3D REFLECTIONS OF LIFE

Tourism is big business in Thailand. Even the Tuk-tuk drivers and the taxi drivers are informal tour guides and tour operators. They have tourism brochures and A3 laminated brochures that display restaurants, island boat trip companies, elephant trekking, go-karting, clubbing and all other sightseeing trips and experiences tourists want to explore. But, there is no mention of the .almost obligatory gem or jewellery shops that these drivers will inevitably weave into your trip. Our tuk-tuk driver and us posing in front of the Clock Tower in Phuket City. Such was our 'gem" experience when we decided to go to old Phuket Town to do a walking tour of the old city. I had worked out our 2-3 hour walking tour based on the research I had done. We boarded the Baht blue bus near Patong beach and for 30 baht each,we were taken to Phuket City. When passengers get off at various points en route to Phuket City, the driver stops the bus, gets out and then collects the fare. At a stop ...

Scene from Kleinmond camp I know there are folk who secretly hate holidays, especially the long annual holidays. These are the ones who would deliberately delay their annual leave until after the crazy season. Then there are those who suddenly transform into grouchy souls and withdraw into themselves. Nope, we are not facing the world now... there is way too much nothingness around, I can almost hear them muttering to their collarbones. I cannot really blame them for wanting to avoid this sudden switch; emerging from the world whizzing past, to this pitstop in the middle of nowhere. I suppose it can become overwhelming when your regular patterns of work, sleep, social life and thought patterns are disturbed. Suddenly you don't have to respond to an alarm and rush off to wash, get dressed in work attire, face peak traffic and arrive at work, dreading all the demands on a conveyer belt. Suddenly and shockingly, you have to deal with YOU. Strangely, this life you craved for ...

Our Camping den at Goudini Spa Campa-logue at Goudini 23 June Finally, we have arrived at our destination, Goudini Spa, in the heart of the Breede Valley. We are on Camp for the next week. Stunning weather  and perfect for camping. We know we are going to experience all the seasons in this short week, but what the heck??  We set the scene with a solid campfire, sausage and chicken braai with a Chinese dominoes league game. Lekka… Chinese Dominoes Camp League game in progress 24 June Well, today it is raining; that soaking kinda rain. But for now, after 2 hours at the indoor pool and a chicken sarmie to keep the metabolism running, I am ready to soak up Achebe’s Arrow of God – second reading especially brought along to tackle while in the outdoors. Sasha, Christo, Nazeer and Riko weighing up the options for the day June 25 Just love the idea of knowing our week- long camping in the caravan park here at Goudini costs us...