Are You Gin?

It's pretty safe to say that gin has very much become "a thing" recently in Cape Town. From what was thought to be an old person;s drink to one of the trendiest cocktail ingredients known to man.I ain't complaining, it's probably one of the most refreshing drinks to have on a hot summer's day. Gin and tonic garnished with cucumber you - can't get much more fresh than that even if you're Will Smith.

I was invited to join Gordon's Gin #GordonsLegend winner Andrew Mphore at Mother's Ruin Gin Bar on the first of his many adventures in the week to come.
Andrew won Gordon's Gin's Legends competition, the prize consisted of 50 000 SA Ront and a week in Cape Town with a whole list of incredible activities and gin included. How rad?
Now Andrew is a police man from Johannesburg so that already is something to high five him for. He also donated 10% of his winnings to charity out of his own will. The world needs more people like this. So well deserved, man!

Upon arrival we were treating to a fresh gin and tonic with a choice of awesome garnish from cucumber to lime to mango and mint. I went for the grapefruit* which brings out the dryness of the tonic and gin and adds that oh-so-lovely grapefruit tang. I then proceeded to eat the left over orange slices... I don't know why.
We got chatting about the difference of life in Joburg vs Cape Town and discovered that Andrew served at a police station that I lived near to for a few years. We're basically best friends now.
*Fact: Grapefruit is in fact not related to grapes at all. 

Now "London dry gin" does not mean it was distilled in London as the name may suggest. It is purely the way in which it's distilled that gives it that name. Traditionally twice distilled and made with juniper berries to give it that ginny taste. It's basically vodka distilled with something to give it an awesome flavour – it could be fynbos which gives local gin Inverroche its taste a dark, coppery colour even rosemary and black olives in the case of Gin Mare out of Spain.
Mother's Ruin manager, Mark, gave us the low down on all these things. Now, I wish the Gin Mare bottle wasn't empty because the rosemary/black olive small just leaves you wondering how great it tastes. Apparently Mark took the last bit home from the bar because it was just too good to sell.

Mark giving the lesson

I've worked with quite a few distilleries of all kinds but there's something about gin that just gets me all tingly. It's versatile, fresh and just a great all-round drink.
To end off the night I was treated to the James Bond Martini, AKA Vesper, as published in the 1953 Ian Fleming James Bonf book, Casino Royale. I thought it was pretty rad how Mr Bond asked for the gin in his drink by name. Maybe that was when blegging started?

"A dry martini," [Bond] said. "One. In a deep champagne goblet."

"Oui, monsieur."

"Just a moment. Three measures of Gordon's, one of vodka, half a measure of Kina Lillet. Shake it very well until it's ice-cold, then add a large thin slice of lemon peel. Got it?"

"Certainly, monsieur." The barman seemed pleased with the idea.

"Gosh, that's certainly a drink," said Leiter.

Bond laughed. "When I'm...er...concentrating," he explained, "I never have more than one drink before dinner. But I do like that one to be large and very strong and very cold and very well-made. I hate small portions of anything, particularly when they taste bad. This drink's my own invention. I'm going to patent it when I can think of a good name."

—Ian Fleming, Casino Royale, Chapter 7, "Rouge et Noir'

It's a drink that'll put hair on your chest, and a great way to end a night. Big love to Gordon's Gin for letting me in on this experience. If you've never given gin a go, try it once at least. Gin, tonic and a slice or two of cucumber will not leave you disappointed.
If you find yourself in Cape Town, visit Mother's Ruin Gin Bar in Bree street for a world of gin. They have it all!
Until next time.

It's Happy Time!

I don't know what took me so long, but I finally feel like I have a better understanding of life. Okay it happened a few months ago. Now not to say I know the meaning of it, or my purpose, but I know that what makes me happy is happiness. In every form possible. 

It differs for everyone, but it's there. Life can be kak like, really kak at times. I get that, so before anyone says "ah, but like, you don't consider other peoples' situation, man"; just woah, bru. Of course I do, it would be stupid not to. Your situation could be completely awesome or it could be completely horrible, but there is something there that will lift you up and make you happy even if it's just for a moment. 

