Albert Retief Blog

Euroslacker Update

2012-01-26T09:25:00.001+02:00

Matt Sterne over at EUROSLACKER ran some of my favourite photos that I took while I was in Europe for the summer. Go check them out here and read some of the other interesting stories on the site.

Here is one last photo that I shot while in the Louvre. I was asked by security not to take photos of the people taking photos, so I opted to rather take photos of their photos - the Euroslacker way.

Some Korean Cuisine

2012-01-24T17:08:00.001+02:00

Cheongnyangni Pause

2012-01-17T14:03:00.000+02:00

School of Elders

2012-01-16T05:51:00.000+02:00

Back in South Korea

2012-01-08T04:27:00.000+02:00

The Ones That Stand Out - Best of 2011

2011-12-27T16:52:00.001+02:00

Here are some of the photos that stood out this year. I started the year in Asia, headed back home to South Africa and travelled a bit around Namibia. I then paid a three month visit to Europe, spent more downtime in Cape Town and now I’m back in cold South Korea. I haven’t worked much this year, but I’m currently back in South Korea doing the teaching gig. I don't really like to group the photos to a year but I did the same last year and thought that I’d share some of this years highlights with you again. I’ll continue to run this blog as I continue to travel and shoot photos. Thanks to those who follow my blog and welcome to all the new viewers.

Here, in no particular order, are some of my favourites for 2011. Enjoy!

Dead Vlei and the Namib Desert

This photo was shot in Namibia next to Sossusvlei in the Namib Desert with scorching temperatures and beautiful desert landscapes.

Ancient Cities, Modern Challenges

This photo was taken in Marseilles in a part of the city that’s infamous for its immigrants. I saw this young black boy playing up the street and waited for him to pass this old building dated 29 July 1881 - a time before France saw their influx of immigrants.

Etosha Wildlife

This picture of a Troupant bird was taken in Etosha. I shot many photos of wildlife and birds during the five days that we were there and this is one of many that stood out. It was a lot of fun and a challenge to shoot something a little different and I enjoyed making use of my zoom lens

Revoluzione

Corsica with its nationalistic graffiti was something that stood out as I arrived and till the day I left. This wall in Corte was one of those that especially stood out.

Harsh Korean Winter

The 2010/2011 winter was one of the harshest winters that I have ever experienced. Constant temperatures below zero and endless snow made for a difficult winter. This picture was taken at the Changdeokgung Palace in Seoul after a full day of snow storms.

Cinque Terre and Arcade Fire

This was hands down one of the best days ever! Clementine and I crossed from Corsica to Italy to watch Arcade Fire live in Lucca. We had a full day in Italy before the concert and decided to spend it in Cinque Terre. Walking around the small towns, lazing on the beach and feasting on some of the best Panini’s ever.

This year has been memorable on the music front and I had opportunities to see some of my most favourite acts performing live. These included: Iron Maiden in Seoul, Arcade Fire in Lucca Italy, Foals in Corsica, Kings of Leon in Cape Town and Black Rebel Motorcycle Club at Synergy Festival in South Africa.

Suburb Safari Hippo

I kept myself busy for 3 months with some street art after returning from Europe and before coming back to South Korea. I used all of my own photos and pasted them around the Northern Suburbs of Cape Town, calling it Suburb Safari. Animals and birds were pasted on blank walls, bus stops, under bridges and on lots of other strange and ordinary places. This hippo was originally taken on the Zambezi River in Zambia and I replaced it in one of the dams in suburbia.

Early morning Pisa

Clementine and I travelled to Italy of a few days and arrived at the Leaning Tower of Pisa early in the morning before all the tourists were out. This photo was taken on my first day in Italy and I am especially pleased that there was no one spoiling the picture in the foreground, as this is often the case at these popular tourist sites.

A Wet Namibia

This year saw some of the highest rainfalls in Namibia and we went just after the unexpected ‘wet’ season. This picture was taken of a full Etosha Pan with the road to this viewpoint flooded. The whole of Namibia was covered under a blanket of green and was a beautiful sight compared to the dry hot Namibian weather that I have experienced before.

Colossal Structures

Rome is covered with large ancient buildings and this was one of them. The photo was taken in the St Peter’s Basilica in the Vatican. Another huge cathedral filled with art, detail and religion.

Cobblestone Europe

This picture of a man on a red scooter riding on a quiet cobblestoned street was taken in Paris. It was my first day in Europe and I spent it Paris. I ended up seeing many similar streets and buildings, but this one remains special, because it was the first.

Backstreets of Qingdao

Behind the bling and prosperity of China is where you’ll find the old ways still embedded in society. In backstreets they sell meat on the street, chicken and other livestock on demand and having it cooked in front of you or to take home. All of this while many Chinese wonder around in their designer labels and polished shoes.

Sneaky Sistine Chapel Shot

Photos are forbidden in the Sistine Chapel, but on days when it’s this full they struggle to keep an eye on everyone. I sneaked this shot by putting the camera on a wooden structure that acted as a tri-pod and let the shutter open a bit. It’s always an adrenaline rush when you know you’re not allowed to take a photo.

Maloof Money Cup Mission

In September Kimberley in South Africa played host to one of the biggest international skateboarding events called the Maloof Money Cup. Our group of friends missioned up there for one raucous week. I took the Suburb Safari project with me and collaborated with local skateboarding site Repropait for a fun competition. People at the event and around Kimberley had to spot the Hyena and take a creative photo with it and they could win some Adidas and Dope Industries products. Things got out of hand and the photos were awesome. This picture was taken on the way to Kimberley in the small Great Karoo town of Victoria West.

