The one day escape to Cape Town was brief, but very much worth it.

Quite contrary to my recent pronouncements of stayin home, recovering from the Asia expedition, and allowing the dust to settle while I planned to spend the winter reclused at home; it seemed i took the first opportunity to escape again. While the weather was dreary, the common phrase "its not the place, its the company that counts" held true. Spendin time with Hooi Chin and her five Chinese Malaysian friends was great. We stayed in this Atlantic facing mansion in Camps Bay, a four story house with all amenaties just two minutes from the beach. A cozy abode to spend time catchin up under sad weather, and time enough to exchange all the gossip of just the week that has passed. Haha.

We toured Stellenbosch, went wine tastin at Uitkyk (the farm where Rudis uncle used to be winemaster and produced many a delicious '75) and lunched at Eikendal. Yum.

We'll, we said good bye and off home now.

Kewl, so Hooi Chin flew in from Singapore to spend a few days in Cape Town. It would only be my treat to meet her. It doesnt help deciding 2 hours before departure to go, but arrangements have now been finalised and ill be stoked to spend time in the Mother City again. The real question is: can one attribute a cost to life, living and spendin time w those who r dear to us? Of course not, but we all have our own priorities, and often find other constrains holdin up back. Havin said that, im glad the last minute comments of Dave, being "if u dont go, ull regret it" deciding on my fate. Lets just hope i get there safely. Adios.

And so, Seoul came to an end, a fantastic and lively place with a unique culture. It was a great pleasure to spent the week with Mina, and her having show me more about her life, culture and background. I quite realise that my experience would not have been the same if I had not been travelling with her; more like lead by her through the busy madness that is Seoul.

While i will remain mum about the parting, i certainly rejoiced upon entering Singapore again. Unfortuately a brief visit yet more enjoyable as i had no work committments and found my time well spent engaging in personal appointments. I guess by the end i came to the realisation that i would miss this place, quite conscious of the fact that i was not to return soon and it would be some time before id get to see the many dear friends again.

At least this chapter is now closed and i can travel on to South Africa with a mind clear of doubt or indecisiveness; its back home for good (at least for now).

It is great to find everything at home well, in working order and generally positive. I will admit that some of my recent views were influenced by the shortsighted comparisons of Africa with the rest of the world. What I should not forget is the amount of infrastructure we do have, the mixed culture this country houses and the many opportunities that do exist. While the country has some faults, its economy is sound and fundamental, the lifestyle is good and the environment developing. So, ill keep my eyes open to see whats abound, and how to move forward...