Hout bay tried to get to the top but not yet bullet proof

nearly New Year?

The wind is just like a woman scorned [hell has no fury like a woman scorned] with no let up and the occasional realy ruff period when she throws a chair or two at some one and hits the roof in a minor fit of rage.It ahs being constant just blowing and blowing makes Albany and Esperance in the Amatuer class.
A fe books ead this week and the Highlight bienng
The Last Resort by Douglas Rogers a true story of Zimbabwe and the troublea over the last decades and the parents are some one who realy know who and what tey are just simple Zimababweeans and human beings.
Perhaps this is aproblem that afflicts all of us not coming to terms with who or what we are.
My friend Kobus is bigotted a racist in our terms
[we Australians a more somore racisist than any White africans i have met. how many of us would tolerate a a black bank manager .insurance agent,school teacher,local government admin person policman shop keeper???]
but knows what he is and proud to be awhite african his familiy being here for 300 years or more a lot longer than the average black african. he knows who he is and what his beliefs are and will not deviate one inch in his belief and his fairness and sense of social awareness in his communitttee cannot be questioned .Life for Kobus is totaly black and white and very simple.Why cant it be tahat simplefor every one.

Thw Majority of us just pretend we know who we are in our insecurirties and wonder where we will be and what the world has to offer in our fucking Multi cultural society which when when ask our selves is it real and do we like it? we dont.
Austrlians are Australians and we embrace any body who says he is until the ethenticities of ther life or her former countries take over snd the hatred and conflict they cause become Aussie issues.
leave them at your home country that is why you have come to Aus if you cant leave it dont come
To know who you ae is nor being right or wrong just self belief and being proud of what your are.Fuck very body else it is yourselff that matters.If you come to another country to live it must have your total loyalty.

IT IS QUITE STRNAGE HERE i am in the cultured and educated part of Africa ,money for some just like a money tree paving the roads but do i feel safe ?? No , I can walk around Juba sand Cairo at night but not here and you have to watch out for car jackings,Hey at least in Sudan they do it with class at the checkpoint with real guns and stoned soldiers not just scumm off the street.

The local coloureds seem more aggresive and the hatred for the white is not fsr below the surface .You get the feeling a large black plauged will eventualy take over the cape and its surrounds .leaving a bewildered and stunned Kwagaa people in total; denial and nowhere to go and the whole process totaly not relevant to them .I am an out sider just observing . A mere aussie on holiday.
But there is more of a dark undertone here than in Sudan .Kenya or Uganda at least there it is out in the open.

The locals are more aggresive and hidden in theeir feelins than any where else I have being in Africaa. It is like they all woked for the foreestry department aand never took the logs off there shoulders and have a no sense in who they are as well for most have walked to the cape over the decades.
But will in the end rid the Cape of the white man .Who
He or she is not needed,Because they bring no business sense ,work ethic,moral sensibility, life experiences, and no new ideas on how South Africa will progress so lets get rid of them and we will prosper.
Sounds great BHP and RIO are just waiting for the day when they can buy a whole country ?? get some shares we cant loose.

Hey we live in the bestest coutry in the world make sure we we keep that way.
I never thought myself a racist or biggot but shit that has changed
Happy new year and enjoy who you are

A Little before The Big Big Chicken and mostly after

Normal has it been?

Depending on ones interpretation and rationality to the term normal for me in a past life no but in present and current state of flux fairly I guess.

The obstacles have been small, large, serious, and medium, totally out of my control, one may even say life threatening in one case.

Pre chicken was full on finished our 1200ha of chaining before the Christmas Crew left ,packed the camp ,  those going home were already to go. The few of us staying worried about the Christmass menu and where the Moet and caviar was coming from.  Searching desperately  for home delivery  service in Sudan . Plane and buses ready to go on the Thursday.

As just to annoy and throw some confusion into it all. Tthe Blue Meseri a Militia group of Nomadic Cattle herders in the North. Decided they would take a few buses of Southerners hostage to make a bit od doe and provoke some reactions from the Southern Government.[this is the same group who had about 10 days before ambushed some SPLA soldiers about 30ks from here killing 15]

They had also through various outlets made it clear they were targeting ,oil workers ,kwagas etc as they were easy to get ransom from the oil companies and Government. due to any perceived oil revenue loss that may occur. Old cattle stealing and some blood letting were used a the excuse.

They ended up holding over a thousand people who also were charged triple for any food and water they needed. A couple of the Govs comrades were also involved necessitating him to negotiate for the release of 3 of his cars at a later date.

So as a result of this I decided to send all home and just leave the local Sudanese guys and the normal soldiers. There also was also an increase in mobile police and army patrols in the area not making it a really stress free environment to work.