Okay, if you watched that video, I realise it looks like a hashtag campaign with help from a major corporation. So what, that's not the point. The point is that it's a simple concept and it exists off line too – just make shit rad. This kid has made a difference in my life in the message he spreads. Just be rad and radness will spread.

*Why complain about how shit a band is, rather say how awesome a band you love is. It will probably make a better difference in that a lot of people are more likely to agree with you on that, and in turn, create a happy conversation that is more pleasurable for everyone to scroll past and enjoy themselves.
*That instance was not taken from a particular instance, it is just the easiest to explain.

Let people be happy for their things and be happy for yours. Why do anything else? There's really no point. People will always stick up for you and have your back in tough situations. Being more positive in general just makes it easier for other people to do that. It's how we get to know each other. We may be a bunch of randoms on the internet or a new group of friends, we just need to be "co-people" - some movie I can't remember right now. 

Take this post for what you want. It just made me happy to put it out there. You decided to read it, so decide what you do with it from here on out. 

In close, check this out too. The dude makes sense. 

Stay awesome and #MakeItHappy.

The Story So far

What better time to write than when on holiday, when your mind is clear and you have no every day troubles eating away at your mind. Plus it's about damn time. 

I've been living in Cape town since July. And I fucking love it. Not because of the lovely surroundings and endless supply of obnoxious food and drink. Or the convenience of having everything within a few steps away from your front door. Or the fact that there's something do to every day of the week, or even if you're flat broke you can still have a good time somewhere somehow.
I love it because I have figured out who I am. I've learned to much about what I like and dislike, what it's like to be a lone in a  big city and having to fend for myself.  Some might say "what took you so long", to that I say this is simply my time. It happens earlier for some but it took me this long. 
I see life in a completely new light now. 

Of course I miss friends and family, but I've made new friends and family in Cape Town. I feel like I have the support I need, even though people are all busy with their own lives there will always be someone ready to lend a hand, ear, car. And of course, there's still the knowledge and support that comes from back home. Thank you guys for being there!

I've discovered so much through music too. Since before I moved I had been in talks with my CT bestie Alain about getting his and his brother's project, Veladraco, off the ground. Things are finally rolling. We have a band, we're practicing, Alain is writing like a machine and we're set to play our first show in January. Hold thumbs for us.

Musically speaking, my mind is open to so much more. I like to think I've always have a good tolerance for music no matter what type it is. There's no form of music I can say I hate. I just dislike Rihanna's voice a little.
In a city full of culture and sounds you are bound to come across new and amazing noises. The more music I listen to, the more I learn about myself through lyrics. I've heard so many songs I can relate to across the spectrum of music. This is something I cherish so much and I look forward to discovering the endless supply of music out there.

This girl gets me

I've become a stronger person through realising that not everything is about myself. The things you or I do can affect people in the hugest ways. Sometimes you learn the hard way, other times it hits you right there in the moment. I appreciate everyone that has entered my life since my move. There are some people that I cannot thank enough for being in my life. People from different paths who have lessons to share, people who love and care so much. I hope I can do the same for you all too. 

I look forward to adventuring into the future with everything that I have gathered on my journey so far. And I hope that I can take everyone with me so we can be free and live the lives we want to live. 

I guess form all of this I realise the significance of people. As much as the general public "hate humans" we are good beings. It just takes a little more effort to look deeper and understand why people do things in certain ways.

I'm really working hard to get rid of the word "hate" and to not spread negativity at all. It sounds all hippie and peace-loving stoner, but it's true. I've discovered so much more through taking time to understand why people do things and why they think the way they do. 

We've developed this culture of negativity and hate, and not having time for things we don't like, even though we haven't given those things enough light of day to undertsand them. 

"The haters gonna hate, hate, hate, hate ,hate. I'm just gonna shake, shake shake, shake, shake. Shake it off!"

2014 has been one fucking crazy roller coaster ride for me. Thanks to all those who have jumped on and helped slow the speeding train to a nice cruising pace. I look forward to this journey with you all.

I leave you with a cheesy quote from one of my greatest heroes, Tom Delonge, out of the Angels and Airwaves song Rite of Spring: "And every day I wake, I tell myself a little harmless lie: The whole wide world is mine."

