The adventures of Asparagus and Litchi-pip

Back In Grahamstown again

2008-02-11T10:01:00.000+02:00

Well I'm (Gareth) back in Grahamstown.

After the move I flew back to Springs. This was orginally to work out my notice period but African Independent decided that they wanted to keep me on despite the move. So I am now (pending the completion of an ADSL installatio) set up in an office in Grahamstown.

New office space is very nice except for 1 little factor that I've become accustomed to; there is no air conditioner. :(

I left later than intended from Springs on saturday, but arrived safely at 8:30pm. Katherine had a lovely suprise waiting for me.

As you will see in the photos below, there was a really nice candle lit dinner waiting. This consisted of:

A sun dried tomato soup for starters
Cranberry and postachio chicken, with lots of my favourite veggies for mains.
Freshly, home baked Apple Pie and ice-cream as dessert.

Yum Yum.

You can also see Katherine's great handy work in the bedroom. In her spare moments before we made the move, she made the canopy hanging above the bed. She also made the little cushions and the bolster cushions which are awesome for reading. I think it all looks amazing.

The room is much more peaceful and comfortable than our last flat.

That's enough news for now.

Who needs the Kruger Park?

2008-01-21T10:56:00.000+02:00

Yesterday was our anniversary. So we went out to the Sandbar, a floating restaurant in Bushman's (3 minutes away from Kenton on Sea). After some great sea food and live entertainment we went to the beach (forgot to take photos) in Kenton. We swam out to a large sand bank in the middle of the lagoon where we played around in the sand like 5 year olds. On the drive back however something very unexpected happened...

We saw an elephant, promptly stopped and took some photos. You can judge it's size by the off road tracks where it is walking.

We then climbed back in the car and zooted off again into the sun set. Barely a few km's down the road I spotted one of my favourite animals in the peripheral vision. Promptly slammed on breaks, reversed and took some more photos. You can see the baby suckling the mother Giraffe.

So in summary, why pay a fortune to go to the Kruger when you can live nearby so much game in a town with 2 beach towns very nearby?

A New Year - New Adventures

2008-01-18T04:46:00.000+02:00

Hey everyone... this Sunday will mark our 1st year of marriage, an occasion we are looking forward to celebrating. Our first year has been peaceful and blissful and we're happier than we've ever been.

2008 is starting off with a bang and the adventures are hunting us down this year. I chose to keep our first year as a year where we predominately focused on each other (scripture says a man should spend his first year doing nothing except pleasing his wife). The end of last year we began seeking God for some direction and vision. The result of this is us moving down to Grahamstown.

We also have a new addition to the family. Radaph is a little ginger kitten (as you will see) whose Hebrew name means "To hunt or pursue with hostile intent". This great little word is translated as "follow" in psalm 23 where it says "goodness and mercy will follow me all the days of my life". Radaph amazingly meowed for the entire 11 hours trip to Grahamstown. This has left him a little "thunder struck", very hoarse and he now sounds like the lead singer from AC/DC

And of course here are some photos:

We were sent flowers by Katherine's mom

The entrance to our new little 1 bedroom flat.

Our drive way

Our swimming pool

Our removal truck arrived later than planed, so we had no choice but..... to go to the beach which at 45 minutes away is really close when you're from the East Rand or Jhb.

The truck did eventually arrive and now we're faced with the challenge of "where do you unpack 76 boxes from a 2 bedroom flat into a 1 bedroom flat???"

This was one of the 10 minutes during our 11 hour drive where Radaph wasn't meowing.

Radaph and I (Gareth) making friends (I'm allergic to cats and as a result a little scared of them)

Radaph exploring our garden

Radaph confused about whether he is a parrot or a cat.

That's plenty of photos for now, we'll post something up once the flat looks a little nicer.

4 weeks hooray

2007-02-18T18:22:00.000+02:00

Ok... so I know that many of you are eager for photos and info about the wedding. My sources (my wonderful Litchi) tell me that the photos from the wedding are ready for pickup. So she will be getting them tomorrow.

