tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-83738340916113433052024-02-20T06:21:17.017+02:00gqaba-gqaba here and there in Cape TownWe just moved to Cape Town from Southern Arizona with our 4.5 year old son. This blog is to keep the Nanas updated on their only grandchild and to keep our friends and family in the loop with our South African adventures.rogueredheadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16343273174100358944noreply@blogger.comBlogger22125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8373834091611343305.post-76042800951857084082010-06-01T10:17:00.000+02:002010-06-01T10:17:29.182+02:00to the Boo on his 5th birthday<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzyx81Fu3xg4iqEOVOqnvxXN6dH-TpCuxkI0OXVN2KmsIi4XhArHKbci6BSLTqC7bmcCrT8VJuKxKjJN0H6JZLovK_aPQCCWHf8dvdeHpiceH8ITSUbeZBBA94ZJEo_oOqKfKl5kvwPyI/s1600/camps+bay-220.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="237" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzyx81Fu3xg4iqEOVOqnvxXN6dH-TpCuxkI0OXVN2KmsIi4XhArHKbci6BSLTqC7bmcCrT8VJuKxKjJN0H6JZLovK_aPQCCWHf8dvdeHpiceH8ITSUbeZBBA94ZJEo_oOqKfKl5kvwPyI/s400/camps+bay-220.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Dear Boo,<br /><br />You are turning 5 today. It has been quite the year, one that has gone on forever, yet flown by all the same. As a parent more experienced then I once said, with children “the days are long, but the years are short.” <br /><br />And this year, where to even begin... We kicked off your “4 birthday” at the Splash Pad, running with your crew. You were surrounded by love as both Nana AND Grandma Ellen were there to celebrate with you.<br /><br />Then life got crazy. <br /><br />You lived in 6 different houses in 5 different cities (and 2 different countries on opposite sides of the planet) not counting a week camped out on the floor of a brownstone in Brooklyn, NY. <br /><br />You played in the volcanic sand of the Amalfi Coast, rode the carousel in Florence and chased peacocks in Rome. You witnessed your Uncle Chewie marry your Aunt Lydia while being distracted from disrupting the ceremony by Uncle Strafe. You made friends in Israel while playing with a crab on a beach surrounded by excavations going back through several millennia and at least 4 different civilizations. Then slept for over 10 hours on the plane ride home, a skill that would serve you well for our many plane rides to come. <br /><br />You said goodbye to our parrot Violet, the only parrot we had that didn’t bite you, as she found a new family. You flew to Canada and soaked up some time with your “sisters,” Courtney and Sarah, while visiting with the crazy clan that is the Clarks. You traveled across the United States in an RV with mommy and daddy, Diego, Harley and Daisy and were so happy to be “camping”. You made pizza with Aunt Lydia and Nana while they “kept an eye on” you as mommy and daddy took care of business up and down the Atlantic Seaboard. <br /><br />Then you smooched Harley goodbye, the big, furry ball of golden retriever love who you had been snuggling up to, climbing on top of and generally mauling since you were able to move on your own. <br /><br />Then you did the same to your Nana, your constant source of love and adoration since the moment you were born. But you were still in the middle of our “movin’” adventure and were not too fazed, but your Nana felt the separation keenly.<br /><br />You rode the subway in New York like a native and got a kick out of running through Washington Square Park as if you didn’t have a care in the world. And finally, our visas came through and we were on a plane to South Africa. Only we had to overnight in Dubai to get here...<br /><br />Now you swim with penguins and have an eagle eye for spotting the zebra on Table Mountain. You’ve become a connoisseur of Cape Town playgrounds and pick up new friends every time we go, no matter which we go to. You play with children who only speak Afrikaans or Xhosa or German and don’t bat at eye at the language “barrier.” <br /><br />You have witnessed a lion lolling with his lioness in the wild and are on intimate terms with the dominant male behavior of gemsbok, springbok and wildebeest. You have found a haven of predictability in a tiny Montessori preschool on the grounds of a children’s home. And the day is not complete unless we get out and “do something fun” - Boo-speak for water-taxi rides, frozen yogurt runs, and lots of time in the sand. <br /><br />You miss your Nana, and your Harley-Barley, and your “best friends” in Arizona, but you “love South Africa” and you want to know if we love it too.<br /><br />So, baby, it’s been a year. We’ve been through a lot and it hasn’t all been sunshine and legos. But you have never failed to amaze us at your enthusiasm for what the next day will bring and your generosity with hugs and kisses and orders about what to do next. You make our world a bigger and better place and we’re thrilled to be on this journey with you.<br /><br />Looking forward to another year of living out loud with our Boo! Though, hopefully, with a slightly more stable home base. <br /><br />Much love, Mommy and Daddy<br />rogueredheadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16343273174100358944noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8373834091611343305.post-57417051996118523052010-04-12T10:59:00.013+02:002010-04-12T13:18:10.725+02:00back at the telescope again....<div style="text-align: left;">since the whole reason for our antipodal adventure was my taking a job working at the <a href="http://www.salt.ac.za/">Southern African Large Telescope</a> (SALT), i am way overdue on writing a blog post about it. SALT itself is located at the <a href="http://www.saao.ac.za/">SAAO</a> site in Sutherland which is about 350 km from cape town and takes a bit under 4 hours to drive.<br /></div><br /><iframe marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" src="http://maps.google.com/maps?f=d&source=s_d&saddr=cape+town,+south+africa&daddr=sutherland+south+africa&hl=en&geocode=FUBd-v0dMh4ZASmVgcs2_1rMHTHgbY-Q1vgABA%3BFWepEf4duEA7ASkVpzetZeosHDFyw1__dOBVOw&mra=ls&doflg=ptk&sll=53.218793,6.554053&sspn=0.011538,0.021029&ie=UTF8&t=h&ll=-33.160547,19.539185&spn=2.207228,3.515625&z=8&output=embed" frameborder="0" height="480" scrolling="no" width="640"></iframe><br /><small><a href="http://maps.google.com/maps?f=d&source=embed&saddr=cape+town,+south+africa&daddr=sutherland+south+africa&hl=en&geocode=FUBd-v0dMh4ZASmVgcs2_1rMHTHgbY-Q1vgABA%3BFWepEf4duEA7ASkVpzetZeosHDFyw1__dOBVOw&mra=ls&doflg=ptk&sll=53.218793,6.554053&sspn=0.011538,0.021029&ie=UTF8&t=h&ll=-33.160547,19.539185&spn=2.207228,3.515625&z=8" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 255); text-align: left;">View Larger Map</a></small><br /><br />the drive to sutherla<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHurrbQKGUp6P6sd9tXZyyRPM5CKOAQVt4E2z8ufT1t3kEvcPd04CKANkCjeQwu60rgBHkBtxZMM2DLp9PwPDqajWkD1gLgDQXi3Hxiu0BK8UzyvlyawOSgEr-Ov2PPUL85FqHPNFBXLI/s1600/IMG_1527.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 406px; height: 269px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHurrbQKGUp6P6sd9tXZyyRPM5CKOAQVt4E2z8ufT1t3kEvcPd04CKANkCjeQwu60rgBHkBtxZMM2DLp9PwPDqajWkD1gLgDQXi3Hxiu0BK8UzyvlyawOSgEr-Ov2PPUL85FqHPNFBXLI/s200/IMG_1527.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5459186777495582194" border="0" /></a>nd is pretty spectacular. you pass through the winelands between stellenbosch and paarl, go through the impressive du toits kloof pass and a 4 km long tunnel, pass through the winelands of the breede and hex river valleys, and the pop up onto the high desert of the karoo. the place with the covered parking mentioned in the previous post is in touws rivier and is the designated stop-over point for all SAAO transport going to/from sutherland (we have a fuel account there).<br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgK9ExDn1XI5NAMDNZkfY1svA1BDkVJEMhNkQWoOttT_eqRjUSBrhptFYDrFSUD3VKmbznQMZyBLCQOtZE1DF3G5eVA1mN7kvPkz4P2BxNhdxalpDs7hiLIgaopoSzMC-R0KFthROjol-0/s1600/IMG_1565.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 375px; height: 251px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgK9ExDn1XI5NAMDNZkfY1svA1BDkVJEMhNkQWoOttT_eqRjUSBrhptFYDrFSUD3VKmbznQMZyBLCQOtZE1DF3G5eVA1mN7kvPkz4P2BxNhdxalpDs7hiLIgaopoSzMC-R0KFthROjol-0/s200/IMG_1565.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5459191687728917298" border="0" /></a>the hostel at the SAAO site gets some pretty killer sunsets when it's clear. it's below the ridge where the telescopes are and also has a good view of SALT. the observa<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOUy830IJCr48iJExPCOxdTlSRSU3qwh3n3mzWueG2QwMwTZNYA3b0SIkM-a-VgpXaJyRa__Hqajp7gAZLiaTO51yn2MB4PRiCP7W0OOENFCf-XmZo0wM9yfrERsFTxfUDKTDBPgrE9HU/s1600/IMG_1557.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 373px; height: 220px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOUy830IJCr48iJExPCOxdTlSRSU3qwh3n3mzWueG2QwMwTZNYA3b0SIkM-a-VgpXaJyRa__Hqajp7gAZLiaTO51yn2MB4PRiCP7W0OOENFCf-XmZo0wM9yfrERsFTxfUDKTDBPgrE9HU/s320/IMG_1557.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5459188864013296258" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqwVhTYb41qvziMES4TUwOfJg5fwlZQZR95FTaUJht_LqWwaigeHKM-8kmGVrXdj-tKzdG04gwsl8HUH7U1GZsK-PIQCdOLXsLrM5p9B4ZNAWGWLZp_UJx2f_fplL_9zBfSTl9f8Nho6Y/s1600/IMG_3162.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 213px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqwVhTYb41qvziMES4TUwOfJg5fwlZQZR95FTaUJht_LqWwaigeHKM-8kmGVrXdj-tKzdG04gwsl8HUH7U1GZsK-PIQCdOLXsLrM5p9B4ZNAWGWLZp_UJx2f_fplL_9zBfSTl9f8Nho6Y/s320/IMG_3162.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5459189414840194930" border="0" /></a>tory also has a resident herd of springbok that do a good job of keeping the surrounding veld nicely manicured. there are also a lot of dassies lurking around the site and verreaux's black eagles that keep the dassie population in check. the aerial combat that the eagles sometimes perform in the evening is pretty fun to watch, though hard to capture photographically.<br /></div>T. E. Pickeringhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14029424804288089887noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8373834091611343305.post-21445972853809963012010-03-27T23:59:00.000+02:002010-03-27T23:59:39.533+02:00the Karoo part....We've been back from our first South African road trip for almost a month and I realize that if I don't start getting some photos up this whole "blog for the nanas" is just gonna go by the wayside, snazzy title and all... You would think with as much as I talk that blogging would be a natural outlet, but it appears to be just one more thing I 'have to' do. Trying to change that mindset. We'll see...can try to switch from my Jan Ullrich approach (i.e. all or nothing, big gear or no gear) and take a page from Lance Armstrong's book (small gear, high reps) and see if I can't get up a few pictures a day.<br />
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So obligatory Boo photo for the nanas:
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<center><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/alCND8nT4FlGo5bJbUbUYA?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4f1fvGSmGnmL53dBrYmNJ_sQudVYLj4RyjOVM_SlICOeahEVojLdwRrrJz1iV1K_hTh2u7v2iAw59ijEjybxx7SKP-5HBV6TIKsgZEhtGAZu857ViLlHu4qFKT8mL5i2fipZqgNTLiVM/s400/DSCF0509.JPG" /></a></center><br />
The Boo ready to get this show on the road...FINALLY! (He was ready hours before we were and if you know the Boo you will know that patience is something he will learn in the future.)<br />
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So our destination was the <a href="http://www.sanparks.org/parks/kgalagadi/">Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park</a> where South Africa borders Botswana and Namibia. I'll have to recreate our route in Google Maps, but if I stop and do that now, you'll never see this post. Anyways, there are 2 ways to get there, go north and then cut east, or go east and then head north. Diagonal was not an option and since we were planning to camp our first night on the road and the northern route was boasting temps in the 40's C (bloody hot!!) well... on our first day we went east in to the <a href="http://karoospace.co.za/">Great Karoo</a>.<br />
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There is much to say about this amazing space that takes up 40% of South Africa's geography. And, yes, this is where Tim spends his time when "at the telescope." But for now let's suffice to say that:<br />
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A) Parts of the Karoo look (and according to Tim, smell) a lot like New Mexico:<br />
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<center><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/4VxOnfxbOAj6H3tlS8lPsg?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEio-6bTUceymMZjKn1R8FMg7bt30q9HacxE5nPLAzxLIiyGbj-K9eqSF2RTtCPmRKWKo8MA4DTHWmKhbg8EUwT9ZoVX4fWUd6r0PWx9anZC2u6Z2Pt5eDxuob0zvihyphenhyphenEEAgBdJOO0TlSQ0/s400/DSCF0516.JPG" /></a></center>B) The travel amenities along the highway are waaaayyyy better then roadtripping in Arizona! How come I have traveled to almost every corner of the great (hot) state of AZ and never had the option of covered parking when stopping in 110 degree F heat...yet our first stop on our first SA road trip - covered parking:<br />
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<center><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/RWo_QKMp1PGFqf_yvTJWhg?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6nzZbB0vf3BrUqzOmr16TvHGNlzn60pWIqblC69m0ABJyD13yTWW4ieph5ulwJIOfr1ZL5yG13bpege40pBvinHk9XSFYNVS5rNL-BC0F_Ushw_a6WdBeoU_CI3Mt00B_exo_HBe6P8s/s400/DSCF0512.JPG" /></a></center><br />
After way fewer hours of driving then we initially anticipated (I love traveling in kilometres, makes the trip seem to fly by...) we arrive at <a href="http://www.sanparks.org/parks/karoo/">Karoo National Park</a>. We had been tipped off by the youngest daughter of our favorite Finnish family that the campground had resident tortoises and within minutes of arriving we were delighted to see at least 5 really large ones just chomping away at the grass.<br />
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<center><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/YxwW2R4qe9lwmTlGRzYMcA?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6ZdfuSaM4fTshvnMyVN45NEv7CySWxWhBsAMs_xOmDG0Gd5px63MR7P6GVbgUhBufCCSeBljvBGHYrVgPrIyaTOhwWEIGAmLmrIwe3PNmtXcW5o-kTiwxzgZ0mfl1XFUP3gcO425QfW8/s400/DSCF0522.JPG" /></a></center><br />