China’s Facade

Shanghai is huge and the architecture is breathtaking. This photo was taken from The Bund and is a picture of Pudong which is China’s facade to the outside world. Tall skyscrapers and innovative architecture serves as China’s front for a forward thinking city that they have not yet become.

Cordoba Spain

Spain was memorable with its warm street culture, unbearably hot summer days and great sights. This was taken at the world historical site of Mezquita-Caterdal in the South of Spain.

Please view 2010’s highlights here.

Adidas Skateboarding in Maputo

2011-12-27T11:59:00.003+02:00

adidas South Africa in Maputo, Mozambique 2011 from adi three leaf on Vimeo.

This is a trip my brother and friends did to Maputo in Mozambique. Adriaan Louw, with whom I've done a few projects, worked with Sam Clark to put this amazing edit together. Pure skateboarding and exploration captured here. I did not go on this trip, though I would have loved too. It's also the first time I blog someone else's adventure, but this edit makes me want to mission!

Suburb Safari - Final Pastes on Durban Road (for now)

2011-12-14T01:02:00.004+02:00

Kudu - Original Location: Etosha National Park, Namibia - Current Location: Durban Road, Durbanville, South Africa

This week was my final paste for the Suburb Safari project and coming Friday I will be on a plane to South Korea to go teach English for a second time.

Suburb Safari has kept me busy for three months since Europe and it's been a fun project that I have really enjoyed. Sharing a few of my photos with people living in suburbia has been truly entertaining.

All the late night expeditions jumping over walls, swimming in suburbia's dams, missioning with mates, climbing up ladders, keeping an eye out for the cops and exploring more of suburbia has paid off.
The goal of Suburb Safari was to add some colour to suburbia and to create some thought. I'm satisfied with how the projects developed and the responses have been overwhelming. People seem to enjoy it, which in turn makes me happy.

This is the end of Suburb Safari for now, but I do intend to continue purely because it's been so much fun. The rush, the adrenaline, the creativity, the scouting for spots and the responses have been great and is enough to make me want to continue. Where and when remains a question though?

I had an interview with RSG radio station about the Suburb Safari project and it should be aired around January. Keep checking my blog for an update on that as well as my future travels in Korea and beyond.

Fish Eagle - Original Location: Nkhata Bay, Lake Malawi, Malawi - Current Location: Durban Road, Bellville, South Africa
Dassie - Original Location: Hermanus, South Africa - Current Location: Durban Road, Bellville, South Africa

Fish Eagle - Original Location: Nkhata Bay, Lake Malawi, Malawi - Current Location: Durban Road, Durbanville, South Africa

Chameleon - Original Location: Etosha National Park, Namibia - Current Location: Durban Road, Bellville, South Africa

These pictures were the last images I went to go paste in Durban Road, Bellville - One of Suburbia's lifelines.

Puff Adder - Original Location: Etosha National Park, Namibia - Current Location: Durban Road, Bellville, South Africa

Suburb Safari - Lesotho Herdsman

2011-12-13T14:24:00.001+02:00

Lesotho Herdsman - Original Location: Lesotho Highlands, Lesotho - Current Location: Durban Road, Durbanville, South Africa

Suburb Safari - Welgemoed Zebra

2011-12-11T17:52:00.000+02:00

Zebra - Original Location: Namib Desert, Namibia - Current Location: Jip De Jager Drive, Bellville, South Africa

Suburb Safari - Ancient Practices, Modern Challenges

2011-12-08T21:40:00.001+02:00

I pasted these two children right at the beginning of the Suburb Safari project but never published the original photos along with the paste. These two pastes have since fallen off and one was replaced by a cheetah. I decided to re-blog the originals when scrolling through old posts themed Ancient Cities, Modern Challenges.

This afternoon I had an interview for RSG radio station with regards to the Suburb Safari project, but I'll give you more details in the coming weeks.

Suburb Safari - Stellenbosch Troupant

2011-12-07T01:03:00.000+02:00

Troupant - Original Location: Etosha National Park, Namibia - Current Location: Adam Tas Street, Stellenbosch, South Africa

Suburb Safari - Bellville Kingfisher

2011-12-07T00:42:00.000+02:00

Kingfisher - Original Location: Zambezi River, Zambia - Current Location: Frans Conradie Drive, Bellville, South Africa

Suburb Safari - Cheetah stalking Impalas

2011-12-05T15:04:00.002+02:00

Cheetah - Original Location: Kalahari National Park, South Africa - Current Location: Main Road, Paarl, Under N1 Highway
Impalas - Original Location: Etosha National Park, Namibia - Current Location: Main Road, Paarl, Under N1 Highway

Suburb Safari - Stellenbosch Crane

2011-11-23T23:37:00.000+02:00

Crane - Original Location: Swartland, South Africa - Current Location: Dorp Street, Stellenbosch, South Africa

Cape Point Reunion Trip

2011-11-22T23:12:00.002+02:00

It's been about 8 months since I've left Ganghwa island in South Korea and the small community of English teachers that we had. This week some of the ex-Ganghwa members were fortunate enough to spend time in Cape Town and it was great to be reunited. The crew consisted of my ferry partner Charles and his American girlfriend Hannah, along with now Durban based couple Clayton and Lindsay. Our five man crew embraced the lovely weather, good food and friendship. Long nights and exciting days were had with the memories of Ganghwa still fresh and the love for travelling and exploration still strong.

