Love: Actually

It's that time again, to talk about that all important topic, my favorite, yep LOVE!

Is love really all around us? I was watching Love Actually with Hugh Grant and that is one of his lines in the opening scene of the film and it got me thinking. Ok so the last time I was talking about to some extent, the meaning of love (though this is a topic that I shall be returning to). Now I guess I want to discuss, if love exists, and if so where and how. I realise that i'm taking on a lot more than I can handle by myself, that is why I really need your input/comments - I want it to be a kind of bring and share.

So back to my original question: "Is love really all around us?"

I suppose the easiest answer to this would be "yes, of course". But then we need to place it in some kind of context. What do we mean by love? What is love? How does one experess love? These are all questions that I think we're all trying to work out.

Some definitions of Love:

The Bible : 1 Corinthians 13:4-7

Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. 5It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. 6Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. 7It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.

Wikepedia offers -

As an abstract concept, love usually refers to a deep, ineffable feeling of tenderly caring for another person. Even this limited conception of love, however, encompasses a wealth of different feelings, from the passionate desire and intimacy of romantic love to the nonsexual emotional closeness of familial and platonic love[2] to the profound oneness or devotion of religious love.[3] Love in its various forms acts as a major facilitator of interpersonal relationships and, owing to its central psychological importance, is one of the most common themes in the creative arts.

About.com gives some advice to teens on the subject.

Random website on relationships
 Ok, so there's a lot to think about there. To be continued ......

To some Love is friendship set on fire for others maybe love is like luck. You have to go all the way to find it. No matter how you define it or feel it, love is the eternal truth in the history of mankind.

Psychology portrays love as a cognitive phenomenon with a social cause. It is said to have three components in the book of psychology: Intimacy, Commitment, and Passion. Also, in an ancient proverb love is defined as a high form of tolerance. And this view has been accepted and advocated by both philosophers and scholars. Love also includes compatibility. But it is more of journey to the unknown when the concept of compatibility comes into picture. Maybe the person whom we see in front of us, may be least compatible than the person who is miles away. We might talk to each other and portray that we love each other, but practically we do not end up into any relationship. Also in compatibility, the key is to think about the long term successful relationship, not a shortjourney. We need to understand each other and must always remember that no body is perfect.

Weekend Activities: 9th - 11th Oct 2009

So this weekend has been the most relaxed I think so far. Missed out on the 20km run on Friday as spent the whole day running in and out of the office. Though I kinda missed it (just a tad). Saturday we resumed "le sport". Very good conditioning, aerobic and toning exercise. These instructors are serious. It's like being back in a school P.E class with the very enthusiastic P.E teacher (no short P.E skirts sorry) and the not so enthusiastic students. The group is even segmented in the same way: with the "trouble-makers", the "I already know how to do it" clan and the "quiet" lot. Guess what group I belong to! Take note that the average age of the group (according to my gestimation) would be around 40. So it was just interesting to see the dynamics.

Saturday late morning/early afternoon I went furniture shopping. Not for me, but it gave me ideas for when I finally get a place of my own. The craftmanship is absolutely beautiful and items are reasonable. Well I suppose anything compared to prices in England, at least London would be reasonable. Later in the day we attended a Gabonaise wedding. The Bridal party including the groom and the Pastor all danced down the aisle to some funky afro-beat gospel tune. Lots of whistling, shouting singing. Just the way a truly joyous occassion should be celebrated. Le soir, I caught up on some household duties - someone has to do it.

This week I've managed to escape from my hectic routine. No sport for me, though I don't feel any less tired. Hmm.....

News Bulletin - 9th Oct 2009

My aim is to give a weekly news review of stories that I find interesting whilst doing my research here. Whether this will be possible or not is yet to be seen. But here it goes for this week:

S.A. Police Officer Rewards Himself with the Presidential Suite.

Police Minister Nathi Mthethwa has claimed he was unaware of the high prices charged by Cape Town's luxury Table Bay Hotel and said that he spent only one night in the presidential suite, because no other rooms were available.

Read the comments

Pirates hit Navy ship "By Mistake"
The above two stories demonstrate the lack of responsibility people want to take. They take the risk, when they think it will benefit them, but when they caught, all of a sudden "it wasn't my fault" or "I didn't know" - Grow up and step up!!

Is this Love? Or you just setting yourself up for dissappointment?

South African businessman Milton Mbele broke all the traditional rules of a polygamous wedding when he recently married four women on the same day.


Obama wins Nobel Peace Prize

Wow!!! I have nothing else to add.

Mayhem and Anarchy - the New Norm

I don’t suppose that my morning routine is significantly different from others who go to work in the morning. I wake up just before my alarm goes off (annoys me every time). I lay in bed contemplating whether I should get up, what I should wear and then doze off just before the second alarm sounds (arghhh!). Finally, I raise myself off my bed, say my morning prayers, thank God for the beautiful morning outside, have a shower, get dressed, make lunch, eat breakfast and then climb down 45 steps to the garage to get the car – phew! Then my day really begins.

