In the highly imaginative world of long-exposure photography, even time can be toyed with to spin a visual yarn. This art is all about catching stillness amid a whirl of movement, using camera-ready tripods and quick thinking. Craft beguiling stories using not just light and shadow, but also the whispers of passing time. So grab a camera, toss reality out the...
Heritage | The Neck Tie
Pondering about the humble necktie? Those strips of fabric originating from 17th century Croatian mercenaries elevated by King Louis XIII to royal accessory status? Now, they undergo countless changes, reflect art movements, and give men a shot of expressing their artistic sides. Lads, next time you tie one on, remember it's not just fashion, it's history against your Adam's...
Electricity in South Africa: History and Current Challenges
Tracing South Africa's electrifying history from early telegraph usage in 1860 to today's frequent blackouts and soaring prices, it's clear that Eskom's in a pickle. From being the pioneer of bright ideas, like illuminating railways in 1881, to now juggling load-shedding schedules, Eskom seems to be stuck in a dark loop. Between large-scale corruption, non-payment issues, and an overburdened...
Exploring the Remote Job Market: Copywriting for Captain Words
Pause before downing that cup of coffee; the path as a contributor for Captain Words isn't the tranquil $8-per-1000-word utopia. While there's the appeal of remote work and flexible schedules, crafting 10,000 words while managing household chores isn't suited for the timid or those with shaky internet connections. Amidst project challenges and occasional hunger pangs, you delve into the realms of...
Pollinator Bees on the Brink: Big Problem
Bumblebees, nature's handy GPS-using, spoon-tongued pollinators, are in serious trouble. Thanks to modern farming practices, these flying pollinators face the threat of home eviction and pesticide poisoning. However, hope lies in plant diversity, reduced pesticide use, and bee-friendly community projects. So, let's get buzzing and help these smart little creatures before their tiny suitcases get packed!...
Lost to Time: Tom Gillespie, 1907–1947
Tom Gillespie, fifth among eight siblings, was born in 1907 in Oudtshoorn, South Africa. After initially embracing barber-hood, military life caught his fancy. He served, got married, cut hair, served again, then settled in Kimberley. In 1947, at only 40, he concluded his life's whirlwind adventure, leaving a legacy of an absent father and husband, despite the merits earned in...
Unveiling Hope: Pandemics Forge a New Path in the Western Cape
Detours to dreams! Cancelled flights launched epic adventures. This post chronicles a pandemic pivot: trading dream destinations for the wild, confusing world of digital nomadism. Swap boardrooms for breathtaking views, ditch resumes for freelance hustles. It's bumpy, the sunrise from your laptop is no reality. But the journey? Priceless....
Goodbye to An Old Friend: Sigma 18-250 mm 1;3.5-6.
In Namibia's embrace, where desert meets ocean's grace, my friend met its sandy fate — lost in dunes, awash in salt. Farewell, dear Sigma, selfies now grainy, landscapes left to roam alone, becoming one with the metal that shapes the Namib's dunes....
Navigating Lockdowns: Personal Reflections on Lost Opportunities
Life during pandemic times: A tumultuous blend of constant travel, vanishing job offers, and precariously teetering freelance work. But wait, it’s not all gloom! Sprinkle in a chaos-induced family reunion after 40 years, the stressful soothing of a stressed mum in isolation, and a stubbornly elusive passport from Namibia. Who says variety is dead?...
Travel | Thank You, Lucas
In an unexpected twist of events in Swakopmund, Breakdown-turned-brunch at a gem of a coffee shop brought out the cheesecake lover in my partner, while I found solace in a fancy French breakfast. Navigating a pay-to-pee nightmare led to an impromptu photoshoot with friendly staff. Moral of the story? Bathroom troubles can sprout creativity, and always carry coins for...