“Sunday in New York”, a romantic adventure that’s not a walk in the park!

“Sunday in New York” is ultimately a story about trust, and what happens when a marriage is stretched to its limits.

When Harry Steele attends a lunch with his manager, Barclay, to discuss a promotion that any junior executive would accept in a heartbeat, it is the fact that his wife, Alison, who previously professed her reservations about Barclay, also agreed to attend that casts a small element of doubt in his mind.

From that moment, his life, in the company, in deciding what to do, his marriage, his very life, spirals out of control.

There is no one big factor that can prove Harry’s worst fears, that his marriage is over, just several small, interconnecting events, when piled on top of each other, point to a cataclysmic end to everything he had believed in.

Trust is lost firstly in his best friend and mentor, Andy, who only hints at impending disaster, Sasha, a woman whom he saved, and who appears to have motives of her own, and then in his wife, Alison, as he discovers piece by piece, damning evidence that she is about to leave him for another man.

Can we trust what we see with our eyes or trust what we hear?

Haven’t we all jumped to conclusions at least once in our lives?

Can Alison, a woman whose self-belief and confidence are about to be put to the ultimate test, find a way of proving their relationship is as strong as it has ever been?

As they say in the classics, read on!

…

Purchase:

http://tinyurl.com/Amazon-SundayInNewYork

The cinema of my dreams – Was it just another surveillance job – Episode 17

As we all know, writing by the seat of your pants is almost the same as flying by the seat of your pants, a hazardous occupation.

As it happens, I like writing this way because like the reader, I don’t know what to expect next.

And equally, at times, you can write your self into a corner, much like painting, and then have to go back, make a few changes and//or repairs and then move forward.

It’s part of the writing process, only in this case, the changes occur before you’ve finished the novel, if you finish. Quite often a lot of writers get only so far, then the manuscript hits the bottom drawer, to be brought out on a distant rainy day.

Or your cat has mocked your writing ability one too many times.

Therefore, we’re winding back to Episode 16, and moving forward once again, from there.

…

Why didn’t it surprise me that Nobbin was playing all ends against the middle if that was the expression? What really bothered was that he wasn’t prepared to tell me the truth or trust me to help find the missing information. But he had known I might become interested and do some investigating of my own.

Perhaps Nobbin feared Severin might track me down, as he had, and if I had found the USB, run the list of losing it to his foe.

Nor was it a surprise that someone else, namely Severin, was after the information, and he would have access to everything Nobbin did, and he was equally disadvantaged. It was either Severin or one of his agents, that was caught in O’Connell’s flat and found ‘Josephine’ there.

I didn’t believe her name was Josephine, or that she lived in the flat next door. And I didn’t think Severin had found anything going by the way the flat had been turned over, and the fact it looked like no one had lived there.

Having now dealt with both men, I was still on the fence about who was on the right side and who was on the wrong side, or whether they were both of questionable character. What made it difficult to understand was how Severin could run an operation inside the organisation. Surely someone knew about it, or from a high level, sanctioned it?

Knowing I would not be interrupted this time, I went back up to the third floor, and into O’Connell’s flat, a simple job since the front door was still unlocked. The girl had assumed it was no value to them which told me she had already searched the place before being attacked.

Just in case anyone was likely to return, or there was another party interested in O’Connell, I locked the door from the inside. At least no one had yet crashed through the door, smashing the lock and timber.

I stood in the middle of the main room, and did a slow 360-degree turn, looking at everything intently. The thing with searches like this, it was more likely the object of any search was hidden in plain sight. The usual places, such as the freezer, sections of fridges, stashed in bottles or packets in the pantry, under beds, inside mattresses, pillows, or under blankets, or with a form of glue on the inside of televisions or computers would prove fruitless.

We were taught to hide things such as USB sticks where they would be least expected to be found, such as a toy on a keyring, tossed in a bowl of pens, pins, clips, or other small insignificant items that all looked uninteresting.

My first thought was in the pocket of a coat in the closet, but all his clothes were strewn over the floor in the bedroom showing signs of being turned out. Perhaps the searcher or searchers had thought like me.

