Our beautiful little Liam

He's just growing up so fast. I haven't seen him in a month, but can't wait so see him again!

SA vs England - Twickenham

On Saturday Willie and I went to Twickenham to see the Springboks take on England. The first match between these 2 teams since the Boks beat them at the World Cup Final in 2007.

GREAT GAME!

The atmosphere at Twickenham was electric, and the best part of the match was the last minute, as you can see from the 2 photo's below, with the Boks scoring a try after time had run out, right in front of us!

Click here for a few more photos.

After the rugby I went to meet my old friend Paul - from Ettington Park days - in Leicester Square for some drinks. What a lovely weekend!!

Grand Canyon

It's like looking at a painting...that's the only way I can describe it. Just God's unspoilt creation, just beautiful!!! Your mind cannot actually comprehend the vastness........

On the way there we also visited Hoover Dam - man's attempt at greatness. Nothing like the Canyon, but pretty damn impressive too!

We were a bit snappy-happy in Arizona - click here to share the fun

Viva Las Vegas

The rumour that the Americans just do everything bigger and better is no word of a lie!

Las Vegas is living proof!

Never in my dreams did I imagine it was going to be that big, that amazing. Hotels with 6000 bedrooms, replicas of actual European streets and landmarks inside hotels like Venetian and Caesars Palace. The Eiffel Tower in front of the Paris hotel is 1/2 the size of the one in France! There is little "rivers" on the 2nd floor of the Venetian with Gondolas and street markets. Just amazing, to name a few.

One of my favourite things in Las Vegas was the world famous Water Fountains outside the Bellagio Hotel. Click here for the one we saw, to the tune of "Luck be a Lady Tonight - Frank Sinatra"

Click here for my photo's of Sin City

The Big Apple

.........finally - my news on my trip to USA.

Spent about 48 hours in New York (that's excluding the 13 hours spent at La Guardia Airport departure lounge due to delayed flights...) and all I can say that it is absolutely amazing, and I'll be back!

We did it all!. Walked down 5th Avenue, through Central Park to Strawberry Fields, which is a section Yoko Ono conserved in memory of John Lennon. We went to China Town, took the long walk over Brooklyn Bridge, had proper Pizza at a little restaurant at Grand Central Station and up the Empire State building. (and that was Friday....)

On Saturday, in the worst ever weather, we went on the ferry to see the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island. After that, a quick walk past Ground Zero and Wall Street in the financial district of Manhattan. The off to the flat iron building, and met some work friends of mine for drinks at Time Square - which is just my most favourite place in the world!!

This city is ALIVE, and has such an energy. No wonder New Yorkers are hooked for life!!

Click here for ALL the photos!

Almost there

Less than a week now before I go to America!!

Can't wait!!

Viva Le France

Mom and Dad went over for a week's holiday in the Pas de Calais district in France. Leon, Elizma, Liam and me decided to join them. I only went for Saturday night, and Leon and Elizma stayed till Tuesday. We went across on the ferry from Dover to Calais, offering the most amazing views of the White Cliffs.

The cottage was a 2 hour drive from Calais. We met all the neighbours, went for walks in the local woods and village, had a braai on Saturday night and lunch in Arras on Sunday afternoon.

A short trip, but nonetheless, worthwhile. I won't start telling you about my joyous 3 hour journey back home on Sunday night, after hitting UK soil...... You've got to love UK traffic.

Click here for a few photos.....

Upcoming Travels

Just wanted to let you all know I am so excited about my upcoming travels.

My parents are going to France for a week in October, and I am going to join them for one night on the 11th. We are going over with the ferry from Dover to Calais, and then driving to a cottage we rented, in the Northern part of France, known as the Pas de Calais region. Leon, Elizma and Liam are also coming, so our first mini-family-holiday with Liam. This is the cottage:

Then, on the 24th of October, Willie and I fly off to spend 2 days in New York, before going to Las Vegas for 5 nights, and a day trip to the Grand Canyon. We fly back to spend Halloween in New York, and then back to the UK on the 1st of November.

For 2009 I am taking myself to Dubai for my 30th to see Carine, in Feb, and in Jun/Jul planning a 2 week trip in Africa. Looking to go to the Serengeti, the Ngoro Ngoro Crater and a week in Zanzibar. Anybody interested in joining, let me know. At the moment it's me and Willie........let me know.....

