magazine
issue two april
Issue number two is here. We had such a great response from the first issue and it’s been so much fun to create another one. One of my favourite quotes of all time has always been ‘The hand can only execute as high as the heart can imagine’. I live by this rule all the time. You have to believe in yourself and love what you do in order to get the results that you want. Live, breathe and be consumed by your passion! Thank you to everyone who has been involved in this issue and for those that are just there behind me, supporting me all the way with encouragement. It means so much to me and I feel blessed to have you all in my life. I hope we can work together to spread more creativity into the lives of everyone! Be free. Christine Bernard
www.justimaginethatdesigns.com christine@justimaginethatdesigns.com
ed’s note
magazine
magazine
christine@justimaginethatdesigns.com
Photographer Warren Bernard
this issue...
warren@warrenbphotography.com
Website www.justimaginethatdesigns.com
Contact 079 701 4661 Copy Editor Waleska Saltori
waleska@pensa.co.za DISCLAIMER Although every effort is made to ensure accuracy, the publishers, personnel, printers, distributors and / or other related parties do not accept any responsibility whatsoever for any errors or ommissions, or any effect arising there from. The views or correspondence are not necessarily those of the editor or publisher. All rights reserved. Copyright exists on all material. Reproduction by any means without permission is prohibited.
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Photographer’s word by Warren Bernard
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Blogger of the month
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PAGE 20
PAGE 10
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Photography competition
Literary word by Waleska Saltori
Prime Circle
Lowprofile
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PAGE 11
Random Interview with Jenny Lee
PAGE 14
Competitions
Short story competition
The Camino de Santiago by Paulo Rodrigues
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what’s inside
Editor Christine Bernard
The calendar on my computer tells me it’s March but for me, its Christmas. Less than 24 hours ago, I pressed the "confirm transaction" button in my browser and made an electronic purchase online. This in turn, I knew, would summon Santa Clause himself to my doorstep, to deliver the present that I had been waiting so long for. Had I been a good boy? This Santa did not care. As long as the cash was in his bank account, he would deliver the goods, so to speak.
brown paper with an invoice casually plastered onto the side. Moments later it was split wide open, morsels of polystyrene drifting in the air and decorating the table top. There it was in all its glory. My latest baby. A brand new Canon EOS 50D digital camera. I took a few moments to admire it. Unspoilt and untouched as of yet by human hands. Perfect in every aspect. Gingerly, I prised my fingers around its frame and gently raised it from its crib. Nestling it in my hands, I felt its weight, rotated it and viewed it from Looking around the house, I realised that we did every angle. The back, sides, bottom. Unmarked and not possess a chimney. Not a problem. The modern unblemished. After the admiration started to fade day Santa didn’t require one. His methods were a lot ever so slightly, I realised that baby was naked and it more contemporary and blatant. He preferred the was my fatherly duty to correct that. Firstly, I threaded front door. Waiting for his arrival, I anxiously paced the ends of the neck strap through the relevant secthe length of our lounge. It was now past midday and tions on the chassis, adjusting and tightening accordthere was no sign of him. I wondered if perhaps he ingly. I then swiftly connected a lens to the face, twisthad lost his way. I hoped that Santa had packed his ing it until I heard its familiar click. Next, I slid the flash GPS. To kill some time, I flopped down onto the sofa to unit into the hot-shoe on top and lastly, a memory watch some TV. Skipping past the infomercials, I man- card to complete the process. With all its added acaged to find the only thing worth a second glance. A cessories, my child was now a lot heavier. They always 30 minute slot comprising of new release movie re- grow up so quickly, don't they... views. Although I didn't really trust these things. One man's Spielberg is ultimately another man's poison. One final component was all that was required. Baby was now dressed, all it needed was to be fed. The Then it happened. The doorbell rang. I was there in single, re-chargeable battery was larger than what I a flash. I greeted Santa whose real name was on his was used to, and it did the job perfectly. Now with name-badge. Dave. Instead of a velvety red top and food in its belly, he was ready for action. Flicking the matching leggings, he wore the standard khaki shorts power switch into position, an LED on the back panel and collared shirt. The reindeer-driven sleigh in the blinked, signalling his rise from slumber. Spinning background had been replaced by a Mercedes pow- around, I searched for my first unsuspecting victim. ered truck, containing countless other goodies, un- My wife was on the couch, in the middle of an imporclaimed as yet by their eager recipients. As he handed tant call. Perfect. Within an instant I had focused and the package over, I almost felt guilty for not offering the muffled gurgle of the shutter's motion signalled him any milk and cookies. But at just over $1400 that that the image had been captured. Immediately reI had forked out for my gift, I figured he could find his viewing it on the screen, I was amazed at the clarity, own damn sustenance. I signed my name on his elec- the contrast and saturation of colour. I was proud. tronic hand-held device as proof of receipt although I My child had passed its first test with flying colours. had no idea how my digital signature (which now re- It deserved a reward. Possibly a bigger memory card sembled more of an abstract spider’s web than it did or maybe an extra few batteries to sustain his hunger. my surname) would hold up in a court of law should But that would have to wait until next payday. Until my purchase ever be queried. then, my son... Back inside, I hovered over the package, wrapped in
BY WARREN BERNARD
photography
Can you feel my presents?
