Vroeg in 2013 hou my moeder aan dat ek moet inskryf vir die RSG radiodrama kompetisie. Ek ken die medium glad nie en is bang ek slaan my naam met 'n plank. Skrywersvriend, Fanie Viljoen, oortuig my uiteindelik en ek gaan sit en skryf 'n storie. Ek wou drie dinge doen:
Op 15 Mei 2014, word 'As die donker die son insluk' uitgesaai. Die rolverdeling sluit in Juanita Swanepoel, Susanne Beyers, Marius du Plooy, De Klerk Oelofse, Theresa Cloete Sedras en Eugenie Wiggins. Ek moet eerlik wees. Ek was heel benieuwd oor die hele ding. Mense oor die wêreld sit by rekenaars en draadlose en wag en ek het geen idee hoe dit sal klink nie. Toe die drama begin, het ek sommer dadelik rustiger geword, want Margot Magic het oorgeneem. Die byklanke en rolle was so goed gedoen dat ek nie kon glo dit is my eie skepping nie. Soveel kere interpreteer die regie en karakters 'n skrywer se werk heeltemal anders, maar hierdie groep het die spyker op die kop geslaan met elke rol!
- Dit is nou puik. My senuwees is
op. Uiters goed. Van Robert
- Dit was die heerlikste luistergenot ek het dit baie geniet dit is n
meesterstuk.Isak Heinse in die koue Noord-Kaap.2
- Het nie woorde, dit was pragtig. Al my werkies gelos en by die radio gesit en
luister. Baie dankie
- Drama was puik ! Freek. - Wat n uitmuntende vertolking van die drama vanaand. Martie Erasmus
- Dit was 'n pragtige storie, die spel was wonderlik, baie dankie, ek mis nooit
die stories nie! Dina
- Pragtige, diep grypende verhaal. Ek pik nog n traan af. Van Susan Jantzen van
- Fantasties en baie leersaam. - Wat 'n mooi menslike, roerende storie met 'n uitstekende rolverdeling. Geluk
Margo Luyt. Maryna
- Dankie. Dit was so mooi. Dis julle skuld dat hierdie ou tannie nog nie gebad
is nie. - Dankie Margot Dit was pragtig!
- Komplimente aan almal wat n deel aan hierdie Radioteater gehad het. Laat mens
net weer waardeer wat jy het. Susan
- Dit was fantasties. Asb meer sulke stories. Liefde. Babsie. - Die teks en storie was pragtig en die byklanke baie eg, Dina
- Lekker dramatiese luistergenot! Koos en Bets du Pisanie, Vryburg. - Die radioteater het my behoorlik geboei. Het myself ingeleef. Marilize
- Wat 'n wonderlike "goed voel" verhaal. Baie dankie RSG. Groetnis
- Uitsonderlik uitstekend! - Dankie, ek sukkel nog steeds met die trane. - Ek het dit terdee geniet almal het hulle rolle uitstekend gespeel baie
- Wat 'n pragtige storie! Ja ons kan baie leer uit die lelike goed wat in die
lewe gebeur. Ook mense kom altyd by mekaar om te hulp wanner daar 'n nood is. - I thoroughly enjoyed the play. Excellent acting, sound effects and
direction. Congratulations! Renee in Durban. - Die drama was in die geheel puik. Baie trane afgevee. Die laaste deel
hartroerend. - Excellent Afrikaans drama with such a happy end
- Wonderlike onderhoudende Storie! GELUK, Marion Erskine. Dankie dit was met
een woord puik! Lynette
- Dit was 'n puik verhaal oor wat gebeur as die waarheid seevier & daar
vergifnis is. Antoinette
- Die drama was uitstekend baie geluk RSG jul verdien werklik jul toekenning.
Doen so voort. Groete Riana
- Sjoe was so spannend kon nie stilsit nie. Dit as great! Nog asseblief maar 'n
liefdesverhaal ook? Groete Chrissie van Edenvale
- Wat 'n heerlike radiodrama! Iets van als, liefde, haat en al d intriges. Baie
goeie rolverdeling, heerlike heerlik!!! Anneke v Parys
- Fantastiese drama storie, het dit geniet. Dankie RSG. Ben Combrinck.
Worcester. - Puik drama met byklanke wat nie pla nie. Prof. Louis
- Dit was seker die beste storie nog.rolverdeling spel als was uitstekend. Baie
geluk aan almal met die storie. Rihan
- Baie, baie dankie, ek het dit ONTSETTEND baie geniet!!! Onverbeterlik, baie
geluk met n puik produksie. Sien uit na die volgende een. Annelle van Pretoria
- Hierdie stuk goed spel goed alles perfek. Al wat die stuk kort is n Akademise
Prys. Geluk RSG
- DIT was baie goed. Eugenie Wiggens het vir my spraak en drama klasse
aangebieb by Wellington Onderwyserskollege in 1980-1981. Vir my was dit n
voorreg. Stephnie van Olifantshoek. - Eind goed alles goed Pragtig Annamarie Somerset Wes
- Dit was nou n lekker storie om na te
luister. Het aan mens se hart geraak. - Radio Theater was vanaand FANTASTIES !!!!!!!!!!!! - Uitstekend! André Victor,
- As ek punte kon toeken, sou ek 10 uit 10 gee vir vanaand se drama.
