VOORTREKKER MONUMENT

Our long wait on the bus while we rode all the way to Pretoria was worthwhile,because once we reached the Voortrekker Monument,we forgot all the tiredness of last week’s exam and the tedious two-hour ride from Johannesburg to Pretoria.Tall and imposing stood the grand Voortrekker Monument far above us as we gazed in awe up at the ancient structure.

Our guide gave us an amazing tour around the fascinating Monument that left us all with a thorough understanding of how the Voortrekkers left the Cape Colony  to find new land for themselves,away from British rule and,unknowingly ,start South Africa’s long,epic  struggle to become an independent republic.

First,our guides explained to us that some of the Monument’s feature were not only there to enhance the already splendid grandeur of the wondrous structure,but also to represent a memory of the past.For example,the iron gate around the Monument symbolising the gate that the Zulus used for protection in the time that the monument was built.

Inside,we were awestruck by the intricate friezes that surrounded the interior of the Monument,depicting the story of the Voortrekker’s trek across difficult terrain,facing insurmountable odds.The tenacity by which these people faced this great challenge,served as a humble reminder of the hardships that had to be overcome.

FREEDOM PARK

While we waited for the third group( which had mysteriously gone missing),we had an impromptu picnic on the Monument steps,enjoying our packed provisions and discussing different facts we had learned.When the third group finally turned up,we set off to explore the wondrous Freedom Park.

The very first thing we noticed about the modern structure was its walls that seemed to reach up to the ( thankfully)blue skies far above us.When we entered the buildings,we were led into a large room that had one glass wall that looked upon the shallow lake and the large hill that had several benches  that served as the audiences’ seats when there was an event.In particular,we were drawn to the Eternal Flame,that is always kept burning,in remembrance for all those who fought during the struggle .Our guide told us that when there was an event,the water from the lake was drained  and a stage could be constructed over the lake.We then ran to the top of the hill , where the guide pointed out a terrific view to the Union Buildings.

We then progressed further don where we saw the walls that bore the names of the South African who ha perished in any war they fought in.We spent some time looking at the endless rows of names and it is unfathomable to think that so many lives had been lost due to war.We moved onto the Gallery of Leaders,where we could gaze upon some of the most prominent and celebrated men and women that helped in the struggle for humanity,human rights and freedom of mankind.

After that,we had to endure a struggle of our own: getting back onto the busses,sitting through traffic and returning home!

The trip was an uplifting and inspiring experience that not only taught us about the people that shapped South Africa to become a free country where we can all live in peace and harmony,but also a lot about ourselves  and what we are capable of,if only we try.

( This  was published in Crawford 2013 magazine )

Seafood, music and family..... My perfect birthday celebration!!!

Mmmm.... Who would’ve ever thought that oysters, escargots (snails, for all you non-French speaking types;) ), kingklip and a whole lotta sushi would leave your tastebuds spellbound? Coupled with amazing singers belting out my favourite tunes, my twelfth birthday celebration was, to put it simply,SUPERB!!!

 Oh, the sushi, oh, the oysters, OMG, les escargots! Long-lasting is my family’s love for seafood, and forever shall the exquisite taste of the succulent oysters remain in my mouth.... (Not that I didn’t brush my teeth or anything.....) My dad says that he shall  forever remember the Kingklip Tempura, for its  ravishing taste and excellent presentation. Me and my mom, however shall evermore sing praises of the sushi chefs of Tsunami, even when we lie in our graves. 

Best of all was the Sakura Maki and the tasteful, beautiful, simple Prawn Nigiri, which we drooled over in our excitement. Recently diminished, was my mom’s sushi passion, a few months ago b­y bad sushi, but, revived byTsunami. My favourite, however, of the delicate, delectable, delicious dishes, has got to be the Tempura Oyster. Nestled in a sparkling, shiny, shimmering seashell, the crumbed sea-dweller left my refined tastebuds stunned! Overall, the entire experience was AMAZING!!! 

Exorbitant thanks go to my wonderfully thoughtful dad, who booked us the table for the meal of our lifetime, and my remarkable mom, who booked us the seats for the Barnyard Theatre, aka my next topic....

KIDZ ROCK!! 

