Marveling at the majesty of Fifth Avenue New York, riding the escalators and breathing the high-cost air at Saks and dipping my head into the air-conditioned cool of Gucci, Givenchy, Briony and every other luxury brand in the universe, I thought that one of the perks of being in a city of a trillion people far away from home is that no one will know me. With this new confidence under my belt, so to speak, I decided that it would be okay to release the pent up flatulence from eating an entirely forgettable chili dog into the public air at fifth avenue . Finding the moment was difficult as it is a very busy street and I didn't want to be so rude as to discharge on top of someone else so I waited, carefully looking behind me to check who was downwind. With the coast as clear as it could be, I released the chili-dog fumes into the atmosphere.

As if by magic, or the great and awesome powers I hold, Leon Perlman - a family friend from Cape Town , materialsed out of the fumes. I had read of an Indian guru SaiBaba who could materialise gems and holy dust from thin air, but I know that I have a talent that will probably make me as rich as it has him.

Leon was thoughtful enough not to mention the fetid smell and we smiled broadly at each other before he continued to rush off down the avenue.

I'm munching another chilli dog as I write this. My dreams and wishes of being a great presence in the universe seem to be close at hand. If I'm able to produce Leon Perlman with the power of a single fart - I intend to discover what else lies within my innards. 

So mom, I was right. The sun does indeed shine from my derriere - not, mind you the sun alone, but the very act of creation itself.