Suburb Safari - Construction Site Oryx

2011-11-22T17:22:00.001+02:00

Oryx - Original Location: Kalahari National Park, South Africa - Current Location: Andringa Street, Stellenbosch, South Africa

Oryx - Original Location: Kalahari National Park, South Africa - Current Location: Opposite Durbanville Post Office, Durbanville, South Africa

Suburb Safari - Kiewiet

2011-11-14T20:32:00.001+02:00

Kiewiet - Original Location: Etosha, Namibia - Current Location: Conterman's Kloof Road, Outside Durbanville, South Africa

Kiewiet - Original Location: Etosha, Namibia - Current Location: Victoria Street, Stellenbosch, South Africa

Suburb Safari - Growing Interest

2011-11-10T21:57:00.007+02:00

Zebra - Original Location: Etosha, Namibia - Current Location: Frans Conradie Drive, Bellville, South Africa

I've received growing interest in my Suburb Safari project since my first post (by looking at the increase in views from my stats) and have decided to share the concept once more for those who are new to my blog or curious to know what this is all about.

I’ve been lucky enough to have travelled large parts of Southern Africa over the past years and wanted to share some of these experiences with the people living in the Suburbs.

A lot of people living in the Suburbs have a passion for camping and the outdoors. Many venture once a year to places like Namibia, the Kruger National Park or Botswana for a different taste of Africa and to see some wildlife, while others are oblivious to the fact that we are living in Africa.

Similar to going on a game drive, you can now drive down Durban Road for example and maybe spot a Kudu or see a Hyena hanging around the recycle bins. There are also owls sitting on bus stops, hippos in the middle of quiet dams, hawks on look out and many more.

It’s my small expression and effort to bring forgotten parts of Africa back to the suburbs and the secure ‘islands’ we live in.

Up until now I’ve pasted more than 70 posters that are all my own photo's taken during my travels. you'll find them all over suburbia, but predominantly on the main roads. Keep an eye out while driving through Suburbia!

I've pasted mainly in the Northern Suburbs of Cape Town (Durbanville and Bellville) as well as a few Hyena's in Kimberley and the central Karoo.
Last night I pasted in Stellenbosch, but I will unfortunately not be going back there soon to document it for the blog. If you're from Stellenbosch or often visit then keep an eye out and you might spot some 'wildlife'.

Suburb Safari - Kudu calf between suburbs

2011-11-08T19:06:00.001+02:00

Kudu Calf - Original Location: Etosha, Namibia - Current Location: Conterman's Kloof Road, Just outside Durbanville, South Africa

Suburb Safari - Swallow-Tailed Bee Eater in Bellville

2011-11-07T21:36:00.000+02:00

Swallow-Tailed Bee Eater - Original Location: Ai Ais, Namibia - Current Location: Carl Cronje Drive, Bellville, South Africa

Suburb Safari - Bellville Cheetah

2011-11-07T12:11:00.000+02:00

Cheetah - Original Location: Kalahari National Park, South Africa - Current Location: Tygervalley Road, Bellville, South Africa

Suburb Safari - Burger Fair Hippo

2011-11-06T14:21:00.003+02:00

Hippo - Original Location: Victoria Falls, Zambezi River, Zambia - Current Location: Voortrekker Road, Bellville

Suburb Safari - Voortrekker Ostrich

2011-11-04T12:39:00.000+02:00

Ostrich - Original Location: Kalahari National Park, South Africa - Current Location: Cnr of Voortrekker Road and Bill Bezuidenhoudt, Bellville, South Africa

Suburb Safari - Roadside Owl

2011-11-01T19:36:00.000+02:00

Owl - Original Location: Kalahari National Park, South Africa - Current Location: Durban Road, Durbanville, South Africa

Suburb Safari - Main Road Impalas

2011-10-31T00:01:00.000+02:00

Impalas - Original Location: Etosha Namibia, Current Location: Durban Road, Bellville, South Africa

Suburb Safari - Zambezi Kingfisher

2011-10-30T20:28:00.001+02:00

Kingfisher - Original Location: Zambezi River, Zambia - Current Location: Oude Westhof, Bellville, South Africa

Suburb Safari - Lesotho Boys

2011-10-25T22:15:00.002+02:00

Lesotho Boys - Original Location: Lesotho Highlands, Lesotho - Current Location: Jip De Jager Drive, Welgemoed, Bellville, South Africa

Suburb Safari - Mozambican woman

2011-10-24T00:45:00.002+02:00

Mozambican Woman - Original Location: Near Tete, Mozambique - Current Location: Oude Westhof, Bellville, South Africa

I shot this portrait in Mozambique in 2008 while travelling through large parts of Southern Africa by means of public transport.
This woman sat with me on the back of a truck for a whole day as we ventured through Mozambique's hottest province of Tete.
She was not on her way to South Africa, but I met numerous people making the journey to work in South Africa - be it legal or illegally. This image is pasted in the affluent suburbs of Bellville. It's an area many women with similar backgrounds to this woman come to find work as cleaners at wealthy households.

Suburb Safari - Zambezi Bee Catcher

2011-10-23T22:09:00.002+02:00

Bee Catcher - Original Location: Zambezi River, Zambia - Current Location: Welgemoed, Bellville, South Africa

Bee Catcher - Original Location: Zambezi River, Zambia - Current Location: Durban Road, Durbanville, South Africa

Suburb Safari - Highway Oryx

2011-10-23T22:01:00.001+02:00

Oryx - Original Location: Kalahari National Park, South Africa - Current Location: Mike Pienaar Drive, Under the N1 Highway, Bellville, South Africa

Suburb Safari - Springbok

2011-10-18T16:20:00.000+02:00

Springbok - Original Location: Kalahari National Park, South Africa - Current Location: Cnr of Mike Pienaar and Frans Conradie, Bellville, South Africa.