And so did the energetic cast of Kids Rock, as they belted out famous songs from Justin Bieber, Taylor Swift, P!NK and of course...... ONE DIRECTION!!!!!!!! The Barnyard Theatre is classily decorated and built to look like the theatre is built inside a barn. With wooden floors, walls and seating areas, the modern stage looks very out of place in the spacious, clean, well-kept entertainment area. With an entertaining side-story focusing on four of the main ‘characters’- Drew, Lea, Sarah and Josh, the songs were cleverly fitted into the story and, if you knew the songs previously, made perfect sense in relation to the story.

 Of course, it helped that they were all spectacular singers, and fantastic actors, and sung the songs so well, especially Sarah, who sung two Adele songs seemingly effortlessly. The two dancers were simply awe-inspiring, and performed stunts I would never attempt. All in all, the show was delightful, and I left the theatre smiling, as did my mom and dad.

THANK YOU SO MUCH MAMA AND PAPA! MY BIRTHDAY WAS AN ABSOLUTE SUCCESS!!!!!!!!!!!!!! O

S.O.F.T CHAPTER 6

Chapter 5

Escape

2:30 (Paris Local Time)

La tour Eiffel (The Eiffel Tower)

“Je voudrais un taxi á la tour Eiffel, sîl vous plait!” Mike, exasperated by the ongoing feud between the members of his team, had taken it upon himself to arrange their transport. While the rest of his team had been bickering like bumbling baboons, Mike had crept away, but only after he had comforted the sadly sobbing Mel. He was the bilingual kid. Knowing how to speak, understand and even read a little of a total of six languages, Andy had forgotten that Mike knew French. So, carefully reading the signs labeled ‘Information’ in French, Mike ran all the way to the Information Desk, where he asked the lady behind the counter for a taxi to the Eiffel Tower. In the airplane, when Carrie and Andy had thought that the other four were asleep, Mike was still awake. He had heard them whisper about meeting Olivia at the Eiffel Tower.

Hoping their plans hadn’t changed, he had asked the woman to get a taxi to wait for them outside the airport, thanked her pofusely for the assistance and raced back to the spot where he had left his team and arrived just in time to hear Andy reveal that it wasn’t only his mom they had to rescue, but their aunt as well.

“Mike.” Carrie whispered to her friend. “Where WERE you? I was so worried you could have been kidnapped by Madame Divvela’s henchmen or something!” now Carrie was angry, but Mike put a hand on her shoulder and whispered back, “Hey, calm down, Carrie! I’m fine, and no one kidnapped, brainwashed OR replaced me! I just went to arrange transport!” Carrie gave out a loud sigh, and then, it hit her. “HEY! I thought you didn’t know French!” Mike responded with an easy chuckle, “I can speak six languages. French is one of them. Andy may have forgotten that, though!”

Carrie let out a nervous laugh. “Soooo, where are we going?” “Ya, where ARE we going, Mike?” It was Andy. Mike was nervous for a second, but then he saw the amused twinkle in his friend’s eye. “How about the Eiffel Tower? The cab’s outside sooo, follow me, madame et monsieur!”  

S.O.F.T Chapter 5

Chapter 5

C’EST PRAQUTIQUE

1 :30 (PARIS LOCAL TIME)

The Charles de Gaulle Airport, France

‘Ok, Andy, you’re telling me that we’re stuck in Paris, without any money, a desperate lack of any French-speaking capabilities, no clothes, equipment or contacts that we know of since we lost ALL of our luggage, all because of a certain young spy...’ Debbie broke off from her rant to shoot a pointed glare at Mel, who shrugged, looked guilty and said, ‘I’m sorry, ok? It’s not my fault that I can’t read French and instead of collecting it, I sent it over to Russia! I thought that ‘Russie*’ meant ‘rush’, not ‘Russia’! I didn’t learn French at school!’

 Mel was close to crying now, but Carrie, ever the caring bestie, comforted her by wrapping her arms around her and rubbing her back.

 Mike and David knelt by the sobbing Mel, glaring at Debbie, angry at her for hurting their friend. Debbie was a great friend, but sometimes she lost focus of how sensitive Mel was and said things that the others would take as a joke, but Mel took as an emotional attack.