In the mean time though I woke Katherine up yesterday with breakfast to celebrate 4 weeks of marriage (poached eggs on toast... her favorite). While looking around for flowers to pick I discovered that our street has no flowers in it. So instead I had to resort to my painful drawing skills!!! (fortunately backed up by my greater imagination).

Hope you enjoy!!!

Pictures

2007-01-10T20:59:00.000+02:00

So we are finally down to under 10 days left. But instead of boring the planet with my excitement of getting married to the most amazing girl... I thought I would post some pictures.

This picture is of me feeding a giraffe. It was pretty cool. I don't think I had ever seen one up close before. They have really long tongues.

This next one is of a lion cub. They were pretty sleepy and didn't want to play. Really big kittens.

If you're American then contrary to popular American belief we do not have lions roaming around Africa like we see you guys having bears roaming around your back yards on national geographic. This was in fact the first time in my 25 years in Africa that I had seen a Lion. What you can't tell by this clever shot is that I am actually in a game vehicle aiming the camera between the bars.

This next ridiculous picture was taken at the end of October. At my company there is this tradition that has developed over the years. October is the "Mustache Club" month. All the man (those that are able to) grow hideous mustaches. You can call me "Brutal Billy Bob"

The next 3 photos are all from a photoshoot that Katherine and I did with the lady that's going to be doing our wedding photos.

And thats a wrap.... 233 hours and 3 minutes to go!!!

Under 20 days

2006-12-31T16:32:00.000+02:00

Approximately 35 minutes ago the 20 days barrier was officially broken!!! :) :)

19 days 23 hours 25 minutes 30 seconds +- left

:) :) :)

Counting the hours

2006-12-29T13:38:00.000+02:00

Tomorrow will be 3 weeks till we're married.

In the mean time (thanks to some nifty excel functions) I can keep an eye on the following:

Time till married is 22 days 2 hours 14 minutes (and seconds that change to fast)

Or 555 hours
Or 33,318 minutes
or (I don't care if you think I'm getting carried away) it is worthing noting that we are getting married in less than 2 million seconds.

1,998,936 seconds (before I started my spelling check)

Yay!!!!!!!!

Into the last month!!!

2006-12-21T08:40:00.000+02:00

Yay!

yesterday was the 20 December. Incidentally that is 1 month before the 20 January. The 20 January will be the day that Katherine becomes my wife and I become her husband.

Can't wait

The biggest liar

2006-10-21T11:10:00.000+02:00

There is someone I've come to know over the years. He is the biggest liar. He will try get you to believe anything, as long as it's a lie. Big, small you name it. His very good at it too. He has had centuries of practice.

Most recent lie I had been sold:

"It's all great and well that you want to be a History maker and all. But you're not a student any more. It was much easier back then being consumed by Jesus because you didn't have to worry about real responsibilities like life insurance, death benefits and whether or not you can afford medical insurance for your wife."

So I began to nod along, agree and be consumed by fear. Not a paranoid or paralyzing fear, but a fear that the whole world is consumed by. I'm sorry but I do not wish to bow down to those idols.

Being a husband/protector/provider/cultivated/servant/leader is going to be about a whole lot more than material resources.

TRUTH be told... This is no different from being a student. Its just a different package and the world tells you its different.

As a single student I faithed for far more:

That I would make it fed and clothed through the final year of my degree.
That giving up dating wasn't a stupid idea when I became a Christian
That my older brother would be reconciled to the family
That my parents would become Christians.
That after my degree God wanted me back in Grahamstown to disciple people even though my parents were against it and I had no job or source of income going back.
That I had to sell up my business that had just started turning over a profit. It was raking in R4000 a month (about 300 pounds or 680 US$) before all my business and personal expenses... talk about living on the bread line. HAHA!
That I then had to move up to Gauteng with:

a) No certainty of where to live (or money to pay a deposit for rent)
b) No job to go into
c) Only enough money for the petrol to get me to gauteng... afterwhich my car would be due for a service.