Suburb Safari - Billboard Giraffe

2011-10-18T16:12:00.001+02:00

Giraffe - Original Location: Etosha, Namibia - Current Location: Driving Range Billboard, Carl Cronje Drive, Bellville, South Africa

Suburb Safari - Hyena and his friends

2011-10-17T19:12:00.001+02:00

Same paste with some more pastes added over time.

Hyena - Original Location: Etosha, Namibia - Current Location: Carl Cronje Drive, Bellville, South Africa

Hyena - Original Location: Etosha, Namibia - Current Location: Carl Cronje Drive, Bellville, South Africa
Vultures - Original Location: Pyrenees, Basque Country, France
Bat-Eared / Delalande's fox - Original Location: Kalahari National Park, South Africa

Suburb Safari - Kudu and Calf

2011-10-17T18:55:00.001+02:00

I've been changing some of the old pastes by adding others and giving it a new, yet relevant look.

Kudu - Original Location: Etosha, Namibia - Current Location: Carl Cronje Drive, Bellville, South Africa

Kudus - Original Location: Etosha, Namibia - Current Location: Carl Cronje Drive, Bellville, South Africa

The Kudu down in Carl Cronje Drive got a new addition - a Kudu calf (the same way I shot it in nature).

Suburb Safari (Yellow)

2011-10-15T15:38:00.000+02:00

Blue Crane - Original Location: Swartland, South Africa - Current Location: Frans Conradie Drive, Bellville, South Africa.

Zebra - Original Location: Etosha, Namibia - Current Location: Durban Road, Bellville, South Africa

Suburb Safari - The Oryx

2011-10-13T16:49:00.000+02:00

Oryx - Original Location: Kalahari National Park, South Africa - Current Location: Palm Grove Center, Durbanville, South Africa

Suburb Safari - Race Course Giraffe

2011-10-11T17:23:00.002+02:00

Giraffe - Original Location: Etosha, Namibia - Current Location: Durbanville Race Course, Durbanville, South Africa

Suburb Safari - Maloof Money Cup and the Hyena

2011-10-10T13:32:00.003+02:00

Hyena - Original Location: Etosha, Namibia, Current Location: Victoria West, Central Karoo, South Africa

Here are some of the Hyena's that were pasted last week at the Maloof Money Cup international skateboarding competition in Kimberley.

This pasting took place in collaboration with local skateboarding website REPROBAIT. Reprobait is running a competition for viewers to send in pictures taken with the Suburb Safari Hyena.

They interviewed me and published many pictures taken during the week in Kimberley. Please click here to read the interview and view more Hyena pics.

Hyena - Original Location: Etosha, Namibia - Temporary Location: Municipal Campsite, Kimberley, South Africa

Hyena - Original Location: Etosha, Namibia - Current Location: Kimberley, South Africa

Hyena - Original Location: Etosha, Namibia - Temporary Location: Kimberley, South Africa

Hyena - Original Location: Etosha, Namibia - Current Location: Beaufort West, South Africa

Hyena - Original Location: Etosha, Namibia - Current Location: Kimberley, South Africa

The Hyena also made a brief appearance on Super Sport Live and on the Skatepark of Tampa website (click here) with a funny comment: "We hold signs up for support. Over there, they hold strange animals. What is that, a Chupacabara?

Maloof Money Cup Competition with Suburb Safari and Reprobait

2011-10-04T14:39:00.000+02:00

The past weekend was the Maloof Money Cup International Skateboarding Competition in Kimberley and South African Skateboarding website Reprobait collaborated with my Suburb Safari project bringing you a competition to win some Dope and Adidas product.
This update comes a little late, but if you saw any of the Hyenas pasted between Cape Town and Kimberley and all around Kimberley then please send your entries to info@reprobait.com, read the flyer for more details on this competition.
I will upload some of my Hyena pictures in the coming week, but I recommend you go to Reprobait's site to view all the pictures captured during the past week in Kimberley.

Suburb Safari - The Kudu

2011-09-27T11:11:00.000+02:00

Kudu - Original Location: Etosha, Namibia - Current Location: Oakdale, Bellville, South Africa

Kudu - Original Location: Etosha, Namibia - Current Location: Reservoir, Durbanville, South Africa

Suburb Safari - Rhino Awareness

2011-09-26T00:21:00.000+02:00

Rhino - Original Location: Hlane National Park, Swaziland - Current Location: Mike Pienaar Drive, Under N1 highway, Bellville, South Africa

The 22nd of September was International Rhino Day. This day is aimed at raising awareness about Rhino conservation and the illegal trade in rhino horns. It's been scientifically proven that these horns are of no medical use and the goal is to get this message across to the end user.

This has been my small effort to try and raise some awareness in support of rhino conservation.
The bottom of the poster reads: Plans to protect air and water, wilderness and wildlife are in fact plans to protect man.

Suburb Safari (Red)

2011-09-24T14:18:00.000+02:00

Squirrel - Original Location: Kalahari National Park, South Africa - Current Location: Boston, Bellville, South Africa

Owl - Original Location: Kalahari National Park, South Africa - Current Location: Welgemoed, Bellville, South Africa

Sunbird - Original Location: Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens, Cape Town, South Africa - Current Location: Parow, South Africa

Puff Adder - Original Location: Etosha, Namibia - Current location: Protea Valley, Bellville, South Africa

Suburb Safari

2011-09-21T21:02:00.004+02:00

Hippo - Original Location: Zambezi River, Zambia - Current Location: Sonstraal Dam, Durbanville, South Africa

I've been back in Cape Town just over 3 weeks now and this is what I've been keeping myself busy with.