Eventually got all away on the Thursday and I was to go out on the Saturday rather than wait till the  1^st. It was quite noticeable that either Jim or Zach was with me all the time. Turns out they were in big trouble if any thing happened to me that normally means a permanent reprimand.

I had organized a jump seat on the 748 plane and was all go until I was about to get on.The big 748 boss had put some one else on so with the promise of a lap top in the air the Pilot and Muwell . Organized kids on knees and we fitted 3 more on in the end.

At last get to the worlds largest toilet? Juba International Airport. Still did know when I was leaving there as all planes full so was expecting a ay or two at the house in Juba. But alas our travel agent extraordinaire had me on a plane before  the person knew they were cancelling.

Talking to  some boys who are working at a place called Wau .They are up there clearing the area of Land mines . They were saying there had been artillery and bombs dropped on a regular basis by the north over the border into the south. Just more provocation by the North .The Southern people have to be commended for their tolerance and discipline in not firing back.

Every where I went it was hot and sticky just like the wet season but alas it was only me with beginning of me being bed ridden in Nairobi for 4 days .Slipped some Malaria tablets down the hatch as that is what it felt like so nailed that little pest but ended up at the Doctor full tests etc, Lung ,Blood Bowel/stomach infection . Although bed ridden could not lie down as the coughing would not stop.

All is now gwarlong well may be gwar short . Writing this on my way to Cape Town and the sea should see it tonight. If need be good medical facilities.

Meetings had been planned in Cairo that have not come about we still don’t have our operational money in for next year . But every one is home and that is where they will stay till it arrives.

So just bought my trip forward a week have found a place to stay in Hout Bay looks nice on the net. Just poke around and get some strength and endurance back before Dan and Fin arrive .

Merry Christmas everyone / a safe and fantastic new year.

Still have not had a Northern Hemisphere Christmas Next year perhaps it will be White?

[Tthis will see if Princess is a dedicated reader as he says]

Bit better than Maanga port.

A Little before The Big Big Chicken and mostly after

Normal has it been?

Depending on ones interpretation and rationality to the term normal for me in a past life no but in present and current state of flux fairly I guess.

The obstacles have been small, large, serious, and medium, totally out of my control, one may even say life threatening in one case.

Pre chicken was full on finished our 1200ha of chaining before the Christmas Crew left ,packed the camp ,  those going home were already to go. The few of us staying worried about the Christmass menu and where the Moet and caviar was coming from.  Searching desperately  for home delivery  service in Sudan . Plane and buses ready to go on the Thursday.

As just to annoy and throw some confusion into it all. Tthe Blue Meseri a Militia group of Nomadic Cattle herders in the North. Decided they would take a few buses of Southerners hostage to make a bit od doe and provoke some reactions from the Southern Government.[this is the same group who had about 10 days before ambushed some SPLA soldiers about 30ks from here killing 15]

They had also through various outlets made it clear they were targeting ,oil workers ,kwagas etc as they were easy to get ransom from the oil companies and Government. due to any perceived oil revenue loss that may occur. Old cattle stealing and some blood letting were used a the excuse.

They ended up holding over a thousand people who also were charged triple for any food and water they needed. A couple of the Govs comrades were also involved necessitating him to negotiate for the release of 3 of his cars at a later date.

So as a result of this I decided to send all home and just leave the local Sudanese guys and the normal soldiers. There also was also an increase in mobile police and army patrols in the area not making it a really stress free environment to work.

Eventually got all away on the Thursday and I was to go out on the Saturday rather than wait till the  1^st. It was quite noticeable that either Jim or Zach was with me all the time. Turns out they were in big trouble if any thing happened to me that normally means a permanent reprimand.

I had organized a jump seat on the 748 plane and was all go until I was about to get on.The big 748 boss had put some one else on so with the promise of a lap top in the air the Pilot and Muwell . Organized kids on knees and we fitted 3 more on in the end.

At last get to the worlds largest toilet? Juba International Airport. Still did know when I was leaving there as all planes full so was expecting a ay or two at the house in Juba. But alas our travel agent extraordinaire had me on a plane before  the person knew they were cancelling.

Talking to  some boys who are working at a place called Wau .They are up there clearing the area of Land mines . They were saying there had been artillery and bombs dropped on a regular basis by the north over the border into the south. Just more provocation by the North .The Southern people have to be commended for their tolerance and discipline in not firing back.

Every where I went it was hot and sticky just like the wet season but alas it was only me with beginning of me being bed ridden in Nairobi for 4 days .Slipped some Malaria tablets down the hatch as that is what it felt like so nailed that little pest but ended up at the Doctor full tests etc, Lung ,Blood Bowel/stomach infection . Although bed ridden could not lie down as the coughing would not stop.

