tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-55731654864969562762024-03-05T15:09:28.817+02:00Life and Times of the FirefliesAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07937370112210543248noreply@blogger.comBlogger308125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5573165486496956276.post-72818168172569160502018-02-12T08:39:00.001+02:002018-02-12T08:39:44.135+02:00We're Moving!<div align="justify">
Home is where the heart is, right? And if home really is where the heart is, then a great part of it - my heart that is - has been poured out into this space over here. Words have always been a source of great comfort and solace to me through the years. I have drowned many of my sorrows and dowsed several of my fears on blank pages; housed between the covers of a journal; until eventually making the leap (after much convincing from my sisters) to this space on the internet. </div>
<div align="justify">
</div>
<div align="justify">
For several years now, this has been home to my feelings and thoughts. This has been the home of my memories and life's ramblings. For many years this has been the space where I've recorded and documented all my life lessons and most prized accomplishments...this has been my comfort...this has been a very big part of me...this has been a home of sorts - even if just for my feelings and thoughts. And now I'm leaving it behind so to speak, to set up home in a new space! </div>
<div align="justify">
</div>
<div align="justify">
I feel like I've done a lot of growing in this space, and leaving it behind seems bittersweet. And just like one would do when leaving a physical home behind; lingering along hallways and bedrooms recounting pivotal moments and memories; I find myself doing much of the same as I've been browsing through old entries of mine- reminiscing - before I make way for new beginnings.<br />
<br />
I didn't even know how to use a computer properly when I started this blog, and even though I'm still majorly technologically challenged, I've learnt so much along the way! I've grown as a mother and as a person - and our family has grown (and is still growing) considerably too! And so what better time to pack everything up and move on to a newer, prettier and more functional space. </div>
<div align="justify">
</div>
<div align="justify">
Every now and again there's a little voice in the back of your head that screams for an adventure. Where on a whim, you decide to pack everything into a bag and step out of your comfort zone. Where suddenly you know it's time to start something out of the ordinary and trust the magic of new beginnings. That's how I'm feeling right now. 5 years ago that feeling was tied to starting this blog; and in this case, I've packed up all the memories we've accumulated over the years, carefully boxed and sealed them, and <strike>had the moving guys</strike> had a tech savvy person ( Andrea from <a href="http://birdanddesign.com/">Bird & Design</a> ) set it all up in our new space. And so it's with great, anxious excitement, that I want to announce that we have a brand new home on the internet!<br />
<br />
So this is my last post here in this space. A last goodbye and farewell to a platform that has bode me well over the years. From now onwards, you can find me in my new home and space <a href="http://lifeandtimesofthefireflies.co.za/2018/02/11/making-way-for-new-beginnings/">Life and Times of the Fireflies</a>. Please hop on over and check it out :-)</div>
<div align="justify">
</div>
<div align="justify">
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsj1PUvd6D_ad-ZPmbbZg5GJ-JVoQth4PgNtQEUATQePbCQIVseXhaLJbUUnnxT82vDU2Qsn2DAkbCIc2WvQ-aIqZPVDIzR1s70h3lKHTca0KJ-hkmuKlCqE5K5b5bXdmYBj6o64iX2mct/s1600/LATOTF-insties-3.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="850" data-original-width="850" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsj1PUvd6D_ad-ZPmbbZg5GJ-JVoQth4PgNtQEUATQePbCQIVseXhaLJbUUnnxT82vDU2Qsn2DAkbCIc2WvQ-aIqZPVDIzR1s70h3lKHTca0KJ-hkmuKlCqE5K5b5bXdmYBj6o64iX2mct/s640/LATOTF-insties-3.png" width="640" /></a></div>
</div>
<div align="justify">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Thanks for reading! </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Peace,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
NAMU :)</div>
<div align="justify">
</div>
<div align="justify">
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07937370112210543248noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5573165486496956276.post-68135798843274776662018-01-29T10:31:00.001+02:002018-02-04T14:14:19.651+02:00An Open Letter to My Child's Teacher<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4VGY0gkQvK3qu72csnCOGAUME8vlTCns7Wz6rcwqxjTbUjBZ9W2xZkK7Z8gsBIJLLJJo4zKvYL7ESFL5nLofJPgMYiGmResfnb-3fUdmJMvfgMPFRxzz4r7AdSxhCTd1o1i-vw-_97XvU/s1600/20180204_090516.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="1066" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4VGY0gkQvK3qu72csnCOGAUME8vlTCns7Wz6rcwqxjTbUjBZ9W2xZkK7Z8gsBIJLLJJo4zKvYL7ESFL5nLofJPgMYiGmResfnb-3fUdmJMvfgMPFRxzz4r7AdSxhCTd1o1i-vw-_97XvU/s640/20180204_090516.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
It seems like an odd time to pen a letter to a teacher my child is leaving behind...or rather, <strong><em>children. </em></strong>It does feel like the end of an era, doesn't it. All so final with the last of my brood leaving your class to spread his new found wings. I thought I'd write this letter while my feelings are raw and thoughts are still fresh. But to be honest, these feelings have been swirling around in my head and heart for a long time now. Ever since way back last year as I witnessed my child transform and grow. And a lot of it has to do with you, so I wanted to say, Thank you. </div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I wanted to say thank you for taking my child's anxiety and turning it into confidence. Thank you for giving him validation...for making him feel important. Your reassuring words and gestures worked like magic and has given him the ability to see and believe in his own abilities, and the confidence to conquer anything he puts his mind to - even standing in front of the class to say his orals. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I wanted to say thank you for nurturing his enquiring mind. For being patient in answering his millions of questions. For allowing him to have a voice and giving him a chance to be heard - Even if it was to tell a story that related to his several cousins and aunts. You listened and made him feel valued. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I wanted to say thank you for creating a caring and nurturing environment where he felt safe and comfortable...a place where he felt happy...a place where it was easy for him to learn. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I wanted to say thank you for teaching him that getting all the answers right is not the only important thing (even though it is a great reward for working hard). That being kind, considerate and compassionate to his friends holds far greater value. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I wanted to say thank you for seeing my child as he truly is. Thanks for seeing his strengths, his potential, his determination, his drive and his independence. Thanks for seeing his intelligence, diligence and perseverance (with his handwriting). Thank you for seeing past the statistics and assessment results (even though they were pretty incredible), and seeing him as a person and nurturing him holistically throughout the year. You have helped him grow and develop, not only as a student, but also as a person, and for that I am particularly grateful. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
When Zaydaan started school I really felt like I threw him into the deep end. I planted him like a little seedling into the great unknown and watched (and wavered...and also doubted my choices) as he figured his way around; but by the end of that year he had transformed into a bud. You, in turn, took my little bud and made him blossom and bloom <3 And now he's stepped into grade three with a tenacity and confidence and a fire in his eye that makes me feel like he's totally got this! <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I just wanted to say thank you - for all that you are, all that you stand for, and for all that you do for all the kids who walk through your door. You have a unique ability of not just teaching, but truly investing in all the kids you encounter and have certainly left a lasting impact on all of my children - For Saafiyah, it was her first year in the big unknown and you helped her thrive...and who can forget that letter Raqeeb wrote in grade 5!! You are one in a million and I'm so sad to say goodbye. Instead I'll say one last time...thank you. Thank you for being an important part of my family's incredible journey! </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Image may contain: 3 people, people smiling, people standing" aria-busy="false" class="spotlight" src="https://scontent-jnb1-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/10402508_602164683218872_1150878777191780162_n.jpg?oh=d225a48665c6b087b3efb58f5c294b1e&oe=5B23BED5" style="height: 604px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; width: 360px;" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A blurry picture of where it all began</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgC1veAhyy0mQxXUewrnT5W1WzcV039mY0Wni4jQa_MR204oVYqtzeeJ7Sn3mynmzLfnxHG0nQfVyh-YKCEPHA0LMrtdPCjoTlyN0JJHfXwB0M2BDW6-5lpGoPpRgt5Gec-ho8PE9PG5fqN/s1600/IMG_9792.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgC1veAhyy0mQxXUewrnT5W1WzcV039mY0Wni4jQa_MR204oVYqtzeeJ7Sn3mynmzLfnxHG0nQfVyh-YKCEPHA0LMrtdPCjoTlyN0JJHfXwB0M2BDW6-5lpGoPpRgt5Gec-ho8PE9PG5fqN/s640/IMG_9792.JPG" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">And now...It's a pity Saafiyah is missing from this picture</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMA1DJRnu7sgK6fih9MSvSi1_xVl7z4pGKHivpEyz4byXYo3cEl2MO91lOorT5K5SYzSTyl5UvLTlqhEEA_2g7agM0-43joMflwgFz15asMmXUkFJ-L6k98R3baT32isPkDlpa9HOrlOr8/s1600/IMG_9790.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1066" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMA1DJRnu7sgK6fih9MSvSi1_xVl7z4pGKHivpEyz4byXYo3cEl2MO91lOorT5K5SYzSTyl5UvLTlqhEEA_2g7agM0-43joMflwgFz15asMmXUkFJ-L6k98R3baT32isPkDlpa9HOrlOr8/s640/IMG_9790.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOmduXm8RB00qoBOC7Hl9aX_i8rQ-jDdXwW0AlOpm08fRHhaUeflqgK1JHlcE8n8ihBIVwKs1APGiNDqd3aYW3R9_wQlaHDUIkTq3EsRiyiLqUWGhKv6H8BjXjKaXg39DkH0KWVfFgMCwS/s1600/20180125_172407.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOmduXm8RB00qoBOC7Hl9aX_i8rQ-jDdXwW0AlOpm08fRHhaUeflqgK1JHlcE8n8ihBIVwKs1APGiNDqd3aYW3R9_wQlaHDUIkTq3EsRiyiLqUWGhKv6H8BjXjKaXg39DkH0KWVfFgMCwS/s640/20180125_172407.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">And now marching off to grade 3! </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Thank You! </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
