Project 52: March

We're already into the 4th month of the year (today is April 1st). Time does move fast - although, coming out of a short February always makes March feel even longer (not helped by its 31 days).

March has been a difficult month - photos-wise. I haven't felt as motivated and excited by the camera as I  initially did. Starting a new job, I've generally been drained, not wanting to go out to places. However, I have seen the seasons change - all in one month - from cold wintery bluey whites, to warm yellows from the daffodils and the soft pinks of the blossoms on the trees.

Anyway here is MARCH for LTNE:

Photo of the Olympic Park, Stratford. Taken by W.
I love the "smokey" feel of the clouds.

A plant in bud. 

Homework.

Practice.

Yellow bouquet.
I can change the settings on my camera so that it picks up certain colours. Here I chose yellow. 

Y's Bouquet.

Candy Station.

Chandelier.

Almost too late. Taken by FB,

R Reviews: La Tasca

We resumed our dinner dates after a two week gap (we got busy and ended up spending an extended weekend together to make up for it). It was a bit impromptu but sometimes that's the best. I was feeling something light and not too fussy so we went to La Tasca West India Quay. The last time we went there, we ordered WAY too much, our eyes got the better of us. This time round, we learnt from our lesson and only ordered half the amount - Calamari, Aubergines, Chorizo, Meat Balls, Battered Fish.

The food was good, filling and varied. The Battered fish is the best I think. Service is good. The food arrives quite quickly and there's variety. But the tables are a bit small which can get a bit irritating as there are so many plates on them.

Bar 38 was our next stop. Desserts are a must there. I had a Chocolate Mint warm gateau and W had a Bannoffe treacle thingy bip bop. They were both ……mmmmmmmmmmmm. So good!!

Take a stroll along the quay, walk along the cobbled ground and generally chill.

Oh and don't forget to get your discount vouchers from www.discountvouchers.co.uk

R Reviews: Top of the Town

Saturday night I ventured into China Town with some girlies and Mr W. Simply put, the service was atrocious! Our waiter must have been having a bad day. But as they say don’t take your personal stuff to work. Fortunately, the chef and the nice lil' old man made up for at right at the last minute.

http://www.topofthetownrestaurant.co.uk/

R Reviews: Fish!

We have decided that we need to spend more time together. "Like you don't spend enough already?" I hear you say. Well,... Actually we don't. The early stages of any relationship are the most important. It's when you get to know someone's character, you figure out how you work together and begin to build the foundations for the years ahead.

Each week we pretend we're Michelle and Barack and dress up (well that's me) and head out to town. We treat ourselves to some fine dining and possibly some cocktails, natter, laugh and generally just get all lovey dovey. I love it. I always look forward to it, it's the highlight of my week.


This week we tried out Fish! @ London Bridge. It forms part of the Fish Kitchen Group. I think my expectations we're too high. I hadn't had some good fish in a while so was quite excited by the prospect of going somewhere where all there would be on the menu is… you guessed it! HOWEVER…. We turned up at the restaurant and it was empty. That was our first mistake. But we decided to give it the benefit of the doubt. The terrace looked nicely laid out but there were some flies hovering by the heaters so we decided to sit inside. In my opinion, the layout is not one that is date friendly, and the floor is definitely not heels friendly. I found the menu quite restricted, and ended up going for the fish pie which defeated my objective. Mr W's grilled Sea Bream was tasty and so I helped myself as I usually do. Service was good.

In all, I think it's a restaurant that is more conducive to group settings. Somewhere you can drop by to have a quick, light and healthy bite.

Lyon

If you ever get the chance to go away, take it. Being in different surroundings has the tendency, for me at least, to make you see things from a different perspective or even do some soul searching. Last week I went to Lyon to visit a friend. TBH I didn't really want to, I was stressing out about things that are beyond my control. But as all always, the things I try and run away from, is usually what's best.




The break was much needed and fun. It was good to see my friend's glowing and warm face again. She has grown and blossomed within her surroundings. It made me think about where I'm heading, hmmm….



