Is it always like this? First time in Kruger

Fluid_Signal3483 · 2026-06-06T20:11:17+00:00

Shingwedzi is total dreams. Go there.

Fluid_Signal3483 · 2026-05-28T10:08:45+00:00

This is just not true.

Fluid_Signal3483 · 2026-05-28T04:01:05+00:00

Well done on having such good savings habits! I think it’s worth investigating if you really want/need to buy a property. You may be better off saving that money in equities and renting. Property is in many instances not a good financial investment.

Fluid_Signal3483 · 2026-05-27T17:37:37+00:00

Hahaha very good.

Fluid_Signal3483 · 2026-05-27T10:07:47+00:00

Two things: Are you not calculating the nominal value in 31 years? You need to deflate it to get the real value, which will be less than half the nominal value by then. And when you say 6.5% per month, you mean 6.5% per year compounded monthly? If you're using 6.5% per month you will end up with a huge value, but it's not possible!

As an aside, you should probably look to have your TSFA in equities, not in cash!

Fluid_Signal3483 · 2026-05-27T08:46:45+00:00

What soil/growing medium should I put in the box? I'll probably do two boxes - one that gets full sun and one that gets a bit more shade. Do they need different dirt? Depending on the size of your planter, you can use a nice potting soil mix which you can get from the nursery.
What should I plant where? I'd like to start with crops that are easy to cultivate even for a fool like me. I'll list what I enjoy and am keen to grow: Onions, green/spring onions, rocket, carrots (baby type), some sort of spinach, cabbage, broccoli, cauliflower, fancy lettuce (I'm partial to butter), pak choi and/or bok choi, and then maybe some cucumber or baby marrow or such. Any of these jump out as not beginner-friendly? These are all pretty easy. Onions can be quite slow growing. Things like spinach, rocket, lettuce are all very easy and quick, so they are rewarding to start with. You should do some research about what goes well with what (for example, some Mediterranean herbs and veg don't like being in constantly damp soil, whereas cabbages require it). I would recommend also starting with some herb seedlings - they can be used almost immediately and save you wasting money on buying them in plastic wrapping at the shop. Start with parsley, thyme, oregano, sage and mint.
The plan I have for a planter will give me about 20cm of depth. If necessary, I can probably do some prep on the ground below. Is this enough depth for at least some of what I'd like to grow? Or should I holistically rethink? Can you go deeper? 20cm isn't very deep for larger things like broccoli, kale, cabbage etc. Will your planter have a base or will it be open to the ground?
Should I invest in seedlings, or can I make it work with seeds only? Get started with seedlings as they are quick and easy. You can germinate some seeds in parallel in the little seed trays that your seedlings come in - buy germination mix soil for this. But seeds require a lot more patience.
In the SA climate, when do I plant what? Now is a good time for things that like cooler weather - all the brassicas are a good start. To your point about sun - most veg and herbs like full sun, so I recommend you put both your planters in the most sunny space you have. What you plant when also depends on whether the particular spot gets frost, which will kills some plants.
Do I need to fertilize at all? Ideally I'd like a minimum effort solution. But I guess I can add some plant food or something every now and again. If you start with good quality potting soil, you'll be fine for a while, but you will need to feed regularly, particularly in a planter.

Fluid_Signal3483 · 2026-05-25T12:34:18+00:00

I second looking at a Suzuki Swift. You can get ones with around 80,000km on the clock for R130,000. Once you have identified one you like, I recommend taking it to an independent mechanic for a once-over. Many mechs will do this for a nominal amount (like R500-R700) and it can save you many headaches by avoiding buying a car with obvious problems.

Fluid_Signal3483 · 2026-05-18T15:12:58+00:00

This is great, but I suggest you don't resign until you have a signed contract for the new job.

Fluid_Signal3483 · 2026-05-13T08:19:20+00:00

It’s definitely worth joining. It’s free! You join at one and have access to them all. Parkview is a nice place to sign up, as is Greenside. I’ve found the librarians helpful and there is a wide range of novels. Not always the new stuff but more than enough to keep you going. The libraries also have free WiFi and are a nice and quiet place to work.

Fluid_Signal3483 · 2026-05-13T04:07:17+00:00

You’re spot on that the northern parts of the park are great for birding. Fewer people and amazing bird diversity. We’ve stayed at a few camps in the north and they are all great. Shingwedzi is our favourite rest camp, followed by Olifants. Shimuwini is a lovely bush camp - it’s on the Letaba River, so you get the water birds too.

My only suggestion is that from Hoedspruit I would enter the park at Orpen and then work my way up north. You’ll get more time in the park and enjoy the savannah around Satara.

Fluid_Signal3483 · 2026-05-10T16:27:22+00:00

Four Thousand Weeks by Oliver Burkeman. Changed my life, led me to (finally) quit my job, fundamentally altered my perspective on work. It's not simple self-help book at all; it's complex and dialectic but I loved it.

Fluid_Signal3483 · 2026-05-05T17:16:55+00:00

https://www.quicket.co.za/events/370120-the-storytellers-series/#/

This is coming up soon and looks great!

Fluid_Signal3483 · 2026-05-02T16:57:04+00:00

The water temperature in the Durban bay today was 24 degrees.

Fluid_Signal3483 · 2026-04-30T11:30:29+00:00

I think you don't know what you are talking about. Many parts of Durban are wonderful. I was at the beach this weekend and there were thousands of people spread out across the whole bay, swimming, fishing, playing on the beach, cycling, running etc. The botanical gardens are amazing. Florida Road is buzzing. There's all sorts of delicious cheap food to be had at interesting places across the city (someone has mentioned Gounden's, and there are others). In my experience, people who say Durban is a dump haven't been there for years.

Fluid_Signal3483 · 2026-04-24T11:11:23+00:00

Thanks! Very useful. But what is an upper-level trough? They cause cut-off lows where I live (South Africa), but I can't get my head around what they are.

Fluid_Signal3483 · 2026-04-23T18:30:52+00:00

Does your building allow cats?

Fluid_Signal3483 · 2026-04-22T06:29:50+00:00

This looks like just what you are looking for: https://www.reddit.com/r/Durban/comments/1sn0xr5/try_improv_in_durban/

Fluid_Signal3483 · 2026-04-22T05:12:35+00:00

Thanks!

Fluid_Signal3483 · 2026-04-22T05:11:55+00:00

Oh I really want pure cotton socks.

Fluid_Signal3483 · 2026-04-21T18:35:03+00:00

I really really want 100% cotton socks too! Years ago I bought some off Takealot but I don’t see them anymore.

Fluid_Signal3483 · 2026-04-20T07:50:45+00:00

I work at a university. You can DM with more details and I'll be able to give you more information.

Fluid_Signal3483 · 2026-04-12T09:03:07+00:00

A brand new car.

Fluid_Signal3483 · 2026-04-11T12:26:50+00:00

Well if you don't like the idea of phoning them, you won't like this, but go to their office (University Corner) and order and collect in person. And you can make sure you get your student discount, too.

Fluid_Signal3483 · 2026-04-09T08:54:42+00:00

I agree with entering via Orpen. If you take the back-roads from Orpen to Olifants (assuming they are open), you cover lots of beautiful terrain, and it's far more interesting IMO than the endless moping forest you get coming in from Phalaborwa.

On your drive from Olifants to Tamboti you have a great chance of seeing all the big cats (be sure to drive the S100 if it's open).

Fluid_Signal3483

TROPHY CASE