photography competition
winner
photography
Photographer, Warren Bernard, is hosting a photography competition each month. Below, please find our winner as well as the runners-up. Thank you to everyone for their submissions. If you’d like to enter next month’s competition, please email me on christine@justimaginethatdesigns.com. Limited to three photos per person.
Ryan Connell Black and white images are great when you want to exclude the effect of colour and concentrate on things such as texture and form within the photograph. This selectively coloured pic however has done well to highlight the subject and put the necessary emphasis on the bee. Well done Ryan. We were so impressed by Ryan’s photos that we decided to showcase all his images on the next two pages.
photography
photography
WHAT IS YOUR WORK EMAIL REALLY SAYING? 14 USEFUL TIPS FOR BUSINESS EMAIL CORRESPONDENCE Take a quick look at the following email:
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how it sounds. Remember that, for all the most part, email lasts forever... From: Thokozo Mhize – HR Assistant (tmkhize@sta- 6. Add a signature block with the appropriate contact tionery4u.co.za) information to the end of your email. In most cases, Sent: 22 December 2010 04:00 PM this means your name, business address, and phone To: Contract Staff number, along with a legal disclaimer, if required by Subject: Decals! your organisation. 7. Use correct grammar and punctuation as you would Hi Guys :) with any piece of writing. Be sure to proof-read your It’s time torenew your parking decals. Or you won’t be message carefully before sending it. Basic errors can able to get in the gate next year!!! I know it’s a schlep :( make your email appear sloppy and unprofessional. but it has to be done. DON’T Have a great evening, 1.Use ‘sms’ talk or abbreviations as your work appears Thokozo unprofessional. Also, while you may be ROFLOL (Rollxxx ing on Floor, Laughing Out Loud), the recipient of your mail may be wondering WUWT (What’s up with As a piece of business correspondence, what’s wrong that?) with this email? Do you send emails like this? How ap- 2. Use capital letters throughout your email. This is propriate is this style of correspondence? considered rude as it comes across as SHOUTING. Use standard case letters and if you need to emphasise, Email is the most common form of written communi- do so with bold or by underlining the relevant point. cation in the business world. It is the one with which 3. Use multiple exclamation points!!! A single exclawe are most comfortable but also the one that is most mation point, used in the correct place, can be effecoften abused. While you may be able to be a bit more tive, if it is needed at all. relaxed in your use of email when it comes to internal 4. Include emoticons (smiley faces ) to indicate tone. communication, it is best to remember that an outgo- Rather, practice writing in a manner that indicates the ing business email (to a client or supplier, for exam- correct tone for the context. ple), represents you and your organisation. 5. Include colourful backgrounds or pictures in your message, unless these are company-related. Some So, while email communication tends to be less for- servers may block this information (preventing the mal in nature than a business letter, it still needs to email from reaching the recipient) or it may just anadhere to certain guidelines if it is going to be effec- noy the recipient as it makes the email harder to read. tive and remain professional. 6. Open or forward ‘junk’ / chain mails. This clogs up the system, costs company time and money, and can Here are some basic DOs and DONTs for writing a annoy others or even send them a virus! business email: 7. Break the rules - many organisations have strict polDO icies on the use of email and the internet – familiarise 1. Start with an appropriate salutation such as ‘Dear yourself with these policies or risk facing disciplinary Sir / Name’ rather than ‘Hey’. action. 2. Include an accurate subject line, indicating the email’s purpose. Now that you’re in the know, go forth and email ... 3. Use two to four short paragraphs in a logical se- with the proper purpose and style! quence, stating the reason for your email as soon as possible. Owner of PEN, Waleska Saltori is an editor and copy4. Ask for a specific action or response - remember writer, who specialises in corporate communication that most people receive numerous emails in a day and business writing training. In her spare time, she and, if you outline what type of response you expect, is a confirmed bibliophile and reads everything from you will be more likely to receive an appropriate reply. the front page of the newspaper to the back of the 5. Keep your message short and relevant but remem- cereal box. ber to be polite and respectful. Say ‘please’ and ‘thank you’. Short does not need to equal dismissive. If in By Waleska Saltori doubt, read the email to yourself out loud and see
DELLA by Zoe Beech
Della smiled. ‘They sure did need you to deliver them, Miss Shantel.’ ‘Just them jitters, that’s it… I seen buckets of girls all in the same predicament, and let me tell you, child, you don’t gotta worry bout nothin’. I just hope half them men don’t rush up to say ‘I do’, cause Della Ray, they ain’t lookin’ at these here nails.’ She laid Della’s hands on the white table, and started trying to smooth the jagged edges of her nails.