The pace in Lyon is perfect I think. Everything is chilled, calm and relaxed. You actually have time to stop and smell the roses. I think it's coz there's so much green about. And I guess being on a farm does emphasise that. But then at the same time, things get done and it's done efficiently. Just made me realise (yet again) that London is not the be all and end all of places to be. Even down to public transport, which I must say was spotless and air conditioned (why are we Londoners so backwards?). Life in Lyon is super, genial, manifique. I guess I am slightly biased coz I love the French life anyways, but still.



I say if you're looking for somewhere to really grow, explore and rejuvenate, then head on over. But be warned, the night life is not the best. However, there are hundreds of restaurants lining the cobbled streets that will provide you with some entertainment, good food and good wine. And failing that, you can always head back to your pad, invite some of your girlies, blast on the music and dance (or jump) the night away.

Brandshatch

Time taken out of the normal daily routine is much needed every so often. Indulgence, luxurious indulgence is also something that we should implement whenever we can and it doesn't have to be too far from your doorstep. After all, we only get one chance.

This last weekend, I was whisked away to a delightful Hotel and Spa break for 2. It was simply sublime. We were dined, pampered and accommodated in true English fashion and it only took us 1hr 1/2 to get there. The swimming pool and sauna got most of our attention and then we were treated to massages and facials. I came out feeling light, airy and glowing (literally, my face was shining from all the oils). Though after having the massage I realised just how tense and stressed I had become. The massage didn’t take that all away (I need more sessions…hint, hint) but it did allow me to acknowledge that I had been letting things get on top of me. But hey, that's life!

Anyway, I will strongly recommend this place, Brandshatch Hotel and Spa. I found it rather quirky and quientessionaly English with its narrow corridors, different levels, mis-matching wall paper and silver utensils. The service is great. I was apprehensive a bit as I knew that we would be the only black couple there, and we were, but that was due to my own insecurities rather than anything else. The hotel is situated in lush green surroundings within the structure of an old manor house.

It's a great place to visit for the day as well. What do you say girls? Pre-wedding adventure?

These aren't my own pictures!!!! I have probs downloading mine. These have been provided by the courtesy of the web, THANK YOU!!!

Plans

That thing that I've been waiting for, well I'm still waiting. On the surface it seems that nothing has developed or changed. I'm getting the same response from the same people. I wish I could just get a definite "yay" or "nay", that way I could go ahead and make the plans I need to.


After long periods of nothing and even longer conversations, I now know that plans are never definite. In fact I would say that our plans are just ideas in reality, that rarely or never actually come to fruition.

The only person that can truly plan is God. Whatever He says goes? When I came to believe and understand this, it allowed me to better accept my current circumstances: it's all part of His greater plan. I mean if I had been whisked off already, I wouldn't have had all this time to spend with family and friends or start preparations for next year, and I wouldn't have learnt this lesson. So in all things I must be grateful right? Besides He says:

For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. – Jeremiah 29:11

and just because things don’t seem to be going right on the surface doesn't mean that He isn't working behind the scences. Keep praising Him through it all like Paul and Silas in prison (Acts 16). He will always make His presence know to you if you just let Him.
HOWEVER, when we throw free will and choices into the mix, then doesn't that mean we can chose to go against God's plans? I'm still thinking things through after another convo yesterday.

Valentines

It's easy to blame our actions on our circumstances or in my case on hormones. Saturday, I was in the most miserable of moods and I was quite happy declaring it to whomever I spoke to. I shouted, groaned and moaned at my nearest and dearest then tried to justify my actions by stating that it was all hormonal. Regardless of this change that occurs, that is no way to treat the people that I say I love. It got me thinking though, that to maintain working relationships we always have to give our best and never let our guard down.



Anyway on to the activities of the weekend, Saturday I was commissioned by the parents to cook dinner for my aunt and family as she had just come back from visiting home. I decided to try a new recipe that I saw on BBC 2 but then couldn't find again when I tried their website so I had to make it up as I went along. Practically the whole day was spent in the kitchen, which is a big feat for me as my usual meals take no longer than 30mins MAX. My lil bro was supposed to be helping but yea… The morning was spent skinning and marinating fish. Then pealing potatoes and rolling out dough. You should have seen me and the state of the kitchen; flour everywhere.

