Comments on: Reflections on Africa-the Angel is in the details

By: Tony Bridge

Tony Bridge — Thu, 23 Jul 2009 19:43:35 +0000

Hi Andrew:
An afterthought and an old Zen story…
A farmer had a horse but one day, the horse ran away and so the farmer and his son had to plow their fields themselves. Their neighbors said, “Oh, what bad luck that your horse ran away!” But the farmer replied, “Bad luck, good luck, who knows?”
The next week, the horse returned to the farm, bringing a herd of wild horses with him. “What wonderful luck!” cried the neighbors, but the farmer responded, “Good luck, bad luck, who knows?”
Then, the farmer’s son was thrown as he tried to ride one of the wild horses, and he broke his leg. “Ah, such bad luck,” sympathized the neighbors. Once again, the farmer responded, “Bad luck, good luck, who knows?”
A short time later, the ruler of the country recruited all young men to join his army for battle. The son, with his broken leg, was left at home. “What good luck that your son was not forced into battle!” celebrated the neighbors. And the farmer remarked, “Good luck, bad luck, who knows?”

By: Tony Bridge

Tony Bridge — Thu, 23 Jul 2009 19:40:35 +0000

Hi Andrew:
I hear what you are saying, although I remember a Renault Laguna which gave nothing but trouble, culminating in losing its aircon at 40k.
I can understand how you feel, and it makes one want to look over the fence at Nikon. They have their issues as well,, and in the last week I have talked to N owners who have had mechanical and electronic meltdowns….
Have you noticed that when you expect the worst, it usually comes?
I looked over the fence and nearly went there before Africa (Sony), but couldn’t quite do it. I still like the ergonomics on my Canons…they are old (usually reliable) friends..
Yes, my turn for a coffee…although it will have to be good-your coffees are stunning!

By: Andrew

Andrew — Thu, 23 Jul 2009 13:25:43 +0000

Hmmm,
Time has proven my Renault may be more reliable than my Canons.
Renault – 150,000 km: sparkplugs, oil and petrol.
Canons – less than 100,000 shots: new shutters, new circuit board where the Mode, AF, ISO (weatherproof – maybe not) buttons are, heartache and the uneasy feeling that your gear could crap out any time.
Maybe if Renault made cameras they would be a whole lot more reliable than some of the stuff we get to use. And … did you check the odometer on that blue Renault? Bet it’s done a zillion miles and still going strong, just a broken handbrake cable!
That aside, loving your posts and the sharing of your travels and i think it’s your round for coffee real soon.
Best
Andrew

By: Tony Bridge

Tony Bridge — Thu, 23 Jul 2009 07:05:21 +0000

Ah yes. I had forgotten you were a Renault bigot, Andrew… probably no brakes because the engineers are stil getting their heads aroud the concept of brakes…and reliability…
MJ: Many thanks for the kind words. You do realise these sort of comments will only encourage me???

By: Andrew

Andrew — Thu, 23 Jul 2009 06:55:26 +0000

Hey Tony,
That Blue Renault is a GTI, it’s the go-fast model and does not have brakes!
Andrew

By: mj

mj — Thu, 23 Jul 2009 04:41:32 +0000

LOVE those details! The two windows in the orange part of the wall, the windows reflected on the car bonnet, and the most wonderful bonus-woman with her broom at just the right angle and a dress to remind us of the sky (and underskirt in just the right orange print). And… the curious and curiouser look of that building that seems to be missing a couple of sides – a bit like the Hollywood Old West streets that are only a facade propped up by poles.