afroscape on May 4th, 2009

You may ask what is the code of life? The code of life was discovered during the 1980’s with the advent of the electron microscope. It enabled scientists to see for the first time the smallest singular structure of living matter and what this structure was made up of. This structure is called the cell. The cell is a very complex body made up of a nucleus, ribosome’s, chromosomes, matrix, membrane and hair like structures on the outside [consisting of protein trunks and complex sugar branches]. These are some of the main parts of a cell.

Now in our cells, it has been discovered that we require eight essential glyconutrients [complex sugar branches] in order for the cell to function properly, communicate with other cells and help prevent infiltration of alien viruses, foreign bodies and bacteria. So it is essential that this forest of glyconutrients be as dense as possible to maintain optimal health. The thinner the branches the more chance of illness, disease and the body’s ability to recover from disease.
The decrease or lack of these eight essential glyconutrients will result in the following:-
1. Cell miscommunication or decreased communication
2. The inability of stopping toxins, viruses and bacteria reaching the cell membrane
3. The decreased ability to recognize and fight the toxins, viruses and bacteria.
4. This will result in decreased organ function, loss of health and vitality, depression, obesity, early aging, auto-immune diseases and dreaded diseases such as cancer to name but a few.
It goes to say that if we could put back these glyconutrients, that we are restoring the forest and we are giving back the body, the ability to overcome all of these problems.

The problem becomes more complex as our modern diet today does not support all the necessary nutrients we require to function at optimal health. Even if we lead healthy life styles with exercise, good eating habits and plenty fresh air, our food today has decreased in nutritional value by 25% over the last 20 years. This is because of modern farming methods, mass production, early picking of fruit and vegetables before they have ripened and preservatives sprayed on them to increase shelf life in the stores.

How do we overcome this problem? Fortunately for us there is hope – in the form of natural plant extracts specifically grown under scientific conditions to harvest these glyconutrients so that we can once again reach optimal health and assist the body to reverse the effect of depletion.
For more information on glyconutrients and the products please follow this link: – www.mannapages.com/afroscape or contact joann@afroscape.co.za

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afroscape on April 15th, 2009

The last few weeks have been hectic and now it is time to gather the horses again and share with you a gift I received. As I don’t believe in co-incidences, I believe I received this gift at a time when I was ready to receive it. Does that make sense ? Well let me see if I can explain.

I bumped into Grant Jooste at a networking meeting. I had not seen him in years. We exchanged email addresses. I sent him a message and invited him to coffee. Needless to say I did not hear from him again until a month ago. We arranged to meet at an upmarket coffee shop mid way between our homes. I was excited because I was looking forward to catching up with the good old days.

I did the unthinkable. I clean forgot about our appointment and of course missed the meeting. Feeling very sheepish and embarrassed I plucked up the courage to call him and reschedule. I am so glad I did. Grant introduced me to something so amazing it is classed as the next major breakthrough in science technology and medicine. It is the future of all health development and aids in preventing disease. This made so much sense to me as a qualified nursing sister that I was immediately excited about this new project.

How it works is that all cells in your body communicate with each other – like a continued vibration – to ensure proper functioning. These cells are obviously affected by what we consume on a daily basis. Now no matter how healthy or unhealthy your eating and drinking habits are you may still be lacking some essential ingredients to your diet for proper cell function. You might ask how this is possible. Very simply it has been scientifically proven that our food has diminished in nutrient value by 25% in the last 20 years. How has this happened ? Well, because of modern farming methods with artificial fertilizers, genetic engineering of produce for easier harvesting and picking of crops before they have reached optimal ripeness, are but just a few factors influencing the nutritional value of what we eat. Makes you think doesn’t it ? So in another 20 years we loose another 25% of nutritional value and eventually we will be consuming literally water and maybe some fibre.

Hope I have got you thinking now, because I would love to be the one to help you return to optimal health and in the process achieve the life you so rightfully deserve. I give you the gift of health, wealth and happiness.
For further info www.mannapages.com/afroscape

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afroscape on March 26th, 2009

 

Wondering around at Maropeng Unesco World Heritage site yesterday – I heard some amazing sounds. As we approached the main entrance we were greeted by the sounds of wooden African xylophones and men in colourful dress.

 

I was immediately drawn to them. The hollow wooden sounds had a magic of long ago, of unknown mystery which is hard to explain. The resonance was crisp and clear. Then the drums started to beat and you could feel your energy levels going up a few notches. The kudu horn was blow, interrupting with a strange hollow sound, like some bird’s call in the bush. It was goosebump material. So colourful, yet strange and beautiful.

 

I spoke to the owner of the group – Gavin and asked him if he minded that I took a few photos. He promptly invited us to join in their drumming session as participants. This is what they do – they get you involved, drumming with them so you can experience the release of stress and tension, crossing the divide of cultural differences, stimulating creativity and building bridges. This drumming reaches into your inner soul and releases an energy you were unaware of.

 

I have travelled many countries and have always maintained that there is no place like South Africa because the passion and heart beat we have here is unsurpassed else where. Keep drumming and make friends out of all those strangers you meet and get them all in the zone.