All is now gwarlong well may be gwar short . Writing this on my way to Cape Town and the sea should see it tonight. If need be good medical facilities.

Meetings had been planned in Cairo that have not come about we still don’t have our operational money in for next year . But every one is home and that is where they will stay till it arrives.

So just bought my trip forward a week have found a place to stay in Hout Bay looks nice on the net. Just poke around and get some strength and endurance back before Dan and Fin arrive .

Merry Christmas everyone / a safe and fantastic new year.

Still have not had a Northern Hemisphere Christmas Next year perhaps it will be White?

[Tthis will see if Princess is a dedicated reader as he says]

Bit better than Maanga port.

AFTER THE TURKEY

The turkey was I maust admit very good although the local garlic is a bit bitter.But was enjoyed by all



There had been a bit of Militia activity up on the boarder some buses stopped for ransom some killings to the west of here so I decided I would leave a bit earlier than planned also no operational money forthcoming and managed to get a jump on penoltimant plane or so I thought till I got to thar Jahrs and found out the Airline big boss had given it to some one else so luckiliy the pilot and Manwel managed to talk some women into putting the kids on there knees also the promise of a lap top came into play.
Finaly got to Juba paid a few bills,back to air port and did white eel black eel loading agin although this time many more white eels with all the planes leaving ckoka blocka.Every one pleased to get out of airport no air con hot sticky sweaty stinky.

Got to NBO late as plane late as usual was quite hot when I got there or so I thought. Got to hotel and unusualy did not fee

First Chistmas Turkey at Maanga

Big Big Chiken as Mr Jim said.

Big week will wright up from Juba ,

A Buzzy tail

The coutry side here is awash with fires started by the locals to burn off the dry grass and promote some new growth for their cows,goats and sheep.

The air is dense in smoke some days as the lack of wind and heavy atmosphere contributes to the fog like conditions some days.The insects are slowly being driven away at last and you dont get eaten all the time.

As a reult the local Bee populations thinks our comtainers are the place to be a continuing onslaught by me into there destruction of them has I thought seen a drastic culling of there numbers.But als weong again bigger and more angry seem to be the latest swarms determined to avenge the fate of those who have gone to Bee heaven.

The latest incursion came on Friday.So armed with the trusty muty we use to send them on the way I proceeded to remove them from their place of temperary residence and was winning the battle.

 Then I spotted another incursion further in the container which unfortunately for muggins required me to climb over a few crates with my tusty knap sack.All was going well till my retreat and a few of the more pissed off litle fuckers decided I was fair game and kamikasied my person as I was climbing out .Death and glory is a Bees moto bit like a towel head on a bombing mission to catch a few virgins in the after life.

So the result for me was not that great. Back of head and one strategically placed war head just under the eye so have been vey one eyed for the last day or so although I can see out of it now which is a good thing.

Looks like I have caught up to Dan and developing a bit of an alergy to the old Bee and will need to be a bit more proactive to protect myself in my continuing war of eradication.

Cairo/The Journey/

The biggest sand pit in the world

Sitting the public latreen called Juba International Airport catching
a plane to Nairobi, this is one cesspit although ! I must admit it has
improved since my first visit the toilets don't smell as much. But four

hundred people all trying to get through a 2 foot door is a bit hard
not much deodorant used either so we all are well onthe nose. As Juba
is very tropical and the sweet runs freely so itf you can imagine 399
black eels and one little white one wirthing our way in through a door
thats me.
No Ques as that is too sensible.
Still Nairobi will be cool beer cold and some different food then up
at 1.30 to catch the 0400 flight to Cairo and more towel head Mahem.

(this is an extract from an email to a friend from the Latreen]

THE JOURNEY

Left Thar Jahrs late as usual and had to stop off at Rumbeic to pick up fuel as Juba had none due to the shortage of US dollars to pay for it.Arrived Juba late and did not have time to do any jobs unfortunatly very sorry about that Vamp girls.

Left Juba on the way to Nairobi plane abosolutley choka with the crowd from the Latreen.But alas we were thwarted again by the fuel shortage and had to be satisfied with a stop at Eldoert in Kenya to get some more there so we were prety late into Nairobi.

Up at 2 am to airprt to catch Cairo plane and off we go and hour late so I am a realy happy camper at this stage.

About 45 mins ouy of Cairo the plane turns around and we head back to Luxor as there is a huge sand storm over Cairo and we can;t land. This is apparently a regular occurrance for the city.

Sitting Luxor was ok caught up with Kath in the Solomans on Skype as it has free wifi which was great.