We had to educate the Boo on how to and how not to approach these large creatures (running at them with arms flailing while whooping fell in to the "how not to" category...) The Boo was mightily entertained following them around while we set up camp. It seems these tortoises are quite attracted to anything that is bright green, such as the Boo's Crocs. The Boo wasn't so sure he appreciated being the pursuee and not the pursuer:<br />
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<center><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/JMEWOuhAbRlfazsW0o1ZhA?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0Azg0cmf_ocz-ogVD3FZTygd7mo6WlWNFBCugzOiPN2FI2fdfynk08_5sdz2javyN0jOGEsn9TyVECZX9JMvOzN5io3ihZNMo2dQk3BLbPZxgnPyEgmGRoYWv44TVqMQyxgABOFDs7Jo/s400/IMG_1925.jpg" /></a></center><br />
A very good start to our first SA road trip and a very happy Boo who can't get enough camping.<br />
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<center><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/owqyd3ElUnl03HMBy_qUFQ?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoVTnaNFsbYOHFFQ8krIT-x2kenxJ4zRmFSZpULUtL8zOHirqrzOSffIKM4b8ZCDW4FGnAsyh2JANMoJLkJHsemZoUIK5DRjAEph4ywopJLdW5pnDKDy2o5MStbNWjrPcp6nvIgBbhhb0/s400/IMG_1934.jpg" /></a></center><br /> <br />
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<br />rogueredheadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16343273174100358944noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8373834091611343305.post-26690763229943475772010-02-13T20:37:00.002+02:002010-02-13T20:49:29.076+02:00on the waterfrontSo my laptop has been in the shop for last 3 weeks. Sorry for the disappearance.<br />
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If you've been reading along, you'll know we spend a lot of time at the <a href="http://gqaba-gqaba.blogspot.com/2009/11/playing-hooky.html">V & A Waterfront</a> here in Cape Town ("V & A" = Victoria and Albert). It is <a href="http://www.capetowndailyphoto.com/blog/2010/02/bumper-boats/x">a cool place</a>, kinda <a href="http://www.capetowndailyphoto.com/blog/2009/11/do-the-tourist-thing/">touristy</a> with an upscale mall and pricier then average restaurants. But is has a nice vibe, with <a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/F5u6BJfpX8qZbhnSXXPP0g?feat=directlink">live music</a>, street performers and it's still <a href="http://www.capetowndailyphoto.com/blog/2010/01/an-empty-robinson-drydock/">a working harbor</a> (or harbour...still can't quite adopt the Brit-style spelling.) The <a href="http://gqaba-gqaba.blogspot.com/2010/01/save-frog-save-yourself.html">Two Oceans Aquarium</a> is located here.<br />
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We ride on rollercoasters here:<br />
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<center><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/LG6WMU0dvOZ2Pn9AM0mznA?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMlG00Sgj2qQqtUVlUlod7ETuUQ90UPVakeUCn2v35f5X2YUtgbtenzlymFLxgY5sdKwK15p1QHvmuBuG7lVpjIDHzmIj4qPB4ZQD0DWy-GGuEoJ7gKl9DPXV6kC10n8jPkv4T88nx2hQ/s400/DSCF0464.JPG" /></a></center><br />
The Boo pretends to be Batman on the Batman motorcycle on the carousel here:<br />
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<center><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/ljJjEl-xbydn4e5VJPCczA?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4jzUgDfCnZsyziPZfw9YJTeWT3ZdM8PnH5ivMEpoODCpXtzH2mxXHtiIZZVoXDijXyJGVozSa9bX-PF7NMlinA-4inAS-BCPWmQBjlCLltnV0vUd2O-Icq1t67TYOYEUxYZi4AqaBd6Y/s400/DSCF0467.JPG" /></a></center><br />
We eat popcorn while riding the water taxi here:<br />
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<center><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/fpBhhn5qdgb-jeIFoS7N8g?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXyCqE0gYfXJi4UcCxJHbNpWoNu7qOOMLicAUdYhU5Opr2uSYsBTG3Gdiy3fNURJeDk_bC4wS0P7BGgUeNoLh-HigVTdqsembljcT-4NAWXmcTXl1HY-HV570HPYVCKgu70BIuq0UWrOo/s400/DSCF0471.JPG" /></a></center><br />
We get chased in said water taxi by Cape Fur Seals here:<br />
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<center><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/ddZaRQDSiwY7C6Wqw3lfHA?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJMNZBUH0GS9ysHYfVAv6ejD9xsL7ECK6docJQOXk9UQbLFY6ck8iQDny9r4PoP6Pbs9n4WDrJnwCMRCPKU45HuRXgjIZUTvj9UMvs0CUFb4nFJLI2ygLrGaM_hgxfyQAi45d-FnaHjPs/s400/DSCF0473.JPG" /></a></center><br />
Today I was invited to a special presentation by a local women's group and it took place.... yep, you guessed it...on the Waterfront. Since we only have one vehicle we decided to turn my meeting in to a family outing. The Boo and daddy went to the Two Oceans Aquarium, since we are now members (woo hoo, thanks Nana!), while I went to the meeting. <br />
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At noon we reconvened and decided to cruise over to Ferryman's, a pub on the waterfront with Bosun's Bitter on tap and a small playground that's a favorite Boo haunt. The intention was to have lunch, let the Boo play and then get on with our day. At 6pm...well, you guessed it...we were still there (<a href="http://gqaba-gqaba.blogspot.com/2010/01/playground-with-guinness-on-tap.html">sound familiar</a>?!?) <br />
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Somewhere around 1 or 1:30, a beautiful pale blonde showed up who could hold her own with the rampaging boys and our little man was smitten.<br />
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They played under the play structure:<br />
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<center><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/ZzI3CUj8LdgVHTE-mQbeDA?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhT7QYWCudRZvEws6XUx8SWSUohyjv69k6xL9Nz6la9aY54pIDrqeb2l0NFRZuJAAT0eWbcjfJzUw7S2LJ_4L7V_f5BCfbRMP4WjcJep1ghZ_L-JEc3A_5KA2L-Lo35IDSx-OAg4RRm8LU/s400/DSCF0485.JPG" /></a></center><br />
He brought her flowers:<br />
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<center><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/2zEI5rNnsVxeFME3FC-4xQ?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhw17KH5CCNMWHLc6xyvsAPETB9cOzv6q8mQ_ubNn040WS4hpBmQ1zHmlfiOIIHQhYw6AXhrpDEJGNiwDvpsVnjmplNXQnLEJsTimxOu6WgXL4dNkQitPgCZ2Qi0f9R5RNf5IWxu_25jIQ/s400/DSCF0487.JPG" /></a></center><br />
She returned the sentiment:<br />
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<center><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/1B4591gvcEbjgOeX-J00RA?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNOcTqbTxuelCQ2uNiAnJBumanaQuN4OB6ePACYzV6Ig0ZYaQqmCT7-1yJlgfAgrwdnVF68H8cHo7KMo-ClRfxa_uMiWmMHOEC7H_pSuE8GQd30vH8sBEPTrlUBiX5jC4WgW-hee0pHSs/s400/DSCF0490.JPG" /></a></center><br />
They played and played for a solid 5 hours. The bushes surrounding the play area became steadily denuded of flowers as they gifted each other. I have no idea what her name was as we were at no time invited in to the relationship. We left well after 6pm and she was still there and the Boo was sad. But he passed out in the car and his face was happy.rogueredheadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16343273174100358944noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8373834091611343305.post-79138133390522308982010-01-23T00:29:00.001+02:002010-01-23T00:34:15.487+02:00save a frog, save yourself<br />
<center><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/Qg65aWzD5iEmemze9lMpmA?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCsdrpi_RmRaOcBkAR_RF0hDdxApyfF6aJcuzu-w-sMm6EAXVPGNfBG8QhcBupAGARN8uYXzI-jyhZ3YsNEGJFnw3csGDDrLiEElMaMQrmEk8m3QcdwYI6GBV51YrjX7C1IDRyyBBDHEQ/s400/DSCF0438.JPG" /></a></center><br />
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As I've <a href="http://gqaba-gqaba.blogspot.com/2009/11/playing-hooky.html">mentioned before</a>, the Boo, like his mother, is not real thrilled to do the same thing everyday no matter how much he enjoys it. Even though he loves his preschool, he occasionally needs a mid-week break. On Tuesday this week, I came home from my morning workout ready to rush him off to school, but instead of jumping in the car, he asked to stay home and play with me. Knowing full well the time is fast approaching when he won't want to hang out with me and since I had no set appointments for the day, I figured we could get out and about and have a little fun.
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The Boo and I made a deal (if you know the Boo, you know he arranges his life via "deals"). If he would come with me and not fuss while I took my defective laptop to the iStore (SA version of the Apple Store) to get it serviced, then I would take him to the Two Oceans Aquarium (conveniently located at the Waterfront just a few blocks from the iStore) for some fishy fun. The Boo said "deal" and we were off. The Boo was on his best behavior and the iStore was remarkably efficient, so with a quick stop for frozen yogurt we were soon on our way to the aquarium. My mom and Aunt Sharon had given us some money for Christmas, so we splurged and purchased memberships for each of us so that we could enjoy the aquarium at our leisure throughout the year. Thanks Mom and Auntie Sharon!!<br />
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<center><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/04ruWHvXTX9jKOdEnd20bg?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-aXypd_hU2jWaHgS7_3MmJCRwJfvgCd6BNK7C4DkG7b4d29sQuaY_QV86-kBi7BzgIhlGeBA-VK8ZZzrZalcAr8VyM5wZhrRky5HwgFZyKlicAxbUS3gEYCgCYpdgIlv9mmvzSyDLDIY/s400/DSCF0417.JPG" /></a></center><br />
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The <a href="http://www.aquarium.co.za/default.php">Two Oceans Aquarium</a> is one of the cooler aquariums I've been to. It has a <a href="http://www.aquarium.co.za/exhibits/exhibit.php?id=7">kelp forest</a> that has such realistic wave action that it makes me almost seasick upon first viewing, but eventually I get caught up in the hypnotic movements just as I do with <a href="http://gqaba-gqaba.blogspot.com/2010/01/scenic-route.htm">real waves</a> at the beach. The wave action is vital to keeping the kelp alive, so a healthy captive kelp forest is no mean feat (and there are only 2 kelp forest exhibits in the world). Kelp forests are common along the coast of the Cape peninsula and it is cool to get the underwater perspective here without freezing your butt off in the cold Atlantic.<br />
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The "Two Oceans" theme refers to South Africa's unique coastal geography where the cold Atlantic Ocean meets the warm Indian Ocean. Since the water temperature, and therefore the aquatic life, varies so greatly between the oceans the various exhibits are separated accordingly. The Boo is a big fan of what he calls the "Nemo tank" in the Indian Ocean area:<br />
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<center><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/-padfO1Qyp8hH1F9UZSP_Q?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkcj1n0iAzSjRTU_LLRu5cU4rEJvpIrHz1AH6xTgvMBclqkB650_Q5vBby-IE_VfAOKKJ8LLCkpVPJQO8X8eN4He45w6Tu2YEUBm2OrUX3cU2q8wxxe15yDyXY1tmkvEPq0lDp0KM9yqU/s400/DSCF0420.JPG" /></a></center><br />
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There is a large <a href="http://www.aquarium.co.za/exhibits/exhibit.php?id=8">predator exhibit</a> with ragged-tooth sharks, rays, turtles and other aquatic predators. The first time we visited the aquarium, a couple of months ago, we got to see the sharks being handfed by divers. This was rather entertaining as the loggerhead turtle kept sneaking up on the divers, giving them a bit of nudge, trying to snag some of the sharks' food. This visit, we arrived just in time to see the general feed. Even the rambunctious Boo sat still long enough to see these normally slow-moving big fish display some serious speed when zeroing in on dinner.<br />
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<center><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/hNBwQmRUpjDqTBM_nTVZyQ?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijo8lE3eO9tUkxJGc-iy41m1c1YUy_xqD0Uj05x_1MzScj3WpTqIzIUHjsH4SoM1LbpNmV_NGT0A1CcS3x0Q05AD-kQDK5IdlJSNpWZJm7UvJRS7-dvYbQq1K_qrJlzusEW5sluyLw8RU/s400/DSCF0439.JPG" /></a></center><br />
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As with so many of our experiences here in South Africa, the aquarium was quite kid-centric. There was an entire floor devoted to kids with craft tables, play areas, a puppet theatre AND a small snack bar with juice boxes for the munchkins and cappuccino for the parental crowd. Additionally, the stairway down to the kid floor was one big play structure. There's an additional play area in the main cafe too. The Boo is a toy and play aficionado and ate up these areas with a spoon.<br />
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<center><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/-DduocwUcpp09bDyJ-SuOg?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjE27OTteyGFTHnQrC_vULqGH3qqQ-1epWUnzdLob6F4uFJ2XSaXF9ifd32uFaH7zIdyVoX9gJAV4907DBRcEmGVxjDgxPREYNwntHg0q8Wtb-HsnzG1QFQtLqBa-RfI28runARHk1-u8o/s400/DSCF0425.JPG" /></a></center><br />
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The aquarium eventually closed for the day but by this time the Boo and I had moved out on to the deck of the cafe overlooking some of the docks. Just below us there were several dozen <a href="http://marinebio.org/species.asp?id=266">South African fur seals</a> (aka Cape fur seals) basking in the sun with occasional barks, grunts and downright aggressive growls when passing seals got a bit too close.
This is one of the great pleasures of life in South Africa, being able to plop yourself down and just observe wild animals in their "natural" habitat (to the extent that docks in the Victoria and Alfred basin of the Waterfront are "natural") for as long as they care to put up with you.<br />
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The Boo showed very <a href="http://gqaba-gqaba.blogspot.com/2009/11/penguins-baboons-and-ostriches-oh-my.html">little patience with this activity</a> when we first arrived almost three months ago, but since then we've had enough wildlife encounters that he is starting to get as fascinated with animal behavior as his parents.
