini Kuttahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00865179595457201141noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-467014064338942030.post-76894639264025538762011-08-09T14:11:00.001+02:002011-08-11T18:42:54.625+02:00Public vs Private School in Pretoria South Africa<div style="text-align: left;">A hot debate in the website at the moment is on whether one should choose a public vs private school in Pretoria for their children's education. I am actually thinking of what is good for my son. I have gone through this debate over and over again within me. I thought engaging other parents will help me think clearer. It did and did not at the same time. I am as confused as I was before. The only comfort is in knowing that I am not the only parent in this dilemma.</div><div style="text-align: left;"></div><div style="text-align: left;">It seems to me that, parents in South Africa are begining to prefer private school education for their kids but most can't really afford it. My estimation for 2011, for average private school fees is R5000 per month. Well, some private schools will be more expensive, and others may be less. There goes my dream of having two more kids.</div><div style="text-align: left;"></div><div style="text-align: left;">Some people seem to have achieved great results with public schooling. This will depend on what you view as positive results. Others claim that they wouldn't have made it without a private school and that extra fee is a welcomed sacrifice. I have to start applying now for 2013 and I still don't really know </div>which of the two suits my son's needs.<br />
See the rest of the debate <a href="http://www.pretoria-south-africa.com/public-or-private-school-for-my-child-in-primary-school.html"><b>here...</b></a><br />
And if you are also searching for schools in Pretoria South Africa, <a href="http://www.pretoria-south-africa.com/schools-in-pretoria.html"><b>visit this page...</b></a><br />
If you manage, learn or teach in or have a school in Pretoria <a href="http://www.pretoria-south-africa.com/pretoria-school-listing.html"><b>list it for free here...</b></a>Mbini Kuttahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00865179595457201141noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-467014064338942030.post-55134100096960662882011-07-04T23:20:00.001+02:002011-08-28T16:09:18.090+02:00Rietvlei Dam and Nature ReserveWe often wander and wander, and drive slowly nowhere as a family. On one such activity, we decided to wander in Pretoria East. And, without even thinking, we were at the gate of Rietvlei Dam and Nature Reserve. I fell in love with it, just by looking at the "gate man". Such a friendly soul.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-04nbRqAi7KI/ThIqXid-OZI/AAAAAAAAAOE/YWVR_o1vc3o/s1600/dam3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" i$="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-04nbRqAi7KI/ThIqXid-OZI/AAAAAAAAAOE/YWVR_o1vc3o/s320/dam3.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rietvlei Dam and Nature Reserve</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div style="border: currentColor;">Breathtaking, I know. Its just the best campsite in Pretoria ever. And the chalets are as comfortable as a hotel--- a bit exagerated, but hey, you get the point.</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_vbbgYUIpfs/ThIrzVgPDkI/AAAAAAAAAOI/FHXbyrMIYbA/s1600/dam5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="204" i$="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_vbbgYUIpfs/ThIrzVgPDkI/AAAAAAAAAOI/FHXbyrMIYbA/s320/dam5.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rietvlei Dam Accommodation</td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qHcO6OYfgrA/ThIsTwa56iI/AAAAAAAAAOM/p8vaToM8Mh8/s1600/dam4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" i$="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qHcO6OYfgrA/ThIsTwa56iI/AAAAAAAAAOM/p8vaToM8Mh8/s320/dam4.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rietvlei Birding</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div style="border: currentColor;">These are the dam's residents. They float close to guests, in a great spot for picnicing. lots of families hang around for braais/ barbeques. Its a great way to spend a Sunday afternoon. It gave quite an impresion.</div><div style="border: currentColor;"><br />
</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-aZ14hwqG-4U/ThItQJpugXI/AAAAAAAAAOQ/bVtG-vaVTY4/s1600/dam6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" i$="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-aZ14hwqG-4U/ThItQJpugXI/AAAAAAAAAOQ/bVtG-vaVTY4/s320/dam6.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dam Rates</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div style="border: currentColor;">You do pay to get inside and even camp in the dam. So if you are going for the day, you may as well go in very early in the morning. Another must go visit Pretoria attraction. The Game Reserve is enclosed just next to the dam.</div><div style="border: currentColor;">***note to self---I really need to structure my blog and blog times.***</div><div style="border: currentColor;">Mbini</div><div class="separator" style="border: currentColor; clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>Mbini Kuttahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00865179595457201141noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-467014064338942030.post-22938434024542503592011-07-02T20:45:00.003+02:002011-08-28T16:09:51.796+02:00Hello Pretoria, South AfricaHello Pretoria, South Africa and those who love us, and maybe not. I had to come to announce my big come back. And NO NO NO, I was not on vacation. The website work was hectic. It happens when you edit a website, manage its content and respond to hundreds of enquiries every month. But I wouldn't change that for anything. I missed blogging here though.<br />
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Let me search for the photo that can make this blog post attractive. I love Pretoria photos anyway.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-y19WeN2-sFU/Tg9jILukj7I/AAAAAAAAAN8/JkSRON675gU/s1600/church-boysschool.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-y19WeN2-sFU/Tg9jILukj7I/AAAAAAAAAN8/JkSRON675gU/s320/church-boysschool.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Church Building in Pretoria, Lynnwood Road</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<span data-jsid="text">The church that borders the Afrikaans Hoër Meisieskool and Affies (Afrikaans Hoër Seunskool).Popularly known as Ooskerk.</span><span data-jsid="text"> Its in Lynwood road, close to</span><span id="taw" style="margin-right: 0pt;"><span class="ac"> Loftus Versfeld Stadium. And because we loved it so, lets also show you that koppie...</span></span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Qexrcpc2PCA/Tg9lt7Bp1bI/AAAAAAAAAOA/DcM2o-TVKL8/s1600/church-boysschool2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Qexrcpc2PCA/Tg9lt7Bp1bI/AAAAAAAAAOA/DcM2o-TVKL8/s320/church-boysschool2.JPG" width="265" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pretoria, South Africa</td></tr>
</tbody></table><span id="taw" style="margin-right: 0pt;"><span class="ac"> Where were we.... oh, ja, I feel like I rose from a full year sleep and I missed on the world cup. I really need an assistant or three. Our facebook page is really doing great. We share photos of our city, and we love the old buildings and their background stories. Good to be back.</span></span><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.blogger.com/goog_1768444787"><span id="taw" style="margin-right: 0pt;"><span class="ac"> Mbini Kutta-Mathye</span></span></a><br />
<span id="taw" style="margin-right: 0pt;"><span class="ac"><a href="http://www.pretoria-south-africa.com/">In Love with Pretoria </a></span></span>Mbini Kuttahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00865179595457201141noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-467014064338942030.post-32663377946201833942010-05-21T11:42:00.002+02:002011-08-28T16:10:25.862+02:00Garsfontein Post Office<link href="file:///C:%5CUsers%5Cmbini%5CAppData%5CLocal%5CTemp%5Cmsohtmlclip1%5C01%5Cclip_filelist.xml" rel="File-List"></link><link href="file:///C:%5CUsers%5Cmbini%5CAppData%5CLocal%5CTemp%5Cmsohtmlclip1%5C01%5Cclip_themedata.thmx" rel="themeData"></link><link href="file:///C:%5CUsers%5Cmbini%5CAppData%5CLocal%5CTemp%5Cmsohtmlclip1%5C01%5Cclip_colorschememapping.xml" rel="colorSchemeMapping"></link><style>
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<div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="FR"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal">Garsfontein Post Office is situated around the corner from the Garsfontein Police Station. I always liked this post office until South African security obsession crept in. Dont get me wrong, I love security and any measure that makes me feel safe is always welcome.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_7X4kIP-n1ZQ/S_ZT2GWAKZI/AAAAAAAAAMg/te2VFhg2n5I/s1600/garsfontein.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_7X4kIP-n1ZQ/S_ZT2GWAKZI/AAAAAAAAAMg/te2VFhg2n5I/s320/garsfontein.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">In the case of Gars post office’s erected palisade fencing though, I feel more unsafe than before. The first time I spotted the fencing, I thought, “Wow! They matched the blue so well”. Instead of that beautiful sigh of relief followed by "they thought of everything". No they didn't. Got out of my car and looked for entrance. I saw a tiny gate open. Apparently there are two gates but when I get there on Saturdays or Sundays, I see one gate open. This gate is actually tiny with a capital "T". </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_7X4kIP-n1ZQ/S_ZUlMeqr8I/AAAAAAAAAMw/3ggmMEzef0Y/s1600/garsfontein2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="172" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_7X4kIP-n1ZQ/S_ZUlMeqr8I/AAAAAAAAAMw/3ggmMEzef0Y/s320/garsfontein2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">As I step inside the box, I immediately feel intensely unsafe. Bear in mind, the post box area has hidden corners and you are enclosed in this area with only one tiny escape gate. What were they thinking? Do we need to have our post boxes secured? The main building with the counters is not enclosed but our post boxes and re-posting booths are secured. I don’t get the point to this security measure. This happens to be the most popular spot for art vendors. I hope someone will respond with a comment that makes me understand the logic behind all these bars.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_7X4kIP-n1ZQ/S_ZUtl3XzkI/AAAAAAAAANA/sGMA-cU4fCE/s1600/garsfontein3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_7X4kIP-n1ZQ/S_ZUtl3XzkI/AAAAAAAAANA/sGMA-cU4fCE/s320/garsfontein3.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">As I was thinking about this very important security measure that we need because we live in South Africa, I read this article yesterday:</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: #fff2cc;"><i>“Four armed men fled with an undisclosed amount of money after robbing a Garsfontein Post Office on Wednesday, Gauteng police said.<br />