That upon leaving Grahamstown God was somehow going to bring Katherine back not only into the same country as me, but the same area (even though I had had no contact with her for 2 years) and that she would be my wife.
That I had to put down a deposit for a flat knowing that my income was too low to get approved.... the building of which is still not complete and now my income is enough.

At the end and beginning of the everyday its still the same question as it was back then... will I die and live for Christ today. Will I seek first the Kingdom?

Back in Grahamstown it was not worrying about next weeks meals that got me fed. I didn't think about it. I didn't worry about it. I was consumed by some simple things:

whose life can I change.
how much money can I give away to people who need food tomorrow because I'm still good for another 5 days.
how can I love Jesus more.
What is the Kingdom of God.

God promises us that when we seek his Kingdom first he adds everything else we need into our lives. And guess what... he delivers.

Being used by God is the most rewarding thing.

So I'll end off with the words of Job.. Though God slay me, I will praise him. (or something like that)

http://meetmyjesus.blogspot.com/2006/10/deux-ans-demain.html

Check out that link.... It's by one of Katherine's friends (who will be one of the bridesmaids). Amber is to Katherine who John Walters is to me. A spiritual son/daughter that brings us much joy... even though we did such simple little things in their lives. They will always hold us in such high esteem and respect. All because of Christ in us... our hope of glory.

Time to lay it down

Gareth

Big News!!!

2006-10-10T23:20:00.000+02:00

I'm feeling rather proud of myself. I'm engaged to the most incredible woman on the planet.

It's been quite an incredible time. Some of it surreal, others parts a little backwards, but all of it exciting.

I went and spoke to Katherine's dad on 25 September. Was only planning to do it in the first week of October, but the prospect of having the day of asking her dad "the dreaded" question slowly sneak up on me was causing too much anxiety. How it would happen was the only thing consuming my thoughts. So on the public holiday I knew that both of Katherine's parents would be home. So I phoned up and let them know that I would like to come by and chat to them.

When I arrived we sat down for some tea and crumpets in their sun room. I had a sip of my rooibos and decided to jump straight into it. I turned towards Mr. Becker and said "Actually Mr. Becker I am here to speak specifically to you". At this point he simply smiled and laughed, obviously knowing what I was about to ask.

I then realised I had no idea how to phrase the question, but had no time to pause and think how to ask it. I opened my mouth, and said something. Not sure what, but it must have been in English and obviously made sense because Mr. Becker replied yes.

So it's a done deal!!! A wedding date has been set. 20 January. It will be a glorious day. And time has flown... 92 sleepies left if I'm not mistaken :) :)

I couldn't be more excited, Katherine's family seems to like me a lot. So not only will I be getting an amazing wife, but some great in-laws. The things that I am most excited about are:

My bride to be.
Katherine
My future wife
Birthing our destiny together
Having a home and not just a house.
No more abstinence :)
Having Kids (1 little 2 little 3 little Henry's, 4 little 5 little 6 little Henry's)

Woohoooo!!!!!!

Long time no write

2006-08-17T21:37:00.000+02:00

It has been an age. In the words of my friend Lynn, at least 4 lifetimes. But that's because life goes by so fast. And indeed it does.

Well, Gareth is starting to get settled into his new job, although he sent me an sms today which sounded a bit strained, saying he's sinking. But it's better than sitting at home doing nothing. I think this is good stress. But you can pray for him, he needs it. Apart from the hectic pace, he seems to love it. The company is awesome. Next week they're having a dress up for the last day of winter! lol! Villains and cartoon characters and rock stars and stuff. I actually felt a bit jealous that I wasn't working there. Lol. I guess that's what they're going for. And, I'm so excited, they already released the info for their Christmas party, and its this really formal thing at a place called Birchwoods. So I'm already planning what to wear... I looked at some patterns today. I just need to lose weight first. It's doctors orders too. I was having an issue with my back, and praise God after some tests there's nothing seriously wrong, but he said losing a little weight and going to gym would help. The only other option is having a needle inserted into the nerve and who knows what then. So I figured a diet was a lot less painful.

