Zen and the Art of Kite Surfing

The Young the Old and the Poorly Coordinated....

Some time ago - maybe a thousand years ago - my much admired Uncle Alf introduced me to the book "Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance".  Still a favorite of mine - it went beyond simple physicality to delve deeply into the human psyche and examine not just how but why we do what we do.

I arrived in 2000 in Victoria BC Canada and while visiting the Dallas Road waterfront came upon the most spectacular sight! Men and woman were using kites and surfboards to slip quickly and effortlessly across the sea leaving a spray of foam and furry in their wake in an apparent, effortless and indisputable harnessing of these seemingly in-tamable elements of nature. Like seducing a lion, these adventurous souls had conquered the wind and sea in a Zen-like manner leaving no doubt to their accomplishment. As mysterious as it was graceful to watch - I knew at that moment I would some day try this wonderful disport and frolic among the waves and breeze. I mean really -- how hard can it be????






Please note the Kite Surfer above gliding peacefully over the azure and turquoise watery paradise while the sun shines brightly in the bluest of blue skies above. For the record -- that is not me.... not even close!!


Introducing Suna -- my Kite-surfing teacher from The African Pearl Hotel in Beautiful Diani Beach Ukunda Kenya. Little did he know of the level of ... or lack of coordination that a man could sink to -- but he was soon to find out where the bottom of that scale really is.


I chose to do two introductory lessons of 3 hours each ... with a day in between so that I could rest a day expecting the effort in the beginning to be fairly intense. It was.

Learning to fly the kite is a seriously challenging exercise for someone lacking even a semblance of coordination. Again again ad again I crashed my kite or maneuvered it into the dreaded "Power Zone"ending up in serious trouble with Mr. Suna. I appreciate his patience though I definitely tested it on that day.








We eventually got into the water to fly the kite and let it drag me through the water. He was emphatic in saying .."if I say let it go -- you let it go!!!" This is how you get out of trouble. You see - the kite is capable of lifting you clear from the water in a split second once in the "Power Zone" and that can get you into serious trouble fast.

So naturally --  I almost immediately flew my kite directly into the Power Zone and found myself being unceremoniously  dragged on my back across that azure turquoise watery paradise. He was screaming "LET IT GO -- LET IT GO" .... though I ... in my moment of complete confusion thought he was saying what I was thinking -- OH NO OH NO!!!!! In a moment I was a long way away from Mr. Suna and while I finally LET IT GO .... it was a bit of work to get back to him and his well placed and deserved scorn and derision.



In the end no harm done but a bit more practice would be required before I could maneuver my kite with some level of skill. That came on the second and much better lesson where I delighted in harnessing the power of the wind as it suited me rather than feeling like a butterfly caught unexpectedly in a windstorm. Ahhh - the Zen of mastery. One of life's sweet spots. 😝

I have lessons planned for February where I hope to take my limited skills to the next level. I have no doubt that with Suna's very capable teaching -- I'll be there in no time. ...well at least we can certainly hope so.

Quick!!!! To the Bat Cave......someone is in trouble

In addition to the "work" of learning this sport - there was also a day of snorkeling and after-lessons relaxing. A seaside dinner of fresh seafood with a friend was a welcome reward for my day of punishing my body and teacher for attempting this crazy sport.
 I recommend Kenya South Coast as one of the most beautiful places on the planet that I have seen (so far)

Four Years for Malezi School in the Majengo Slum

Who me ???

I was fortunate to be invited to the celebration of 4 years at Malezi School and the opening of another recently constructed classroom. The slum school is supported by donations only and has grown from 5 students to 240. Above, the village elder addresses the assembled group of parents looking on. Slightly behind the pole is the village chief listening on very proud of the accomplishments. On the right second grade teacher holds a curious cutie curious about the goings on.


I'll resist the urge to cynically and passionately raise the specter of basic human rights particularly as they relate to education but would rather take this space to celebrate the human spirit of giving, kindness and determination as this could not be without the efforts of a number of people and a community devoted to the future of their kids. As one of the boys enthusiastically chanted "Education is the Key to my future" during one of the  fantastic presentation by all 7 classes. Like the one below;

I was honored to be invited to share in the celebration as part of the Malezi Technical Education Program  (M-TEP) along with board members Elle and Father John. We had the pleasure of handing out 30 certificates of accomplishment to the kids that had attended the computer training course. Of course -- it is the work of many volunteers and the contributions so generously sent to me by you. -- those who are reading this -- that have allowed the program to deliver these results.

We were overwhelmed by the appreciation show by the parents, kids teachers and other supporters. I guess I just didn't realize how important it is to feel that these kids have access to the tools that can change their future... their opportunities and view of the world we share. And so I say to you -- thank you for your support and generosity. We are the change we want to see in the world around us.😁

Teacher Grace ready to cut the cake

Elle thanks the group as Andrew looks on

And a note on Grace and Andrew who are the school administrators. Like Batman and Robin, they are tireless and inseparable in their efforts to do what is needed for the kids.  It's a shame that their work is so difficult and their work so under-appreciated, but that is the way it is in forgotten pockets of the world.