<br />
Spokeswoman Eveline Hardaker said the four arrived at the post office at 2pm and waited in the queue, posing as customers.</i> <i><br />
<br />
"When they got to the counter, one ordered everybody to sleep flat on the floor. The [other] three jumped over the counter, robbed cashiers of all their money and the money that was in the safe."</i> <i><br />
<br />
They fled the scene after the robbery, she said.</i> <i> Hardaker said only three were armed with firearms. – Sapa</i></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%;">No prize for guessing the reason I feel even safer at the moment.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%;">Nice weekend</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%;">__________________</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%;">Mbini Kutta-Mathye</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">www.pretoria-south-africa.com</span></span>Mbini Kuttahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00865179595457201141noreply@blogger.com37tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-467014064338942030.post-84679811230423132772010-04-07T23:33:00.001+02:002011-08-28T16:11:50.196+02:00Inhambane, MozambiqueBe WARNED. This will be the longest post in the history of this blog. The story of my family’s life and holidays goes like this:<br />
<br />
Our holidays are impromptu to start with. Totally spontaneous and never planned to the t. No accommodation, especially when we go to the unpopular destinations. Our destination last weekend was Mozambique, Inhambane. We heard of the great beaches and tourist destinations in Inhambane and Tofo beach in particular. And finally we managed to make our way there with a bag and a camera an excited daughter with being in the car and a nagging son who keeps asking how far the destination is.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_7X4kIP-n1ZQ/S7zM0Bmu-XI/AAAAAAAAAKY/Cg5d_KKOI_g/s1600/0inhambane01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_7X4kIP-n1ZQ/S7zM0Bmu-XI/AAAAAAAAAKY/Cg5d_KKOI_g/s320/0inhambane01.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">Restaurant in Maputo, Mozambique</div><br />
Driving from Maputo after 12 noon, we pass Mr V’s favourite destination in Mozambique, Marracuene. Besides the fact that Ponta da Macaneta beach is great, I think he loves the fact that it’s very close to Maputo, making it very close to South Africa. Ok back to the Inhambane holiday. We now approach my favourite province in Mozambique, Gaza. I love the beaches in Bilene and especially in Xai-Xai.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_7X4kIP-n1ZQ/S7zN5nA1lmI/AAAAAAAAAKg/_3GortM5fQk/s1600/0inhambane02.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_7X4kIP-n1ZQ/S7zN5nA1lmI/AAAAAAAAAKg/_3GortM5fQk/s320/0inhambane02.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Macaneta beach, Marracuene, Mozambique</div><br />
We drove through Gaza province and loads of potholes and road works later we found ourselves in Manjacaze town. We had to make a deal with ourselves and the two little people who have gone through a few cartoon movies already by now as it was already getting late. When the sun sets, we are sleeping in the nearest hotel. It doesn’t matter what town we find ourselves in. And indeed the sun set at 6pm and we were in Quissico, the first town in Inhambane province. What a bad deal we made. I would never be desperate enough to sleep in Quissico’s local hotel, nor in the following town of Inharrime.<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">Potholes we passed in Gaza. Get a 4x4 please. </div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">At this point, we decided to pass through to Inhambane and we were starting to panic as it was getting darker and darker. We’ve never set our feet here but the roads in this province are much better than the patch we have passed. We drove on and reached Inhambane after 8:30pm. You can smell the jolly African vibe in this country. Everyone is in the streets, street vendors still operating. But the first guest house we drive to is sleepy.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_7X4kIP-n1ZQ/S7zQlbKO0rI/AAAAAAAAAKw/NOI18EbyIiM/s1600/0inhambane+04.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_7X4kIP-n1ZQ/S7zQlbKO0rI/AAAAAAAAAKw/NOI18EbyIiM/s320/0inhambane+04.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Bridge across Limpopo River in Gaza Province</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div>After approaching a few helpful locals, we were given the direction to the beach. There has to be nice hotels by the beach right? Our strategy is to only approach the hotels with professionally looking adverts. If they have marketing budget, they have to be comfortable. The only hotel advert we saw was fully booked. And that was about the only call we could make. We forgot about the telecommunication challenges, DARN. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_7X4kIP-n1ZQ/S7zSJmuEl2I/AAAAAAAAAK4/Bekn8e9Qv2s/s1600/palmgrove1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_7X4kIP-n1ZQ/S7zSJmuEl2I/AAAAAAAAAK4/Bekn8e9Qv2s/s320/palmgrove1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Our Cottage in Palm Grove Lodge, Barra Beach</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>At this point we are left with one option, driving through to the beach, following the boards advertising one resort. And before we knew it, after driving over unexpected humps and flying with the car such that my son thought we are crash landing in a space ship, we were about to pass the Palm Grove Lodge. So we left the path to the resort and got into the lodge. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_7X4kIP-n1ZQ/S7zS1oVhJsI/AAAAAAAAALA/fec9JfjA1ZI/s1600/palmgrove2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_7X4kIP-n1ZQ/S7zS1oVhJsI/AAAAAAAAALA/fec9JfjA1ZI/s400/palmgrove2.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Please remember Mosquito repellents.</div><br />
Mozambican style reed built cottages meant for groups of people look nice and traditional but Mr V is not impressed. The owners are very friendly and they happily changed the first cottage we were not happy with, hung a mosquito net over my daughter’s mattress and brought us the yummy supper we ordered from the restaurant. We had the dinner in the patio listening to the roaring Barra beach. A beautiful sound that took us through the night. Pity we had a few mosquitoes locked inside our mosquito net. Bad mistake. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_7X4kIP-n1ZQ/S7zTfL4vPYI/AAAAAAAAALI/SqbUAapVDPQ/s1600/palmgrove3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_7X4kIP-n1ZQ/S7zTfL4vPYI/AAAAAAAAALI/SqbUAapVDPQ/s320/palmgrove3.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Restaurant in Palm Grove Lodge, Barra Beach</div><br />
We woke up and headed straight to where the sound was coming from. A few steps from the cottage is the restaurant at the foot of Praia da Barra or Barra Beach in simple English. My goodness, this is what I saw outside the window:<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_7X4kIP-n1ZQ/S7zTscsDwFI/AAAAAAAAALQ/2BUII05r40I/s1600/palmgrove4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="165" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_7X4kIP-n1ZQ/S7zTscsDwFI/AAAAAAAAALQ/2BUII05r40I/s320/palmgrove4.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Boring food boys ordered in Palm Grove.</div><br />
As we were busy ordering, a group of Joburg tourists passed by the window in such style:<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_7X4kIP-n1ZQ/S7zVMAuV1eI/AAAAAAAAALY/t-aqFwfi4A8/s1600/palmgrove5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="201" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_7X4kIP-n1ZQ/S7zVMAuV1eI/AAAAAAAAALY/t-aqFwfi4A8/s320/palmgrove5.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Horse Riding in Barra Beach, Inhambane Mozambique</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div>We couldn’t order fast enough to go for a quick swim with my son. Ultimately we were in the water waiting for our meal and Mr V, his daughter and his book could see us through the window. And before long he called us ac coffee was ready. I’ve never wished for a slow restaurant service like that. Well we got in, had breakfast fast enough to get back to the water.<br />
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We dark browned our bodies in the sun, jumped in the trampoline. Took shots of the cottages with views to die for:<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_7X4kIP-n1ZQ/S7zmR1JXWwI/AAAAAAAAALg/hf4jgbY_iEc/s1600/palmgrove7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_7X4kIP-n1ZQ/S7zmR1JXWwI/AAAAAAAAALg/hf4jgbY_iEc/s320/palmgrove7.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Barra Beach, Inhambane Mozambique</div><br />