So we found a warm vantage point on the dock above the seals and settled in for a good hour of observation alternating between enjoying the show and debating the whys and hows of certain behavior. There was a mother seal with at least half a dozen pups who cuddled together with her on top:<br />
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<center><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/6YGyns-NZgOqcbKbv6BGrA?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdI0Qk1-E-duf7s0IQgITWkoRboKzsGpSOaU3UNqi6suGCNnjerGbrdAjhk3Ee1ba5U6q1HhOOxqkAAi3NrckDAl68S9n1m8TabUCGicTn3h-ZvkeRBQwfnPrQjolpIVnJo8NcNWkmYPo/s400/DSCF0442.JPG" /></a></center><br />
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The seal in the bottom of the above photo has piece of plastic or twine caught around his neck resulting in the conspicuous line in his fur. Of the 20+ seals we observed during this time at least 4 had similar attachments. These "nooses" are the result of litter, specifically packaging materials, washing in to the sea. The assistant director of the aquarium goes in to the water every day to cut the "nooses" off as many seals as possible, but it's a delicate process as these are large wild animals not interested in sitting still for the procedure. Without removal, the material becomes embedded in the seal's skin leading to an open wound that often gets infected and leads to an early death. It's a stark reminder of how human pollution and behavior (the aquarium is trying to educate the public to make sure they cut the ties on packaging material to limit the potential threats) have such negative impacts on the wild animals with whom we share the planet (and is all this packaging truly necessary?)<br />
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OK, off the soapbox and back to animal behavior....the seals on the deck seemed to get a bit ornery when a newcomer would get too close. This larger seal in the photo below seemed to actively goad the mother of the pups, though did not appear to be threatening the pups directly. The mom didn't seem too concerned with his intentions but eventually roused herself enough to tell him to get lost in no uncertain terms:<br />
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<center><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/LEsI2sKS3u9hc509IMSTOg?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSpLJDuramj5cBjEy8pJfzaqTmw_QQKmQSh_t4kXjyt4L5lEFL9EVQr2MrJOL1tS-eGHPZ7q7R24eEOmyTgH4j7ac_AY3U5JC0jkt6bhb5ZzROg2yG1-RCb_2Pq9fBPDXo9VOBXZHnEP0/s400/DSCF0453.JPG" /></a></center><br />
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When they weren't jawing at each other, the seals seemed quite enthralled by the sun:<br />
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<center><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/4MGXo6cfvT9RRdO5ve01pA?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhh1AiEagJRUXG6MFejrqkeJPDOY2CSdmCQrZOYMSQd0ARVpFPWYeUBIlpq15JAFAcTP3-TM6a6n-P8Ap41eDP1OooLkTThrGCnwI6qmYvUTZRf-Ol6vW26TDY7xsEwvSlxtlOx6UALeoc/s400/DSCF0447.JPG" /></a></center>
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South Africa definitely has a way with water!<br />
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</div>rogueredheadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16343273174100358944noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8373834091611343305.post-7073337514826286322010-01-16T22:21:00.004+02:002010-01-17T02:11:39.379+02:00a playground with Guinness on tap<center><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/fBVDo9OgLlIVyBfUoY0Kig?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiK5VXFL6AvWWmfvxW0LlhcKudlDirS9Ve-MfopUMyVQ4ZxAtuQzsHxumbo7LLVOR2iR5aH8yxiu44bAexXaXU7A6IKdBRXaxDn8jaD7JUGbRsDtZdRvV8tp2KRBBRyAf83G4gR15v9FSc/s400/DSCF0408.JPG" /></a></center><br />
Our kinda/sorta plan (our plans are always up for debate and Tim's brain generates more options then decisions, so we never know exactly what we are up to until it's already mostly complete) for today was to head out somewhere for lunch and then maybe hit the beach. So when we were debating our lunch options the Boo piped in that he wanted to go to "that place we were at with those people and their mother." Decoding the Boo-speak, we figured out he was referring to our last trip to Forries with Benne and Robin ("those people" ;) and Benne's mom, Janke, visiting from Holland. Since Forries is one of our favorite pubs, who were we to deny the wishes of the 4-year old.<br />
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Forries, aka Forester's Arms, is an English-style pub that has been around since the late 1800's. It has a wonderful, leafy beer garden and an entire section of it is given over to a playground and family area. The Boo has always found cool kids to hang with here and the families attached to those kids have invariably been quite friendly. Forries is about 5 minutes away and has Guinness on tap for about 20R (<$3). The menu is extensive, the service is usually quite attentive (except when a big cricket match has just ended down the road in Newlands), and there is almost always a cricket or rugby game broadcast inside. For those of you who know Tim, I think I just described his equivalent of nirvana!<br />
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We got there around 1:30 or so. At 7pm our server, an engaging Zimbabwean, was asking us to pay up so that he could end his shift. So much for the beach...<br />
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But it was a perfect afternoon outside under the trees, we chatted with each other, with those at the tables around us, with our friend Bruno when he showed up about 2/3 of the way in to our stay. The Boo climbed, swung, twirled, slid and dug with a revolving cast of other kids for a solid 5 hours. I discovered a lovely drink called the rock shandy (the South African version is soda water, lemonade and a dash of Angostura bitters, delish!!) that kept me hydrated as I morphed in to the designated driver for the afternoon. We had nothing we had to do nor any place we had to be...so very relaxing...<br />
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I think all playgrounds should come with table service...and Guinness on tap!<br />
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<center><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/M0lN5KDpgqaDi7jrkVdnTg?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3nZzh-d_bQOVXtROA_VI-FqP6pvzIaolMwkjpVRXNyhJCBgZ5yIHmePqygYVXvFQHkDxHlIWlkOueQYjsFpepAEtgMb9mMfMUXIEqTQ-Kw1d1P5AhXil2n1tuAMoRVWtIr3Njtmk9nkU/s400/DSCF0412.JPG" /></a></center><br />rogueredheadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16343273174100358944noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8373834091611343305.post-28454543153853195522010-01-09T23:19:00.000+02:002010-01-09T23:19:56.023+02:00the scenic route<center><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/aagyE7MrPVKpCMomE01b2w?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-tC-vqrCcUsfDJOuP2kvfFNGJTdVQBO2dP5i4XTyAzDnKJ9MsNhbRXfVU4rmyVLC9A31Eh4WqVxl818hjJlefVyX4osZO3vqLOQsO018OVOtdVWOUgUYLhXOJ15_PgzxTCM_T0DI9ats/s400/IMG_1597.jpg" /></a></center><br />
The weekend before Christmas we took the above road - Chapman's Peak Drive - to get to the below beach - Nordhoek.<br />
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<center><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/Nr5E4rLsxakNxFuANP-FEA?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDnnLAtxtd2IQEvEvRMnvbUu7_gwJvfpc9HXWhrzCYNoGeNAbmTIpXzXyj9czNYpJW3jvTZcqZi2GKDw9-e8U3OMqWeh3UilN5o8_-hNwIl-ZmfB7QZX23-8IIbhdmk00jZ49cFNF8pdc/s400/IMG_1612.jpg" /></a></center><br />
I can't really explain in words what great rejuvenation I am gaining from being so near to so much ocean. Due to the (amazing!!) geography of the peninsula, this beach is basically a wind funnel and consequently the sand is powdery soft.<br />
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<center><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/DNTJFmLL-kl-Piuqt7E4bg?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaPRoVfASL00BOIcRT_RkrTj9sU1Zxv24NXsHK81MyZN55iNJ617cZ_MsoaPsmEpxDEmBFiAIlRA7EQuiyjTXzOf4rxI8AZhi1bLnERksB0abp0lGFCNmKLzB-FIZsnxhvu1BY5McRYMg/s400/IMG_1624.jpg" /></a></center><br />
At one point I just sank down in to that velvety sand and zoned out staring at the waves. I actually achieved a state of calmness that I have only ever approached through guided meditation. I was so zeroed in to my own consciousness that I was completely unaware of anything or anyone around me except the movement of the waves.<br />
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Fortunately, Tim was on the ball enough to keep a close eye on the Boo as they navigated the rocks, the tide pools, and the pounding surf.<br />
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<center><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/64kjVvnqWTgKa3L_WdOLYQ?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaQFG9PsAhGNVRFWbPeGP9BhwnWCebLeClsPND99nGocptWoi2Vu7NGadezmqvIf8pecLWR8z1NkNGYEel-CRNwzSx8BD0SSZ80RYd7GKsHM4LxzXQ5hk4AyrdR0cs0qAsxhZQmMDv9_I/s400/IMG_1658.jpg" /></a></center><br />
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<center><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/e75c5dPsFOy86SS0d0pLuw?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7mlbC-d0oyXR8QKgBppyVfQi04r2vM6GtFXZet8e9nF-6LnTB2QLT3gmWK9JZUGroJxT6ma9-Vv6mnHNJHRAzSsDTC88CkWNUzSQwNof28gHfcLY4tG1Nczoz42ThAyRTB1-In55jDXI/s400/IMG_1650.jpg" /></a> </center><br />
Happy day...<br />
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<center><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/NTLORf-TEqH5-8EiDB45bw?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpvx1nRHDK6zgEHnaLfHcErMWEnygbW9fzWkjGhCwGC8i6EtWjcyL6rO51fiM1jmmQGy3g6m3syWHAHE_lmzqgvgM6SBOWJ1F2jw4nwv0Otorm3502ep8PW3viPQwEoTlO6honepfdJt8/s400/IMG_1666.jpg" /></a></center> <br />rogueredheadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16343273174100358944noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8373834091611343305.post-4277698640929153762010-01-09T22:22:00.003+02:002010-01-09T22:32:11.733+02:00Commitment<br />
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I've been thinking about you often but haven't had the ability to sit still long enough, nor a consistently reliable internet connection, to get a post up. Now that it's 2010 things will change for the positive. I'm committing to at least one post a week and may even be able to cajole my fellow blogger to contribute a few items that may be of interest to all. We'll see... until then to catch you up:<br />
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<b>Christmas in Cape Town </b><br />
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We spent the day on the beach at Camps Bay.<br />
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<center><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/cMNhQrSkQKxbkUyBQNsyhA?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoRJLXLzpLRijznNM7gSWQhq-2OvG5BiUailuiL_dGtSx0gjiRkgFsLrZzAHmeECQq-Tl18riJrJPXK6GNiVgBYa6CI1Z3vh3DYCa4I77kufrOA4jUb17lXYL-Q2YzeDQbNm6buUjYRvU/s400/DSCF0380.JPG" /></a></center><br />
It was fun and quite relaxing. We found the lead up to the Christmas holiday to be pretty low key even though all the stores were decked out with decorations to lure shoppers. We never felt the frenzy that can hit in the U.S. on those last few days leading up to Christmas and we even spent part of Christmas Eve at the Waterfront which includes a large mall. There were plenty of people out and about but it wasn't hectic and we bounced from pub to ice cream to pub without tripping over anyone or getting trampled. We came home to find Christmas gifts from our neighbors on the doorstep and learned that quite a bit of visiting and gift-exchanging goes on, at least on-site, on Christmas Eve. Ooops...still learning the ropes, but definitely appreciating our thoughtful neighbors.<br />
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On Christmas day itself, several grocery stores were open until 2pm and at Camps Bay about half the restaurants were open and serving customers. The only glitch in our day was that we didn't anticipate that we wouldn't be able to buy wine at Woolworth's (a more expensive Trader Joe's) on Christmas. Our wine stash at home had been depleted by various parties we had attended and we were hoping to celebrate the day on the beach with a little clandestine vino drinking (technically no alcohol allowed on the beach...but...) Here in Cape Town, no wine is sold in grocery stores on Sunday and this seems to extend to certain holidays too. If we had thought about this we probably could have guessed that we should have stocked up on Christmas Eve, but we weren't planning too hard. So we were on the beach sans wine...and we had a great time anyways! We learned our lesson and now keep a regular stash of wine in the house so we don't get caught out in the future ;) All part of our cross-cultural adaptation (and on the way home from the beach we found an open liquor store, so this no-wine-sales-on-Christmas does not appear to apply to all types of stores).<br />
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<center><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/DbKFtaTcB6IAiBufvZhUTw?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEih52HPQucZI3ClCmZDI9jYJN7tKtGVt8PrD-sBAQTC8z3Jn1TrebGnV5wrZ1X5-cf-ljwoIiC6GxBOHeB_ZMGkUUDHMf_J_ry86Y4-Q7znGitCPoPoHeEie4zwX0wycVpKChrVmNT601A/s400/DSCF0381.JPG" /></a></center><br />
We came home from the beach and were invited to a potluck dinner and Christmas celebration at the home of our awesome Finnish neighbors. Most of the families who lived on site were there and there was a hilarious gift exchange (all gifts had to be under R20, approx $2.75). It's quite fun to see a Russian PhD in Astrophysics wrestle with a 9-year old boy for possession of the hot gift item - a laser keychain. Little did we know that the competitive gift exchange was just a buildup to musical-chairs-as-contact-sport on New Years Eve...but that's another story for another blog post.<br />
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Until then we leave you with a shot of the Boo, rocking out to the musical Christmas card his Nana sent him. He's singing something to do with a "Hippopotamus Christmas" and wearing Tim's new glasses:<br />
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<center><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/DIpBpftF6jhBfcuSAO2AvQ?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiei49E5TaNno8_vIdXPf8OYMFJdzPJxqnTYWEVIWuahqZh0ABB7i_meCAtZCw60HV7rcx180ieOOiaJFNpwUA2yxB96VFIefFSruHNMZ8vmikLkBYRBsXsLY18weg6hZ6e1hueg9VYUkc/s400/DSCF0405.JPG" /></a></center><br />
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Hope your Christmas was full of good cheer and Happy 2010!rogueredheadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16343273174100358944noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8373834091611343305.post-14288924060043979532009-12-20T13:45:00.000+02:002009-12-20T13:45:21.626+02:00is it really Christmas on Friday?<center><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/WgdaG6XDHAKrLcw0hVG_-w?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjbqAQNXyEQJNeWmORdt581b1KywNAffK9PRZMFNC20UpnYXQVsWafaVPslrtD_lgTuiXzoflg_xtKDkN1ZaN2GA67TaYpM0ns8t9Bt4jVtruU1PPX1bDOQB9ADB6yxqiJW_RXpVKZgIo/s400/DSCF0343.JPG" /></a></center><br />
Well this past week flew by.<br />
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On Monday I took the Boo and his buddy to the Waterfront for ice cream and to check out the boats, one of our favorite pastimes. We ended up stumbling into a carnival and I got conned in to taking two munchkins on a very rickety, but fun, roller-coaster. Goofy smiles at their best!<br />
<center><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/UmoAbRC23yt_b87Xqcj5Lg?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtTBOB_uwyjTf7EsAyN2Oxdog849jVp8jgfiVxPEBEDThHcW1XbleoBTa81nkJyBSf3mBoW0bwLZA00ONvhrLBPRTVnSumQda8q_KUriyetyRrmo47J5-BjK8IHmvfLm0tstHxCjPm4kg/s400/DSCF0326.JPG" /></a></center><br />