From all of us <3</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWE601a5ZNkZpHPG9YhOktE3TVWzgkZjZfe7YeQMoyk6Sqra1QdxJ8M6LueVmiix4FFfmRwWG25-nPPHhBMxZkqtNT4gCyy2pXwYABYnfMCOlyTwmFVJYzo8j7eGH9npZ8o1nu3Djk001q/s1600/20180204_090516.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="1066" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWE601a5ZNkZpHPG9YhOktE3TVWzgkZjZfe7YeQMoyk6Sqra1QdxJ8M6LueVmiix4FFfmRwWG25-nPPHhBMxZkqtNT4gCyy2pXwYABYnfMCOlyTwmFVJYzo8j7eGH9npZ8o1nu3Djk001q/s320/20180204_090516.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
</div>
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07937370112210543248noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5573165486496956276.post-51397234224090446902018-01-21T08:31:00.000+02:002018-01-21T22:13:57.187+02:00Life Lately - Starting 2018<div align="justify">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgL07uou2fW_VsDBeoZNWgDGjngV1Ml25N6T7e8FUHm2mwlw5m8-GMrAbOSqFp2Iyi_Amg6j2GwL0heVwnXmMnw3U1ImPVCJNr7NzrlZXmbDlAWjhDbxnjlGU9tTA0LEBuvDrXJU5C5ndZ8/s1600/IMG_20180114_125804_876.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1080" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgL07uou2fW_VsDBeoZNWgDGjngV1Ml25N6T7e8FUHm2mwlw5m8-GMrAbOSqFp2Iyi_Amg6j2GwL0heVwnXmMnw3U1ImPVCJNr7NzrlZXmbDlAWjhDbxnjlGU9tTA0LEBuvDrXJU5C5ndZ8/s640/IMG_20180114_125804_876.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
And just like that the holidays are over, the kids are back to school and things are returning to normal - if we can even call this life we live normal! I'm a bit late to the draw this year with getting the blog going. Precious time with the family had taken precedence over updating this space over here...especially after our rough start to Summer (<a href="http://namusnarratives.blogspot.co.za/2017/12/life-lately-slow-start-to-summer.html">read about it HERE</a> ). But that rough start has made me realise more than ever to capitalise on whatever time we have with our loved ones, and so we kept the Summer partying going till the very end before we get swallowed up by our busy schedules. I suppose that's why, even though we are way past halfway through January, it feels like I'm only really getting started with 2018 now! <br />
<br />
At first, I found the idea of 50 days and 150 meals of Summer vacation a little daunting and exhausting. But by the end of it, I found it to be a great time to reconnect with my kids - to have long and meaningful conversations with them, listen to their woes (and sometimes, complaints about my parenting), delve a bit deeper into their psyche, focus on character building...you know - all the things we let slip by during the year because there's just too many things to do. And somewhere along the line, as kids often have the power to do, <em>they </em>have brought about the biggest changes and realisations within <em>ME! </em> </div>
<div align="justify">
</div>
<div align="justify">
I feel like the end of 2017 and this Summer holiday has really set the tone for things I need to change and focus on in 2018. It started out as a little niggly voice in the back of my mind, a little whisper into my subconscious; and is now reverberating through every aspect of my life. It's a common theme that's coming pouring through - especially out of the mouths of my kids and I think it's time I really start listening to the signals.<br />
<br />
So, even though I have no profound resolutions or goals set for myself for 2018; the one single change I want to focus on is to live less of my moments behind a screen or a camera lens! To live less of my moments observing my family live their lives from my own created fortress of technology...to stop trying to capture every single moment perfectly and start to live every single moment that I am given <em>with</em> my family! If there's one thing I want to achieve this year, then it is to find a happy medium between the two.<br />
<br />
I know that this is just the beginning of a very long stretch...that there's plenty more lessons still to come; and I'm ready to embrace and learn from whatever comes way; but at least it's a pretty good way to get the year started - focused on family and ready to grow :-)<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqdZMvmGHekDMZNxSYugYWlU-VZp1MIaDv8CicUq74Maxe4W1W-2RW2rSHj48sNT0fsrcweeqo5Isr2dcgcnDvvvXZvTQYu-v9KqR4Lhzp7MKZ2MWqEinHsrtqwmTjYF_x4X1q-jJG2VnP/s1600/copy.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1484" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqdZMvmGHekDMZNxSYugYWlU-VZp1MIaDv8CicUq74Maxe4W1W-2RW2rSHj48sNT0fsrcweeqo5Isr2dcgcnDvvvXZvTQYu-v9KqR4Lhzp7MKZ2MWqEinHsrtqwmTjYF_x4X1q-jJG2VnP/s640/copy.JPG" width="592" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div align="center">
Thanks for reading!</div>
<div align="center">
</div>
<div align="center">
</div>
<div align="center">
Peace,</div>
<div align="center">
</div>
<div align="center">
</div>
<div align="center">
NAMU :)</div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
</div>
<div align="justify">
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07937370112210543248noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5573165486496956276.post-81285827897794976882018-01-12T10:40:00.002+02:002018-01-12T11:00:43.306+02:00WFOT Congress 2018 - Top 5 Beaches in Cape Town<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh50zcf9vW5VQuDZSkZLwVhPRpy7sTLpJaOwmr7q0Ir-beh7tgNex3AuNU5LQ123CHi3q8TOr9LZkg7NwRe7CqYF71U566F4hwJTOhNCDugbYZCjBLQdMeafBFk5HeBzVXtPOvrdxy7bPGo/s1600/IMG_20180105_110100_585.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="810" data-original-width="1080" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh50zcf9vW5VQuDZSkZLwVhPRpy7sTLpJaOwmr7q0Ir-beh7tgNex3AuNU5LQ123CHi3q8TOr9LZkg7NwRe7CqYF71U566F4hwJTOhNCDugbYZCjBLQdMeafBFk5HeBzVXtPOvrdxy7bPGo/s640/IMG_20180105_110100_585.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
We've had a slow start to Summer this year, and even though the temperatures are far departure from the cold Winter chill, we've had very few real "beach days" on offer so far. It makes me feel like the best days are still to come, and that, much like in 2017, they will extend far beyond the conventional Summer months and flow over into the months of Autumn...and if you're lucky, also coincide with your stay here for the WFOT Congress! </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">
</div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<div style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<div style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
For me, trips to the ocean are not only reserved for the Summer months anyway. There's something soothing...calming...and almost cathartic about the rhythmic music of the waves crashing against the shore, that has me going back all year long - if not to dip my toes into the water; then certainly to catch a sunset or immerse myself in it's calming energy - and for that reason, even though the WFOT doesn't coincide with Summer, I'm including this list of the best beaches to visit anyway...because when in Cape Town, no matter the season, you simply have to stop by a few of our iconic shorelines!</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<strong><em><u>CLIFTON:</u></em></strong> Definitely the <strong><em>crème</em> <em>de la crème </em></strong>of what Cape town has to offer -<strong> </strong>the four Clifton beaches are ranked up there amongst the most beautiful beaches in the world! This strip of beaches is probably the most popular amongst tourists, and for good reason. The scenic drive along this famous beach strip alone is enough to take your breath away; while the white sands and blue waters provide the perfect backdrop for countless travel pictures that will make everyone back home wish they were there with you! </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieH_sByLhOgdCKJxq-fxdF2H7CTILoeTy4icnOAWPhb5_bad825d6abVRnry3oreexW05wdU4cZt2F4HQDSjur1nGYiBcTMN2sOlKI0ZI1byURkwOguWtuWxc6aj0OHi-PJrms2WEAtbHJ/s1600/IMG_2067.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieH_sByLhOgdCKJxq-fxdF2H7CTILoeTy4icnOAWPhb5_bad825d6abVRnry3oreexW05wdU4cZt2F4HQDSjur1nGYiBcTMN2sOlKI0ZI1byURkwOguWtuWxc6aj0OHi-PJrms2WEAtbHJ/s640/IMG_2067.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<strong><em><u></u></em></strong><br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<strong><em><u></u></em></strong><br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<strong><em><u></u></em></strong><br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<strong><em><u>CAMPS BAY:</u></em></strong> Just a short distance away from the famous Clifton stretch, is the palm fringed and bustling shoreline of Camps Bay! It's idyllic location, breathtaking backdrop and easy access to a host of restaurants and eateries just across the road; makes it another popular destination for travellers...an also ME! I love visiting this place all year round!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1ldyItj3jvst_rOh4N0mkG6zrfdKbICzv_0Y9qT6wfXYGaZfz1Zj-vcZxsaL7EU-Po_A6Wnjlnxo2TGO_MfZDOYwb2brvLaVtS7GzrLFWv0VKgM6gRUYve2ifL3xyveZ2S2DEYXOtx5gw/s1600/DSCN0307.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1ldyItj3jvst_rOh4N0mkG6zrfdKbICzv_0Y9qT6wfXYGaZfz1Zj-vcZxsaL7EU-Po_A6Wnjlnxo2TGO_MfZDOYwb2brvLaVtS7GzrLFWv0VKgM6gRUYve2ifL3xyveZ2S2DEYXOtx5gw/s640/DSCN0307.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5ROg2hcCnZPokom2_R1Ab-w7GRklzFbj6GaMlZShRX_Qu6-SwPRVuye3y4CmSlHo5PQAFNt6tUzU4mB7pgRLs8jnsEIWHUQ7p0fBKvlNHLwWVupAa3GFg0Mf0tFdZy6Lu_wezxZn4EMrr/s1600/DSCN0318.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5ROg2hcCnZPokom2_R1Ab-w7GRklzFbj6GaMlZShRX_Qu6-SwPRVuye3y4CmSlHo5PQAFNt6tUzU4mB7pgRLs8jnsEIWHUQ7p0fBKvlNHLwWVupAa3GFg0Mf0tFdZy6Lu_wezxZn4EMrr/s640/DSCN0318.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2_mXkue6od4DYIITVZwfRGwzUyYGrDClrmzWKyuDb29ZOQ__q8E-KdT37BC7cbnD7q2zsHYTQdprJaUdLqH1UaxcfLR_PAaNVVTNanZQWI-ZQgJJ6mr6mU2MzJsz14ZMrxu2O4aicd3_0/s1600/DSCN0327.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2_mXkue6od4DYIITVZwfRGwzUyYGrDClrmzWKyuDb29ZOQ__q8E-KdT37BC7cbnD7q2zsHYTQdprJaUdLqH1UaxcfLR_PAaNVVTNanZQWI-ZQgJJ6mr6mU2MzJsz14ZMrxu2O4aicd3_0/s640/DSCN0327.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<strong><em><u></u></em></strong> </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<strong><em><u></u></em></strong> </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<strong><em><u></u></em></strong> </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<strong><em><u>LLANDUDNO:</u></em></strong> About a 15 minute drive away from Camps Bay - and also midway between the bustling Camps Bay strip and Hout Bay harbour; nestled at the base of some of the most beautiful seaside homes, you will find the more private secluded strip of paradise on the shore of Llandudno beach. Limited parking facilities means that this beach is hardly ever packed to capacity, and the crashing waves makes this a popular spot for surfers. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<strong><em><u></u></em></strong><br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZ0U6cdRKQIZGuvoqUNX5_JxVcO5oCvfTv6aZYunZTo5CYLN9l8ZcHHZlt3SutxlxsUl5cZ9X35bBrmHOl3_I1SF5fkQdJCAv9fGW8bMaoCPncao7VHgpFTpxBJRugCd-Sf9iPZP55RUtO/s1600/IMG_20180108_122028_109.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="810" data-original-width="1080" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZ0U6cdRKQIZGuvoqUNX5_JxVcO5oCvfTv6aZYunZTo5CYLN9l8ZcHHZlt3SutxlxsUl5cZ9X35bBrmHOl3_I1SF5fkQdJCAv9fGW8bMaoCPncao7VHgpFTpxBJRugCd-Sf9iPZP55RUtO/s640/IMG_20180108_122028_109.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<strong><em><u></u></em></strong><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqr2L7a-MgZB9JpL_Pufcdt7UJdvJ1I8ZpkjzNeV004mivsfwgCOjP29crYe1oRD4IQP7vA4fqBMRoA7kUcfV9Y3tIdYZMfrNLfoQSWrPz_qQ_819G-vEkfwE8_7rMuV3CZKZpSBPI_T3z/s1600/IMG_20180105_165414_429.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqr2L7a-MgZB9JpL_Pufcdt7UJdvJ1I8ZpkjzNeV004mivsfwgCOjP29crYe1oRD4IQP7vA4fqBMRoA7kUcfV9Y3tIdYZMfrNLfoQSWrPz_qQ_819G-vEkfwE8_7rMuV3CZKZpSBPI_T3z/s640/IMG_20180105_165414_429.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJ7hW0HyEcHI8Pw3duoO4-O6oYXYAbOEmTEEj5yTWFqpaTT8HS1-h-mozqNTl19pDwgLdNeJEIOWv7ryN7p0mYmXCBhVZx9fQ9Ti_UmMRv2AICjy3gUBxBa2r5PitBOKhS-tfkTBdT4ONe/s1600/IMG_2105.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJ7hW0HyEcHI8Pw3duoO4-O6oYXYAbOEmTEEj5yTWFqpaTT8HS1-h-mozqNTl19pDwgLdNeJEIOWv7ryN7p0mYmXCBhVZx9fQ9Ti_UmMRv2AICjy3gUBxBa2r5PitBOKhS-tfkTBdT4ONe/s640/IMG_2105.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<strong><em><u></u></em></strong><br />