At this point I told Lukas, the owner that “I want to live like this forever”. And he told me they actually work all the time and forget that the place is so breath taking. Guess we never win.<br />
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Time to check out. We wouldn’t sleep there for another night. Knowing where we were going to sleep that early would spoil the fun. And so we checked out, and drove towards Praia do Tofo (Tofo Beach). Everyone we know who knows Tofo had only the best news to tell us. And now, finally we will be there. All we think about is getting a comfortable hotel. Our plans to go camping anytime soon, ANNULLED at this point.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_7X4kIP-n1ZQ/S7zodcpnG-I/AAAAAAAAALo/-dUslfotUMg/s1600/tofobeach1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_7X4kIP-n1ZQ/S7zodcpnG-I/AAAAAAAAALo/-dUslfotUMg/s320/tofobeach1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Tofo Beach, Inhambane Mozambique</div><br />
Remember the hotel that was fully booked last night? It had space today and I thought trying to call it wouldn’t kill. We got the room, first floor, facing the great beach, WOW. Click-Click goes my camera through the window. <br />
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Generous portions of prawns are a signature meal of Mozambique. Serves me well.<br />
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Off to Art and Craft shopping in the market. There goes my R2000+ on over-priced crafts in Mozambique standards. But really I didn’t have to buy staff taken from Maputo, meant for South African tourists, but I did. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_7X4kIP-n1ZQ/S7z2inFbxaI/AAAAAAAAAMI/YRTWrDynn18/s1600/tofobeach7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_7X4kIP-n1ZQ/S7z2inFbxaI/AAAAAAAAAMI/YRTWrDynn18/s320/tofobeach7.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Tofo Art and Craft Market</div><br />
By the way 5 in every 6 cars we saw in Inhambane was South African and most likely GP. Mr V had a great jog by the Tofo beach in the afternoon. In a while my son was crying that daddy was gone for too long. I think he has a phobia of losing his parents. It happens often. Watching all those shapes and sizes of people in swimming costumes made me feel much better about my own body insecurities. No more Dr90210.<br />
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We had an early night only to wake up to this:<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_7X4kIP-n1ZQ/S7z0AHxNNGI/AAAAAAAAAMA/XRdNGr2_ScM/s1600/tofobeach4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_7X4kIP-n1ZQ/S7z0AHxNNGI/AAAAAAAAAMA/XRdNGr2_ScM/s400/tofobeach4.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Sun Rising in Tofo Beach,InhambaneMozambique</div><br />
But no water to take a bath. We are driving back home. I am not obsessed with taking a bath/shower but I needed a good one because of the heat. Anyway, after a really sad breakfast we were on our way to Inhambane city and same route back. As you already know by now, I have to take at least one of these pictures per trip:<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_7X4kIP-n1ZQ/S7z38OcRj7I/AAAAAAAAAMQ/jmRpj0fiBGs/s1600/tofobeach5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_7X4kIP-n1ZQ/S7z38OcRj7I/AAAAAAAAAMQ/jmRpj0fiBGs/s320/tofobeach5.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
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And a bonus picture: <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_7X4kIP-n1ZQ/S7z5IIVVNjI/AAAAAAAAAMY/SyEPuid_c60/s1600/tofobeach6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_7X4kIP-n1ZQ/S7z5IIVVNjI/AAAAAAAAAMY/SyEPuid_c60/s320/tofobeach6.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
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My son loves horses and was convinced this is a pony. I also saw a donkey for the first time when I was an adult already. So that can be expected. Had a meal in the Motel in Xai-xai, and were set to drive straight to Maputo without stopping. Except for the mandatory stop to buy locally moulded clay pots in towns by the road. <br />
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I had to let down a friend who wanted us to pass by her resort in Marracuene. My kids were just too tired. Driving through 3 provinces twice in one weekend is more than strenuous. What did you do for the Easter weekend?<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%;"></span>Mbini Kuttahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00865179595457201141noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-467014064338942030.post-12371550310079675342010-03-29T07:59:00.002+02:002011-08-28T16:13:00.259+02:00Ben10 Themed BirthdayIt was not possible for me to have my son's birthday party on the 20th, a day after he turned 7. I decided to have it last Saturday the 27th. He demanded a Ben10 themed birthday party.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_7X4kIP-n1ZQ/S7A0hpiqA0I/AAAAAAAAAHI/W7LabCxXhIw/s1600/birthday7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="246" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_7X4kIP-n1ZQ/S7A0hpiqA0I/AAAAAAAAAHI/W7LabCxXhIw/s320/birthday7.jpg" width="320" /></a></div> He was involved in the whole planning and he definitely knew what he wanted. From the invitation to the jumping castle. And the cake was among the most important parts of the Ben10 branding. It has to be big and daddy ordered a perfect cake. I am very impressed.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_7X4kIP-n1ZQ/S7A1aedNHWI/AAAAAAAAAHQ/vYfvh83lGPA/s1600/birthday1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_7X4kIP-n1ZQ/S7A1aedNHWI/AAAAAAAAAHQ/vYfvh83lGPA/s320/birthday1.jpg" /></a></div>I wouldn't have done this without Poppy, my party organiser. I am never organising any function by myself again. Its been a less stressful occasion, even though at times I felt like the "mother of the bride".<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_7X4kIP-n1ZQ/S7A3FRAhUQI/AAAAAAAAAHY/nPHTfbsYLVs/s1600/birthday3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_7X4kIP-n1ZQ/S7A3FRAhUQI/AAAAAAAAAHY/nPHTfbsYLVs/s320/birthday3.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Party packs were off course done an evening before. The party was held at home. In the clubhouse. That was so convenient. I could walk in between my house and the clubhouse in 1 minute. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_7X4kIP-n1ZQ/S7A4PXE56aI/AAAAAAAAAHg/onGhSi3U9ug/s1600/birthday10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_7X4kIP-n1ZQ/S7A4PXE56aI/AAAAAAAAAHg/onGhSi3U9ug/s320/birthday10.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>The jumping castle was the most underutilised party accessory. Everyone was just like a fish, wanting to swim. It was used for less than 5 minutes whilst hired for the whole day.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_7X4kIP-n1ZQ/S7A4_cNDmgI/AAAAAAAAAHo/zYZnsmmjHg0/s1600/birthday17.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="229" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_7X4kIP-n1ZQ/S7A4_cNDmgI/AAAAAAAAAHo/zYZnsmmjHg0/s320/birthday17.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Aka was very happy on his day. He mentioned another party soon. That scared me as I was so relieved at the end of the day.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_7X4kIP-n1ZQ/S7A6NJWzd6I/AAAAAAAAAHw/k5TX_xoGzYg/s1600/birthday5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="253" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_7X4kIP-n1ZQ/S7A6NJWzd6I/AAAAAAAAAHw/k5TX_xoGzYg/s320/birthday5.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>His best friend, with whom he spends every afternoon gave him a huge gift. They are so inseperable and she did report to me that he was ignoring her in the party and I had to try help. But there were boys so he was not into girls. Great childhood friendships.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_7X4kIP-n1ZQ/S7A7KQsZAFI/AAAAAAAAAH4/6GlrwiAqcRQ/s1600/birthday8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_7X4kIP-n1ZQ/S7A7KQsZAFI/AAAAAAAAAH4/6GlrwiAqcRQ/s320/birthday8.jpg" /></a></div>That pool was efficiently used for a change. These kids never get tired of swimming, diving, sliding into water. And I was sitting comfortably, clicking for his 7th birthday album. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_7X4kIP-n1ZQ/S7A8AMiya-I/AAAAAAAAAIA/ubzmUltaI28/s1600/birthday15.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_7X4kIP-n1ZQ/S7A8AMiya-I/AAAAAAAAAIA/ubzmUltaI28/s320/birthday15.jpg" /></a></div>Best friends from school. They do look like nerds, incl Aka. Now I know why he is always into computers and libraries. These two boys were so happy to see Aka, just like I feel when I see girlfriends.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_7X4kIP-n1ZQ/S7A9Mnu7YLI/AAAAAAAAAII/YpV8wY_ydkU/s1600/birthday6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="288" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_7X4kIP-n1ZQ/S7A9Mnu7YLI/AAAAAAAAAII/YpV8wY_ydkU/s320/birthday6.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_7X4kIP-n1ZQ/S7A9kbWG11I/AAAAAAAAAIQ/YhfkcAlwECU/s1600/birthday11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_7X4kIP-n1ZQ/S7A9kbWG11I/AAAAAAAAAIQ/YhfkcAlwECU/s320/birthday11.jpg" width="284" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_7X4kIP-n1ZQ/S7A-FJ02MmI/AAAAAAAAAIY/-Hve7e3ssFs/s1600/birthday2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_7X4kIP-n1ZQ/S7A-FJ02MmI/AAAAAAAAAIY/-Hve7e3ssFs/s320/birthday2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