Uitstekend. Helene de Beer. - Vanaand se verhaal baie goed het beleef my aangenome kind sy pa selfs hy en
ma aangrypind het dit beleef alhoewel pa besluit hy moet studier.
- Die storie het my skoon onder trane met die seuns wat sy ouers nog so by
staan en sy pa aba om by n dokter te kom hoe hart seer is dit ni, ek le en
luister op my foon geen krag maar ek geniet dit monica van thornhill
- Dankie Margo! Ek was ook soos baie ander elke oomblik geboei. Dis n baie mooi
storie met n mooi einde. Die musiek was baie treffend. In die deurmekaar wêreld
is dit lekker om na so iets te luister. Baie geluk aan almal met n puik stuk
werk! Linda van Upington. - Se asb vir Margo dat ek die radiodrama ongelooflik geniet het. Haar bekwame
hand aan die stuur van die spelleiding was duidelik. Belinda Richardson
(Leontientjie) - Dit het my so weggevoer dat dit vir my gevoel het ek is ook in die skuiling
en ook moet help planne maak om daar uit te kom. Die boodskap van versoening so
aangrypend en kon nie help om n traan af te vee. Baie dankie Nelrina Myburgh
- Fantasties was die drama vanaand. Ek het in die donker op my bed gele en
luister en dit was beter as enige video. Ek het self 'n tornado wat om my woed,
maar soos altyd is God baie groter as die storm wat om ons woed. Dankie Margo
en span dit was tops. Seen vir julle Marie Beukes. - Ek het lank laas so uitstekende drama geluister. Al die spelers was
uitstekend en baie hartroerende verhaal. Heather Koekemoer
- Met TV af. Radio aan, RSG Bly Gehalte, Vrugteslaai, iets vir almal se smaak.
Stem ook, voriges was goed, vanaand, Beste! Viola Taljaard. - "As die donker die son insluk" Puik! Puik! Puik! Die seun se
respekvolle manier van praat met sy ouers is soos ons seun met ons praat -
- Dit was puik. Alle fasette daarvan. Ek was so verbaas om te hoor die skrywer
se van is dieselfde as myne aangesien dit so 'n seldsame familienaam is.
Nogmaals baie dankie dit was treffend. Tannie Leonie Erskine. - Gradwill vn willowmore die radio drama was reg leka en so hart seer gewees x
het amper gehuil
- Die drama was skitterend - ek het vasgenael voor die radio gesit!Baie dankie!
- Wie het nou tv en ander tegnologiese foefies nodig as n mens na so n
briljante storie kan luister. Doen so voort rsg! Jul is tops. Kobie my so
ingeleef - Die Radio Teater was die beste in jare! BAIE DANKIE. Alet
- Ek wil net dankie se vir so n puik drama stuk. Ek en my man was nou so vas
gevang in die stuk ons was eintlik spyt dit het klaar gemaak. Die klank was
baie goed uit gebeeld. Dis so goed of ons n tv stuk gekyk het. - Dankie vir voelgoedstorie. Dis net die ding vir wintersaand. Al die harde werk
- Voorwaar 'n aangrypende en spanningsvolle drama gewees (vanaand). Die spel
was ook puik. Baie dankie. Lisa Meyer. (Kzn) - Ongelooflik werklik en roerend! Marietjie
- Radiodrama uitstekend. Ek's besig om winter + somerkaste te ruil, het 3
radios kliphard aangehad in 3 vertrekke, bang ek mis 'n woord. Dnki Margot. - Die was so goed, dit my jare terug geneem. Ek n middeljarige vrou, alleen, en
was n tv slaaf, ma die gegroet, mors dood. Ek werk vir n media huis, baie
besig, en tv my ontspanning saans. Die drama om 8 donderdag aand my laat besef,
hoe ek my eie karakters kan skep, in my geestes oog almal gesien. Dink tv
handelaars n klient verloor. Laaste week net rsg, besef nou wat ek gemis het,
geen name, ma my motor radio nou rsg. Mal oor julle. Gee nuus. En vandag julle
videos gekyk!!!!! Ek voel so relaxed. Ek nie meer alleen, ek n family !!! - Die drama BAIE GENIET WOW dit was opwindend! Baie dankie! E Kitching
- Baie dankie dit was briljant! Dit het n mens laat besef dat wêreldsgoed
ver vangbaar is maar lewens nie. Antoinette
- Fantasties!!!! Margot Luyt is uitstekend. Dankie! Lag met 'n traan. - Se asb vir Margo. Alles en Alles Absoluut Puik!. My komplimente aan Alles en
Alles!. Gee ons asb meer en meer! Waaragtig dit IS 'n Afrikaanse TOP PRODUKSIE.
RSG dit is die Alles. Luister genot Groete. Pieter Roos vanaf Brits. - Ek weet nie wat om te se nie. Daarom net.;. BAIE DANKIE. Pamela. - Dit was uitskekend ek kon nie my self help as om saam met die mense te gehuil
het nie. Die rol verdeling kon nie beter beter gewees het nie.. Wat van n
TVreeks. Goed vedoen Margo en span. RSG. Van Jane in Regentspark JHB
- Storie, spelers, klank, tydgleuf ens. Van vanaand se drama was lieflik!