an insipid sunrise, Della went quietly back under her pink quilt. As a child, that quilt had kept her grounded in her dreams. At nightfall she emerged tender-like in the moonlight, like a Casablanca Lily, swinging to and fro as the rest of the world slept. She remained nocturnal for a week, and no one but her friends entered her house. It was a week after her news, to the day, that Della Ray Danbury met Dylan O Sullivan. ‘My, oh my, but the Lord works in mysterious ways, bringing that man of yours right into your path when everyone thought…. Well, you know them townspeople, they’d make a livin’ of thinkin’ if they could,’ Miss Shantel said. ‘I’d just gotten a job at the library, and guess who came by to look for Shakespeare?’ She laughed. ‘Dylan O Sullivan never read a real book in his life, let alone Shakespeare, no matter how much his momma begged… He never did end up getting’ a library card.’ She still remembered seeing Dylan standing in the grey doorway, looking her over real good before he walked towards her, his eyes set. And there was no denying, his good looks always made a way for him. Blonde, brashly confident, freckled and a Southern accent all a little tainted by the North.
‘Well, none of them took it when they had the chance-’ Della said. And she remembered how, just a year ago, she and Jonathan had been lagging behind the group, his hand protectively around her waist. Becky Knightly wasn’t too far ahead, lingering behind the crowd. Della noticed how Becky smiled at Jonathan before she’d kicked sand into the sea, making sure that her legs were at the right angle for his eyes to appreciate, making sure he captured her form in the perfect evening light. And right then, Jonathan kissed Della real passionately. That night Della had laughed to herself about it, laughed about the desperation of Becky Knightley. It had been a while since she’d been in the game, but baby, Della Ray Danbury would never look a ‘Besides, I’ll have Dylan O Sullivan smilin’ down at gift horse in the mouth. She didn’t know Dylan O’ me,’ Della said, turning her finger inside the twist Sullivan well, but she knew him well enough to of one of her curls. ‘I’ve got a feeling Sarah Jones know if she didn’t play smart, he’d be back in his may even wear black.’ high-rise before she could say lickety-split. Before she knew it, he was taking her round her town, Miss Shantel snorted. ‘You took your own sweet holding her waist and introducing everyone to time, but Della Ray, you sure know how to pick ‘my girl’. ‘em. I just hope you got yourself some dirt-true friends, cause with a face like that -.’ Miss Shantel Della inspected her hands. The gnawed nails smoothed the glue over each nail. were disappearing one at a time; her hands now flashed long, Cadillac Pink edges. ‘You don’t need to worry,’ Della said. She could ‘Come to think of it, I don’t think I’ve ever seen Dynever forget Tara’s face four months previously, lan turn a page in his whole life,’ Della frowned . red with rage, red with tears. Tara’d seen Jona- ‘Honey-child, he’s been mighty distracted. There than’s car outside Becky Knightley’s place the hain’t been no time for no “Gone with the Wind”,’ same night he’d told Della his parents were vis- Miss Shantel was attacking a devious cuticle. iting. Tara sobbed the whole sighting to Della. Della didn’t move. After a minute or two she went Della chewed on the word, ‘distracted.’ In her outside and sat on the porch swing. She sat there mind, it was every Southern woman’s aim to disthe whole night, swinging back and forth as the tract as many boys – all the better if they were crickets sung in the peak of summer. Just before good-looking and charming– as possible, whilst
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‘Girl, you bout chewed them nails right off. You lucky I got some good ones for you. Won’t no one tell the difference,’ Miss Shantel said, holding Della’s nails up to her face.