There was no keyring in the kitchen or the bedroom, no was there any sort of stand inside the door, a place to put mail, and other items such as keys. If there were any, they would have been on him when Severin had him killed. I had not found, not felt, any in his pockets, not unusual for an agent in the field. If you were captured or killed, you wanted nothing on you that could identify you or what you were doing.

Next I thought, a hidden compartment. I was not going to predict he had a safe in the flat, but just in case, I did search thoroughly where one might be located. The cheap watercolour on the wall hid nothing but some discoloured wallpaper.

I checked all the skirting boards, and inside walls of the robes, but there was nothing. I also checked the robes thoroughly for false backs, or sides, or compartments hidden in the roof. The floor was made from wood, so I checked to see if there were any loose boards, but in the end, considered that was a ruse used only in the movies and on television.

An hour later, I was no wiser as to where it could be, if at all, in the flat, but, looking around, it was certainly now a little more organised because in checking everything in case the previous searchers had missed anything, I’d put everything neatly in stacks.

And, no, there was nothing under the bed. The previous searchers had thought of that too.

But, in one corner of the main room, there was a desk that had been completely turned out, papers were strewn everywhere. There had been a computer, now missing, because there was a cable running from the printer, and a power cable in the wall, both running into thin air.

The papers yielded nothing of interest, other than he was researching a holiday to Russia and Poland.

For two.

A break. There was a significant other. I made a more serious search of the papers that I’d gathered up off the floor and found a shred of a quickly torn up piece of paper, of which only this piece remained. A name: Jan, scribbled on it, with half another word ‘ord’.

Did this Jan also live in this block? Did she work at the same place? There were a hundred variations of that theme, but it was a start. He might have trusted the USB to her safekeeping without telling her what it was, and it was possible she didn’t know he was dead.

I’d noticed that O’Connell’s death had been reported as a John Doe on the wrong end of an alleged mugging, the small dismissive paragraph on page seven reported the body was missing when police went to investigate a pool of blood in an alley, along with several other crimes of which police were seeking further information. That alley hadn’t any CCTV cameras, so Severin knew he could easily shoot O’Connell without anyone knowing it was him.

There was nothing else of interest in the documents, other than the holiday, if it was a holiday, was to be in a month’s time.

My work was done. I had a lead. It was time to leave.

Except for one small problem. Someone was knocking on the door.

“Echoes From The Past”, the past doesn’t necessarily stay there

What happens when your past finally catches up with you?

…

Christmas is just around the corner, a time to be with family. For Will Mason, an orphan since he was fourteen, it is a time for reflection on what his life could have been, and what it could be.

Until a chance encounter brings back to life the reasons for his twenty years of self-imposed exile from a life only normal people could have. From that moment, Will’s life slowly starts to unravel, and it’s obvious to him that it’s time to move on.

This time, however, there is more at stake.

Will has broken his number one rule: don’t get involved.

With his nemesis, Eddie Jamieson, suddenly within reach, and a blossoming relationship with an office colleague, Maria, about to change everything, Will has to make a choice. Quietly leave, or finally, make a stand.

But as Will soon discovers, when other people are involved, there are going to be terrible consequences no matter what choice he makes.

…

https://amzn.to/2CYKxu4

The cinema of my dreams – I always wanted to go on a treasure hunt – Episode 73

Here’s the thing…

Every time I close my eyes, I see something different.

I’d like to think the cinema of my dreams is playing a double feature but it’s a bit like a comedy cartoon night on Fox.

But these dreams are nothing to laugh about.

Once again there’s a new installment of an old feature, and we’re back on the treasure hunt.

…

Cavorting with a snake?

…

I had no idea that Boggs resented me that much for spending time with Nadia, though I could see how he could assume she was the enemy.

But he knew me, or I thought he did.

That cavorting with a snake statement elicited an instant response from Charlene, a wide-eyed look of total surprise. I wondered for a moment what her interpretation of cavorting was, certainly not the same as mine.

Something else that was very clear, he hated Nadia. And I was close to the top of that same hate list, by association.

