So that's it for 2005...

Thanks to some Pope Gregory XIII tomorrow has been decreed as the end of our Gregorian year. The Catholics must have been onto something because it does indeed have that end-of-year feeling. They must have know that everyone would eat too much, have spent too much and want to have fireworks shows.

It is quite weird if you think of it, from an alien's perspective, that such arbitrary days should have any sort of significance. It is a little like watching a game of rugby from mars... how absurd! 30 grown men chasing an inflated piece of leather with vicious fury one minute only to line up peacefully next to each other immediately afterwards just because 1 guy (smaller than all of them) blew a whistle. And we haven't even started on the spectators and how weird it is that that some fat sprinkbok supporter should think he should leave the house in that lycra outfit... hmmm.

I guess I can associate with this alien perspective right now, as a lot of what I see is from exactly this space. It is intriguing to watch a society from afar and listen to their language. It's like watching that game of rugby, not everything makes sense. This would also explain why I continually get those 'are you from Mars' looks. Hmmm.. I could probably have more arms to hold beers while watching the game though. We tend to think all games are the same, no matter from where you are watching. One thing that has been made more obvious to me by my time in Chile is that there are as many games as spectators. And the good news; even if just a spectator, you get to decide how it's played! OK they might lock you up if it doesn't sort of resemble what the players think... so maybe keep some of your ideas to yourself.

It has been an incredible year with much change for many of us, and I am sure 2006 will be packed with as many opportunities.

I hope 2006 allows you to find a little serenity















to relax!

And laugh...

(Thanks to expert photographer Chan for the photies)

¡Salute 2005, Bienvenido 2006!