What is even how?

I don't even know why I have a blog. 

Maybe I was peer pressured into it. But by who? I have no reason to really have thins. I could write about things I think are cool. But who cares? I'm so not cool. 
People are funny on blogs, I guess. They talk about things that they've experienced, so I guess I could do that. Come to think of it they have probably thought all of these things too. But who am I to assume such a thing? Perhaps they have it all figured out and that's why people read their posts and look forward to every installment. 
My spelling isn't even that good.

I moved to Cape Town, I could write about that. I hope I used that comma correctly. Life's just going, bru. I always seem to be doing someting but t the same time I'm also doing a lot of nothing. So it's not like I have an excuse not to "blog" more. What a silly words too. Blog. Blog.

Blog.

We tweet the silliest things. It's awesome, but why do we do it? I love it though. But why? 

Funny thing. I was at this point that I stopped to tweet about how I have no idea what I'm doing and I received confirmation on this very subject. Thanks Leigh!

Okay. So now that I know that at east one other person has thought this, why am I ever writing about this?

Maybe I'll find my"path through life on the internet. But do I even need one at all? Why do we do this?


#Moist

#UltraMal

I'm loving it here. The people have been great, so welcoming and hospitable.
I'm two weeks into my new job and have been loving that too.
I experienced my first real office party on Friday which turned out being one of the coolest ones I've attended. Let's just say I may have left an impression.

Hawaiian office jol

It was my birthday last week and I felt all the love from near and far. From family and friends at home to the new ones I've made here. Thank you all for being such incredible human beings. 

This week brings even more excitement and is the last step in ultimate radness. I move into my new apartment! I finally managed to find a place to stay. It's in the CBD, I can basically see my office from my lounge and I am one step closer to nearing my dream of a carless existence. Unless it rains...

I really have enjoyed my time here so far. It hasn't been long but it has been real. My musical endeavours are kicking off, I'm falling into routines as one should, I guess. Everything is becoming more normal. I see good things, I'm inspired, I'm driven and I'm lone ranger. The master of my own universe. I hope I can lead myself to great things. I feel it.

<3

It's Happened

This is my first blog post from Cape Town. 

It feels like forever but it has only been a week and a day since I arrived in Cape Town. I drove down with my brother over 2 days and we spent some time in town hanging out and doing brotherly things.
It was pretty emo leaving home, as expected, but once we hit the open road and I got my first speeding fine it was all down hill. Literally. 

If you ever drive down to Cape Town and need a place to stay on the way down, don't stay at the Wagon Wheel Lodge in Beaufort West. It looks like a murdery set from an episode of Breaking Bad, and not in a cool Breaking Bad kind of way.
I've spent my last week hunting for a place to live. It's a flippin' mission and estate agents don't do much, really.
I started a new job at a new agency and it's been a productive first week. Nothing worse than joining a job and spending a week or two floating about waiting for someone to find something for you to do. I basically got straight in and am loving every minute of it. 

The Maantin

Of course, I have already stuck my fingers into a musical pie or two. It's like moving to a new town and trying to find a new dealer... I would imagine. Except this is music, some may say it's a drug, once you get that first sweet hit and feel that high, you'll always want more. Or so I've heard from drug users.

I miss my friends and special people back home, but we keep in touch. There are a few extra specials who make extra sure I'm okay. Don't you worry, this lone ranger is just fine.

Walking is the greatest ode of transport and I am abusing that privilege as much as I can. I'm hoping to find an apartment where I can park my car, walk to work and only use it on weekends. Holding thumbs...

I have to give a big internet hug to Ingrid and Gord who have welcomed me into their home for the time being. Also, a huge internet belly scratch to Sakura and Rukia who have kept me warm by owning my bed 24/7. It's the best having cats around!

Rukia/Sakura

Until next time.
Tsek jou mal naaiers!

It's Happening.

I was born in the East (not too far East) of Joburg, spent the first few years of my life there before moving to the West (not too far West either).
We lived in one house for about 14 years before moving less than 2km away for the following 12 years. Now, I'm leaving Joburg all together. I've known no other city like I know Joburg. It has been my home, my playground, my life for a little more than 2 weeks short of 28 years. 