Dad's Handy Work

Look at my beautiful hedge in my garden. Thanks Dad!!!!!

Reading Festival 2008

Every year over the August Bank Holiday weekend (long weekend) the Reading Festival takes place in Reading, where I live. The Festival is very similar to the UK's Glastonbury Festival, the USA's Woodstock Festival and dare I say SA's Oppikoppi.

It's a music festival attracting (a record this year) of 80,000 people, some which camp on-site for 4 days. The bands playing are normally up and coming rock bands, with a few main acts. This year famous names included the Manic Street Preachers, The Ting Tings, The Fratellis, Metalicca and The Killers.

The festival organisers stay at our hotel, which is right next to the site. As I arranged all their accommodation, I managed to get 2 free tickets for the Saturday, when The Killers played.

Willie and I went in around 13h00, and spent the day with some of his colleagues who also attended. We had a nice spot near the Main stage (there are about 6 stages) and did loads of people watching. With it being a Rock Festival, there is a fair amount of "interesting characters" milling about.

At around 21h00 we made our way forward to get a good standing spot for The Killers, who played at 22h00. It was amazing!!!!!! I was a very big fan of their music before seeing them live, but now I am a devoted fan! A fantastic live show - they played all their hits and ended the show with some fireworks from the stage, and all these little white pieces of paper raining down. Click here for videos:

Mr Brightside

All these things that I have done (The Finale)

Look at how dumb-struck the Lead singer is at the end.....

Mom's Birthday

On Friday 15th August we celebrated Mom's birthday at Leon and Elizma's with a lovely fondue.

Happy Birthday Meis!!

Road trip

Dad and I went to Liverpool this weekend. WOW!!! What a great place.

We stayed at John Lennon Airport at the Holiday Inn. Took the bus into town and walked around Albert Docks, which are the old docks of the city, now converted into a modern shopping and restaurant mecca. Also home to the Beatles Museum.

At 14h30 we went on the Magical Mystery Tour, discovering interesting things about the Beatles, like how they all met, where they lived and placed featured in famous songs like Penny Lane and Strawberry Fields.

We had dinner at Blue in Albert Docks, and then went for a few drinks in town. We took a taxi home and chatted to the Liverpodian taxi driver. A hard accent to understand, but the people are soooo friendly.

After breakfast on Sunday morning we drove to Anfield, home of Liverpool FC. Then we headed back home.

Thanks for a lovely weekend Dad!!!

Love you!

Click here for our photos and comments on the places

Murphy - the dog with 9 lives

Yesterday, I was performing a long overdue clean of my car in the car park in front of my house. Murphy was playing in the garden, which is enclosed. He is forever barking, and at one stage when I switched off the vacuum cleaner, it was ever so quiet. I was quite please that he had found something to amuse himself with, and stopped barking.

I carried on with my cleaning, only to hear the sound of silence once again when I turned the hoover off. I though to myself that he must be digging or chewing, as that is the only time he keeps quiet in the garden.

I continued hoovering............truth be told, the next minute I see a little black head pop into the car next to me, panting like he's just run the Durban July......

Upon investigation, I found he had somehow managed to bend open the chicken wire my dad had put up to secure the garden. I reckon this has been a "project" or "escape plan" he has been working on for a few weeks, as the hole was rather large. Something like the canine version of the Shawshank Redemption. The only thing he still had to do was cover the hole with a photo of Lassie!

He must have been out and about for 10-15 minutes, but the prodical son returned, just like that time in South Africa, only slightly sooner this time. (Thanks Murphs)

Bless you Murphy - you're a true Legend!

I Love you Baby

Just look at the proud grandparents...

Dad is so good with the editing of movie files!

Model for Advanced Hair Studio

Duppies does London

My good friends Francois and Jeanne, as Jeanne's cousin and hubby, came to visit me here in the UK.

They spent 2 weeks in Croatia on a yacht, and ended their holiday in the UK. We spent some time in London, visited Bath and Bradford-on-Avon and Stonehenge.

Click here to see our photos.

It was so lovely to see them again, and made me realise how much I miss them, and all my other loved ones in SA. Thank goodness my family is here.

So here's to all my friends in SA!! Who's visiting next??

