Ann van Dyk Cheetah Centre

The De Wildt Cheetah and Wildlife Centre has featured in some of my previous posts. This is an update to spread the word about it’s name change to The Ann van Dyk Cheetah Centre, which has taken place in honour of Ann, who’s dedicated over 40 years of her life to this precious cause, and still works full-time at the centre.

Close to Johannesburg, it’s a stunning venue to visit, for phenomenal tours or a getaway to a fabulous lodge. You can learn an immense amount about a variety of creatures, including endangered cheetah and wild dogs, as well as witness a high-speed cheetah run – not to be missed!

For more information, or to book a tour, visit www.dewildt.co.za.

Here’s a photo that Dave took of a cheetah family at the Masai Mara in Kenya – especially for those who may never have met these amazing cats

CHEETAH FAMILY - Masai Mara, Kenya

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In praise of Power Yoga

Yoga, in my opinion, must be the ultimate in mind/body/soul alignment. After doing a fair amount of it over many years, including Hatha (“The Yoga of Postures”), Kundalini (mainly chanting/’Mantra’ and breathing/’Pranayama’) and Bikram (“The 26 Pose Yoga in Heat”), I’ve recently found my favourite: Power Yoga.

According to the stunning website, www.abc-of-yoga.com, this is the “Western version of the Indian Ashtanga Yoga which emphasizes developing one’s physical flexibility and nurtures the desire for self-discipline…emulating a rigorous full-body workout and promoting mental stability and concentration”. Browse the site for much more insight into the practise of yoga in all its forms.

Undeniably, each type has its own appeal. I find Hatha relaxing, Kundalini invigorating, Bikram intense, but for me Power is the perfect package. It provides a satisfying sweat, excellent strength and stretch exercise, together with sufficient breath focus and meditation.

Perhaps it’s also that I have such a dynamic teacher in Claire Lane of Bikram Yoga on Republic, herself a graduate student of Bryan Kest (www.poweryoga.com) in Santa Monica, CA. How awesome to benefit from his fabulous influence here in Johannesburg!

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Home

Home has no substitute.

BLACK EAGLE ON NEST - Roodekrans, Johannesburg, South Africa

Cyber Friends

I’ve just popped back from a Condron.US forum and came across a prospective cyber friend, whose blog is Nottingham Graffiti.

Firstly, sincere thanks to Condron for the wonderful job they do in connecting like-minded bloggers. My potential friend in Nottingham wrote the following:

‘What is great about blogging is that, as your blog develops, you gather people about you (in a virtual sense) who share your views (or who sometimes don’t but still have something to say to you) almost organically.’ He continued to say more which struck a chord, so I visited his site.

At first glance, we have little in common, since I have never even been to Nottingham. But scratch the surface, and you will inevitably find a common sense of purpose. He mentions that his home city is notorious for being the ‘gun and knife crime capital of the UK’ (and adds emphatically that it ‘isn’t, never was and never will be’). Well, you probably know that Johannesburg is touted as the same in South Africa (hopefully not the world!).

That aside, though, my cyber friend goes on to explain his relationship with the city of his birth. It inspires him to share this with others in Nottingham and elsewhere, at About Nottingham. So eloquently explained, it precisely echoes the motivation behind this blog of ours.

This, I believe, is the real benefit of blogging, and the social media explosion as a whole.

Happy connecting, everyone…and celebrating the humanity we all have in common

World Superbikes

On the subject of international sport, Joahnnesburg hosted the world superbikes this past weekend, at Kyalami. Dave, being an accredited photographer, had an absolute blast! It was fantastic to watch, and also to hear the commentary of our own star, Lance Isaacs. We’re proud of Sheridan Morias, South African rider who did well in both races, despite this being his first appearance in the series. Two of our nephews participated in the 600’s support race, Bjorn especially having a great ride, so well done to them! Unfortunately Regis Laconi had a serious accident. We were relieved to hear yesterday that things are looking much better for him. Our wishes go out for his swift recovery.

NRIYUKI HAGA - World Superbikes, Kyalami, South Africa

To view more of Dave’s images, here’s a link to his Facebook album: World Superbikes, Kyalami, 17 May 2009 or you can visit www.motorpics.co.za.

Dave raced professionally for nine years, representing South Africa at home and abroad, and still races motorbikes off-road. So does our friend, Tom Claasen, who’s done the Dakar Rally twice. His wife Sonja and I are thinking of writing a handbook for the wives of guys like these. It seems the need for speed, once in the blood, never recedes!

Gravity

Gravity (n.) keeps our feet on the ground.

WATERFALL - Walter Sisulu National Botanical Garden, South Africa

Freedom

Freedom is a right, not a priviledge, to be forfeited only by its abuse.

BLACK EAGLE - Roodekrans, Johannesburg, South Africa

Hello from Johannesburg

Friday 13th – as good a day as any to start a blog. And to start the weekend with a blissful Indian Head Massage. I was pampered at the Spa on 66, strangely enough the same building I worked in 14 years ago: 1995. That was also the year that I married my husband, guardian of my dreams. Dave, for everything, here’s an online “I love you” with all my heart! To my family in Cape Town, extended family and friends across the globe – you guys rock!