It's hard to say if the cake or Grace is the most beautiful thing in the picture to the left but I know for sure -- it's my distinct pleasure to be associated with these fine hardworking people.

Thanks for reading ......Layno!!!

More Capertown Capers

Once Round the Cape of Good Hope

Nice shorts dude... where's your cane?.... Oh my Gosh - my father has these same shorts ...and he's 75!!!!

Cape town, capricious and whimsical, is a travelers dream. A surprising smorgasbord of natural beauty and cultural curiosities, the city seems to have it all. Well -- other than water I guess -- as Cape Town may be the first major city in the world to run out of water. It's anticipated to occur in March of this year and will be a real surprise for all when the reality hits. As it is --  the measures the city is going to are extraordinary. After 3 years of drought --- it's not so surprising I guess. What is surprising is the sheer number of cataclysmal weather related events shaking our world. Climate change was a joke 20 years ago ... not so funny these day with the unanticipated events we are now seeing.

I took this opportunity to visit the newest, largest and most exciting museum to ever come to Africa. Freshly minted, the Zeitz museum of Modern Art  is an architectural marvel given that as it was originally a series of 47 grain silos that has now been freshly re-purposed. As you wander about -- it's with a constant sense of amazement and appreciation for this architectural marvel.

The only thing missing is Modern Art 😉 While I enjoyed the unique and indulgent facility -- the lack of interesting exhibits was a bit disappointing. In addition, I was expecting a more African inspired series of works but that is likely an unreasonable expectation; something I am often prone to having.

All that said -- many others were enjoying the museum and there were a few pieces that caught my attention, inspired my thinking and took me to that magical place where thought and visual stimuli conspire to take me to unexpected and rarely visited corners of my mind.

This stark and powerful piece caught my attention conjuring up images of war death and violence. Needs to be said I guess..

One of the wonderful things about Hostel travel -- is a built in friend group that comes as part of the package. I went on two tours arranged by the hostel and with more or less the same clan.

The first, a cape tour was serene yet lively and exceeded expectations. Between Ostriches, Baboons and Penguins there was more than enough wildlife along the way to satisfy my need to see cool living things. We stopped one bay or village after another enjoying both the quaint village scenes and remoteness alike.

Stopping to visit a colony on penguins was special. We stayed seduced and mesmerized watching the awkward land animals as they entered the water only to jet off  with grace speed and a smoothness that defies logic and reason.

This big baboon munching contently on the national flower of South Africa, the King Protea, eventually had enough of us looking at him and started moving in our direction. Thankfully our very capable tour guy extraordinaire Vaughan scared the big bugger off with a couple rocks tossed accurately in his direction. 

Without reservation, the wild chaos that greeted us at the Southernmost point of South Africa was the highlight on the day. Point Good Hope is windy and dramatic; the cliffs tower majestically as great waves of the deepest greens and blues crash angrily against the rocks far far below. Seabird soaring speedily screeching in the wind that blasts up the slopes created from the meeting of the mighty Indian and Atlantic oceans. Like two giants fighting to the finish  - the wind howls and the sea spray lifts coldly against your skin to remind you of the power and dominance of this great place. It's a must-see if in Cape town!!!

See that light house on the rocks... yup -- had to climb down there.

Ok -so a word on Vaughn the tour director and very capable driver. As with any good tour guy, he was able to put the group at ease and drive with a high level of skill making us feel safe enough that we could watch this beautiful part of the world revealing itself one window framed exotic picture after another.

More important though -- and what sets Vaughn apart from most tour guys is his humanity and rich environmental spirit. It becomes clear from first meeting that he loves this land and anything in it. Great job man!!!! What a time we had!!!





We were fortunate to have Vaughn the following day as well as we went on a wine tour of the area. Well -- more specifically it was 4 wineries in the Stellenbosch region. I dutifully studied up the evening before -- trying my best get a sense of what we would see and learn given the subtle distinction between the grape varieties, weather patterns and other wine nuances that distinguish the casual observer from the true connoisseur.





Well fuck that -- by noon we were all fabulously drunk with the rest of the day a blur of laughter and stumbling into and out of the van again and again. Varieties, weather and subtlety made way for a fantastic day of fun and surprising comradery given the "throw-together" nature of this intrepid wine sipping/ guzzling team.


Kevin on the left looks pretty pleased and cool in glasses and gracing the moment with a even cooler fist pump -- where as I -- on the other hand, have this maniacal wine induced shit-eating grin of sheer stupidity. Ahhhh what the hell. It was a fine day.

Maybe a group of strangers meeting is just as good in many ways as they are people meeting with a kindred spirit and open to a good time in whatever form that may come in. My thanks to that group for a truly fun day.

Prior to the anesthetic taking over -- I vaguely recall a wine called block 5 from Spier winery that was truly exceptional.

The happy group shares one of the day last laughs before the contented and sleepy drive home.

Jake looking even cooler

Jake looking cool

Yesterday I was lucky enough to have Jake and his Mom come by to chat and hang out. Jake was on his best behavior sporting a cool outfit and many smiles.