Couple of people decided that they had had enough of some triviality and began an argument with the airport personal,Big mistake just loudly taken away to some where to cool off I guess by some secutity guards.This releaved the boredom for a while at any rate.

Getting back was eiasier except could not get on plane from Juba to Thar Jahrs so had a night in Nairobi did a couple of jobs and then went on to Entebbe in Uganda which is a lovely place with a nice breeze off lake Victoria which is absolutley huge.

CAIRO

Finaly got to Cairio about 7 hrs late so proceeded to the Taxi rank to be ripped off by a lovely Gypo lad .Ended up at the Grand Hyatt .which is situated on an island in the Nile river .Stunning venue and nice to be cool,lovely bed and a shower rose a foot square so it was bliss for a night.

Cairo absolutely vibrandt city full of people from all over the world doing business and visiting the sand pit.

The roads are the foot path and the foot path the road as well no pedestian crossings just take your chances or slip a copper a couple of quid and he wanders out with his whistle , reflective arms and away you go.

Did our busines and made some good contacts at dinner that night and as a resut will more than likely go to Holland and Germany in the new year doing a presentaation to some potential investors so that is good news for all of us.

had a few hours to kill between meetings so went off to the Pryamids which were like big sand castles in a childs sand pit except it is covered in rubbish, people ,hawkers,and torist guides.I must admit I was not too impressed by them apart from the size and how they were built.

The vandalism over the years is staggering,from the removal of the granite marble stones of the Big Pyramid to build a mosque  in Cairo to Napoleans effort of blowing the Sphnix's nose off.

The traffic does not seem to stop at any time and continues its franetic pace all night and day,night life is every where and thousands of retaurants all seemed to be full to overflowing.

Taxi prices vary according to quality the cheapest being the ones you have to push to strt they have a bit of discount.

Night on the Nile

Dust ove Cairo fom the sand pit

The latest in Airline Tickets

you can get 4 out of each A4 page But Hey it has a Stamp so it is all good

Progress??

New road begins up the proposed middle

road gang

Evening Sun Through a Lalop Tree

Trees are down

Evening ambience

How to Mellow Frustration

Just ignore and learn to spell and type at the same time would make ahuge differrence

The best id=s just live for the moment and if you dont enjoy it stiff learn too and dont whingr=e to your self relief is just arounfd the corner.

Have killed some trees this week and we are due to make a major assult this wekk and down some more .
Have pushed the mud off the roads made a causeway and got to 6 ks north where it is dry and we will be a goer tommorrow have hooke up doers to chain and we are away
Finaly we are off and runnig cant worry about fuel and all that shit to keep as sudtained heave enough for a month or two.

Thae "Haggee"" or great rest should be over this week if the poor overworked towell heads can get enough strength and committment to go back to work after "resting" wonder what else thay do? seems as if nothing different.
We may get ?? ys container and gravel movement and see our way forward a bit more and yes of course some fuel we have had some more tanks built and should be able to store a million litres of diesel if we can find it? in this oil rich part of of africa ,Oh i forgot no refinery silly me. and if  there is one? Oh dear its Arab !!!

Birds of all sizes shapes and colour have arrived to live in our swamp they are magnificent and will endeavour to put up some photos when have enough net speed.
 But the variation in grasshoppers is stagering ,large small beautiful colours realy big fuckers and tiny little blokes.vibrant green and yellows magnificent if you are an etamologist .
All sorts of bugs on my little bit of corn have taken a couple of ute loads to the locals  who are enjoying I am told

AND guess what one bag for the Vice President of South Sudan isn't that one of this weeks best world news stories. I hope he enjoys it and he thinks of all his fellow South Sudanese who also have a bag of green maize.Shouldn't  need a big memeory.


So we are off and running have shown we can grow it just need a bit of luck with supplies and there arrival and we will certainly make a contribution to the Souths food supply

ALL Gwarlong

I have been amongst the the most privaledged persons in the experiences departments .

3 wonderful men a 20 year marriage of which they were part, which these days few have.

A few hard times but the worst being no baked beans for tea ,no doe in the plastic dispenser, no passport in a remote area, a large gun pointed at my head,no water for a shower ,no tonic for the gin, but perhaps the worst ? dinner at the Govs. Company was good, a very attractive Italian lady Berna dettia and a yank called John and of cause my friend the gov.

The B 52;s used during the Vietnam war were moddelled on the Mossie's from Maanga, although it was a mild night as the smoke bombs seemed to confuse the squardron leaders and jammed their radio communication.

