Celebrations and Reflections

It's been an amazing year, 2004. I've managed to grow financially, I've been able to develop my passion for triathlon, and I've met many interesting people along the way. In many ways this year has been a few steps forward, but in some ways, it has been a step back, or at the very least, no step at all. I have been in stasis on the relationship front. I feel like I am going into: On your marks, get set...mode.

I also did not travel much this year, outside of Korea. I had written in my diary that I'd like to visit one of the following countries:
Indonesia
Finland
Philippines (again)
Mongolia
Thailand (Phuket)

I almost went to Phuket, but due to time constraints, and not really being prepared physically for a great race, I let it pass.

But this year I did win my first triathlon. I have had a few seconds and thirds, but this was my first win, and one I enjoyed. I enjoyed the prize money too.

Other highlights were the two marathons I ran this year (3:50 and 4:43), and the 3.9km swim that I finished 2nd in.

I didn't publish anything in any newspaper this year, but I have developed my writing in terms of setting up this blog, which may be the beginning of other blogs, and other literary developments. If I possibly can, I would like to pursue a career in writing. I have other material which has some merit for use in children's stories. I have a constant stream of ideas... It's to get around to developing a few that's the challenge.

I have had a lot of fun with my Sharp Digital Video camera, and have made several short documentaries, and learned how to edit, use special effects, burn to disk, and mass produce. I've mailed several short films to family and friends around the world. I've had a lot of fun doing this, and at some stage I'd like to get a better camera and take this even further. I'm interested in the Digital SLR (Single Lens Reflex) cameras at the moment.

I've also discovered Counterstrike, and recently I've been the No:1 shooter in my team. In one game I had over 660 kills - a dubious achievement I guess! A few weeks ago I could barely manage a single hit. If only I could be as consistent in my training!
Two other games that I have mastered, are Return of the Ring (went through all levels, right to where you have to throw Gollum and Ring into the Lake of fire - very difficult). The other game, Need For Speed, I am at a ranking of 3.

Most important, I've made a few new friends. I'm sure Valentin and I will hang out more once we are both back in Korea. Pete, a Korean guy, became a valuable help while I was doing triathlon this year. He helped organise races for me, and provided me with information or drove me around. Arnaud Penverne, a french guy, I know less well. We met at the Sokcho race and have been in contact since. He did the Jeju Ironman, and did fairly well at Cheorwon too. I was going to do my third marathon this year using his race number, but decided at the last moment against it. Arnaud went to Phuket and did very well. He is new at triathlon, but very enthusiastic about the sport.

There were some interesting one off meetings, Bafana Khubeka the (South African Ambassador) Matty White (pro triathlete in Jeju), the celebrities (?) of Lost Seoul Derangio, saw Paula Newby Fraser (Hawaii Ironman legend, the Queen of Kona) win in Jeju and Gert Thuys (South African who won the Seoul marathon).

There are others, too many to mention, some old friends or others that I have met once or twice but not gotten around to calling or emailing or meeting often enough. People like Juhee, Jerry, Wendy, Jeremy, Dorothy, Shelley, Katie, Shar (from Morocco) and Melissa, Brian and Maike, Cory and Karlee and others. I hope we'll stay in touch and get together for some kind've party soon. I know it's Wendy's birthday next week. There's also a big Seoul Synergy get together next weekend, which Corneli and I have been invited to join (sssh, we're not really members).

I'd like to see some people that I haven't seen for ages. Guys like Franna, and Daniel, and my family, especially my sister.

Some friends seem to falling away. Fiona, who I was once really close to, I don't hear from as often anymore. And I don't have any contact with Bernard or Andrew since they've left. That's too bad, but life goes on.

One of the reasons I didn't travel this year was because I spent a small fortune on my bike, and travelling to races all over Korea. The Zipp Deep Sections alone were W1.3million (about R7000). I also ordered special Syntace components like aerobars and brakes (made in Germany) from Singapore.

My relationships with colleagues at school is pretty good. I've had some bad experiences before, especially last year, which I felt contaminated my experience, but this year has been more enjoyable, and I've been able to work and play in a more laid back way. Being able to live in my own apartment played an important part in making life here better.
2004 was my first complete year where I stayed on my own, and lived on my own terms. That has been great. It's important for me, at this stage, to be able to live independently. I'm not a university student, so I don't think I should be living like one. Ironically, I felt when I lived with someone else, I thought it would prevent me from entertaining ladies at home. This year I stayed on my own and didn't even bother to get involved! Curiouser and curiouser.

Most of all I have come to Korea pretty much empty handed, and starting with practically nothing, have developed a lot of experience and knowledge about another country, its people and culture. I've learnt a bit about the language, I know my way around Ilsan really well, I know the neighborhood, and I have a pretty good knowledge of Seoul and places of interest around Seoul. I probably know Seoul and Korea better than I know London and the United Kingdom. Actually, I'm not sure about that. It's maybe too close to call.

I've gotten to know and appreciate myself, my talents, my people and my country, all the more. I've put myself in a position where I can follow my dreams, and not be limited by the costs of living, or a lack of confidence, or fear. I've also put some of the unhappinesses of the past behind me, and focussed anew on exciting things like the Ironman, and travel, and buying a house.

This year I also got to know a few more nightclubs and bars. It took me a while. There is still one I need to visit, called Myungwolgwan. I still don't know Apgujeong that well. I've learned that Itaewon isn't really my kind of deal, and I've seen that Sinchon is worth hanging around in, instead of just stepping through to get to Hongdae.

This year South Africa won the tri-nations cup, and at the Olympics, the swimmers grabbed gold, silver and bronze. We won 6 medals, New Zealand won 5 (although they had 3 golds and we had only 1). Roland Schoemann was behind 3 of the 6 medals. The others were athletics - Men's 800m Muluadzi Mbulaeni, and a silver in the Women's High Jump, Hestrie Cloete. We also got a bronze for Men's Pairs Rowing.

The South African born Olympic distance world champion, Simon Lessing, also made the transition to the Ironman distance this year. He was tipped by many to win this year in Hawaii, and he came out of the water ahead of the top guys, but suffered on the bike and pulled out of the race. Another South African, Raynard Tissink, came 10th, ahead of Tim deBoom (2 time champion). Two guys I used to train with, Mauritz and Anton, also went and finished the race. Why wasn't I there?

This is also the year that I decided to make the Ironman a certain goal. My training this year was at a much higher level than 2003, and I expect to pursue this race in 2005 with an even higher degree of professionalism and proficiency.

I had a lot of support this year from my close friend Corneli, who photographed many of the races, cooked meals, arranged travel or tickets. She has grown into the life of English Teacher really well, and is regularly on Channel 5 TV. My school is desperate to have her work for them, and no doubt, she will be in demand everywhere soon. Her support at several races, especially the one in Tongyeong where I won, was invaluable.

I'm looking forward to an exceptional 2005, my 33rd year on Earth, and perhaps the best yet. Thanks for sharing the journey with me, especially if you've added good things to it...