Apart from that, studies have been hectic, especially this week, and today. Crazy. I don't think next week is going to be much better, and we're still over a month away from holidays. Eish. Public hol on the 13th, but that's about it. Besides, that's a Wednesday, which means you can't even try for a long weekend. It aint gonna happen. And by the looks of things I'll be up to my eyeballs in test and assignments and whatever. Actually, glancing at my wall calendar I see I already have a stats assignment due the day before. *sigh* Such is the hard life of a student. Anyway, I realized it's 2 months til exams, and then I'm second year. It's just flown by, it's unreal. I know if I blink I'll be finished. And I'm not quite sure how I feel about that. I can't say I want to stay a student, it's not all that great really. I don't feel like a student, I really don't have much of a social life, and that sucks, but ja, anyway. I guess I'd like to work again, but I'm not sure about that either. At least I don't have to make up my mind for a while yet.

Well, better run, got to get a good nights rest before the fray tomorrow.

Cheers

Katherine

New job

2006-07-05T11:43:00.000+02:00

Well it's official. I've started a new job.

It was weird... I was head hunted by African Independent Brokers.

I had a couple of criteria that I was wanting for a job 20 odd months ago when I felt God wanted me to move up from Grahamstown back to the East Rand.

So far I've been thoroughly impressed by the company. I was initially contacted to see if I was available to do some contract work. When I arrived at reception to have my initial meeting to get the scope of the project my first thought was "Wow, it's like I've been teleported into jhb. This place looks nothing like the other run down mismatched places in the East Rand... I wouldn't mind working here". Soon after making my way to the first office where I would start discussions, my thoughts quickly changed to "Lord, I would really like a job here." By the time everyone needed for the meeting was in one place my thoughts changed to a question, "Lord, I'm going to work here aren't I?" Soon afterwards I was asked by the CEO of the company whether I would consider a full time job and not just a once off contract. I made some expectations clear at which point Brad (the CEO) said he was very interested, and that an interview would be organised and an offer made.

The rest is history... I started on Monday. I have not stopped being impressed since then. There is an awesome vibe in this place. Lots of young people and a definite culture of "We want you to be the best you can be".

And to top it all off the final offer on my contract exceeds my expectations. Oooh... and let's not forget that not only is it less than 3km's from my house but it is practically across the street from Katherine's house (there is an open field between). So I've had some yummy lunches with my Litchi-pip the last 2 days... and will do the same soon.

Gareth

Je veux passer le reste de ma vie avec elle. sigh

2006-06-13T13:07:00.000+02:00

Je veux passer le reste de ma vie avec elle. Je t'aime ma belle princesse

:)

2006-06-11T18:06:00.000+02:00

Gareth insisted I put this one on too. :)

More photos :)

2006-06-10T16:18:00.000+02:00

Some more lovely pics of Asparagus and Litchi pip

Guys vs Girls in Romance

2006-06-07T18:17:00.000+02:00

I realised after reading Katherine's last post that we have differing views on what constitutes a "romantic" occasion. Com'on guys... I'm sure its happened to you before: You and a large group of friends (guys and girls) are having a conversation about how when Jimmy got shot in the head, went blind and got testicular cancer, he crawled 69km in -20 degree weather to the nearest village then dictacted his undying love to Annebelle his childhood friend, and how the thought of her was the only thing that kept him alive, to a nurse who posts his letter and how they got married 6 months later. All the girls, with one collective sigh, then say "How romaaaaantic!!!"

You then think to yourself, whats romantic about that... the poor dude has no balls, can't see... man that is gruesome. Such bad luck... these girls are sick.

Maybe a bit extreme, anyway... we thought we would put up 2 polls... the first poll is for guys the second for girls.

Guys Poll: Don't select what you think the right answer is... select what you actually end up doing 9/10 times. The purpose is to try see what myths guys have picked up about romance.

