Morocco

The Satorialist took this beautiful portrait in Morocco recently. Love love love portraits, especially this one. Well done, mister, well done.

(Image from The Satorialist)

Black Tuesday take two

It's Black Tuesday again tomorrow, so all you South Africans better be sporting your mourning attire!

Hello holidays, hello

 

 I wrote my last exam on Saturday, so second year is officially done and dusted. It's a weird feeling though. I'm not used to not having anything urgent to do so I'm not quite sure what to do with myself first. I did start the holiday off, however, with lunch at Isabella's. It's one of my favourite restaurants because it's all pink and girly and the food is really divine. Just looking at the gnocchi I had is making my tummy rumble. So yes, expect more blogging from me because I am freeeeee!

I'm not usually very fond of hackers, but this one...

Someone hacked the ANC's Wikipedia page and classified certain unflattering information (a sneak peak into our future, perhaps?).  I jumped at the chance to take a picture because I knew it would be removed within minutes. Also, the National Press Club has decided that Tuesday will be another Black Tuesday. The ANC must be fuming right now.

A very Black Tuesday indeed

So, the ANC passed the Bill. I was so upset that I was on the verge of tears, no jokes. It will now go to the National Council of Provinces before ol'JZ has to sign it. If nothing is done about the public interest clause by then, the opposition parties are going to take the battle to the Constitutional Court. It's difficult not to be discouraged, especially when you're confronted with what feels like a wall of ignorance and short-sightedness. It baffles me how the same people who fought so hard for freedom in this country are the ones who are throwing it away. But, it is not the end of this battle, only the beginning. I've decided that I want to get more involved in campaigning against the Bill, not only because it affects my aspirations to be a journalist but because I don't think I could sit idly by while the country I love becomes more and more like a draconian state. I encourage you all to do the same.

Black Tuesday

It may seem strange that in amongst posts about fashion, food and music there is this black blob. On Tuesday, Parliament is voting on the controversial Protection of Information Bill. If the bill is passed, it means South Africa faces a future of apartheid-style censorship. South Africans are going to be wearing all black on Tuesday as a form of protest against the bill. So, I'm asking all of you who read my little blog to pass the message on. Even if you don't live in South Africa. I don't want to live in a country where corruption is hidden and whistle blowers are gagged. I'm sure you don't either.

Summer

(Image from The Satorialist)

Hoy quiero ir a España

Toledo- James P Blair

Toledo- Tino Soriano

Toledo- James P Blair

Santa Maria la Blanca Church, Toledo- James P Blair

Windmills in La Mancha, Toledo- James P Blair (These are the windmills Cervantes's Don Quixote  thought were giants).

I don't particularly agree with bull fighting so its more likely that I would be one of those protesters than a spectator. I do, however, like this picture.

Christopher Pillitz/ Getty Images

Dallas Stribley/ Lonely Planet Images

Holger Leue- photolibrary.com

Metropolis Building, Madris- James North

Rodellar- Keith Ladzinski

L'Oceanografic, the largest aquarium in Europe- Laua Dos Santos

Plaza de Mayor, Salamanca- Michaela Klusman

Costa Brava- Michael Cadiuex

I'm tired of studying. My brain says it's enough for one year and is threatening to go on holiday early. I should be preparing for my Spanish oral right now but instead I'm scouring National Geographic for pictures of Spain. That's how I procrastinate, don't judge me. Doesn't anyone want to sponsor a trip to Spain? Por favor? Te amaré para siempre.  

Moustaches Make a Difference

So, we are almost halfway through the agonizing month that is Movember. All around me, guys are sporting furry little creatures under their noses. Worst thing is, I can't really complain because it's supposedly for a good  cause. My homeslice Kevin and I have a little bet going on. If he grows his movember right until the end then I have to cook him dinner (specifically chicken- the kid's obsessed). If he doesn't, then he has to treat me to Harrie's Pancakes. Why do I think he won't stick it out? Well, there are two reasons: 1) His furry creature grows out as a ginger and 2) his girlfriend despises the new addition to his face. Nothing like a little pressure from the girlfriend. Game on, K-Dog!

TBWA, a Singapore-based designed agency came up with this campaign- Moustaches Make a  Differece. Clever, yes?

One word: Wow

 This light projection photography is by Davis Ayer. What an unusual but ingenious form of art, right? I love the fact that he used the female form as a canvas for his work. I'm in awe.

Davis Ayer's website (via My Modern Met)

"I hear it in the deep heart's core"

I wrote my English exam yesterday. Yeats has been on my mind ever since. Thought I would share one of my favourite poems, The Lake Isle of Innisfree. This is a recording of Yeats reciting the poem. It's hauntingly beautiful. What a genius. 

The Lake Isle of Innisfree

I WILL arise and go now, and go to Innisfree,
And a small cabin build there, of clay and wattles made;
Nine bean rows will I have there, a hive for the honey bee,
And live alone in the bee-loud glade.
And I shall have some peace there, for peace comes dropping slow,
Dropping from the veils of the morning to where the cricket sings;
There midnight's all a glimmer, and noon a purple glow,
And evening full of the linnet's wings.
I will arise and go now, for always night and day
I hear lake water lapping with low sounds by the shore;
While I stand on the roadway, or on the pavements gray,
I hear it in the deep heart's core.

Every foodie's dream

This is what I did instead of spending quality time with my English books on Saturday. So worth it. Hazel Food Market is having their Christmas Market from 10-12 November. What's that you say? You like food? You like wine? You like presents? Ok, then you have something to do this weekend.