My designer friend Ilse provided all the graphics we used. Even the paper plates were branded by us from Ilse's designs. She is just the best in children designing. And the invitations were the best. Thanks my friend. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_7X4kIP-n1ZQ/S7A_-rhbyZI/AAAAAAAAAIo/_PURIXWMZDw/s1600/birthday14.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_7X4kIP-n1ZQ/S7A_-rhbyZI/AAAAAAAAAIo/_PURIXWMZDw/s320/birthday14.jpg" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_7X4kIP-n1ZQ/S7BAVKLOTTI/AAAAAAAAAIw/zN5R1ry0Nu0/s1600/birthday13.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_7X4kIP-n1ZQ/S7BAVKLOTTI/AAAAAAAAAIw/zN5R1ry0Nu0/s320/birthday13.jpg" /></a></div> Back home, it was the opening of gifts. OMG the mess they left. The friend had to go home after 8pm. And some adults were continuing with the party outside my house. Whiskey was apparently in the menu. I was comfortable in the house enjoying the look with every present opened. But I did not object to them sitting in the patio. <br />
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This was Aka's happiest day yet.Mbini Kuttahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00865179595457201141noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-467014064338942030.post-36465621053716338102010-03-24T22:16:00.001+02:002011-08-28T16:13:43.512+02:00Love of Pretoria South Africa<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_7X4kIP-n1ZQ/S6pqE1uEOeI/AAAAAAAAAGY/wufk-bzrsmY/s1600/pretoria1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_7X4kIP-n1ZQ/S6pqE1uEOeI/AAAAAAAAAGY/wufk-bzrsmY/s320/pretoria1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><b> </b></span><span style="color: #674ea7; font-size: x-small;"><b>Jackaranda trees lining the streets in October. Nothing beats them.</b></span> </span></div><span style="font-size: small;">A blog for the love of Pretoria South Africa. And off course for the Earth Hour 2010 fast approaching. Please support the Earth Hour by switching off your lights for ONLY 1 hour at 8:30 pm. Go to bed if you have to, I know that feels like you are a coward or something. OK stay up and wait for 9:30.</span><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: small; line-height: 115%;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_7X4kIP-n1ZQ/S6pr5JvPieI/AAAAAAAAAGg/ZmljVR71puQ/s1600/pretoria2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="182" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_7X4kIP-n1ZQ/S6pr5JvPieI/AAAAAAAAAGg/ZmljVR71puQ/s320/pretoria2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><b> </b></span><span style="color: #674ea7; font-size: x-small;"><b>A beautiful city. Rich in history. </b></span></span></div><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: small; line-height: 115%;">I hope the damage we are continuously doing to the environment will be reversible at some point. Let's just pray that another scientist will come up with some smokey particles we can blow to sort our ozone layer and renew it. I know, my imagination is not quite as scientific. Anyhow, do your bit, take care of the environment. Limit your consumption of just about everything. You will see the difference it will make to your pocket too.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_7X4kIP-n1ZQ/S6puDgjR8GI/AAAAAAAAAGo/Y4Fc8F_rpuA/s1600/pretoria3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_7X4kIP-n1ZQ/S6puDgjR8GI/AAAAAAAAAGo/Y4Fc8F_rpuA/s320/pretoria3.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><b> </b></span><span style="color: #674ea7; font-size: x-small;"><b>Being Geographically challenged, I appreciate good road signs that SA offers. </b></span></span></div><style>
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<div class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-size: small;">Back to the love of Pretoria South Africa.Just one other bit of another interruption. My pretty hectic week ended with my son's birthday last Friday. So it being a long weekend helped. Then the new week which I expected to be uneventful led to me listening to Gloria Gaynor's "I will survive" and being all emotional. I think I am getting too old and a bit hormonal. Maybe a little more than just a bit.</span></div><span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_7X4kIP-n1ZQ/S6pwY6YU9iI/AAAAAAAAAGw/e0qh2NumnZ8/s1600/pretoria4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_7X4kIP-n1ZQ/S6pwY6YU9iI/AAAAAAAAAGw/e0qh2NumnZ8/s320/pretoria4.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><b> </b></span><span style="color: #674ea7; font-size: x-small;"><b>Shopping prior and after recession. I love grocery shopping. </b></span></span></div><style>
</style>Mbini Kuttahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00865179595457201141noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-467014064338942030.post-10232168447109828912010-03-18T11:42:00.001+02:002011-08-28T16:14:24.251+02:00Easy DIY StuffAfter my crazy long distance driving I needed to take time to myself. I realise I don’t know how to just relax anymore. I have to read, write or craft. I can’t sleep during the day as my mind is constantly busy. I wanted to forget about a desperately dirty 2 bedroom duplex I should refurbish for rentals, unfurnished. And a 4 bedroom duplex to furnish and decorate. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_7X4kIP-n1ZQ/S6Hyw9WttyI/AAAAAAAAAFw/boxwgSCGaHc/s1600-h/basket.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_7X4kIP-n1ZQ/S6Hyw9WttyI/AAAAAAAAAFw/boxwgSCGaHc/s320/basket.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #cc0000;">My basket as it was bought in the market</span></div><br />
I went out to get me something I can paint on. A storage basket. Luckily Maputo, has crafts everywhere. I bought oil based paint suitable for wood from Atterbury builders warehouse. The problem is that, my basket was previously vanished in a clear colour. My dad would have removed that varnish first.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_7X4kIP-n1ZQ/S6HzMUarygI/AAAAAAAAAF4/ZvKbuJYQYIk/s1600-h/basket2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_7X4kIP-n1ZQ/S6HzMUarygI/AAAAAAAAAF4/ZvKbuJYQYIk/s320/basket2.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #cc0000;">Very spacious. Great storage option</span></div><span style="color: #cc0000;"></span></div>I did not buy a liquid paint remover and I had 2 hours to spare. I just started painting it in a redish colour. The colour is called “claret” and the paint is Plascon Super Universal Enamel. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_7X4kIP-n1ZQ/S6Hz1lmEf5I/AAAAAAAAAGA/NbJavEn3ZV4/s1600-h/basket-blog4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_7X4kIP-n1ZQ/S6Hz1lmEf5I/AAAAAAAAAGA/NbJavEn3ZV4/s320/basket-blog4.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #cc0000;">After the first coat of paint</span></div>Well I still have to line the inside of the basket with capulanas and use ropes in the handles. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_7X4kIP-n1ZQ/S6H0S3hAoYI/AAAAAAAAAGI/TtQj5OUKppM/s1600-h/basket-blog1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_7X4kIP-n1ZQ/S6H0S3hAoYI/AAAAAAAAAGI/TtQj5OUKppM/s320/basket-blog1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #cc0000;">It did turn out Great, even though its not finished</span></div>I have since ordered 3 more of these baskets to paint in different colours to store a number of things I have around my home. I’ll even have one under the server in the entrance hall. These are really great for storage. You can stash them under your stairs, in kids bedrooms, in toy rooms, really everywhere. They look great but only after painting.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_7X4kIP-n1ZQ/S6H0iefa52I/AAAAAAAAAGQ/YYpnxruecRw/s1600-h/basket-blog2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="253" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_7X4kIP-n1ZQ/S6H0iefa52I/AAAAAAAAAGQ/YYpnxruecRw/s320/basket-blog2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> <span style="color: #cc0000;">That's my 1958 Chevrolet model car, not my son's toy by the way. </span></div>Mbini Kuttahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00865179595457201141noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-467014064338942030.post-82797227568132275652010-03-17T15:04:00.002+02:002011-08-28T16:14:53.657+02:00Delmas Farm Life<style>
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</style><span style="color: black;">Hope I manage to load all my draft posts today. I had a week full of events but no time to post anything in this blog. Anyway, last Saturday we (me, friend, friend’s model daughter) decided to go to Delmas. This is after our trip to La Montagne, to a beautiful 3 level home. I will later add the photos of this sectional title home. Once again we were to meet friend’s mom and sister in Delmas this afternoon.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt;"><span style="color: black;">I wish I took photos of the pub where we had a wait. We had no idea it was a bar. It looked like a restaurant to us. We didn’t deliberately take a minor to the bar. Well she looked 18 in her high heels. It helps to be with classy teens.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt;"><span style="color: black;">It turns out Delmas is like living in a previous century. We had frowns and the tension in the house was so intense. We reckoned, they didn’t welcome being blessed by an African girl’s presence in their midst. It was so painful to see the owner struggling to give her glasses for us to use. The arrival of friend’s mom and sister was the end of the pub owner’s pain.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt;"><span style="color: black;">Off we went to see more interesting people and places. The first plot we visited was interesting. Wooden house and all. But the second one was really WOW. Tennis court, a pony and horse stables, lovely house in general. I haven’t received my photos from my friend yet. I just adore horses. The pony was very cute and in a rare black and white coat. I am one of those people who can live in a farm anytime.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt;"><span style="color: black;">After the farm visits and some slices of cake we drove to Boksburg to have dinner. And we still had to drive to Pretoria, which we did that same evening. I had a short nap in the car and so did my friend’s teen daughter. One thing was on my mind when we got home...SLEEP and lots of it.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt;"><span style="color: black;">A few minutes after getting to the bedroom, a scream followed by a heavy knock came. My friend rushed to the door to open. Being paranoid a bit, I thought she is not supposed to open in such a rush nogal. It turns out its a neighbour and her son. Hubby got somehow physically abusive to this boy who is a stepson of his, and when mommy tried to rescue her son, he started with her. I was very scared for this boy as apparently it is not the first time this happens. I just couldn’t sleep. It was police calls, comforting, cryings, throughout. After all that drama, I went to bed just after 2am.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt;"><span style="color: black;">What a day.<o:p></o:p> <o:p></o:p></span></div>Mbini Kuttahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00865179595457201141noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-467014064338942030.post-29466955989227535992010-03-16T17:23:00.000+02:002010-03-16T17:23:07.066+02:00Good Education<style>