 Andy sighed and turned to Debbie, ‘Look, Debbs. I’ll lay down the facts here: We’re broke, but I remembered the ICC (International Currency Card) that my mom gave to me before our first mission. We don’t have any contacts, but,’ Andy smirked at the simmering Debbie, and continued. ‘My cousin, Olivia, is an agent for the Diplomatic Association of France and, just before we left for the airport, I called her. Cassie and I haven’t seen Olivia and Auntie Desiree since we all were about six, so she was most happy to play as our old friend that we came to ‘visit’ in Paris as a cover. Essentially, that is correct, since we are old friends and we are, in part, going to visit them. The sad thing is, along with mom, Aunt Desiree was also kidnapped. We had been lied to this whole time. Mom wasn’t on a solo mission. Mom AND Aunt Desiree were on that mission. A-and they were both kidnapped. Together.’ 

By now, all the young spies had turned to Andy and Debbie, watching the one-sided exchange in quiet awe. Carrie, who had obviously heard this all before, Mike and David were watching Debbie’s face turn from angry to shocked.

Andy was right. He had never let them down. And he wasn’t about to start now.

S.O.F.T CHAPTER 4
CHAPTER 4
VIVA LE EXPRESSION
1:30
POP (MEL'S TV ROOM): NEW YORK

"...." After about five minutes, David spoke up "I'm really sorry, guys. I would say more, but you know how I am when it comes to words: I just can't figure out the puzzle....". "It's fine, David," Carrie smiled at her large friend, who gave her a shy smile. "And Mike, I know you didn't mean it. I'm sorry, I was a bit too harsh on you lot." "Don't worry about it, Carrie. Just remember we're all here for you, all the time, all the way!" Mike smiled at a grinning Carrie. "Hey, Carrie, you know I would like to slap myself a couple of times! I was a stinking jerk! I'm really sorry, eh, gal? Seriously, give me a slap or two! I'll feel MUCH better, and I'm sure you will too!" Blurted out Debbie, looking like a news forecaster on a gloomy day: down in the dumps.
Carrie gave out a short giggle, followed by the whole room erupting into laughter. "What? Was it something I said?" Debbie still had a serious expression on her face. "Y-y-your FACE!!!!" cried out the hysterical twins. All the young spies in the room had tears rolling down their red faces. "O-o-k! Guys, calm down a little!" Gasped a breathless Andy, wiping away his tears.

 Carrie was holding onto Mel, otherwise she would have toppled onto the floor, rolling on the floor in laughter. Mike was lying on the floor, along with David.

Andy helped the two boys to their feet, while Debbie handed a tissue to her two best friends to wipe their tear-stained faces. Debbie still had a confused expression, she sighed, went up to Andy an asked, "Ok, I've got two questions. One: Have you two forgiven me yet?" With this statement, she looked at the twins. "Yes, we-" "have!" Carrie started the sentence, and Andy finished it, grinning at her, then at each other. "Classic!" muttered Mike, before stretching and turning to the four kids who had, until recently been shaking with laughter. "Can I tell her now?" asked Carrie.

A chorus of "Yeah's," "Sure's," "Go ahead's" and a "This, I have to see!", that came from the giggling Mel. "Well, your facial expression when you apologized, it was..." She gestured towards the bystanders. "Priceless" "A one-time thing" were among the overzealous replies to her simple question. "Ok, OK! Guys, can we PLEASE concentrate on Andy's plan now?" exclaimed a red-faced Debbie.

"Ok, so, my plan is simple. The last place, before the Himalyas, of course, that Agent Cathy was spotted, was none other than the USPSS (The United States' People's Secret Service) base in Paris, France. Cathy was there a few months ago, investigating the disappearance of the city's gâteaux (cakes, for all you non-French speaking types) We'll go there and see if we can talk to General Posenhigger and maybe he can help us find some clues. Ok, that's pretty much it! We leave at 9:00 PM, New York Time, at the JFK International Airport. We'll land in Paris at the Charles De Gaulle Airport at 1:30 PM, Paris local time. Ok? Oh wait, I almost forgot! I took the liberty to inform your parents, they have all agreed. I also bought our tickets, one-way, because we don't know when or where we'll be going from there. We have exactly-" he broke off momentarily to check his watch "-six hours to pack and make any last-minute purchases, as we need to be at the airport at 8:00 PM. we'll board at 8:30 PM. Any questions?" He looked at the five very confused secret agents staring at him. "Woah woah woah! Hang on a minute!" exclaimed Mike, catching everyone's attention, "you're saying we have SIX HOURS to pack for a-God knows long- trip to France, then to Nepal, to the Himalayas, and then to whichever other place you decide to drag us to? This is crazy! And we're going to need Euros! How-?"

