Lazarow World-Hike-About

Caged editor--misbehaving February 3rd Hello Africa, ‘We have to turn off that car radio or switch stations,’ we mentioned to our editor. The talk station is so negative that we get depressed after a journey in the car, even a short one. ‘Maybe, we should ride the buses instead,’ she replied. Sometimes she can be most helpful. The newspapers tell similar stories. We don’t dispute the problems. In fact, we are distressed and feel quite frustrated to see opportunities wasted. However, we arrived at a conclusion. It is attitudinal, we think. This is another African country, albeit a dynamic one. Africans do things their way. One needs to accept that to enjoy life over here. We met with Jenni’s sister, Hilary and husband Ernie Saks, a few times and that was a delight. We lunched with Errol Grolman, Sharon and Colyn Levin, long-time friends, too. We’re sorry the afternoon had to end so soon. We mentioned, in an earlier narrative, that the American Rabbi whom we met in the Auckland shul la...

Jenni at Peak--Lion's Head Quite a hangover A view of our apartment in Sea Point Hello All, (Been a while) Perhaps, it is the fairest Cape of them all. However, before we agree (and it is indeed fair), we would like to see a few more. We arrived in Cape Town from Johannesburg on Monday and immediately noticed the difference between the two cities. After not seeing mountains in Singapore and Johannesburg, the spirit was beginning to sag, the body, too. We must admit that the latter sagging began somewhat earlier. From the airport, we looked through the window and our eyes feasted on mountain ranges that took the breath away or maybe it was the price of the rental car. Editor making headway Lion's Head and Table Lion's Head peak with Robben Island in background We have not sent emails out since the beginning of our sojourn through the Snowy Mountains in Australia. By the way, they might not be the highest but they are quite beautiful and positioned in a wonderful...

Forward?...to Africa...(We hope) Deft Florist January 31st After 4 out of 5 days of rain, we started to get the message—it rains frequently in Singapore. We may not be smart but we eventually get it. We did not allow the weather to get to us especially because our first period in Australia conditioned us. However, the warm weather combined with the ‘soft raindrops’ made it an enjoyable experience. Nevertheless, it is inclined to place a dampener on some activities. Next stop: Johannesburg. To get there, we flew to Hong Kong in order to catch the connection, which flew back across Singapore en route. We could have done without the 7 hours of additional flying and extra time in airports. But such is our lack of influence. The flights were terrific and one cannot help but marvel at the concept of flight. Each and every time, we wonder how these massive birds of steel, laden under their own weight, passengers and cargo, take to the air, remain airborne and then land at a ‘pin-pointed’ de...

It's about as high as it gets in S.E. Asia January 30th What do the following have in common? A Jewish economic adviser to Muslims of Indonesia and Nigeria, an Indian Coca Cola executive residing in Singapore, an owner of ‘The Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf’ chain of stores, a mathematician from Heidelberg, an elderly Canadian couple from Winnipeg, formerly of Poland, visiting their son in Saigon, a Bulgarian pianist and a handful of Malaysians and Chinese couples, the men wearing Tzizit. We suppose we should add two wandering Jews whom are full of wonder. So, what’s the answer to the riddle? In the Forest near the City We wandered through the ‘green area’ of the city in pouring rain, reaching the highest point in Singapore, Mount Faber and then walked into the adjoining forest. A cable car reaches the top as well as allowing one to travel on it to a nearby island, too. We think we had an elevation gain of 500 feet or so—big deal. However, the gardens and forest are very attractive a...

A gardner's pride What are they selling? January 28th “We have a rental car; there are buses, trains, trams, taxis even bicycles. Why are we walking, via the beach from our apartment, to downtown Melbourne?” we gently inquired of our beloved editor. We did not want to appear impolite but 11 or 12 miles on asphalt is somewhat tiring, especially after little sleep and a hectic couple of months hiking. We have been waking in Australia at times that even the ‘streetwalkers’ of Chapel Street might find awkward. “Because there are no mountains to speak of in the area, I’ve got to keep you busy and exercised otherwise I’ll have to listen to your whining,” she replied firmly. We’re sorry we asked—we should know better by now. Keep us ‘exercised and whinnying’? —sounds like horse-talk to us. "Okay Guys, I got you covered...extra sunscreen in my sidepocket" We said goodbye to our spunky niece and left Melbourne for the city-state of Singapore. After a hectic start including a...

Chapel Street "For a start, get rid of those shorts,” our editor announced gruffly,”and while you’re at it, your stylish hat, too.” “Oh, no. Not the hat, surely,” we protested strongly. What triggered this assault on our wardrobe you might wonder? It is all about Chapel Street in St Kilda, Melbourne. We have rented an apartment close to that street for five days and have discovered that it may be the ideal place to live. The internet brochure advertising the accommodation was a work of art. Any similarity to the actual apartment is purely coincidental, though. But we really ‘appreciate’ the slick approach. Yeah, right! We have arrived as the saying goes. What made you decide, you might ask? We’re pleased you’re inquisitive. Chapel Street, particularly at night, appeals to us because it’s for the young, hip, the with-it, tattooed, heavy smokers, drinkers, semi-nudists and other upstanding citizens of society. We just feel it’s our kind of town. We strolled along the sidewalk and we...

Romy and Jenni, entering the forest after 1,000 steps January 24th Hike 27: The Dandenongs and its 1,000 steps We’re in Melbourne, a large city by any standard. This does not necessarily mean that there are high mountains though. Then again, you can’t have everything. Shabbos was at St Kilda’s Hebrew Congregation, a friendly community with Rabbi Heilbrunn, formerly of South Africa. The Rabbi sounds equally at home as a chazzan, too. It was a most interesting and uplifting few days. We met family of Jenni’s who live in Australia by the name of Klein (from Springs). Isadore, Bernice, daughters Cheryl and Louise and niece, Jenny. Family like this one doesn’t run away from but rather, one runs to. Then we linked up with Lorraine and Bobby Heilbrunn who are cousins and hosted us at their home for a wonderful dinner. Yes. Bobby is the brother of the rabbi and Lorraine is Jenni’s first cousin. We have met up with quite a few ‘landsman’. What is most interesting is that every South African w...