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Rex M's avatar

Wow! You arrived and right into "work"

Another wow, for it is 48 years since this green travelling Kiwi took up residence in Berea, a suburb in Johannesburg with a mixed bag of flatties among them a reporter from the Rand Daily Mail. That was you! Although I knew you were travelling to ZA, I did not really think about it until reading the article.

You have stirred many memories of my year in Southern Africa,

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Warren Swil's avatar

Glad to be of assistance, my friend! Geeez – 48 YEARS makes us sound SO OLD! Truth hurts, doesn’t it? But like a good French wine, friendships get better as they age. Indeed, this trip has awakened many dormant memories for me. As soon as the rain stops (it is already clearing) I’m heading out to some old haunts and will share my discoveries on this platform in coming days. Stay tuned.

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Shannon johnston's avatar

Glad to hear that you arrived safely. It was interesting to compare your writing today with that of your youth. I’d say you’ve come a long way! It was also interesting to learn that you were somewhat of a rebel, and left South Africa under less than normal circumstances. Good for you for standing up for your beliefs. It must have been an exciting time for you. Have a great vacation.

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Warren Swil's avatar

Absolutely, I have learned much about reporting and writing since my days as a cub reporter, Shannon. Practice makes perfect (well, perhaps not perfect but definitely better). Perceptive of you to notice.

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MOB's avatar

I appreciated the history lesson, and enjoyed learning more about your background. Good job!

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Warren Swil's avatar

I guess “good job” means I get an “A” for my homework? ☺ Your praise is appreciated, but re-telling lived experience is easy, especially when it illustrates historical events in a personal way.

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Jean Barlin's avatar

excellent Warren!! So glad you arrived safely after your epic journey! Enjoy the sights and memories from our young days in Cape Town!!

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Warren Swil's avatar

Thank you, Jean. Indeed, the journey was epic, but I slept 10 hours Tuesday night and feel much better. Yes, us ex-pats share many memories from the halcyon days of our youth; that’s why I called it a “sentimental journey down memory lane.”

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