Poor old gov had a cold and was reduced to removing the flem from his throat hawking it over his left shoulder on numerius occasins  poor man he was in a bad way as the flem hit the ground dispersing dust and mossies in all directions he was most enmbarissed. Chewing and spiting bones go well together as the bones go over the right soldier with right amont of spit to make sure they make  a safe  distance to be used later in the citrus tree holes as blood and bone, such great environmental and recyciling practices should be adopted by us all.
No more cutilery for the girls to wash ,fingernails used as knives .the sharper ones as forks.just use what God gave us .Not ALLah as we would still be Inshalla waiting for his willingness.

The food was great fish beef goat and ??  only one spoon who got that we all did such a wonderful community spirit that exist here we share every thing that we have.

But GaU Tauk is a great cook and I asked the Gov if I coulfd borrow himm and train him to be a farmer and hopefully he will come as he is a very bright young man not married so he has great sense in that department or maybe just not enough cows.
But seriously he will be a great asset if I can get him .A child soilder but has had a few years education in Khartoon great english,intelligent and wonderful with animals has raised some Ostriches from eggs no incubator ?? He is also consumate body guard and totaly loyal and I dont know why but I really like him.[ he would fit in with my boys:] and I do have a good gut feeling about him.

Christmass day is building with more wanting to stay and work which is great .Really have a wonderful mob here and they make me laugh so that is the best thing .

Trying to find truck rim to make camp oven and do turkey etc just need to nail down pestasio nuts to do  force meet.

All else we should have in the garden

Hey all good just having problems sleeping which as most of u know is unusual for me. doing abot 3 hrs a night .have to find some rum but haey corn moonshine may be the answer

Mid November 2010

This little Chap is the most destructive bird in Africa maybe the world.

Zacarea at the Back [Will be governor one day] Pyangarra {Mr bulldozer for short] one of the worlds gentleman and one of the best Machine operators I have seen.

Mr Solomon our Surveyor and concument gentleman who is now a grano man as well

They meet every morning at 10

Another bit of rain on the way

Road to town Main Road Bentiu to Khartoom

Auxillia  a great cook

Rumbi the scorge of pests one of the agrononmists

Well November

Trees have been killed hard stand nearly finished ,fish have laft the road, big green monatas rule the shallows ,baby ducks are hanging on the wall.

The end of the wet mood is confused ? The rain just stopped no gentle easing it just stopped.   We do not quite trust it and we cant really venture out, Still to wet to do too much but the 43 degree days have a bit of an affect on the swamp. Killed trees today and will be able to incinerate some large areas in a few days and then seriously get into some development in preparation of the cropping area

So we are emerging like a bear from his winter sleep all angry and hungry for action. Every one is sick of been locked up in a quasa jail .The staff have been fantastic learning skills they did not know even existed and their development and willingness to learn has been outstanding and I would take these guys any where in the world to develop a project ,No whinging , just a new challenge.

From tents to building a village, Machinery assembly, road construction, Hardstand and benching all perfect with out any electronics. There is nothing they can't do

 and with a smile .All the machine they had never seen before let alone construct, cooks with one stove for 40?? No complaints.

I cannot thank them enough for making my job so much easier.

Insect levels are stable to slight increase of certain types . Will launch a large scale scorched earth policy this week and probably just make them a bit more resilient and determined to eat us slowly at their pace as we are a valuable food source for a few more years yet,

All quite on the political front with referendum preparations the main concern at the present time. No hint of any conflict so quieter than the elections so far.

Meeting up with Fin and Dan in Cape Town early January so that will be great to see them .Bob is being Roberto ,L.A. New York, San Antone, all over Mexico and he tells me he is going to pass as well, He is going to stay foe another semester before coming here so that is good. his spanish is improving .

Warming grey matter for battle of the Insect

A Bit Later

Not your average garden snail

Bit Latter in week

 Fuck what  a Groot Doosa as the local white Africans would say  just more Chinese shit infiltrating into my electrical system  to cause the maximum Kluc when not needed mainly during ale hour and in the evening when the boys and  Ladies? Need a bit of air con as we got over the hump well and truly today.

Had a very varied day one of exceedingly low blood pressure whilst plumbing up the container we have buried as a septic to needing almost a full flask of Prozac and valium and any other soother available to calm one down as the pursuits and fuck ups of Mr. last worked there way through the day to when you would assume all is good and the amber has hit the spot where your tonsils used to live and the final fizz slides down the throat, the power goes out, the fans stop replaced by the beat of mossie wings and some Chinese crap circuit breaker  over heats well I can say it was well below my temp at the stage and I must thank Beatrice for  her diligence in getting it going and even Mr. Last gets an honorable mention for holding the torch and keeping his mouth shut/ Patience is what I was told I needed well that is quiet true and I have been good and kept my tongue in check marginally for  while but I guess it may be time to vent the full spleen but you can’t drop 52 cards and expect to win so will have to move up the to the 26 card stage and develop a more dignified  method of removing the problems of northern Arab influence and go and show him the Coolgardie Shire Clerk Method which I guess only my contrary mate was witness to and simply grab a throat  over the counter and squeeze .But then perhaps just take my mate Dach with his AK so much more civilized.