The menu was the following:

Entrée

Lemon and Black Pepper grilled King prawns served with a spinach and olive salad.

Main Course

Salmon Pie (there's a posh French name for it but I can’t recall it now) served with roast potatoes, asparagus and sugar snaps.

Dessert

Apple Pie

Sunday as everyone knows was Valentines day by which time my mood had elevated. It was my first as a fiancée, and it was definitely the best. We didn't do anything extravagant, but spent quality time. Although the day was a bit hectic as we attended church twice and had some other errands to do, I felt calm and relaxed throughout. I was spoilt with a bunch of roses (11 - he brought the 12th on Saturday night to cheer me up), dinner was cooked for me as well as homemade chocolate cheesecake, some wine and movies, a handmade card and poem - the perfect evening. Thank you x

Roses

I've been contemplating how personal I make my blog posts and with that I've been wondering if I should share my latest news. But I've decided that this is me, and I want to be me so here it goes. I am going to become a Mrs!!!! Woop Woop for me!!!!! Although I am guessing that the majority if not all of my avid readers are already fully aware of this fact. If you have not yet made yourself known as a follower of my random thoughts please do, it provides some encouragement.

We decided to follow a traditional Krio Rose Engagement Ceremony. At first I was against it as I felt it took away from "our" day. But due to outside reasoning I gave in, well not completely, I wouldn't be me if I had. We changed things up slightly. If you click on the link above it'll take you to an explanation of what the day is supposed to be like traditionally. To be fair we followed the majority of it though changed the gifts and the groom was present from start to finish. I think it was all the better for it as the atmosphere was one of laughter and relaxation. This is my take on it from my bedroom on the top floor and from videos of it as I was prohibited from the ceremony till the proposal itself. :-(

Ok a quick run down of events;

Grooms family arrived; introductions by both sides of the family; presentation of gifts; deliberation by brides family over gifts and if they're prepared to hand over their daughter (me); acceptance; presentation of roses; blessing of ring; proposal; answer; lots of cheering; lots of praying and singing; food; dance; sleep.

It was an awesome day. Nothing that I could have prepared myself for. For me, it put into tangible perspective what marriage is all about. Yes it is about the love and eternal union between a male and female, but it's also about the union and bonds that are created among family members and friends - well they're family too. In modern or rather westernised society the element of family is taken out of marriages and so too often they fail. But I'm not here to give my views of what makes a marriage work or not - how can I, I haven't even fully entered that equation yet. I'm just here to share my good news.

"Love you like polar bears love ice"

This is my latest acquisition....

Meet The Parents

It's got to that point, you can't avoid it. To be honest you don't want to avoid it coz you know to get to the next stage it must be done. All kind of thoughts start racing through your mind. From the most obvious, "will they like me?"; "What do I say?"; "What should I wear?" etc. But strangely enough you don't feel nervous, anxious but rather quite calm. "Shouldn't I be feeling scared or something?"
This time it’s different, something's changed. I can’t really explain, I'm not sure myself, but I know it's going to be alright. Besides, I've done all the background checks and personal research that my social network allows for, so I'm armed with information (well that's what I think anyways).
To be honest I think that in most situations things are never as bad as we may make them out to be. As imperfect humans we have an annoying tendency to overestimate difficult or challenging situations. We convince ourselves that it's out of our reach, that we're not worth it or that we aren't capable of doing it. But my mother has taught me, and continually reminds me that if somebody else has done it, so can I. And even if no one else has achieved what your aiming for, don't let that stop you, be a pioneer and let your "lil light shine".
Ok so back to meeting the parents. The first time actually went really smoothly. Obviously the underlying work had been done, i.e. they already had sufficient information about me to know what I was like and vice versa. I was welcomed into their house or rather their home as one of them. I was looked after, taken care of. So obviously I have returned for subsequent visits (quite a few actually). I guess I have other motivations? Anyway, like I said above this time it was different.