“I would hardly call it cavorting, Boggs, rather just hanging out. It’s not what either of you thinks.” I gave Charlene a glare to emphasize my disappointment.

Despite it, it was clear her interpretation was still leaning the wrong way, but the surprise has passed, “I didn’t know Nadia had returned from Florence.” Charlene obviously kept track of Nadia, because I hadn’t known exactly where she had been staying in Italy.

“I don’t think many people do.”

“Was there a reason?”

“She said her mother was sick and wanted to see her, but I think that was a ruse, and she’s not happy with any of them, which is why she’s not staying with them but just outside the town.”

“That woman is not her mother, but stepmother. Old man Cossatino tossed her aside for a younger woman, and I’m not surprised.”

Interesting insight, she had not told me that it was her stepmother she was annoyed with, nor where her real mother was.

Boggs however was not interested in the details of Nadia’s parentage, nor Charlene’s opinions.

He turned his attention towards her, “Just what are you doing here.”

“I told you already…”

“Just leave, wait outside, do whatever you want, but leave me alone.”

She went to reiterate her reason for being there, but it was met with a very volatile, “get out now.”

I had expected him to round on me next, as he watched her reluctantly get up and slowly walk out of the room, phone in hand. The sheriff was about to get a call.

His anger was apparent, but he didn’t say anything for a moment, as if mentally counting to ten before speaking. Then, “Sit, you’re making me nervous standing there.”

A sigh of relief, I did as he asked.

“In view of this relationship with Nadia, does this mean you are working with Cossatino?”

“Actually I work in Benderby’s warehouse attached to the factory. I think you know me better than to seek employment with the Cossatino’s, and no, it’s not any sort of relationship other than talking over coffee.”

“In her hotel room,” Boggs added.

So, he had been watching me too. I should be flattered so many people were interested in whom I spent my time.

“At times, yes, but it’s not anything else, no matter what you might think. I seriously doubt she thinks of me in that way.”

It was not what he wanted to hear, so he tuned out. “It’s not the impression you give, but I get it. She is a contradiction at times.”

I wondered what he meant by that.

It was time to change the conversation. “Did you ever get to the library to read the documents in the Ormiston collection?”

Yes, it got the desired response.

“What collection?”

“All of the stuff at Ormiston’s house after he died. His wife had asked the librarian to come and box it up, and it’s been sitting there all this time. I think so far she’s the only one to read any of it, aside from me.”

“How did you pull that off.”

“You know I was always her protégé at school. She said Alex had asked her about the documents, but she just told him she didn’t know about them, but that’s not going to hold them off for long.”

He thought about what I’d said, perhaps debating whether to trust me, but I could see curiosity taking over.

“Was there anything useful there?”

“One item scribbled in one of his search diaries. Look for the big A.”

I watched him carefully when mentioning that piece of information, and it struck a chord, as much as he tried not to react.

“But you knew that already because we both know where that big A is.”

“Does Nadia?”

“No. Despite what you might think, I’m still on your side, and still working towards finding the location of the treasure, but, I think you need to consider the possibility it’s long gone. I’m sure the Cossatino’s have made a very extensive search of The Grove, over the years.”

“They don’t act like they’ve found it, or have any idea where it is. You can see that from the many maps they’ve produced. I’ve got at least twenty variations, and none of them lead to that spot on the shoreline.”

“There was a latitude and longitude reference hidden in one of the diary sleeves, and it matched the spot where I saw what looked like the big A. It had another reference, one in the Caribbean, so it might have been taken from the pirate’s log, as the start and end of the run to stash their plunder. How did you come across the location?”

“Something I remembered my father saying. It came to me a week ago, when I was camping out and a storm hit. He mentioned the letter A, a formation on a rockface he had climbed once at The Grove. There are several, and it was at the last I saw something that resembled an A.”

“Since that shoreline looks as much the same along the whole cliff face, I suspect the pirate used it as a marker do he could find it again. The fact it’s a little lopsided tells me there’s been some seismic activity that stretched from the inland mountains across the lake that no longer exists to the shoreline, here, and at the old marina. That’s what you were looking fir, wasn’t it, a shift in the rocks?”