 Andy cut him off "I'll explain later, on the plane! Just pack, guys, I've got it covered, don't worry! Have I ever done you wrong before? Trust me, guys!"

The room nodded silently. Even Mike seemed a bit bashful. "Ok then! Scram! Vamoose! Shoo! Get packing! Move it!" Shouted Andy. He really loved being in charge.
-------------------------------\\\6HOURS LATER///---------------------------------

THE JFK AIRPORT: NEW YORK
"All passengers for France Airlines flight FR0831 to the Charles De Gaulle Airport, Paris, please make your way to Gate 3, Terminal 3. Thank You."
15 minutes
SEATED IN THE PLANE TO PARIS
Andy had managed to book them the special six-seater in first class, so the girls sat together in half of the six-seater. The boys did the same thing, but Carrie and Andy ended up sitting together, which neither if them minded, as they were brother and sister and strategic partners so they could work on what the would do once they got to Paris.
Needless to say, it was a very uneventful flight as they were tired out by the long day and needed the sleep.

S.O.F.T CHAPTER 3

 FIGHT PLAN

 1:00 PM 

 POP (MEL'S TV ROOM): NEW YORK

After Mel had successfully calmed the team down and got them to head over to the tv room (Informally called POP- Place of Plans) which they used as an improvised meeting room, even though it was distracting to see Cotton and Candy, Mel's twin pet dogs barking at the cartoon figures on the TV screen.

"Alright Andy, what's the plan?" Said Mike, lounging on the comfy chair, eating Salt and Vinegar Pringles with a resigned look on his face. "The plan, my frivolous friend, is to go to Paris." David toppled off his chair, hitting the ground with a THUD!

 "P-p-Paris?? Why- Who- What- How??” He stuttered. Even Debbie, who usually was very easy-going and was ok with all of Andy's crazy plans, spat out some of the Coke that she had been sipping "Woah! Rewind! Did you just say PARIS, as in THE Paris? You can't be serious! That's where Madame Divvela has her base! You can't expect us to go there! It's MADNESS!! You're gonna get us killed-" thankfully, Mike had had enough of Mel's rant, and put a hand over her mouth, ignoring her screams of protest."I hate to admit it, but Debbie's right! What are we going to DO there? All we're going to be able to do is hide in the spy underworld, under the French government's protection, hoping Divvela doesn't get wind of our arrival!

Andy sighed and asked, "Before I start explaining my motives, do you two shell shocked spies have anything to say?" he gestured to the remaining pair, Mel and Carrie. Carrie looked up and saw the entire team staring at her she stood up and spoke to the room "Well, you've all said it all haven't you! Debbie, Mike, David, do you have ANY other ideas? Andy has an idea, and- correct me if I'm wrong- his ideas are usually the best we can come up with! We all know Andy well, at least I do, I don't know about you lot, and I trust him! His plans are always well-thought out, and he wouldn't purposely take us anywhere where we would be in danger! So, Andy," she exhaled and turned to him, "even though this may be the craziest plan you've ever had, but I know your plan will help us find..... mom." She sat down quickly. 

Mel put her arm around her best friend, looked up to the stunned room of kids, "Well?" She glared fiercely at her friends. 

Mel was very protective of her shy best friend and had never, and wasn't going to let, anyone bring her down. "You all are a bunch of ungrateful morons! None of you have any regard for how Andy and Carrie are feeling right now do you? We only lost our mentor, but Andy and Carrie lost more that just their trainer, they lost their mother! And if you insensitive dolts think 'oh hey, it's ok! Lets NOT use the only plan we've got, lets wait for another month or two and WAIT for a plan to just appear out of thin air!!!" 

The room was as silent as a deserted ghost town. Nobody spoke until Mike looked up and in a considerably softer tone than before, he whispered, "I-I-I'm sorry, Andy, Carrie. I never thought of it this way. I only thought it would put the team in danger..." He trailed off. "I guess when Debbie started raving, I wanted to outshine her argument, because of our petty rivalry. I'm really sorry..." He slumped back into his chair, his face red from embarrassment.

I Love You Nani

FOR MY WONDERFUL GRANDMOTHER (NANI) 

I LOVE YOU SO MUCH!!