25

I'm sorry I have neglected to post for a while. I have been otherwise preoccupied and not by doing anything particularly exciting either. This past weekend was my birthday. Another year older, or as I like to see it, another year wiser. Well at least I hope that's true. It's at times of milestones or anniversaries that we force ourselves to reflect. But if we took more time reflecting, learning and understanding then I believe that life would be more meaningful and more fulfilling. But we're young, so it's cool if we make mistakes right? Over and over and over…

Anyhoo, the weekend was nice and relaxing. I felt that it was the first weekend that I truly felt rested and settled in my surroundings - although I did kind of undo the effects of this on Sunday night by having a prolonged Skype communication (well worth it though.) I am blessed to be where I am now. I know that it was not by my doing that I am surrounded with people and characters that I get along with, who are caring and warm. I am completely blessed.

The day itself involved me running around the house, cleaning, dusting, arranging . I also spent a significant proportion of the morning decorating my Christmas tree (picture to be uploaded later). I decided to steer away from traditional decorations and opted for an orange theme, it looks rather lush. And if you are wondering, it's not difficult to get decorations here, but neither is it easy. There's only one store that stocks anything to do with Christmas - Carrefour - and that's coz its French. Also Christmas day itself is a normal working day, interesting. That aside, birthday celebrations consisted of a gathering of a select few, eating jollof rice and stew with fish and veggies, eating the most divine chocolate birthday cake - this thing was too good. Layers of chocolate (noir, white, cream) with almonds as it's base and cookie bits, truffled-like centre and creaming chocolate icing. For those that don't like chocolate, I'm sorry, for those that do…if only I could have saved you a piece. The rest of the evening was spent listening to some old-skool jamz (since when did the music I know become old skool?) with mellow chatter. It was nice.

Djerba

Sitting in the back sit of a volkswagen 4x4 something or another at 8am on the Friday of Eid, I prepared myself mentally for the journey ahead. I knew that where ever we were headed would take a while. I'd heard talk of between 4 - 6hrs drive, but I had not really, truly, taken in the significance of this. In fact I had completely ignored doing any sort of pre-journey preparation, even down to checking a map and looking up the place we were headed to. My mentality at the time was more of a "no tiene a nada", I'm not driving, why'd you have to get me up so early on a day off. I was preoccupied with other things. When I finally laid eyes upon a map and was instructed that the journey would be around 500kms and I saw the distance, it finally dawned upon me.

So here it is, the journey that we embarked on. Luckily though "le temps passe vite" and we arrived safely at the hotel in Djerba at 2:45pm. We made some pit stops (mainly for me). Picked a cactus fruit and got attacked by it's tiny fine protectors. Ended up using tweezers to get them out. Passed numerous market stalls on the way with their colourful ceramics and hot peppers hanging. Not to forget the poor lil agneau that were being sacrificed :-(

I would attempt to describe the place to you but pictures can do that better:

(pictures from the hotel)

(view from my room)

(postcard perfect n'est pas?)

(sunrise)

You have to admit the place is beautiful!

N'importe quoi!

You know when you wake up and you have that feeling that its going to be one of them days? That's exactly how I feel. My alarm went off at 5.35am this morning, in the midst of some very practical dreams that were enabling me to sort things out in my head. Anyway, I opened my eyes and my other senses came into play, realised that it was cold and refused to get out of bed. So I closed my eyes again and waited for my other alarm to go off at 6.05am. However, the extra half hour did not, as I had hoped, give me the extra boost of energy that I very much required, instead it just shortened the time I had to get myself out of the house - doh.

After getting myself all dapper; stripped shirt, trousers and make-up, I left the house and began my long a** journey to the office. Today is going to be hard day! I was waiting for a taxi at the rond point for about 25 mins - my hailing skills have obviously reclined somewhat. Ok that is bit of a fib. I got a taxi to stop after about 2 mins of arriving at the cross roads. Got in to the cab, Mr Taxi asked where I was going to which I dully responded and he said "nah not going there sorry, too much embouteillage, you know you can take the metro" - CHEEK!!! (Ok so he didn't say it in those exact words, but there's my translation for you. In fact it was a mixture of Arabic and French - key words being in French: mètro, embouteillage).

Taxi drivers here are getting on my last nerve. I have frequented quite a few since arriving in this place - considering they are now my main mode of transportation whilst my aunt is away - I must have sat my bum down in over 20 or so (in other circumstances they have a word for that - oops). I mean in relative terms they are cheap (London), as the average journey costs about 4.500TND (£2.30 or so). But a lot of cheapness makes for very expensive n'est pas?!