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><span style="color: black;">The whole of last week was school for me. On the first day I had no idea we start at 7h30 in the morning. I don’t know who came with such a crazy idea in Pretoria’s crazy traffic. I tried leaving at 6h30, it didn’t work. I took more than an hour to travel Lynwood road.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><span style="color: black;">I got clever on the third day and used the N4 and yes I took 45 minutes. And it was official, I was excited for travelling that short distance in more than 30 minutes. I am happy I don’t do that every day.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_7X4kIP-n1ZQ/S5-hyUlSdDI/AAAAAAAAAFo/-6_VF1U8jCg/s1600-h/books.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_7X4kIP-n1ZQ/S5-hyUlSdDI/AAAAAAAAAFo/-6_VF1U8jCg/s400/books.jpg" width="398" /></a></div><span id="goog_1268742316972"></span><span id="goog_1268742316973"></span><br />
<div style="color: #990000; text-align: center;"><b>A fraction of the books I have to read this year. Aren't I lucky.</b></div><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><span style="color: black;">The course I am doing is just the best studying I ever done in my life. It’s better than Maths, or Interior decor. Ag it’s just plain good practical education. I managed to apply what I learnt in my professional life the very first day of our block week. I am so glad I started this.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><span style="color: black;">Everything went well except for my disturbed diet, extremely dirty car and too much adrenaline rush. I will forever lift my glass “to good education”. One thing happened every day, without fail, for the whole week – my son asked me “did you buy my </span>Bakugan game?<span style="color: black;">” and every time I said, I will buy it baby. But I still had no idea what that looked like and I still couldn’t even get the name right.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><span style="color: black;">Oh...I also ate too much sweets and junk food.<o:p></o:p> </span><span style="color: black;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>Mbini Kuttahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00865179595457201141noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-467014064338942030.post-50239370539305183662010-03-16T13:51:00.001+02:002010-03-17T09:01:27.004+02:00Sunday Family LunchesAfter all the drama had passed and my car was again in tip-top condition I arrived in Pretoria. I was at this point all for rest. I had plans to take regular walks within an estate but I think, maybe tomorrow afternoon. <br />
<br />
I am told that my friend’s mom has prepared Sunday lunch dinner for us in Brakpan. She is coming with it today for all of us to have some family time together. She will be coming with her other daughter who shares her space with her. Sunday meals are great but I’m a bit uncomfortable about the thought of an older girl going all out for us but I am determined to enjoy whatever that shows on the table.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_7X4kIP-n1ZQ/S59wRbDnbWI/AAAAAAAAAFg/6dfrg20a6po/s1600-h/lunch.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="288" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_7X4kIP-n1ZQ/S59wRbDnbWI/AAAAAAAAAFg/6dfrg20a6po/s400/lunch.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div style="color: #073763; text-align: center;"><b>Dinner is Served</b></div><br />
Clearly I was more exhausted than I thought, judging by the quality of my photo above. I actually tried to take 3 photos and I only found this lousy one. See my friend’s daughter who is a young model and dancer not clear in the photo. She is such a cute teenager.<br />
<br />
When I later had a chat with Mr V and my kids, Aka consistently asked "Mama please get me the "Bakugan game". I never got that name right, no matter how slow he uttered. I thought its some sort of a gun. I sure had to get that for him as his 7th birthday is fast approaching.Mbini Kuttahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00865179595457201141noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-467014064338942030.post-2162788534444532592010-03-14T17:58:00.000+02:002010-03-14T17:58:15.609+02:00I Love Men ActuallyI left Maputo for Pretoria last week Saturday. Naturally, I delayed until 11:10 am to take off. Mr V did that quick car service he always does before I leave home. Water...check; oil...check; tyres... with a worried look on his face... "I think this tyre is not bad but when you get to Pretoria, get it checked at a tyre place".<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_7X4kIP-n1ZQ/S5y2W_S741I/AAAAAAAAAEo/ybzFPWdn4Gk/s1600-h/maputo1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_7X4kIP-n1ZQ/S5y2W_S741I/AAAAAAAAAEo/ybzFPWdn4Gk/s400/maputo1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> <span style="color: #0b5394;">Maputo, Mozambique</span></div><style>
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<div class="MsoNormal">Arms folded from a distance, I give a smile and think, “you are an angel”. After assuring my son I will be back with the full page list of toys he demands, I took off to my first home, Pretoria. I hate driving but I’m looking forward to Mpumalanga’s fresh air and nice landscape.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_7X4kIP-n1ZQ/S5y3fp0Q5II/AAAAAAAAAEw/HNqohht97Z0/s1600-h/maputo2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_7X4kIP-n1ZQ/S5y3fp0Q5II/AAAAAAAAAEw/HNqohht97Z0/s400/maputo2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #0b5394;"> Apartments by the beach in Maputo</span></div><style>
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<div class="MsoNormal">Crossing the border is definitely the worst part of my travelling. No queuing both sides, I am so tired and sleepy and I’m still in Mozambique. I call Mr V (I always call at the border) and he “orders” me to stop by KFC just after the border to rest. A call again immediately we dropped; “no, rather stop at Sasol garage, it will be easier to join the road later, KFC is on the wrong side”. Will men ever stop thinking for us. Not complaining though as my mind is so lazy.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_7X4kIP-n1ZQ/S5zCOpisWvI/AAAAAAAAAFY/Szc3k1T3lFA/s1600-h/nelspruit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_7X4kIP-n1ZQ/S5zCOpisWvI/AAAAAAAAAFY/Szc3k1T3lFA/s400/nelspruit.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: #0b5394;"></span><span style="color: #0b5394;">Nelspruit Roads</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"> Everyone can change a tyre right? I try to smile at a few passing motorists; not working. I take out the spare wheel which leaves my hands totally filthy. That was the scariest part. Cautious of my white tracksuit, I decide to smile to motorists some more. Meanwhile, my tyre changing girlfriend and Mr V’s friend are on their way. Just as I thought I should just wait and keep busy with my calls, a car full of men pulls off. Its 5 men to be exact. I’ve never been so glad to see 5 men in my life. <span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">I just thought to myself... I've changed my mind, I need men in my life. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_7X4kIP-n1ZQ/S5y8lElFgPI/AAAAAAAAAFA/V1QBC2reKdc/s1600-h/redbull.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_7X4kIP-n1ZQ/S5y8lElFgPI/AAAAAAAAAFA/V1QBC2reKdc/s400/redbull.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #0b5394;"> Evidence that it was just red bull, nothing stronger or illegal</span></span></div><style>
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><span style="color: #888888; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">I always appreciate men’s ability to mow lawns, take out the trash, open tight jars, but never thought I need them beyond that, (except for Mr V). You know what? Men are an essential accessory from now onwards. Everyone was saying I must be careful of strangers. Its true but I was stuck near the darkest forest I ever saw and the insurance people would probably take longer than my friend who was 6+6 minutes away from me. At that moment all I wanted was help in any shape or form.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_7X4kIP-n1ZQ/S5zBTnewfYI/AAAAAAAAAFI/ZFZVg53qPcQ/s1600-h/pretoria.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="297" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_7X4kIP-n1ZQ/S5zBTnewfYI/AAAAAAAAAFI/ZFZVg53qPcQ/s400/pretoria.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #0b5394;">Pretoria South Africa </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Those guys were so excited, like all men would be when they meet a girl with no clue how to survive in the men's world. They proudly kept saying "driving is not for women". Me, not bothered. I don’t want to start a debate that will delay their important work of changing a tyre. I just smiled and thought I really need men in my life. 5 of them, to change my tyre. And 6 minutes later I was home, safe. Men, ROCK.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>Mbini Kuttahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00865179595457201141noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-467014064338942030.post-88282904727166772932010-03-07T21:59:00.002+02:002010-03-07T22:11:23.125+02:00Food No MoreIn an attempt to be super nice, Mr V(hubby) takes me to the restaurant on Friday evening. Well I was in Maputo due to drive to Pretoria the following morning. I just hate driving long distances alone. I usually pack about 20 CDs with great intentions and almost, always listen to one CD all the way to Pretoria and everywhere else I drive to thereafter.<br />