Liam my Love

On Sunday 1 June 2008 my beautiful Nephew was born. (for those of my Afrikaans friends, that's not my "nefie", it's my brother's child). William Daniel Cowle was born at 2:10am on Sunday morning 1 June 2008.

I have never in my life experienced such intense love so quickly. I find it truly amazing to be in someones life from the very beginning of it. God has blessed our family so graciously with this beautiful baby boy, and my parents are the proudest Grandparents ever. Leon and Elizma are the most natural new parents, and Liam could not have been blessed with a better home. In the words of my own grandfather, who is sure to be smiling down on Liam - "Still Beautiful!"

Click here for Liam's first photos

Click here for the first family visit

Click here for the beautiful video on the Cowle Family blog

with all my love, Liam

Tannas

Sardinia, Italy - 2008

What a wonderful holiday I shared with my parents in Sardinia, Italy.

Click here for the photo's or click here for my Dad's blog, with some info on our trip, and a short video

Sunday Roast on a Saturday

I always have to be different. 2 Weeks ago Frieda and Johan came over and we all had Sunday Lunch - on a Saturday - at Willie's house. I cooked pork roast with all the trimmings, even Yorkshire puddings! Frieda made the most delicious caramel sauce, served with ice-cream. Afterwards we took a walk around the school where Willie works/lives. Check it out at www.bearwoodcollege.co.uk.

and of course....Murphy was there......

Baby Shower

On Sunday 13 April we held a surprise baby shower at Leon and Elizma's house for the expecting Mommy. After spring cleaning the house before Elizma's closest friends arrived (it was a bit of a building site as they were in the middle with their loft conversion), we were ready in the nick of time.

Great afternoon with lots of cake, and giggles and even a few tears...... Elizma enjoyed herself, which was the point of the whole thing, and her friends and family spoilt her with beautiful gifts and very touching words, not to mention welcomed advise form the mom's around..... Thanks for everyone who came, and everyone who helped!

I know I can't wait for my new niece/nephew.......... due date 26 May 2008 (and counting......)

The Power of Positive Thinking (and Action...)

The headmaster of St Stithians, Dave Knowles delivered the following speech to the boys recently
(abridged)

I wanted to spend some time with you today reflecting on the last two or three months we have experienced as a nation. Some commentators have called this the "post-Polokwane Syndrome", after the events at the ANC National Conference in December, the outcome of which many have seen as negative.

Added to this negative feeling, has been the electricity crisis, now seen as a result of poor planning by the state and acknowledged as such by President Mbeki in his State of the Nation address in Parliament, where he apologised to the nation.

Also knocking us have been higher world oil prices; higher interest rates in SA and the start of a world wide recession, particularly in the UK and the US with their major housing crisis. Added to these have been the on-going crime situation and negative press articles.

So, it is quite easy to fall into the trap of feeling and thinking negatively about our country.

In 1948, Alan Paton wrote his famous book "Cry the Beloved Country" and that title is perhaps still appropriate today, 60 years on, for obviously different reasons. How do we as passionate South Africans, react to this mood of despondency?

Well I cannot speak for you or tell you what to think but I can give you my perspective.First of all, I make no apologies for being passionately South African.

Let me share this with you - I was not born in South Africa, I was born in East Africa (I moved here at the age of seven), so becoming a naturalised South African was a choice for me. It was a choice I made in the mid 1980s - a terrible time for South Africa - the country was in turmoil; we had sanctions; very low economic growth; the country was bankrupt; civil war was looming; there were bombs in schools; riots in the townships; young men, many of them my peers, fighting and dying on our borders. During that time, I gave up a British passport for a South African one.

Some might call that foolish. So be it. I have never regretted that decision.

Why not? Not just because South Africa is such a beautiful country - it was because I believed in the people of this country and I believed that God had a plan for us. This was proved right for me when the miracle of 1994 happened. And it was a miracle.

All of you sitting here, matrics and younger, were born either in the year Madiba was released, in 1990, or afterwards. And most of our Grade 8s are "born-frees" - born in 1994 or afterwards and what a privilege that is!As a passionate South African, here's what gets me mad:
The levels of violence and crime that have touched many of us - and many of you sitting here.
As an adult, on behalf of all adults, I believe that we need to apologise to our youth for not doing more to protect you. I get mad when I visit black schools and see how little they have and how poor some of the teaching is. I get mad that there is still massive poverty in our country and an Aids pandemic. I get mad that there are some instances of incompetence when it comes to areas of social and service delivery.