I’ve never really understood the complaints and groans about morning traffic before I arrived in this beautiful nation. I used to think, “What’s all the fuss about? Surely it can’t be that bad.” And wrong, I was! And I’m not even the one behind the steering wheel! I really wished I could provide a justified explanation of the mayhem and anarchy that takes place on the roads between Jardins d’el Menzah and Centre Ville. What maybe I should explain beforehand is that, if you drive in this place, you are inadvertently putting yourself at more risk than is recommended. I know, I know, when you go out driving, risk levels increase. But in this case, I’m sure they increase about 10 times more. The one thing that you have to remember whilst out here is that as a driver you have no rights; nada, zilch, rien. And so defensive driving is a must. Cars come out of nowhere, swerve into your lane without signalling, try to make a left turn whilst in the right hand lane. The best analogy I’ve come up with is a weaving board: you know how the threads entwine with each other? That’s how cars interact on the road. To make matters worse, there are other so called road users, i.e. pedestrians who believe themselves to be kings and queens of the road; untouchable, indestructible. They cross, without a care. Once, a young girl decided to just stop in the middle of the road and stare at our oncoming car – I just don’t get it. Very frustrating.

Ok, so now you have some background knowledge, back to morning traffic mayhem: Once stuck in traffic, be prepared to stay put for a VERY long time. Cars just don’t move. This morning, I was actually feeling like we were going backwards, it was that slow. We get excited when the car moves forwards 2 inches, because that means progress right? Although everyone is in full knowledge of this fact, they insist on honking their horns. I mean, “where do you want the car to move to?!” To make matters worse, the nation insists on employing traffic police, who in my opinion just aggravate the situation – although they do do their job with great zeal and enthusiasm, whistling all over the place. Why not just use the traffic lights as they were intended to be used?

Even though I have shared a lot, I don’t feel like I’ve fully expressed my frustration. However, that will be it for now. What I will say in closing is that if you ever decide to come and drive over here; as they say on the basketball courts “DEFENSE! DEFENSE!”….

ciao xxx

Midnight Exercise Sessions

My crazy routine of numerous physical activities has resumed! Last night, I joined my aunt and another one of her friends (that she has cornered) to engage in another session of madness as offered by the Ivorian footballer; let’s just call him “Bobby” - that is actually his name, wasn't creative enough to think up anything else. Last night he had a mission to inflict as much pain onto us without actually physically touching or killing us. All I can say was “it burned!” But it was good, oh so good. Especially if you consider that previously in that day I had consumed 3 rich biscuits, an almond croissant, some olives, a chocolate bar, not to mention “le céréal le plus gourmande” Kellogs Extra Pépites which consists of dark chocolate chunks with roasted nuts. So yea… it was very much needed.

It’s the strangest feeling running about in the dark in a park that you’re not familiar with, then attempting to move your muscles and shape your body in all kinds of ways whilst in full view of passersby. In some respect, it’s kind of liberating, gives an air of “je ne sais quoi” or an attitude of “je m’en fou”. For those of you that don’t speak French, this is your opportunity to research and learn some essential phrases – we need to get you cultured!!

Food Glorious Food!!!

Ok, those of you that know me really well will understand my passion for food. All types, savoury, sweet, sour – as long as it contains no meat, onions, milk, brussels sprouts (who likes them anyway) or is spicy hot. So you see I’m quite easy to please really. My experiences with food so far haven’t been that vast. I’ve been playing it safe, eating meals at home and bringing lunch to work. On Friday I did have lunch with a colleague, but it was at a so called Italian restaurant. That’s one thing I’ve noticed about this place, that all the eatery places are Italian. Fast food consists of Pizzas. Everywhere you look “pizzeria”. I’ll have to find an authentic Tunisien restaurant.

Any hoo… (as they say), I have found, what is in my opinion, the best patisserie on the planet. It’s called Cho Pain and it’s in Berge du Lac. Oh my gosh, their stuff is so good! Last week I bought their chocolate slice.

 It was …..hmmmm…..ahhhhh….mmmmmm. Yea it was really that good. Layers of dark chocolate with noissette nougat and chocolate mousse, yummy! If only you could have experienced what I did. Haha!! Their almond croissants are also delightfully tasteful. I enjoy one a day at the office. Keeps a smile on my face. Ok, gotta go now, its lunch time!!!

xxxx

Weekend Activities: 2nd - 4th Oct 2009

Ok, so this weekend hasn’t been as hectic as the last one, but it has been just as insightful. I’ve had lots to think about, with regards to future options etc. I’ve been missing home quite a bit as well, feeling a little out of my comfort zone I suppose.


The weekend started in much the same manner as the previous one. Yes, I did engage in another 20km of scenic views, cool evening breeze and perspiration. If that didn’t make sense, basically I went out for another run along the coast of La Marsa, only this time it was very much a walk (brisk) than a run. I must add however, that I did in fact run (sprint) up two hills, after which I felt like collapsing, but it was an achievement. Yay for me!!