I call it Suburb Safari.

It’s basically me going out at night with some of my African images, mostly wildlife shots and exhibiting them in strange and ordinary locations around the Northern Suburbs of Cape Town.

These posters are mostly of animals and birds, ranging from hippos to kudus to hyenas to kingfishers and many more.

Hyena - Original Location: Etosha, Namibia - Current Location: Recycling Bins, Durbanville, South Africa

And the concept? Well, I've wanted to do this for some time now and eventually figured out how to pull it off.

I’ve been lucky enough to have travelled large parts of Southern Africa and wanted to share some of these experiences with the people living in the Suburbs.

It’s my small expression to bring forgotten parts of Africa back to the city and the secure ‘islands’ we live in.

Up until now I’ve pasted more than 40 posters on the main roads of the Suburbs and plan to expand this operation even more. Keep an eye out while driving through Suburbia and you might just spot one of them.

Cheetah - Original Location: Kalahari National Park, South Africa - Current Location: Bellville Velodrome, Bellville, South Africa

Kudu - Original Location: Etosha, Namibia - Current Location: Wellington Road, Durbanville, South Africa

Hippo - Original Location: Zambezi River, Zambia - Current Location: Durbanville Taxi Rank, Durbanville, South Africa

Kudu - Original Location: Etosha, Namibia - Current Location: Carl Cronje Drive, Bellville, South Africa

Penguin - Original Location: Boulders Beach, Simonstown, South Africa - Current Location: Durban Road, Bellville, South Africa

Boy and Donkey - Original Location: Lesotho Highlands, Lesotho - Current Location: De Villiers Drive, Durbanville, South Africa

Penguin - Original Location: Boulders Beach, Simonstown, South Africa - Current Location: Durban Road, Durbanville, South Africa

Puff Adder - Original Location: Etosha, Namibia - Current Location: Carl Cronje Drive, Bellville, South Africa

Young Boy - Original Location: Kande Beach, Malawi - Current Location: Tygervalley Road, Bellville, South Africa

Around The Suburbs

2011-09-19T17:36:00.000+02:00

I've been keeping myself busy by spreading some of my images in some strange locations. Keep checking the blog in the coming days as I'll reveal some of these projects.

Undecided

2011-09-16T15:20:00.000+02:00

European Lomo Shots

2011-09-04T02:19:00.000+02:00

Cruising around Spain and the South of France!

2011-08-25T01:10:00.001+02:00

I recently returned from a trip to parts of France and Spain. These included: The Basque, Madrid, The South of Spain, Barcelona and Marseilles. Clementine and I saw some awesome cities and cool sights as we navigated our way around the auto-routes (toll roads) of Europe.

Here are some of the photos and lots more as you scroll down.

Basque Country

2011-08-25T00:51:00.000+02:00

We had four perfect days of sightseeing in the Basque Region with our base in Saint Jean De Luz and day trips to Bilbao and San Sebastian.

Clementine’s father played tour guide and took us all over as we were treated with traditional Basque cuisine, bottles of Spanish Rose, a variety of Tapas and awesome sights as we strolled the streets. It was an authentic exposure to life in the Basque region as we lived with the local people and were escorted around to all the genuine places.

Spain - Madrid

2011-08-25T00:38:00.000+02:00

Public squares in Spain are the complete opposite to squares on the other side of the world in China. In Spain they are alive, sparkling and vibrant. In China they are under surveillance, unimaginative and rigid. At night the squares of Spain come alive with people gathering to discuss political issues, to entertain others by means of arts, to meet friends and to do something as simple as playing cards or purely to soak up the energetic vibe. This is one thing that’s stood out for me in Europe and it’s the joyful atmosphere of the streets. I’ve only been to parts of Italy, France and Spain, but I find the vibe on the streets to be alive and rich, especially on the streets of Spain and this is one of the reasons that I’d one day like to return.

SPAIN – Cordoba, Seville and Around

2011-08-25T00:16:00.007+02:00

The heat in the South of Spain was unbearable with temperatures in the 40 degrees, but the sights were some of the best in Spain, with beautiful narrow streets guiding you through interesting neighbourhoods.

A visit to Cordoba was especially memorable where we walked through the World Historical site of Mezquita-Caterdal, translated Mosque-Cathedral, where Islam meets Christianity in terms of architecture.

Seville was even hotter and the presence of Arabic architecture was wide spread. It felt as if we were somewhere in the desert and Seville was its oasis. The one-ways of the city also resulted in endless frustration as it was impossible to find our way in this endless maze.

The South was magnificent and stood in strong contrast to the capital Madrid and Basque country.

Click older posts to view more of this trip. Or click on these links: Barcelona and Marseilles.

SPAIN - Barcelona

2011-08-24T23:44:00.002+02:00

Man this vibrant cosmopolitan city has an awesome atmosphere.

Gaudi’s architecture especially added to the coolness of this city and his buildings are scattered all over.

It’s a forward-thinking city where diversity and things like skateboarding gets embraced. The streets are also filled with colour and opinion (lots of tourists too).

We camped just outside the city and spent some time basking in the sun on the beaches before heading to our local 3.50Euro Mojito joint in the city.

Barcelona will one day see me again, it’s banging!

FRANCE – MARSEILLES

2011-08-24T23:22:00.000+02:00

FRANCE – From Bastia to Marseilles by ferry (and back).

2011-08-24T23:08:00.000+02:00

10 hours, a comfortable ferry ride, perfect weather, a few sights leaving and entering port and nothing more.