“No. Not really. I thought there might be a cavern that was covered by a rockfall, but if there was seismic activity, all it did was clear a path for the lake water to drain into the sea. But, now we agree on the most likely location of the treasure, it’s not going to be possible to get back there, not now the Cossatino’s can guess why I was there.”

“There is a way, but it involves Nadia.”

He shook his head. “No. She can’t be trusted.”

“Well, she’s your only ticket there. You make up your mind what you want to do, but I’ll be at her hotel tomorrow night if you want our help. Otherwise, I’ll go myself.”

“That’s not what we agreed.”

“We didn’t agree on anything. You just asked me if I wanted to go on a treasure hunt. I’ll be honest with you, I don’t want the treasure because it’s cursed. It cost you your father, countless Ormiston’s, and that professor on Rico’s boat. He was tortured by the way in a secret room at the mall. Nadia and I found it, and Alex Benderby’s stash of treasure documents and maps. They think a map is going to lead them there, but I think your father, as the Cossatino’s cartographer, spent more time leading everyone away from the real location, all the while searching for it himself with permission from the Cossatino’s. The fact he said he’d found it was always going to get him killed. And, if he did, then the Cossatino’s have it. But, like I said, come or not, I’ll be going.”

And, not to give him the opportunity to argue, I left, leaving him with a rather bemused expression.

…

The 2am Rant: It’s cold out there

But…

It is, but it isn’t. Oddly enough after two weeks in temperatures ranging from -21 to 7 degrees Fahrenheit, I think I’m finally used to it.

My early morning walk after leaving the hotel is both for exercise and exploring.

Looking for locations, observing people, watching and learning what it’s like to live, work, and hang out in a city like New York.

It’s so much more interesting than where I come from. There it would be impossible to spin a story in such a small city. You need to be able to hide in plain sight among millions of people over a very large area that encompasses Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, and everything else in-between and beyond.

I was looking at going to a Walmart in Secaucus, about three and a half miles from my hotel in Manhattan. Three and a half miles. In my city that’s way beyond the limits of the city and in the outer suburbs.

Here I can spin a tale that could live within the confines of 35th street, 85th street, 2nd Avenue and 10th Avenue, and have so much material, I could probably write a trilogy.

Pity is, I won’t be here long enough to gather enough background.

Still, it’s like being in literary seventh heaven.

I’ve written one book based in New York, I’m sure another is currently writing itself in my head and will be on paper over the next year.

Then, maybe I’ll be back.

What I learned about writing: It’s not a writing room unless…

You have this incredible, fully working scale model of an Airbus A380 coming into land…

20200123_202225

Imagine this: a majestic Airbus A380, the undisputed queen of the skies, gently descending, gear down, flaps extended, ready for touchdown… Now imagine that happening, not on a sprawling tarmac, but in your very own living room. Well, almost!

That’s the scenario I found myself in recently, courtesy of an incredible, fully functional scale model of the iconic Airbus A380. And let me tell you, this isn’t just a static display piece; oh no. This magnificent machine, stretching over a meter in length, has actually flown as a remote-controlled aircraft.

Now I can simulate tornadoes.

And, I have to say, it’s rather awe-inspiring to look at it.

20200123_203706

The Power is REAL

If you’ve ever doubted the power of scaled-down engineering, allow me to dispel those doubts. I fired up those four engines in my lounge room – cautiously, I might add – and the thrust generated was enough to almost blow the curtains clean off their hooks from a good 40 feet away! Holding the plane down was a genuine struggle against its immense power. I’m pretty sure I could simulate a small tornado in here if I wanted to!

Beyond the raw power, it’s just awe-inspiring to behold. The sheer detail, the imposing presence – it truly captures the spirit of the real A380. Every curve, every engine nacelle, every bit of its massive scale is mesmerising.

For the Aviation Enthusiasts and RC Pilots: The Technical Marvel

For those of you, like me, who love to dive into the nitty-gritty of what makes such a marvel tick, here are the details that truly make this model stand out:

This isn’t just a model; it’s arguably the largest EPO (Expanded Polyolefin) model you’ll ever encounter. With a formidable wingspan of 1520mm (nearly 60 inches!) and powered by four potent 56mm ducted fans (EDFs), it’s guaranteed to turn heads at any airfield.