I never thought I would leave home, it just never appealed to me. I had my band(s), job, home, cats – "I have everything I need here", "All those other places are there for us to go on holiday"... It's funny to think that the next time I'll be home will probably be for a holiday.

I'm damn excited for this. Everything I can take with me now is packed, all that's left to do is sleep, wake up and go. The past few days have been sad, seeing friends and family one last time is never fun. Well, it is, but you have to leave eventually.
I saw myself writing a novel of a post, but I'm not quite sure what to say. I can't thank everyone, there are just too many thanks to give.
The ones that are close to my heart know who they are. You are very special to me and I cherish every moment spent with you. Moments may be less from now on, but they will be richer when they do happen.

I'm looking forward to the friends, experiences and challenges that come with a new life in a new place. I'm looking forward to having my friends from home crash on my couch/spoon when they're in town. I'm looking forward to everything.
The sadness of leaving is heavy, but the excitement of arriving matches it. I think I know what I'm doing... we'll just have to wait it out.

Let Me Try Explain...

I know metal isn't for everyone, but we can still try.

Firstly, one needs to understand that there are SO many sub-genres of metal. I don't care for sub-genres. If it sounds good and it's metal, it's good metal.

Having said that, this particular style of metal (progressive metal, if you will) has been on the rise over the past few years. I like to think of it as a grown man's metal. Strange time signatures, odd tunings, technical riffing. It's mathematical and quite complex, musically.
The best part about this kind of metal is that it's so groove based. It will keep your head bobbing from start to finish. 

Now I've listened to this song about 40 times in the past few days. It has been on repeat for the most part of those few days and I've analysed it hard.


Let's try this.

Things you will need: Good headphones. An open mind. A head to bob.
If you can read and listen at the same time, this would be idea.



This song is easy to groove to. The beat coupled with the guitars building up into the main riff in the intro is like a warm you up for what is soon to happen.
Now comes the hardest part for most. At 0:34 a huge growl kicks in with the main riff. Now, this is hard to do - This man's voice is so big and powerful, you just get goosebumps as it fades out.

The key to listening to metal vocals is you need to focus on the melody. Screaming is by no means pretty to listen to, but if you listen through the vocal melody onto the guitar you will see how well the 2 work together.

The drum beat is constantly driving in the background, it's never too over the top and keeps a solid beat for you to bob along to.

The clean singing is a treat. His voice is worthy of awards, I reckon. I get shivers at the thought of being able to belt out notes like that.
What's better is the contrasting tones of the screams and clean vocals. Both melodies are really catchy, they compliment each other well. Tasteful!

Just sit back and take it in. Until the breakdown, that is.

The breakdown is the climax of most metal songs. It's heavy, it's catchy, it's groovy and it end things off with a bang.
This breakdown in particular is a treat. Why? Well, at 4:39 you'll encounter a belting high note where the music pauses and drops into the tastiest chugging and riffing, ending the song with you wanting to start it all over again. It's all about that groove, man.


I hope this has given you at least a better understanding of what makes a metalhead such as myself tick. I like a lot of different kinds of music, but metal always surprises me with great things like this.

<3

I Promised Myself I'd Write Today

Here I sit in front of a blank screen while Facebook is down, hindering me from work. I'm not too upset about that at in the slightest... I kind of hope it never comes back.

So, writing, hey? It's something I've always loved but lost grip of a long time ago. That, and drawing. Both of which I have slowly been working on again.
Creativity makes life so much more exciting. The things you can add to a blank screen or clean sheet of paper are endless. If it's in your mind you can put it there. 
At the risk of boring you with my theories, I'll write something. I'm not sure what it is or what it's about yet, but we'll see when I'm done, right?

HERE WE GO!

I like writing about people. Not in a skinnery, nonsensical way, just as observation.
We are fucking interesting things. We have brains that we think with, most of the time, and hearts that we feel with. You can't feel your heart, but so much comes from there.

