24601

On Valentines Day, Robyn and I went to watch the much vaunted musical, Les Miserables. Now, we've heard a great deal about this show, people who've seen it more than once because it's so good, claiming it as their favourite show, 'you have to see it' etc etc but for some reason I've never known what the heck it's about? Well we saw it and it did not dissappoint and the more I think about it in hindsight, the better it seems to become.

I battled to follow some of it, but what I did follow, and fully catch, was memorable. It's based on the book (of the same title, meaning 'The Poor ones') by French author Victor Hugo, and is just a great piece of masterfully inter-twined script-writing. The reason why I like 'Les Mis' so much, is because the subject matter and story are so real and meaningful. It's not about a lion looking for his cub, or about a hack dancer with a drug problem trying to make his mark on the LA dance scene, it's REAL and we could learn from it if we chose to. It examines the importance of realtionships and having love/passion in your heart. I won't tell you too much more, but the story is based around the long, dark, road to redemption walked by (ex-con – hence the '24601' title) Jean Valjean, who, from this day forward (even though the story is most probably fictitious) shall be my new hero. It's kind of like a rags to riches story, but also of how a person can change and reform himself if he really wants to and believes that that is the path he must take. Other than that, it contains everything you would expect from a west-end show, brilliant stage design, lighting and costumes and possibly the most emotional and moving solo (think Pippen's solo to the Steward of Gondor during the Final Lord of the Rings movie) towards the end by the legendary Jean Valjean which sent the crowd into rapturous applause.

The London Zoo

A few weeks ago, we went to the London Zoo. I've been meaning to go for ages and for some reason today was the day. I have to say, it was a little dissappointing. Think Durban's Mitchell Park, throw in a few bigger animals and go there on the coldest day in Durban's history. The UNDOUBTED highlight of the day for us, was this Malayan Tapir…



What a legend of an animal! The whole time we gazed inquisitively over the fence at him, (wondering whether he was a giant ant-eater wearing a poncho or a miniature hornless Rhino with a crew-cut) he trotted around his pen rather disturbingly, with a crazed look in his eye! He even narrowly missed peeing on Robyn when she got too close with the camera, as he rounded the chicane closest to us. You see, I reckon he was a newbee. Quite clearly still coming to terms with the whole Zoo set-up. I don't blame him either, it must be a pretty harsh reality to come to terms with. Spending the rest of your life in a crappy cage only for people to watch your evey move. Like some sort of sick Big Brother, but without the 15 minutes of fame and a cover shot on Heat Magazine for your CV. Escape, quite clearly, was at the top of this fella's mind.

Another highlight was the Reptiles section which was/is really good. They even have a sign showing you the enclosure (which now has a Black Mamba in it) they used in the first Harry Potter film, where Harry makes the glass dissappear and his fat cousin falls in and screams like a baby. This particluar Iguana was one of the highlights. Just chilling on his dried out piece of driftwood, under the lamp in his tank. Clearly very comfortable.

They also have a few suprisingly healthy looking Asian Lions. Did you even know there were such things? I didn't. I thought they were unique to Africa. Apparently, a heck of a long time ago, these guys roamed the plains/deserts between Turkey and India. There was also a very average looking, but cute Sloth Bear, in fact I'm not even sure it was a bear, it could easily have been someone in a bear-suit. Oh and I forgot, they also had two tigers. Keep an eye out for July when they'll be adding a Gorillla to their list of attractions.

All in all, worth a visit, it's worth it just for the Tapir. Don't forget your oystercard to, so you can claim the 2for1 deal.

Look What I Bought!!

Ooooh, look what I finally had the courage (stupidity?) to buy. I've been wanting a lekker cool camera for a looong while now and I finally gave in to temptation and bought it! I did feel a little nauseous right after the purchase, but feeling much better at present! Right, now to learn how to use the blasted thing!!
Robyn

Tales of the Golden Monkey

I can't take credit for this one, you have to thank Eugene, sorry, 'EuJEAN Pant' for this. Great work Eugene! This'll be the last program I put up on here, just in case some of you are getting bored with this type of thing. Anyway, I distinctly remember this program scaring the kak out of Murray and I as youngsters. One particular time, I bolted out the lounge screaming and went and sat next to my mom who was on the phone to someone. Like she was going to protect me or something? As if the monkey could climb through the telly? Thankfully 'The Ring' hadn't come out then! It had these really frightening monkeys on it. I'm not sure why they were so scary, but just take my word for it, they were manky. I think they were riddled with rabies or some other such disease that made them totally crazed. Other than that, the program was pretty average, I think it may have been the first time I saw a plane land on water, which was pretty cool back then…


Oh my word, and I've found the terrifying Monkey! Pretty impressive for back then…

Dusk in Regents Park

By Robyn
Although I must admit that this is one magnificent photo, the idea was in fact Shauns! He had, just two minutes before, taken a similar photo of a similar tree just further up the path. It just so happens that my tree was prettier than his and so made for such an awe inspiring picture! Better luck next time Shauna ;)

Snow in London!

CHECK IT OUT!!
Ok this is a photo that was actually taken a week or two ago when it last snowed over here, but we awoke to a similar scene this morning and it's still snowing at 9:38 in the morning so it's actually thicker than the picture! Woohoo. Shaun was so excited he wore his snowboard jacket to work today!

Top Dog

Youtube is GREAT. Recently, for some reason unbeknown to me, I've been delving deep into the darkest recesses of my brain to try and remember some of my favourite TV programs as a kid. I've attached the theme song to one of them below. The program is 'The Littlest Hobo' and the theme song is 'Maybe Tomorrow'. Ahhhh, yes, I see, I've ignited a memory! What a song and what a briliiant program it was! The Littlest Hobo was kind of a rougher, tougher, less feminine version of Lassie, and although I'm not the hugest fan of German Shepherds, I'm slowly changing my tune.

The littlest hobo was a legend, rather unassuming actually and unlike Lassie, never had any owners, hence the nickname 'Hobo'. At the end of each episode, he'd just bugger off down the street nonchalantly and go find someone else to help protect from thieves or something. And so the next episode would begin. Much like Jessica Fletcher, trouble was never far from the littlest hobo.

So have a watch, it's sure to stir up some emotion. I'm also going to list some of my other favourite's, they're all on youtube, so just punch the program name into their search bar and reminisce away.

Here are a few, in no particular order: Mr Belvedere, St Elsewhere, Different Strokes, Silver Spoons, Riptide, Thundercats, Chips, Who's the boss, The Equalizer, Empty Nest, Bob Newhart.