Please just don’t buy Chinese Shit/

Dr Tomatoe looking for his plants

The Doctor, Security Consultant and M/C

Storm is coming.

Main Road Khartoum Bentiu

October Reflections

31^st October 2010

A little more rain this week just enough to lift the frustration rate to a packet a day of Prozac and 500mgs of  blood pressure pills. The air born hordes of insects are rising to new heights well above those I have experienced even worse than after the flood at Credo ,out the back of Uardry and the wost place of all I thought Dirk Hartogg Island where the only place to escape them was under the sea.

The road into town after a few mills is know basically impossible to get along with trucks and even 8 wheel drive cranes getting stuck. At least there is a feel that the rains have stopped pretty much.

Not been able to do anything except slow progress with the camp infrastructure due to still no containers still plagues our efforts to start the farm not the least the 4 inches of water all over it .

No communication this week with the out side world, as the net work is having a “Bookra Inshalla” time and god does not seem to up with the latest technology when it comes to phone systems.

The inability to go any where and do anything out side the Camp area is starting to take its toll on every body it feels like being in jail and you don’t even need any walls to keep you in as there is just no where to go.

I have always heard about the wet in Northern Australia driving people insane now  I know why they shut shop and keep just a few people around ,the heat ,humidity and boredom are just not conjusive to keeping ones sanity. You can only do so much reflection of life and the effects of your past and future on your continuig journey of life, we certainly have learnt to laugh at nothing  and are trying to subdue our contempt of  those of you out in the free world, of entertainment , and a supposed civil society. An environment that I think we all took for granted even the Zims who have had an extremely hard battle over the years.

Sitting under a Lalop tree in a plastic chair enjoying the cool. Is this  perhaps the Locals way of dealing with the forced inactivity.  Having no expectations of what we call a better life or dreams of the past or future beyond today and just living in the moment is their way of dealing with the environment we now find ourselves in.

Some of our containers have now being in customs for nearly a year and still are no closer to being released. The political meddling and corruption from the north to stop any development in the South is plainly evident with incomprehensible fees being asked for the release of the goods. In some cases more than we paid for the goods.

Still we will get a crop in next year some how and clear some more land. Those of of you who have lost your sanity and are thinking of buying Chinese equipment please don’t it is just plain old shit like when Japan started selling its manufactured goods in the 60s but worse.

We will just keep soldiering on task by task and get ourselves in a position where we can just concentrate on farm development once it dries out perhaps going away for the referendum will be a blessing as we wont be tempted and be frustrated by the conditions being too wet and it will be full steam ahead once we are back.

Luckily for me there is an insane embitted white African here who is keeping my tender grip on sanity a reality who as I write has just taken a photo of my washing hanging upon the door of the Grand Poobas’ who is currently and temporarily housed as described in Upington Africans Groot Doos “ a large box “ room small things I guess amuse large lateral minds luckily.

Large flocks of Quelia are now starting to fly with a black cloud just passing by a minute ago .These birds a really tiny and totally destructive of cereal crops such as sorghum, rice wheat etc and are arguably the largest single problem to agriculture in Africa apart from NGOs and politicians.

12 midday

Just back from an excursion in the swamp courtesy of the CAT a good bit of gear .Serious water for about 2 ks them starts to dry off where it has moved south towards us .The road travelling east west appears to be stopping the flow into the river to the south so when it drys out we will have to remedy this put a few more culverts etc in the road and make sure they are surveyed in and in line with our planned drainage system that will have to be implemented.

Went up to the north of our cleared area where it is quite dry and tempting to start chaining but will wait another 10 days and we should be ok .Still will not be able to burn for a while as all is very green away from the itchy grass with mountains of creepers and plants all looking very well and thriving so we will need mountains of herbicide next year as most appear to be pioneer plnts which are the hardest to kill.

The big snails are on the move and appear to live under the water and graze on the algae and slim on the bottom.

Many different types of water birds have moved in. Large flocks of Spur Winged geese a large bird about the size of a large turkey and look very appetizing along with numerous ducks, plovers, egrets, spoonbills and smaller birds I have no idea what they are.