Mardalyne v Heerden. Dankie! - Als het mooi in mekaar gepas dit was baie mooi ek het n tran of twee gekap
van flippie nel n siel op n wiel
- Vanaand se drama was boeiend, die spel en ook die rolverdeling uitstekend.
Dankie vir die moeite wat julle doen vir RSG se luisteraars. Julle stasie bly
uitstekend, baie dankie. Ilse Maritz
- Ek sit op bossie alleen geelhoutboom buite george ons het nie krag hier nie
en ek luister RSG met n kar battery die drama was wonderlik dis so goed ek kyk n
video ek het eintlik gehuil dit was pragtig ek mis nie eens die tv nie en is
nie spyt dat ek tot vanaand gewag het nie vreeslik dankie dit was fantasties
dankie... elaine paxton
- Fantasties! Het dit so geniet.
Dit was baie boeiend! Mart
- Vannaand se drama was werklik 'n knap stuk werk en uitstekend vertolk! Nelie
- Ek het vir die eerste keer voluit na die Radio drama geluister en dit terdee
geniet want ek hou van "happy endings". Bets van Oudtshoorn
- Dit was nou regtig fantasties.Ek was skoon weggevoor.Die rolverdeling kon nie
beter nie.Mooi Margot Luyt Maak weer so.Julia Woensdregt Calvinia
- HET DIT BAIE GENIET WOW NOGAL BAIE INTERSANT ONS WAG VIR PART.2 VAN
DIT.REGTIG BAIE MOOI... VAN PHILLIP OPPERMAN
- Die Radiodrama was regyig n fees! Iets lanklaas so geniet, baie dankie,
- Dit was nou n baie mooi verhaal na n langtyd het ek weer vanaand ge luister
regtig dit was uit die bo ste rakke dankie
- Die ander dramas was goed maar die een was vir my die beste. Ek het dit baie
geniet. Anna van Welverdiend
- Ek is Frikkie en is besig om kaste te bou en het omtrent hartseer geword die
storie was so goed uitgeklank dat ek alles kon sien en beleef. Baie dankie
- Aangrypend My aandag was nog nooit so vasgevang elke sekonde Baie baie dankie
vir al die ure se harde werk Word opreg waardeer. Groete Nelrina Myburgh
- Geluk aan die Regisseur en al die spelers wat vanaand se drama moontlik
gemaak het, uitmuntend, my aandag was vas gevang tot die einde. - Sjoe wat kan ek se die drama dit was wonderlik! Byklanke regie alles was
puik. Het gevoel of ek in orkaan was. Trane was volop in my oe! Baie dankie kan
nie wag vi volgende drama nie! Groete Susan la Lucia kzn. - Die drama vanaand se klank en regie was so asof ek in n teater sit.
Wonderlike storie tog so waar! Asb RSG hou aan met die dramas ek kannie wag vir
Donderdae aande nie. Thelma Kloppers
- Dankie, RSG... het die drama vanaand so BAIE geniet!! En dankie aan almal wat
dit vir ons 'lewendig' kon maak met al die nodige byklanke en puik toneelspel
deur die karakters. Groete, Maritha. - Dit was uitstaande goed! Ons het baie meer sulke dramas nodig! Dankie. Peet
- Die radio teater was uitstekend! Die spanning was amper onuithoubaar, en
sowaar n goed voel einde. Spelers was baie goed, klank van die beste. Dankie ek
- Sjoe ek het vanaand se Radiodrama vreeslik geniet. Bravo aan die Skrywer,
Regiseur, Spelers en al die ander mense wat betrokke was. Anita. Durban
- Baie dankie Margot Luyt en elkeen wat deel gehad het aan n puik storie! Uit
die boonste rakke, soos gewoonlik. Groete Rochelle Carstens
- Dit was 'n puik drama. Donderdae word nou opsy gesit vir radio drama terwyl
ek met die hond stap sodat NIEMAND my kan pla terwyl ek soms lag/huil nie.