African proverb :- a village without music is a dead place.

For further information follow this link: www.drumzone.co.za

 

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afroscape on March 20th, 2009

 

Etiquette for beginners

Welcome to the world of social media. There are some things you should know to get you started on the right track.

1.       Avatar

Avatar is the picture that others will get to know you by and will become your brand. The best avatars are those that are recognizable either by a good personal photograph [head and shoulder shot] or of a know company brand such as CNN, News 24and Radio 702. Ideally you should use the same picture throughout any social media sites as this helps others to recognize you. Adding your personal photo gives credibility to you as a person. Social media is a personalized service allowing you to meet new people, therefore a personal photo is the better option. This will in turn increase your chances of more followers and build your network or net worth.

2.       Bio

Bio is a short story about what’s important about you. It is your personal advert as to why anyone should follow you. It also allows other to categorize you as a specialist in your field. When you introduce yourself to others it is important to state, who you are, where you are from and what your intentions are. This makes others more comfortable and is a line of introduction. You are more likely to be followed if you have written an informative Bio.

3.       Web Link

The web link is important if others want more information about you or your business. The web link can be a blogging link, a website or even a page, group or personal profile link in Facebook.

4.       Username

Choose your user name carefully – it is a reflection of your personality, what you are about and how you will be seen on social media. It is a way for others to recognize you and make you stand out above the rest. If your username is different from your real name it is always a good touch to put it into your personal details, with your bio and avatar. It is difficult to relate to a person with no name.

That ends lesson 1 of good social media Etiquette – happy twittering.

 

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afroscape on March 17th, 2009

I am going on vacation to a foreign country which I have researched and feel comfortable in the knowledge that I can manage on my own.

Why on earth would I need a tour guide?

Here are a few things to consider:

1.       In South Africa we drive on the left hand side of the road.

2.       Unless you specifically request an automatic vehicle – you will probably get a manual vehicle when you hire a car.

3.       If you are not very good at reading maps or working with a GPS.

4.       If you are easily flustered with paperwork.

5.       If you don’t understand the language

6.       If you need a companion

7.       If you would like to hear first hand and learn about the country

8.       If you have limited time and want to visit the best tourist spots

9.       If you don’t want to drive yourself and just want to relax

10.   If you would like someone to take the hassle out of your holiday

11.   If you are concerned about your safety

12.   If you have health problems

13.   If you struggle with foreign currency

These are some of the points to consider when deciding to use a tour guide or not. Tour guides add value to your holiday and make it an unforgettable experience. We go out of our way to ensure that you enjoy your holiday in South Africa. See you soon!!

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afroscape on March 17th, 2009

When I sold my pub last year – I was unsure of what my next occupation would be. Having been involved in the tourism industry on and off for the past fifteen years, I felt the need to return to it and use my knowledge which I had gathered over the years.

 

I had a friend in the industry and she seemed to be travelling all the time and was enjoying seeing the country. I asked her advice on how to go about it and which academy would be the best to enroll with. After much research and deliberation, I thought – this is it – I am going to become a tour guide.

 

After studying day in and day out for four and a half months – I achieved my goal. That was the easy part. What was not pointed out to me was how difficult it would be to find work. Anyway I kept telling myself – if it was so easy everyone would be doing it.

 

Subsequently I have done quite a few tours and hopefully will be the start of many more to come. The start has been a little shaky with many curved balls been thrown my way. Adverse weather conditions such as torrential rain, major traffic jams causing hectic delays and rerouting, coach drivers and coaches being changed at the last minute, clients not showing up at all and not being notified, being treated like second class citizen at lodges and a general lack of appreciation of the planning and preparation that goes into making a tour successful. These are just some of small incidences that have happened in the past few months.

 

Despite all of this, I do believe it is my dream job. I know I am capable of handling any eventually that gets thrown at me. Nothing will stop me giving every tour my very best shot.  These obstacles have wizened me up and made me more resilient. As they say in the guiding world – you are only as good as your last tour.

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afroscape on March 5th, 2009

Ever wondered what South Africa’s like? Ever though you might like to visit this country of colour and contrasts? Well the right time is now . The exchange rate is in your favour swinging between R9.5 to R10.2 to the dollar and if you are from the UK R14 to R15 to the pound. Same applies to the euro. You could have a five star holiday with all the bells and whistles and have the best experiences ever. So what do you fancy ? I bet I could put a holiday of a life time together for you. Think about it – spend on average $150 to $200 per day and you could travel like a king in this country. Think about it – then contact me

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Ed Thompson

Tour Guide Interview

1. When did you become a tour guide and how did you get involved in doing it?

I have been involved in tourism in South Africa for the passed fifteen years, travelling, chartering aircraft and working for a major tour operator in South Africa. After selling my pub last year, I decided it was time to get back into the industry and do something I really enjoy and am passionate about. I researched various options and then choose a reputable school to start my studies and formulate my career as a tour guide. I spent six months studying with a guiding academy which is accredited by the government and qualified in November last year.