Girls Poll: Please select what would mean most to you when done regularly (at least once every 2 months) over the period of a long relationship.

My theory is that there is a difference between what guys end up doing and what girls actually appreciate the most. It is also possible that there are a bunch of guys that think they're useless at being romantic meanwhile they're actually really good at it.

If you have a blog, please spread the word about this poll... you can even add the polls to your own blog (click on the "Add this poll to your blog" links). If you do so, please explain its purpose as I have.

Why the world needs more Litchi-pips

2006-06-05T16:43:00.001+02:00

If only the world had more Litchi-pips. I love my Litchi-pip so much. There are many reasons why I love Katherine so much, many reasons why I fall more and more in love with her. Here is one that never stops amazing me.

If you take a look under our profile you will see a summary of our special powers. Listed as one of Katherine's super powers is R.O.P. (Restorer of Dignity.) People in general will talk about how everyone should strive to be kind to people around them. Its always just talk though. Christians will talk about the importance of not being prejudiced, or of treating everyone as equals. Also often just talk. The bible says how we are to love our neighbours as our selves.

If you want to see simple practical demonstrations of this then just spend a day with my Litchi-pip. It all started a couple of years ago (before we started courting). I was at Katherine's house busy visiting. The door bell rang and it was a beggar. I was amazed as she promptly explained that she doesn't give money but if he would wait a while she would give him some bread. This I all overheard while in the lounge. She then went into the Kitchen. A few minutes later I impatiently got up to find out what was keeping her. After all, how long does it take you to go grab some old bread crusts and maybe some water. I walked into the Kitchen to discover her treating this beggar the way she would have treated a family member. She had just finished making an array of different sandwiches as well as some tea (if I am not mistaken) with fresh bread. She then gave what must have been a feast to the man at the door. Told him to enjoy the rest of his day and blessed him.

Since then I have been amazed at how she treats petrol-pump attendants, people manning toll-gates, till operators, janitors, domestic workers etc. Did you know she even keeps head ache tablets on her to give out to people that work long awkward shifts in thankless jobs. She knows that when she sparks off a warm caring conversation with these "losers of society" that they just like you and me might respond and say "I'm really tired actually and I have a massive head ache from all this noise".

This brings tears to my eyes... Once she didn't have any tablets with her and a lady manning a toll-gate was complaining about the sunset in her eyes that was giving her a headache. After arriving home she then grabbed some tablets and did the 20-30km round trip back to the tollgate just to bless this lady. I can't describe what it was like for me the day we traveled through that toll together and that same lady was working that shift. She greeted Katherine like an old long last friend.

When you treat someone that society deems as unimportant with love and care, you restore their dignity and you give them hope. That's why the world needs more Litchi-pips.

Pic :-)

2006-06-05T15:07:00.000+02:00

An awesome pic of Asparagus and Litchi-pip at Gareth's Mom's birthday lunch.

A Walk in the Park

2006-06-05T14:51:00.000+02:00

Hmmm. So I guess it’s my turn to blog. What to say, what to say. I’m sitting in my flat in Pretoria, trying to rest a bit before hitting the books again. Lol. Welcome to the life of a student. It’s not too bad. I was just up till 2am this morning studying Commercial Law. Thrill. And then I was up at 5:30am so I could get here on time. It’s the latest I’ve ever stayed up to study for an exam before. And I would never have done it if it hadn’t been for Gareth. He’s amazing. He stayed up with me and asked me questions and discussed the different concepts and things with me. It helped so much. He’s brilliant. J

Do you ever have these moments where you feel like you could be living a dream? When everything is so perfect it’s almost too good to be true. Like out of a book. Or a movie. Every day my life gets more like that. It’s amazing. Yesterday Gareth and I were at my parent’s house. I was studying, he was working, and we’d both had quite enough, so we decided to go for a walk. My parents live in this really pretty, quiet suburban area opposite a park with a big pond, so we put Duke (our dog) on his leash (it’s a wonder I’m alive to tell the tale, he’s a Boerbull x Belgian Shepherd, and I’ve never seen a dog that gets more excited at the word ‘walk’. And when the leash comes out, well, you run the risk of getting licked to death) and headed off. It was perfect. Honestly. Like in a movie. We walked around the block and then let Duke run free in the park. We were the only ones there. The sun was going down, and we found a bench and just sat and chatted about our favourite things… verses, songs, places. We were gone an hour. My perfect Sunday afternoon. There is nothing I would rather have been doing. No where I would rather have been.