On Tuesday, was the SAAO year end staff picnic <a href="http://www.nuyvallei.co.za/">at a winery in the Nuy Valley</a>. Staff came down from the telescope at Sutherland and out from Cape Town and it was a great way to put faces to the names of people I had only heard of. <br />
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We had a really great day. I ended up playing a hilarious drunken game of <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/P%C3%A9tanque">Petanque</a> (think Bocce ball with really dense metal balls) with some of the Sutherland staff. One of the resident dogs, who had a fascination with rocks, kept trying to run off with these really heavy balls. Fortunately I held my own, and developed a dead eye in defensively knocking out our opponents shots, as my teammate was Tim's boss ;) Wouldn't do to mess up that relationship!<br />
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The Boo at play on the winery grounds: In the first shot the vineyards are just beyond the trees and stretch all the way to the base of the mountains in the background.<br />
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<center><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/saS2_e407tt0ZYlbeJtB6A?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1KXA5hZIMQXbiqZrBzyUht_-fVN5ac6z_qBp72CsvvQ9knWDFBcx7qvklb0SDxUgaT7uI0cuCs2iS0HsZB78RkJSh4UqJ-hUNx61tpXGNiolAvsei-LBGpUQRaR-F7SDgWauOhDjF10E/s400/IMG_1585.jpg" /></a></center>There were large concrete tubes on the winery grounds that the Boo had a ton of fun with.<br />
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<center><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/rgOJNmjH4TODAj7GlG59qg?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjmizCZWLS7i3a6lAoTcwx0JptFYxTaIFZXCoLVRO-FD7aJXM76OnmkJtfdQZ5L0ZsYzZL7j_XExm-LCLZmRThEVX7mIh4x2-nM8En26hLFD6xcNQ9OhSGSrrSBWPX5TklAxwoiHZ6Cbc/s400/DSCF0329.JPG" /></a></center><br />
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<center><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/rljnyQtn0ljjfwDdyWkz1g?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhyphenhyphenCbAtlkGAo6-xjNoPJ7x2Nb445njev-EO0lv_VdIPmJ9uW12yYeSs5eor7RR0hnsNRe7ToC71-v39rswZlefVvclEE_P_1ufe1upUFoVO-HbcGk2AHOjnjXeids0rlTgVge3la-gEuY/s400/DSCF0328.JPG" /></a></center>Indications of a successful day:<br />
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<center><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/zWTL45FoByJQDTzcBRDW7A?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZDOSYHYZ4uUogr6vQ7NmiPIveCHJUSwDT8ohpWaudT5jUdlshXkSBLgiDqOTQTjilWikeMEdG_wSwQ_9LCovgY-tdhW3QgEJ_uAJJXBo-t-W1BFK_z-kscH5hujdmif8PKTTfa4GFnRM/s400/DSCF0330.JPG" /></a></center><br />
On Wednesday, South Africa took the day off for Reconciliation Day. <a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2009/12/17/world/africa/17safrica.html?_r=1&hp">The New York Times had an article on this</a> but it didn't seem to mesh with our experience of the holiday in Cape Town. The NYTimes article seemed to focus on the meaning of December 16th to the Afrikaaner portion of the white population but I learned of the holiday from the black staff on site who were staying home with their families to recognize "their day." The history here is thick and recent and we are only just learning our way through it.<br />
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Since SAAO was closed, we did enjoy our day off, historically-loaded holiday or not. I went for breakfast at the <a href="http://gqaba-gqaba.blogspot.com/2009_12_01_archive.html">Millstone</a> (cafe with the treehouse) with Minna, our favorite Finnish neighbor. Her youngest daughter was at horse camp all week at the stables at Oude Molen Eco-Village and it was a great opportunity for her and I to steal a little adult time. <br />
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When I got back onsite after a wonderful-as-always breakfast, the Boo and Tim met me at the trampoline just across from Minna's house.<br />
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<center><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/amcpTP2KCS7N5jYCx9shIg?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOT39_gO0A-C7_7eMLrYz1jk1gM3MG7JzKO7cpuXgwC0TQqetNWwzEkxZVrZOKf_7QAoro-yctm3wYsKN-z65YfduCKW3C2OdAZJUXMhVPj3U5GfORbynKjw8Umr5ViZgv-jw3sKrwv5M/s400/DSCF0332.JPG" /></a></center><br />
Since it ain't a holiday in Cape Town if you don't go to the beach, we called up Benne and Robin and met up with them at the Dunes in Hout Bay. This is <a href="http://gqaba-gqaba.blogspot.com/2009/11/at-play-in-shadow-of-table-mountain.html">the same place</a> they took us to our first weekend in Cape Town, the one on the beach with an awesome playground in the sand. We spent hours at the cafe as the Boo hit it off with a host of different South African kids. We rounded out the day on the beach and then followed Benne and Robin home to their cool house for homemade lasagna and entertaining conversation.<br />
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<center><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/YtxWvo48wu4E9eG-VzOKhg?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCE_yU3nTdYZZjYIAp9L4EGYpiuVkouCR9zpidBBhb5zIkBLMQeT8BLUDyRhfJArZX3Km3D3AhaRLhF2lktWylvXk0rVyzHsVBEX50Q1uZFwGbe5vASuxtr68VCTYxuKr-gueTJ7a43o4/s400/DSCF0347.JPG" /></a></center><br />
Thursday and Friday followed suit, with lots of outdoor play and visiting with neighbors and friends. Now I hear that Christmas is this Friday. Was I supposed to do something about that? <br />rogueredheadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16343273174100358944noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8373834091611343305.post-72433656912579266052009-12-10T20:11:00.002+02:002009-12-10T21:24:45.662+02:00and on the last day of preschool...the Lord said let there be singing:
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<center><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/AWarFapxY5zL-4EVx7k3mQ?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXpfdHjR0yTN4znDuud0RSXuEnIDBgFAWYS2jN078GkotZOd7XGLqLSx64Jbx5cnFO9G05ytV8yz2byWhMmAWAI57Bzd7HtoKvnA6SfQ5L9ZDP1C0SJOoCI6Id61ipwygbsTDBLdQC_SY/s400/DSCF0308.JPG" /></a></center><br />
Please excuse the grainy photo, the "big" camera is being put to good use at the telescope in Sutherland, so we-who-have-been-left-behind must muddle through with lesser technology. But hopefully the above shot gives you the sense of chaos and joy that is the under-6 set when it assembles for the last-day-of-school concert. The kids were asked to wear green and there was an international theme going on that I didn't quite have a good grasp of.<br />
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We've only been at this school for a little less then a month, but I was actually sad to hear that most of the Boo's best buddies would be moving up to Grade R (South African version of kindergarten) next year. The kids at this school never ceased to amaze Tim and I with how sweet and friendly they were. They also did a great job of making the Boo feel comfortable in his new environment. The Boo will be back for next year and I, faced with 5 weeks of no childcare, am definitely looking forward to it ;) (the Boo is too!)<br />
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Speaking of buddies who have graduated - here (for the Nanas) is a shot of two who loom large in the Boo's world:
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<center><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/aiIJhSSlR8I4K0sdp3CTQg?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjM_jMRpDq1Jwi12xR7HjLu5vD5upbSGqVjYascwZlHfCI3DUPC9LsjtPWiPPLumFLm3MliGoZ7ofxFZBtFg-7r0-U-siseYNFOdSQOJZFVqtcW824TjprsQlzAYW3uKOe33W1f7dg5Jsk/s400/DSCF0312.JPG" /></a></center><br />
Princess G is on the left and Princess E is on the right. Last week when I went to pick up the Boo at school, he was tailing Princess E around the playground asking her to marry him in a sing-song voice!?!! I learned a new word this week to describe my reaction to that little activity - "adorified" - I was somewhat 'horrified' by that 'adorable' behavior (the girl's mother was a bit ummm... surprised...)<br />
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Princess G is Princess E's best friend and was really not interested in sharing, so quite a few of the Boo's stories from this week included him putting himself in timeout because of his behavior towards Princess G in what appeared to be a few scuffles over who got to sit next to Princess E. Wow...preschool social life is getting a bit too complicated for me to follow. Sadly, I think the Boo is going to miss both of these munchkins when he returns to school next year, though at least I can put off the wedding planning for a while.<br />
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So before we knew it, we were back home and it was only 10:30am (the things we accomplish when we get up and out of the house early!!!) If I was going to feed the Boo at home, then somebody had to do the dishes first. Since the only somebody around was me, I decided that going out to celebrate the last day of preschool sounded like more fun then dish-duty.
So while I texted Robin to see if she was up for lunch somewhere, the Boo's on-site 4 year-old partner-in-crime showed up. All four of us jumped in the car and headed off to the <a href="http://gqaba-gqaba.blogspot.com/2009/11/some-days-it-pays-to-be-slow.html">Millstone</a> for lunch, and a little playing in the dirt and climbing of the <a href="http://gqaba-gqaba.blogspot.com/2009/11/at-play-in-shadow-of-table-mountain.html">treehouse</a>.<br />
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The boys diggin' the dirt under the treehouse:<br />
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<center><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/O4QZTNdNoJqiKPgPgITSWw?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIRVkYmUJL9vp5Htob0BSzKvUUKbIlCcUqsisq9DlUPSsqgpZ9aOCauem5UaPzhNaYIjNk_rY-QVAVnqHWc6piBTvGz9L4OlvMgY6imI1ZIJCW7rCe0yJbtbZsPOQ1wqa2lgjXKdfxETA/s400/DSCF0314.JPG" /></a></center><br />
The cafe is situated within the <a href="http://www.mothercityliving.co.za/20090406/oude-molen-eco-village-pinelands/">Oude Molen Eco Village </a>(Rachel, read the link about the Eco-Village, you'll love it!). The Eco Village includes organic gardens that are used to sustain the village population with the surplus sold at the cafe and in the surrounding neighborhood for income. The extensive gardens and the village's location backing up to the wetlands of the Black River give this urban area (we're 5 minutes from our house at the Observatory, 15 minutes from downtown Cape Town) a very 'country' feel. Additionally, there are micro-enterprises housed around the site and many of these are artistic in nature, so color and whimsy abound. Finally there are horse corrals and stables to go with our country theme. Trail riding and lessons are available and the horses are very friendly. The horses are cared for by older children who appear to live on site (there is a street kids educational/training program at the Village, but I'm not sure if the stables are part of this or not.) All of this, plus the <a href="http://www.gaiawaldorf.co.za/home.html">Waldorf school</a>, and a few resident dogs and chickens, combine to keep bringing us back on a regular basis. This is one very cool and very beautiful place.<br />
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The Boo and his buddy goofing around with a curious horse:<br />
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<center><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/N6_mmqFd6MkyqlJJR4avnA?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTFMIqOcsO32NoXnnAuDeagh-Q7wqvFJAKh7RwkOTv6HseRGVInFOrbuc_6GaI3PH2rk0RwgW4hMBExW7mtEQmDQAK5trVeCrSI4piOG9bGSP7-HczpfkuwpMI7yDDEM0FMu4fL__jfic/s400/DSCF0319.JPG" /></a></center><br />
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<center><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/vsCzDvTg_N3JrgTEWWEwKQ?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4c9fCnF-gTGTbrBtzB6_32dHzBJkFo3tguh1TD7rc-aL-DksddD8dYsA7OlVngqzVEyzBg1xj52kkAC9DEuCX_GjfTZOdLUyB3mnKGBnng2Mq9kh76fWfeFPopnYIItojUmB3UFwpZxM/s400/DSCF0320.JPG" /></a></center><br />
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Well, that school year sure flew by! Now what to do with the next 5 weeks...rogueredheadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16343273174100358944noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8373834091611343305.post-32172659729844776632009-12-08T23:51:00.003+02:002009-12-08T23:57:42.436+02:00we've been abandoned...<center><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/qiUXNTBOvieahQY65w21AQ?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaWY-dVdyOjOZN_jcsocsayAj8P04kKAB55ND0oO_nDvKvI4THOXKqLkX6jkDd9HPHDIh5nWQFJ4lMigBP37MsPzIBAAVAheJGeUX8IsyGDmVtfYEDfdBZ9r1VgBa1h6HAWna-VrvgS28/s400/DSCF0291.JPG" /></a></center><br />
Let me rephrase, Timmy is up at the telescope doing great science and the Boo and I have been left behind to suffer through 4 Timmy-less days in Cape Town. Yeah, there are definitely worse places to suffer in (see tag for "complaining when you have nothing to complain about"...) so I know you are not feeling too sorry for us.<br />
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Anyways, since the routine was shot I figured a little more shake up wouldn't hurt anyone. So when I picked up the Boo from preschool instead of taking him right back home as was our usual plan, I told him we had a job to do. Nothing gets the Boo's attention like a job ;) The "job" was to finish up our Christmas shopping so we headed down in to the City Bowl.<br />
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The Boo suffered through the shopping with promises of playgrounds on the beach. So, once Santa was satisfied, we rolled on down the hill and landed at one of our favorite places - Mouille Point. Our opening photograph is the Mouille Point playground we touched on briefly in <a href="http://gqaba-gqaba.blogspot.com/2009/11/at-play-in-shadow-of-table-mountain.html">an earlier post</a> with Signal Hill off to the left and the Boo in his orange shirt somewhere left of center.<br />
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We did some tree climbing:
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<center><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/FrFuLXw39FdYp3rdxS2CSQ?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAgfLT8n9VtxhoCxqTqWdDp3saDcCB-gd9FNfVZAvN0Qr9howOP53CNipKadZmRBsRwoii7SQt2VoDsGqOeN_eGPHV6MLyRpzv7IP0RCZXYzyn7v0o-CqAbQnmQ-j8debcR39t9rmuhI4/s400/DSCF0276.JPG" /></a></center><br />
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We did some playground peeking:
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<center><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/aCxC_v-v5GB76h1Sh51kMg?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVssvccZPUmWu0NSMMtIUym1NUtXR-XMgJhRtfNyXu9pyy9s23fmdZJp5thJTXny-fVoDs_b1SWiI4ThGhchuydRHEtyUB6X09YEfrTCUGK3ivYD5zxcLkJnOMr68LIhHArUqdoqyCJwQ/s400/DSCF0280.JPG" /></a></center><br />
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We had ice cream (Mama had iced coffee...mmmm....South Africa's version of a frapuccino) at one of our favorite cafes, Cafe Neo, while we gazed at the lighthouse, blue water and large container ship off the coast:
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<center><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/x4AJSCvx-njjEMZQ362PLQ?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZwEmDWnjVrbGn-FIB-aA-k-IV_zAN6owvgIZI9QpR9mFwhqxtqe2Gx5tEphUS4_Lo3ThKVYVORKe8ES_SX2TCdMsiau4Cl_OoxyMHxMlt0CmOO4skrvLJUyG-Ruj6olMieiwVJlrdgg0/s400/DSCF0286.JPG" /></a></center><br />
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We went back to play some more:
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<center></center><center><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/iSDFZwZ_bORpC8JZ8kG_Iw?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyG9ffyxQzrH3HE5cGLaSbOVR6VWcwyufqibaNeYcf2PiHrDJpHSMCMIRc1YiPSYiZNnM-lnmdZhWnQaQwvbEzbvxcxQZOhn8fU2yVNh614KO5kyFjYVCP7FtV6hBz7Q6YTlF1anqgusg/s400/DSCF0294.JPG" /></a></center>