was edgy and insistent, explaining exactly how to act. This both irritated and flustered her, and she had to work very hard on being the dashing Della Ray that everyone loved. Della first saw her at the top of the white flight of stairs, wearing a suit with a fuchsia brooch and matching heels, cigarette hanging out her mouth. Her palms were open, turned towards them as they climbed. Her skinny body held a strong posture, a wry smile and she looked like she’d silence the president if need be; Della liked her immediately. And of course, she was as charming as only Dylan O’ Sullivan’s mother ‘You are a pretty little thing,’ Dylan’s eyes flickered could be. Her body seemed to sway as her son on her, like seeing something new and shiny, and and his girlfriend greeted her, and she was ‘defor the rest of the day he couldn’t keep his hands lighted – delighted’ to have the honour of Della away. Danbury's company. ‘Sure,’ Della sighed, ‘we’ve both been distracted what with the wedding plans... But I’m talking school. We were in the eleventh grade together, and I swear he barely handed in one assignment. I was convinced he charmed the female teachers into passes.’ Miss Shantel looked at Della Ray out of the corner of her eyes. ‘Uh- huh.’
During their first encounter, Katie told Della, over a countless amount of coughing fits and cigarettes, all the skeletons in the O’ Sullivan closet – ‘cause I didn’t want anyone to beat me to it’ – on Della’s return, a week later, Katie led her (martini in hand) into an expansive gold-leafed library and they argued happily over as many plots and themes that had vexed them; and at their most recent ‘meeting’ they smiled knowingly to one ‘But there were only a handful of females. Those other across the table, laden with pink fairy cakes male teachers never did the boys any favours.’ and champagne, in-between congratulations Della sighed. ‘But he’s got that way….’ pressed on the happy couple’s hands. Miss Shantel put down her tweezers and folded her arms across her generous chest. ‘Della Ray, Katie slipped out between the myriad of well are you telling me you don’t know how Dy- wishes, and Dylan explained that something had lan O’Sullivan got a B Average the whole of his ‘come up’. Dylan had made it clear that Katie was schoolin’ career?’ rushed off her feet, so Della didn’t push. He had Everyone knew Miss Shantel was good for enter- made himself scarce whenever the girls were totainment, but today Della was trying to keep all gether, and was always so silent when they left drama at bay. Della Ray reached for a magazine, that Della wondered if he were jealous. For all his and began flipping her finger through the pic- rugged bravado, he was still very much a momtures. ma’s boy. ‘No, Ma’am,’ she said to a page full of purses. ‘These days she’s floating on air,’ Miss Shantel Miss Shantel shook her head whilst picking up said. ‘Since she heard bout you, that is.’ her brush. ‘Katie O Sullivan.’ ‘Well, that’s sweet.’ Della looked up. ‘That right?’ ‘We go way back, and I hain’t seen her this happy ‘You done met your mother-in-law?’ since Dylan passed high school. Lord knows, we ‘Oh, many times.’ Della flicked a page, thinking all celebrated then.’ Miss Shantel took out her about the three times she’d met her mother-in- buffing pad, and started shimmying Della’s nails. law, and how tenderly the woman had squeezed ‘Fact, she’s been waiting for this day since he her. popped out.’ ‘And how was that?’ ‘Like every good Southern momma should,’ Della ‘Just fine.’ said, looking at a frame on the white wall hold‘Mmmm hmmmm.’ Miss Shantel said, inspecting ing a blonde bride. Her hair was captured tightly a nail. away from her face, and she was looking demurely at something in the distance. Della folded over the magazine and peered at ‘Katie ain’t every, she’s the Southern momma, the article. Before she met Katie O Sullivan, Dylan and it’ll do you well to remember that… I take
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remaining neutral. With Dylan, everything was different. Della threw out her bait unabashedly – with short skirts, big eyes and long pauses - and Dylan was ravenous. It took him only a couple of weeks to ‘confide’ in her – digging in the basket for more chicken – that she had in fact, single-handedly won his heart in the library, without even trying. They were on a red picnic blanket as the day was simmering, watching the river rush by. He let the words roll out without checking them, as he always did, and then noticed how she smiled.
it she…’ Miss Shantel smacked her lips, ‘she… helped with the wedding preparations?’ ‘No ma’am… My momma and me had it all under control.’
