Weekend round-up
I got out and about quite a bit this weekend - starting with an excellent and very reasonable meal at the Black Forest Tavern, a decades-old establishment that specialises in traditional German cuisine but also offers a wide variety of food, from seafood to steak to venison. As a venue though it's probably far too quaint and old-fashioned for the image-whores out there.
I also finalised my toddler cousin's birthday present - eventually settling on the Hot Wheels looping track starter set. I discovered that when it comes to kids I'm definitely more comfortable buying books, action figures, DVDs and cartoon-branded clothing. They fit far more comfortably into my knowledge domain. I'm clueless when it comes to toy car stuff and honestly the choice was quite overwhelming...
On Saturday I also accompanied the bf as an estate agent showed him apartments and duplexes around Durban. He wants to enter the property market, you see. We saw one fantastic place but it was unfortunately too expensive. I eventually came away from the viewing experience feeling quite depressed because it's clear there is no way to buy property on your own as a single person with no friends and family willing/able to share such a massive investment. It is true you could probably afford a place in a dodgy area but who wants to pump their lifesavings into a shithole? I suppose that approach is fine if you're buying a second place in the hope that the area uplifts, but you certainly can't make that gamble as you enter the market. The point is that you really need 2 good salaries to afford a basic, basic apartment home. Bah!
Then I was made to feel even more despondent when we got home to discover that the bf's neighbours had endured an attempted break-in. Despite the house having big dogs, and a razor-wire topped fence, the fuckers got into the property by breaking through one of the lower cement wall panels(I would never have thought of that!) and apparently drugging the hounds. Not only does this kind of thing make you feel so frustrating powerless and afraid, but it also makes you think "Why should I bother having anything nice here? Even if you turn your home into a prison they will find a way in. And the biggie: why should I bother investing in a future in this crime-ridden country? Surely I should take everything and leave for somewhere where I can enjoy greater peace of mind about my personal safety, space and possessions?"
Anyway, on a happier note, in terms of pop culture consumption, the big activity of the weekend was finally watching G.I. Joe on Sunday evening. My full review will appear here soon but I'll say now that the film is a lot of mindless fun. It ends on a bit of a tepid note, and the CGI-work leaves a LOT to be desired, but otherwise it truly is a cheesy 80s cartoon brought to life - continually playing with the expected archetypes. G.I. Joe is much more enjoyable nostalgia experience than Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen.
Otherwise I was more interested in enjoying the pleasant Spring weather than really spending too much time cooped up inside in front of the TV or PC. Family Guy Volume 7 is proving to be a healthy jump in quality after the shortened Volume 6, which apparently was badly affected by the Writers' Strike.
In terms of gaming, my World of WarCraft playing this weekend seemed to be more centred on money making and advancing my paladin's mining and blacksmithing professions than actual questing and levelling (I'm now just 2 levels away from being able to wear plate!). I did at last finally complete the Blackrock Depths dungeon - just to see what it was like. The bf and I 2-manned it with his Level 72 Warrior and my Level 80 Warlock.
And that was the weekend in a nutshell...
I also finalised my toddler cousin's birthday present - eventually settling on the Hot Wheels looping track starter set. I discovered that when it comes to kids I'm definitely more comfortable buying books, action figures, DVDs and cartoon-branded clothing. They fit far more comfortably into my knowledge domain. I'm clueless when it comes to toy car stuff and honestly the choice was quite overwhelming...
On Saturday I also accompanied the bf as an estate agent showed him apartments and duplexes around Durban. He wants to enter the property market, you see. We saw one fantastic place but it was unfortunately too expensive. I eventually came away from the viewing experience feeling quite depressed because it's clear there is no way to buy property on your own as a single person with no friends and family willing/able to share such a massive investment. It is true you could probably afford a place in a dodgy area but who wants to pump their lifesavings into a shithole? I suppose that approach is fine if you're buying a second place in the hope that the area uplifts, but you certainly can't make that gamble as you enter the market. The point is that you really need 2 good salaries to afford a basic, basic apartment home. Bah!
Then I was made to feel even more despondent when we got home to discover that the bf's neighbours had endured an attempted break-in. Despite the house having big dogs, and a razor-wire topped fence, the fuckers got into the property by breaking through one of the lower cement wall panels(I would never have thought of that!) and apparently drugging the hounds. Not only does this kind of thing make you feel so frustrating powerless and afraid, but it also makes you think "Why should I bother having anything nice here? Even if you turn your home into a prison they will find a way in. And the biggie: why should I bother investing in a future in this crime-ridden country? Surely I should take everything and leave for somewhere where I can enjoy greater peace of mind about my personal safety, space and possessions?"
Anyway, on a happier note, in terms of pop culture consumption, the big activity of the weekend was finally watching G.I. Joe on Sunday evening. My full review will appear here soon but I'll say now that the film is a lot of mindless fun. It ends on a bit of a tepid note, and the CGI-work leaves a LOT to be desired, but otherwise it truly is a cheesy 80s cartoon brought to life - continually playing with the expected archetypes. G.I. Joe is much more enjoyable nostalgia experience than Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen.
Otherwise I was more interested in enjoying the pleasant Spring weather than really spending too much time cooped up inside in front of the TV or PC. Family Guy Volume 7 is proving to be a healthy jump in quality after the shortened Volume 6, which apparently was badly affected by the Writers' Strike.
In terms of gaming, my World of WarCraft playing this weekend seemed to be more centred on money making and advancing my paladin's mining and blacksmithing professions than actual questing and levelling (I'm now just 2 levels away from being able to wear plate!). I did at last finally complete the Blackrock Depths dungeon - just to see what it was like. The bf and I 2-manned it with his Level 72 Warrior and my Level 80 Warlock.
And that was the weekend in a nutshell...
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