Just a bit of news my side. Especially to those of you predominantly in the UK. I have been meaning to create myself an updated ‘web-blog’ site to send news to everyone overseas as I have incessantly promised. So today is a celebration day as I complete the first (or rather second actually) post to my new ‘web-blog’ to stay in touch with you all, and create some promotional material of mine as well. All makes sense really doesn’t it. ‘Specially the way the web’s going these days with Facebook, Myspace 'nd 'ol. And tis great to stay in contact with so many fantastic friends I made over there (and hopefully receive news from your side) that I wont see for a while in the UK. So anyway, big news my side is that Ive just received a brand new gift recently aka ‘A Niece’. My sister Helen gave birth to a perfect little girl on the 18th Feb 2008 and her and her fantastic husband David Heenan naming their first little girl Katie Alexandra. We (the whole family, M&D, Chris and I) went up to Joburg last weekend to see her for the first time and quite obviously we’re all over the moon. They doing well living in Joburg and quite frankly I was pleasantly surprised how enjoyable it was to go up to Joburg to experience another w/e over there. We were in Parkhurst and the area seemed like a particularly fashionable place to be now. Weather was perfect and trendy people sat outside at tables and chairs along the pavements outside new restaurants, cafes and shops all the way along 4th Avenue in Parkhurst.
It was good to see that Katie is keeping up the 'good-looks genes' in the family and of course she seems like the most well behaved baby Ive ever experienced. Course, there haven’t been many I’ll admit. But anyway, I'd envisioned them being a complete nightmare in the first few months but I hardly heard a crying complaint the whole weekend. (Though she was sound asleep most of the time.) She did however mention in a little whisper in my ear that Im her favourite uncle so far… sorry Chris ;) Finally back in Hillcrest now which is where Im based. To those who don’t know its about 25km’s (16 or so miles) inland of Durban. Honestly, I have never been more certain in my decision to come back and have been thoroughly enjoying every minute being back in South Africa, treating myself with a deserved sabbatical for coming up to 3 months now. In fact, I would recommend it to those who can afford to take one. Really does bring everything back into perspective and helps to put all your ducks in a row again with things, if you know what I mean. A bit of time off has been great and a bit of sun has proved rather therapeutic since not seeing much for so long in the uk (6 years).
It has been quite a challenge being back too I must say. After Christmas we started experiencing power cuts as a result of Eskom, the leading power supplier in South Africa, announcing its incompetence to provide consistant power to the country. It has sent a lot of negativity around the country but I think it has just been another hurdle for the country in getting itself back onto its feet. A month or so ago a French company have actually announced investing in building a whole new power station. So like I say, it has been rather enlightening returning here but having said that, there are so many positive things happening around the country in contrast. The infrastructure for the Soccer World Cup is apparently well underway and looking ‘completable’ according to the FIFA General thingy ma-bob. Which is very positive. A large Property Company known as The Elan Group are promoting new developments left right and centre in Kwa-Zulu Natal and are proving to be extremely successful in developing a valued and improved built environment. I think once the elections have taken place and we’re more in the know about what direction we’re heading people are going to be more confident in their decisions as to where to go from here aswell. But I must mention though, I am continually surprised by South Africans who so proudly announce their support when the Springboks or the Proteas are playing but come their future in the country they’re the first to mention its going down the tubes. Its all about what you can do for your country not what you country can do for you blah blah… you know what I mean. But its so important and considering what people have been given whilst lived here and to announce their departure because of some speed wobbles the country is experiencing I don’t find is particularly patriotic?
It was good to see that Katie is keeping up the 'good-looks genes' in the family and of course she seems like the most well behaved baby Ive ever experienced. Course, there haven’t been many I’ll admit. But anyway, I'd envisioned them being a complete nightmare in the first few months but I hardly heard a crying complaint the whole weekend. (Though she was sound asleep most of the time.) She did however mention in a little whisper in my ear that Im her favourite uncle so far… sorry Chris ;) Finally back in Hillcrest now which is where Im based. To those who don’t know its about 25km’s (16 or so miles) inland of Durban. Honestly, I have never been more certain in my decision to come back and have been thoroughly enjoying every minute being back in South Africa, treating myself with a deserved sabbatical for coming up to 3 months now. In fact, I would recommend it to those who can afford to take one. Really does bring everything back into perspective and helps to put all your ducks in a row again with things, if you know what I mean. A bit of time off has been great and a bit of sun has proved rather therapeutic since not seeing much for so long in the uk (6 years).
It has been quite a challenge being back too I must say. After Christmas we started experiencing power cuts as a result of Eskom, the leading power supplier in South Africa, announcing its incompetence to provide consistant power to the country. It has sent a lot of negativity around the country but I think it has just been another hurdle for the country in getting itself back onto its feet. A month or so ago a French company have actually announced investing in building a whole new power station. So like I say, it has been rather enlightening returning here but having said that, there are so many positive things happening around the country in contrast. The infrastructure for the Soccer World Cup is apparently well underway and looking ‘completable’ according to the FIFA General thingy ma-bob. Which is very positive. A large Property Company known as The Elan Group are promoting new developments left right and centre in Kwa-Zulu Natal and are proving to be extremely successful in developing a valued and improved built environment. I think once the elections have taken place and we’re more in the know about what direction we’re heading people are going to be more confident in their decisions as to where to go from here aswell. But I must mention though, I am continually surprised by South Africans who so proudly announce their support when the Springboks or the Proteas are playing but come their future in the country they’re the first to mention its going down the tubes. Its all about what you can do for your country not what you country can do for you blah blah… you know what I mean. But its so important and considering what people have been given whilst lived here and to announce their departure because of some speed wobbles the country is experiencing I don’t find is particularly patriotic? 
But anyway, enough jibber jabber. No, Im not running for President either. But I’ll say that even with its problems, it’s a fantastic country to live in and Im proud to finally be back in South Africa. Moving on… snigger.. I have attempted to put myself out there and start working for myself creating some work here, some more of my own work too. So far I am on some accredited Architect panels on some of the Estates. Namely The Cotswold Downs which is confirmed and I hope to be on 101 Acutts Drive and someothers within the Hillcrest area. All very exciting really and am looking forward to designing some interesting projects in Natal. I am also looking into working full time aswell. I have been offered two job positions at the moment. They are with Stefan Antoni Architects and GAPP Architects.
Looking forward to working for either of them. I have one more interview to attend with both next week before I make a final decision.
I must say I am looking forward to getting back into a working routine and pushing the boundaries building-design-wise over here. There does seem to be far more opportunity over here when it comes down to planning approvals and building design, (within the scope of whats buildable with our contractors here at least) and its all very exciting really.I cant wait to get stuck in. Will keep in touch as to which one I end up working with aswell. On an even more positive note as well The Natal Sharks are second on the log at the moment and am seriously looking forward to the Sharks vs Reds game in a couple of weeks where I can finally shout for poles with them hearing me this time! ;) I also have my fingers crossed that Ernie manages to win a major this year. We know he can do it. Its just that he’s talking his time ;) More news as it happens… Nick.
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