Miss Shantel sat down, crossed her legs and shook her head. Suddenly all her fire and fervour had gone, and she was staring at the bottles of nail polish. ‘But she’s changed since she found out… I done seen it, she ain’t the same. To a bystander, she still looks like good ole’ kickin’ Katie, but they don’t see her like we do. They don’t see her having to take those god-awful pills every day. And they don't know that this time, that wig ain't just for show.’ Miss Shantel picked up a bottle and started touching up her tangerine-orange nails. ‘And they won’t know ‘til the very end, that’s what she’s told me. Never one for pity.’ Her eyes turned on Della, and she looked her up and down. ‘You two are peas in a pod, you know that?’ Della gave a sharp nod. She was suddenly an array of right angles, and each breath didn’t seem to reach her lungs. ‘That’s what makes it so…’ Miss Shantel brought her fingers hastily to her eyes, ‘so darn touching… She’d had her heart set on you since you was prom queen. And now Dylan’s finally realised his has mighty fine taste…. I tell you, not even Disney could have thought of a better story.’ Della blinked fast. Miss Shantel patted her knee. ‘I understand - it’s not somethin’ you’re itchin’ to talk ‘bout. You’re a brave girl, let me tell you.’
The last four months lay shattered at her feet. Dylan’s scouring blue eyes- yes, they had looked like they were searching her - at the library; his deep brooding after seeing his mother; Katie’s scrawny body, how she held Della; the proposal with candles and caviar, pearls and peach champagne, and his eyes darting around the room, watching who was watching; their dates after the engagement – where he’d have ‘something happened,’ and he’d be absurdly late and then appear at her door with a smile and pink roses. She looked out of her window. There was a line of trees that stretched down the avenue for miles. Just a month ago, they had been grand ladies of red and orange fervour that everyone admired. Now they were a mass of bony hands reaching for something, each reaching alone. Winter’s breath had already mingled with their own. Their plumage lay dead in the road and gardens, having lost every trace of their previous hue. She saw a man raking his torn leaves into a pile. Della picked up her phone. ‘Momma, are the caterers still coming over at 2? Perfect. I’m ‘bout to leave Miss Shantel’s - won’t you fix me your barbecue sandwich? I’ve just now got a terrible craving for one.’ A pristine hand turned the ignition, and the car trembled into life.
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Miss Shantel stopped shimmying. ‘My, my, my,’ she exclaimed. Then she started murmuring to herself. ‘Now I hain’t seen that coming… Katie O Sullivan sittin’ pretty for her own son’s wedding? Oh my!’ ‘She trusts my taste,’ Della said before she could think. Her fingers immediately brushed her lips. ‘Honey, we all trust your taste, but let me tell you – Katie’s kept a book of the wedding she imagined, with all them colours, swans, chandeliers -you name it… all waiting for Dylan to finally say them four words to the lucky girl. She always said that the congratulations card would come taped to the book.’ Katie had asked her about the wedding plans only once, and quickly added that she couldn't have thought of anyone better, and anyway, she was 'too old for all that dallying'.
‘Thank you, ma’am,’ Della said, looking at the blonde bride up on the wall, who, come to think of it, looked not so much demure as reticent. ‘But by gum, knowing Katie, she’ll be fightin’ her way to seein’ her first grandchild, 'specially as you'll be the momma, so don’t you be sittin’ on your laurels in that department,’ Miss Shantel winked at Della. ‘Not that you’ll have a problem there, mind you. Dylan ain’t never been shy with -’ ‘Well, Miss Shantel,’ Della smiled as she scraped her chair back. ‘I’m so very grateful for you fittin’ me in.’ She clutched her purse under her arm. ‘Oh now, don’t even think about that. And I’ll be looking for you, tomorrow. You’ll be pretty as a picture.’ ‘Why thank you. You are so sweet.’ ‘Ya’ll take care, Della.' Miss Shantel pressed her chest against Della. 'And don’t mess with them nails now. You hear?’ ‘No ma’am,’ Della’s heels clicked against the pavement. She struggled to find her keys, to her annoyance, and finally slipped into her Bentley. Her hands gripped the steering wheel.