October Reflections

31^st October 2010

A little more rain this week just enough to lift the frustration rate to a packet a day of Prozac and 500mgs of  blood pressure pills. The air born hordes of insects are rising to new heights well above those I have experienced even worse than after the flood at Credo ,out the back of Uardry and the wost place of all I thought Dirk Hartogg Island where the only place to escape them was under the sea.

The road into town after a few mills is know basically impossible to get along with trucks and even 8 wheel drive cranes getting stuck. At least there is a feel that the rains have stopped pretty much.

Not been able to do anything except slow progress with the camp infrastructure due to still no containers still plagues our efforts to start the farm not the least the 4 inches of water all over it .

No communication this week with the out side world, as the net work is having a “Bookra Inshalla” time and god does not seem to up with the latest technology when it comes to phone systems.

The inability to go any where and do anything out side the Camp area is starting to take its toll on every body it feels like being in jail and you don’t even need any walls to keep you in as there is just no where to go.

I have always heard about the wet in Northern Australia driving people insane now  I know why they shut shop and keep just a few people around ,the heat ,humidity and boredom are just not conjusive to keeping ones sanity. You can only do so much reflection of life and the effects of your past and future on your continuig journey of life, we certainly have learnt to laugh at nothing  and are trying to subdue our contempt of  those of you out in the free world, of entertainment , and a supposed civil society. An environment that I think we all took for granted even the Zims who have had an extremely hard battle over the years.

Sitting under a Lalop tree in a plastic chair enjoying the cool. Is this  perhaps the Locals way of dealing with the forced inactivity.  Having no expectations of what we call a better life or dreams of the past or future beyond today and just living in the moment is their way of dealing with the environment we now find ourselves in.

Some of our containers have now being in customs for nearly a year and still are no closer to being released. The political meddling and corruption from the north to stop any development in the South is plainly evident with incomprehensible fees being asked for the release of the goods. In some cases more than we paid for the goods.

Still we will get a crop in next year some how and clear some more land. Those of of you who have lost your sanity and are thinking of buying Chinese equipment please don’t it is just plain old shit like when Japan started selling its manufactured goods in the 60s but worse.

We will just keep soldiering on task by task and get ourselves in a position where we can just concentrate on farm development once it dries out perhaps going away for the referendum will be a blessing as we wont be tempted and be frustrated by the conditions being too wet and it will be full steam ahead once we are back.

Luckily for me there is an insane embitted white African here who is keeping my tender grip on sanity a reality who as I write has just taken a photo of my washing hanging upon the door of the Grand Poobas’ who is currently and temporarily housed as described in Upington Africans Groot Doos “ a large box “ room small things I guess amuse large lateral minds luckily.

Large flocks of Quelia are now starting to fly with a black cloud just passing by a minute ago .These birds a really tiny and totally destructive of cereal crops such as sorghum, rice wheat etc and are arguably the largest single problem to agriculture in Africa apart from NGOs and politicians.

12 midday

Just back from an excursion in the swamp courtesy of the CAT a good bit of gear .Serious water for about 2 ks them starts to dry off where it has moved south towards us .The road travelling east west appears to be stopping the flow into the river to the south so when it drys out we will have to remedy this put a few more culverts etc in the road and make sure they are surveyed in and in line with our planned drainage system that will have to be implemented.

Went up to the north of our cleared area where it is quite dry and tempting to start chaining but will wait another 10 days and we should be ok .Still will not be able to burn for a while as all is very green away from the itchy grass with mountains of creepers and plants all looking very well and thriving so we will need mountains of herbicide next year as most appear to be pioneer plnts which are the hardest to kill.

The big snails are on the move and appear to live under the water and graze on the algae and slim on the bottom.

Many different types of water birds have moved in. Large flocks of Spur Winged geese a large bird about the size of a large turkey and look very appetizing along with numerous ducks, plovers, egrets, spoonbills and smaller birds I have no idea what they are.

Paradise

See the island in the background ?Thats Paradise in a swamp

Another week in Paradise /Token kawagga/Bit swampy

Paradise has indeed been hot this week mercury over the 40 at times humidity like a shower especially un packing the containers no need to have steam or a suna bath here just pull up a chair and sit in the container that’s not quite empty.

Walk out into the field yesterday in the old gumbbies no dry spots much out there hope up on the dozer parked on the road .Just water to the horizon bout 4 inches deep and counting just as well it is so flat or we would be able to fish off the high rise .May be able to do some mud wrestling till Christmas and then perhaps be dry enough to do some clearing in Late January after the referendum

Continuing with camp building more accommodation units and a large ablution block still no more containers from Port Sudan negotiating the price to pay started at way more than there worth so will be a while coming has been ongoing for months.