Despite its impressive dimensions, the designers have done a brilliant job making it surprisingly light and economical to fly, requiring just a 3000mAh 3S battery (though it can handle up to a 5000mAh for extended flights). This means less drain on your wallet and more time in the air.

And for those eager to get airborne, the good news is it arrives 95% pre-built. It includes a powerful 4 x 25A brushless EDF system and a steerable nose wheel, meaning you just need to add your own Tx/Rx (transmitter/receiver) and battery to get this giant taking to the skies.

Key Specifications:

Length: 1410mm (55.51in)
Wing span: 1520mm (59.84in)
Flying weight: 1800g
Motor: 2826 Brushless outrunner (3200KV)
ESC: 4 x 25A
Servo: 9g * 5pcs
Battery (Required): 3000~5000mAh 3S1P 45C~65C Lipoly Pack
EDF Diameter: 4 x 56mm

This A380 model is more than just a hobbyist’s dream; it’s a testament to incredible engineering, both at the full scale and in miniature. The thrill of seeing it take flight, or even just feeling the raw power of its engines, is an experience I wouldn’t trade. It truly brings the majesty of aviation right into your hands.

365 Days of Writing, 2026 – Beyond the second novel

Where the dynasty begins

…

Ground Zero for Greatness: Why Location is the Ultimate Character in a Book Series

If you’re going to write a book series, sometimes it will be rooted in one particular place—the place I would call home.

Dynasties need a place that is theirs, to start from nothing. And when you’re building a multi-book epic, a generational saga, or even a sprawling television-style procedural, it’s all about picking a location.

Before you plot your twists, before you name your protagonist, and long before you figure out how the story ends, you have to choose the dirt. Because in serialised fiction, geography isn’t just a backdrop; it’s the heartbeat of your entire fictional universe.

Here is why your series needs a definitive home base, and how to pick a location that can carry the weight of an entire dynasty.

1. The Power of “Home” in Serialised Fiction

Think of the most iconic series in literature and pop culture. Game of Thrones is inextricably linked to Winterfell and the stark brutality of the North. Lord of the Rings always circles back to the comforting, green hearth of the Shire. In crime fiction, Michael Connelly’s Harry Bosch is Los Angeles—the asphalt, the traffic, the neon-lit grit.

When a series has a distinct home, it offers the reader a psychological anchor. No matter how chaotic the plot gets, or how many new characters are introduced in book three or four, returning to “home” provides a sense of continuity.

As a writer, establishing a home base gives you a baseline. You can’t show how much a character or a family has changed unless you show them against the backdrop of where they started.

2. Dynasties Need Dirt: Starting from Nothing

Every great dynasty—whether it’s the Corleones in The Godfather, the Roys in Succession, or a fantasy bloodline clawing its way to a throne—needs a genesis point.

To make a dynasty compelling, you have to show the climb. And to show the climb, you need a starting block that feels tactile, specific, and often, limiting.

The Mud and the Scaffolding: Starting from nothing means your characters are shaped by the geography of their struggle. Are they mining coal in a bleak valley? Are they scraping by in a crowded port city? The physical environment dictates their resourcefulness, their culture, and their desperation.
The Claim: A dynasty isn’t just a family; it’s real estate. The moment a group of characters stakes a claim on a specific piece of land—whether it’s an abandoned farm, a contested borough, or an uncharted island—the story shifts from mere survival to legacy-building.

When you pick a location, ask yourself: What does this dirt demand from the people who walk on it?

3. How to Choose the Right Location for Your Series

Picking a location isn’t about just pointing a finger at a map or making up a cool-sounding fantasy name. It’s a strategic choice that will dictate the trajectory of your entire series. Here’s how to nail it:

Give the Location Personality

Treat your setting like a main character. It should have moods, history, biases, and secrets. A coastal town isn’t just “near the water”—it’s salty, isolated, suspicious of outsiders, and at the mercy of the tides. The weather, the architecture, the local cuisine, and the regional slang should all bleed into the narrative.

