7 January, '09: Back to work

Suddenly it is 7 January and (Oh, panic, panic!) I haven't managed a blog. On Monday I went back to work. The lines have been humming ever since. I have seen students, submitted an abstract for an international conference, checked chapters of theses and collected draft chapters for a new book which I am editing. But fortunately, I work from home and only visit the campus once or twice a week. In such balmy summer weather I have moved my laptop from the study onto the table on the verandah. I challenge anyone to equal such an idllyic workplace.

However, today I was on campus and stopped by the main hall to take a quick pic of the Van Wijk Building with the inspiring banner calling students to change the world through education.


Here is a close up with the Great Man, our own Nelson Mandela, role model of endurance and of reconciliation.

10 October, 2008: Cloudless skywatching over Pretoria

Cloudless skies over the geometric shapes of the buildings of my alma mater and the university where I have been teaching for twenty-two years. The University of South Africa, fondly known as UNISA to hundreds of thousands of alumni, including Nelson Mandela.

The admin block at Unisa. Teaching is done through distance education (mainly print, but rapidly changing to hi-tech).

Pretoria lies in a mauve haze as the jakaranda trees flaunt their glorious blossoms in honour of Persephone. In the far distance are the stately sandstone Union Buildings, the seat of the administrative section of the government of South Africa.

The skyline of down town Pretoria where shoppers bustle under mauve pools of shade.

The view from the 10th floor of the Theo van Wjik Building at Unisa.

Now what to do under skies so blue? Gal finds working tedious on such a magnificent day and takes to the pool in Thatchwick's backgarden for a little exercise.

Not true to his water-loving breed, Trist prefers to look on with just a hint of a tolerant smile.

Thank you all Skywatchers and good blog friends for popping in to enjoy my part of the world! Now I am off to enjoy yours!