We Fought The War, But The War Won

Families often joke that they only see each other at funerals. Sadly, this is sometimes true.

We had our first ever (or that I am aware of) family reunion after an uncle of mine was brutally murdered on his dairy farm in Krugersdorp. Now his 21 year old son is running the place. Wearing a shirt that reads 'plaasjapie', he is clearly the right person for the job. We went for a walk where he showed us how everything works, how to make cheese and even fetched some of the week-old calves so I can take photos of them. How cute are they!? I mean, seriously...



























































































On the way back we saw a car dealership in a really run down part of Krugersdorp, with the pay-off line 'As good as it gets'. Ironic. And quite sad. For some people that will really be as good as it gets. Or for a while still at least.

We pretend we're wise. These posters might as well have beards. They're THAT wise

Inside Out

Human anatomy. Oh, how amazing. If it was possible to live the life of Dr. House in this country, that would be in our top 5 jobs. Most Probably. But for now we will buy anatomy books and pretend to know what we are looking at. Maybe draw some pictures of animal anatomy and turn them into mythical creatures. Or something like that.

This hyper realistic picture is painted by Victor Rodriguez

More Wise Words

(courtesy of happy people don't complain)

Can't Get Enough Of This

Heartbeats. The Knife. Heartbeats, Jose Gonzalez. Grizzlybeats, a perfect blend between Heartbeats and Knife from Grizzly Bear. A bit confusing? Not really.

Judging by these, I guess we are not the only people in love with this song.

A Revelation Of Sorts

Weddings. Dicing on the highway. Pretoria North. Usually these things would freak me out, but sometimes with the right group of people, it turns out to be quite an adventure.

After realizing the venue changed from Pretoria to Brits, we were running slightly late and had to race to get there. Never mind the fact that it is halfway to Oppikoppi and that there were showers in the bathrooms, had we known we would probably have gone to both... dammit.

Anyways, back to the wedding. I can honestly say that this was the most interesting wedding I have ever been to. Filled with rituals and things we are not accustomed to, this was a mixture of religion and symbolism in every way possible. A Christian wedding slash 'undefined religion' (something about Hebrew roots) wedding. It was kind of like watching a ballet (they were actually dancing), with a real love story written by the bride and groom. An elderly lady called it "volksvreemd". But it was their day and they thoroughly enjoyed every second of it. It was lovely. Honest. Simple. And magical some might even say.

On the way back, someone tried to dice us again, constantly trying to pass us in the yellow lane... even though there was a fast lane... Pretoria North. Enough said.

We heart our girlfriends

Today is all about girl power. Sorry to force that tacky cliche on you. But it's Women's Day in South Africa and, not unlike the Spice Girls, we're all about the girls today.

So if, like ourselves, you weren't too sure about the history of this day, we took it upon ourselves to use our mad copy and paste skills to share with you what this day is all about. You're welcome.

On 9 August 1956, 20 000 women staged a march on the Union Buildings in Pretoria to protest against the proposed amendments to the Urban Areas Act (commonly known as the pass laws) of 1950. They left bundles of petitions containing more than 100 000 signatures at prime minister J.G. Strijdom's office doors. Outside they stood silently for 30 minutes, many with their children on their backs. Those who were working for Whites as nannies were carrying their white charges with them. The women sang a protest song that was composed in honour of the occasion: Wathint'Abafazi Wathint'imbokodo! (Now you have touched the women, you have struck a rock.). In the 54 years since, the phrase (or its latest incarnation: "you strike a woman, you strike a rock") has come to represent women's courage and strength in South Africa.

Since 9 August 1994, the day has been commemorated annually and is known as Women's Day in South Africa. In 2006 a reenactment of the march was staged for its 50th anniversary, with many of the 1956 march veterans attending.