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Eventually the Boo got tired and we were ready to go but it was now a little after 5pm. On <a href="http://gqaba-gqaba.blogspot.com/2009/11/playing-hooky.html">a previous outing</a> to this part of town we made the mistake of leaving right at 5pm and what should have been a 15 minute drive turned into an hour-long slog through less-then-fun traffic. Again, we may be slow but we do learn, so instead of fighting traffic we hopped a little ways up the coast to the Waterfront, one of our favorite haunts. There are many Boo-friendly eateries there and watching the boats come and go never gets old.<br />
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Of course, best laid plans and all....the Boo fell asleep in the car and was pretty much down for the count. Now, I would rather sit on the Waterfront then sit in traffic, so I muscled the sleeping child out of the carpark and up to the daylight. And since I've always been more lucky then good, we walked right in to a free outdoor concert. So while the Boo slept on my shoulder, I was able to get off my feet and enjoy an excellent concert by <a href="http://zamar.co.za/">a band from Stellenbosch</a> that played all sorts of different "traditional" songs as long as violin, accordion and percussion were involved in the tradition. The amphitheater was packed and the crowd was really in to the music.<br />
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<center><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/F5u6BJfpX8qZbhnSXXPP0g?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQKh97tM5PhpVOTJ9DO3nZ5VfUsHo3IgHeU2CTyYTHrqSnudlt6tye5z8TlXdoEMw3zhrVMgZzDbpm2PDJ1xP0Pyh5mm7IKyE3rPaJRSP4iwuINKT6xzsfrWQa4tzp8A6-wvMAvY06fIM/s400/DSCF0303.JPG" /></a></center><br />
The Boo woke up about 10 minutes after the concert was over and we enjoyed our dinner overlooking the docks and the boats. Right before we left, he hugged me and said, "Thank you for bringing me here, Mommy." So a good time was had by all.... at least until we got home and the Boo realized Daddy was "having a sleepover at the telescope." But that is a story for another day... <br />rogueredheadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16343273174100358944noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8373834091611343305.post-88626337951726722062009-12-05T17:01:00.002+02:002009-12-05T18:09:24.804+02:00whooops! we've been busy...I haven't forgotten you. We've been busy with the arrival of all our stuff and the internet has been darn flaky every time I felt like sharing.<br />
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Our big shipment of stuff arrived as well as the five boxes of stuff we shipped from my brother's house in October. Everything is here now and well... I'd happily send half of it back. All this stuff is draining my energy. But then it isn't really about me....while I'm in clutter hell, the Boo is in toy heaven.<br />
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<center></center><center></center><center><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/SU8kCgU_qqkgYuvi45AvQA?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjibw3hUPi8I-YgONDWQym1_8dwL-qKFi6X-ZIc1WsyR9l7FEfSZaVd6SyjDsDG5sU6rVgLrY7YxenAGH4MPJdAaNZYN9MUqcVyEHT8tb0lytuQbbBgOyjvnl_hvvCyziJQXUfksZhPNR4/s400/DSCF0274.JPG" /></a></center>
As you can see, Diego is as concerned as we are about the current toy takeover of the house.<br />
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While the Boo was enjoying school, I avoided our cluttered house (because you need to leave the de-clutter fairies plenty of time to do their work in peace...) by going motorcycle shopping with our favorite Quebecois astronomer, Bruno. Buying a vehicle, whether two or four wheels, is a great way to see all sorts of different parts of Cape Town and meet a variety of very cool South Africans. I learned a lot about the diverse riding community in Cape Town and Bruno rode off into the sunset on a gorgeous BMW 800GS. I may just have to work my way up to joining him.<br />
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<center><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/c7qNgJnjsbl-kXrHy8vIeQ?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1I55MBL2wN8bj7TdnmSVqvBpPNyxHCVz5x6Zj2YJp3_O75phyphenhyphenhQNLwcdbBK8C_EArlPsYH8YM7bEwFv9553ef96J9Yqn6TiyvXhfrf_J0Tvd25St6ZF2MoFlxGpRib63rkFyG6QHQuN0/s400/DSCF0249.JPG" /></a> </center><br />
We are now enjoying a gorgeous Cape Town weekend. Kicked it off this morning with a Cape Crossfit <a href="http://www.capecrossfit.com/home/item/145-workout-of-saturday-december-5th-2009.html">workout on the beach</a>. Timmy and the Boo got up in time to join me and while they soaked up the sand and the surf, I "worked out." But really, nothing that fun is really work. Sorry, no pictures (next time)...but envision yourself getting superfit while frolicking on the sand in Malibu with an excellent cafe right across the street ready to serve you a yummy breakfast post-workout. Oh, and don't forget the <a href="http://www.capecrossfit.com/coaches.html">excellent company</a> ;) and gorgeous weather. Well, that's what it was like, only instead of Southern California it was <a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/zu1rSGkcQt3FkD0hjC8qMg?feat=directlink">Camp's Bay, South Africa</a> and even better ;)<br />
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The only reason we left was because the Boo's social calendar is starting to fill. We had 2 birthday parties to go to today (in opposite directions from home...). But we had to do a little social triage and pick one which was a bit of a no-brainer since the princess turning 5 today was none other then the little girl that basically took the Boo by the hand and introduced him to everyone and everything on his first day at his new school. Plus her party had a slip and slide (the other party had monkeys, but ummm... don't tell the Boo that ;)<br />
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Get ready, get set, go:<br />
<center><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/TFWbYs0Cga01dvml9Rie8Q?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_UIogPSZ7R3HriZMsLh5zKXBNXp7DZ7Q2wWy5uKCsL3YZHVAjxRlcate6P_lbcPCojAdNAb-VSvcfmcxGxaKhI63fS4H2gliAKTUUgUINArBpVrBXuEnshyphenhyphen4-1lCnxFK_MuNUKXauemQ/s400/DSCF0264.JPG" /></a></center><br />
Slide:<br />
<center><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/PdvDJU5ACWJRxxL9N_K8cw?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixV6FlBLIFntkQsASOe4gU69nJP9JOV70rVKxVDYBOXCpzf4sEOpxD5LMmuZyQuGxNZbFYQCXBHNFIvX0V2fIUFYKJ6WTDT_0RhF-1m9AB-LCdjUjVJhOzjkfCfVDE4xatmnze2Z2srjg/s400/DSCF0270.JPG" /></a></center><br />
Splash:<br />
<center><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/E1t-qWFUrr7qk6vKeN_KqA?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTxRC2i3ZQlDGCe1B9VAQIn3pm5vppKJezLi5jWqaXC1F291-dun04h-UD38IKxJbQ2Zumi9YQ0pFckzuyscDQlg-Rv85rVEOCoEyOHJS1-VicYrTtVjVEew-73pfbguw5ACof3cp7OHc/s400/DSCF0262.JPG" /></a></center> <br />
Smile:<br />
<center><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/OXRtOd3hb5CQYrnAU4h8ow?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhw53J0z1EC1Z82HhqU8ywtSBBHZlZyeb13OH2K_aok3dfdLAtDGZ74pWDQDcY5O7wY1qZY7U2QaiZ55UwVDrM9K7gZG2ThCViw95BQskiVBf8cWee49v7PDI6jjjy2sj7fgeWpB7vaILs/s400/DSCF0258.JPG" /></a></center><br />
Repeat:<br />
<center><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/hEQj3KxbwNvucFpRrAzGjw?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxJ42shpq0K7c9MaRohJTWJs0VQc-Mkxd9OwnPYXvGFCJwFf40tJ1pq9iMC7JgrzM96Gb59rcMXgwpJo_AyQTnhmFQwR8AcgST0KsKpMi4uog7C9ADGuqsAczOkmiqP030NECmoolgj88/s400/DSCF0261.JPG" /></a></center><br />rogueredheadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16343273174100358944noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8373834091611343305.post-74028177814087854532009-11-29T11:48:00.007+02:002009-11-29T21:13:10.869+02:00some days it pays to be slow<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6X_lMgx0tIgWGqsarwNiRa2ganS3MIhxzAbkviLiIyQkcl7taasGgx_Nkzjr5luDf6fv1n0KWpROPRqtp9SE3HqcCMMTxTnnsnpjBN1retWeGw4pRYeAsuzn4H_wxUH-hNScj3BUoGzU/s1600/DSCF0186.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6X_lMgx0tIgWGqsarwNiRa2ganS3MIhxzAbkviLiIyQkcl7taasGgx_Nkzjr5luDf6fv1n0KWpROPRqtp9SE3HqcCMMTxTnnsnpjBN1retWeGw4pRYeAsuzn4H_wxUH-hNScj3BUoGzU/s400/DSCF0186.JPG" /></a>So it was Saturday and since I have switched to working out in the mornings, it was time to sleep in. Consequently, we got a late start to our day. I know, quite shocking! (for those of you who don't know us well, we are late on a legendary scale...) First order of business was to get the Boo a haircut. Once that was accomplished it was time to eat. We ended up at the Millstone, the cafe with the awesome <a href="http://gqaba-gqaba.blogspot.com/2009/11/at-play-in-shadow-of-table-mountain.html">treehouse</a> we spoke of in a previous post. It also had this very cool swing and lots of other great outdoor places to play. Consequently, brunch went on for hours, which suited us just fine.<br /></div>
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Since it was a gorgeous day with little to no wind, we thought a sojourn to the beach would work just fine. By now it's late in the afternoon and the Boo didn't get a ton of sleep the night before. He passes out in the car as we are trying to figure out which beach to go to. Since we want him to nap a bit we decide a beach a bit further away would be a good idea giving the Boo plenty of time to sleep in transit, plus we knew our friends Bruno and Antoine were at Boulders Beach checking out the<a href="http://gqaba-gqaba.blogspot.com/2009/11/penguins-baboons-and-ostriches-oh-my.html"> penguins</a>.<br />
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When we were at Boulders last weekend we had lamely forgotten to bring our beach gear. Now we may be slow but we do learn, so we figured we could do Boulders Beach round 2, only this time we were ready to swim and play. So off we went to Boulders.<br />
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And this is why being slow pays off - not only were the crowds on their way home by the time we got there but large parts of the beach were now in shade AND as the people left and the sun dipped, the critters came out.<br />
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<center><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/E1JLv9J_RYXnV2rbSPG3Bg?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0jioOFZnuc_60INyejYvK2duzAV0yrK-n0_vtuubXngEyaRv4I3w_jfg54c1hmQMIcjGN_pwts7mbV5dRmaJxgnjdlAEu1SAXLIuMSpnPmyAp04KwK8EEYtcM_3_Ug9CKnr1BWSwC6fI/s400/DSCF0206.JPG" /></a></center><br />
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This curious penguin was just a meter or two from our beach towel and kept on eye on us for quite a while. Eventually, he decided that things were safe and took a stroll across the beach. The Boo gave chase though we did explain the difference between "watching" and "harassing" the penguin, and he backed off a bit.<br /></div>
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As the penguins kept criss-crossing the beach singly and in pairs, we were visited by a small family of Eqyptian geese, a dassie and a large-spotted genet.<br />
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<center><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/2ZpHHu2okaAG0K-xMfmTQg?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicGe4oeWG6J58CJFJeM3V3fwLbOwkPf7VosxhJ0YdxB9zjEBSt0Qo_JiRBZlKCpRGMITfLRHUERheMXEi5W8LoDefMNApYqnP6SDCQ_sN9BqUINmcJI0-nFRDe9BECvwL4pzj_C14sDWM/s400/DSCF0211.JPG" /></a></center><br />
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<center><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/6fV5uOZldKl9nL3QiLmr6Q?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgonJ2hrw9lhQDH1E1PngEnHVXz5FAQw25U2jIfkOH4MdEqhJVPspLgxmrrJ6_Z6fadvWJlZZjTE8OA_4CJw-IsyWztru-W7HduZRM_1Ny123Mkvo1IYQw10gRXr2ONTxfLvxOVtty7qss/s400/DSCF0216.JPG" /></a></center><br />
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<center><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/MYhBGpBwkutPPLkqBn-WiQ?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPbD6ppzClWM8iLIdDbGTl2J-dpYkh4qOPWYx1OB3Mvn1qzq_bDLgvg6Elt9Ms3hDWNf_tkv-LDTB3ezq30K7tqYHZVVHl2BK4CgcXG5e3krbAiekMjII-BSMv2GrNp1stls7d-UgIv2w/s400/DSCF0222.JPG" /></a></center><br />
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Finally, as sunset neared we thought it best to pack up and find a restaurant to enjoy the last rays of the day. On our way out of Boulders Beach, we caught a couple of penguins making a break for it.<br /></div>
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<center><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/0mwrKXjgrCnjLk6UKeiKAQ?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgH5dnhbTCIpdhQYQNWvxNeO6trb5rjb2kwAfJTgxkgdweYJPTN4HBykPlGsstxGA9LjZ4Sa2NfdQK4nXiYVTyYduQB4WDDTZL2vx92SktOBXlJ-gIH6wyj7HEzRWcy68aaDVXsDXGCj2U/s400/DSCF0232.JPG" /></a></center><br />
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<center><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/RNf4JCACwz3R-pUzkM3Cng?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEij_pPBHpIjviyp3EoJHOYIQBOQGQK2_qVpINoF1gBNXgl7K19hiRYqTyfw1_Ml50MW2mRhAIlwNQXoNf7L0hgourAwZBKvXKoZAMjupc_CciRU5-N9aWNagkNOUqnaB03cyeX8DQWk3G8/s400/DSCF0233.JPG" /></a></center><br />
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<center><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/Waepr60KNGhaKI_TUn_3fQ?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7TfAWGfM9JGop1JbmOuloZgQ3qTWi59Ls9LPr6qAIFeUPS56FFggq0eZV2kZGYDU8HKQYXjkPiPu-i_wzU3mVHmKjDHXulTOoQwKyxaMjK5dY71s7RN-yVnZxNZ7hOrTjUDElROqseaY/s400/DSCF0234.JPG" /></a></center><br />
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They hopped down to the asphalt and toddled off up the hill and away from the beach together, two for the road ;)<br />
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We headed back up the road a bit to <a href="http://gqaba-gqaba.blogspot.com/2009/11/water-water-everywhere.html">Kalk Bay</a> and our current favorite seaside restaurant the Brass Bell. Where we enjoyed the sunset and I finally remembered to photograph the yummy, and beautifully presented, Cape Malay Curry (only this time Tim ordered it with chicken instead of the butternut and lentil I had previously.)<br />
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Love it when a full day at the beach can start at 4pm! <br />rogueredheadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16343273174100358944noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8373834091611343305.post-41367104369123121972009-11-28T22:08:00.000+02:002009-11-28T22:08:26.237+02:00Happy Birthday, Grandma Ellen!!<center><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/2AvoqYwgqSXfupleP7QY2g?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGoWdfULCDzz26_pAD22usBGAQdkFqPSqHP0mRJFrCYFiYVIdtTwh6tS8295TmRDio0EH2Y8qImbvwS_NY5uZC-PZ3AQEC126GR3Nu7hi5I1k52s7STf0RywDjkUK2ougJsfKljY2WTrk/s400/DSCF0171.JPG" /></a></center><br />
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The Boo would like to wish his Grandma Ellen a very fun and festive Happy Birthday!!<br />
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Grandma Ellen (Tim's mom) is one of the inspirations for this blog as well as one of the Boo's most favorite people. She is an accomplished watercolorist, makes the coolest handmade books and cards, and has one very sweet dog, Trevor. The Boo loves to visit Grandma Ellen to play at her house with her supercool vintage toys (Fisher-Price circa 1970's - woo hoo!). He also likes to iChat with her and keep her up to date on his very busy life.<br />
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Below is a picture of the Boo with his Grandma Ellen. She helped him celebrate his 4th birthday this year in Arizona!<br />
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<center><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/llajSHfh7G5WrQNPebGJaA?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsUzmrWG8UadtFq6nzg57k9UN848BI5O9rn1v1p-tDiE91P9cqU4UG3gsCJX4I278dOrmhJE76IXIgdp9mujiSdmQMymypwHoEf04Tzkmmyu-g516jN1tI8ZABtdo21e9rgW5Zcz9AMfY/s400/-1.jpg" /></a></center><br />
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Happy Birthday, Grandma Ellen!
