So Far.....

Well, it's getting very hectic in my life... lots going on. Getting all my ducks in a row to leave here, setting up the next job, and all that entails, as well as planning my vacation. There is so much to do, I don't know what to start with. But, right now I've got some pasta sauce, cooking on the stove, I just had a nice glass of Shiraz, and I would like to focus on a few things I really have to be appreciative for. There are some things that I have experienced, done, and generally become acquainted with that I must 'give a shout out' to.

I've really become a fan of South Africa. I got to tell ya, a lot of things, yes, great things come out of that place. Due to the current political/racial situation in South Africa, you will find many South-Africans abroad. These are some of the finest, hard-working and kick ass people I have come to know. They are definitely a people among peoples. One of my favorite is my 'friend' Marie-Therese. A totally rad person, possessed of a viscous intellect, an amazing cook (your probably wondering whose teaching me to cook Indian, Thai and so forth... well now you know, and I must say a phenomenal writer (check out her blog at teacher-research-tightrope. She has a amazing sense of humor and a great accent (even if you can't here it on her blog. A lot of the things I have learned here have been from her. I cannot express what exactly I owe her, it is a debt that is so staggering I prefer not to think about it. Anyway, I wish that all of you have the opportunity to meet her some day in your travels. You don't know it, but your lives a little less rich if you haven't had that opportunity.

Also, I have become a big fan of S.A. fruit, and juice. The fruit that comes out of that place is amazing. Also, the juices made from said fruit is also wonderful. Check out a brand called Ceres. Its great, and I must say the flavor outstrips most of the juices back home (yes even those fancy-pants organic types). It totally rules.

South African wine is also a big fan-favorite with me. I never thought about it when I lived in the States, but man they really have some amazing wines. When I was back in Boston, I was becoming a big fan of Australian and NZ wine. Not that I find the Austro-Asian vino wines bad now, but I think that many of the S.A. wines I have tasted here are vastly superior to those from Aus. and NZ. One in particular I have become a huge fan of is Two Oceans. I'm particularly a fan of the Shiraz. You should all go out and try some. There is a Region called Stellenbosch, which has a very good reputation for its 'fruits of the vine'

Also I want' to give a shout out for a few products that I have become a big fan of since I've been here. First VPN's. This little thing makes it possible for me to enjoy things like Skype, racy photographs and Pandora radio in situations, which would normally not allow them. Go VPN. I suggest that any traveller, thinking about a jaunt more than two months, take getting a VPN like Surfbouncer, or Witopia It's a great tool. Also Pandora radio, which makes listenign to great music soooo easy. It's like they know me!!!!
Well there are sooo many things I would like to point out, but I think it's time for my second glass of 'Two Oceans' Shiraz', not to mention my sauce smells like it's done... so until next time.