- Baie goeie drama ,het dit baie geniet Christo en Marietta J v Rensburg van
- Radio teater uitstekend die beste vir lang tyd gerhard - Wat 'n fantastiese radio drama. Ek en my elf jarige seuntjie het in die bed
gele en dit geluister. Ons het dit so geniet die rol verdeling was goed en
elkeen het hulle rolle goed vertolk en die byklanke alles was so werklik dit
was of ons dit voor ons oe kon sien gebeur. Baie dankie vir die wonderlike
drama. - RSG Hou asb. Aan met die dramas. Dit is in alle opsigte puik. Groete. Abel
- As die donker die son insluk het ek besonder baie geniet. Mens het gevoel
jy's in die verskriklike storm en toe baie verlig oor almal oorleef het. Almal
het hul rolle uitstekend vertolk. Ook byklanke realisties. Dit was 'n baie
suksesvolle drama. Aletta
- Baie danki daar was n les vir ons almal. Di rolverdeling was baie
profesioneel, ek het dit baie geniet. Doen so voort. Naomi
- Die storie het my nou vol trane ge het. Dis n mooi stuk werk aan die span wat
saam die stukke inmekaar gekry het. Dankie RSG .Van Martin
- Was nou met een woord PUIK, PUIK, PUIK. Was vasgenael voor die radio. Baie
dankie. Susie. - Ek het ook n seun, Jaco Botma. Storie was hartroerend. Het hom gebel om
dankie te se dat hy my seun is en dat Phillip my kleinseun en Elizabeth my
skoondogter is. N - It was one word FANTASTIC. Carol from Randburg
- DIT WAS BAAIJE MOOI GEWEES MAG DIT I BOOTSKAP WEES V ONS LAND SE MENSE OM NA
AANMEKAAR TE WEES EN DAT ONS KOSBAAR VIR ALMAL SAL WEES GROETTE HANNES
- Dit was uitstekend 10 uit 10. - Lekker gehuil en geluister wonderlik sirl op n wiel henry Nielsen Dankie Rsg
- Ek luister nie dikwels na radio teater nie, maar vanaand was uitstekend, het
alles geniet. Baie dankie
- Margo, 'n baie besonderse drama, 'n mens kan hoor hoeveel begrip dit so
spesiaal maak. Estee
- Dankie vir die radio drama . Het dit regtig geniet . Die spel , byklanke als
was wonderlik . Martie
- Die storie as die donker die son insluk, was baie vermaaklike met wonderlike
spel verdeling, ons het gevoel dit was goed opgevoer en werklik aangenaam. Die
byklanke en musiek was gepas en goed toegepas. Dankie vir die lekker afrikaanse
storie. Ons het dit voorwaar geniet! Annette du Preez
- Absolutely wonderful. Was completely absorbed in the play. M de Waal Grotto
- As di donker... puik. MAAR moeni regte honde byklanke gebruik want my hond
antwoord. - Ons hele gesin het dit baie geniet. My kinders, 6 en 7.5 jaar, het wakker
gelê in hul beddens om die storie klaar te luister. Alles was baie goed,
storie, spelers en byklanke. Dankie Leenkie
- Ek wil almal wat betrokke was by hierdie pragtige aanbieding van vanaand se
Radio Teater bedank vir 'n puik stuk. Dit het vir my gevoel asof ek self daar
was, midde in die orkaan, want die byklanke was ook baie goed. Dankie, dit is
heerlik om te luister na sulke goeie aanbiedinge in my eie taal. Dit maak my
trots om Suid Afrikaner en Afrikaans te wees. Jeanette v/d Merwe / Randfontein
- Uitstekende drama deur Marion Erskine. Baie goed verwerk en vertolk! Dan
& Shirley Adonis
The Beeld newspaper of South Africa had some shocking
statistics on the 2nd of September. In an article called 'A nation that doesn't read' it stated that a mere 14% of South Africans
actually read books where only 1% of the nation is prepared to pay for a book. Sure, not every citizen of the country is a book worm, but
why are bookshops not scarce and bringing in revenue. Why do people crowd like bees around book
sales in malls if they don’t read? Karin Burger of the Rapport newspaper responded with another
article a few days later called 'Only 14% read? That's old news!" This time the statistics seemed a little more promising, but I wasn't convinced. Reaching the entire country with one survey, was an impossible task for a bloke sitting somewhere in Dubai and therefore I tried
to target the Afrikaans and English markets only. Not only did I want to prove
the Beeld statistics wrong, but I was also interested in one major element: Do
people who come from families that read, tend to read more than those who don’t
come from families that read? Does it even matter? I also wanted to know if those who read books,
stick with writers they are familiar with and/or whether they give new writers a fair chance as
I believe that at least 50 percent of the South African
population read. I also believe that when parents set an example to their kids,
their children will most probably become readers themselves. I also feel that
more Afrikaans speaking South Africans still prefer English books than their
mother tongue. I assume more Afrikaans people will do the survey, because of mutual friends. I'm taking a guess, but I think the three favourite Afrikaans writers will be Deon Meyer, Andre P. Brink and Maritha van der Vyfer. In English I'm going to go for John Grisham, Jodie Picoult and Wilbur Smith.
I asked people I knew on Facebook to forward the survey to
people they knew. The idiom is true: Birds of a feather, flock together and
because I’m involved with reading and writing, so are my friends and their
friends and I believe that we did not target the whole spectrum of readers and non-readers.
I also gathered that people who don’t mind
reading, also don’t mind doing surveys. It makes sense: "If I don’t even read a
short story, why am I going to do a silly survey?"
Also not the biggest surprise. 66% of participants preferred reading in English. Is this because there are more genres and choices out there or because they just dislike Afrikaans literature in general? While cross referencing the data, I found that 5.3% of the English participants say that don't read a single book per year, compared to 3.7% of Afrikaans speaking participants. Could we then suggest that Afrikaans people in general are more frequent readers? I would want to rather have a fair amount of both languages answering, before I would make such a statement.