Road North and South  from Bentiu to Khartoum has been blocked for a few days near the border some dispute and posturing by the locals there. So the the town has had no food or water deliveries for a week or more just another little thing that happens here also we cant get gravel as that also comes from the North about 140 ks away, and our supply trucks have also been held up we got a bit short on water but found a bit in town that was able to get through , mind u we paid a good price for it.

This will be fairly regular into the future I feel and will have to find a way to manage it.

Went to the Governors for Breakfast  [ more like lunch]again last Sunday seems to be regular when he is out at Maanga discussed the world and his farming problems .No fish this time as he has learned I don’t like muddy fish and pup a cement concoction made from ground corn or semolina a bit like a raw damper sets the stomach for a week so just had the basic goat shank and neck bone and flat bread in a source of sorts so will have to take Tabaq his cook some herbs .

The poor old gov has gout so he is off read meat.

Then went for a stroll amongst the assembled local leaders down the main street of Maanga to the school site see what e could do to get it open as we are on a bit of a roll with the success of the clinic we man and a huge amount of thanks to Ranga our nurse must be given he has done an out standing job.

Quite a surreal feeling with 40 or so armed escort various local leaders and a division commander and me as the token white and not having a clue what they were waffling on about just nodding and clicking in the back of your throat as the locals do to show they understand with out  saying any thing.

Then a group of real looking soldiers and a couple of Generals appeared form fuck knows and the old Gov slipped right into one of them so I was glad we had the numbers and I was on the right side for that Sunday.

It has transpired that all my berating of him and the odd officer and government official has had a bit of success as my most favorite checkpoint has been disbanded. A small victory to the Aussies or perhaps they have all moved to the border any how no more arguments for a while on the way to town. Bit boring really?

3 air seeder carts up and moving  planter bar out and ready to go could have done with it a few months ago although the whole area cleared is under water /still I am led to believe you need to soak your corn before making bourbon and it would be organic as well is this a new industry for the undeveloped would??

Home /Mud /Marriage guidamce.

Home reflection Marriage { counselor}

Sitting in a pile of Mud again and 35 other people so will have to really go the imaginative management route tomorrow perhaps a spot of mud wrestling, duck impersonations and see who can get the dirtiest that should fill in the morning ad perhaps after luncheon a spot of commemorative prayer to realize how lucky we are to be in such a wonderful part of the world and we have so many things to do and see so. But at least our hut is not mud and we drink out of a puddle and Aus has a health service second to none .Jims Mary went to hospital today with Labor pains and quite sick so she was diagnosed with a Malarial birth given some tablets and sent home,

“come back Friday if not better” and we are pissed of at too   much rain ??

Trip from Avignon was fantastic up hills down dales along rivers through the vines. Roman legionnaire trails, Knight Templar castles, Papal Palaces, hotels in solid rock, the best set up B&B a Monastery night of reflection, Red wine to delight ones pallet and induce the sleep of a peaceful babe, Gladiators forums, tranquil villages with Romanic canals and bridges, wineries in 800 year old farm sheds, the nectar of freshly crushed Grenache grapes and the hint of a special vintage in the making, all very good for the soul. Beautiful hills gorges ,rivers, people and just the past of a wonderful part of the world.

Back on the fast train ,London ,Nairobi, Juba, home all gwarlonngg.

More rain tonight makes it 3 more weeks before any paddock action if no more rain so really will need to be inventive over the next few days  or maybe weeks so any suggestions welcome.

Marriage guidance update two clients  one a successful union and rid of the evil sprit of  a past wife so all good there .2^nd patient will be harder but recommending removal of spouse from house will keep  all updated as to progress and success of operation.

All is pretty quite here with the referendum coming along just a few troop movements and the North digging in a bit on the border .Do not think any one wants a war but there will be some fitting somewhere for sure

.Every one here is leaving before Christmas and will not return till after the referendum has been decided   and the dust has settled .

PROVENCE

The Old Cruch she would be peased she was named after a saint

Si Agnes Chuch on the way to Aigueze

Aigueze perche don the Ardeche Gorge Hotel was the next building after the round tower

Ardeche Gorge

La Chartreuse Carthusian Monastery next night stop over

Sudanese Influence??

Rocks a problem? no keeps temperature of the roots constant 

Martel Bridge La Roque

Just came over top of these two

Main Street Gourdarges

Gorge on Ceze near Mont Cluss

Hotel for the night on the far Ridge

Bridge at Mt Cluss

Entry to Mt Cluss

Down I go

and up again

Nimes La Fountaine

Monpillier new boulavarde built for the world cup

And look what is at the end.

Did not see any locals I knew

Market under the Aquduct.

More Literary Genius will follow shortly!