<br /></div>rogueredheadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16343273174100358944noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8373834091611343305.post-71492616231518538942009-11-27T11:15:00.002+02:002009-11-27T11:25:46.881+02:00about those baboons...<center><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/DE5aUzB6w7lx3MQHQszMaQ?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlmWHVV1Tywiberg2Q_90HS2_YG3EGWjFhsVAKnJFnnmCNoAxMDmuOXlTQH4qg6sgEWg9fja-rgrvbEwHb0bycGgg0KTi_Gq3625UxopoQVyNa_5H8w6NFiDzzzYqsu9yinZz6XUDZaAs/s400/IMG_1313.jpg" /></a></center>So to continue from the <a href="http://gqaba-gqaba.blogspot.com/2009/11/penguins-baboons-and-ostriches-oh-my.html">penguins</a>...a little later that day, after our <a href="http://gqaba-gqaba.blogspot.com/2009/11/before-we-get-to-baboons.html">lovely lunch</a>...we arrived in the parking area for Cape Point.<br />
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We wanted to go the lighthouse atop Cape Point, way up here:<br />
<center><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/6618u_WXxh1zmFmHJXGwlg?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2tjG6PMmHGX_M7Z6Ix7hR-3eokdoUvCEEXoFxiCvTgyxsv4MDOkTAcZa1sg5iwv5MADmBPnEsrvPSjma83tVJbmBz2gzBm21wKovI8kVbgg_IE4-nVgACgpvZajJj82OaV79KvnaEq1M/s400/IMG_1312.jpg" /></a></center><br />
But we have a 4.5 year old who has decided he's not much for walking. Fortunately for us, we could take the Flying Dutchman funicular to the top. Woo hoo! The Boo loves anything related to a railway and the views going up were spectacular:<br />
<center><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/ZySx8WXqa1R1BlUfsUwrmA?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHlz91RxojTHqPHhV8gf5i2LyY9eXX2c9YDxezz9b_o5xqHm_EFmNqEWHusORbHPa4XvYpspyWHh0UoIpSvz7jjkACReXnHdUiAvi2JoEcNuH1xmMCdgT2ueExUG0Zj3OcbRm9HWu8huI/s400/IMG_1317.jpg" /></a></center>I was completely captivated by this lovely beach between Cape Point and Cape of Good Hope:<br />
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<center><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/qtRHq5A8wSKx2FRFKJfNkA?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDOLHPvQ_omH0kS2TgZpY-hBnp-QhYox2oGAOuiSDyq50pPYKhAzWCJGQOfe1UXfhKL6x1rXGTSt-LNfXveY2ncmQdjjn93VzsdhW6IGbxU4c0YSIq8T5-M9llMoJukUix0dpNpL1o0_4/s400/IMG_1349.jpg" /></a></center><br />
The view from the lighthouse to Cape Point made you feel as if you were at the end of the world.<br />
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<center><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/Cc9DkaK368DHb1WAMC-SjQ?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwBTItF5EIIumYbSlXpMz_bP-Dlx6IQTFs2bCUTyW25z5lNxM3NvDr5od9gdr1I6TtA7WPyWdpVXgSkaCcsrtQYSrsTCv50z6asZO0e6OrKNhVWDC1r3KTq7j0TWEZ2qDg0ZozaVeFt8o/s400/IMG_1353.jpg" /></a></center><br />
Eventually, we went back down and headed to the Cape of Good Hope. On the road we met up with a resident troupe of baboons, who we'll hear more from a bit later. We also made the acquaintance of a young ostrich.<br />
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<center><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/YgvkfBK4ihjABZSzL5uh-Q?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifxx6fLXek0LpGV6itUYzZAenleHFXcyl2KjCUYPOhLL78JJC0ou3chMX8FSno5WuhfyyjrzLFb6KAa2DTw-ROhwWhg2Wkrst74OeAdQdLtrjlY1-IM_M0IqOSJZcpt0G-orxU_I5hzeQ/s400/IMG_1366.jpg" /></a></center><br />
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<center><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/0jJiXnnSyipFwRyeKmRluw?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOjoJ3_buPJ1XVT1KtLnDawzJIFtLKIJsEoLrSwuQg7NWV9zA21czoGe8mcIKlZqSYwS-whBcG2aFiFbFWPz-rfE7f5L-t5EvT_wPO9o_7ij_7OuP6lygVGiedjPj8nNiPDvp0BP1IFow/s400/IMG_1385.jpg" /></a></center><br />
When we finally made it to the Cape of Good Hope (we were slow not because the distances were far, but because the wildlife was so fascinating...), the Boo loved practicing his rockhopper skills while telling the photographer (aka me) what to do and where to go ;)<br />
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<center><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/Jdi017T4OvFZimjQZkc2wA?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-hQlYJO09ZdqIjtqEv7kRyGUX-ycS87gtcm6wm_OmpZYEfnQyU9biZL-4cZgy95ag0GCl2QTSd8cFFSsGPR43MZvulI1fUabv4EDPzyR6iFntDPxPQQIAZ_kdwwSZ4OKrpucyqicu2E8/s400/IMG_1431.jpg" /></a></center><br />
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<center><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/-2rTCm7HJ5ICRZychCyziA?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9jqRKhnnwnQVermObin2QVbLbQyAarJeBlhKesZdCrAqb6aNrYwieAG-jgYl7UMLrpbCG4ravxBWJBGV4_j539fIVmx8YBg3F1P9bGpFaGbaXedG0gI-oORE-v3shiBbspfjZ8q9mHq4/s400/IMG_1407.jpg" /></a></center><br />
We eventually tore ourselves from the view, chased the Boo off the rocks and reluctantly got back in the car to go home. As we passed the now closed Buffelsfontein Visitor Centre, we met back up with our troupe of baboons. The alpha male, who is quite intimidating and not to be trifled with (actually, no one should let their guard down around baboons and all of our photos were taken from the car), was no where in sight, but the females and younger baboons were grooming and playing on the grounds of the Centre.<br />
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<center><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/WIYyNwLWENdzDC8M5VLs6g?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifSjeU8MO4JDsPZcab0vNM0E9CXGeqoBO7hEWrZv4qt0TFAbQ2Otg9ohXw61X0VgBv-j8iocy-0Ataf-xO8Kd-iRtqXU85cVhmyJKxxN5RjBL0ZVnmV06GxkTJk4mJ9a2I3hbSe2FbK9M/s400/IMG_1450.jpg" /></a></center><br />
We then got a complete acrobatic show courtesy of the younger members of the troupe. They took over the deeply slanted roof of one of the out-buildings of the Visitor Centre and played what appeared to be the baboon version of King of the Hill. As each young'un ascended the roof, the others already there would try to knock him off. They sometimes succeeded and the newcomer would fall to the ground, bounce (literally!), shake himself off and head back up. We watched this cycle over and over with a few variations for about 20+ minutes. <br />
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<center><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/gw4RAN1rj5OuSs7a5bDKRg?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUao2RdxJ34N3TfTYbnlbJOIJNKbyQXR9rajNT-BjqhkvWb4Z3-mQ6NQt8-Buri4_yd9UI8zIn257G_p_KE3f0PWU0-UgRdc2BgVESp4V4PQeRCuzOgLc8QJwbd3MNhzIx9lc0N4GrwGI/s400/IMG_1464.jpg" /></a></center><br />
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<center><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/Hn6m8XaHTmTAAC3CERpWAQ?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHQw36JHBlUX10BhvAjUw_D5aLZiA4zYJC7be3Pd9taDIPVATE_E_rKIHt03VFkNuaH-nHDX2b03hIJ6JzX4ZRiicGT0Y_UtPHSC4fQkJzNQ4Fjy3b-UEZ6jh3MS9h3gt-gFdoRjfWHSA/s400/IMG_1465.jpg" /></a></center><br />
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<center><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/7q6cJ_Y96RS9oFDtNqNzVA?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUNq9RSJNHF_MvKve2ODVD7z3_x5WMJDNHbsuq4ar0rsOVlUOuXGr0juapI-Wv3yLYm3C8JKJpI9kKOwoxjk2hsOjbXq4-DB_EmO-A6xgxdNpuGV7D5wWidgYv6ld1Bg5KfMJ-HWVSPvQ/s400/IMG_1466.jpg" /></a></center><br />
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<center><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/gOeFCpm1wbmbbKyBZLqQXA?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNGmM_Lzg5gbOJVDScqcYZCGjm3LOfiH7n5Mxxvkv2i2n_lRDx-ZFrjbPDZrH0CBljh1aw7dF87K7sbB3j2XevFU9tfJxSe2WcIScwl0Ig6tyy7C9cu55Vo-zh2CcBpi2t_ZwfbitlzcE/s400/IMG_1467.jpg" /></a></center><br />
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Oo-de-lally, Oo-de-lally<br />
Golly, what a day!rogueredheadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16343273174100358944noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8373834091611343305.post-53819478655833810562009-11-26T10:59:00.001+02:002009-11-26T11:51:53.983+02:00and now for something completely different<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3Dvl-BoX2NecCQ0fKwd3ve2IjYHgbpvoQZoSW-huMpQoeNP0BTcZl7LxcoVcqIKIY1t0U_KKLGfFHKgbIbFydW1fpXS-0qrv1wcRw22eWLpDrIL08y2y8I1SBek-HmgDp8lnNOcbRFn0/s1600/00000008935.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3Dvl-BoX2NecCQ0fKwd3ve2IjYHgbpvoQZoSW-huMpQoeNP0BTcZl7LxcoVcqIKIY1t0U_KKLGfFHKgbIbFydW1fpXS-0qrv1wcRw22eWLpDrIL08y2y8I1SBek-HmgDp8lnNOcbRFn0/s400/00000008935.jpg" /></a><br /></div>
Above photo - Guinea fowl courtesy of <a href="http://www.mangoverde.com/birdsound/picpages/pic39-3-3.html">Mangoverde</a>. Haven't seen any turkeys here in South Africa but the guinea fowl are quite plentiful.<br />
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<br />
<b>About that Thanksgiving Day...</b><br />
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I was trading facebook wall posts with my best friend who was getting all excited about Thanksgiving. She calls herself the black Martha Stewart, so I just usually let her have at it. But, being the contrarian that I can be, I mentioned that I was so happy to not have to deal with American Thanksgiving, indicating it was my least favorite holiday. She came right back at me, all aghast. I chuckled, because of course I was primarily going for just that reaction.<br />
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But then I got to thinking, did I really hate Thanksgiving? Shouldn't I be happy about an actual American holiday that has very little to do with selling greeting cards and much to do with counting your blessings. Once I thought about my actual Thanksgiving experience, I realized that Thanksgiving has treated me well, primarily because my friends always took such good care of me on Thanksgiving Day (and I never had to do all the cooking...).<br />
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So some Thanksgivings for which I'm very thankful:<br />
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2008 - pretty much any Thanksgiving at Julia and Chris' house, they always have a great guest list, Chris is an awesome cook, and between Julia and the critters and the general merriment in the Juliaverse (oh, and the Boo would say their awesome stash of toys), this is always a good time.<br />
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2007 - Thanksgiving on my own in NYC - Tim took the Boo to see his mom in Minnesota and I took off to NYC for time to myself and to get a tattoo from a particular tattoo artist. Vanessa and Rob were in Virginia, but let me have their awesome apartment in Brooklyn to myself. I got to spend much time with my girl, Isabelle. Nice little break from parenthood. <br />
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2005 - Thanksgiving at Christian and Shari's - Christian is another amazing cook, Shari is always welcoming, and this was where the Boo had his first solid food (or the first solid food he didn't spit back in my face) - Groppi's amazing, and amazingly rich, mushroom soup. <br />
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2004 - Thanksgiving at Julia and Chris' - this was when Tim and I first announced our pregnancy to everyone. I felt so odd doing that as I had spent my entire adult life trying to not be pregnant that when it happened unexpectedly after our wedding I was just so shocked. I kind of felt like I had gotten caught doing something I wasn't supposed to do. Everybody was so supportive that it helped Tim and I get much more comfortable with the wonderful surprise that was the Boo.<br />
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2002 - Thanksgiving at the Ranch (off the Turquoise Trail between Santa Fe and ABQ) - 11 people, 6 dogs, the high New Mexico desert in crisp late Fall, the Christmas lights getting turned on in the main plaza in Santa Fe, thank you, Julia, for inviting us...that trip is still remembered as a little slice of heaven.<br />
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2001 - Thanksgiving at Julia's old house - my dearly departed dog Dublin, hated being in the house, so stood just outside the front door and watched the rest of us eat our meal. Nobody complained about the door being open to the cold night so my sweet rescue dog with quite a few issues could be more comfortable. Love my dog-people friends.<br />
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1999 - Thanksgiving at Vanessa and Rob's place in Park Slope, Brooklyn - Vanessa and Rob are the champs at pulling off a great dinner party. I already had my ticket to leave New York, but so enjoyed this time with my good friends.<br />
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1998 - Thanksgiving in Manhattan by myself - I had only just moved in to my apartment on the Upper East Side in October, and this was a time to finally unpack the last of the boxes and get settled without having to be anywhere else. I took long walks around Manhattan on my own and so enjoyed getting to know my new city. Still one of my favorite places to just walk and walk.<br />
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1997 - Thanksgiving in Bangkok - my Thai bosses, trying to be culturally attuned, took me and my American co-worker to one of the high end hotels for a Thanksgiving buffet to end all buffets. They were a bit perturbed when my co-worker and I shunned the turkey and stuffing and headed straight for the plates upon plates of fresh sashimi and sushi.<br />
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1994 - Thanksgiving in NYC - I was living in DC, Isabelle, my roommate from Prague, was (and still is) living in NYC. I took the bus up to meet her and got more of a taste for Manhattan, a town that initially intimidated me, but I now love. <br />
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1993 - Thanksgiving in Waynesboro, VA - my new friend, Erik, took me home to his family for Thanksgiving. Erik is the middle of 5 boys and his older brothers had not settled down with their wives and families yet, so his mother seemed quite happy to have a girl in the house. I was at loose ends in Washington, DC, having just started my first job after college and was so happy to be included in somebody's celebrations. Erik, babe, I know you're busy, but I miss you!<br />