Ensure Room for Expansion

A common pitfall in series writing is picking a location that is too small. If your entire story takes place in a single room or a tiny village, you’ll run out of narrative fuel by book two. Ensure your chosen location has layers: neighbourhoods, surrounding wilderness, political jurisdictions, or hidden undergrounds that you can peel back as the series progresses.

Make It Inhospitable (At Least a Little Bit)

Comfort breeds stagnation; struggle breeds dynasties. Whether it’s harsh winters, political corruption, economic depression, or literal monsters at the gates, your location should present ongoing obstacles. A dynasty is forged in the forge, after all.

4. The Location Evolves With You

One of the greatest joys of writing a series is watching the home base change over time.

In Book 1, your characters might be shivering in a leaky shack on the edge of town, dreaming of something better. By Book 5, that same shack might be replaced by a sprawling estate, or serve as the historic foundation of a massive corporate or political empire.

Because the location stays the same while the characters change, the setting becomes a measuring stick for time and ambition. Readers love nothing more than recognising a street corner, a building, or a landmark that appeared in the first book, but seeing it entirely transformed through the lens of the characters’ success (or downfall).

Final Thoughts: Plant Your Flag

If you’re staring at a blank document, paralysed by the sheer scope of the series you want to write, stop trying to plot the ending. Stop trying to introduce every character.

Instead, look for the place.

Find the town, the planet, the estate, or the street corner that feels like the epicentre of your imagination. Plant your flag there. Make it messy, make it real, and make it home. Because once you find the right location, the dynasty will build itself.

…

Top 5 sights on the road less travelled – Pretoria

Discover Pretoria’s Hidden Gems: Top 5 Under-the-Radar Attractions with Breathtaking Character

Pretoria, South Africa’s administrative capital, is often lauded for its grand government buildings like the iconic Union Buildings and the Voortrekker Monument. However, beyond its political skyline lie quieter, lesser-known treasures that offer unique experiences without the bustling crowds. If you’re seeking tranquillity and rich cultural or natural features, here are five must-visit spots in Pretoria that are off the tourist radar but well worth exploring.

1. Tafelberg Ridge: A Hiker’s Paradise with Panoramic Vistas

Tucked just southeast of Pretoria city centre, Tafelberg Ridge is a geological marvel and a haven for outdoor enthusiasts. This iconic rock formation, also known as “The Table,” rises 150 meters above the surrounding plains and boasts the oldest known rock art in southern Africa—dating back over 2,000 years—created by the San people.

Why Visit?
Hike or rock-climb to the summit for breathtaking 360° views of Pretoria and the surrounding Highveld. The well-maintained trails cater to all fitness levels, and the ridge’s historical significance adds an educational layer to your adventure.
Crowd Tip: Early mornings or weekdays ensure solitude and are perfect for capturing sunrise photos or soaking in the serenity.

2. Pretoria National Botanical Garden: A Verdant Escape

This 280-hectare haven, located on the banks of the Apies River, is a lush sanctuary for nature lovers. Unlike the more crowded urban parks, the Pretoria National Botanical Garden offers a diverse array of indigenous flora, serene waterways, and a suspended canopy walkway.

Why Visit?
Explore themed gardens like the Veld Reserve (showcasing natural landscapes) and the Rock Garden, stroll across the sky bridge for elevated views, or enjoy a peaceful picnic by the lake. It’s a living museum of South Africa’s biodiversity.
Crowd Tip: Weekdays are virtually empty, making it ideal for leisurely strolls or birdwatching among over 160 species.

3. Irene Village: A Step Back in Time

Nestled just outside Pretoria, Irene Village is a quaint, centuries-old settlement that retains its original charm. Once a strategic military town, it now offers a blend of history, architecture, and artisanal flair.

Why Visit?
Wander cobbled streets lined with cobalt-blue houses, visit the Irene Museum (housed in a 19th-century inn), and enjoy farm-to-table dining at local cafés. The village’s tranquillity and preserved heritage make it a time capsule of old Pretoria.
Crowd Tip: Sundays are the quietest, perfect for exploring with a leisurely pace.