We listen to music. Arrangements of noises put together to create something that we enjoy so damn much. I can't imagine what kind of world we would live in if we hadn't discovered music. Again, some of it brings weird feelings in our hearts, the place where you don't feel physically, but you feel. 

We write blog posts fueled by flu medication and lack of sleep, hoping people in the world will read them. Throw a link out and see what happens. It could be something great, it could be something pointless. They'll only know once they get to the end, if they haven't stopped already...

We make irrational decisions - "If you don't try you won't know". We're adventurers! Well, some of us. To others adventures and experiences are scary and they would rather stay where they are comfortable. Not that there's anything wrong with that, but with a world of places and people what's not to adventure?

We create. We make things, we use our imaginations to interpret what we feel and experience and make them into tangible things that we share with the world. Some people get it, others don't. None of our minds are the same. 

I think as shit as the human race can and has been at times, we are smarter than we allow ourselves to believe. It starts with your mind, once you can master that, there's no stopping you.

Let's discover.

It's What Makes You You.

I promised myself I'd write more. But recently I've had so much on my mind I haven't been able to pin one thing down for long enough to think about. I also think I've started too many posts with "I promised myself I'd write more" or something like that...

Basically, I have recently learned a whole lot about myself as a human and about humans in general.
For a long time I lived as part of a unit. It's something we all eventually want no matter how much anyone may deny it. There will inevitably come a time that you will feel like there's something that's just not making things as great as they could be. Having said that, that thing could be a pet, a hobby, learning something new or even getting rid of something old. Just something.
Having been a lone ranger as of late, I've been exposed to so many new feelings, situations and lessons. Some great, some scary but mostly all new. I have discovered who the important people really are. You'd be surprised where they come from. Some have always been there and I never really gave them the time to let them be there. Others are completely new. People that I had met along the way who showed who they truly are form the start.
Anyway, to the point. This is not meant to be an emo, bluesy post. It's really a list of great lessons I have picked up about us as people through some of my recent experiences. They may not all apply to you, but they all exist.


It's what makes you you.

We're great people. We have our doubts, but they are our doubts. Just because we have them it doesn't mean they exist to others. Those things make us the people others love. No one is perfect, no one is right.
No matter how confused, hurt or alone we might feel, there is always an answer. Our thoughts are our only fears and we are the ones scaring ourselves.

We are beautiful. We all have at least one thing we don't like about ourselves. But that's just what we we don't like. Those things are someone else's favourite things, and if we didn't have them they wouldn't be able to be appreciated. Beauty is merely a matter of perspective.

New things are scary. Think of how many things we've done for the first time that we were once scared of before. We can do it. We have done it.

We are talented. There's that one thing that we can do that someone will completely adore and appreciate to the ends of the world. It's that thing that you're so good at that people are in awe of every time they see you do it.

Why are we sorry? We don't need to apologise to anyone for the way we feel or the things we say. Unless they are silly, hurtful things that were in the heat of the moment, then, yes, apologise. You shouldn't feel sorry for your decisions. What's right for you won't always be right for someone else. 

We often forget to take care of ourselves. We worry about the wellbeing of others, and that is great because we care, but we need to direct more of that towards ourselves. Sharing is caring, but you can also share with yourself :)

We make someone happy. Whether it's just by being able to spend time with us or being the love of someone's life, we make someone happy somehow. It's the happiness that counts.

There will be tears. I'll be the first to admit that few things take some weight off your shoulders like a good, hard, wailing cry session. Let it out.
I believe that the smiles always outweigh the tears, even when they feel like they don't. We remember the cries because they hurt more. We must remember more smiles. 

We have each other. It's the people we spend our time with that make it all worth it. With the right mix of good people and good vibes there is nothing that can go wrong. We uplift each other through our laughs, our stories and our consumption of substances. 

As different as we all are, we all have our simple needs and comforts in our personal life. I have learnt that by respecting each person's way of living, they too will accept you. At times we may not agree, but we still understand each other because we're all people. People are awesome. We are interesting, we are individual and we are exactly who we need to be. 


We will feel down and out sometimes, but there is always a pocket of happiness that we know will make us feel better. 

Here is a photo of a sleeping cat.