THE WAY The Camino de Santiago, The Way of Saint James. Historically this sacred pilgrimage was undertaken by devout Christians to pay homage at the tomb of St James which is purportedly held in the magnificent Cathedral and endpoint of the pilgrimage, in a city called Santiago de Compostella. Today, howeve,r the pilgrimage is undertaken by people of all walks of life, from the religious and those seeking penance or spirituality, to tourists, hikers and backpackers. The Camino has many routes and starting points, the traditional and most popular route is the French route. The French route starts in a small mountain town in France called St Jean pied de port, the name can be translated to mean the gateway to St James. From here your first and most gruelling day will take you over the Pyrenees and across from France into Spain. The route takes you through spectacular wine country, quant medieval towns, farm regions, desert regions, amazing cities and tranquil forests. Completing approximately 780km, you are left with very blistered and punished feet and an experience you will never forget, until you eventually arrive at the Cathedral in Santiago. The French route is very clearly marked for the most part by variations of a shell symbol, the symbol of the pilgrim. Pilgrims also identify one another by wearing a shell on their backpacks, these along with the “pilgrim’s passport” or “Credentiale” can be acquired at your starting point or at any places along the way. Your pilgrim’s passport is stamped at most locations along the way, this is essential if you wish to receive your “Compostella” at the end of your journey. The Compostella is like a certificate that you have completed the walk and also a blessing from the Catholic church for having made the journey to St James. Only the last 100km need to be walked to receive the Compostella.
Spain, are very cheap. Due to the rise in popularity of the Camino however there are a lot of private hostels which do offer more comfort and privacy but tend to be rather expensive. The essentials. A good pair of hiking boots with good ankle support can be your biggest asset on the Camino, this may not safeguard you from the inevitable blisters or aching feet, but will definitely ease your journey and avoid you any injuries that may end your Camino abruptly. Two changes of clothes, one for walking, one for evenings. There are washing facilities at all the hostels. A small medi-kit, be sure to include plasters and needle and thread. A good backpack will save you a great deal of pain, the best would be one that can balance its weight across your shoulders and hips evenly. It is recommended that your backpack should be approximately 10% of your body weight, but after the first day or two you may start throwing things away to lighten your burden. A good motto for the Camino, “if you can’t carry it, you don’t need it”. A lightweight camping towel, a lightweight sleeping bag and something warm for the evenings. A good sturdy walking stick always helps too. The Spanish are friendly, welcoming and hospitable and also one of the most relaxed, laid-back people you could encounter. From siesta to fiesta, they know how to relax, they know how to have a crazy party and you are sure to fall in love with the country and the culture. No matter your reasons for embarking on this amazing journey, whether it be spiritual, or tourist, whether you are looking for answers or trying to forget the questions, you will most certainly find a spirituality within yourself, an inner peace you may never have known could exist. That and you will meet people from all walks of life, find friends who will remain friends forever, cheap good food, even cheaper wine and an invaluable, unforgettable experience.
The way is dotted with pilgrims’ hostels, which you will come to know as albergues, and similar to the rest of BY PAULO RODRIGUES
THE FINER POINTS OF THE TRIP: From South Africa, the cheapest return flight you will get is to London. From there you can easily find airlines which can take you anywhere in Europe for as cheap as R200, which will save you a lot of money. If you want to start in St Jean Pied de Port, the closest airport is Biarritz in France. From the airport you can catch a bus to a small town called Bayonne, and from there you can get a train directly to St Jean Pied de Port. For pilgrims who would like to skip the first and definitely the most difficult day, then Pamplona airport is your best option. Here you can find a bus service that runs to Roncesvalles which is the endpoint of the first day from St. Jean Pied de Port. The Camino will again take you through Pamplona within the next few days so pilgrims may wish to start there too. Returning, there are direct flights from Santiago back to London. The pilgrimage itself is very cheap and I would not recommend a guided tour as it takes away the true nature and feel of the walk. The normal hostels cost between 3 and 10 Euros and there are also many that run on donation. All along the Camino there are pilgrim’s menus available at most restaurants which usually average at about 10 Euros for a 3 course meal and a bottle of wine. If you’re on a shoestring, you could probably budget for about 20 euros a day and scrape by happily.