<br />
Below is the picture of Redezio Real Restaurant which hosted us for the evening.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_7X4kIP-n1ZQ/S5QA4hm1uXI/AAAAAAAAAEQ/v_QajYkzpWI/s1600-h/restaurant_picnik.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_7X4kIP-n1ZQ/S5QA4hm1uXI/AAAAAAAAAEQ/v_QajYkzpWI/s400/restaurant_picnik.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="color: #660000; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>Redezio Real Restaurant</i></span></div><div style="color: #660000; text-align: left;"></div><div style="color: #660000; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: black;">It was as empty as it looks because we were a little too early for dinner. I have no idea where this 7h30 dinner idea comes from. I can do a lot of things after 7:00 but eating is not one of them.</span></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_7X4kIP-n1ZQ/S5QDcSxCtDI/AAAAAAAAAEY/hPa2JSiLm1s/s1600-h/restaurant1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_7X4kIP-n1ZQ/S5QDcSxCtDI/AAAAAAAAAEY/hPa2JSiLm1s/s400/restaurant1.jpg" width="400" /></a> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #990000; font-size: x-small;"><i>I noticed that the restaurant is part of the Girassol Hotels</i></span> </div><div style="color: #660000; text-align: left;"></div><div style="color: #660000; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: black;"> Drinks for Mr V and espresso for me. A Portuguese local newspaper looks like it have great news but NADA, I haven't gone that far with my lessons. I tried though. </span></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_7X4kIP-n1ZQ/S5QEULex5nI/AAAAAAAAAEg/sN4Z0tOM8qs/s1600-h/restaurant2_picnik.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_7X4kIP-n1ZQ/S5QEULex5nI/AAAAAAAAAEg/sN4Z0tOM8qs/s400/restaurant2_picnik.jpg" width="400" /></a> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #990000; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>The decor colours are really great for your appetite </i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">You really eat until you you want food no more in this restaurant. I am no fan of the bottomless kinda servings. It was so many kinds of meat, beans, salads and rice. Then the drinks and desserts. A small word of advice, leave home very hungry. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_7X4kIP-n1ZQ/S5QAIAQo7xI/AAAAAAAAAEA/eRZd6haZEqc/s1600-h/mbini.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_7X4kIP-n1ZQ/S5QAIAQo7xI/AAAAAAAAAEA/eRZd6haZEqc/s400/mbini.jpg" width="400" /></a> </div><div style="text-align: left;">Mr V thinks I failed the test of eating in Redezio. But I received no tips prior to my visit. </div><div style="color: #660000; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: black;"> </span></span><i><br />
</i></span></div><div style="background-color: #660000; color: #f4cccc; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"></span></div><div style="background-color: #660000; color: #f4cccc; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"></span></div><div style="background-color: #660000; color: #f4cccc; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"></span></div><div style="background-color: #660000; color: #f4cccc; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><i></i></span></div>Mbini Kuttahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00865179595457201141noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-467014064338942030.post-11873553292130636792010-03-06T00:36:00.000+02:002010-03-06T00:36:33.766+02:00Kruger Park South Africa<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>Architecture is one of my passions. I draw house plans all the time. I think I am a real estate developer at heart. I was raised by a constructor daddy, and I find drawing beautiful houses is somewhat relaxing.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_7X4kIP-n1ZQ/S5GCM77n2uI/AAAAAAAAADg/cYrEPaVqUsI/s1600-h/entrance.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_7X4kIP-n1ZQ/S5GCM77n2uI/AAAAAAAAADg/cYrEPaVqUsI/s400/entrance.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="color: #783f04; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><i> Kruger Park, Limpopo Entrance</i></span></div>My other hobby has always been house viewing, dreamt of owning a home staging company, studied towards an interior décor diploma, to enhance my décor hobby, owned a décor small business, blah, blah, blah. So the home and garden industry is very close to my heart.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_7X4kIP-n1ZQ/S5GCOyxDWmI/AAAAAAAAADo/TkbYAnTjN9A/s1600-h/zebra.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="261" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_7X4kIP-n1ZQ/S5GCOyxDWmI/AAAAAAAAADo/TkbYAnTjN9A/s400/zebra.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> <span style="color: #990000; font-size: x-small;"><i> Kruger Park, Limpopo Entrance</i></span></div>Now when I visited Kruger Park, through the Limpopo gate in 2008, I was blown away by these rest rooms. So South African, I must say. They were not as impressive inside though. in terms of the hygiene levels. Or am I fussy? Could be. They used stone and mud throughout this area, close to the entrance.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_7X4kIP-n1ZQ/S5GEmBKcHzI/AAAAAAAAADw/obWHBHsZV7Q/s1600-h/kruger-bathrooms.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_7X4kIP-n1ZQ/S5GEmBKcHzI/AAAAAAAAADw/obWHBHsZV7Q/s400/kruger-bathrooms.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="color: #990000; text-align: center;"> <span style="font-size: x-small;"><i> Kruger Park, Bathrooms</i></span></div> The tuckshop looks similar. The material used is natural and has a cooling effect for the harsh summers in the area. Natural is always beautiful. Well, we saw lots of animals too but the Mpumalanga side of Kruger has a lot more animals to offer. But Limpopo is known for birding.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_7X4kIP-n1ZQ/S5GHMQb9NAI/AAAAAAAAAD4/6yh7jmu3Oag/s1600-h/running.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="231" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_7X4kIP-n1ZQ/S5GHMQb9NAI/AAAAAAAAAD4/6yh7jmu3Oag/s400/running.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #990000;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>And the medal goes to...</i></span></span></div><br />
I am biased, but South Africa is beautiful.Mbini Kuttahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00865179595457201141noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-467014064338942030.post-88391315811562061722010-03-05T23:54:00.000+02:002010-03-05T23:54:43.185+02:00Fringes Coffee Shop in Pretoria<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_7X4kIP-n1ZQ/S5F5tDci8gI/AAAAAAAAADA/YwcfRTrhE3I/s1600-h/fringes.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_7X4kIP-n1ZQ/S5F5tDci8gI/AAAAAAAAADA/YwcfRTrhE3I/s400/fringes.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="color: #990000; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><i> Fringes Coffee Shop in Brumeria, Pretoria</i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>I had a meeting with a friend and a friend who is about to be an associate of mine at Fringes Coffee Shop in Pretoria, Brummeria. Sounds like a Salon name, doesn't it?<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_7X4kIP-n1ZQ/S5F72_X6nUI/AAAAAAAAADQ/_Wo3maP4PvY/s1600-h/nrf.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="295" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_7X4kIP-n1ZQ/S5F72_X6nUI/AAAAAAAAADQ/_Wo3maP4PvY/s400/nrf.jpg" width="400" /></a> </div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="color: #990000; font-size: x-small;">NRF, Brummeria, Pretoria, South Africa</span></i></div>If I had coffee or something similar to that, I would <a href="http://www.blogger.com/goog_1267824915333">fully review</a> this restaurant but no, we all had water. Not because Fringes sounds like a hairstyle, but because we were in a hurry... it was 13h00, the friend had another meeting at 3pm, and the "soon to be associate" friend had a meeting at 2pm at NRF. Oh, sorry, that's the National Research Foundation (NRF). Hate acronyms.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_7X4kIP-n1ZQ/S5F9JBwpngI/AAAAAAAAADY/rfklaMvgVWY/s1600-h/brummeria.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="287" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_7X4kIP-n1ZQ/S5F9JBwpngI/AAAAAAAAADY/rfklaMvgVWY/s400/brummeria.jpg" width="400" /></a> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><span style="color: #990000; font-size: x-small;">Couldnt resist, I love direction boards. This is by Fringes. </span></i></div><br />
I just love where the coffee shop is situated. Nice view as we were sitting, laughing and chatting on the deck under the red umbrellas. Sipping our water off course. Let me mention that, even though a friend and an "about to be associate" friend were meeting for the first time, they were in stitches, laughing out loud. Magic moment of having two strangers enjoying each other's company like that. Or am I that good.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_7X4kIP-n1ZQ/S5F5yna3cTI/AAAAAAAAADI/fPDvb8XHMC8/s1600-h/fringes2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="303" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_7X4kIP-n1ZQ/S5F5yna3cTI/AAAAAAAAADI/fPDvb8XHMC8/s400/fringes2.jpg" width="400" /></a> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i style="color: #990000;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Just so you see there is a salon next door, which might have been inspiration for the name </span></i></div><br />