4. Church Square: Pretoria’s Cultural Heart

Right in the heart of Pretoria, Church Square is a dynamic yet surprisingly uncluttered space. Often overshadowed by its more ostentatious neighbours, this square is the focal point of the city’s cultural identity.

Why Visit?
Admire the statue of Paul Kruger (South Africa’s first president), attend one of the weekly markets (Fridays and Saturdays), or enjoy street performances and weekend festivals. The square’s mix of politics, art, and history is palpable.
Crowd Tip: Weekdays are calm, offering a chance to reflect among the monuments and learn about Pretoria’s contested past.

5. Pretoria Prison: A Stark Glimpse into the Past

Now a museum, Pretoria Prison is a striking example of colonial-era architecture and a sobering look into South Africa’s political history. Built in 1888, it once held prominent figures like Nelson Mandela and Paul Kruger.

Why Visit?
Walk through the same concrete cells and tunnels that imprisoned freedom fighters, and explore exhibits on the evolution of South Africa’s penal system. The prison’s eerie ambience and historical weight make it a unique and thought-provoking experience.
Crowd Tip: Public tours are intimate, with early morning slots being the least crowded.

Final Thoughts: Pretoria’s Quiet Side Awaits

Pretoria’s lesser-known attractions offer a quieter, more personal way to connect with the city’s rich heritage and natural beauty. Whether you’re hiking to the top of Tafelberg Ridge or sipping coffee in Irene Village, these destinations reveal Pretoria’s soul away from the usual tourist trails. So next time you visit, trade the postcards for a deeper, more reflective journey.

Pro Tip: Pair these experiences with a visit to the Union Buildings or Voortrekker Monument for the perfect mix of iconic and hidden Pretoria!

Ready to discover the unsung gems of Pretoria? Let the adventure begin!

In a word: Rain

Well, isn’t it just like you to rain on my parade?

Yes, and don’t we need a lot of rain because of the bushfires that are burning out of control?

Rain is that stuff that falls from the sky, sometimes at the awkwardest of times, like when you leave your umbrella in the car.

And rain can be a problem in sub-zero temperatures and high winds when it almost takes on the form of multiple miniature knives. Rain and snow together, sleep, but that’s something else.

Of course, it could always rain cats and dogs, a rather interesting occurrence if it ever happened.

This should not be confused with the word rein.

As any horseperson would know this is what helps control a horse

But, it doesn’t have to be a horse, it might be that you are told to rein in your attack dog

Or rein in your excesses

Or alternatively, give a person free rein to go about their business.

Then there is reign, that period of time when a monarch rules, and it seems in England women hold the record for the longest reign, Queen Victoria, and Queen Elizabeth II

That’s distinct from the office oligarchs who seem to think they reign over the plebs

‘What Sets Us Apart’ – A beta reader’s view

There’s something to be said for a story that starts like a James Bond movie, throwing you straight in the deep end, a perfect way of getting to know the main character, David, or is that Alistair?

A retired spy, well, not so much a spy as a retired errand boy, David’s rather wry description of his talents, and a woman that most men would give their left arm for, not exactly the ideal couple, but there is a spark in a meeting that may or may not have been a setup.

But as the story progressed, the question I kept asking myself was why he’d bother.

And, page after unrelenting page, you find out.

Susan is exactly the sort of woman to pique his interest. Then, inexplicably, she disappears. That might have been the end of it, but Prendergast, that shadowy enigma, David’s ex-boss who loves playing games with real people, gives him an ultimatum: find her or come back to work.

Nothing like an offer that’s a double-edged sword!

A dragon for a mother, a sister he didn’t know about, Susan’s BFF who is not what she seems or a friend indeed, and Susan’s father, who, up till David meets her, couldn’t be less interested, his nemesis proves to be the impossible dream, and he’s always just that one step behind.

When the rollercoaster finally came to a halt, and I could start breathing again, it was an ending that was completely unexpected.

I’ve been told there’s a sequel in the works.

Bring it on!

…

The book can be purchased here: http://amzn.to/2Eryfth

…

Thrills, Spills, and just a dash of Romance