I have to say that I was most surprised with this category in particular. Not so much about the favourites, but of the variety I saw. Deon Meyer was a clear favourite which was no surprise at all. But close on his heels came Maritha van der Vyfer, Andre P. Brink, Dalene Matthee and Etienne van Heerden. The fans also love Annelie Botes and Chanette Paul with PG du Plessis and Karin Brynard right on their tails. I expected to see these names and they all deserve to be there. The surprise however was the amount of other authors who readers chose as their favourite Afrikaans authors of all time. Some got more votes than others, but in general these shone through: Maretha Maartens, Solly Osrovech, F.A Venter, Riana
Scheepers, Pat Stamatelos, Leon van Nierop, Deon Opperman, Herman Charles
Bosman, Ena Murry, Elize Parker, Bernette
Bergenthuin, Elsa Joubert, Breyten Breytenbach, Antjie Krog, Marlene
van Niekerk, Irma Joubert, Irma Venter, Margaret Bakkes, Alexander Strachan, Marion
Erskine, Helene de Kock, Pieter Pieeterse, Wilna Adriaanse, Marzanne
leroux-van der boon, Dana Snyman, Toast Coetzer, Koos Kombuis, Marlene van
Niekerk, Steve Hofmeyr, Jeanne Goosen,, Isa Konrad, Sophia Kapp, Braam de Vries,
Anchen Troskie, Jaco Jacobs, Abraham H. de Vries, Stella Blakemore, Daniel Hugo,
Elenor Baker, Marlize Hobbs, Reza de Wet, Nicola Hanekom, Carina
Diedericks-Hugo, Dolf van Niekerk, Ingrid Winterbach, Susan Coetzer, Eben
Venter, Francois Bloemhof, Leon Roussouw, Gustav Venter, Chris Barnard, Adrio
Konig, Karl Kielblock, Gerrie Radlof, Hennie Aucamp, Ettie Bierman, Rachelle
Greeff, Rika du Plessis, Mari van den Berg, Deon Malherbe, Alta Cloete, Annelie
Barkhuizen Le Roux, Elsa Winckler, Kristel Loots, Etienne Leroux, CJ Langehoven,
Christa Jonker-Jordaan, Chris Karsten, Audrey Blignaut, Dirk Jordaan. Elizabeth
Eybers, Anoeshka von Meck, Marzane le Roux, Dan Sleigh, Karel Schoeman, Marietjie
de Jongh, J.M. Gilfillan, Helena Hugo, Max du Preez, Dot Serfontein, Hettie
Britz, Carla van der Spuy, Margie Orford, Fanie Olivier, Fanie Viljoen, Jan F E
Celliers, N P Van Wyk Louw, Abraham Nel, Riana Mouton, C Johan Bakkes, Christene
Neser, Topsy Smith, Lizette Murray, Jaco Fouché, Anna Pentzhorn, Henning
Pieterse, Amos van der Merwe, Nathaniël, Engela van Rooyen, Petra Muller, Wilma
Stockenstrom, Willie Martens, Tryna du Toit, Madelie Human. (I apologise for not checking every name and spelling and also their books)
A whopping 76% of participants answered "Yes" to this question. It is a clear indication that when children see their parents with a book, they might do the same. I also did some cross referencing and also found out that 56% of people who said they don't read a single book, came from families that don't read. An interesting statistic to say the least. But look at this: 83.1% of people who read more than 20 books a year, said they come from a family that reads a lot.
Although 300 people aren't nearly enough to rely upon, I tend to agree more with these statistics as I feel they're more spot on. I'd love for book lovers to conduct a similar survey in the other major languages, too. Still, I think it is impossible that only 14% of the country read. I think publishers should ask themselves if they could learn anything from this. They're on the right track with suspense novels, but who knew that biographies are current favourites? They should also establish why Afrikaans people still prefer to read English books. Are they better, or are the genres and options just more in English?
Oh, son of a sweet
potato, where do I start? Well, many of you have wondered in recent months what
the heck is going on in the life of Marries. He’s not traveling the world (as
much) and he’s quite quiet for a self-proclaimed Facebook addict. Well, it’s finally time to explain it
all. Aren’t you happy?
I can’t even start to
tell you about the stress and doors slamming in my face I went through the last
few months. I’ve had to crawl out of deep dark holes and even pamper every
little stomach ulcer that popped up along the way.
I have left the United
Arab Emirates and will be moving to Egypt for the year. Thankfully Alexandria,
so relax to all of you who just had a Cairo-attack now. Alexandria is on the
coast and the people there are trying to rebuild the new Egypt. I will be
working in a boys’ school and will also do teacher training.
Let me take you a few
months back. In March 2012, I had an interview with the local Education
Department in the UAE. It was very successful and after my trip to Greece, I
was told that I was chosen to work for them in the next academic year (starting
September). I didn’t hear a lot more,
and since my contract was coming to an end, I applied for other jobs too. I had
a total of 16 successful interviews. Everyone loved me, they loved the CV and
they all had one thing in common: “Don’t
call us, we’ll call you.” I also got a
job in Abu Dhabi teaching at a good primary school and one in Dubai. They
verbally agreed to take me. The wait
On 24 July this year, I
flew back to South Africa and locked my car and apartment. At this stage, I had
no contract whatsoever. The three weeks in South Africa was very stressful,
especially as I was told I won’t be able to buy a house in SA as I don’t have
enough debt. Yup, you need debt to make
debt. Wham! As the doors closed in my face, I remained positive and hoped for
I packed my stuff to return
to Abu Dhabi. Had to return my apartment and either store my furniture or sell
it. Until this day, no contract came my way. Out of pure going-nutsness, I
applied for the job in Egypt. I had the interview and was successful. They were
extremely nice and I had a good feeling about the program. Still, I didn’t
think I’d take it, as the Emirates was a country I was used to and ‘safer’ than
Egypt at this stage.
