I want more of Mauritius

Mauritius is a place where a lady can wear a flower in her hair everyday. It's an island that thaws your stiff bones with the warmth of the sun, its people and fiery, vegetarian friendly cuisine. Its where local dancers can really move their hips! And it has become a destination I would want to return to.

"Let me do the cliched thing and go there on honeymoon," I thought. My needs were simple: I wanted to go to a place that was not too far from South Africa, I wanted a visa free destination, I wanted some peace and stillness from the intense busy period of the wedding and by George, I also wanted ample, tasty vegetarian food. I cannot tell you the amounts of times I ended up eating tubes of Pringles and chocolates...for the entire holiday. Mauritius emerged as the shining beacon.

A view of the beach from the reception area literally took my breath away. "This is going to be good," I thought. I felt instant relief and a weight off my shoulders. S.O and I made our way to our room, and my initial thought of things being good, improved to better. The room was magnificent, with the beach a short walk away. Perfect for some RnR.

It felt like any other holiday S.O.* and I had been on, there was no pressure to make it special simply because it was the honeymoon. We spent a lot of time on the beach, doing water activities like snorkeling (sea water kept on going into my eyes and troubling my contact lenses, so I gave up), the glass boat, the pedal boat, and sitting on a tube while being pulled by a power boat. There was time for gym, touring, morning walks on the beach, aqua aerobics, attempting to water ski (S.O.) and yoga.

I simply revelled in the fact that wedding was over, my time was mine and I was not neck deep in wedding chores! In fact, there was absolutely nothing to do except eat, relax, drink and take in the salty sea air and warm sun rays.

S.O: Significant Other 

Tag 2 of 2

Thank you Azra, for the tag and sorry for taking so long! I've been a bad blogger of late - and I blame work, fully!

Enough of that, though...here goes:

1. What is your favourite saying, or motto?
Face the sun and let the shadows fall behind you. - Not sure who said this.

2. What is your dream job?
A travel writer for National Geographic, or an established author of fairy-tales, science fiction, fantasy and other weird stuff.

3. What part of the world do you have little interest in travelling to? And which part of the world is next on your “list”?
I have no interest in places that are overly hot and too humid - that counts out most islands for me! I would love to do see the Northern Lights next.

4. If you could live anywhere, where would it be?
London or New York.

5. When you travel, do you prefer to go to the city or the countryside?
Both.

6. What is the last thing you think about before falling asleep?
About my day, I suppose.

7. Are you a gardener, or a garden admirer? You can be both!
A little bit of both - I have a potted garden at the moment.

8. Do you enjoy cooking? If so, what are some meals you like to prepare when you entertain?
I adore cooking - it actually helps me to de-stress! :-/ I cook within my vegetarian diet, but folks do enjoy it. I often get asked for recipes. :)

9. Do you parallel park or drive around the block?
Drive around the block, so I can find one bay to alley dock into.

10. If there were 7 people from any time period you could invite to dinner, who would they be?
Jane Austen, Gregory David Roberts, Neil Gaiman, Pocahontas, Leonardo da Vinci, Desmond Tutu, Joss Whedon.

11. Have you ever written or would you like to write a short story, memoir, or novel?
I have scribbled down a few things, and yes, I would love to write a novel. There is only that pesky lack-of-time-and-discipline problem.

12. What kind of music helps you unwind?
Soft, soothing music.

13. When was the last time you cried?
Last week Saturday.

14. Which lyrics aptly describe your love life?
Okay, this is going to be corny and schmaltzy! S.O and I are getting married soon. I've never wanted to get married, so this entire experience is rather weird. Nevertheless I noticed, it has brought us closer. And we have both overcome many personal and joint problems to get to where we are. I am so proud of how S.O got his life back together, I feel astounded by his progress. I guess, Lonestar's Amazed are the perfect lyrics for now:


"I don't know how you do what you do, I'm so in love with you, It just keeps getting better, I want to spend the rest of my life, With you by my side, Forever and ever, Every little thing that you do
Baby, I'm amazed by you..."


15. What do you most enjoy about blogging, and what advice would you give new bloggers?
I enjoy blogging because it is a release from the daily grind. Sometimes the daily grind gets too much and I put blogging aside for a short while. I love the sense of community and the bonds formed. I love to share what I find interesting, to vent if need be, to share my opinion on matters. And hey, coming across like minded people!