2. Do you have to have a qualification to be a tour guide in South Africa?

In South Africa you need accreditation by Theta [Tourism, hospitality, sport training, education, and authority] which is part of the government, to be a guide of any sort whether it is cultural, nature or hunting. You can be a site guide[ guiding at a specific site] a provincial guide[ guiding in a specific province] or as I am a national guide which means I am able to guide through South Africa, in all nine provinces. I am also registered with Gauteng Tourism Authority and the Gauteng Guides Association.

3. If I had just come to South Africa and knew nothing about the country, but I had arranged for you to be my guide, where would you take me and why?

Firstly I would find out what you interests are and how long you intend staying in the country and also the reason for your visit. Depending on your answers I would recommend places of interest best show casing your requirements. I would also recommend various places of interest such Cape Town, Kruger National Park and our UNESCO world heritage sites such as the CRADLE OF MANKIND which is one of seven sites unique to our country. There are also other many unique experiences such as visiting a cultural village and sangoma and of cause our historical sites such as Soweto, Apartheid Museum, Constitutional Hill, Voortrekker Monument and many, many more. We also have fantastic adventure tourism experiences such as walking with wildlife, white water rafting, rock climbing, abseiling, and canopy rides to mention but a few. Then you can travel on a motorbike, 4×4 vehicles, private car self drive or travel with a group on a coach. The choices are in fact endless. Guides are available in most languages – German, Dutch, Spanish, Italian, Russian, Portuguese, Mandarin, Japanese – we can just about accommodate every language.

4. What is your biggest passion and why would you recommend I give it a try?

My biggest passion is South Africa – it has so much to offer in every aspect but if I had to choose something closer to my heart it would be any experience to do with the bush and wildlife. Any exposure to wildlife be it a game farm or reserve or national park has a certain peace, uniqueness and beauty about it. Interacting and spotting game is special because unlike a zoo where the animals are captive – these are wild and in their own environment. So spotting wild life means you both and the game have to be in the same place at the same to be seen. No two days are ever the same. One item that should be on every ones list of 25 things to do before I die is to have this experience. I don’t know of any one who has not enjoyed this experience.

5. What kind of guiding do you do most often – Sailing, surfing, Safari, etc.?

I love sailing – it is another passion of mine as is scuba diving, but when it comes to guiding I usually do a combined safari with overland to give clients the best of both worlds.

6. I understand that you are also a sailing instructor – do you have your own business?

I am an accomplished dingy sailor but I am not an instructor, and yes I do have my own guiding Company called Afroscape Guided Tours.

7. How do you find customers to guide?

I am freelance so any tour operator can call me or I call them on an ongoing basis to let them know I am available. I also do a lot Internet networking through various sites such as Facebook, Twitter, Link in, World Tour Guide 365, Tour Guide SA, I am also on 5 different ning sites and have started a blog with isay.co.za and I am now in the process of developing my website.

8. How do you find customers to teach to sail?

As I am not an instructor, I don’t teach people to sail but I am sure I could if someone wanted to learn. I would leave my contact details with the various sailing schools in South Africa and make arrangements with a local school to use their facilities.

9. Where in South Africa do you live and why?

I live in a suburb of Randburg which is a satellite town of Johannesburg. Johannesburg is the business hub of Southern Africa. This is the point where most clients jump start their holiday or business trip. Gauteng also has many unique facilities and experiences to offer. It has a very colourful history and has very cosmopolitan feel about it. It has many beautiful areas and offers a large choice of almost every thing one finds in a first world country.

10. What is the best thing about the local culture in your area?

In Johannesburg we have many cultures, we have township culture, we have rural culture, we have wildlife, we have sophisticated urban areas, we have good infrastructure and we have a culture of hospitality and friendliness unsurpassed in Gauteng. We welcome visitors from all over the world.

11. What would you suggest to a tourist to be the most un-missable South African experience that you could show them?

Probably first and foremost – how far we have come since full democracy and this is best show cased in the Soweto experience.  Soweto is developing in leaps and bounds with many budding entrepreneurs evolving on a daily basis in business. There many Joint Ventures taking place with mentorship programs, the help of corporates and dynamic individuals. These programs are not only evident in Soweto but in most of the major townships surrounding especially the larger cities. My philosophy is – by caring and sharing with humanitarism [ UBUNTU ] we can really develop a greater country further.

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afroscape on February 25th, 2009

I was recently exposed to the “Law of Attraction” by Inner Circle ( networking for people who are serious about Business). From the first moment of the first encounter, I can honestly say my life started changing. I have become more outgoing, more confident made about 500 new connections and learned about social media and how to use it. Thanks to the opportunity given to me by Peter Du Toit and Lisa Breedt, it has opened up a whole new world for me. So much so that I believe I might actually have something to say and people are prepared to read it. By nature I am a nuturer, carer and sharer, by professional I am a qualified nurse, national tour guide for South Africa and eagerly learning new skills daily within social media. Believing and investing in oneself is the first step to freedom. Thats exactly where I am at right now. I am passionate about South Africa and would love more opportunities to talk, write and show off this country of many contrasts to anyone who is interested.  Now you know why I decided to blog.

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afroscape on February 23rd, 2009

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