to do or not to do, the South African strike

if i am not interested in actively running around with a placard over my head, and don't give a toot about how high my pay demand should be, especially since the higher your pay goes, the higher your tax gets, why am i being forced to leave my work place when i don't feel like it? its weird. we all have a democratic right to do as we please as long as we don't compromise the rights of others.

the ANC movements and demonstrations are always said to be done for our benefit. but what if i'm not interested in those benefits? I mean look at the ANC Youth League's champaign against open toilets in Makhaza in Khayelitsha in June 2010.

the toilets were then sheltered using corrugated iron. but because some residents were not happy, the ANCYL takes it upon itself to not only destroy the shelters but the toilets too. Fine, you don't want your toilets, do with them whatever you like. but what surprised me is that when some residents were interviewed by the media, they said they liked their toilets just as they were and were not part of the strike. but those who were part of the strike still came to these residents' homes and destroyed their toilets too! when asked why, they said everyone was to be united and take part in the strike. even the news presenter was surprised and asked, 'but you are aware these people have a right not to take part in the strike too right?'

same thing now. i want to keep working. so do most of my colleagues. some teachers still want to teach. some doctors and nurses still feel obligated to take care of the sick. but noooo, strikers march right into our lives and threaten us to stop working and to go on strike. i don't get it at all. hopefully by tonight this whole thing will be over...

Mozambique, how spontaniouse can girls be!

so its November 2008 and 2 of my friends and I are having a cup of coffee at a small mugg and beans cafe at the Riverwalk mall, Botswana. we look at each other, each wondering why we bother waking up for the same old boring routine. i had just written my exams. at that time i was ending my last year at the University of Botswana. Sarah had just come in to visit her family. she was living in Ecuador. Jacquie owns a cooperate events management company. the first thing we were dreading was the upcoming heat. Gaborone can be sooo hot in summer. up to 40 degrees. 'Gosh if only we were by the sea...' 'well why don't we go?' was the question posed. 'yea...lets!'. well I'm thinking, i just finished my exams and would do anything for a break away! "so where should we go?" "lets go to Mozambique!" 'where!?' 'Mozambique!' 'Mozambique?....yea...I've never been to Moz!' 'nor have I!' 'well then lets go! we leave in 2 days!' 'yea but i'm broke!' says I. 'you'll owe me!' says Sarah.

2 days later 3 excited ladies leave Botswana for an uncertain destination. now we all know when people think Mozambique...the last thing you add to that thought is Holiday Destination...but man did that country surprise us! yes the mosquitoes were dread full but the vibe! first thing we noticed as we drove around aimlessly looking for accommodation, was the VIBE! along the beach there are cars with the boots popped open and some crazy music which was a cross between reggae and salsa. along the beach were braais/barbeque's of whole Portuguese chicken. the aroma mixed with the salty sea smell is well...not too flattering, but exciting! the people were soo friendly. the first car you approach you immediately get smiles. when they realise you don't know Portuguese they just laugh and encourage you to try their food and dance to the foreign music. we stayed in the Costa de sol area which i think means south coast.

the night life is also Very exciting. they have various clubs in Maputo but the most popular one is Coconut. i know the name is not very original, but don't let that fool you. the club has been dubbed the biggest in Africa, and though it doesn't seem so from the outside, you notice it as soon as you enter. the music is mostly local Portuguese music or French-Portuguese from ashore. its spacious enough and even has a pool in case you need to cool off! haha! another great place to dance is Shake! but its a good idea to go there with a man...but ladies, if you are single...you will definitely pick a fine man there! it is more of a salsa club so you gotta shake to the rhythm! its also great for socialising.

another great place (as long as you can stand the smell) is the fish market. i just love the fact that you pick any form of fresh food you like and take it to the nearest restaurant, which is less then 2 minutes away! and get them to prepare it for you Portuguese style! mmmmmmmhhh yea. you won't regret! another great place is the market place. well as long as you have bargaining skills. mine are close to none. thank God for friends like Sarah who must have aced that class! the artwork is sooo beautiful and expressive. its mostly portraits though. but really good ones.

i really enjoyed that trip. we budgeted R2000 (South African Rands) each and got more than we could ever imagine. we stayed for 4 days and still wanted to come back. well i did. i went back for new years holidays, 2010. Sarah didn't like it that much because when you dress great you are thought to be a prostitute. the best thing a girl could do when going out at night is to be simple...unless of course you want free drinks!! *wink*