The journey into work took 40 mins. This is a journey that can be achieved sans traffic in around 15mins or if you drive a Mercedes V6, 9mins. I am certain that Mr Taxi man took the longest, slowest route just so he could get some more millimes out of me, I swear!! I mean he would make the normal gestures of honking the horn and all that, to demonstrate that he was in a hurry, but when the occasion came to over-take or move forward, he reclined back into his chair - arghhhhh!!! Normally je suis très calme et tranquille, mais cette matin je me sens pas asi!

Anyhoo, I'm going to look at it as a sort of ... encouragement. It always seems that when things start going well, there are other things that try to push you down. So I'm going to let it go (with gritted teeth) and move forward. No seriously, there are more important things in life that deserve my attention, like not letting my peppermint tea get any colder.

Whenever troubles come your way..... smile and drink tea!!

Time to Step up...

I woke up this morning on fire. I don't know what happened whilst I was sleeping, but today "I am on it"! I think that it's the combination of different things that's been going on around me. But the final trigger was a conversation I had with my lovely sweetness :-) last night. I have definitely found a good thing.

Anyway, I feel motivated and ready to do what I need to do. I've been kidding myself and allowing myself to remain in my comfort zone for too long. It's finally dawned on me that the things that I have been struggling with; sharing emotions, stepping up, being more assertive are the same things that are preventing me from achieving the goals and dreams that I have. I remember even back to netball games and hockey games at school, our coach would always tell me to be more "aggressive". Why did they put me in the defence positions? (I now have a puzzled look on my face) - anyway, now it's time for change.

We all have goals and dreams. For me I believe that God wouldn't have given me these goals and dreams if they weren't achievable. I've tried to push myself to think that I can only have one, but why? Who says that we can't achieve everything we set out to do. Ok, I might be sounding a bit pompous or arrogant, but its not about that at all. It's about having confidence in your God, your abilities and a realistic understanding of the world around you. I have been stupid not to see that I have family and friends who are there, supporting me and not judging me. I cannot achieve everything through my own will, I do need the help of others.

As a very special person reminded me, life is about the choices that we make. The decisions we make today have an impact on how our lives will turn out tomorrow. So we need to make the choice that we think will lead us to the place that we want to be. So it might mean making some sacrifices today, but the gains to come will be oh so sweet :-). It's also about deciding on what your priorities are in life and ensuring that your actions reflect exactly that. It's not supposed to be easy, otherwise we would all be the happiest people. But with God as my fortress and my rock…all things are possible.

I guess what I am saying to you is, don't underestimate your abilities. Have dreams, but also have the confidence and be pragmatic as to how these dreams are achieved. Also be flexible, because inevitably things will not turn out as you planned. But that's ok…learn from it, and make the next choice.

I endeavour to take each day as it comes. Deal with the tasks and challenges that present themselves now, live and enjoy today, but focus on the future and all that God has in store for me.

I'm sharing this with you because I want it to be testament to the difference that is to come in all our lives. I want you all to be my witnesses and I shall be yours. I am ready to step up, but I know that it will be difficult. If ever I slack, I will rely on you to tell me. Are you ready?

Listen to this

Beautiful Flower - India Arie

Toute Seule

I've been left to fend for myself for the next 3 weeks. I have got through the first week and i'm still here ... so something must be going right. However, this week i think will prove particularly challenging as things will not be so clearly marked out for me. "Enti a nor bin wan make adgo" - i'm forced to do it now.

So what have i achieved "all by myself"? Well lets see: i've discovered the wonders of le pain Turc a la petite patisserie which is at the bottom of the hill. Getting there and back also does wonders for ones thighs, but i'm not sure it cancels out those empty carbs...hmmm. Also, i think i have now moved up to the level of "novice" in hailing taxis, i'm no longer left wanting for 30 - 45mins - improvement! I even got a taxi to the office this morning. Got stuck in wretched traffic or as they say here "embouteillage". I'm convinced that Mr. Taxi took the longer route today just so that he can get more money from me....Patience I say.

