[word=Despite | □]
[word=Despite | □=□]
[word=Despite | □ & □]
Despite inevitable recriminations from both sides , we had a lovely weekend . We rubbed shoulders with tourists in Cape Town 's splendid Waterfront district , listened to dynamic marimbas and a township vocal group with call and response songs , and to an old black gentleman who played harmonious standards on a guitar whose body was an old Castrol oil can . Despite being all practiced up , we had some exceptionally hairy moments on two of them and on the third Pam and Ian ( along with most of the others ) ended up in the water , swimming for dear life in turbulent currents , trying to avoid being dashed to smithereens against the rocks . If they are so sublimely oblivious to the daily operations of their firms , why are these modern-day plutocrats paid such princely sums , while the vast majority of employees face stagnating or falling real wages ? Despite a shaky start , Christmas day worked out well . She works for a small family firm and is often left in charge of the office for days at a time to run affairs by herself - - a challenge she thrives on . Strangely enough , Joan and family spent last night with us here in Hamilton , to get relief from the rain as they camp their way around New Zealand . Despite all the crowds , the heat , it really is moving and tells an emotional and poignant story .