New bloggers should start, and keep at it, when and where they can. Write from the heart!

Are you a fan of these tales of yonder?

There seems to be a fierce resurgence of fairy tales in popular culture. Think about it, there are current TV shows like Grimm and Once Upon a Time alongside movies like Mirror Mirror, Snow White and the Huntsman (upcoming), Hansel and Gretel: Witch Hunters (upcoming) and Jack the Giant Killer (upcoming). Am I missing out on any? Please do let me know!

All I can say is that I am really loving this period. I have always adored fairy tales, and still buy as many books as I can. Even though I am almost 30, I have to admit I still enjoy browsing through them, soaking in the artwork and the goodness.

From what I have seen, some of these new adaptations refresh the old tales with modern twists that are witty, entertaining, scary and hey, some characters are even empowered more so than the original story. Some stories merge beautifully and it leaves me thinking: 'Why couldn't I think of that?' The escapism leaves me feeling so refreshed, and looking at the world with eyes of wonder again. And that is very important for a writer, I reckon.

It could very well be introducing these stories to an entire new audience, and that is always a huge plus. These stories manage to teach about bravery, being good, following your dreams, being courageous and even though women were more the 'waiting for a prince to save me' sort in the originals, the new versions throw that notion out the window and door.

Have you managed to watch any of these TV shows and movies? If so, let me know your impressions!

Whoop! Another Tim Burton movie!

I do so love the minds of movie maker Tim Burton and writer Neil Gaiman. Now, now, no need to judge. :)

I am thrilled to see another film release from Tim Burton. If you need a reminder, he did films like Alice in Wonderland, Edward Scissorhands and so on... The animation looks very much in the style of Corpse Bride, while it pays homage to the classic story of Frankenstein.

The story is about Viktor who looses his dog Sparky. But he manages to bring his beloved pet back to life again. And my word, I adore the quirky dark undertones.

Watch the trailer and lemme know what you think. If you cannot see it below, click on this link to take you to Yahoo movies.

Chocolate Monday - week 4

Dare I put this out there, but this has got to be the best. chocolate. Monday. ever! Okay, let me explain. S.O* and his family came over to talk about the wedding. Tradition dictates he give me chocolates for the event. He told me: "I bought your favourite chocolate." I asked which one and he simply said I will see it on the day. I didn't expect more that a box of Raffaelloes.  He walks in carrying the parcel below:

The parcel of chocolates from S.O and his family. 

A close up of the goodies. 

Unwrapped and ready to be eaten hastily!

Needless to say I was beyond pleasantly surprised! I mean, look at that beautiful bounty of all my favourites!  Oh my, oh my! I swear I will get into a chocolate induced coma quite happily. After he left, he told me: "Was going to put Nutella in there but know you have a tub so left it." Aw...


Now where do I begin?!


*S.O = Significant Other 
Chocolate Mondays have been created to banish Monday Blues, or at least lessen the sting of a new working week.  

Well, that's that, then!

What sort of a year has 2011 been? Personally, it's been filled with:
...denial, anger, pain, frustration, bitterness and hurt.
...hiding, isolation, loneliness, solitude and confusion.
...a blur of remorse and tears.
...a fight to keep the threads of my life sewn and to keep on breathing.
...forgetting my passions like writing, cooking, reading and blogging. Thereby forgetting myself too.

And because of all the above, the last two months or so has been filled with:
...rebirth, renewal and revitalisation.
...an re-awakening of all my senses.
...promises to build a better 2012 - and onwards.
...talk of engagements and weddings. (My own! Eek! God, help me!)
...hunting for a place to call home.

So I reckon 2012 has gotta be better - full of those sorta huge life changes. And I hope it is not my misguided optimism at this time of the year. Maybe S.O* and I are on our way to a Happily Ever After.

These two secrets from Postsecret  pulled at my heart:

Finally, a very happy new year to you! May 2012 fulfil every wish and dream, even those in the deep corners of your imagination. Shine and thrive, everyone!

*S.O= Significant Other

Will you watch "Once Upon a Time"?

This new TV series, Once Upon a Time, premièred in the USA over the weekend. As readers of this blog will know, I simply adore fairy tales. And this is a creation from the makers of Lost so I expect it to be all sorts of intriguing and awesome. Now if only I can wish upon a star, or my Fairy Godmother, for this to get to South African television screens as fast as possible!