I find La Marsa absolutely awe inspiring at that time of the night. There were hardly any clouds in the sky, the moon was high up, the sea calm and all the buildings on the mountains resembled fairy lights. Absolutely beautiful. The perfect spot for a romantic picnic (wink, wink). There were quite a few couples taking advantage of this ambiance, though I was informed that their night of romance could have been disrupted at any time had they been caught by the police – Nationals aren’t too keen on PDA’s. I thought I had pictures; I’ll have to add some later.

Looking out across the city and out to the sea, standing high above sea level, it’s not hard to marvel at the wonder of God’s creativity. It helps you put things into perspective and helps you to relax and forget about the stresses of life, which was very much welcomed at the end of my last week. Saturday morning, I chickened out of the early morning exercise session, but my aunt, being the trooper that she is, got up bright and early. Puts me to shame really, don’t it. Oh well, I needed to sleep boi! Plus I had sustained a very painful injury (pulled a muscle). Lol!

Oh guys, I had my very first experience in taking a taxi all by myself I did!!! Well, ok the first time I took a taxi I was accompanied by a friend, we were heading to do some shopping/ “faire les courses”. The second time was “all by myself”, and I almost (see the stress on the word yea) got lost. I directed the driver to the wrong turning, and we ended up on some marsh land somewhere. But the most important thing is that I got home safe and in one piece.

Sunday, we attended church. This time I upgraded my seat from the back where you can listen to the English interpretation, to listening to the service in French from the pews. The sermon was really good. The pastor spoke about being fruitful Christians (Isaiah 55 and The parable of the Sower) and reminded us that being fruitful or bearing fruit is not about an activity but rather about remaining in Christ because He is the fruit. It was really reassuring but also challenging as it calls us to rely on Him completely.

The afternoon was spent taking a drive to La Marsa, this time to see it during the day and to get some Mango sorbet, which tastes just as good as the one from Paris girls!!! It was soooo good, even if it did give me a brief moment of brain freeze and started a coughing fit as it was so cold. Later on, I became an agricultural princess, harvesting scotch bonnet peppers, chillis (the tiny ones) and some greens (plassas ‘n’ krenkren). I also picked myself some roses and jasmine flowers, just because I thought I deserved them. Is it true that all perfumes are based on the jasmine flower?

Just a sample of the produce...

Be Careful What You Wish For

I'm sure you all know that saying very well, but often we forget that it's actually true. Ok, last week at the beginning of the internship my tasks mainly involved, twiddling my thumbs, checking emails, of which I received very few, I thought you people loved me!! Because of this premature idleness I may have voiced, "I’m bored" a few times. Oh how I wish I could return to those early days.
Yep, this week has been manic, and i suppose i wouldn't mind as much if I felt that I had achieved something substantial. When i say this i mean learn something, contribute, blah blah blah. Instead, I’ve been involved with the final preps for a book that will be launched in a few weeks. This may sound exciting to you, but in practical terms, it means sitting in front of your computer for prolonged periods of time (leaving you with a numb derriere) and deleting and formatting paragraphs. I guess I’ve learnt more about the inner workings of MS Word - but to be honest it would have been a lot more appreciated if I had this knowledge about a month ago, whilst i was preparing my own document, dissertation for submission.
I'm just pleased that today is Friday. I can't wait to get home. Not too sure yet if another 20km run is on the cards or an alternative body conditioning class (with an ex Ivorian football player) will take place, as it's been raining on and off again today. I shall let you know in my next post. Also I shall be talking about my food experiences here so far. Yum Yum!!

News Bulletin - 2nd Oct 2009

  Africa's Islands have the Best Governance, is this any surprise?   

Analysts have declared that nations such as Seychelles, Mauritius, and Cape Verde are the best governed. But should we really be surprised by this finding? I mean the islands have somehow managed to remain outside of the frantics of, poor governance, corruption and disease that plagues the continents. But then again there are the North African countries, such as Tunisia, Algeria and Morocco that also maintain a somewhat civilised, if not slightly oppressive, manner in how they approach things. Personally, I think it’s a cultural thing. But I suppose that could be an excuse for anything really. The sub-Saharan region of Africa needs to get their act together and stop relying on others to make the changes. It is up to the people of Africa to bring this change for themselves. I know it sounds harsh, but I believe in the majority of the cases its true. If attitudes remain, ignorant, indifferent and selfish then no matter how much help is given, no progress will be made.

The global economy sees some positive change, but don’t start jumping just yet!

Nigeria celebrates another year of Independence

Ok this article is a bit on the long side, but I suggest you give it a try as it'll give you an overview of their road to independance and a general overview of the situation as it stands now.

Guinea

Another African country has fallen to the demise of violence towards innocent people so that a few can enjoy power. When will we learn as a people that such actions will ensure that the the continent remains a "developing continent" for decades to come. It’s yet another example of what I was discussing above.