I flew back to Abu
Dhabi and came to a full apartment. I got two emails that day; one offering me
a job ‘somewhere’ in the desert ‘sometime’ around October. Maybe. Everything in
my being wasn’t happy with this. You can’t tell me where. You can’t tell me
when? The other email was from Egypt. I
got the job and they were really excited. This is where I’ll stay. This is what
I’ll do. This is how much. To the point. I was hoping to hear back from the
Dubai job or the primary school job, but it was Eid holidays and no one
answered phones or emails. The big pack
So I started advertising
my furniture online. Thank goodness an angel from Canada came and almost bought
80% of my home. Next was the car. Kia Camel had to go. Numerous people came to
see her and I finally sold her to a very nice Pakistani man. Visa issues
I already had to fly to
the Emirates on my own cost. When I decided to take the Egypt job, I went to
the embassy and tried there. Nope. I can wait 4 weeks and maybe they can give
me a visa, but they can’t promise. I was no longer a resident of the Emirates.
Big sigh. I informed the company and
they told me they’d try and get hold of the school in Alexandria to apply for
my working visa from there. They couldn’t get hold of the school as it was
still holidays. I had one option. Pay a
one way ticket to South Africa and get my visa done there.
So I handed back my
apartment and climbed on the next Emirates flight to South Africa. Another
whopping R5500 to get back to Johannesburg. I went to the embassy on Monday
morning and have the visa in my hand right now.
That word called Secrecy
I apologise to all of
you who felt left in the dark. Because I didn’t know where my life was heading,
I kept most of this quiet. I’ve got numerous friends who really care and it’s
hard replying to a 100 people a day: “I still don’t have a job” or “I don’t
know when.” This is why I was quiet
the Emirates terribly and some people more than others. ;) I
hope that this year in Egypt will be interesting and I hope for some job
satisfaction. Egypt will also be the 58th country I’ve ever visited,
so at least one more tick there. Thanks to all of you for all your support and
encouragement. You know who you are. I’ll be landing in
Alexandria on Thursday. Watch this space.
Over the last few weeks, I've counted down some of the most significant things/people/places that have shaped my life. The reflection over these days made me realize again how far I've actually come and what I was able to achieve. Although there were many mountains in my way, I found a way around them and I flew each time my wings would let me. The countdown is random and by no means is one of these more important than the other.
So, let's start the countdown:
#10 - I became a ... chicklit writer (WTFalafel?)
Donatello en Volksie all the way in London
When I was told that I had to change my romantic comedy into a chicklit novel, I was petrified. I had no knowledge about this genre and I've seen 'Bridget Jones' Diary'. That was it. So I had to do research and a lot of it. The next problem was... I was a male. Chicks won't fall for a man trying to get into a woman's head. We considered writing under as pseudonym, but in the end I said: "Screw it, let's see if I can win the girls over". I asked many questions and tried my very best to understand female behavior as chicklit demands that. After rewriting the book 3 times, I finally saw my baby born and she was gorgeous. One newspaper heading read: "Finally, a guy that gets us girls." This was a highlight of my career.
#9 - I got to hang out with some of the world's most beautiful women
The girls in Sri Lanka
I have had the most amazing friends in Taiwan and they were better support than a good Nike sports bra. After arriving in Abu Dhabi, I found it hard to make friends of that quality again and it took me more than a year to really sort out some good friends. Louna (in the middle) was the first of the girls who came into my life through the 'Lekkerlees Boekrak' (read the next entry). We became good friends right away and the other girls joined. I have had many great times with all of these lovely women and they make me look good. This did wonders for my own self-esteem as well. I'm so thankful for them in my life.
#8 - I started the 'Lekkerlees Boekrak' (Reading for fun Bookshelf)
In this day and age, with the vast amount of resources out there, it is humanly impossible to read all the books out there or even just a small amount of them. In this rat race of life, I found it incredibly frustrating buying a book, starting it, and half-way through needing to put it down because it either bored me or didn't interest me at all. So I started the Lekkerlees Boekrak on Facebook with a dream to find others who like to read and to find books that are leisure reads. I got more than I bargained for. I was blessed with a new family. Soon the people - or Rakkers as I call them - started crawling into my heart, because we all shared the same respect and love for reading. Famous writers joined and even publishers and book shops. Today we're more than 400 strong and I can't imagine my life without these people in it. They're witty. They're funny. But most of all, unlike many forums out there, they have respect for each other. If you don't like a writer or a book, you don't slam them and break them down. Many like to slam social networks... I think it's only because they've never met the right people over there. #7 - I completed the Inca Trail in Peru
WARNING: The Inca Trail is not for wimps. Anybody who's ever survived it, can tell you. I've seen a 45 minute documentary on it once on National Geographic and somehow in the back of my head I convinced myself that it's a nice 45 minute trek to Machu Piccu - one of the New 7 Wonders of the World. So I signed up.W T H W I T ?!! (What the heck was I thinking?!!)