<strong><em><u>BLOUBERG:</u></em></strong> This is a bit of a drive from the city centre, but the sweeping shoreline and amazing view of Table Mountain in the distance will make the trek worthwhile. It is also one of the best beaches when it comes to activities. It's one of the world's most popular kite surfing destinations - while also ideal for surfing, wind surfing and other outdoor sports. <br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3LwYZcmS2GcqYTBdl3pBM65fHMjkqbbCK6nfMNa8D3OmAiiRDGZ8803NMX8cNB7hgpuOunI8UF6-fs40-S5qNFQRvugBO-QaTmNQpJHcE2O1LiA4Rq2DQE5P-VNEfv5Zm8HBX7cFcQd0c/s1600/DSCN0168.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3LwYZcmS2GcqYTBdl3pBM65fHMjkqbbCK6nfMNa8D3OmAiiRDGZ8803NMX8cNB7hgpuOunI8UF6-fs40-S5qNFQRvugBO-QaTmNQpJHcE2O1LiA4Rq2DQE5P-VNEfv5Zm8HBX7cFcQd0c/s640/DSCN0168.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div align="center" style="text-align: justify;">
<strong><em><u></u></em></strong> </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfJpoaKI0m_kYMMGS0MhWMeRrm2mTqzgDv-2GCGAe_m0HsT_3R0IfQsjUsHwHJu7N8Wd1zgkI3-T_dDZ7LyW6KeINdxzGFz1iyGnEr_v7iEyjRTlH5BFxO0yAw70cfJjmIn-pRu4CtUgm5/s1600/20161229_172301.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfJpoaKI0m_kYMMGS0MhWMeRrm2mTqzgDv-2GCGAe_m0HsT_3R0IfQsjUsHwHJu7N8Wd1zgkI3-T_dDZ7LyW6KeINdxzGFz1iyGnEr_v7iEyjRTlH5BFxO0yAw70cfJjmIn-pRu4CtUgm5/s640/20161229_172301.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div align="center" style="text-align: justify;">
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<strong><em><u></u></em></strong><br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<strong><em><u>BOULDERS:</u></em></strong> Getting it's name from the giant granite boulders that shelter the beach, Boulder's beach can be found along the quirky Kalk Bay/ Simons town stretch towards Cape Point. It is one of the only places in the world that you can get up close to the African penguin. Penguin viewing is made easy by boardwalks that lead visitors across the beaches as well as to the information centre</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<strong><em><u></u></em></strong><br /></div>
<div align="center" style="text-align: justify;">
<strong><em><u></u></em></strong><br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a data-cthref="http://www.google.co.za/url?sa=i&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=images&cd=&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=0ahUKEwiPgaWpgdLYAhWCyRQKHRjjCgYQjRwIBw&url=http%3A%2F%2F66squarefeet.blogspot.com%2F2013%2F11%2Fboulders-beach.html&psig=AOvVaw1tmH62L6EySE6KFSbBkNyB&ust=1515832240508574" data-ved="0ahUKEwiPgaWpgdLYAhWCyRQKHRjjCgYQjRwIBw" href="http://www.google.co.za/url?sa=i&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=images&cd=&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=0ahUKEwiPgaWpgdLYAhWCyRQKHRjjCgYQjRwIBw&url=http%3A%2F%2F66squarefeet.blogspot.com%2F2013%2F11%2Fboulders-beach.html&psig=AOvVaw1tmH62L6EySE6KFSbBkNyB&ust=1515832240508574" id="irc_mil" jsaction="mousedown:irc.rl;keydown:irc.rlk;irc.il;" style="border-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Related image" height="406" id="irc_mi" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUP_q7hYv1RK_QdjzKZPGyd18DMKXBCuvuQCgPTP-WakT2Jqr-rfSNosjrhPJtw5kBRTGG-czvE4v7lPunxvQSAsUVcRVSuV71YRk3NFQjXnfDQG-0f4Lccl3wfsvxojCgKqaW0QSir7uK/s1600/boulders+beach.jpg" style="margin-top: 0px;" width="590" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://66squarefeet.blogspot.co.za/2013/11/boulders-beach.html">picture courtesy of 66 Square feet (Plus)</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
When you're living along a coastline, there's no shortage of beautiful beach destinations to visit...but if you're a tourist (or, living in Cape Town and want to feel like a tourist) then these are the beaches you simply <strong><em>have </em></strong>to visit! <br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div align="center">
Thanks for reading!!</div>
<div align="center">
</div>
<div align="center">
</div>
<div align="center">
Peace,</div>
<div align="center">
</div>
<div align="center">
</div>
<div align="center">
</div>
<div align="center">
NAMU :)</div>
</div>
<div align="center" style="text-align: justify;">
<a data-cthref="http://www.google.co.za/url?sa=i&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=images&cd=&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=0ahUKEwiPgaWpgdLYAhWCyRQKHRjjCgYQjRwIBw&url=http%3A%2F%2F66squarefeet.blogspot.com%2F2013%2F11%2Fboulders-beach.html&psig=AOvVaw1tmH62L6EySE6KFSbBkNyB&ust=1515832240508574" data-ved="0ahUKEwiPgaWpgdLYAhWCyRQKHRjjCgYQjRwIBw" href="http://www.google.co.za/url?sa=i&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=images&cd=&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=0ahUKEwiPgaWpgdLYAhWCyRQKHRjjCgYQjRwIBw&url=http%3A%2F%2F66squarefeet.blogspot.com%2F2013%2F11%2Fboulders-beach.html&psig=AOvVaw1tmH62L6EySE6KFSbBkNyB&ust=1515832240508574" id="irc_mil" jsaction="mousedown:irc.rl;keydown:irc.rlk;irc.il;" style="border-image: none; border: 0px currentColor;"></a> </div>
<div align="center" style="text-align: justify;">
<strong><em><u></u></em></strong><br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<strong><em><u></u></em></strong><br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<strong><em><u></u></em></strong><br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<strong><em><u></u></em></strong> </div>
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07937370112210543248noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5573165486496956276.post-31284905716622806302017-12-27T13:10:00.000+02:002017-12-28T16:05:10.323+02:00Aryana's Arty Party - Artjamming at the V&A Waterfront<div style="text-align: center;">
<div align="justify">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-9sLkMRkpgyaJOyzAk7gxVGh6YUT0F3g_jAuJqtcsJPjZ3XjxekTANUitkzDcgA8KFCgbplM_gi1CLq5cioiQNWvUpXkkc9-z5pjXvXTACPK1fI_zfw9AB88czMTQbe50XqTylB2GcnpG/s1600/IMG_9621.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-9sLkMRkpgyaJOyzAk7gxVGh6YUT0F3g_jAuJqtcsJPjZ3XjxekTANUitkzDcgA8KFCgbplM_gi1CLq5cioiQNWvUpXkkc9-z5pjXvXTACPK1fI_zfw9AB88czMTQbe50XqTylB2GcnpG/s640/IMG_9621.JPG" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
The hardest part of planning a party, is definitely choosing a theme. With countless ideas and décor tips and inspiration pouring all over the internet, finding the right match for you child can prove to be a little hard. For Moon (definitely the more organised out of the two of us), that search starts pretty early on in the year - and I should know, since I receive the countless screenshots and Whatsapp pictures of all the different ideas and possible themes! But once the theme is finalised, there's no stopping Moon from DIY'ing that party to perfection! <br />
<br />
<br /></div>
<div align="justify">
</div>
<div align="justify">
</div>
<div align="justify">
Since Aryana has had a big obsession with colours and art inspired activities, an <strong><em>Arty Party </em></strong>proved to be the perfect way to celebrate her 2nd birthday! The ideas were endless for this theme, and the only hard part was narrowing down the choices.<br />
<br />
<br />
The venue for the party was a no brainer really! We could've done something at home, but who wants to clean up after an Arty Party, right?! So we took the celebration to the <strong><em>Artjamming </em></strong>studio at the V&A Waterfront. With more than 40 colours of paint to choose from, and a variety of tools, drawing materials and paintbrushes to choose from - the perfect platform was set for an afternoon of creativity. With helpful, friendly and super efficient staff on standby; it made the running of the days events fun, easy, and enjoyable for the host; and allowed Moon and Nur to truly enjoy getting arty with Aryana. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOnMv-zMFmXZWi4UEnUupjeuGR0yT12_DqG3eCf8NDQFrshtq_IAYTmXivwhuCaG04_ERCuTEIYDkiCdkFaz7vCfZPWIETGVZ08wjFn_kkgWN7iE_6qr-8HPhV7rYMfpE1FSu0dk_cM4Hf/s1600/IMG_9253.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="425" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOnMv-zMFmXZWi4UEnUupjeuGR0yT12_DqG3eCf8NDQFrshtq_IAYTmXivwhuCaG04_ERCuTEIYDkiCdkFaz7vCfZPWIETGVZ08wjFn_kkgWN7iE_6qr-8HPhV7rYMfpE1FSu0dk_cM4Hf/s640/IMG_9253.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEii9FNp4V6BWZurfDBdZF-hTnZELE2JjAiEoiLIIO638JffhsPJkLYOGQfKxaJuYEnUuJHoVrOCz6JR6umiJxHLIabrEjcaRHKe3wVIaiul2Rs7tNpoy_lpdXOsn2CpbVx3-vNOgTrVWm1D/s1600/IMG_9605.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEii9FNp4V6BWZurfDBdZF-hTnZELE2JjAiEoiLIIO638JffhsPJkLYOGQfKxaJuYEnUuJHoVrOCz6JR6umiJxHLIabrEjcaRHKe3wVIaiul2Rs7tNpoy_lpdXOsn2CpbVx3-vNOgTrVWm1D/s640/IMG_9605.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmoeiC1Z3pcol9aiuE0_55n0JaAV8UoZSfoUJPdJtRZymtt_7b0tJ059X0s3XXrauiPx3JMPlUd4pVSypRhr1Ch8uSI08Y8tzQqNUwRyMBNVWy_pxkdl53EqTmzypsVTDHp1QXOffPgwdv/s1600/page.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="402" data-original-width="402" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmoeiC1Z3pcol9aiuE0_55n0JaAV8UoZSfoUJPdJtRZymtt_7b0tJ059X0s3XXrauiPx3JMPlUd4pVSypRhr1Ch8uSI08Y8tzQqNUwRyMBNVWy_pxkdl53EqTmzypsVTDHp1QXOffPgwdv/s640/page.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRTtnwRaDF14ZE9mIydau4DPwyarwVlFCNtqhgjccgUqBgLX3sxV7Ljf3He5UNRTkhTc1XuS09FqtyIsUt_l5LEi8y2Ij8nSLyw34M7H4Deml07ZHS_SmRKjX79jbKGCK88Jg6GjbY337G/s1600/IMG_9607.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRTtnwRaDF14ZE9mIydau4DPwyarwVlFCNtqhgjccgUqBgLX3sxV7Ljf3He5UNRTkhTc1XuS09FqtyIsUt_l5LEi8y2Ij8nSLyw34M7H4Deml07ZHS_SmRKjX79jbKGCK88Jg6GjbY337G/s640/IMG_9607.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhp3jHXKgtpYXJFU_r7dK7x0m3Pq9km_sUDEawWx-IEsmZwJB73oBMtlW_lYyvvx_GKzLbXnKC4s2wTp1wtIZK674bo7Nv7ahkKHIC0ClvnZEARdSIpywTWEiP7tK1UweFZwLgUdvoYfmHo/s1600/20171111_154856.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhp3jHXKgtpYXJFU_r7dK7x0m3Pq9km_sUDEawWx-IEsmZwJB73oBMtlW_lYyvvx_GKzLbXnKC4s2wTp1wtIZK674bo7Nv7ahkKHIC0ClvnZEARdSIpywTWEiP7tK1UweFZwLgUdvoYfmHo/s640/20171111_154856.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgF_oSt1ZIbKbdf1YKWJh8YJYQr3qAFsmM_BcWdaiGLYG5cTH8LAtRuRhNXI0Rjjfrbgs1NZVknQqkK2I_M4vE-DCL1MTfqoTkOrqvbnremuORcr7KwdPw1CYyAg_GEaYNXzET1kv20aFN1/s1600/IMG_9349.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgF_oSt1ZIbKbdf1YKWJh8YJYQr3qAFsmM_BcWdaiGLYG5cTH8LAtRuRhNXI0Rjjfrbgs1NZVknQqkK2I_M4vE-DCL1MTfqoTkOrqvbnremuORcr7KwdPw1CYyAg_GEaYNXzET1kv20aFN1/s640/IMG_9349.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div align="justify">
