hey So... today was the funeral. It wasn't as sad as I thought it would be; I think the priest conducting the service dwelled for too long on the religious implications, and failed to convert a complete heathen like myself, so in part his words were wasted. The small speeches by the family were not easy to sit through; I wish them the best of fortune for ever and ever for this misfortune. Since the poor fellow drowned in a scuba accident, though, I thought it in rather poor form for the priest to mention that "God is with us through thick and thin, when we run into trouble or find ourselves in deep water..." A really thoughtless comment, I reckon. On the plus side, the family have asked for donations instead of flowers to the SA National Sea Rescue Institute who tried in vain to save their boy and who do manage to successfully save countless surfers, skiiers, speedboaters etc every year. As predicted, it was very much a society funeral. Standing room only in the church and the courtyard alongside even though it rained throughout; probably the biggest one in the 18 year history of the school we were all at. I'm quite proud that I did not lose it and break into fits of giggles this time, so there's a plus. Apart from that, nothing. The Greeks managed somehow to beat the Czechs in the football last night to set up a Greece-Portugal final (and a replay of the opening game) on Sunday. First major final for both of them; I'm guessing, though, that the portugese will crush them this time. So that's gonna suck for the Greek support. Well, that's about it, really. Since it's winter break down here, karate is operating on school-holiday time, which is 6-7pm, twice a week, so last night's class on my mashed knee (still sore) and my newly mashed wrist (still don't know where that injury came from) and two inexplicably painful shoulders and a tender elbow (compensating for the wrist, I'm guessing) actually was surprisingly pleasant. Have to work tomorrow morning, but hopefully Justin and me will get out to Kill Bill vol 2 in the afternoon woohoo!! So that's a plus :) have good weekends, people. And take care out there. laters