BLOGGER OF THE MONTH
blog
Each month we’ll be featuring our favourite blogger! This issue I’d like to introduce ‘the thrift collection’, a blog by the lovely Pippa Lynch. Now here’s a girl with an eye for fashion and a gift for the ecclectic. This is a girl you want to go shopping with. Have a look at her awesome blog for some great thrift ideas and go shopping crazy with her fashion section, man section, home section and the one I love the most, the sales section. Visit her on http://thethriftcollection.blogspot.com/
blog FROM THE HOME COLLECTION
A PIPP
{hello}
pippa@pippalynch.co.za
my name is pippa. by day, i'm a jewellery buyer - by night i'm a forager. i'm all about thrifted goodies, vintage treasures, good food, dreamy photography, great music & all the delights that durban has to offer. take a look around & stay a little while. if you're in the mood to shop, head on over to my online store where you will find loads of 2nd hand gems without the vintage price tag: good for your wallet & the environment too.
Prime Circle
music
“Most people are surprised to hear that I have had some great times in the bluff and have always loved hanging out there�
Ross from Prime Circle answers some of our probing questions:
We met at different times in life, Marco, Dirk and I met in witbank, we then met Neil on tour with his band at the time driverlane, then Dale who we had known over the years and always enjoyed his playing.
It is what we wanted to be, a prime circle of friends and musicians. What is the best place to eat in Durban? We have chowed at moyo and liked it
What one word epitomises your band? resilient
Where do you like to go and just hang out?
Take me through the band members and I like scottish pubs and braai's at friends houses, tell me one thing about each of you that love to see my friends and family nobody knows. Marco Gomes, bass player: he founded the band Who writes the lyrics? Dirk Bischoff, guitarist, likes to just chill at home when he is not playing, rarely goes out Neil Breytenbach, keyboards, lives in pietermaritzburg and flies up for all the shows Dale Schnettler, drummer, newest member, is obsessed and, I mean obsessed, with studio work at his house
I do, but every now and then one of the guys comes across a great idea, like a bolt of lightning and we run with it.
What is your idea of creativity?
Constantly challenging yourself in your craft and surprising yourself, getting so excited about new ideas that it becomes difficult to hold it in.
What has been your best performance to date? If Prime Circle was an animal what would we all have different ones but mine has been the it be and why?
46664 shows, due to the fact that it is such a huge Elephant, cause we never forget and we are in it honor to play and for such an amazing cause for the long haul and we have huge tusks
What has been your worst on stage ex- If you could perform live on stage with perience? any famous musician, who would it be?
In the early days when our equipment was really Foo fighters, we all love them more than we can rubbish and unreliable and would always break tell you. onstage and we would look like idiots, but also some good memories came out of those days so If a movie was made about Prime Circle, it wasn't all bad
which actors would play each of you?
Keiffer Sutherland (a young one) as Ross Earmonth Jason Stratham as Neil Most people are surprised to hear that I have had Edward Norton as Dirk some great times in the Bluff and have always Alec Baldwin as Marco loved hanging out there, had some good friends Christian Slater as Dale out there. I have also had some good times at burn.
Your favourite place in Durban?
And lastly, what one line of song would If Prime Circle was not around, what you most like to share with us? would you all be doing now? If you lost your eye in this life, would it be waiting We are all pretty different so can't really say what up in heaven with your wife (crash test dummies) the guys would be doing but i would probably be painting, or something that i could do on my own, never been good having a boss.
music
Tell us about the name Prime Circle?
How did all the band members meet?
Tell us about the name Lowprofile? We all went to watch a Sibling Rivalry gig at Cottonfields in Durban North after one of our first practices. The younger brother of a friend of ours was right at the back by himself in a dark corner, just really hanging back from the crowd and our old drummer Yusuf just said, "Check Jon's brother ... he's keeping quite a low profile hey". What one word epitomises your band? Fully ...
that was me in a fat suit and makeup. Juan (New drummer guy): I have an addiction to buying rare CDs on eBay and nobody can help me. What has been your best performance to date? Splashy Fen 2010. We got what we thought was quite a crummy time slot at first, but a lot of people pulled in to watch us and we just gave it all we had and it went down great!