But being mad about these issues doesn't make me any less passionate about South Africa. I especially get mad that some of our leaders lack moral standing - whether they be a judge, the top policeman or the top politicians.To me the issue is not whether they are guilty in a court of law. For me, leaders should not be tainted by even a hint of corruption. Even that hint undermines a leader's moral standing - and one should do the honourable thing and resign, in my opinion.

You see, to be a leader means to be a dealer, a purveyor and a deliverer of hope.And it is our job - yours and mine - to be deliverers of hope. Because we believe in this school that all can and will lead and because I believe in the talent and potential of the young men sitting before me - I believe in that hope.

So am I optimistic? Yes.

I cannot believe that, after all we have been through as a nation, that a future Zimbabwe scenario is God's plan for us. Yes, I am optimistic because I believe that we have the people here in South Africa to overcome these challenges.Stuart Pennington, author of the book and website "South Africa: The Good News" wrote last week: "I am in awe of the thousands of South Africans who toil to help the less fortunate." I would include in that statement honest policemen, hardworking nurses and teachers and all who work in community service projects, including all of you.Yes, I am optimistic because I refuse to believe that we can continue to be held to ransom by a criminal minority. Yes, I am optimistic because we are resilient and tough, as a people and a nation.Yes, I am optimistic because I believe that the challenges ahead are surmountable, as we wage war against poverty and crime and corruption.Let's look at some of the facts not always highlighted by the media.As we know, the media often focuses on the bad news because bad news sells.So, when it comes to the economy, let's remember that economies work in cycles - expansion; higher expenditure, the economy overheats and there is a readjustment (recession) which is normal.It has happened before in South Africa - and has been worse - and will happen again.

But think about this:

Electricity was cheap, now we are paying more
We had electricity cuts before. In 1981, there was no power in the whole country for 18 hours
We are not the only country to have power cuts - New York; China - over Chinese New Year this year - 12 million people were left stranded.
There are other challenges. The world oil price has gone from $60 per barrel in 2007 to $90 now and it is not coming down. We may be heading for a situation like the UK where they pay R15 per litre.
HIV/Aids is another major concern, as we see fit to spend R17bn on the World Cup but less on handling this pandemic.

So what am I saying?Yes there are concerns and challenges BUT there are also many positives.There are no easy answers or solutions and 2008 will be tough.However, we have had it tough before and we handled it and boom years will come again - such as in 2010.So what do we do? Toughen up, get creative and get active, as the "new" South Africans. By "getting creative," I mean this - there are massive opportunities here and we will be more aware of issues, especially financially and environmentally.

Two thoughts by way of example:
Next time there is a power cut and you can't read e-mails, play computer games or watch TV - celebrate - you can instead talk to people - your family or colleagues.
With regard to the environment, here is an example of being creative: water availability is always an issue in SA - did you know that the average house has 120 000 litres of water running off its roof every year in the form of rain water?

Here is an excerpt from "African Wisdom" by Lanette Hattingh and Heinrich Claassen entitled The Ostrich Wisdom: Where is your head?
"When confronted with a setback you have two choices of action: you can bury your head in the sand like the ostrich and hope the problem will pass by, or you can stand tall and face the problem head on."

"We have one freedom inside us that nobody can take away, the freedom of reaction/attitude in any given circumstance." (Viktor Frankl, the psychologist & concentration camp survivor.)
Our reaction to a setback will determine if we are going to stay with our heads buried in the sand or look up and do something about it.When storms of life pour down on you, it's what happens within you that will determine what happens to you.You have Mr Positive and Mr Negative doing constant battle in your head. Guess who wins? The one you feed the most! If your head is in the sand you can only see the dark and Mr Negative will thrive. To see the light, you must look up.

"When you are knocked down, be sure to land on your back, because if you can look up, you can get up." (Nelson Mandela)

This is important because just as the sun hardens mud and softens wax, trials can either break us or make us.Finally, here is my resolve and my truth:-
To be positive
To stop whingeing
To stop blaming
To ignore the doomsday jokes sent out by people who want you to feel as bad as they do.
To read the Good News website regularly
To join the "stop crime, say hello" campaign
To find goodness in people
To commit, regularly, to this beautiful country of ours
To believe in God's plan for us

I know this - that if I do not work to create the life I want, I will have to endure the life I get.One final thought:Matthew Lester writes a column in the Sunday Times Business Times Money. He is Professor of Tax Education at Rhodes University and an advisor to Trevor Manuel.
Yesterday he had this to say:
"South Africa is my life, it always has been and it always will be."