 

Sighing voices echo through sandy hills.

Melodious chimes of wondrous instruments slice through the air like sharp darts .

 

But altogether, they sing a song that fills

even the gloomiest of hearts.

   

Memories come flooding back, of happiness, laughter and LOVE! 

 People with whom memories are made...

 

Bringing upon us a sense of peacefulness, like a dove

Fascinating figures of faith that, in our hearts, will never fade.

 

Love is bond so strong that even time and space 

Cannot break this joyful way of life

 

It speaks without words, with hugs and appreciation with which we mime

and it remembers expressions, special moments and happy faces  

  

S.O.F.T : MISSING

CHAPTER 1:

“Agent? Agent Cathy? Come in, Cathy”

11:30 AM

Control Centre: New York

Five teenagers stood around a lone girl cradling a picture frame in her hand.

Cathy, one of S.OF.T’s top agents had been reported missing on a perilous trip to Mount Everest over five months  ago, yet her young trainee agents Carrie, Mel, Debbie, David, Mike and Andy hadn’t given up yet. The government had long since given up on trying, and had left a report with the incompetent junior department of the American secret service, D.U.M.B (Dreaming Under Major Base), while S.O.F.T (Society for Order in Federal Tasks) was ignored, yet again by the top dogs.

The last case they had gotten was a dog gone missing, and that had been three years ago, when they all were 12 years old. In spite of them literally begging for cases from the government, all they got was the standard curt reply, “We’ll see.” It had been four months since they had heard anything from D.U.M.B, and they had decided to take matters into their own hands.

Cathy had been their mentor in the fine art of spying. She had trained them since they had been five, and they respected her with all their might. Over the years, she had mentored them, and now, after ten years, they had all the skills the oldest spies didn’t even know about. They were a team! They worked together like clockwork. Well, they did most of the time. They were capable of handling most cases with ease, but they had never been given the chance to prove themselves.

After ten minutes, Mel bent down to Carrie, who was sobbing uncontrollably on the floor and said calmly, “Carrie, we’ll find your mum, don’t worry!”

Cathy was Carrie and Andy’s mum, and had recognized their and all their friends’ (Mel, Debbie, David and Mike) potential at a very young age. Cathy had never given preference to her children, though, and had treated them just like one of the other children.The frame Carrie had been holding was a photo of her family from when she was little. It showed her parents, her and Andy and her grandparents. Back then, her dad had still been alive, and she and her twin brother hadn’t known about her mother and her grandparents’ secret.

Now, her mom was missing and she could do nothing about it.

CHAPTER 2:

Time to take action…

12:55 PM

Mel’s house: New York

At Mel’s house, S.O.F.T was holding an emergency meeting. In their newly constructed meeting room, Mike was leading a discussion on what  their next move was. "We should do something about this!" Mike exclaimed. "I think we kind of figured that out already, Mike!" Debbie sighed, rolling her eyes at Mel and Carrie, who haistily stiffled their giggles. "Hey! I was just trying to start the meeting on a positive note!" the row escalated, and Debbie and Mike were soon shouting at each other. 

"GUYS!" Debbie and Mike hurridly stopped their fight, which was very quickly going to turn to a fistfight if Andy hadn't stopped them. "Thank you." said Andy. Debbie and Mike stared sheepishly at the floor. "Come on guys, get youselves together! I have a plan...."

Andy was the mastermind of the team: calm, quiet, yet when he spoke up, people tended to listen. Andy, Mike and David were old friends and got along pretty well, because of the differences in their personalities. 

Mike, on the other hand, was a headstrong, overconfident boy who could only be kept in place by Debbie who was just as confident as he was, but not quite as headstrong and didn’t mind being in the backseat for a while. Mel was the leader of the team. Being the most athletic and with a mind that worked best in the worst situations, she was an excellent team leader and also Carrie and Debbie’s BFF. David was the large, techno-master (in spy-speak, that meant that he was the man in charge of the weapons and other technological devices) he was also a friendly, cheerful guy who could always be counted upon. 

 Last but not least, there was Carrie. She was a replica of her brother, but they differed in the fact that Carrie was a bubbly character who was a great supporter of the team and helped her brother with the three p’s- plans, ploys and practice sessions.

 

TO BE CONTINUED.........