It would seem that menfolk aren’t the cleverest creatures around. National Post hits on some numbers which tell a pretty embarrasing tale. Between 70 and 80 percent of victims of thunderstorm-related deaths in North America are males. Why? Apparently men are less likely to quit what they’re doing and head for shelter when a storm strikes.

Mac might not be for everybody, one has to admire Apple’s vision and business sense. I mean, they’re even offering the Canon 10D for Pete’s sake; then tie it in with their product line by marketing the 12" powerbook on the same page using the slogan: “a darkroom that fits in your camera bag.”

I also look forward to picking up one of the new iPods — 30gb version of course — just as soon as I have my hands on that 10D I’ve been gearing up for. The only question I really have is: what words will I choose to have engraved on it?

Wundebar. Not only does my cable operator’s internet division not service the area in which I live — which means I can’t get cable internet — but while I was away they decided to axe SkyNews from their channel line-up. I still get Euronews, BBC World, and CNN, but their reporting doesn’t hold a match to Sky’s professionalism, and extensive coverage.

I know what you’re thinking: call their customer service line, kick up a ruckus, call the GM. Ain’t gonna help. This is Romania, the customer is always wrong.

Worried that I might have metamorphosed into a canine-bearing carnivore during my stay in South Africa? Friends back here were concerned with the health risks of eating beef at nearly every meal, nevermind all the biltong (seasoned strips of dried meat) inbetween.

Although my arteries are surely the worse for it, my teeth and gums have made gains. As a result of all the meat getting stuck between my teeth, I’ve been flossing more frequently (and hope to keep it that way), thus helping to keep the plaque levels down. I also ditched my Colgate Wave toothbrush in favor of a new OralB CrossAction. The OralB excels at getting into nooks between your teeth.

I’d also like to mention that the OralB is available in self-respecting color stylings, because in case you haven’t been paying attention, the design departments of all the major dental hygiene firms seem to be on acid. I mean, has anyone else noticed how the overwhelming majority of toothbrushes on the shelves look like they came from the glow-in-the-dark, the 70s are back in town, looks like it was made for a 5-year-old, could easily substitute for a lava lamp school of design? I’m a man, there’s no way I’m buying a purple and yellow toothbrush, much less a pink and green one!

I have hardly been back in Bucharest a day, and already I’m tech support central again. I don’t think I’m cut out to deal with people who can’t install their own drivers, nevermind the fact that they can’t even properly install the crap that hosed their machines in the first place. Fortunately it’s Orthodox Easter here this weekend, so I might actually get some peace while everyone else will be tied up with family obligations.

Well, that’s it. It really has been a glorious 4 weeks of warm weather, great food, and fun with friends old and new. Thanks Tracy, Scott, Jess, Roxanne, Jerome, and Mike! I look forward to getting the pictures up — soon I hope.

Just when I thought that things might actually not be as bad as I had imagined during my time out of SA, Tracy became the victim of a smash ‘n grab at an intersection last night. Thankfully, she’s safe, and unharmed except for a cut from the shattered glass as she tussled with the perp to keep her sweatshirt. To live under constant threat of this kind of act, or worse, is no way to enjoy life. Keep safe guys!

Landed in Zürich about 30 minutes ago. Should arrive back in Bucharest early this afternoon. Had a decent flight, great steak, excellent service - as always on Swiss. I was feeling rather tired, so I only watched one movie, and then slept for the rest of the flight. I hadn’t seen Minority Report report before, but I have no idea why anyone would be fussed about it: far too straightforward, and predictible — anyone care to remind Spielberg that 1984’s already been done.

One of the things that’s been eating away at me this trip is having to use coins again. It’s the kind of thing that tends to bug me in the USA too. Go out on any good day with a handfull of bills, and expect to find your pants hanging around your ankles with the weight of all the silver in your pockets.

In Romania the system is practically all notes, and it’s so much easier. Heaven knows why the government there is trying to coin higher denomination coins these days. Sure their circulation period is a bit longer than that of notes, but I’m sure most people couldn’t be bothered.

The cherry blossoms have been out in full force over in Tokyo. I adore the atmosphere of this exact floral display. This adds fuel to the fire for my yearning to create a Japanese/Zen styled garden when I settled down one day

What did I eat on Tuesday? Steak. Wednesday? Steak. Thursday? Steak. Friday? Steak. Saturday? Steak. Sunday? Steak. Kinda repetitive ain’t it? No matter, I’ve enjoyed every bite! Except maybe Thurdsay when Tracy, Mike, and I gourged ourselves on snacks beforehand, and then went on to force down another huge meal at dinner with our families at a local restaurant.

A great mushy Happy Birthday to Tracy! Hope it’s a fantastic day with family and friends, and that you and that boyfriend of yours don’t make too much of a scene of yourselves in public.

I also want to wish you congratulations on your graduation tomorrow. Well done, and everything of the best in your career pursuits!

Attended my buddy’s honors convocation ceremony at RAU yesterday. Good to see him finally earn the accolade after all the hard work he put in for it. It felt rather strange though — his exams were written over four months ago.

Had an excellent meal last night after he and I finally decided on a place to eat. Starters, salad, 4 cokes, 2L mineral water, 2 450g fillet steaks, and side orders came in at around R300 ($38). Not bad at all by international standards.

Headed out for another fine meal right now. We’re starved for them in Romania, but Yowzer, how I love a good steak!

Went to a Doritos food fight on Thursday… comedy show at Junction Blue actually, but the thousands of crushed, popped bags of corn chips all over the place, and in everyone’s hair would have made you think otherwise. We left early though, and did a bit of midnight golfing on the ‘Schumba Valley Lodge’ driving range. A few loud clangs of golfballs hitting the security hut, and the commotion of the hither-to sleeping guards signalled that I definitely need to work on my game.

It’s not only my long game that’s come under scrutiny. Last night my 8-ball skills deserted me, and I was ‘whipped’ by a few of the guys from my old highschool… fortunately good team work in the foosball challenge saved the day as Mike and I hung on for a desperately needed, face-saving victory.

Flight went great, got a couple of hours of sleep in between watching The Bourne Identity and K19 Widowmaker. Thoroughly enjoyed the Bourne Identity soundtrack, so I’ll pick that up if I get a chance.

Got a tast of Vanilla Coke for the first time on Saturday. I wasn’t too impressed, but by Monday it didn’t seem to bother me much. Just about anything would do, in fact, to help fight the heat. It’s been a sunny and warm past few days — 27C on average.

The late 90’s rap, and commercial HipHop, infatuation that has plagued music lovers in Europe and the US over the past few years, has only just hit South Africa with the release of Eminem’s 8 Mile. It’s all amazingly superficial, but a better influence than ‘P Diddy’ nontheless.

Loving the steak, and all the traditional stuff like boerewors, vetkoek, and biltong. Digging into all the sweets and snacks again is like having a second childhood too.

Updates might pick up this coming week — in spite of the lack-lustre facilities here at the hotel.