It turned out that the 45 minute walk was more of a 4 day trek and not only was that tough, but the altitude was a killer. The 'Dead Woman's Pass' deserves it's name as you attempt to walk at 4,215 m above sea level. I could barely give 10 steps at a time. It was pure torture. Thank goodness for a crazy bunch of people in my group, we pulled each other through and we made it to the final day. Not something I'll do very soon again, but I'm proud of myself that I did. #6 - I saw the Amazon
Eating live termites in the Amazon
As a child you sit in school and you learn about places around the world. The moment I first learned about he Amazon, I was intrigued. Biggest rain forest, different species, sounds, anacondas, piranhas... how can this not capture any child? I told myself that one day I'd like to see this and experience it first hand. And I did! I even got to swim with piranhas. Well, I was told they were 'vegetarian' and stupid me believed the guy. After I jumped in, and found out that they weren't really vegetarian, he told me: "I didn't think you'd jump." By far one of the most amazing places on earth. You feel like Pocahontas... not so much the long hair and big eyes... but more the connection to nature. It's as if the energy in the nature here is magnified.
#5 - I gave back in India
Poor (but happy) kids in Agra.
So many people asked me why I waited so long to see India. Well, the reason was that I didn't think I was prepared for it. It's only after you arrive in this fascinating country, that you realize you can never be prepared for India. It's one emotional roller-coaster from the get go. The love/hate relationship for India is something you have to experience for yourself as a mere blog can't ever explain this place.
The Marries Goody Hamper
The one moment you look up at the Taj Mahal and your heart aches at one of the most amazing love stories ever told. The next you look at the poverty around the Taj and how people literally don't have enough to eat while tourists flock in and out of Agra. Then the monument reminds you of the unfair world we have to live in.
I never give money to children while traveling. I don't believe it sets a good example. Therefore I always travel with stickers, or books, or pens or something useful. Candy is never a good idea as these kids can't afford decent dentists out there. So, while taking in Agra, I found these kids playing cricket on the street and they realized I had a camera. Soon props were collected. Cricket bats, bricks, dried pot plants, a cow and even a new born baby to make their shots all worth while. As I handed out the stickers and colouring books, the kids' eyes lit up and they thanked me immediately. Appreciation. Something you don't get much from working where I've been working for the last 4 years. A mere 'thank you' was more uncommon that rain. I came to bless the kids in India, and turned out to be the blessed one instead.
#4 - A world of friends
I literally have good friends from all over the globe.
If there is one thing I'm probably most grateful for my life overseas, it's the fact that I have been able to meet friends from all over the globe. I've tried their cuisine, lived their culture, learned new words and by doing this, my perception of the world changed dramatically. The old cliche to "walk in someone's shoes" has taken a whole new meaning to me. What if I had so little rain? What would I do? What if I had to wear those clothes, wouldn't that make me behave in a certain way again? I am grateful for all the global friends I have over all the continents. Thanks for blessing me and teaching me your ways.
#3 - I had a White Christmas
Real reindeer, real snow, real Lapland.
I don't think growing up in the Southern Hemisphere is the worst thing when you need to celebrate Christmas. It's mid-summer and we usually laze around the pool or go to the beach. But deep down we're jealous of the cozy Christmases we always see on TV. Warm inside, fires crackling, snow falling. This is why seeing a White Christmas was one of the first 10 items ever on my Bucket List. In 2011, I finally went to Scandinavia and got my White Christmas. I wasn't sorry for a moment. It was everything I dreamed it would be a more.
#2 - I met the sweetest orphans in the world
Having ice cream in Nairobi, Kenya
So often I hear people complaining about trivial things. The chips are overcooked, waiter! My hair isn't exactly the shade I wanted! I can't stand this heat/cold/neighbour... and the list goes on. I often wonder when last people have removed themselves from their comfort zones and actually tried to understand how others live. I was so blessed in Kenya to meet these lovely orphans. I set a day of my holiday aside to go play with them. What an honour to be overwhelmed by their acceptance and love. Their hugs were so genuine and they appreciated the attention I gave to them. They made me realize that - even though I remind myself how blessed I am - I don't remind myself often enough. To anyone of you that have never been part of a community project... I urge you to do it. You change your thoughts on so many things. You will never be sorry.
#1 - I got precious time with mom
Mom and I in Thailand
Being a decade abroad, means you are a decade away from your family as well. While many take things like birthdays, Christmases and other holidays for granted with their loved ones, the 'overseas orphans' have to make the best of the time we get with them.
When I left for Taiwan in 2002, my mother knew a different me. I was defeated and weak. My self-esteem hit rock bottom and more than that, I was poor and pathetic. Slowly but surely my mother saw the new me rising from the ashes. A newer, stronger me. Someone who showed this life that it won't get him down. Someone who grabbed opportunities by the horns and who took chances where he never would have.
