I’ve been at Visions Gymnastics in Johannesburg for the month of February.
Congratulations to two of their gymnasts who competed the last World Cup against some of the very best gymnasts in the world.
A great life and sporting experience.
Loving it, so far. 🙂
Even if I can’t reach vertical on handstand any longer.
Mozambique is a huge country, twice as long as California.
Tourists mainly visit for the sea. Beautiful beaches and diverse water sports.
I was in Maputo volunteering for the International Gymnastics Federation, my 3-day coaching course hosted at the nation’s main Faculty of Physical Education and Sport.
After it finished, I stayed one extra night with my host Edmundo Ribeiro.
Maputo is considered one of the most interesting and friendly African capitals.
It has a lazy tropical feel yet is scattered with high rise buildings. We took a Sunday afternoon driving tour of the relaxed capital city.
The beach was packed on a Sunday.
The highlight was a seafood feast at Restaurante Costa do Sol, a “Maputo classic”.
Edmundo’s daughter in a popular city park.
How to finish the day?
ICE CREAM, of course.
Unlike South Africa, affluent citizens are not nearly so conspicuous. You have to search them out. They live here.
I’ve met people who contracted malaria in Maputo. But over 5 days there in March I saw only 2 mosquitoes.
Maputo is infamous for random police checks, especially of tourists. The usual request is for a small bribe in exchange for the return of your passport. Savvy travellers carry, instead, a notarized copy of the passport. And ask to be taken to the police station when stopped.
I was carrying my passport when Edmundo got waived over for a random police check. … As it turned out, the lights were not working on one side of his vehicle. It was not random. After paying a small bribe, we drove on.
It’s less dangerous than JoBurg, overall.
Mostly for those younger than age-30.
It’s EASY for Canadian gymnastics coaches under 30.
… comprehensive list of all of the countries in the world that offer working holiday visas for Canadians, so that you can choose where you want to work abroad and start planning your trip.
A working holiday visa allows you to work and travel in that country for a period of time, usually between 12-24 months. The idea is that you are working to support your travels, rather than coming there with any long term career prospects in mind – travel should be the main focus of your trip. You will need to show proof of having enough support funds in your bank account so that you can take care of your primary expenses until you start earning money from your job. …
read more – Which Countries Offer Working Holiday Visas for Canadians?
(via Facebook)
I’m a volunteer coach for the month of February.
Though Johannesburg is not considered a big tourist destination, over 4 weeks here I expect to become something of a local.
It’s sprawling, green, clean. A very attractive city at first glance.
Greater population almost 10 million.
Mountain biking the Cradle of Humankind on Sunday.
related – Why I Think Joburg Rocks
A perfect world would not have socialism, unions nor minimum wage legislation.
But it seems to me that there is a time and place for each in the development of a society. Take CHINA, for example. Communism to Capitalism is the road map. En route the Chinese people would benefit from Unions and minimum wage laws.
At some point, they’d no longer be needed.
If I want to volunteer (as I am right now) — why should any Government stop me?
If I want to be an unpaid intern — why should any Government stop me?
Click PLAY or watch The Truth about the Minimum Wage on YouTube.
I don’t agree with everything in that propaganda edit. But it’s food for thought.
today I fly,
the reason why
I spent 3 weeks in South Africa last year. And I’m going back to southern Africa for at least 6 weeks this time. Hiking. And as a Gymnastics volunteer.
I’ll be based out of JoBurg. Visiting Lesotho and Mozambique.
Johannesburg claims the best climate in the world. 🙂
I was back once again in Port Townsend, WA just after Christmas. Stayed a couple of weeks. 🙂
This time Carrie, James and I were videotaping Games & Activities for Tumbl Trak, based on a script I wrote 14yrs ago.
James has moved to Port Townsend from freezing Michigan — for 3 months, at least.
He’s living in Doug and Diana’s new guest house dubbed “The Lodge“.
The weather was far better than most anywhere else in North America. But it did rain.
Actually, I spent more time on Doug’s Cycleops 200 Pro Indoor Cycle trainer than on that guest bike. Watching episodes of House of Cards.
Good food. Good fun. Good conversation.
James is a member of the Wall Street Journal Wine Club. He gets a select collection every 3 months.
January in Port Townsend is a time of Tumbl Trak brainstorming for the new year. We’ve hatched plans.
Doug & Diana have so many guests visit them in Port Townsend, WA, they finally bought a second house. James moved in for 3 months!
The LODGE will be hosting many meetings & social events, as well. My second night in town we enjoyed a big dinner.
Salty provided smoked salmon.
Chris made two giant lasagnas.
Matt & Becca brought their NEW baby. 🙂
mmmm …
Arrived Antwerp. For the World Gymnastics Championships.
You never get tired of the gorgeous train station.
I’m already shopping for a souvenir hat. 🙂
Rick McCharles 