Another weekend away from home

This year has been pretty good, this is only my second weekend away from home. This has been a long week and not a good one to check my carbon footprint, I am a bit winded and sorely missing my bed. South african meals are also not helping me with belt holes either. Interesting conversation with a waiter the other day about weigth loss. He was commenting that the lounge in the hotel is very quiet and it explains why the waiters in the lounge don't get fat. A bit puzzled, I asked him what he meant. He explained that since the lounge is so quiet all the time, it causes the waiters to keep their mouths shut and as a result feel more depressed. This depression reduces the ability of the body to ingest food and direct consequence the waiters are thin. Have I accidentally discovered the new wonder slimming formula? Is becoming a waiter in quiet lounges the new weigth loss rage?? Does it explain my extra pounds, I am sure my sister would agree as she thinks I can't keep my mouth shut. I had to 'support' a discussion at senior management retreat last week. It turned out to be a waste of time but it took me to Stellenbosch. My first reaction was - move aside Toscana and Hello Stellenbosch. With postcard like views and very colonial looking farms, this has certainly made its mark on my list of must see places. Unfortunately I did not get a chance to explore as it was flyin-flyout trip. But I will be back. Ramadan Karim to those who plan to skip lunches for the next 30 days. It turns out there are opportunities for arbitrage for those who want to minimise the hunger pangs during the fasting days. Europe and certains part of the US have on an average 3-4 hour later sunsets than the middle east. So best to be closer to the equator if u are planning to fast. Cairo was lively during the night but dead during the day. Even the notorious and noxious traffic jams were taking a break. On another important note, I finally did it. I had an African Rock python coiled around me for all of 60 seconds, photographic proof included. It took a bit of nerve calming but it was not so bad except when it started slithering on my neck. That freaked me out a bit. Its not slimy but soft and smooth. Its not cold either. A side adventure included cuddling with some Lion cubs and petting a 3 year old Cheetah. Cheetah kept makings a throaty purring noise while I was stroking him and cuddling his ears. It even licks your hand if you are courageous enough to put it near its mouth. Benefits of spending a working weekend in South Africa. That was the only highlight as I managed to pick up a virus while I was there. Glad to be back home, its fish curry and rice for dinner. I am still croaking and coughing.