Ancient Cities, Modern Challenges

2011-08-21T00:50:00.000+02:00

That Events Will Turn Out For The Best

2011-08-20T02:11:00.000+02:00

Bonifacio - Built On The Edge

2011-08-18T23:42:00.001+02:00

Some brave architecture on the cliffs of Bonifacio.

If you plan on taking some photo's here then I'd recommend to not go in the late afternoon as you take pictures directly into the sun (as seen here). Never the less, this remains a great sight.

Recently returned from two weeks in the South of France and Spain, so keep checking the blog for updates.

Held Beliefs

2011-08-01T22:40:00.000+02:00

En Route - Corsica

2011-07-27T23:14:00.000+02:00

No Longer A Permanent Settlement

2011-07-25T23:56:00.000+02:00

Bastille Festivities - L'ile Rousse, Corsica

2011-07-15T13:01:00.000+02:00

Across All Continents

2011-07-13T00:28:00.000+02:00

Gilera Classic - Corsica

2011-07-12T16:35:00.000+02:00

I've been cruising around Corsica on this classic.

Pictures taken with an Iphone.

Arcade Fire live in Lucca - Italy

2011-07-11T23:57:00.002+02:00

What more could I have asked for than to watch one of my favourite bands perform live in Italy? I was so ecstatic when I read on Arcade Fire's bandpage that they were going to gig in Italy that I immediately started making plans to cross the Mediterranean again. Clementine and I crossed with the same night ferry from Bastia to Livorno and spent a full day in Italy before the gig at night.

The beers outside the venue were cheap, the Panini probably the best I’ve had since being in Europe, the weather was perfect and the setting for their performance in the town of Lucca was magnificent. One of the main squares in Lucca was used as a beautiful setting for this event with old buildings looking into the square, a big statue in the centre with surrounding trees and cobble stones.

I was excited to see them, but had a huge piss prior to the show. Can you believe it; I found only two toilets and had to stand in a queue for more than 15 minutes? Being a guy, it especially sucks to wait, but I had to and complained with the girls around me. Clementine waited amongst the eager fans and by the time I returned the crowd had grown extensively, which resulted in me looking for her for some time.

The sun set behind the old buildings and Arcade Fire started with a bang - ‘Ready to Start’ followed by ‘Suburban War’ with mad lights and energetic Italians. I was in heaven! I raised and clapped my hands like the people in the church do. I was in ecstasy by the time they played ‘No Cars Go’. All my Arcade Fire favourites like; ‘Rebellion Lies’, ‘We Used To Wait’, ‘Tunnels’, ‘Month of May’, the list continues, were played. Band members continued to switch duties as they added to the growing sound.

Arcade Fire played an hour and a half set filled with emotion and energy. They left the stage for a few seconds and returned to end off with ‘Wake Up’. Jesus, I can’t express myself, I think I jizzed my pants right then and there.
I made the mission across from Corsica, walked the towns of Cinque Terre the afternoon before, swam in the Mediterranean and here I was singing along to every song.

What an epic performance by one of the hottest bands live. I’ve been lucky the past week having had the opportunity to watch Foals in Corsica and Arcade Fire in Italy. It was most probably one of the best days to date.

Apologies for the shitty photos taken with my Iphone.

Weekend Trip To Italy (again)

2011-07-10T23:04:00.003+02:00

Arcade Fire was going to gig in Lucca, Italy on the weekend and I was amped to make the mission as soon as I read about it on the net. We booked the tickets for the show and crossed by ferry from Bastia, Corsica to Livorno, Italy (again) where we landed early Saturday morning.

The gig was only at night and we had the whole day to kill in beautiful Italy.

My roommate from Simonsberg, Matthew Sterne, recommended that I go to visit Cinque Terre, north of Livorno on the west coast. He said that this place was beautiful and well worth the visit and he was definitely right. The small town of Manarola was especially mind blowing with a whole village built on terraces on the shoreline. I am glad I followed Matt’s advice. Matt also runs a blog called Sterne Journeys, but he’s a bit of a lazy guy (always has been one) and hasn't really updated it in a while. He said we must wait for something bigger and better… He’s still travelling. Sterne, if you are reading this, start up your blog or create something better. We are waiting.
(He's since got his new website going, check it out: Euroslacker)

I’ll upload some photos with a write up of the Arcade Fire gig sometime this week. It was insane!

Previous Italy photos here.

Foals Live at Calvi On The Rocks - Corsica

2011-07-06T17:01:00.003+02:00

Foals pulled into Corsica to play an energetic gig at Calvi on the Rocks.

At first I didn’t have tickets and I didn’t really know where or how I’d get tickets to watch them perform. I decided to go to Calvi a week ahead of the gig and asked around for tickets but they said that they were sold out, so I walked to go view the venue and planned a move to jump a fence or something on the night.

This was luckily not needed as Clementine’s sister knew people who knew people and Clem and I were escorted into the venue with the event organiser, free of charge and handed a beer.

I didn’t see any of the other acts and only watched Foals play. They played an hour set with songs from “Antidotes” and “Total Life Forever”. The event wasn’t too crowded and I ended up having an awesome spot. The gig started with ‘Blue blood’ and continued to build and get louder. I can’t remember all the songs they played but one that stood out for me was when they played ‘Spanish Sahara’ with a shorter intro and great crescendo.

Frontman Yannis Philippakis was not very talkative and all I remember him saying was, “merci beaucoup” and “this is our last song”. I don’t know if it’s because of all the French people (there were lots of British folk around too) or if his not a talkative guy, but I suppose we went to see them perform, listen to the music and not listen to stupid jokes or telling us to buy the new CD.