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If you are having a meeting with an academic from the NRF or CSIR, you may try Fringes or a salon next to it to spruce your hairstyle. By the way, the "soon to be associate" friend is doing her PhD. Something I hope I'll never copy from her.<br />
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Fringes Physical Address<br />
Meiring Naudé Road<br />
Brummeria<br />
PRETORIA, South AfricaMbini Kuttahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00865179595457201141noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-467014064338942030.post-15085760336569321732010-03-05T23:16:00.000+02:002010-03-05T23:16:20.104+02:00Mpumalanga, South Africa<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_7X4kIP-n1ZQ/S5FqxiMHbQI/AAAAAAAAACg/OXl3daGdyqs/s1600-h/mpumalanga.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_7X4kIP-n1ZQ/S5FqxiMHbQI/AAAAAAAAACg/OXl3daGdyqs/s400/mpumalanga.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i style="background-color: white; color: #660000;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"> Mpumalanga, South Africa</span></i></div>Mpumalanga is the most beautiful province in South Africa. OK, that's my humble opinion. I love the table mountain, V&A Waterfront and the Kango Caves of the Western Cape, the beaches and adorable small towns of the Eastern Cape, the hole in the Northern Cape, diversity and possibilities in Gauteng, etc. But Mpumalanga is just full of surprises.<br />
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That's not because of Kruger Park or any of the wild animals, nor because of Sir Richard Branson's home but because of its surprising beauty. This is the reason I choose to drive, time and time again instead of flying between Pretoria and Maputo. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_7X4kIP-n1ZQ/S5Fv64lCyvI/AAAAAAAAACo/qRjwrvIOZbA/s1600-h/millys-restaurant-belfast.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_7X4kIP-n1ZQ/S5Fv64lCyvI/AAAAAAAAACo/qRjwrvIOZbA/s400/millys-restaurant-belfast.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><i><span style="color: #660000;">Eating at Millys Restaurant on the way I think in Belfast</span></i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br />
I love the curved roads, driving through the mountains, breathing clean air from the forests that line the N4, and the beautiful small towns all the way. I love it.<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><i style="background-color: #660000; color: white;">And guess whom I met in Belfast (Millys) balancing her cute body in the rubbish bin?</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_7X4kIP-n1ZQ/S5FyVYUOjsI/AAAAAAAAACw/A_JdsrbcMMs/s1600-h/belfast-bird.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_7X4kIP-n1ZQ/S5FyVYUOjsI/AAAAAAAAACw/A_JdsrbcMMs/s320/belfast-bird.jpg" /></a></div>Kruger Park is off course the bonus. I will be visiting it soon for my newly found hobby, "Birding". If only my cameras were sophisticated enough to capture this tiny creatures. Or I have to upgrade my equipment, AGAIN. Some hobbies are just too expensive...<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="background-color: #660000; color: white;"> Guess again, whose photo I begged for... </span></i></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_7X4kIP-n1ZQ/S5FyZr61bvI/AAAAAAAAAC4/ugFQlCNeJ78/s1600-h/belfast-dog.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_7X4kIP-n1ZQ/S5FyZr61bvI/AAAAAAAAAC4/ugFQlCNeJ78/s320/belfast-dog.jpg" /></a></div><br />
What's your favourite province in SA?Mbini Kuttahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00865179595457201141noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-467014064338942030.post-77512160222213429822010-03-05T22:13:00.000+02:002010-03-05T22:13:47.903+02:00Arcadian Heights, Arcadia, Pretoria<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_7X4kIP-n1ZQ/S5FhaUgQtbI/AAAAAAAAAB4/U7wq2vk2KVA/s1600-h/arcadian-heights.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="337" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_7X4kIP-n1ZQ/S5FhaUgQtbI/AAAAAAAAAB4/U7wq2vk2KVA/s400/arcadian-heights.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;"><i>Arcadian Heights, Arcadia, Pretoria </i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div>A block of flats that I visit quite often in Arcadia. I actually visit a lot of places in Pretoria even though I am a resident. Just last week, I stayed in Pretoria East, Six Fountains Residential Estate, and earlier in January I stayed in Pretoria West and in December I stayed at Grootfontein Country estate and in Leeuwenhof Estate. Just writing about this is exciting. I love this city, boring, laid back, or whatever the beach trotters call it.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_7X4kIP-n1ZQ/S5Fisd8sllI/AAAAAAAAACA/5OR0Bd8xquo/s1600-h/23jan+968.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_7X4kIP-n1ZQ/S5Fisd8sllI/AAAAAAAAACA/5OR0Bd8xquo/s400/23jan+968.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;"><i>Undercover Parking with separate entrance </i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br />
Anyway, back to the Arcadian Heights, Pretoria. I think this is a very cute part of Pretoria. Blocks of apartments are smaller and fewer floors. No load shedding, power failure and damaged lift worries. Don’t get me wrong, I use a lift every time I visit my friend, her husband and their cute son. And I fall in love with this block of flats again and again. No specific reason for this love, could be my friend’s mature, elegant and gorgeous Italian furniture and decor. Or the generous volume of their space.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_7X4kIP-n1ZQ/S5FjwGgPfPI/AAAAAAAAACI/_wt7xeAVWgc/s1600-h/23jan+961.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_7X4kIP-n1ZQ/S5FjwGgPfPI/AAAAAAAAACI/_wt7xeAVWgc/s400/23jan+961.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;"><i>This entrance is in Pretorius Street, so close to the road</i></span></div><br />
Like most families, they have tried house shopping but struggle to get the similar generosity in space in the modern small sized room suburbs. Houses are getting tinier. Not to mention gthe lack of convenience. In Pretorius Street, where Arcadian Heights is located, there is Muelmed Private Hospital, Arcadia Primary, a number of crèches and boys and girls High Schools, Arcadia branch of Tshwane University of Technology to the West, a walking distance to the University of Pretoria further East and Loftus Versfeld Stadium next to UP, a number of embassies, just a stone throw away from the Union Buildings, and a lot more amenities and tourist attractions to mention.<br />
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I ask myself this question so often: Why do we live so fat from all this convenience?Mbini Kuttahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00865179595457201141noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-467014064338942030.post-25589636849486398162010-03-05T21:52:00.000+02:002010-03-05T21:52:02.693+02:00Maputo Mozambique FloodsMaputo, Mozambique is like my second home. A story for another day.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_7X4kIP-n1ZQ/S5FdGqABFAI/AAAAAAAAABw/kbLTArF7-mg/s1600-h/maputo-floods3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_7X4kIP-n1ZQ/S5FdGqABFAI/AAAAAAAAABw/kbLTArF7-mg/s400/maputo-floods3.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div style="color: #e06666; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>Maputo Mozambique Floods</i></span></div><br />
When I told my mother that I will spend some time in Mozambique from 2009, she did not like the idea. She never even thought of malaria, which was my initial concern. She mentioned floods. That was the least of my worries. I thought of my daughter and malaria.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_7X4kIP-n1ZQ/S5Fc0dTW9_I/AAAAAAAAABg/FIsrGDyXay8/s1600-h/maputo-floods1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_7X4kIP-n1ZQ/S5Fc0dTW9_I/AAAAAAAAABg/FIsrGDyXay8/s400/maputo-floods1.jpg" width="300" /><span style="font-size: x-small;"><i> </i></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><i><span style="color: #e06666;">I don't know what that driver is thinking actually!</span></i></span></div><br />
