Delivered to my door, on the first day of spring, was a blue box with a pretty blue ribbon. I knew it was from Magna Carta as I read their name on the waybill but, as I wasn't expecting anything from them, I curiously opened the package. It was a promo for Standard Bank's Spring programme - things to do and see. Along with the nifty z-fold card was a roll of film, a tube of Super C and a bottle of Energade - blue flavour. When I was doing big budget PR packages like the one I received were a regular delivery from my office. Although I am a Standard Bank client, I wonder if there was some other reason for me receiving this package as it contained a media release? While I know how much these packages cost - the delivery alone is pricey, I felt that the contents of my package smacked of a cheapie. In truth, I love the box - you know, the firm linen-feel cardboard box that neatly fits A4 pages, but I felt that the contents seemed lost in the package. My guess is that some people got better stocking fillers than I. No matter, unexpected gifts are always nice to receive.

I've recently discovered Factory Shops - Access Park in particular. Anyhoo, I needed a pair of walking shoes and Vasili Vass, that expert on things Radio as well as a footwear, suggested the New Balance factory shop at Access Park. An amazing things happened - when I couldn't find New Balance despite having directions, a shop assistant, with no connection to me or them, showed me the way. It was a good few hundred meters. What does one say to someone you don't know who is helping one out like this. To tell you the truth, I was expecting him to ask for money or something! It goes to show - kindness and shoes are cheap at Access Park.