Lone Star State of Mind

Despite having spent the better part of my life in Texas, it is still possible forget about some of the little eccentricities that can really make our homeland unlike anywhere else in the world.

Like when you expect corporate familiarity from the local Compass Bank branch and you find yourself in the interior of a Mexican adobe and the bank manager in a three piece suit and bollo tie.

 

Or when you are in a situation that allows you to discover that once a catfish gets a taste of beer, he will be your friend for the duration of the evening.

We might be the biggest and the best, but its really the litte things that make Texas a such a special place.

A Ratnakara Virgin No More

So amongst the numerous and most triumphant firsts that we racked up during our trip through the Garden Route (golfing with baboons, stingray fishing with Prince Charlie, wild oyster shucking in the Knsyna Lagoon, and avoiding a hyena shake-off after her afternoon urine bath) one feat was unacceptably left unheralded. Well no longer. After an incredibly scenic and rugged 30 minute hike down the Kranshoek coastal cliff, Lindsay plunged into icy waters of the Indian Ocean for the first time. Congratulations Lindsay!

Fish Like an Egyptian

In addition to the presence of a star-studded cast of characters in Cape Town for the World Cup draw, some soccer/futbol-related excitement was had as well.  Most notably, the soccer gods answered my prayers and gave us the ultimate dream matchup in Group G opening round play: Brazil vs North Korea.  Looks like the boys downstairs may want to revisit their championship prediction now that the Canarinhos are going to be banging cleats with Kim Jong Il's mysterious Pyongyang Nightstalker squadron.  I can't wait.

On the tail of such exciting news, I decided to let Lindsay and Co. hunt down Charlize, the Beckhams, Corey Feldman and all the other mega-celebrities roaming around town, while I hit Langebaan Lagoon for some late-night fishing with my Egyptian friend Hesham and our Afrikaans boat captain, Anton.  Talk about a fishing dream team.  How'd we do, you ask? 

Well, we may have set a new national record for most Brown Shy Sharks with about 54.  The first couple were pretty interetesting since its got a cool pattern and strangely curls into a ball and covers its eyes with its tail once it senses trouble.  But, they quickly started to wear out their welcome.  Overall, pretty lame shark.  Here's Hesham and one of the 42 he caught....

The real prize of the night was my Kabeljou...

Which turned into prime braai material....

All in all pretty nice little Saturday...