I was standing almost in front with a big tribal tattoo guy in my space. Halfway through the gig Yannis came down from the stage and told the tribal guy’s buddy to fuck off. I don’t know what he did, but Yannis didn’t seem happy and soon moved to the other side of the stage. The songs became louder and his energy increased. The next moment he came back and stage dived on to me and the tribal guy, almost as if he deliberately wanted to jump on this guy. He walked to the back of the crowd, climbed a temporary structure and continued. His and the bands energy grew and he started beating the shit out of the drums with his drumstick.

The gig was everything I wanted from it. An energetic tight performance by one of the groups I never thought I’d have the chance to see live.

Foals are jamming at the Lake of Stars event in Malawi in September. If you’re in Southern Africa around September or anywhere in the world, then mission to Malawi to go check Foals and all the other African acts perform.

I love Malawi and its people and would love to one day return. For those hesitant about going, don’t be. Foals won’t disappoint and Malawi is one of the sweetest destinations I’ve been to.

Revoluzione

2011-07-06T15:25:00.002+02:00

Lac de Capitellu - Day Trip

2011-07-03T14:42:00.000+02:00

Lac de Capitellu- A relatively easy hike to view this awe-inspiring lake that is sheltered between the mountains of Corsica. The starting point is about 12km by road outside Corte and from there it will take you about 1hour 45minutes to reach this viewpoint. It's truly a spectacular panoramic sight.

Erbalunga On The Sea

2011-07-03T14:14:00.000+02:00

Calvi and some secluded bays - Corsica

2011-06-30T21:11:00.003+02:00

I also want a yacht.

Relaxing

2011-06-30T14:20:00.000+02:00

ROME!

2011-06-28T00:14:00.002+02:00

I hopped over by ferry from Corsica to Italy for a few days to walk the streets of Rome and pay a brief visit to Pisa and Florence.

We had Clementine’s car which gave us more independence and the opportunity to pack all the basic camping goods.

Walking the streets and narrow alleys of Rome felt like walking through a big museum. There were monuments, ancient building, ruins and squares around every corner. There was always something new to discover as we wondered around - lots and lots of walking.

There were so many awesome sights during our quick three day visit of Rome. I lived on a pizza only diet for four days and filled my water bottle up at all the fountains scattered in the city as I continued to complain about European beer prices. Street artists entertained and sold work all over and one was amused by some of their skills.

I thought that there were many tourists at the Forbidden City in China, but nothing beats a hot summer day in Rome. Tourists as far as the eye can see. We squeezed between the people to view the fabulous Sistine Chapel which also gave me the opportunity to take my time and take some shots of the colourful roof. So much ancient history between the walls of these buildings with art and statues all over dedicated to God and Roman leaders who all had six-packs and small penises.

Walking between the walls of the colosseum, eating ice cream on one of the several squares, giving way to one of many Vespa’s, having blisters on my feet, still using a two year expired Student Card, seeing one too many pictures of Jesus, munching pizza’s, being stuck in traffic and having perfect weather throughout added to a great experience.

Early Morning Pisa

2011-06-27T23:27:00.000+02:00

A Brief Crossing

2011-06-22T22:53:00.000+02:00

Crossed by ferry from Corsica to Italy for a few days.

Photos to be uploaded soon.

Beach Break

2011-06-22T22:37:00.001+02:00

The Mountainous Mediterranean Island - Corsica

2011-06-14T22:46:00.001+02:00

Some pictures in and around my current location of Corsica.

Bonjour France

2011-06-09T13:27:00.004+02:00

I'm in France, Corsica to be exact. I spent only a day in the streets of Paris and captured these images as we hopped between some of the attractions.

Paris For A Day

2011-06-09T13:11:00.003+02:00

Off to France

2011-06-02T22:19:00.000+02:00

I am off to France at sunrise. Follow the blog for some photos.

Namibia Lomo

2011-06-01T01:13:00.000+02:00

Some Lomo shots from Namibia and a friendly reminder to listen to RSG radio later today at 20:00 when I'll speak about my time in South Korea.

Streets

2011-05-30T21:08:00.000+02:00

Featured Issues

2011-05-30T17:19:00.000+02:00

Roots

2011-05-30T11:54:00.000+02:00

Radio!

2011-05-29T21:42:00.000+02:00

I have a radio interview this coming Wednesday night on RSG's Befonk with Christine Wessels where I am going to speak about my time abroad in South Korea and a few more things. Tune in to RSG at 20:00 if you're interested. The interview will be in Afrikaans.

Hope And Hardship

2011-05-18T15:52:00.000+02:00

NAMIBIA - wet and green

2011-05-10T19:22:00.001+02:00

I am back in Africa and it feels great. Straight from the rush of Korea to the vast landscapes of Namibia.

Namibia has received lots of rain in the past months and what once was bare desert and barren country is now covered in lush grass fields and thick vegetation.

I had the opportunity to visit Namibia in September 2009 when I hitch hiked to the deserts edge and beyond (Slideshow of the previous trip). This time round I went with my parents, brother and Clementine in one fully loaded vehicle.

The five of us camped out under the stars and spent many hours in the car as we covered a big section of Namibia. Roughly 6000km through the second least densely populated country in the world – a big contrast to where I found myself only weeks before.

In two weeks we visited the south and its deserted landscapes, the Namib Desert under a green coat of grass and flowers, the west coast with its abundance of overweight holiday goers and up through Damaraland to the wet Etosha pan with all its wildlife.

