SA Rocks

Eita my fellow South Africans,

Yes, it is that time. The London Olympics have officially begun and are already on day 6. There is a buzz around the country and where ever one looks, you can see Olympic fever is here. Even Google has the fever, start typing in basically anything and it will drop down with the famous ‘did you mean’ and have a suggestion related to the Olympics. Obviously, with our very own Cameron Van Der Burgh smashing the  world record in the men’s 100m breaststroke final on Sunday has really bumped up the ‘gees’ of our nation.

The race itself was epic, although quite quick (58.46 seconds). It had myself and the people I was watching with on the edges of our seats.

The thing that struck me about Cameron though is that he is a real local boytjie. He was born in SA, lives in SA and studies here too. A real home grown dude – fantastic to hear. Well done on the WR and the Gold Cam, you have made us all very proud.

It looks like the pride of all South Africans will be increased exponentially by the winning of yet another gold medal by Chad le Clos. Another truly local young gun, was competing against a number of well accomplished swimmers in the men’s 200m butterfly final and when watching the race, on the last turn it appeared he would have to settle for bronze. However, the last lap saw him dig deep and take first place by just over half a second. Nail biting stuff.

South Africa now sits 10th in the rankings with 2 golds, 6 days in and 7 to go. Lets make sure we get behind the people that have been chosen to represent us in the Olympics and show our support. Click here for a link which will fill you in on all of our sporting folk, the details of their events and all you need to know about them.

Until next time,

Shap shap!

Dave

Popularity: 32% [?]

Eita everyone,

I apologise for my absence, but I have been out of SA for a few weeks. We all know the expression, ‘you don’t know what you have got till it is gone’. Well, all I can say is – as fantastic as the break was, I really am happy to be back…yes – cold, wet weather and all. More on this another time though, so watch this space!

During the time of my travels, I happened to find myself at the OR Tambo International Airport, in Johannesburg. In the middle of my brief layover, I popped into the men’s restrooms. A very normal experience, for most people on a day to day basis. This time was different, in a good way.

At the entrance to the toilets, stood a man – holding a mop. He greeted everyone with a big smile, and a very friendly “step into my office”. Something so simple, yet for me it made such a big difference. Here was a guy, who’s job is to clean the men’s restrooms at an airport – now I am sure he never grew up wishing he would be a cleaner. However, he is – and he is embracing it. The space is in fact his office and he is doing the best job he can, with what has been provided to him…brilliant.

The difference this man made to my life, was re-enforcing the fact that we all have a very special role to play in the world, and in this country. A person might think they have a very important job, which they might very well do…let us just remember, without everyone doing their bit, or working together, our jobs/lives would be that much more difficult.

There was no way I could leave the bathroom, without chatting to this guy. I knew that I had to write something about him, and share this experience – so I did. His name is Clive, and he was super cool and very chatty. I took his photo, which he looked at and gave me the thumbs up…Clive did have one request though, that I don’t put it up on Facebook – you got it Clive!

For me, Clive is another wonderful example about some of the fantastic people which call this country home. I sure know, I am happy to call myself South African. Man, because does this place only rock!

Shap shap,

Dave

Popularity: 29% [?]

Eita,

Being an old Rhodes University student, the National Arts Festival is something which I used to take for granted. I attended it almost every year during my stay in, what was fondly referred to by many of us as, the ‘Gspot’. Since I finished up there in 2009, I have not been back since.

I decided enough was enough and this was the year I would go back for a visit. A visit which would include a bit more of the cultural side of things than it had in the past – which it did. Although my stay was  about 2 days in total, I managed to squeeze in quite a bit of exploring and show watching. The latter was limited by budget, time and also about half a day of feeling quite sorry for myself.

One thing that really struck me about the 6 shows I managed to make, was the complete and utter talent we have in South Africa. Not that I have ever doubted it, but I was completely blown away by the performances I watched. However, one’s viewing pleasure does not stop there, people are performing in the street, parking lots, the village green (where all the stalls are) and basically anywhere there is an open space. These performances range from: dancing, theatrical performances, comedians and musicians.

The shows I did make, consisted mainly of stand up comedy and illusionists/magicians. And by mainly, I mean only – I would have been keen on watching some theatrical pieces, I am going to blame me not going to any of those on the people I was with…yes, that is it. The buzz in and around the audience during the shows I watched was amazing; the pre-show excitement, the South African touches during and then the wonderful post show chatter and ‘highlights’. I found the overall admin side of the arts festival was handled really well, everything was well labeled, the program booklet was super helpful and all the shows were very fairly priced too – a winning combintation of you ask me. Grahamstown National Arts Festival organisers 1: people who say nothing is well organised in SA 0.

Overall, I would recommend the Grahamstown National Arts Festival for anyone, from SA (or abroad). There is something to do for anyone and at least one show is guaranteed to elicit an emotion of some sort. If this does not suit your fancy, go for the people. If you are a ‘people-watcher’ like me, then during this week and a half you will be in for a real treat.

Shap shap,

Dave

Popularity: 31% [?]