Wow! You had my mind going with this post of yours... First of all, that helicopter is an Alouette helicopter. Those helicopters played a massive role in the history of our country and it took me back in time...many years... Maybe it was a bit before your generation, so I don't know if it would have the same meaning to you, but to me, it brought back many memories!
Then, to put things in perspective for today... You spent 25 Pounds per person for your helicopter ride (including a glass of champagne)... which means 50 Pounds per couple, at an exchange rate of 20:1 back in 2001. I took the following screenshot of the current exchange rate this afternoon when I read your article...
Two weeks ago we had to go to Johannesburg for a family emergency. Our vehicle's fuel consumption on the way back was 6L/100KM over a distance of 590 KM. That means we used just over 35 liters of fuel to get back home @ R21.09 at the time...at 35.4L x R21.09 = R746.59.
Let's compare that with your 50 Pounds (per couple) at today's exchange rate. At 19.5478:1 that would mean in ZAR value today, you have paid R977.39 for your helicopter ride. I consider your rate per couple as it was also me and my wife in the car.
My thinking (reasoning) here is, imagine if you paid 50 Pounds (a bargain in Pounds), 10 years ago for the flight in the helicopter, what will you pay for that same fight today? At today's prices, we were able to drive from Johannesburg to Durban and we would still have money left for what you have paid for that flight 10 years ago!
The exchange rate is still very similar, but what you get for your money is a different story, which is why I wonder what you would be paying for that same helicopter flight today?
But enough about history, maths, and exchange rates... The fact is, you've had an awesome time and I really enjoyed reading about it.
Your post really made for some interesting, fun-filled reading!
I had no idea what type of helicopter it was, Jaco. An Alouette, you say? I've just looked it up and chatted with hubby. Brett says they were in service when he was in the army in SA in 1991. I just saw that they were the first modern utility heli delivered to the defence force in SA and was used in mountain rescue and the border war. Very interesting. I learned something new haha. But that pilot could fly; boy could he fly!!! The heli was like an extension of his being. It was great fun. wonderful memories from that trip. I hope your family emergency was resolved successfully and that everyone is ok on your side of the world 🙏Thank you for your awesome comment and the insights... the trip was actually in December 2001 so almost 21 years ago. !LUV
@jacoalberts, @samsmith1971(3/5) sent you LUV.
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I'm glad you had fun! That's the most important part!
My wife's mom (eighty years old) fell down the stairs in her home and was seriously injured. And to top it all off...she has been diagnosed with the beginning stages of dementia as well. She is not well at the moment, but at least she has been stable over the last week...
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@samsmith1971! You Are Alive so I just staked 0.1 $ALIVE to your account on behalf of @jacoalberts. (1/10)
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