Comments on: Breaking with Babylon

By: Lupus

Lupus — Wed, 21 Oct 2009 12:00:28 +0000

Dear Francois, thank you for this blog and sharing your life. What an inspiring site you have created, and what an inspring life you lead.

I am really encouraged by your philosophy and actions, particularly in relation to your decision to lead a simple life, which I could not agree more with.

Although I am a professional, earning well, who is able to afford many luxuries and gadgets, I have also already a couple of years ago decided to radically simplify my and my family’s life (not always with their immediate approval or without their resistance though …), and to forego what I do not relly need.

It is so true, and I can vouch first hand, that overcoming the need to amass earthly possessions frees you from worries and ballast.

Having said that, it is – at least in my job environment – actually not easy to lead a simple life, and you may be astounded to know just how much open and hidden criticism I receive from peers and colleagues, all wishing to encourage me to consume more and live a more lavish lifestyle.

Anyway, your site has been such an inspiration to me.

God bless

Lupus

By: Francois Viljoen

Francois Viljoen — Tue, 07 Oct 2008 12:57:42 +0000

@Frugal Babe

That must have been an experience!

Perhaps it is part of what taught you to be able to live frugally like you guys are doing now.

Would you ever do it again?

By: Frugal Babe

Frugal Babe — Tue, 07 Oct 2008 04:42:51 +0000

I really enjoyed reading your story. I spent two years living in Tanzania as a Peace Corps Volunteer after college. Those years changed my life, and to this day I am more thankful for what I have, and happy with less than most of my peers. The best part about the Peace Corps is the emphasis on integration with the community. The closest volunteer to me was a four hour bike ride from my village (or a 30 minute bus ride and then two hours of walking), so most of the time it was just me and the village. I didn’t have electricity or running water; I lived in a mud brick house like everyone else (but I was spoiled – mine had concrete floors instead of dirt). I learned the language and learned to live with so much less than I was used to – and was truly happy with my life there. Learning to make do is a valuable lesson, and I really feel like my time in Tanzania taught me to do just that.

By: Francois Viljoen

Francois Viljoen — Thu, 28 Aug 2008 04:41:19 +0000

@Sharon:

Hehe… Credits deposited.

Thank-you!!

By: Sharon

Sharon — Thu, 28 Aug 2008 01:47:34 +0000

After my comment on the 17th…I’m going to take some credit for your recent engagement….ha, ha!!!

CONGRATULATIONS TO BOTH OF YOU!!!!

By: Sharon

Sharon — Sun, 17 Aug 2008 00:40:34 +0000

Wow. Thanks for sharing…I was overwhelmed by the pictures of Nigeria…I’m so glad you are in a better place…now all you need is a wife and kids….:)

By: Robin

Robin — Sat, 09 Aug 2008 20:52:38 +0000

HA HA HA HA!!!!

By: Francois Viljoen

Francois Viljoen — Sat, 09 Aug 2008 20:30:13 +0000

@ Miranda:

Well done young friend!! Umpf is feeling much better!!

@ Robin & Jamie:

Listen to the wisdoms of the little one…

… and I’ve made a special point of checking for a tail last time I showered. Happy to report there nothing yet. Thank God.

@ Birgit & Nate:

It’s a big pleasure!!

And Birgit, I’ve done some solid research. As far as vices go, good coffee may be excused.

By: Robin

Robin — Sat, 09 Aug 2008 15:29:13 +0000

@ Jamie – I love you…I wanted to comment more, but you know how I rattle on. Thanks for doing it for me. And I LOVE the “grow a tail” comment. I just about died laughing!

@ Francois – I made the same comments to Miranda about your room and your walls, but she did notice the speakers. Leave it to a 12 year old.

By: natedavidscott

natedavidscott — Sat, 09 Aug 2008 14:42:40 +0000

yes, thank you for sharing a glimpse into your life. being from the U.S.A, and never traveled out of the country, I find it very interesting