They both asked (well maybe not so much Jake ... but he was thinking it) that I take a moment and thank the following for their very generous donations...

Mom says cool -- thanks!!

Cliff Cyr  and family - Thanks bud!
The Travers-Smith family
Barry Bieller - very generous sir
Rod Knox - Cool Rod!!!
Carolyn --- many thanks to you!!!!


Your generosity and thoughtful contributions will be well used in the coming year helping Jake and Mom

Thank for reading....... Layno!!!

Cape Town Capers - South Africa

A Vacation on the rocks

 

"Well well well - what heck is this?" I thought as I trekked from the Cape Town bus depot to the waterfront. I had been told it was a beautiful metropolis but was unprepared for just how brightly this African jewel shines in the bright southern summer sun. The waterfront region is a world -class mixed residential/commercial space beautifully combining great architecture with functional living in an awe-inspiring setting. After Joburg and the less-than-spectacular neighborhoods I "enjoyed" while there, I was caught off guard. My Mom had said it was nice -- why oh why do I question her judgement? Hmm will I ever learn 😉

As I explored the waterfront I ambled across this wonderful bronzed Mandela with Table Rock Mountain in the background.  The mountain is ubiquitous in that it sits solidly in the middle of the city. It is in almost every view as you survey this beautiful place. The mountain begs to be climbed and given my penchant for doing just that -- the next morning -- I did just that!!! Cable cars are for woosies.

"Hey - give me a fuckin' smoke bud"

Steeper than it looks ...and straight up

It's 2 hours up this deceptively steep side-hill and an hour back down if you don't fall. Much quicker coming down if you do. 😊  The mountain is beautifully accessorized with wild flowers as you climb through a landscape home to 28 varieties of snakes including nasty cobras and such. There have been very few incidents mainly because of the snake picker uppers who are always on the prowl for these prehistoric nasty fuckers. I hate snakes.

The Hirax are the real owners of the table top that is flat, large and the perfect vantage point to enjoy heart-stoppingly beautiful views the city and coastline sparkling down below. This fellow was not so welcoming....  About the size of a small racoon -- they are a peaceful creature but look menacing as he does here. I was careful to hang onto my wallet give my recent experience with assholes in Paris. He looked capable of just about anything. Hopefully the snakes get him. hehe

Views from the top of table top are hard to leave. Like Beyonce in a music video, it's hard to look away......

Having enjoyed The Table Rock hike so much - I got up at 3:30 the following morning to hike the Lion's head for a sunrise experience. It certainly did not disappoint. It was arranged by Camille who works at the hostel where I stayed for a few days. As pleasant as she is adventurous ... I loved her energy and gratefulness for the natural environment at her doorstep. She is  a graceful climber, moving with enviable ease up the treacherous mountain. It was more of a climb than I expected...and in the dark ... hmmmm. I had a plan for a trip to Cape good hope later in the morning and had to tease her about not staying all day ... given her work duties elsewhere and later in the day. I truly believe she would have stayed all day if she could. The only unfortunate bit was the drone that was launched by some inconsiderate goofball. The load whirring cutting through the morning silence like a buzz-saw in a nursery, it was offensive and disturbing. The guy and his gal-pal stood in the edge of the mountain as the drone circled around them catching the moment on video for all eternity. I would have pushed both of them off the cliff-- but the video evidence would have been incontrovertible.  Camille said it was an almost a daily occurrence and we were lucky there was only one on that day. Hmm .... this is not an ok thing.

First light as the sun  slips lazily up over Cape Town on a lovely  warm though buzz-filled morning. First light is special.

A pretty good view of the city lit in the early morning moments....

A Day At the Beach ..... and what a beach!!!

 

 

Spectacular beauty greets you and your beach towel at Camp Bay just minutes from downtown. That's the thing about Cape Town - the city and the country are mixed up like eggplant and tahini in a decent Babaganouche. It's remarkable being a $4 --10 minute Uber from town center but seemingly a million miles away. The water is cold but given that the Great Whites ostensibly patrolling for seals ... it just as well you can't really go for a swim. About the seals -- well they are a bout 3x the size of any seal I've seen. More like a sea lion... or maybe there's been some steroid use going on here. It's quite possible that the seals have been hitting the gym and popping 'riods so that they stand a chance again the Great White killing machines just off the beach. Interestingly -- in my mind at least -- the bay was clear of Great Whites on this day as the Killer Whales had come for a Great White Shark "all you can eat Buffet" where apparently they kill the Sharks and eat just their livers..... with a bit of delicious South African wine I hope.... did anyone say Chocolate block?

A final note on New born Jake and his Mom.... we'd like to thank those who donated to  help my friend through a challenging time for her and the beginning to little Jake's life. Thanks to your generous donations, they will have a decent income for the next year and a half. When I told her about the donations -- she was shocked and surprised by the kindness of strangers. She notes that there is some evil ... but so much more good in this world. I'm not sure I would have the same perspective if I had gone  through anything remotely similar. Cheers to her and thanks to you all.

Thanks for Reading ......... Layno!!!