this is south africa

Braai or Blog?

Posted on January 30, 2016

What with all the catching up after this week’s Immodium-fest, it came down to a choice between these two behemoths of time-passing enjoyment late this afternoon.
And, sorry for you, reader, I went with the braai. There were guests too, guests who brought potatoes and a cabbage salad: made… with cabbage.
There were anecdotes, there was laughter, there was a disturbing amount of balsamic vinegar in the cabbage salad dressing.

Tomorrow, there will be ample time for blogging, and there are no plans for any alliterative alternative to challenge it for supremacy.

As long as no-one mentions beer, of course.

Nice surprise

Posted on January 29, 2016August 18, 2021

I accidentally clicked on a link (well, either that or “my account was hacked“) on YouTube and got to watch this.

Which was a nice surprise.

Typhoid fever spreads to Cape

Posted on January 28, 2016January 28, 2016

Yes.

But, before you ask, no.

Also: this is exactly how we diagnose Typhoid in the lab.

If you want to avoid being infected, simply make sure that your blood gets put in a tube ticked ‘negative’.

Keep On Running

Posted on January 27, 2016January 27, 2016

In Loperamide (C₂₉H₃₃ClN₂O₂), we trust.

Ah yes. Day 2 of this infernal “24 hour” viral gastroenteritis, bringing with it the traditional four symptoms of viral gastroenteritis: sweating, shaking, swearing and farting. And frequent trips to the bathroom, obviously.

I haven’t had much contact with other individuals, but apparently, “everyone has got it”, which I suppose is meant to bring some comfort in that you then understand that you’re not suffering alone. However, all it makes me think of is numerous sweaty, shaky, sweary, farty individuals across Cape Town who can’t stray too far from a toilet.

And that’s not pleasant.

I’m actually rather annoyed that I’ve contracted this nasty bug: being a microbiologist, I’m anal about hand-washing and hygiene. (Perhaps I should use soap and water like other people?)
So, be aware, Cape Town people – you are hereby advised to stock up on Immodium, Rehydrate and Lucozade, because if I can get it, anyone can get it.

Right, I’m off for my 14th shower of the day.
Stay healthy, peeps.

Waterfront blues

Posted on January 23, 2016January 23, 2016

While Mrs 6000 went racehorseing, I took the kids to the Waterfront. If she was going to have a good time, so were we.

Some pizza, some fish, a big wheel and an ice cream or two later, we headed home. It’s been a good day, but the photos will have to wait till tomorrow – batteries are a bit low.
Not on the camera. On me.