Scroll down for many more photos of; Kolmanskoppe, Sossusvlei, Damaraland, Etosha and more.

Kolmanskoppe - Namibia

2011-05-10T18:33:00.000+02:00

A Green Namib Desert

2011-05-10T17:38:00.000+02:00

Up Through Damaraland

2011-05-10T16:53:00.002+02:00

Click on view older posts or this link to view the Etosha wildlife images

Etosha and its Wildlife

2011-05-10T16:23:00.001+02:00

Along a Vacant Highway

2011-05-06T16:57:00.002+02:00

I have just returned from a two week trip with my family and Clementine to Namibia.
Straight from the bustle of South Korea to the vast open landscapes of Africa.
Updates and photos to follow soon.

Lomo Highlights

2011-05-06T16:38:00.001+02:00

Here are some last lomography shots from South Korea and Indonesia taken in 2010. I've been wanting to upload these shots for some time now, but never got around scanning the negatives. Apologies for the shitty quality as I took a photo of a photo - weak.

In Transit

2011-04-01T11:53:00.000+02:00

I am back in Cape Town!

I had an 8 eight hour layover in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia while travelling back from South Korea to South Africa. Having a South African passport has its limitations in terms of visa's, but Malaysia is luckily one of those countries where you don't need a visa. This gave me the opportunity to pay a quick visit to Kuala Lumpur before sunset to view the iconic Petronas Twin Towers.

If you're a South African passport holder and would like to know more about visa free countries then check out this handy link.

Kam-sa-ham-ni-da (Thank you) South Korea, I am out!

2011-03-28T10:19:00.001+02:00

Tomorrow morning I’ll take the plane back to South Africa after spending a year in South Korea as an English teacher.

Time flew by real quick and I had some wonderful experiences living and travelling in East Asia.

I can recall back when I boarded the plane for Taiwan as if it was yesterday. I couldn’t wait any longer in South Africa and wanted to leave, so I decided to go and look for work in Taiwan, but soon received a call from Korea to come and work on an island somewhere in the yellow sea. I took the post without hesitation and did not really know what I was getting myself into. I still remember those first moments in Korea when I set foot into my apartment to find a dirty dump and not knowing who else lived on the island. I remember sitting on the bed which was covered in blood because the guy before me had to leave due to an anal infection and thinking to myself; “what the fuck did I get myself into coming to this far off place for a year?”

Things soon changed as I made friends and realised that I was not alone on the outskirts. And it’s these friends that made my time here all the more memorable. We were a small community who became real good friends and we carried each other through the good and bad times. This place is really different and remote and it was my friends that made this year so great.

Commuting to work on another island for an hour daily was an experience in itself. I took a ferry to work every day and often had to run for busses or hitch-hike rides with Koreans as I tried to communicate in my non-existent Korean. I soon figured out who was who and would get rides with either the police chief, the bank manager or post office attendants. I later knew all the faces on the morning and afternoon ferry and locals would give me rides knowing that I am the foreign teacher teaching their children. The ferry crew understood that I didn’t want to stand in a line with Koreans and that I’d sometimes run for the ferry even as it pulled out. I became a local on the ferry and informed people where to take the bus as we shared a shot of Soju or ran together for the late afternoon bus. I was never able to speak the language and made no effort, but the people on my route knew me and we shared a laugh, a nod of the head or a one liner in Korean or English.

Many people would complain about this tiring commute, but I decided to make the most of it and there was a part of me that enjoyed sprinting for busses or negotiating a lift to and from school.

I taught at two small elementary schools and loved the small intimate classes. I knew all my students and had a good relationship with each. There were only two boys out of all 39 students (two schools in total, eight classes) that I taught who I had a hard time with. Other than that I had a good report and enjoyed what I did. It was really one of the easiest jobs for good money. I earned a decent salary to play bingo and sing songs and put this money to good use to travel.

The main reason for coming to South Korea was to travel and I think I did okay in that department. In a years’ time I was able to travel to Taiwan, mission around Indonesia with Clementine, hike the Great Wall of China near Beijing and ferry to China to see the bustling city of Shanghai. I did a bit a travelling around Korea too, but was never intrigued by this place. Korea is an interesting place, but at times it was too square and I spent most of my time in Ganghwa and Seoul on the weekends.

I had a truly authentic experience as I lived out in rural Korea and would hit the city on weekends.

Ganghwa had its ups and downs, but we all persevered through to make this a great experience. There were times that routine was killing me and so to the lack of diversity. Other times I felt alive as I saw the fighter planes overhead during the shelling of Yeongpyong Island by North Korea. The days we hiked the surrounding hills after work or the mornings I woke up with the most brutal Soju hangover. Pulling faces, making noises and drawing pictures to order food, missing a bus or train, beating old men at pool, head banging to Iron Maiden, getting the school mute to speak, realising the power of a ‘high-five’ and putting a smile on the ferry crews faces all contributed to me having an enriching experience.

It’s an old saying but I do agree with it and it’s that you determine your own happiness. I stayed positive throughout my time here knowing that it was only temporary and that I came here for the experience.

I’ve thought about why this year has been so good for me and it came down to this: Having Clementine visit me three times and a solid group of friends was what made it. Her visits and being able to travel with her to Indonesia and having her here for Christmas is something I’ll forever be grateful for. Along with Clementine’s visits were also the opportunities I had to travel around East Asia seeing places I only dreamed about and the solid community of native English speakers.

In two days from now I’ll be drinking a cold one in warm Cape Town and I’ll think back on my year abroad. A lot will only then kick in and reveal itself, but as I am sitting here I am nostalgic about the year that has past and excited for the next adventure.