What has been your worst on stage experience? Woogy: Playing at a motor-cross track in Cape Town, too drunk to make sense of my guitar or play anything right, and my pants were around my ankles most of the time because Marcus from Halfprice pantsed me, but I only realised a few songs later. On Woogy (Guitars): My real name isn’t Woogy but I’ve top of that, the sound guy made the mistake of givbeen called it for so long that even my parents have ing me a mic so I was randomly screaming anything into it hoping it would distract people from the fact forgotten my real name that that I was a useless, naked wreck at the time, Ozzie (Vocals/Guitar): If you sat on Santa's lap at Wa- but it only drew more attention. terworld or Suncoast Casino in December of 2002 ... Take me through the band members and tell me one thing about each of you that nobody knows. Skeg (Bass/Vocals): I'm an economist so I am officially allowed to write songs about the government
Skeg: To add to the trouble, I tried to do a gnarly jump off one of the amps, which had wheels, and slipped and broke my cable off inside my bass. Ozzie: That would be my amp. I remember being so bummed out with both you guys - to the point of hulk rage - that I just took this epic walk into that giant forest that was all around the track to cool off!
did, I'd eat the Moses Mabida Station. Where do you like to go and just hang out? A Cabana Pub or the Winston Pub for a beer, the Revolution Pavilion Skatepark for a carve, and the studio for fuzzy-tinkle times ... Who writes the lyrics? Whoever is inspired at the time. That's why the topics and style vary from song to song.
Your favourite place in Durban? I think every Durbanite will agree there is no better place than the beachfront! What is your idea of creativity? Skeg: Sitting around with friends, having beers, and If Lowprofile was not around, what would you all just talking the most random amount of shit possible. be doing now? That’s how some of our best ideas have come about. Ozzie: There's no way we'd even be the same people if we weren't amped to be in a band. I guess I'd be Ozzie: Hanging a light up at my place using an old ripped, have an orange spray-on tan, wear button up Santa Cruz riser in lieu of no cup hook. shirts, white pants and those leather shoes with the long toe part, call my chick "babe" and let the local If Lowprofile was an animal, what would it be? Clapham charge me R20 a beer! A snail because we progress at about the same pace. Skeg: Probably hitting a shooter and dancing with Ozzie at Clapham
If you could perform live on stage with any famous musician, who would it be? Frenzal Rhomb or The Flatliners!
Woogy: Probably break dancing to "its bigger than hip hop ..." on a piece of cardboard in the car park be- If a movie was made about Lowprofile, what achind the Montclair spar with people who have names tors would play each of you? like Bubsy and Biggie 2 teeth. Daniel Stern as Ozzie, Shaun Michaels as Woogy, Adrien Brody as Skeg and a cameo from Johnny Depp How did all the band members meet? as Juan. In a garage deep in the suburbs of Westville - what got us all to the garage was the internet. And lastly, what would be your preferred way of dying? What is the best place to eat in Durban? Crushed to death at the bottom of a pile-on conFor bands and sweaty menbeasts, House of Curries sisting of Natalie Portman, Megan Fox, Katy Perry, on Florida Road is gem. But with a lady ... Green Man- Zooey Deschanel, Heather Graham, Elisha Cuthbert, go or perhaps Market. Evangeline Lily, Sherilyn Fenn, Kiera Knightley, Cobie Smulders and Kate Beckinsale. Skeg: I don't have a huge appetite for places, but if I
interview
MEET jenny
THE RANDOM INTERVIEW
Name and age: Jenny Lee, 28
she’s a star
martinis with olives
Current Occupation: Administrator
If you were a car what would you be and why: A Black M3 BMW convertible, because it's a car I have always loved, and it just looks like class.
Dream Occupation: Travel Journalist
Your favourite thing to doodle: Possible tattoo designs
Favourite movie: The Crow
Best farm yard animal: Donkey
Which movie would you never even want your worse enemy to see: Twilight, Eclipse
Which actress would you play you in the movie of your life: Drew Barrymore
If your life had a soundtrack, what would the What three things can you not live without: My contact lenses, DKNY perfume, and my car main song be: "She's a Star" by James What's the last thing you made: If you could be a man for a day, what would An awesome sandwich you do: I would explore my body and try understand What's your secret superpower: what makes me tick - so I can understand men Compassion and empathy better when I am a woman... Where do you go to find creativity: Where would you most want to be right now: For a drive along the coast With my boyfriend at the pool drinking vodka
interview
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“Here’s to the crazy ones, the misfits, the rebels, the troublemakers, the round pegs in the square holes… the ones who see things differently — they’re not fond of rules… You can quote them, disagree with them, glorify or vilify them, but the only thing you can’t do is ignore them because they change things… they push the human race forward, and while some may see them as the crazy ones, we see genius, because the ones who are crazy enough to think that they can change the world, are the ones who do.”
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