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1991 - Thanksgiving in Prague - 2 of the guys on our Study Abroad program in Prague in the Fall of 1991, somehow, some way, managed to track down 2 large turkeys (pretty challenging for Prague in 1991) and cook them all day in the funky ovens in our common kitchen at Kajetanka (even more challenging as these ovens were not familiar with the concept of steady heat.) I heard one of them had been on the phone throughout the day with his mom getting pointers (again, not easy in Prague 1991) on the meal. The rest of us got handwritten invitations asking us to show up for dinner, dress nicely, and bring wine. My photo album detailing this amazing meal and party is in Tucson, but I recently shared it with a friend from the program who passed through Tucson right before we left, so the images are fresh in my mind. We had an incredible time up high in that Kajetanka kitchen, enjoying each other, good food and lots of Moravian wine (we had more empty wine bottles after the show then we had people in attendance...). Being 21 in Prague right after the Velvet Revolution was a special time and place that no longer exists, but I am so thankful to have been a part of it.<br />
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Anyways, I could go on, but I am sure the point has been made. Thanksgiving has been exceedingly good to me because of the amazing friends I have in my life and I need to be little more mindful of how good I have it. Thank you, friends, glad you're here!<br />
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And to those who may be worried that I have given my family short shift, my mom was a trauma nurse for 40 years and often worked the Thursday of the Thanksgiving holiday (time and half, baby!). Consequently, I typically celebrated Thanksgiving with my family on the Friday, assuming I was in town. So best of both worlds. I am a lucky girl! Love you, mom!<br />
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Happy Thanksgiving! <br />rogueredheadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16343273174100358944noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8373834091611343305.post-74230724221865841592009-11-24T09:39:00.002+02:002009-11-24T16:17:13.259+02:00before we get to the baboons<center><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/hd93fKLXsqAnE0eVHj3OMA?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0Hxuf8JG4hQJp1IUffuKD6xRoROwY-NY9erVXDNlXhGJrFeRohAGyLV3eJswxijzzUivmRPOSeM3LcBGSxmjqMe9sdGW6y3M4WXmn0bdO9Ic0FXwldK9qIaIpduP-C3RAtAMBGjGbR3Q/s400/DSCF0168.JPG" /></a></center><br />
I'm a bit short on time today, but wanted to get a few more pictures up. Above is the view from the terrace of Boulders Beach Restaurant. The restaurant (and there is a lodge too) is located just above the parking area for Boulders Beach, home to our penguins from <a href="http://gqaba-gqaba.blogspot.com/2009/11/penguins-baboons-and-ostriches-oh-my.html">yesterday's post</a>.<br />
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Tim commented that he is fast becoming accustomed to eating lunch by the beach and I wholeheartedly agree. This is one of our favorite things about the Cape, gorgeous places to eat and drink are always close at hand and they are often quite a good value, especially considering the high quality of the food.<br />
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I had the open-faced vegetarian sandwich. What you can't see in the picture is the truly yummy pesto that anchored the vegetables to the bread. Delicious! Tim enjoyed his antipasto plate and a cold beer and the Boo...well the Boo was only interested in chips (french fries) but at least they came from a less expensive kiddie menu.<br />
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<center><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/VFVZhdBRzDRrsCiqMs0nSQ?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMBHVRtcgJMmyyRbQ-yQjonbZ3-b7r6CMt1m_JMU2N0_0J6TUnACVc6yeS_DCr98-qFqSXi7OlHbSgFKYvRBABehyphenhyphenQwxFWndZ-iqP_SBwIOEcZeTFmF2FV8LrkHPWKTO6J0rsuxH4I8Tg/s400/DSCF0165.JPG" /></a></center><br />rogueredheadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16343273174100358944noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8373834091611343305.post-36258630703082033162009-11-23T13:02:00.005+02:002009-11-24T16:16:25.513+02:00penguins, baboons, and ostriches, oh my!Well, can't believe we really live here. So Saturday was another mind-blowing day. We took 269 images with the big camera just to give you an indication of all the eye candy South Africa offered up to us. Amazing!<br />
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I'll have to make multiple postings in order to really do our day justice. But let's start with the penguins. There is a colony of African Penguins (aka Jackass Penguins, due to the braying sound they make) on Boulders Beach just south of Simon's Town on the eastern shore of the Cape Peninsula. This is just a little further down the road then our previous foray in to Kalk Bay.<br />
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The colony only established itself in the 1980's once the fish stocks were able to recover somewhat from the vast overfishing that occurred up through the 1970's. The penguins took over the beach but started making a nuisance of themselves by showing up in people's gardens. So the <a href="http://www.sanparks.org/">South African National Parks System</a> (or it's predecessor at the time) made Boulders Beach a national park. They put up "penguin fence" to contain the colony and allow people to view and experience the penguins without tramping over their nests or putting the penguins (or the people...) at physical risk. There are boardwalks that wind through the thickets that border the beach and jut out over the sand to provide viewing points for the beach itself. The penguins seem completely unfazed by all the human attention they receive and just go about their business as usual, which is fascinating to watch.<br />
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Some of our favorite penguins but first a warning:<br />
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<center><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/cnM2LY7fuawVp8jxupXfJQ?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhj28xvNFp2oFu_WIC3_JOo4aT2pXHhyphenhyphenNyEki3eI083BasS31DXOWSbt52f7-5Crm8WkD1XBzDHxvJOZjL5Cm9_Gj3MMQ5IU7J_ORNYmvD2Xw8yP-D-nptxK_C7Z_0lQqkw6FyWO6HZwTQ/s400/IMG_1274.jpg" /></a></center><br />
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<center><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/SEdaHmyaIOvUImCIHXt7sw?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoM8dP5_87_qVDt42OXJ3QqUV_LZ0WGEJhjD3b0Va6TnulMyMNXZCIF8RyXGYWVoimi6hOu-3kJumP2o-Z_96G39zYQ6ztO0dcth8_F7-mDJ_5Xewd6VFFxuu2Ft9KY7a_kS8akpOarB0/s400/IMG_1238.jpg" /></a></center><br />
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<center><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/XQ2e43cZ8fhNnX7P52Qgrg?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiB3bq7OyTdlPlEofpAmRHagncva89L5i1m2oqaP4DuqRvwiouDwvzBbJJ14Tv_OjhsBEOiYaZu8gNpYFtJ27aNkihSs6py_xLlMJwRa2waOi81nncRjGcKCaqndjpmtmARK4LyhPis6_A/s400/IMG_1264.jpg" /></a></center> <br />
<center><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/KAGg1wkN2lquVL-FiUCgUA?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMqIaTZ3d5BtrTcDX8BGcwY5zAM4hLdBd0JefcUP9S17vOLcxbdz2eUddhH9Oyu1KmkQXca1xuroIdFVgTBvRl4VpX-rwioWbQXsMnY_szzS9P-ghibKcb8anq7cXsOEITtk9TADTa9FM/s400/IMG_1305.jpg" /></a></center><br />
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<center><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/uAhx65IwLb6kKEyWYq6Vsw?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5rWO-LIRzRusmOmWboEpH4cdQOho6Z3k4aeGfIA56GlE6pRMlN4e9pPCPjTgv_33pKbmkqLeLWdcA05i1_NVvjgI3BWE4JeDTXfHAqbVfYxriOkt7Pf68BvxqaB_70ZG8QOvkmoTuuMw/s400/IMG_1280.jpg" /></a></center><br />
It was quite common to see two penguins cuddled up together as they mate for life. If they are nesting on their own they'll seek out the shelter of the dense thicket and bushes. Otherwise they build nests in the sand and group together for security.<br />
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Their interactions could be quite hilarious. In the photo of the the penguins in the sand nest, the one penguin that you can barely see because he's so far in the nest is actually digging the sand and flipping it up and out of the nest. The sand was hitting the penguin on the far left of the photo full on in the face and you could just see him getting more and more irritated, until he finally moved out of the line of fire.<br />
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<center><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/KGVa3Zyzio-O0WqSOfcMYg?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiloUSnSat6h4Tb6vNFuQGSDqTwxswJGVSXQ7gaLgqq3016ZX106Zsj6bdbKVOmrwIl07D6rbBNo2DYqdJaJ5CD2U1YGpqQ2Ir3M1JyPf8X69Qhy2euIvADisuOBRkvesNKjNiMn1L_mc/s400/IMG_1287.jpg" /></a></center><br />
That security thing is key as Tim spotted this mongoose in the grass not far from the above nests. The mongoose is pretty well camouflaged but you should be able to see his tail in the center of the photo. For whatever reason, he didn't make a move on the penguins while we were watching.<br />
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<center><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/sk72-h1_1PcssiSaH6YY5w?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhi23_Fv5cioeQ3AT4j41My82O9kPExvl-e7wgpfY5UIzoA3P_xM_edmjpT_a6iAOUhKVV6nw2juUXBTR90GbpkuZgtTv4DxKGziHUyHP11iwbmnPWQ9fUskfM2PHH3Iw_Ifz9XJjo7HLQ/s400/IMG_1303.jpg" /></a></center><br />
More shots of life on the beach, penguin-style. In the first you can see some penguins are molting. This is a 5-6 week long process that they do entirely on land, meaning they don't eat during that time. The brown penguins are under 2 years of age and haven't had their first molt yet. You can see the boulders that give the beach it's name and provide some shelter and security for the penguins.<br />
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<center><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/38NPydBB2adD__FW4HrkMg?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6NwYHJRI7SHmUwqibU0gxnPYupQFbs8V5BOzkAD614ESKTwCwXSXKH-GeWTkTkqsPHGUIuqTyTyKWqFz4iyRBT2ZekI2iytAeSohguvvpWML4hLSGPw2jmplk-ZasBjo3KbfkawJOLiY/s400/IMG_1293.jpg" /></a></center><br />
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<center><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/k1BZRDP2m0qUXeZ1nh6J5Q?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRrPxyG3EHQGtzqWwQ7kVCPRLiK4AiUEe6ddm-Bo_QNdevSVB8oMlZ8mZ-quktYs6yvoQOcD01TzVo7_Ss9AlkcxoCkA1_jp8ofqAJoHJAnKqZ2LEfz0Y06MeDhxbE06KkgmAD_p-6fSo/s400/IMG_1294.jpg" /></a></center><br />
We leave you with a few parting shots. First of the Boo showing off his "penguin egg." You put the penguin egg in water and after a while it hatches a baby penguin, leave the baby penguin in the water and it continues to grow. This process fascinated the Boo for the rest of the weekend!<br />
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The Boo got a huge kick out of the boardwalks through the thickets that brought us up close and personal to the penguins. He loved spotting the penguins in the bushes and even found one right under the steps of the boardwalk that we would have completely missed. He had less patience for the hanging out over the beach and watching the colony as a whole. But the whole day made a big impression. He kept asking to go back to the "Wild."<br />
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<center><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/ZaqTX5aeHjucJX3ccYGE_Q?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-oQKP4ttAGzFSyhYc19MC4DiKLIWYldvOvVpe9OXHdnc9gvwMD1msLFqQKMApUL2uTnm5E53c6m5_CH6o4TRKB2YI7DCkxcJ7enTBZlDwx4KBDeWLRPFWypQY5fjvnnpznLz2PEMj36w/s400/IMG_1306.jpg" /></a></center><br />
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<center><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/x7U8pqSeSKEgTun9QVm9Qw?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLXlsid12cVHfn_KQqfRifyoWfbX53xS53WHv-8UtQv80AzKLS845oAlL47lXY4ywTV_vETx0pBgQwsphupWmAM-v5nc-tuw357OUMmC0hlhLmMjAr8fJ-M8Tqyh20M20YwSYdQ7boIVc/s400/IMG_1307.jpg" /></a></center><br />
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<center><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/Talkm1CtJEIHiei1rCuUOw?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkbFXcs8HT0My57fYjI70UUxCyWVI-S7fwd93kP6S4xBBnpz4RTxhqjbLs6pNuynckqdtqE7PlwriXIfclSDUaxCQ42SbCsfGa7nDU1wiD2aP9jQp_UktB3n7uEZP-lvntXqAFJCwqn0Y/s400/IMG_1266.jpg" /></a></center> <br />
Watch for our next post for babboons and ostriches and 360 degree views.<br />rogueredheadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16343273174100358944noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8373834091611343305.post-54733286409320361922009-11-20T12:18:00.001+02:002009-11-24T16:04:15.946+02:00playing hookySo, the Boo loves his new preschool, but in some respects he's very much my child, i.e. he can't stand going to the same place day after day and needs regular breaks from the schedule. Yesterday he asked to stay home and "do something fun" with me. "Do something fun" is Boo-speak for get out of the house. So what to do with the Boo?<br />
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There is wonderful blog Tim and I follow - <a href="http://www.capetowndailyphoto.com/">Cape Town Daily Photo</a> - and they recently posted about water taxi rides in the canals that connect to the Victoria and Albert Waterfront. Since the Boo loves taxis and the Boo loves boats, I figured a little water taxi action might be just the mommy-and-me activity we were looking for. So off we went.<br />
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It took a little maneuvering, but eventually we tracked down the water taxi going through the lock (there's no set schedule, but if you talk to the right person near the water route they can call one for you - good to know!) . He made a special stop to pick up the Boo and I. We then traveled through the canal to the Cape Town International Conference Center and back through the water lock and in to the Alfred and then Victoria basins of the harbour. Paul at Cape Town Daily Photo has <a href="http://www.capetowndailyphoto.com/blog/2009/11/canal-to-the-waterfront/">a link to the route </a>plotted on Google Maps.<br />
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<a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/G_6EHaJsstKGOWBi7mOMow?authkey=Gv1sRgCNOFup2QxbbfAQ&feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6VXyPHsa1mbFUBt4R0XxaQBI-9QLqUL6Cr1-rOpDPbHJHOKIvBP38dCxlTJeMMq_9LNaNPHc69DaML5Av58cQ-k1PAFwi66uICNLn6hBffXn6xmU7QdffjCJVf3N0OCxeb1VZdJdJ6fw/s400/DSCF0145.JPG" /></a> <br />