Amen to that.

A Prayer for the Country (taken off the www.sagoodnews.co.za website)

Our Father in Heaven

You know exactly how much we need You right now

Please let the Leaders of our country act under your influence

We ask that You will hold your hand over us and our country

And bring relief from the crime and other difficulties we are experiencing.

We are proud and privileged to live in this beautiful country

Look after us and bring us peace and prosperity.

"By Dave Knowles, Headmaster of St Stithians in Johannesburg

Family get together

Over Easter weekend, we hooked up with my Uncle Frank and family from the USA. They were over in the UK for Spring Break, and we spent the weekend with them in London. Cheane, Kirstyn, Willie and I went out to Tiger Tiger near Picadilly Circus on Friday 21 March. On Staurday we spent the day in London, ending it with dinner and a few beers at the Springbok Bar near Covent Garden. Shaun joined us too, so a small family reunion. SHUT-UP, London 08 was great!!

Click here for some more photos

Visit to Arundel

Willie and I went to Arundel in West Sussex over the weekend. After walking around this beautiful town, we drove down to Littlehampton by the sea, and stopped at the Arundel Vineyards (which was closed unfortunately). We then drove back home via Shere, where we stopped for a glass of red wine and a beer. A lovely day out, and home just in time before 2 inches of snow fell. Click here for some photos

Love you longtime......

I spoilt myself the other night and made some creative sushi with a Sushi maker mum got me for Christmas. Check it out..........Wish you could taste it, Moya - you would have been proud!

Va Va Voom

Most of you that know me well would know that I've wanted a Citroen C2 since they came onto the market. Went into London last weekend and bought my new toy. She's beautiful!

Happy Birthday to ME!

I celebrated my birthday like a "true South African" this year - One Week Long!

I was spoilt rotton by my family!

On Thurday 7 Feb, on my birthday, mom and I had to go to the Italian Embassy to apply for our Shengen Visas for our holiday to Sardinia, Italy in May. (we now have the visas - valid for 6 months). We made a day of it in London. Went to see Tower Bridge from London Bridge, and went to Campden Town (which has burnt down in the meantime - sadly).

On the Friday night we went to the Victoria Theatre in Woking to see the stage production of South Pacific.

On Saturday night, Dad, Mom, Leon, Elizma, Baby Cowle, Willie and me went for a gastronomic meal a lovely pub by the canal in Woking.

I loved my birthday and all my lovely presents. Get ready, Next year it's the BIG 30!!

Henry the VIII I am, I am

"Come join me and my noble court in this fulsome medieval feast in my banqueting hall amidst the light of flickering torches. Let our minstrels, troupers and strolling players be amongst thee and entertain with riddle, story and song of love and great deeds that doth bewitch thine ears with joy."

Frieda, Johan, Willie and me celebrated Frieda and my brithdays at the Medievil Banquet at St. Katherine's Docks, next to Tower of London.

Great food and all the ceremony that accompanies a banquet at the Kings table. The evening went so fast, but was so much fun. It comes strongly recommended!

Click here for the Photos

Hello World

I'd like everyone to meet my little niece or nephew. We even got a little wave, although the photo is upside down.

I can't wait to meet you little person - from your cool Aunt Tania

Trip down memory Lane....

I'm feeling a bit nostalgic tonight. I was doing a bit of channel hopping on my telly tonight and came across a Music Channel screening music videos of the biggest Hits '87-'07. The memories that came flooding back.... I suddenly felt very mature (I prefer mature to old....). as they took me on a journey of my own life spanning over 2 decades. Isn't it amazing how you can associate a specific memory, place, person or even smell with a certain song. Whether its an old school crush, that first love, a moment in you favourite movie, a special memory with mom or dad, a happy time spent with a friend or whatever the reminder may be, every tune is worth it!

This is my wish for 2008 and beyond:

May the music keep playing, so it can trigger those beautiful moments in our lives that we sometimes lose in our heads.