I've also been to Hash....don't ask me what it means coz i don't know. But it involves a group of random people driving to obscure, historical/tourist places and running - or for those like me who just wasn't feeling it walking and taking in the sites. They also sing songs, and initiate new members all of which involves downing beer. It was the first time that i saw goats and cows up close and personal...not too close mind you. We went walking in the country, squashing white snails - now it wasn't animal cruelty, but these little creatures were everywhere, to avoid them you would have to walk on your big toe (is that even possible?) I went in and out of roman ruins, visited the auditoriums (or the remains) and went inside the shells of the roman baths. It was awe-inspiring, just thinking that these structures have been standing for hundreds of years....

Pics to follow.

As promised...

Sheep!!

Some other ruins - couldn't keep up with the explanation.

Me in the roman baths - with olive branch in one hand.

goats - i forgot to mention them

That's it for now. If you want more pics...just ask.

La fontaine

Just got back from a long Sunday afternoon. Went to church this morning - i got there all by myself i did. Got lost a bit in the taxi, but got to the destination in the end. I was in luck though as i fell on a taxi driver that spoke eloquent French and pas mal anglais aussi. Just another little reminder that God is looking out for me. This afternoon i accompanied a friend to a house viewing. The house is absolutely beautiful, grand, spacious, peaceful and quiet, the only problem is that it's en face d'une mosque, with calls to prayer five times a day. Now i told him that if he wanted the house bad enough (i mean it's BEAUTIFUL) then its something he'll get used to, but is it somewhere I would live, i'm not sure. Tunisia is known for their liberal ways, so i'm sure there would be no problems at all, plus le mosque is not too active as it only calls a small crowd of 5 or 10 people, but it's still something to take into consideration.

The rest of the afternoon was spent "living it up" a bit in the residences of Berges du lac. Another friend has just moved into a house in the area and this place is "WOW" - it's just amazing. All i need to tell you is that it has a fountain in the house - yep inside the house. And its no small fontaine either. I wish i had my camera coz i would have taken a pic and shown you, but my camera has gone missing ever since leaving it in the office - my own fault i guess.

Life is what you make it... as they say. And i've never really felt it more than i do right now. There are opportunities in this place that you wouldn't be able to have in any other place. The standard of living is good as well - nothing compared to London. To say that people don't work hard here would be a lie, but at least you get to see the fruits of your labour. In these economic times, its calling us, especially the younguns to consider alternative pastures. I also didn't realise that there's such an active expatriate community that resides here. But i guess it makes sense coz it's not far from Europe and it's not really Africa now is it? Which is a problem in itself as it's watering down some of the objectives that people are trying to achieve.

Choices: Where there’s a will there’s always a way.

25th October 2009

We all have them, and often make the wrong ones because of naiveté, ignorance, or just undue attention to the facts.

This weekend, unlike other past weekends here, has not been as action filled, energetic or inspiring. In fact I have spent the entire time in the close vicinity of the house, passing my time in the land of unconscious and experiencing the delights of daytime television in a foreign land. And as I reflect back on my complete idleness, although the rest was much needed, I feel a sense of disappointment in myself for not trying to make more of the situation. It becomes very easy to get accustomed to being/living in a certain way and when that option is no longer available to you, it’s a lot easier to sit on one’s derrière than try and change the situation. Ok, enough of the cryptic talk. Basically, I had the option of doing quite exciting things, like scuba diving and going out and socialising with people of my own age in an environment that is not so foreign from the likes of the London night scene. However, me being myself I turned down both opportunities because I guess in all honesty I couldn’t be bothered to put the extra effort in to get myself to those locations. I’ve adjusted to the luxury of being driven around, or just tagging along to places, that the thought of going out into the real Tunis by myself is rather frightening. We live in the suburbs of the city, where transportation is not frequent and is often difficult to find.
What I have learnt or rather what I have come to realise is that options do not usually come up in this place and so when they present themselves I need to take full advantage of them. Nevertheless, it’s given me an insight into how living here would be. It would definitely push me out of my comfort zone, something that I know is much needed but I have been reluctant to accept.

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.....

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!!