As we go undercover in Parys, in search of the great Leeuloop [permalink]
The loyal mass would agree that my staple catalyst for such ludicrous penmanship would be scotch. Jamesons to be precise. (Unless we've got some of the good stuff lying around, which, invariably, we do). But tonight is different. Tonight I want to tell you about a trip I did last weekend to Parys. No, no, not the one in France. I'm talking about PARYS, not Paris. You know, the one just inside the borders of the great Free State or, if you're cool, which we are, you say:
"The States"
Just to remind you, Parys is where the leeuloop is from. If you don't know what the leeuloop is, you OBVIOUSLY missed our leeuloop article which describes the concept and how it works (including translation). The town of Parys is mentioned in the first line of the song. I strongly urge you to visit the aforementioned article, should you wish to delve any deeper into this particular piece.
On that note, I'm not drinking scotch tonight. I think, in this case, it is correct that I imbibe only beer during the writing of this article.
The revelation that I have close family in Parys seemed to go hand in hand with a fact finding mission on the origins of The Leeuloop. My cousins had all the answers I was looking for. I hadn't seen them for about 15 years and, as descendants of the 1820 settlers, it turns out I am quite "connected" in Parys.
I wonder what the sign says when you enter the town of Welkom
Seriously, the mere mention of the family even allows for 40% discounts on art at the local gallery. Uncle Errol and his brood have the town covered. My two gorgeous cousins are basically the Paris and Nicky Hilton's of Parys. (Parys and Nycky). They also happen to be lawyers who have known the judges since they were kids. Honestly, I could probably pull some serious strings for you in Parys.
After a quick catch-up of what had happened over the past 15 years and how much we had all grown up, I got down to the important stuff. I hinted to my cousin that I was interested in obtaining information on the origins of The Leeuloop. Well that was that! I didn't have to go any further. It t turns out that she is friends with the guy that INVENTED the fucking Leeuloop - Tommy. Yup, that's right! Tommy invented the Leeuloop! He was even featured in the Huisgenoot (the tabloid-ish magazine that was eventually translated into English in the form of "You" magazine. One cannot describe the journalism found in this publication).
Robbie Wessels, featured singing The Leeuloop in this Vodacom ad below, actually GOT the concept for his song FROM Tommy. So Robbie did the lyrics and the music and the song ABOUT the Leeuloop, but Tommy actually CAME UP WITH The Leeuloop. I trust you're all with me at this stage.
Robbie Wessels sings Die Leeuloop on the now banned Vodacom ad
I was told that, although Tommy feels he is due some form of royalties from Robbie (Robbie's CD's have sold beautifully now that the Vodacom ad has been banned), that certainly hasn't stopped him from doing a roaring (ahem) trade in the form of appearances and, in particular, performing the actual Leeuloop in and around the Parys region.
Tommy - invented "Die Leeuloop"
I asked my cousin to get hold of Tommy and tell him that we would pay him a grand to do the leeuloop at a bar that we were heading to that evening. Always the professional, Tommy arrived dead on time and performed his birthright to a rapturous response. Click these images to fully taste the experience. Second pic is NSFW.
Tommy - doing what he does best
CLICK IMAGE
You might have to scrub your eyeballs after seeing this one
CLICK IMAGE
You just can't repeat evenings like that. Tommy's highlight was followed up with the DJ playing our National Anthem (just the Afrikaans part of the anthem, naturally) and we toasted each other with a shot of "melk tert" (milk tart). These Milk Tarts (in liquid form, like milk, and served as a shooter) taste EXACTLY the same as a real milk tart (one of my favourites baked desserts) and are even served with a sprinkling of cinnamon on the top (a finishing touch found on real baked milk tarts). They taste great and, after four or five, you won't know where you are. If anyone out there has the recipe for these shooters, please let me know.
A fellow patron
Apart from spending time with the Parys Mafia and enjoying the sun and river, I took some snaps around the town.
Parys has it's fair share of nice guys. Nice, clean guys. Like these two, for example:
Nice guy.
Just chilling against the wall outside the Spar.
Please enjoy our dyed hair.
VERY nice guy! Complete with wooden crucifix.
Could you look after my kids for a couple of hours, nice clean man?
Seeing really is believing, so I thought I would end off with some more interesting pics. Thanks to the town of Parys and to the Parys Mafia for the hospitality shown during my Leeuloop investigation. And, of course, thank you Tommy for your genius.
Yes, it's true
The new Honda Goldwing with aircon, CD shuttle, satellite navigation,
heated seats, heated grips, foot warmers, airbags,
cruise control, and three wheels (all true)
COMPLETELY over the top. I want one anyway.