Some years ago (like, quite a long time ago actually) I was in this relationship with a guy. It wasn’t bad. I wasn’t unhappy at all. But I remember thinking that there were some things that I would just have to accept and put up with, because I was just an uptight woman with these unrealistic expectations and ultra-high standards. But you know, that’s just a ploy from the devil to get everyone to settle for less than the very best that you can have. I don’t want to settle for second best. I’m worth more than that. My love, and time, and the deep secret places of my heart are not for just any bozo. And certainly not for someone who doesn’t take my feelings and convictions seriously. Not only seriously, but are so committed that they’re willing to put their own desires aside in order to build trust, hope, and security into the relationship. I’m not talking about begrudgingly sacrificing Saturday afternoon rugby with the mates, or all-night link-ups, or whatever he’s into. In fact, those things are not only not what I’m talking about at all, but they are a whole other topic, perhaps to be broached at a later date. Suffice to say that women need to realise that every guy needs the space to spend quality time with other guys. It’s not only good, it’s essential for them… and for the heath of their relationships. How would women feel if men started moaning and whining every time we wanted to spend some good girl-time, shopping, drinking coffee, comparing shoes…? Anyway. I’m also not condoning the obsessive, insecure females who can’t handle it if their other half leaves the house without them. That’s not fair. If you don’t trust him, get out of the relationship. You’re wasting your time, it’s not a relationship anyway. And it’s certainly not healthy for either of you. And if he’s not trustworthy, he doesn’t deserve you.

Okay, enough, what am I talking about? I’m talking about those things that genuinely make girls feel insecure. Wild bachelor parties, for example. I wish guys would realize how much damage they do sometimes. And I wish girls would stop settling for second best. And I wish guys would stop settling for second best. And I wish that guys and girls could realize that there is hope. And there’s an awesome way of doing relationships where you fulfil every dream and have an absolute blast and it’s everything you’ve ever wanted, without the fighting and the hurting and the pain and the lying in bed at night wondering if this is all that life has to offer. The answer is NO! No no no! Life has SO much more to offer. And I’ve found it. And I have the most amazing man I’ve ever met. A strong, passionate warrior who’s only feminine side is me. But who makes me feel like the most beautiful princess ever… every day. And it’s more than that. A reason to live that isn’t based on the temporal. And I’m going to spend the rest of my life telling people about it, so that they can have the most awesome life ever…

“Now to him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us, to him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world without end. Amen.”

And there she was...

2006-05-29T17:41:00.000+02:00

Now how did a fine young Asparagus like myself meet such a beautiful Litchi-pip?

It was a day like no other... The 23 November 2000. I had recently arrived back from Grahamstown into Springs for my holiday. I had just finished the first year of my degree.

It had been an amazing year. It was the same year that I discovered the real answer to the question, "Who do you say Jesus is?". An answer that has since profoundly affected my life. And here I was at the age of 19 back in my hometown at a little church, that was across from my old high school, just before 07:00am.

And there she was... all dressed in green. Green? Yes Green. Turns out she was a student at the nearby high school. (In South Africa we wear school uniforms). By the end of my summer vac I was head over heals, gaga eyes, mushed brains... I was in love.

Little did I know that this amazing gal would one day become my Litchi-pip. Finally last on the 25 July (2005) did our courtship commence. Truth be told... in my heart it began during that first December together, it was just official now last year.

What adventures have we been on? What adventures lay ahead of us in the future? Stay tuned for the next part of this infinite story.