When you are in Pretoria, you never really get the malaria exposure and you hear all the horror stories. The travel clinic made Maputo sound like a war zone, where the chances of survival are 50/50. After my investment in research and doctor interviews, I was just set to have a second temporary home in Maputo. We went for it as a family. I now enjoy the best of both worlds. Mozambique is quite exotic and beautiful in its natural way. However, not everyone can see past its flaws. Well, I am good at judging things by their potential.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_7X4kIP-n1ZQ/S5Fcv474VBI/AAAAAAAAABY/6lDeJgwEsXg/s1600-h/maputo-floods.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_7X4kIP-n1ZQ/S5Fcv474VBI/AAAAAAAAABY/6lDeJgwEsXg/s400/maputo-floods.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="color: #e06666; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>And yes, that's the road for cars, not boats.</i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div>Later on, I will share some images of Mozambique, the beaches and other tourist destinations. It’s such a beautiful country. Very poor, but rich in natural tourism resources. Maputo, Mozambique’s capital city has a cluttered feel. Lots of people, small roads and overcrowded beach. I think this place was meant for a lower population of Portuguese people. But the vibe is just great and totally different to South Africa’s. Overall, its a great place to be.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_7X4kIP-n1ZQ/S5Fc5dfwKiI/AAAAAAAAABo/SYGRC6cMjyI/s1600-h/maputo-floods2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_7X4kIP-n1ZQ/S5Fc5dfwKiI/AAAAAAAAABo/SYGRC6cMjyI/s400/maputo-floods2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #e06666; font-size: x-small;"><i>Walking from work.</i></span></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">Last week, January 20s, 2010, my mom’s nightmare came to pass. There were heavy rains and flooded roads. I was in Pretoria when it started and my family was in Maputo, worried about my Honda Civic’s ability to swim. This car is just not the best for Mozambique’s roads, rain or sunshine. Check the photos above to see the water levels in the city roads.</div>Mbini Kuttahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00865179595457201141noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-467014064338942030.post-21958709226291993692010-03-04T10:37:00.001+02:002010-03-04T10:54:05.779+02:0040 Things to Do Before 40<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_7X4kIP-n1ZQ/S49vVW54BmI/AAAAAAAAABI/Kg3qWnwTGnk/s1600-h/before40.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_7X4kIP-n1ZQ/S49vVW54BmI/AAAAAAAAABI/Kg3qWnwTGnk/s320/before40.jpg" /></a></div> <br />
40 Things to Do Before 40. I should have made this 100 things. Its an endless list. Please share your own list to achieve before a certain milestone. <br />
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Before I hit 40, I should:<br />
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1. Pay more attention to my Spirituality<br />
2. Take my parents to a resort<br />
3. Run something less than a marathon<br />
4. Publish a book<br />
5. Be serious about Pilates<br />
6. Demand better service<br />
7. Tweeze my eye brows weekly (I really try)<br />
8. Go for a weekend in the wild with my girlfriends<br />
9. Pay off ALL debt<br />
10. Give a substantial amount of money to charity<br />
11. Date my partner like a stranger for a weekend (sounds naughty)<br />
12. Fix whatever is broken in my body (not at all cost)<br />
13. Say NO <br />
14. Ride a motorbike<br />
15. Stay optimistic<br />
16. Reduce the number of magazines I read<br />
17. Stop arguing with politicians<br />
18. Earn another Real Estate Qualification<br />
19. Teach <br />
20. Release a jazz album even if it doesn’t hit the shelves<br />
21. Keep a promise to take my son to see the snow in Europe <br />
22. Go to a day spa with my daughter<br />
23. Adopt a baby boy<br />
24. Buy more pieces of fine art<br />
25. Make a new friend each year<br />
26. Wear a REALLY good perfume<br />
27. Take a sabbatical<br />
28. Be a boss and give someone a salary<br />
29. Drive a car of my dreams or test drive a car I can’t afford<br />
30. Show gratitude<br />
31. Go to a movie alone<br />
32. Ride in a limo<br />
33. Stop wearing baggy T-shirts especially with logos on them<br />
34. Divorce my hairstylist or at least cheat<br />
35. Learn to tango or belly dance<br />
36. Build a bird/butterfly garden<br />
37. Take a trip in a hot air balloon or sky dive<br />
38. Speak Portuguese<br />
39. Get an assistant (It helps)<br />
40. Have my life start at forty (dying not an option)Mbini Kuttahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00865179595457201141noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-467014064338942030.post-33469420329934710282010-03-04T10:19:00.000+02:002010-03-04T10:19:01.149+02:00Arcadia, Pretoria Life<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_7X4kIP-n1ZQ/S49qt5YF5yI/AAAAAAAAAAw/mFVHVmzqFD8/s1600-h/unionbuiildings.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_7X4kIP-n1ZQ/S49qt5YF5yI/AAAAAAAAAAw/mFVHVmzqFD8/s320/unionbuiildings.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">The Union Buildings, Arcadia, Pretoria</div><br />
Arcadia, Pretoria Life... Continued from <a href="http://blog.pretoria-south-africa.com/2010/03/sunnyside-pretoria-south-africa.html">Sunnyside post</a><br />
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Well when I needed my own space I got myself a large apartment in Edenrus flats, in Arcadia. Edenrus was so beautiful, neat and orderly. There were mainly families with young children occupying it. All 2 and half bedrooms to myself. 2 garages for the carless me and the R1850 that I had to pay was a lot. I didn’t worry much about it. Arcadia was just beautiful. The complex had a sparkling swimming pool. I still kick myself for not buying that unit.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_7X4kIP-n1ZQ/S49rdKq-30I/AAAAAAAAAA4/q-tUPuTYEis/s1600-h/sheraton.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_7X4kIP-n1ZQ/S49rdKq-30I/AAAAAAAAAA4/q-tUPuTYEis/s320/sheraton.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Sheraton Hotel, Arcadia, Pretoria</div><br />
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All of a sudden my work was a 5 minute walk and a number of shopping malls. But when it comes to shopping, it was still not as posh as Sunnypark. I still had to make some shopping trips to Sunnyside. A girl has to get a dose of shoe shopping every once in a while. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_7X4kIP-n1ZQ/S49spRC27YI/AAAAAAAAABA/N7Nc4yjWzPs/s1600-h/unionbuiildings2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_7X4kIP-n1ZQ/S49spRC27YI/AAAAAAAAABA/N7Nc4yjWzPs/s320/unionbuiildings2.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">The Union Buildings, Arcadia, Pretoria</div><br />
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Apart from that, I loved banking and just walking in Arcadia. The Union Buildings was just a few minutes’ walk from my flat. But other than visiting this beautiful Presidential building for its beauty, I never attended any of the mass activities held. I must say, much as I am a social being, I hate being squeezed in between hyper active individuals. So I missed on seeing the president and Members of Parliament on their occasional functions and speeches in the Union Buildings. Arcadia suburb still has a special place in my heart, I must add.<br />
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But I love my bigger space and better security in Pretoria East more.Mbini Kuttahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00865179595457201141noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-467014064338942030.post-45375015901108646842010-03-04T09:02:00.000+02:002010-03-04T09:02:09.383+02:00Sunnyside Pretoria, South Africa<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_7X4kIP-n1ZQ/S49aInZXXrI/AAAAAAAAAAo/o2Mg4Pol1Lo/s1600-h/sunnypark.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_7X4kIP-n1ZQ/S49aInZXXrI/AAAAAAAAAAo/o2Mg4Pol1Lo/s320/sunnypark.jpg" /></a> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Sunnypark Shopping Centre - Opened 1 October 1974 </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div>I fell in love with Pretoria in 1999. I attended a friend’s wedding in Johannesburg but stayed at a friend’s apartment in the Sentoza block of flats in Pretoria, Sunnyside. I was single (moved from a relationship that didn’t work), childless and in my mid 20s. The following year I left the Eastern Cape for Pretoria on a 6 months contract job. Yes, that's how much I loved Pretoria; I was prepared to take such a risk.<br />
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I stayed in Kotze Street, in Sunnyside with a friend. I worked in Arcadia/Gezina border, Soutspatsberg Road. There is no bus from Sunnyside to Arcadia, so walking was the order of the day. I really didn’t mind. In any case minding wouldn’t have changed the situation of lack of public transportation that connects the two neighbouring suburbs. And at my age then, that distance was not bad.<br />
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Those were the fun days really. I was a block away from Sunnypark Shopping Centre. I loved shopping for shoes from Grand Shoe (I wonder if it still exists) and food from Woolworths Food and Checkers. Then there was Queenspark which had permanently “On Sale” clothes. I look at Sunnypark today and see a huge difference after undergoing a revamp to the tune of R300M. A well needed upgrade after more than 30 years of the mall’s existence.Mbini Kuttahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00865179595457201141noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-467014064338942030.post-27522298772886408892009-05-09T22:52:00.000+02:002009-05-09T23:06:50.891+02:00Visiting or Living in PretoriaGuess I have to introduce myself properly. My name is Mbini, a <a href="http://http://www.pretoria-south-africa.com/">Pretorian</a> who finally <s>found</s> made time to put a few words down.<br /><br />Until three days ago, I was working fulltime and living in Pretoria. And now I am an expat in Maputo. I stay at home/ rephrase/ I work from home. I am a wife and a mommy to my son (a.k.a. the geek) and my daughter (a.k.a. the princess).<br /><br />You may be asking: why Pretoria? I have a business about <a href="http://http://www.pretoria-south-africa.com/">Pretoria</a>. You may check me out at <a href="http://www.pretoria-south-africa.com/">www.pretoria-south-africa.com</a>. To be honest I am a bit scared of doing this. The self employment thing, that is. I have always been scared of taking risks that may disadvantage my family, but here I am. I am also quite excited. I havent spotted any opportunity in Mozambique yet. Well I have been here for 3 days, so its a wait and see kind of an approach for now.<br /><br />I did take a walk to the beach today. Something I cant do in Pretoria. I also love the hotel we are staying in at the moment, Hotel Avenida. I hate the mosquitoes, nets and repelants but its my new way of life. Enough about Maputo, this is about Tshwane.<br /><br />Later,<br />MbiniMbini Kuttahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00865179595457201141noreply@blogger.com0