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Above is the view of the high-priced real estate and accommodations to be found along the canal. Below is the canal lock from the top (canal elevation) to the bottom (harbour elevation).<br />
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<a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/sAmkMBtUfvsMfD8t401pgQ?authkey=Gv1sRgCNOFup2QxbbfAQ&feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijg-tnKBLqBfU42NBhKpGwoKEWwss0sPA1iWYLa_z2z66QKPAoOuGZet6DYovboZs7F6Ht6QSMAVcwFVzFR6L0UwZ2hTZ1KbeYJB8QjI3rFIpidBXkKmJviuOBIEZFJJ3mGa9NCvagB4o/s400/DSCF0147.JPG" /></a><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/69TlHy0AaowIu9jgRAcy5A?authkey=Gv1sRgCNOFup2QxbbfAQ&feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgLweyoUc13CR8jqBckpsCFR1hFrs1CTzPaGIkuZRpYvrnxMq2X3JjcdjXt56mQ0wW65yGvACfQx5elcZwkCDpgfEDTt_CCuVl7REOWnFp10ci7io3MCNaaTrKRwzwyPpxLTM4KWCZTYo/s400/DSCF0149.JPG" /></a><br />
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The Boo seemed to really enjoy the ride and got a kick out of all the seabirds along the route, many with nests and eggs in those nests. Our taxi returned us to the Waterfront proper (a place we seem to constantly circle back to, we've been there 7 or 8 times since landing in Cape Town) where we were greeted by a very friendly seal (umm...I was a bit slow on the camera draw to capture that, but the Boo loved it!) <br />
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<a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/cKumesu2P6QWERoj1Jj6wA?authkey=Gv1sRgCNOFup2QxbbfAQ&feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjODlzVv9S1pzJBNdF-j5gFSToPy0rBcU-LO6GC61PSya_X3BiGA0NlqUZznwqd0cZjDthxQP9x1aA-bJqrJC5tDRlm7oqOGlFO8_ftT5EXNgu-j-CMRAZTEcx3vlJgsyyAPnFUwvbzty4/s400/DSCF0152.JPG" /></a><br />
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The Boo then hit me up for ice cream as we enjoyed the comings and goings on the Waterfront. A successful mommy-and-Boo outing!<br />
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<a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/xL1a9_0gHPP4-cT1wnciKA?authkey=Gv1sRgCNOFup2QxbbfAQ&feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixdLXYSS3XeGtrKFTUbsR6dgWyOJ3NGjGa8JbVSQkeiyNR3Dl6-7MdCRwePEfobF_oOsfKCA8fFDZHcWHbDYXzGrXmgfAGUCJ1EQ-mIRXGa9qWDY0LUXGMs3bRi0IQLRipcFVP00ueSLM/s400/DSCF0157.JPG" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/-1EUgCWT8TF-UtB0fVG8gg?authkey=Gv1sRgCNOFup2QxbbfAQ&feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjO3blrwOff_kKnEe0FzUh0G_mSnogPlIWqqaG0YFs6TkInIGJF_537rPdZKklS4zz9XxyPWjKJz3yvGxlyRofrb_ko6cB4mqXqkCwT16Yixu8Ngi9LVkJ2-xGtXUIe-77CCkYUEt9vSng/s400/DSCF0159.JPG" /></a><br />rogueredheadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16343273174100358944noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8373834091611343305.post-45799570119675439682009-11-18T09:23:00.002+02:002009-11-24T16:03:28.750+02:00water, water, everywhere part 2So after posting yesterday about the ocean views from the highways, I thought I would give you a better visual.<br />
<a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/QZRWQv8E9G0XYxJbQrNYBw?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2ZIs-XvYieeDxs5Axzhp4vgls6Cs32NUoMyYl2gBp5YlSg_V31mBJ2knBmvKypgdmdLMdejlIS030xBXgQG9_fm_JMnIIv5NJGxhFX2zyZOpBhrc65BdYkFX6FGpBGitiz4-ZD00c1-4/s400/DSCF0078.JPG" /></a><br />
This was taken while we were bombing down the M3. Tim was driving, the Boo was asleep on my left shoulder and I just stuck our little pocket camera out the window and snapped with my right hand. So not the most technically gifted shot, but this is very typical of the view up and down the M3.<br />
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<a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/v5L2mZmX8CQg39N5Cd8BqQ?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibgNUBtXAnSmGEO_6_3zlPct4wAU8qKDkguMYoA8z72VCoQLBp_lyksJHFteLBV4jYvieSzjH82rKHFjo2DXzdo06kCxXHxDN8DSJ2087fGevSBxmnobsUcqkSoleAAosXilxB8DtT1QE/s400/DSCF0086.JPG" /></a><br />
Same MO as above, only didn't have the window rolled down on this one so you can see some of the rain smudges. Taken on Camps Bay Road. Still less then 30 minutes from our house.<br />
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<a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/rMrVgKcor6lteRqloO4isw?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoPUQhtsvKTzW3lah1Lia6BQafaEjhLIiKmIGC7Qwvdgtnc2HveVEnXk-HweVLU7BbzffUCa2BERCm7VP-PUV4eG3h9js41JOCg4FFYhnGn0O4G-FxA4lv4ajpguWDW6kQGOt2hnt5t14/s400/DSCF0107.JPG" /></a>Taken from the Sea Point Promenade, only 20 minutes from home. We're out of the car now (hence the horizon is level) and on foot in search of La Vie Cafe - great vibe-y bar/cafe with wood-fired pizzas, interesting cocktail menu and an attractive crowd. The Boo loved the milkshake made just for him.<br />rogueredheadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16343273174100358944noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8373834091611343305.post-77410081935369440412009-11-17T14:09:00.002+02:002009-11-24T16:01:42.597+02:00water, water, everywhereOne of my most favorite things (so far) about Cape Town is how, unlike many coastal cities, you can see the ocean everyday just by hopping on one of the main thoroughfares. This isn't necessarily the truth in LA or San Diego, or even in large parts of San Francisco or Vancouver. Because of the unique (and mind-boggling, map-defying) topography of this place, the combination of Table Mountain sloping to the sea and the importance of the harbour (getting in the swing of Brit-spelling ;), just getting around guarantees beautiful views of the ocean. I'm so loving it.<br />
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Then there are all the watery places we can reach within 30 minutes of our house. Loving that too. This past weekend, we whiled away a Saturday afternoon in Kalk Bay. Kalk Bay is on the eastern side of the Cape Peninsula. Consequently the water is a bit warmer there and it is prime breeding grounds for the Southern Right Whale (so-called because they were considered the "right" whale to hunt because they breed close to shore, are slow swimmers and have lots of blubber which keeps them on the surface). November is the end of the whale season in this area and we got quite lucky and got to see several groups. In the second photo you can see that there is a calf swimming alongside the larger whale.<br />
<a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/-ShGgA3osHR8_3eGhKN_ww?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEik80-G7iB9gx8nazww9a60JwZaKt2So5fhnS88NfQxFuttfl-0nPwhN9g1_Yb0cgzXco04JvMUxQLAiOTFknNXNFyykB8qLFVgVk-Or60OWKCn8o0Du8rSVdgIwAnDibTvewOHP4nj-7E/s400/IMG_1200.jpg" /></a><br />
<a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/HI7n_FshnZacZ_x0MC_p8Q?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidKXdF_k-jSv2Ut-hzj7FNnjog_7p8FQD7DXOfR5c3X3jflsUjBzW7jiST0dtJvkDf1llPk0qiAtPJBpUJVkY9m38PsS60JHz0b3NBnRrBKMloIquwB4p77RGHWnYg0UuHhGPKtxjzZ3w/s400/IMG_1201.jpg" /></a><br />
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It wouldn't be our experience of the Cape if there wasn't a great place to sit, drink well but cheaply, and have yummy food while you marvel at the scenery. Kalk Bay had just the place - the Brass Bell. We rode out a few rainclouds here while we thoroughly enjoyed ourselves with the view, the critters (a harbour seal gave us a quick show too) and the $2 imperial pints of decent <strike>South African</strike> Namibian lager on draught. The Boo was pretty happy with the show too and pretty much ignored us while he hung out the window ogling the waves.<br />
<a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/ewcfeMvzUlIDHNm9fLpKeQ?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKC6DPBzc1v2Gaz0LLjpraFmduBKTRAmdzyP2f2KLq4ACu4XRj5uLLSggsZdScFz6sd2ZBdHZ_wuwcq0ix02qQbjz7OrXq6JVbgJot0ahB8k_8wq6uEQ5FubJ_C8BDBI1tXRDDYZrR5o8/s400/DSCF0050.JPG" /></a><br />
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Well, I need to run and pick up the Boo from his Montessori preschool. He's loving it and the children and teachers have been very welcoming to him, even though the school year ends December 4th!<br />
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More to come...<br />
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<br />rogueredheadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16343273174100358944noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8373834091611343305.post-64305278246697300152009-11-13T23:22:00.020+02:002009-11-14T01:37:05.680+02:00at play in the shadow of Table MountainSo we're here. We've been here for almost 3 weeks and it only took us 6 months of temporary-this and packing-up-that to get here ;) Thank goodness "here" has already proven itself more than worth the effort and stress it took to arrive.<br />
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Key details as we go forward:<br />
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<b>Our blog name</b> - "<b>gqaba-gqaba</b>" is the Xhosa word for "<b>here and there; scattered; a little bit</b>." This appealed to us as we are pretty much the opposite of focused and to the point ;) Xhosa is one of the main African languages spoken in South Africa, second only to Zulu, which is closely related. Nelson Mandela is the son of a Xhosa chief. Xhosa is a "click" language, so pronouncing the "gq" sound is fairly challenging for non-native speakers, so feel free to refer to our blog as the gabba-gabba blog - that appeals to us too!<br />
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<b>Point of blog</b> - to keep our family and friends apprised of our adventures and to let our Boo's grandmothers know that he is thriving in his new home. Our friend Rachel set the bar high with her lovely blog about her family's recent <a href="http://alittlegnocchi.blogspot.com/">foray in Firenze</a> and we hope to meet the same standards of humor and great photography (though we are already off to a slow start...) I am still learning to bring the darn camera with me on our outings so it may take a while to really give you the visuals you deserve.<br />
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<b>First blog topic - Playgrounds! </b><br />
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We are loving the playgrounds in Cape Town. Prior to arriving I had read in our Culture Shock! South Africa book that there were few public playgrounds and parks as South African children (of certain economic status, no doubt) tend to play behind walls at each other's homes instead of in public parks due to security issues. So we were quite excited to find this big beautiful adventure playground made of wood and recycled tires on <b>Mouille Point</b>, across the street from one of our new favorite cafes (Cafe Neo - great coffee, yummy food, free wireless, cool modern vibe).<br />
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As the Boo scales the wall, you can see the ocean through the play structure on your right.<br />
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Here's the Boo on the 3rd level of the Mouille Point playground. He had to shimmy up through a column of tires to get there.<br />
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This is what we LOVED about this playground - a fabulous location, cool use of recycled materials, quite a large involved structure that got the kids up in to their own space (I tried going up that column of tires at the Boo's request - my butterflyer shoulders were not welcome), and challenging components that gave the Boo the opportunity to stretch himself physically in ways the "safe" playgrounds in the U.S. just don't do.<br />
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Our next playground comes to you courtesy of the <b>Dunes in Hout Bay</b>. We met our friends, Benne and Robin, there for lunch our first Sunday in town. Benne was an undergrad at Groningen when Tim did his post-doc there. He is now an astronomy post-doc at the University of Cape Town. Robin is his American wife. We enjoyed good food and good conversation, while the Boo played and played on the playground that was basically inside the patio area of this restaurant. And did we mention we were also right on the beach!!<br />
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This playground was also in the wood-and-recycled-tires (or "tyres" as they are spelled here) mode, with some fun additions, such as a beamed cat walk with angled netting on each side. Tim has noted this phenomenon of restaurants and pubs having their own playgrounds (and we're not talking play areas, but <i>playgrounds</i>) to be fairly widespread in the little bit of Cape Town we have seen so far (the Boo and Timmy have been to more places then me, as they get out and find places to eat on the nights I'm at Cape Crossfit working out.)<br />
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I really think this is a missed marketing opportunity in the U.S. What better then for parents to be able to enjoy a real drink or a real meal (McDonald's DOES NOT count) while the kids play and play and play...(Tim just chimed in and said this was very typical for pubs in Britain, though on a smaller scale, so maybe this is just new to me!)<br />
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Finally, we leave you with two more playground images. One of the Boo playing on the playground that belongs to his new Montessori preschool. The second is the treehouse of the cafe adjacent to the Waldorf school we are checking out as a future option for the Boo. Again, we just love the organic vibe. It has been exciting to see the Boo stretch himself in his play in ways I haven't seen him do since he was a toddler just learning how to climb. I don't know if the playgrounds play a role in his new bravery but they definitely give him the space to try out his wings.<br />
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Until next time...<br />
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<center><tt><tt></tt></tt></center><center></center><center><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/ZW2yEY2rzDTW9LVIvdjLgw?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgo4YezWncGz_kn7vxQIKayHfnynCKGkNkWg4EFZBkmU-gQkYNwUfjOShudsjAb5cWuMJ1RmeNS9fiG14x4GNo9o5FTgFP9NbulJSqZNW4ta5Tt_xYqLnX02p1k4xtnEZiaGj7cttZcC6A/s400/-8.jpg" /></a><tt><tt></tt></tt></center><tt><tt></tt></tt><br />rogueredheadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16343273174100358944noreply@blogger.com2