I am so thankful that I got to spend quality time with mom and that I had the funds to take her abroad as well to show her my life and the things that I get up to. We laugh together and we've even cried together. Telling tales of what life was like when dad was still around. What he would have said about all the things I got up to in the past few years. My mom is my best friend and I'm so thankful for her. I've missed many days being away from her, but we made each and every second count that we got to spend together. And these moments we treasure when were far apart... and humming one of your favourite songs, as we might be "wishing on the same bright star."
#14 - I got to travel Europe
Traveling with the girl with the best legs on earth.
In 2009 a big dream came true. I got to see Europe for the very first time with long time friend, Elreza. Elphi and I decided one night that we're going to do this. She was in England and I was in the UAE. We saw Italy, Greece, Albania, Montenegro, Croatia, Slovenia, Austria, Germany, Holland, Belgium and England that holiday. It was by far one of my most memorable holidays ever. And always great sharing it with somebody who loves to travel as much as yourself.
#13 - I went inside the Burj al Arab
From the first day I arrived in the UAE, I told myself that I can't live in this country and not visit the Burj al Arab. Problem is, you can't just go there. The cheapest way possible is a high tea which costs an arm, a leg, a rib, a kidney and several eyelashes.My friends Nadine and Liza knew a lady who had property and took me with them one day. VIP treatment. I sat in their 7 star spa and felt like a king. It's really wow in there. And a highlight of living here.
#12 - I joined Couchsurfers
I loved the idea from the first moment I've heard about it. You get to meet travel lovers all over the world and people who love to be ambassadors for their own countries. I've met such amazing people in the last few months.
Check out the program: www.couchsurfing.org
#11 - I made a friend for life
Me, mom and Binu
Binu is like a guardian angel, a brother, a father, a best friend. He fights with me when I'm wrong and he encourages when I'm down. I've never met a person with so much good in him. I've had many down days in the Emirates and he always has an answer or an ear to hear.I was very sick one day. I had a fever and went to lie down on the sofa. He phoned me to hear how I was feeling. I think I said I was fine and just lying down. He was in Dubai then. I ended the call and fell asleep. The next moment, as I was waking up... someone was carrying me across a road in Abu Dhabi. First of all.. I'm not light, so that shocked me more than anything. I looked up and saw a determined friend. I had passed out from fever.
He carried me all the way to a hospital's emergency room. I was already totally dehydrated and 2 inches away from losing my consciousness again. Binu saved my life that day. He said that his spirit was restless after the call. He got in the car and drove all the way to Abu Dhabi to save my life. This was just one of many times he was there for me. Some people have a guardian angel. I have a Binu. A friend for life.
#19 - I said goodbye to Formosa
I made such good friends
After 6 years in the Far East, I made a choice to further my career by leaving for the UAE. It was one of the saddest days of my life as I didn't only leave behind a country that shaped me and gave me new hope, but I had to leave amazing friends behind. These guys stuck with me through many tough days that many of you didn't know about and I'm eternally grateful for them.
Even in my novel about Taiwan, I write: "This place will change you." No one can come to Formosa (the beautiful island) and ever leave the same. I had some of the best years of my life there.
#18 - I moved to the United Arab Emirates
The locals seemed very nice in my new home.
I arrived in the Emirates on the 18th of August 2008 and it was hot. Damn hot. A whopping 50°C and humid as hell. Everything was different to what I was used to, and I had to adapt from teaching in a comfy T-shirt and shots, to wearing tie and long sleeved shirt. The change was wild, but slowly but surely I adapted to my new home.
#17 - My nephew came to visit.
Shane and I at SKI DUBAI. It was freeeezing.
Shane had to grow up with an uncle who was "always abroad" as he would accuse me, but I have such a good relationship with this boy. Here he was only 12 when he came to visit me with my mom. He's now just as tall as me, but still one of the coolest teenagers you can ever meet. This boy has got a head on his shoulders and doesn't give in to peer pressure or bullies. I wish I was like him when I was his age.
We had a ball over here and I can't wait for him to see how much the Emirates changed since he's been here last.
#16 - I visited Petra
The good thing about living in the Middle East, is that you're close to Asia, Europe and Africa. It's very convenient (and affordable) to travel.
Probably known better as 'The place from Indiana Jones', Petra is one amazing place and deserves to be one of the New 7 Wonders of the world. One feels so small when standing at the Rose City. A must see for anyone who likes to travel. This was a highlight of my life for sure.
#15 - Kia Camel
After driving a scooter through treacherous rains, winds and traffic in Taiwan, I finally got my own wheels again after arriving in the Emirates. Kia Camel and I have had lots of adventures together. She's taken us to many water points and I love her to bits.
They say you don't know what you have until it's gone. I certainly did and was too glad to have some wheels again.
Vir jare is ek al bekend vir my lang eposse waarin ek vertel van al my ritse om die wêreld asook van al die dinge wat ek aanvang. Ek het dit dan ook goed gedink om al my briewe te blog sodat mense dit makliker kan lees en opspoor. Welkom by my wêreld.Hieronder is 'n lys van my boekebabas: