ME AND OLD FAITHFUL IN LOURENҪO MARQUES
In 1972, as a young boy, I went on a school trip to Lourenço Marques (LM – these days called Maputo) in Mozambique. Now, that was a big occasion – in my family, anyhow – because, except for my grandfather who fought in North Africa during the Second World War, I was probably the first member of my family, even extended, to travel beyond the borders of our country, South Africa. My dad even bought me a brand-new camera – an Olympus Trip 35. With a flash!
One of the very first pictures that was taken with my new prized possession, was the one below, of me with a group of friends (me on the left, wearing very colourful swimming trunks and a souvenir around my neck) near the beach in LM.
Since then, it is impossible to count the number of photo’s and colour slides that Old Faithful had given me as wonderful mementos of my life. Rugby tours, holidays, my military training and fighting during the Bush War in Namibia and Angola, our honeymoon, my children, first visits to Europe, etc. With modern technology, Old Faithful became obsolete and films (and development studios) harder to find.
The other day, while I was busy unpacking boxes in our new home, guess who popped up? Yes, Old Faithful – my Olympus Trip 35! I remembered seeing a shop where films were sold and I rushed there to buy one. Unfortunately they only had 200 ISO in stock and I still had to unpack my tripod. Like in the old days, I could barely wait to see the results of what I’ve captured on film. And then the big day …
To be honest, I was a bit disappointed, but hey, give Old Faithful a break – after almost 50 years! Have a look for yourself.
BILTONG & POT- ROAST 