The mystery exposed

2006-05-23T23:15:00.000+02:00

Thank you, my gorgeous asparagus, for whetting our appetites and giving this mystery much intrigue and suspense, but I’m afraid it’s not quite so exciting… or actually it’s far more exciting, because it’s more than fiction, it’s a wonderful reality more exciting than any novel and more challenging than anything James Bond got himself into, or out of! The ‘Adventures’ of Asparagus and Litchi-pip is definitely an appropriate title.

So, then, what exactly is this all about? Gareth (my partner in crime who wrote the wonderful introduction to this blog) is Asparagus. He earned himself this nickname just by passionately hating asparagus so completely that I enjoyed teasing him about it. Of course, this deserved recourse, and since I passionately dislike litchis, I became Litchi-pip.

Now, it has come to my attention recently that in fact, the word ‘litchi’ can also be spelt ‘lichee’ or ‘lychee’, but maybe we’ll save that for another blog. My Microsoft Word only accepts ‘litchi’, so we’ll leave it at that.

Now, of course, is the obvious question. It’s all very good and nice that we know that Gareth hates asparagus and I hate litchis, but why ‘the adventures of…’, in fact, why a blog at all? And that’s a good question. In Gareth’s own words “mmm... we would write about us... things we do... news... separately and together... photos... that kind of stuff!!! :)” Well said my love. You see, Gareth and I have been going out for, well what do you know, it’ll be 10 months in just 2 days time. Hehe. So yes. Now, I know that 10 months is not a particularly long time, but we have know each other since (what’s the date again honey?) 23^rd of November 2000. It’s amazing really, to think we go back all that way. And for much of the last 6 years we have been close friends. Truth be told, we have both been waiting with baited breath for the time to come where we could be together. And now we are. Praise God.

Finally, of course, is the story of the million bicycles. No, we don’t rob little old ladies, we don’t use bicycles for multinational distribution, and I assure you, we are nowhere near pro cyclists. As you may well have guessed, it’s from the song by Katie Melua, Nine Million Bicycles. For those of you who don’t know it, here are the lyrics…

"Nine Million Bicycles"

There are nine million bicycles in Beijing
That's a fact,
It's a thing we can't deny
Like the fact that I will love you till I die.

We are twelve billion light years from the edge,
That's a guess,
No-one can ever say it's true
But I know that I will always be with you.

I'm warmed by the fire of your love everyday
So don't call me a liar,
Just believe everything that I say

There are six billion people in the world
More or less
and it makes me feel quite small
But you're the one I love the most of all

[INTERLUDE]
We're high on the wire
With the world in our sight
And I'll never tire,
Of the love that you give me every night

There are nine million bicycles in Beijing
That's a Fact,
it's a thing we can't deny
Like the fact that I will love you till I die

And there are nine million bicycles in Beijing
And you know that I will love you till I die!

So actually, it’s all just a bit soppy. What can I say, I’m a sucker for romance. (Lucky for me, so is Gareth).

That, ladies and gents, is the mystery of Millionbicycles--> The Adventures of Asparagus and Litchi-pip exposed.

Over to my handsome, wonderful, amazing other half…

Welcome

2006-05-23T21:15:00.000+02:00

Welcome to millionbicycles--> the adventures of Asparagus and Litchi-pip!!!

"Whats with the bicycles and fruit?", I hear you asking... good question.

Are we pro cyclist that travel the globe planting fruit and vegetable gardens? Perhaps.... or maybe it's something more sinister....

**ominous music**

Or do we own an international chain of fuit and vegetable stores that do professional deliveries to parts of the world that are unreachable by trucks by making use of 1 million employees on 1 million bicycles?

**even more ominous music**

Or are we a couple that spends its leisure time hunting down old ladies in english villages who ride bicycles while shopping for fruit and vegetables and we won't stop until we have collected a million bicycles?

Or maybe its all three!!!!

join us next post as we answer this exciting question and uncover the mystery that is

millionbicycles-->the adventures of Asparagus and Litchi-pip