</div>
<div align="justify">
There's the option to have Artjamming to cater the party for you, but Moon opted to bring her vision to life herself, only foregoing doing the party pack. From the 5 layered rainbow centred cake to the colourful array of soda's; the treats and the presentation - everything food related was a colourful affair and had a distinct arty element to it! Right down to the painters palette of cupcakes and easel food labels; and also Aryana's Arty Party t-shirt - Moon had the Arty Party theme completely covered!! While the cake, sweet treats and savouries were all outsourced (listed below); The rainbow <strong><em>A </em></strong>that Aryana is holding and all the labels with the cute captions were done by Moon herself! </div>
<div align="justify">
</div>
<div align="justify">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUAMiXDPXEApB6FkNo2YSRPE9I5DNLeU2B9MPwTi8J42uqepCg8Dpkn8mTh3jsFj_QR-tti7TohfdK-nS1DRnUxz25x-1DepHj-BjUoib-FFfWSwGk5gKgsb6KOfB6o3jQsNKaxnFW0vBG/s1600/IMG_9347.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1299" data-original-width="1600" height="518" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUAMiXDPXEApB6FkNo2YSRPE9I5DNLeU2B9MPwTi8J42uqepCg8Dpkn8mTh3jsFj_QR-tti7TohfdK-nS1DRnUxz25x-1DepHj-BjUoib-FFfWSwGk5gKgsb6KOfB6o3jQsNKaxnFW0vBG/s640/IMG_9347.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5vrTpT8u2jJI4kSY9nhwHV2ORTF54f-MG8obY7MG8-uCu6PeIF4mQaRoSKZxiq36EnJoAGln36q_KjhonoeDOXLATYuvD0GsLHSUqc8VXb8D9PeZivBAMayuKDV3kVHSh4SsvRYJlvDxJ/s1600/IMG_9520.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5vrTpT8u2jJI4kSY9nhwHV2ORTF54f-MG8obY7MG8-uCu6PeIF4mQaRoSKZxiq36EnJoAGln36q_KjhonoeDOXLATYuvD0GsLHSUqc8VXb8D9PeZivBAMayuKDV3kVHSh4SsvRYJlvDxJ/s400/IMG_9520.JPG" width="266" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6BkkeuhKv196d7Z-g6C94_JcyZXGM4ILiGNgwXk73AoEjCU8OHjWk5Xa8-k4WCpIL0kF1q87s34GwmBEnCZ4Qni_aXQDqr5MuH8Td82KtSF7QJcuHf3CDGT6dj18bmtFkr_PPO_ku6XMX/s1600/IMG_9451.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6BkkeuhKv196d7Z-g6C94_JcyZXGM4ILiGNgwXk73AoEjCU8OHjWk5Xa8-k4WCpIL0kF1q87s34GwmBEnCZ4Qni_aXQDqr5MuH8Td82KtSF7QJcuHf3CDGT6dj18bmtFkr_PPO_ku6XMX/s400/IMG_9451.JPG" width="266" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtkULgjCYhVc_UbbjLABYzmAmmWXpjtqKNXyqt2VtueUL7BLoWocIVJakOlERlcotCzOGBoGroyl7mGxG97v0i7hfNFfMCGCpthU6-vw-jQoQI7kEcus755ga6kHP7-azg54j8GxrXPQW7/s1600/page.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="202" data-original-width="402" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtkULgjCYhVc_UbbjLABYzmAmmWXpjtqKNXyqt2VtueUL7BLoWocIVJakOlERlcotCzOGBoGroyl7mGxG97v0i7hfNFfMCGCpthU6-vw-jQoQI7kEcus755ga6kHP7-azg54j8GxrXPQW7/s640/page.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi39UuQI1aCJPZPRuA5zIASPmx8ctHBUFtmr8S0XLPS8wFxlhL_NGbNn0SsxTnUMa2JvMWGAYihXHMJa5_xj-eHmw9AZWOegH36Yk_K5Bgi7W5P-nyDXPoDjATcJN3FLvMvVG7W10MjRFev/s1600/IMG_9582.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi39UuQI1aCJPZPRuA5zIASPmx8ctHBUFtmr8S0XLPS8wFxlhL_NGbNn0SsxTnUMa2JvMWGAYihXHMJa5_xj-eHmw9AZWOegH36Yk_K5Bgi7W5P-nyDXPoDjATcJN3FLvMvVG7W10MjRFev/s640/IMG_9582.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8UXFlyENmO5XS6P0F-JZy7L_ryIl3-EUmR-IvnHLxYEOPcFzDgL7ewbqma4Uzb8Sff47LThxFZj8EigzJudR8QtV5_O7hrntc3LohyD-4EouBGCSI1E94E1xuvj2FOSc_rQyWvty-lcz1/s1600/snacks.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="402" data-original-width="402" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8UXFlyENmO5XS6P0F-JZy7L_ryIl3-EUmR-IvnHLxYEOPcFzDgL7ewbqma4Uzb8Sff47LThxFZj8EigzJudR8QtV5_O7hrntc3LohyD-4EouBGCSI1E94E1xuvj2FOSc_rQyWvty-lcz1/s640/snacks.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhT9s5Ljuy0wxKQfJHzJ-8nfISDJXfrODSaFzdSVta9I3VWl6CAA0Q6O6MT3ux4-X-weGcU290VZrmfs5xOO8bWyJN5ZOc7TNmU4zrsVSC7GbOS2Tk1GGM06rzYafkx_uAMrrSJtiwTxATF/s1600/IMG_9263.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhT9s5Ljuy0wxKQfJHzJ-8nfISDJXfrODSaFzdSVta9I3VWl6CAA0Q6O6MT3ux4-X-weGcU290VZrmfs5xOO8bWyJN5ZOc7TNmU4zrsVSC7GbOS2Tk1GGM06rzYafkx_uAMrrSJtiwTxATF/s400/IMG_9263.JPG" width="266" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiavI75G5eBoUAl865e0OW2KZIuONrimy6-w3MaDw0aiEeJdDpbmIRMkiRoB6xh7bVLO-bClGnk1BpaiiS6MtWEXQ7jp7ldcDZHNgg1p462rkKqc5nhN7GLwtFcefF9n-eJQsUXYXDic5S-/s1600/IMG_9274.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiavI75G5eBoUAl865e0OW2KZIuONrimy6-w3MaDw0aiEeJdDpbmIRMkiRoB6xh7bVLO-bClGnk1BpaiiS6MtWEXQ7jp7ldcDZHNgg1p462rkKqc5nhN7GLwtFcefF9n-eJQsUXYXDic5S-/s400/IMG_9274.JPG" width="266" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiX-dhZz69ShXRfPayT6klWAO7RKsuUAAkNYjYm2PNBwwaj2R9mQzGciiTm4phxZstNOkU2cYyZxPgWDnGa22KBwsx1eZkCXnzOBV-dj_iCLlS_DxMlxBX7o9ZhlwoFl36mseNML4QOX1QP/s1600/IMG_9277.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiX-dhZz69ShXRfPayT6klWAO7RKsuUAAkNYjYm2PNBwwaj2R9mQzGciiTm4phxZstNOkU2cYyZxPgWDnGa22KBwsx1eZkCXnzOBV-dj_iCLlS_DxMlxBX7o9ZhlwoFl36mseNML4QOX1QP/s640/IMG_9277.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYg0h6x9ZO6cVD6IuJy7I0J8xNhJF6JRcj_CSRlrpzb-arBBgNa0gdoyTnC1v5yZsO0F2gJUTShddYsqtp1HR6tkRt0dzVFwTCwVfENteaWJ2U5hh751PZ5YSJaKFNDB6meQ8AAIWo9vnE/s1600/IMG_9250.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="202" data-original-width="402" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYg0h6x9ZO6cVD6IuJy7I0J8xNhJF6JRcj_CSRlrpzb-arBBgNa0gdoyTnC1v5yZsO0F2gJUTShddYsqtp1HR6tkRt0dzVFwTCwVfENteaWJ2U5hh751PZ5YSJaKFNDB6meQ8AAIWo9vnE/s640/IMG_9250.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDm3GcKvuaG9qyIT5RP_W4vfFXooQLRKLtQ4kiGeoXyNT0zAYxfnnAw33SzEKDwqG9XbMGWjr2oiN_EQsgzcuoEqYrEra4-N-D629bizZ6BzC_vp7ZMyuRMKdAuhcRxgj1U8sCbO2A7oQN/s1600/Screenshot_20171122-143122.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="604" data-original-width="1080" height="356" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDm3GcKvuaG9qyIT5RP_W4vfFXooQLRKLtQ4kiGeoXyNT0zAYxfnnAw33SzEKDwqG9XbMGWjr2oiN_EQsgzcuoEqYrEra4-N-D629bizZ6BzC_vp7ZMyuRMKdAuhcRxgj1U8sCbO2A7oQN/s640/Screenshot_20171122-143122.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5-b30Xhv_q_kOTcuoWiCKuVa212QuMOe1Zli6rKzpGcKreg1yJKJQpQzzvJYZoGrdO6BK0tX54pHTlw0ogKur33zPAdSqfMGvTsXgga7LRsQtqKEMv8FyoLBM_dLukeKYLrgCkMYEYJjy/s1600/cups.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="402" data-original-width="402" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5-b30Xhv_q_kOTcuoWiCKuVa212QuMOe1Zli6rKzpGcKreg1yJKJQpQzzvJYZoGrdO6BK0tX54pHTlw0ogKur33zPAdSqfMGvTsXgga7LRsQtqKEMv8FyoLBM_dLukeKYLrgCkMYEYJjy/s640/cups.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-LYndc8xRjF9o5oMiIdBTaKLx8nUKKpSJrb2bNOIS3go29CJROzlxGBzzARX8fS_ZXHeSGFZJ4k09xh4tTliYHiogO_Yyds2IxRcEvNw7EJ42ZWchlimK0wPeck1xjFvvb4_jdYARVq8E/s1600/IMG_9290.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1262" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-LYndc8xRjF9o5oMiIdBTaKLx8nUKKpSJrb2bNOIS3go29CJROzlxGBzzARX8fS_ZXHeSGFZJ4k09xh4tTliYHiogO_Yyds2IxRcEvNw7EJ42ZWchlimK0wPeck1xjFvvb4_jdYARVq8E/s640/IMG_9290.JPG" width="504" /></a></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I've said before and I'll say it again - when you have a family as big as ours, the guest list is already made! We're a party all on our own - with an addition of a few close friends of course!! And the great thing about this party venue is that, even though it was a party for a two year old, everyone could participate in the fun. Even grandma picked up a paintbrush and created a masterpiece ;-) It was really a great way to involve everyone and I think the older kids were surprised by how much fun they had. The splash zone was also particularly exciting too. Not only did it provide a pretty backdrop for some party pics, but everyone also contributed a splash of paint and helped to create a keepsake canvas for the birthday girl...surely something she can treasure forever...</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtCgzrZN1iHIPQ16t1r0zSf6Wi1eM0_2Anmg29H18pSdzaaBTdTFagraPO1dxdj_wJclK-d8IMXvLNvEBItofqFeCcKDi4MH896prDnATE8OEjaLOJEfFSUySXheiI2vjYH2AKqPCIxuAG/s1600/IMG_9313.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1018" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtCgzrZN1iHIPQ16t1r0zSf6Wi1eM0_2Anmg29H18pSdzaaBTdTFagraPO1dxdj_wJclK-d8IMXvLNvEBItofqFeCcKDi4MH896prDnATE8OEjaLOJEfFSUySXheiI2vjYH2AKqPCIxuAG/s400/IMG_9313.JPG" width="253" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7aUEHO9kdGCGBzQm8RTuIBgzeb6CXcTMxTsjINc-gPKivC4tXI3og6OOPscIyUyTBcjMhWvdSkxc7rjCfTNV4uw-2A4IibHIFaro2bF_KQj6uYYkk_pLr6HhMlqDJ5RtZn4K0J6_rb1QP/s1600/IMG_9300.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1100" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7aUEHO9kdGCGBzQm8RTuIBgzeb6CXcTMxTsjINc-gPKivC4tXI3og6OOPscIyUyTBcjMhWvdSkxc7rjCfTNV4uw-2A4IibHIFaro2bF_KQj6uYYkk_pLr6HhMlqDJ5RtZn4K0J6_rb1QP/s400/IMG_9300.JPG" width="275" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl34qOtO05PPBnCBzjJHQJ13j766oufOzcRtNO_7obFQKEcjHedsrj4oJnYjeGF6HDlrHKE2E52qZbDWj8VU5gEIsjctl5x4UfwZee7qmx7vxIz8SoHLN4GNOzDPIYXv3ntn7s2qteHyAH/s1600/IMG_9330.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl34qOtO05PPBnCBzjJHQJ13j766oufOzcRtNO_7obFQKEcjHedsrj4oJnYjeGF6HDlrHKE2E52qZbDWj8VU5gEIsjctl5x4UfwZee7qmx7vxIz8SoHLN4GNOzDPIYXv3ntn7s2qteHyAH/s400/IMG_9330.JPG" width="266" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjisAp8HgS8_1E6rver0jFS4uiqGlbrZFwQJJsTStqJiCNb0tMlzgwhctWa5T-fPow2DG6O6Uph_d1WDtk0SBbwhbVSGXNvmOUUBV69Gl52CNEEFeLYH_uZXYyniW7s8tFI5zkvTbO-PH0B/s1600/IMG_9315.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjisAp8HgS8_1E6rver0jFS4uiqGlbrZFwQJJsTStqJiCNb0tMlzgwhctWa5T-fPow2DG6O6Uph_d1WDtk0SBbwhbVSGXNvmOUUBV69Gl52CNEEFeLYH_uZXYyniW7s8tFI5zkvTbO-PH0B/s400/IMG_9315.JPG" width="266" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj055HSuxC2aPPgM3-JL43ueDfaLKcfd764vuBZ6aUpmv4P-D73EOmjJlfsQsAW3e9pz9ExUVk_-tNBRb27IHxAVTxPIMLFQB7G6VAkPSt6S86E805QXwbrQTxG2n5u5W4suoIX9_0nh5x3/s1600/IMG_9386.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj055HSuxC2aPPgM3-JL43ueDfaLKcfd764vuBZ6aUpmv4P-D73EOmjJlfsQsAW3e9pz9ExUVk_-tNBRb27IHxAVTxPIMLFQB7G6VAkPSt6S86E805QXwbrQTxG2n5u5W4suoIX9_0nh5x3/s400/IMG_9386.JPG" width="266" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhV_n4N4Qp6zAt4khTq6Kfg8Xkkja_H4xQJUt7IyOpQ-OQznXI54TycT8YEzV03-Do8yUUBAGQdHdm3KMD3roj9QZBqeMgYlYR5Q48pqsz6DnG0S6A6nLmd1wnxPyP7q82TPGyV9twRGMk2/s1600/IMG_9370.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhV_n4N4Qp6zAt4khTq6Kfg8Xkkja_H4xQJUt7IyOpQ-OQznXI54TycT8YEzV03-Do8yUUBAGQdHdm3KMD3roj9QZBqeMgYlYR5Q48pqsz6DnG0S6A6nLmd1wnxPyP7q82TPGyV9twRGMk2/s400/IMG_9370.JPG" width="266" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHm1UNP07PhOB44jt1SVihI0UShs54cmdjhRVr5X8LnmAWaRSzefAiOqwNoiW0y8dBTFyHvW9l70JyysY6HoUhzx1chw-TcAyv-UOrh-5Zz_pp1r4BAeslKXoMqnFgUvBFCezPTbDWas4V/s1600/IMG_9438.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHm1UNP07PhOB44jt1SVihI0UShs54cmdjhRVr5X8LnmAWaRSzefAiOqwNoiW0y8dBTFyHvW9l70JyysY6HoUhzx1chw-TcAyv-UOrh-5Zz_pp1r4BAeslKXoMqnFgUvBFCezPTbDWas4V/s400/IMG_9438.JPG" width="266" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7T6cDkeTXc3N1ItqsFrRKLfk6dh2T5sqY-5amlTJ4zFHlEKhINsGy0wkQNaZ8NAX7_923IB4ByKhX41vmWkeSIichZdXd98PFbJmZ3dLUvdOc85WwDCYVr4cgKZd5_eR_12FxBToSAJMp/s1600/IMG_9391.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7T6cDkeTXc3N1ItqsFrRKLfk6dh2T5sqY-5amlTJ4zFHlEKhINsGy0wkQNaZ8NAX7_923IB4ByKhX41vmWkeSIichZdXd98PFbJmZ3dLUvdOc85WwDCYVr4cgKZd5_eR_12FxBToSAJMp/s400/IMG_9391.JPG" width="266" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_WO3kEifFXsAYJCROThcI6Fmy7mulhmDSh3BB4S8sEKS2rFXTeDMtAn5jv_gmi7G5ppAjsB3kt5yzqxoJghyphenhyphenHdAgRedIt2uK5pGDWgyPeaDdafdUnTSAN9HRCVuEGRVKxeNfh94aVzSxb/s1600/IMG_9430.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="425" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_WO3kEifFXsAYJCROThcI6Fmy7mulhmDSh3BB4S8sEKS2rFXTeDMtAn5jv_gmi7G5ppAjsB3kt5yzqxoJghyphenhyphenHdAgRedIt2uK5pGDWgyPeaDdafdUnTSAN9HRCVuEGRVKxeNfh94aVzSxb/s640/IMG_9430.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibx_yunXeQaI-V7pBwvHHOP9WimdO_OrvsHcQkGtDLUA9s6j4ShXLv2U70peQNl7ob11Jqr8G91itpGix_8gX57RbN1gYtvY-ROyEiKzeruK7fYFal4X5D_I3T_lavTiU2x6WVEJ6nm65f/s1600/IMG_9398.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibx_yunXeQaI-V7pBwvHHOP9WimdO_OrvsHcQkGtDLUA9s6j4ShXLv2U70peQNl7ob11Jqr8G91itpGix_8gX57RbN1gYtvY-ROyEiKzeruK7fYFal4X5D_I3T_lavTiU2x6WVEJ6nm65f/s400/IMG_9398.JPG" width="266" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAreumFExAhP8-n8w2Pp6zZ6pYAEmwTK7ks-M_NLxeNmxfXiEfeBKTI28iNEofC4ai6TG61ElrEns4mjmDGg9r8WXM3Gi-eJ5Z8JVMBc4OO7PYvrP-HESQb21bxSslnrfRvoJIu_vCP7D9/s1600/IMG_9379.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAreumFExAhP8-n8w2Pp6zZ6pYAEmwTK7ks-M_NLxeNmxfXiEfeBKTI28iNEofC4ai6TG61ElrEns4mjmDGg9r8WXM3Gi-eJ5Z8JVMBc4OO7PYvrP-HESQb21bxSslnrfRvoJIu_vCP7D9/s400/IMG_9379.JPG" width="266" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdxBrYodCpKkqQCWBiLbyEZgEMdJROtftREuLZ6rcODXfIf36a2tvekDhacdsoNkRXw-ZcnwCht6hjxIlaCh1YUSWCZ8M7WFnjvXOu1naKwcbdaJOADXg7etqT362Xk5JSupDEpOYkcTe1/s1600/IMG_9445.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdxBrYodCpKkqQCWBiLbyEZgEMdJROtftREuLZ6rcODXfIf36a2tvekDhacdsoNkRXw-ZcnwCht6hjxIlaCh1YUSWCZ8M7WFnjvXOu1naKwcbdaJOADXg7etqT362Xk5JSupDEpOYkcTe1/s400/IMG_9445.JPG" width="266" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxd8s2yeupEBq2lSAaIpYhHbLBtd7xkhTJsMtcr0QYPevxuUmm3KmKd-69ch5e2xNYOwQZ2dMFQCXBBx8gY9FQ-shcHKHX6UYHhXcnNJC-v-AOh78_BXXoltI7kVuBRNJYL2srRvkgKYsk/s1600/IMG_9419.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxd8s2yeupEBq2lSAaIpYhHbLBtd7xkhTJsMtcr0QYPevxuUmm3KmKd-69ch5e2xNYOwQZ2dMFQCXBBx8gY9FQ-shcHKHX6UYHhXcnNJC-v-AOh78_BXXoltI7kVuBRNJYL2srRvkgKYsk/s400/IMG_9419.JPG" width="266" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh35fnNq0p_MyDah-DZX1ovpqiGSVJe_OX3d6fTXvU-MFt7S5v5TxhGWfSpfrn7pMtc0cgCrMPSk3zVw5W5TXccRAvmtydVelPUMJ_Tz-nGEENucAODSCFNxKrGtVCjwzPBNqdwQj9ajr-C/s1600/IMG_9423.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh35fnNq0p_MyDah-DZX1ovpqiGSVJe_OX3d6fTXvU-MFt7S5v5TxhGWfSpfrn7pMtc0cgCrMPSk3zVw5W5TXccRAvmtydVelPUMJ_Tz-nGEENucAODSCFNxKrGtVCjwzPBNqdwQj9ajr-C/s400/IMG_9423.JPG" width="266" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjidOCWeBYTCfmEFCTgYqMFY3_sJ6aHD_d5iCbGeO0wHcFucmludldreVRD6oKTS_WN14_kfKi0XamC3w2GWNQWRI1YT6VeCQMnDZ8cswLCD8V6zIDWedOLocle6K-g5Bc9-MI_AlEklqMR/s1600/IMG_9422.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjidOCWeBYTCfmEFCTgYqMFY3_sJ6aHD_d5iCbGeO0wHcFucmludldreVRD6oKTS_WN14_kfKi0XamC3w2GWNQWRI1YT6VeCQMnDZ8cswLCD8V6zIDWedOLocle6K-g5Bc9-MI_AlEklqMR/s400/IMG_9422.JPG" width="266" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAec7ylsDDRAVOSS0cECI_Flo9i3R9Y9vLh3hAIXNUA3_as4_vsx_Po7Hu2OmP6llVMkYWgv0Xt27TYhQKn0fOZ-lcvZkCMghSrZXkmYTKD9nFHIQiE7cNIdLSQl-NOw5CaNlX_J_MlpEP/s1600/IMG_9489.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAec7ylsDDRAVOSS0cECI_Flo9i3R9Y9vLh3hAIXNUA3_as4_vsx_Po7Hu2OmP6llVMkYWgv0Xt27TYhQKn0fOZ-lcvZkCMghSrZXkmYTKD9nFHIQiE7cNIdLSQl-NOw5CaNlX_J_MlpEP/s400/IMG_9489.JPG" width="266" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRHi3y5mtZP_NIeaAzK8q48NyX3n-Mpvjv9IGZmSwRgT2J4SslxiLI8riwT8hhX4BIZNbbMHAVRIVEoes3-KiRDiBO9CwpJEHgqcOhNPLGODw5yxH_iYNkWsoyqMGjPABOs6qPFprmoF2x/s1600/IMG_9512.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRHi3y5mtZP_NIeaAzK8q48NyX3n-Mpvjv9IGZmSwRgT2J4SslxiLI8riwT8hhX4BIZNbbMHAVRIVEoes3-KiRDiBO9CwpJEHgqcOhNPLGODw5yxH_iYNkWsoyqMGjPABOs6qPFprmoF2x/s400/IMG_9512.JPG" width="266" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjf80Z3xLTkf7d14UwbBAYSTpQRlOTmXN3lO4xg9911JGHFh9wIhye522Qx6a6CXfzEn1ArH2vhadZGF3-mAE4yxQMxS6cwsBK0FyvkOLS7A-RPDl7NP5nqa6c0fNFSEWPOlnVeHNmhZP4I/s1600/IMG_9538.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjf80Z3xLTkf7d14UwbBAYSTpQRlOTmXN3lO4xg9911JGHFh9wIhye522Qx6a6CXfzEn1ArH2vhadZGF3-mAE4yxQMxS6cwsBK0FyvkOLS7A-RPDl7NP5nqa6c0fNFSEWPOlnVeHNmhZP4I/s640/IMG_9538.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6UF0bUm59GzeygEsseA5FCDU1jnifZrk0o04ms48wZ4jcKz3POqSFX079oSq9zLA4kXT-eRBVMBjp9g14BXAaH7HMWmYl4CdPdVVM3bFbpxI4e5_GOcdipsY0UPoXeprjutj42VKmRo0y/s1600/IMG_9541.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6UF0bUm59GzeygEsseA5FCDU1jnifZrk0o04ms48wZ4jcKz3POqSFX079oSq9zLA4kXT-eRBVMBjp9g14BXAaH7HMWmYl4CdPdVVM3bFbpxI4e5_GOcdipsY0UPoXeprjutj42VKmRo0y/s640/IMG_9541.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAdYEavf8D4pjipDlMxIs3emHZbZQ8TrLuxwMx03QBVMV2d0PPyD3lTLe3NP91hK38nJXY4yDDWdLk7Qd4OPg_1r29HA0RLAvAO_4HLR_lbN_yH34xg9Usl5j1foBkHXHRd_SDZZkWuxy9/s1600/IMG_9555.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAdYEavf8D4pjipDlMxIs3emHZbZQ8TrLuxwMx03QBVMV2d0PPyD3lTLe3NP91hK38nJXY4yDDWdLk7Qd4OPg_1r29HA0RLAvAO_4HLR_lbN_yH34xg9Usl5j1foBkHXHRd_SDZZkWuxy9/s640/IMG_9555.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2LwKWhNTCKs3AwTbDppcQbnvZ2KkTL75hMZ3NEnvskKn-MC3LtYL6WBvVaMpEF60ssgc8QySbXqXnSZD6uRS-sB5Nb19VtH4g2R0AAfgQIprTmiGGzF5LQnoNzbqA-Gjr3lOgTSmUeX2y/s1600/IMG_9588.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="425" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2LwKWhNTCKs3AwTbDppcQbnvZ2KkTL75hMZ3NEnvskKn-MC3LtYL6WBvVaMpEF60ssgc8QySbXqXnSZD6uRS-sB5Nb19VtH4g2R0AAfgQIprTmiGGzF5LQnoNzbqA-Gjr3lOgTSmUeX2y/s640/IMG_9588.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfINHgyP2JHIR4pEN8_NeCaMW4zxA4TxEfAiHW_Su1IFZCPiQ93Iy0h-PjLOY66FU8SxIaSl4P7jvuiJtdPRKOCmLB0OkzQZ08WllU4lYNOpz5LAkNMQKKNRLB33PJbPUJWIdFoRWLnJxa/s1600/IMG_9602.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfINHgyP2JHIR4pEN8_NeCaMW4zxA4TxEfAiHW_Su1IFZCPiQ93Iy0h-PjLOY66FU8SxIaSl4P7jvuiJtdPRKOCmLB0OkzQZ08WllU4lYNOpz5LAkNMQKKNRLB33PJbPUJWIdFoRWLnJxa/s640/IMG_9602.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOYaRYLyB0sEl0Xt_pc7oRv7FyaE8DfAjr5ahgDf6_7jtbiiCgbNBK1UhQgrIKILrfDYwW1v1neAi1YVVoU76elySk5XyMvcHYpZ3HpTPDpUlHtPv3XInHApotZZ8ma7Udt6L9Iehm6v8v/s1600/IMG_9612.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOYaRYLyB0sEl0Xt_pc7oRv7FyaE8DfAjr5ahgDf6_7jtbiiCgbNBK1UhQgrIKILrfDYwW1v1neAi1YVVoU76elySk5XyMvcHYpZ3HpTPDpUlHtPv3XInHApotZZ8ma7Udt6L9Iehm6v8v/s640/IMG_9612.JPG" width="426" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-iRPfrN1JVUD6T0N6c1Z2F7tXen53M5m9ni5aPYpxAFDsa3gKlvBNYKNqF0TK8-_KX8zGoT2pmDYtorlgA3UeWphUEM1sMCX9Ews6KkUGpX11Hk_RnH4zYQFRGucJuZkvkoR4dfTBTWYM/s1600/IMG_9584.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-iRPfrN1JVUD6T0N6c1Z2F7tXen53M5m9ni5aPYpxAFDsa3gKlvBNYKNqF0TK8-_KX8zGoT2pmDYtorlgA3UeWphUEM1sMCX9Ews6KkUGpX11Hk_RnH4zYQFRGucJuZkvkoR4dfTBTWYM/s640/IMG_9584.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<strong><u>About this video</u></strong>: As is becoming the norm, I have added a little video of the days events as well! I'm loving this new way of documenting things...even if it is a little more time consuming.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="270" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/eyzdjC7ZD2M" width="480"></iframe><br />
<br />
<br />
<strong><u>Vendors</u></strong><br />
<strong><u></u></strong><br />
<em>Cake : Tessa's Bakery</em><br />
<em></em><br />
<em>Cake pops, Cupcakes & novelty cookies : Sweet Toof Patisserie </em><br />
<em></em><br />
<em>Labels : Moon</em><br />
<em></em><br />
<em>Photographs and videos taken and edited by me </em><br />
<br />
<br />
<em></em><br />
Well done on a fabulous party, moon! Thanks for reading.<br />
<br />
<br />
Peace,<br />
<br />
<br />
NAMU :)</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07937370112210543248noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5573165486496956276.post-15456079435410737062017-12-18T08:12:00.000+02:002017-12-18T14:44:02.131+02:00Life Lately - A Slow Start to Summer<div align="justify">
It's been more than 10 days since I've last updated this blog. Life can change a lot in 10 days. Life can change a lot in just an instant...<br />
<br />
<br /></div>
<div align="justify">
</div>
<div align="justify">
</div>
<div align="justify">
2 weeks ago, I was planning our Summer vacation. The kids had just about finished their exams; and we had, unofficially, started the school Summer holiday. In fact, I was planning to physically write down the mental bucket I had already made - a list of things I wanted to do and places I wanted to visit. It was a list of simple things really...dipping my toes in the ocean, catching a sunset, climbing a mountain, visit some places I'd never been before. It was a list of simple things...and it was also a plan - and I guess, also, a list of expectations.<br />
<br />
<br /></div>
<div align="justify">
</div>
<div align="justify">
But of all the places I had planned to write on that list, of all the places I wished to see; the last place I expected to find myself, was in the corridors of a hospital. And that's exactly where I've been stationed for most part of the past 2 weeks. <br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Life is strange like that. Always handing you the unexpected at the oddest of times.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
One moment you are having an animated conversation with your mother at the kitchen table, and the next day you find her curled up in a ball on the bed...and the next thing you know she's been rushed to the hospital...And the day after that, you are hugging each other wistfully as she gets wheeled in for emergency surgery.<br />
<br />
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
It's been an emotional rollercoaster since then, but things are slowly starting to return to normal; although a new kind of normal. <br />
<br />
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Experiences like these teach you many things. It makes you realise exactly how short life really is. It makes you value time a little bit more. It makes you think about all the things you've taken for granted. It makes you wonder if you've done enough. It makes you want to lean in for that hug you assumed would always be there tomorrow, and that I now know I may never get again. It makes you appreciate the little things and makes one realise that even though wish lists and planning are important; things can change in an instant...and when that instant comes, you should be ready to adjust your sails, embrace the moment, dig deep, and do whatever needs to be done. <br />
<br />
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
It's been a slow start to Summer. It's not Summer I planned or envisioned...but I am grateful for second chances and I will be grabbing it with both my hands.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjXLi5xKvgY-WibJ3mG43tGo33bDXo6DGU8Jikurx6pjTiGTU3gOTJyr1XQKHaCEDCu7zIWISMf7PQfSRixwwVJb947N2KgbswWt5pNQaYqXMpWp7tGep6iz3eTPaBYDhmvRTIzx1yspY6/s1600/20171208_094744.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjXLi5xKvgY-WibJ3mG43tGo33bDXo6DGU8Jikurx6pjTiGTU3gOTJyr1XQKHaCEDCu7zIWISMf7PQfSRixwwVJb947N2KgbswWt5pNQaYqXMpWp7tGep6iz3eTPaBYDhmvRTIzx1yspY6/s640/20171208_094744.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgt08wfpHgA37_Z_u62BI5pbLG0ESOkdHki2x8GkdDyD_JvxKSTT4VfNjZU6W9oyPz3LKY5URbNdqLOCatBwXIZ9AS6lfCTYl61Ci9WNAn1nPUqAnwe6TgBiSgRx0N9TZI3DddAY67AVxyz/s1600/20171204_092022.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgt08wfpHgA37_Z_u62BI5pbLG0ESOkdHki2x8GkdDyD_JvxKSTT4VfNjZU6W9oyPz3LKY5URbNdqLOCatBwXIZ9AS6lfCTYl61Ci9WNAn1nPUqAnwe6TgBiSgRx0N9TZI3DddAY67AVxyz/s640/20171204_092022.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<br />
<div align="center">
Thanks for reading! <br />
<br /></div>
<div align="center">
</div>
<div align="center">
</div>
<div align="center">
Peace,<br />
<br />
<br /></div>
<div align="center">
</div>
<div align="center">
</div>
<div align="center">
</div>
<div align="center">
NAMU :)</div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br /></div>
<div align="justify">
</div>
<div align="justify">
</div>
<div align="justify">
</div>
<div align="justify">
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07937370112210543248noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5573165486496956276.post-41561676650117202832017-11-30T12:23:00.000+02:002017-11-30T12:33:13.287+02:00Transitional Look Post to take you from Spring to Summer<div style="text-align: justify;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmeoZqmo4qk-ZzzmkRaIvc6oJu3RYbRRtY7ByaPde9_2G7CVmG2yYrcje4az_KsA3F4YP4C7-qggtwQKXEuZ-CjpqFyshjJg1LDJMWXfVmZJPdIF2wNZVytM41GNoVyWste26ajsy3ncMC/s1600/_MG_0546.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmeoZqmo4qk-ZzzmkRaIvc6oJu3RYbRRtY7ByaPde9_2G7CVmG2yYrcje4az_KsA3F4YP4C7-qggtwQKXEuZ-CjpqFyshjJg1LDJMWXfVmZJPdIF2wNZVytM41GNoVyWste26ajsy3ncMC/s640/_MG_0546.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<br />
New season, new wardrobe? With the current weather patterns we've been having, it certainly doesn't need to be that way it seems! We should be well on our way into the new season by now, but still, the weather patterns seem unpredictable and erratic to say the least! It's not unusual for Cape Town to have multiple weather conditions in one day; but with the temperatures still fluctuating and not nearly resembling Summer, it made me wonder whether it's safe enough to unpack my Summer sandals just yet! Is it?? </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
It's certainly kept me off from doing my seasonal wardrobe clean out, as I've still been dipping into the Autumn and Winter end of things some days, while scouring through the cupboard for Summer staples the next! Thankfully I'm not making any wardrobe decisions early in the morning when there's often still a chill factor to consider; which gives me more room for flexibility when getting dressed for the day. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Anyway, I've been battling a bit with shopping for the upcoming season. While the stores <strong>are</strong> full, they are full of things that I don't think I want to wear. So it's left me reliant on previous season's staples. And while none of the items in this outfit are brand new, it is proof that you can pull you through several seasons with good, quality classics. And who can argue that maxi dresses saves us every single Summer! Paired here with another wardrobe essential, a denim jacket for that unpredictable gust of wind, a side braid for a Boho effect, and this years must have shoe, the espadrille - this old outfit is definitely pulling me through another season :-)<br />
<br />
<br />
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4RcEjvYLhIBftPYBqKrHyXoLtencERWYjlVLKMc-i2MCJwEueKGQlUe7tWPxmjS9DBaMTicub_1KkMfMErbYF-I8tsy98r5QBeyg095qpJQ_-BIVnYPvpI2g6Zbbb9dSYPHE0ISA2VrQ0/s1600/_MG_0151.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4RcEjvYLhIBftPYBqKrHyXoLtencERWYjlVLKMc-i2MCJwEueKGQlUe7tWPxmjS9DBaMTicub_1KkMfMErbYF-I8tsy98r5QBeyg095qpJQ_-BIVnYPvpI2g6Zbbb9dSYPHE0ISA2VrQ0/s640/_MG_0151.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwT2uRQYqb9ooY9d1FNUo4OWGJI9LvDkvN_hmdErk6eR6SvZzQ3zTk0uxklOepl1bTm1GafBNdxpOLFdkaGfej7yAZSp1-xxBNVpIJGhzAwosiQn5Upzghsjf1-7SMVGVrJQwBCYciDItz/s1600/_MG_0441.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwT2uRQYqb9ooY9d1FNUo4OWGJI9LvDkvN_hmdErk6eR6SvZzQ3zTk0uxklOepl1bTm1GafBNdxpOLFdkaGfej7yAZSp1-xxBNVpIJGhzAwosiQn5Upzghsjf1-7SMVGVrJQwBCYciDItz/s640/_MG_0441.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGyLBOQixIqrSFZhvBgKgX5_sgSmQ5CpL_SEtKRFmtpfXl_hDPh7A7foqPpSlChhVgRZzRd0XUYDQzoSqZCpLA7Uayxu8Znp0gQnDDKqeAgCuNaLCwh9y-joBss4dcsHOlO1yuaS0Z7YBg/s1600/_MG_0256.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGyLBOQixIqrSFZhvBgKgX5_sgSmQ5CpL_SEtKRFmtpfXl_hDPh7A7foqPpSlChhVgRZzRd0XUYDQzoSqZCpLA7Uayxu8Znp0gQnDDKqeAgCuNaLCwh9y-joBss4dcsHOlO1yuaS0Z7YBg/s640/_MG_0256.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaPI4CSOpXjfKtEEso5WNMeTLvu6MovNYvC6ytsrzlcYebsMjBoVZfEyYwSMY3pjv48UySKz7U7v2tALGgK7OYmdxW1gzOfbYD8qrehSEqFe4j7yZDJHOX9o4UMInfX6Xv1ff52JBK8oQX/s1600/_MG_0445.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaPI4CSOpXjfKtEEso5WNMeTLvu6MovNYvC6ytsrzlcYebsMjBoVZfEyYwSMY3pjv48UySKz7U7v2tALGgK7OYmdxW1gzOfbYD8qrehSEqFe4j7yZDJHOX9o4UMInfX6Xv1ff52JBK8oQX/s640/_MG_0445.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0gZOzRt6cSrTF_mjQpnCC0lvpWZjV9gpUL52-qeLxGryO9XQhkv17wK2DuxAl8nwbE0DWf_bJjLnuMLyQ1apwbkcugA9R9embGkPkXDyYV9UqnG3bhCAepfKMdi9yIYDQcylurdHbrpsL/s1600/_MG_0520.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0gZOzRt6cSrTF_mjQpnCC0lvpWZjV9gpUL52-qeLxGryO9XQhkv17wK2DuxAl8nwbE0DWf_bJjLnuMLyQ1apwbkcugA9R9embGkPkXDyYV9UqnG3bhCAepfKMdi9yIYDQcylurdHbrpsL/s640/_MG_0520.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhAev1Ey0CnAbM5_3UkGHISF2Y6487IRfgZydZi9QvInJ8dvqlMILjq7azrLOpZqIgNNYOTW7FldBsY0GUz67WI4CQXABleV1tovEGqwe26_SGU1OhyEwwZVfA-wkVeuasBpfQzJS2oBRO/s1600/_MG_0522.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhAev1Ey0CnAbM5_3UkGHISF2Y6487IRfgZydZi9QvInJ8dvqlMILjq7azrLOpZqIgNNYOTW7FldBsY0GUz67WI4CQXABleV1tovEGqwe26_SGU1OhyEwwZVfA-wkVeuasBpfQzJS2oBRO/s640/_MG_0522.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5MoAJOayhQubKvXUkOR97jY1wmlsUG-83XkCBNA5fgiUHIN1pvo0c2qJZSatdjmR2MVvKEAT6dj78kLefCF8qxUildOSQUAHTEq2YjJIGXbx8H3o5ge1IfUym9VBMlXa01bO_aF-7ymvV/s1600/_MG_0523.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5MoAJOayhQubKvXUkOR97jY1wmlsUG-83XkCBNA5fgiUHIN1pvo0c2qJZSatdjmR2MVvKEAT6dj78kLefCF8qxUildOSQUAHTEq2YjJIGXbx8H3o5ge1IfUym9VBMlXa01bO_aF-7ymvV/s640/_MG_0523.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjOyF2mOSTuwCs15MEbIOH0utBTYVb-2UstE_e7t2ojGeSTzShR7GpM_Gp5y6jmcrKCE1ZHJF-P3GNop7lp0W32Xiy8wvKj5umSYAGA51aSGNY8HoO1fAthKwVu7URzE3wJ3rL5LeCfXFt/s1600/_MG_0527.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjOyF2mOSTuwCs15MEbIOH0utBTYVb-2UstE_e7t2ojGeSTzShR7GpM_Gp5y6jmcrKCE1ZHJF-P3GNop7lp0W32Xiy8wvKj5umSYAGA51aSGNY8HoO1fAthKwVu7URzE3wJ3rL5LeCfXFt/s640/_MG_0527.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGYB4czaNdq3iRzpToAiy8ocU0qr5Wj7J6DzAVoS-DC6J4pgXU0z4VMn4mS7qxpCwgFkYFG0tkjGvEg2igIaQHfClMcrrDinQ_bdPVnPkucUK9KFJLuSf03Oc7nuS9Gge5bLl-L-V1vLsZ/s1600/_MG_0850.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGYB4czaNdq3iRzpToAiy8ocU0qr5Wj7J6DzAVoS-DC6J4pgXU0z4VMn4mS7qxpCwgFkYFG0tkjGvEg2igIaQHfClMcrrDinQ_bdPVnPkucUK9KFJLuSf03Oc7nuS9Gge5bLl-L-V1vLsZ/s640/_MG_0850.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCMOQAJv1zSgA3lmtUAUZaj5Sfpi-eajiPW8BSdM6F6wd0jzxRQ1CRd_uFIYlMvHf52yuyIX9vYWjXolr5u5FOiOAL73wO8AnK-mPXIU-JmRDPb4wibhOIJKFfJFd4Q7hFI3CLFmb0QZXU/s1600/_MG_0537.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCMOQAJv1zSgA3lmtUAUZaj5Sfpi-eajiPW8BSdM6F6wd0jzxRQ1CRd_uFIYlMvHf52yuyIX9vYWjXolr5u5FOiOAL73wO8AnK-mPXIU-JmRDPb4wibhOIJKFfJFd4Q7hFI3CLFmb0QZXU/s640/_MG_0537.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgL7zhp_O35ZWonORvAIsc3dF3XzmWC0j-89UVqKfsTG_C1irJYn0YkuLB4cFPBhFnLcPf0K6sRoW9Bs_fkOzbZIzQSpMbpZU_ft0uBpd-6q-PXiOwlLjgL4uuZzPy4Vg9jDe9sAc4sa5Dy/s1600/_MG_0549.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="425" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgL7zhp_O35ZWonORvAIsc3dF3XzmWC0j-89UVqKfsTG_C1irJYn0YkuLB4cFPBhFnLcPf0K6sRoW9Bs_fkOzbZIzQSpMbpZU_ft0uBpd-6q-PXiOwlLjgL4uuZzPy4Vg9jDe9sAc4sa5Dy/s640/_MG_0549.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgd_g4975NToMeQoDFnBz2bgcv49wRDufz7t2VFPC32FhiY1l0UvXELUXGmfHpRMl6u1HzX1QfgBzFA-acHUqTQxMUSrBA2cNYPc1mQ3df3LYDaqN_oHleFlHSwUGfXWpaTNdrxJYxMAZJy/s1600/_MG_9758.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgd_g4975NToMeQoDFnBz2bgcv49wRDufz7t2VFPC32FhiY1l0UvXELUXGmfHpRMl6u1HzX1QfgBzFA-acHUqTQxMUSrBA2cNYPc1mQ3df3LYDaqN_oHleFlHSwUGfXWpaTNdrxJYxMAZJy/s640/_MG_9758.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgn9rupma8_SIhSpM2Y2KNhmHsB1LKC-lJzU8zt8HP7mzpnmMEP5vRG4KFKou9apilns5Y1_tg6p-Z4Ss3aHEOtd8ZnadWPOCMwR2A1Pfd4I-HXacqQ3MIn5qX8SCtEX9kQQSmObe6-N4ps/s1600/_MG_9771.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgn9rupma8_SIhSpM2Y2KNhmHsB1LKC-lJzU8zt8HP7mzpnmMEP5vRG4KFKou9apilns5Y1_tg6p-Z4Ss3aHEOtd8ZnadWPOCMwR2A1Pfd4I-HXacqQ3MIn5qX8SCtEX9kQQSmObe6-N4ps/s640/_MG_9771.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjE1Fm95fEvHoCilpiT0H_wRRWbH57LDfVKS-Zeq87hzLMsS6bAVEw8I3pEonohY5sywxBE3xtiPdJdfoNVxYHDylT06Qoi2tonqHWQs8G0Zfqp2h9Ia7q2agxBxTz1UpBzveZX63t5_vps/s1600/_MG_9773.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjE1Fm95fEvHoCilpiT0H_wRRWbH57LDfVKS-Zeq87hzLMsS6bAVEw8I3pEonohY5sywxBE3xtiPdJdfoNVxYHDylT06Qoi2tonqHWQs8G0Zfqp2h9Ia7q2agxBxTz1UpBzveZX63t5_vps/s640/_MG_9773.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdKpez6RBKCJ_v50Ikjz-REKNPQM64Hm3K-5U8u_0OIY4dwMOp2PW0KKc5Qube3cep9l7JZilOg5dWUHuuup6uNFwgo5nHZS7eRbqC9wXQORD3TqcTGS4PnwtIgJXV5VdintqtL-WKBxPi/s1600/_MG_9778.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdKpez6RBKCJ_v50Ikjz-REKNPQM64Hm3K-5U8u_0OIY4dwMOp2PW0KKc5Qube3cep9l7JZilOg5dWUHuuup6uNFwgo5nHZS7eRbqC9wXQORD3TqcTGS4PnwtIgJXV5VdintqtL-WKBxPi/s640/_MG_9778.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEib5Xt5jAox87SSGOpe_CK5nXcuHpG6mdpbiGmUiZy7BAf-iz_s8GGgcTa_ew8PhsyzlT3twtHcPZIHcSG-VSXHVAHoYptI7tHOBe3JzckmSFu7FfL-v8iB8bp9Z1091atY-o5sbHBMPJD8/s1600/_MG_9781.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEib5Xt5jAox87SSGOpe_CK5nXcuHpG6mdpbiGmUiZy7BAf-iz_s8GGgcTa_ew8PhsyzlT3twtHcPZIHcSG-VSXHVAHoYptI7tHOBe3JzckmSFu7FfL-v8iB8bp9Z1091atY-o5sbHBMPJD8/s640/_MG_9781.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQJbwVI2_5tzFtyzL12xuPPDOTkD3CEsdSF3egsCZ8brBIW5FFpu7LwEKJz9JruCGjLSZ9sV7p8yr_-RftB7z-wb2aS9fRsVEhS1KXv9DGSYeOOsfLqyRsns8QyIwJZvJ0ufuVq2gHDcxi/s1600/_MG_0843.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQJbwVI2_5tzFtyzL12xuPPDOTkD3CEsdSF3egsCZ8brBIW5FFpu7LwEKJz9JruCGjLSZ9sV7p8yr_-RftB7z-wb2aS9fRsVEhS1KXv9DGSYeOOsfLqyRsns8QyIwJZvJ0ufuVq2gHDcxi/s640/_MG_0843.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVW0TXXdQ_ILf88OuKXTo9JC6e95Ju5mDNjspvL8jhGqLS-ObtbyuQMmzhHOheqSuodZZzYVgklh5FUuBpjF8tOQO83Q3YujNqVkpg_-EE6SCbekY1cANg0ff9PhIhW8yVn06rEc_m_K4F/s1600/_MG_0855.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVW0TXXdQ_ILf88OuKXTo9JC6e95Ju5mDNjspvL8jhGqLS-ObtbyuQMmzhHOheqSuodZZzYVgklh5FUuBpjF8tOQO83Q3YujNqVkpg_-EE6SCbekY1cANg0ff9PhIhW8yVn06rEc_m_K4F/s640/_MG_0855.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<strong><u>OUTFIT DETAILS</u></strong></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<strong><u></u></strong> </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<em>Dress : Truworths</em></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<em></em> </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<em>Denim Jacket : Woolworths</em></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<em></em> </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<em>Espadrille : Woolworths</em></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<em></em> </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<em>Photographs : 2Cherries Photography</em></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<em></em> </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<em></em> </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<em></em> </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Thanks for reading!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Peace,</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
NAMU :)</div>
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07937370112210543248noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5573165486496956276.post-27241193232991722902017-11-21T17:23:00.000+02:002017-11-21T17:23:02.480+02:00Recipe - Mini Mango Cheesecakes<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEha6x3-ztgTOssjhIWcUmYxH7faxOwzd8pT6Y42DuQp3Zpe9ymG9rQkuQO7szjD1NnCneflmhgzjw7zmJH-xygIvkyK1K_AhMV8cO4VmlIx03LAG6-E3ljrX13TN4XYrjG2dc46r69S9a6a/s1600/IMG_9223.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1238" data-original-width="1600" height="491" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEha6x3-ztgTOssjhIWcUmYxH7faxOwzd8pT6Y42DuQp3Zpe9ymG9rQkuQO7szjD1NnCneflmhgzjw7zmJH-xygIvkyK1K_AhMV8cO4VmlIx03LAG6-E3ljrX13TN4XYrjG2dc46r69S9a6a/s640/IMG_9223.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div align="justify">
</div>
<div align="justify">
It's that time of year again! No, I'm not talking about Summer. I'm referring to the end of year mayhem and the relentless onslaught of back to back parties and festivities! School parties, office parties, birthday parties, Christmas parties, garden parties, New Year's parties, bridal shower parties - just a never ending list of celebrations and partying. And if you're like me, then at some point, you will even be helping someone else plan a party. Maybe even offer to contribute by making a dessert or two to take to one of these parties.</div>
<div align="justify">
</div>
<div align="justify">
Just like Winter owns the decadence of a hot, Malva Pudding; and Autumn possesses the rich and spicy aroma of a Carrot Cake; certain fruity flavoured desserts are seasonal and synonymous with the hot Summer months. From a Summer berry Eton Mess or <a href="https://namusnarratives.blogspot.co.za/2013/12/pavlova-ultimate-summer-dessert.html">Pavlova</a>, to a light on the tongue <a href="https://namusnarratives.blogspot.co.za/2015/01/recipe-mango-mousse.html">Mango Mousse</a>; typically Summer desserts tend to always have a fruity element as opposed to the more perennial chocolate flavoured counterparts. And it makes this fruity take on a classic cheesecake a big winner for the upcoming season! </div>
<div align="justify">
</div>
<div align="justify">
This recipe is adapted from one out of the infamous <strong><em>Australian Women's Weekly </em></strong>recipe books. Before the time of the internet, I relied heavily on my collection of <strong><em>Australian Women's Weekly's</em></strong> for interesting recipes and I still turn to them for some of my all time favourites and old time classics. This recipe was originally meant to be an Apricot Nectar Cheescake, but I swopped the apricot with mango puree and the result is genius! Here's the recipe.</div>
<div align="justify">
</div>
<div align="justify" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0Jpz414X8XuDs7QMdfPVhcx1H79nkAu3V1bsH2WPMJ5Ih7JJtad8TqqzrHvWR3xSPWRo8muX8KQnCu-1_86_OikfWfglveNdaRVpdoNXD23c5M80RM58snAv2nzluDA89UwKriZ4tXlkh/s1600/IMG_9208.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1230" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0Jpz414X8XuDs7QMdfPVhcx1H79nkAu3V1bsH2WPMJ5Ih7JJtad8TqqzrHvWR3xSPWRo8muX8KQnCu-1_86_OikfWfglveNdaRVpdoNXD23c5M80RM58snAv2nzluDA89UwKriZ4tXlkh/s640/IMG_9208.JPG" width="492" /></a></div>
<div align="justify">
</div>
<div align="justify">
</div>
<div align="justify">
<strong><em><u>INGREDIENTS</u></em></strong></div>
<div align="justify">
<strong><em><u></u></em></strong> </div>
<div align="justify">
<ul>
<li><em>1 packet tennis biscuits</em></li>
</ul>
</div>
<em></em><br />
<ul>
<li><em>75 - 100gr of butter, melted</em></li>
</ul>
<em></em><br />
<ul>
<li><em>1 cups mango puree (I like to use the canned puree as it has the right amount of sweetness)</em></li>
</ul>
<em></em><br />
<ul>
<li><em>1 tablespoon gelatine</em></li>
</ul>
<em></em><br />
<ul>
<li><em>375gr cream cheese, softened</em></li>
</ul>
<em></em><br />
<ul>
<li><em>1/2 cup caster sugar</em></li>
</ul>
<em></em><br />
<ul>
<li><em>1 tablespoon lemon juice</em></li>
</ul>
<em></em><br />
<ul>
<li><em>250ml fresh cream</em></li>
</ul>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzd_GZSu7ffjJertVgL6P0vGaP_G8_otaL38_T8U_-7MViPRutQPgrYNyj-IYRECXOqy0NNypWjYsYZofJo9mWHaCevJc0RuhCzcRjXzY8NaQKUluKegTiAvCqln5pvg__MJVYnAX27RJV/s1600/IMG_9202.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1455" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzd_GZSu7ffjJertVgL6P0vGaP_G8_otaL38_T8U_-7MViPRutQPgrYNyj-IYRECXOqy0NNypWjYsYZofJo9mWHaCevJc0RuhCzcRjXzY8NaQKUluKegTiAvCqln5pvg__MJVYnAX27RJV/s640/IMG_9202.JPG" width="582" /></a></div>
<em></em><br />
<em></em><br />
<em><strong><u>METHOD:</u></strong></em><br />
<strong><em><u></u></em></strong><br />
<ol>
<li><div style="text-align: justify;">
Process biscuits until mixture resembles fine breadcrumbs. Add butter and process until just combined.</div>
</li>
<li><div style="text-align: justify;">
Press crumbs evenly over base (1 23cm size cheesecake or 15 mini containers like I used) and refrigerate for 30 minutes. </div>
</li>
<li><div style="text-align: justify;">
Meanwhile, pour the one cup of puree into a small saucepan. Sprinkle gelatine over the puree, place over low heat and stir until the gelatine is dissolved. Leave aside to cool.</div>
</li>
<li><div style="text-align: justify;">
Beat cream cheese and sugar in a bowl with an electric mixer until smooth. Add lemon juice and then mango mixture and mix together.</div>
</li>
<li><div style="text-align: justify;">
Lastly, whip the fresh cream and fold into mixture.</div>
</li>
<li><div style="text-align: justify;">
Pour cheesecake mixture into one big tin or individual containers - whichever you decide to choose. </div>
</li>
<li><div style="text-align: justify;">
For the marble effect on top, you can dot the top of the mixture with some puree and pull a toothpick through it. </div>
</li>
<li><div style="text-align: justify;">
Refrigerate overnight and decorate as desired.</div>
</li>
<li><div style="text-align: justify;">
Any leftover puree can be frozen and used at a later stage. </div>
</li>
</ol>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTkdeE5luoZJRgTfFbL9dIdHknZ9fTyrxeSJYWy1sX9lZQVDy1n_YA-PTugTHxOrfn2LGtJrIdJexSnkX6IRKbxhgMLRucU2cK79rSqgUhAe4ALylZ2tPg3QBIduBlvW_qMx3AVF5xQkie/s1600/IMG_9226.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1405" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTkdeE5luoZJRgTfFbL9dIdHknZ9fTyrxeSJYWy1sX9lZQVDy1n_YA-PTugTHxOrfn2LGtJrIdJexSnkX6IRKbxhgMLRucU2cK79rSqgUhAe4ALylZ2tPg3QBIduBlvW_qMx3AVF5xQkie/s640/IMG_9226.JPG" width="562" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div align="justify">
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJKhteZXCRCnjPMQe89939JIuA_2jovO2A6SALrbWczsMP0OBLPNj75Xfcdb7jP-b-_aVyymtFXtfEljawuGpjmHv0-48pNvpLGysa-4Sv5a_i8QLJZ2aJdhHqx0qkOqNvct6bmXUtdYyL/s1600/IMG_9211.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="722" data-original-width="1600" height="288" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJKhteZXCRCnjPMQe89939JIuA_2jovO2A6SALrbWczsMP0OBLPNj75Xfcdb7jP-b-_aVyymtFXtfEljawuGpjmHv0-48pNvpLGysa-4Sv5a_i8QLJZ2aJdhHqx0qkOqNvct6bmXUtdYyL/s640/IMG_9211.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7ZD6-nrzrvevR0c_ktlXiiH_ZTH-7L0_oDdG2hcHVuVJVyijbSTw1HOmUdB-EnLJ5mIx1Sd8qkYU4p3h6y2Ul-Sxa-kcDTrDjJ4AiBXPgWlb4U89xK_l5QK3-8ws7rVIgugntV5aldTTL/s1600/IMG_9228.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1287" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7ZD6-nrzrvevR0c_ktlXiiH_ZTH-7L0_oDdG2hcHVuVJVyijbSTw1HOmUdB-EnLJ5mIx1Sd8qkYU4p3h6y2Ul-Sxa-kcDTrDjJ4AiBXPgWlb4U89xK_l5QK3-8ws7rVIgugntV5aldTTL/s640/IMG_9228.JPG" width="514" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Thanks for reading!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Peace,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
NAMU :)</div>
<div align="justify">
</div>
<div align="justify">
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07937370112210543248noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5573165486496956276.post-84523008711867909112017-11-14T09:13:00.002+02:002017-11-14T09:18:20.915+02:00Raising a Confident Child<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgSfy0quqnEhgRbqv9gSgrmrqoNEtlsQUh-tp7-IOvdi6CXh6FAdIprNxGdBr30hd-8sCrFlLcwkczws3I4y0gfv-kAW7Klu02CZ-lO_-sg93a-GjXjM647_CEivINc3Wv5W_1MlIfaz7-/s1600/_MG_2833.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgSfy0quqnEhgRbqv9gSgrmrqoNEtlsQUh-tp7-IOvdi6CXh6FAdIprNxGdBr30hd-8sCrFlLcwkczws3I4y0gfv-kAW7Klu02CZ-lO_-sg93a-GjXjM647_CEivINc3Wv5W_1MlIfaz7-/s640/_MG_2833.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
As a parent, it's easy to observe our kids through rose-tinted glasses; to only acknowledge their positive traits as opposed to magnifying their indiscretions. And I've been wondering lately, if, for your entire life, this is how I have viewed you - if it is the illusion of those rose-tinted frames that parents wear that makes me see you as my eternally happy, jolly and self-assured child...or if it is those very same frames that make me oblivious to the range of emotions that may be hiding behind that smile. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
I've spent 14 years watching you grow and fine tuning your character, so I think I'm qualified enough to know almost every smile and every scowl that comes from you. I know when you narrow your eyes and knit your brows when I shout or nag or reprimand too much...I know the mischievous grin you have when you're guilty for ruining your brother or sister's mood and I know the way your lip quivers when you feel disappointed or angry or someone attacks your self-worth. And I know these things because I've invested quality time into nurturing who you are. I don't think I observe you through a filtered lens...but I will admit that I parent you slightly differently, especially when my mom intuition tells me that you only project one side of who you are to the world. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
It's impossible to describe you without using the words funny and happy. For a teenager; whose reputation is generally to be moody, sulky and sullen; your mood remains relatively unaltered and your sharp sense of humor and quick wit has been a constant fixture throughout these 14 years...amplified only by a willing audience. But that doesn't mean I'm entirely oblivious to your other "endearing" traits. You're lively...boisterous...humorous; in equal parts as you stubborn, bossy and strong willed. You like to take charge, be in control and lead; as much as your like order, structure and routine. You've remained consistently you in every single way. Unperturbed, strong, happy, confident. But there's another layer to you that's shrouded beneath this strong and stubborn sheath. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglFe4Vycn3fv8DzuvjhkEPIwgMsi0aEc3ONWGT2awPNoIlaO21RQL6nYArr8VoqyDRpqel-q9xo52NKGrcXN13dJ5LgfnK2xkcVUU4l7XHWwZ-Mh67WM8dahtVUjHwbRE7QgrWuNcrgkS3/s1600/_MG_3025.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglFe4Vycn3fv8DzuvjhkEPIwgMsi0aEc3ONWGT2awPNoIlaO21RQL6nYArr8VoqyDRpqel-q9xo52NKGrcXN13dJ5LgfnK2xkcVUU4l7XHWwZ-Mh67WM8dahtVUjHwbRE7QgrWuNcrgkS3/s640/_MG_3025.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
Being confident and self-assured are not bad qualities to have - gosh, some parents go their whole lives trying to build these qualities up in their kids to make them stronger and less likely to be swallowed by the world, and here you are with this quality already. I'm also aware that you sometimes use it as a front to mask your own insecurities. Rest assured I'll always be here to help you differentiate between the two and also to keep you in check so that your self-confidence doesn't spill over into something...well... a little less desirable! </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
Sometimes, just when I <i style="font-weight: bold;">think </i>I need to come down on you a little harder and reel you in with a lasso, you surprise me with this other, softer, side. The side you hide behind you hard exterior and quick witted responses to <em>e v e r y t h i n g! </em>The<em> </em>side that always has the defenses up because you're afraid to get hurt. Hidden behind this suave shell that you like to show the world is the son I am most proud of! </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOvO0U7dPmgjF7JmQ9w3GcF9eQolrkF5vacThYTvhzrdAtsOXwMzEIEPJxYsIv6m9e_Fgn6wGHkX6H_O7AlNzAHJPs03FobqJgPXi_dcLVnLlxVe-mQ4xzJjSryfFVley6vDofBaycWEeQ/s1600/_MG_3716.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOvO0U7dPmgjF7JmQ9w3GcF9eQolrkF5vacThYTvhzrdAtsOXwMzEIEPJxYsIv6m9e_Fgn6wGHkX6H_O7AlNzAHJPs03FobqJgPXi_dcLVnLlxVe-mQ4xzJjSryfFVley6vDofBaycWEeQ/s640/_MG_3716.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
I love that you can be razor sharp with you mouth as easily as you can be caring when we need you to be. I love how close you are to your sister and that, in your own unique way, you look out for her. I love that you make time for Zaydaan...even if it's sometimes for your own entertainment. I love that you will, without fail, bring me panados and water if I have a headache and that you would much rather cycle the promenade with your father, than have a day out with your friends. I love that you can ruffle your feathers at the world, and that deep down you value your family most. But what I love most of all, is our open relationship that leads to important conversations - and that more than anything in the world, you value the opinion of your parents, what we have to say, and the way we see you. I love that, despite this happy bubble you like to keep yourself in, we matter.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
And lastly...even though I sometimes give you a hard time about it...I am proud of raising a confident child too! Just always remember that your confidence is not a bad thing if it is coupled with empathy and compassion.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
Rocky, you make me smile and laugh on a daily basis and my world is forever brighter because of you! You are indeed my not so little anymore ray of sunshine and I am infinitely grateful and proud to call you my son <3</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHwqm5Fwn3lTY5SzugD-Bj1NpzCsp7Z_gDWVVhyba9F10KuV6em2OqmPkznulv2KPMyGJssuHTZ5lnpt1-6L8HKcPb43HIUMGyxYsQV63c3SfIN9odK96Bele5B-iShs2Ek1wU2W4PKQg1/s1600/IMG_8516.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHwqm5Fwn3lTY5SzugD-Bj1NpzCsp7Z_gDWVVhyba9F10KuV6em2OqmPkznulv2KPMyGJssuHTZ5lnpt1-6L8HKcPb43HIUMGyxYsQV63c3SfIN9odK96Bele5B-iShs2Ek1wU2W4PKQg1/s640/IMG_8516.JPG" width="426" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Happy 14th Birthday, smarty pants! </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I love you,</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
MOM <3</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07937370112210543248noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5573165486496956276.post-47518862591191468892017-11-07T09:18:00.001+02:002017-11-07T09:42:14.033+02:00Happy 2nd Birthday Aryana<div align="justify">
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibnVjAfhsw9f8eBD2hV-Jv-mHfx_bfvd3W9DlV9xljRg3n33kYg-GUCNGKbb1C6yKvB4bKkJPnXTVC24Sa4Np6gGgFpiagp9VFk1KXGd_cB1ISpxqtmYe6tCgEVvq12TvE_G68nSWIhTNL/s1600/IMG_8098.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibnVjAfhsw9f8eBD2hV-Jv-mHfx_bfvd3W9DlV9xljRg3n33kYg-GUCNGKbb1C6yKvB4bKkJPnXTVC24Sa4Np6gGgFpiagp9VFk1KXGd_cB1ISpxqtmYe6tCgEVvq12TvE_G68nSWIhTNL/s640/IMG_8098.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
I thought your first year flew by quickly, but the second sped by even faster. It seems like just the other day we were overcrowding the hospital waiting room, eagerly anticipating your arrival, and now you're already 2. And what a lot of growing up you've done in this past year!<br />
<br />
A year ago, you could barely walk or talk; and now you string together so many words and sentences that it's sometimes hard to believe that you've only just turned 2. I'm constantly amazed at how intelligent you are; and how quickly you master doing things just by observing a couple of times. From one day to the next, I'm always surprised when I discover that there's something new that you can do. You know all your colours, love singing and role playing, and are obsessed with dolls...which I'm convinced you've inherited from me ;-) <br />
<br />
I'm truly amazed at how quickly you pick up a catchy beat and memorize song lyrics (definitely got this from your mom) - a real superstar in the making! You're strong willed and know what you want...even domineer Zaydaan who's a good 6 years older than you. You're always happy and content...except, maybe, when we pull up my driveway - then all hell breaks loose! You're a little firecracker of a personality and it's impossible not to love you <3<br />
<br />
But my favourite thing is that I get to be a part of your life. That I get to fetch you from school and how you always direct me towards cuddles and watching dvd's on Naani's bed. I love how excited you get when you see your cousins and how you love all of them differently and uniquely. That you know all their names and no longer call all of us Appa - how, even though you've arrived right last (so far), you have crept into everyone's heart. And perhaps the crowning cherry on top is that you finally call me Jaan...well Jaani Appa, but I'll take it! <br />
<br />
My dear little Ary, you came at a time when I thought I was done with car seats and nappies; but you have reopened my heart...and the hearts of everyone else in the family. You have a special place in all our lives, and we are absolutely thrilled that we get to watch you grow. <br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl0RYEERdcZbMq6gUGTcTwXiEdVTf77lxC8QiseZfT6Ub9piOLBLri-cyFYhKpq5YcH89eQSfXAe1T8XIY7EmIdvdM0zs8eQmX-eW3pmX5QFgQ7M8zI6oMh0qXZa9d50r93DZNm3mLv9VJ/s1600/IMG_8055.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl0RYEERdcZbMq6gUGTcTwXiEdVTf77lxC8QiseZfT6Ub9piOLBLri-cyFYhKpq5YcH89eQSfXAe1T8XIY7EmIdvdM0zs8eQmX-eW3pmX5QFgQ7M8zI6oMh0qXZa9d50r93DZNm3mLv9VJ/s640/IMG_8055.JPG" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div align="center">
Happy 2nd Birthday Aryana! </div>
<div align="center">
</div>
<div align="center">
</div>
<div align="center">
Love Always,</div>
<div align="center">
</div>
<div align="center">
</div>
<div align="center">
JAANI APPA <3</div>
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07937370112210543248noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5573165486496956276.post-4346325680970752872017-11-06T08:19:00.002+02:002017-11-09T10:12:07.014+02:00WFOT Congress 2018 - Top 10 Hiking Trails in Cape Town<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">
<img class="CSS_LIGHTBOX_SCALED_IMAGE_IMG" height="400" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tbqPyVv6wCI/VQiIQh8aISI/AAAAAAAAF_Y/mmvWmNi5rBw/s400/DSCN7464.JPG" style="height: 568px; width: 426px;" width="300" /></div>
<br />
<div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">
</div>
<br />
<div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">
</div>
<br />
<div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
There's no place like home; especially if the place you call home, is Cape Town! There's a lot of things to love about this beautiful city, but perhaps the most popular of all is undeniably the spectacular views and scenery. <br />
<br />
Now, there are various ways to catch a good angle of the city with no bad angles - Whether you're lounging on one of our spectacular beaches or taking a drive around the famous Peninsula; but if you want to be a little extra while on holiday, then pack in a pair of hiking boots, because the views from the peaks of our most famous mountains are just beyond iconic!<br />
<br />
I'm not going to lie; I enjoy the occasional hike, but I'm certainly not the hiker of the family. That title goes to my sister. But if you're looking for an inexpensive way to get out and enjoy a different perspective of the city away from the hustle and bustle of the normal touristy spots, then hiking is probably the best way to do it. Whether you're a seasoned hiker or an aspiring trail blazer, there's a walk or hike to suit you! From an easy stroll through lush, green forests to some more challenging climbs; you will be sure to find a route that suitable for you. Here's a list of a few of the most popular hiking trails.<br />
<br />
<br />
<strong><u>NEWLANDS FOREST</u></strong><br />
<br />
Wide, inclined paths; shaded by lush, tall trees makes this a really great trail for beginners. There are a few trails within Newlands forest...some leading to little streams and other offering some spectacular views. Either way, it's a pretty grand way to burn calories, enjoy the outdoors and see another side of Cape Town. <strong>Difficulty level : Easy</strong><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAAjmUntjKulG6pi6ylWt8DyHI5zV5aVQXiTt28WvgvFzqnYNt7eAkJXbGqOSR3IkOLVvtnmXmw2L0jn1DXU8f9lKPw39klR7EdREGAt98H7BcyCV9Dgr05ErsAgD9TMiewNzbJSqiuG2A/s1600/FB_IMG_1509871425739.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="453" data-original-width="604" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAAjmUntjKulG6pi6ylWt8DyHI5zV5aVQXiTt28WvgvFzqnYNt7eAkJXbGqOSR3IkOLVvtnmXmw2L0jn1DXU8f9lKPw39klR7EdREGAt98H7BcyCV9Dgr05ErsAgD9TMiewNzbJSqiuG2A/s640/FB_IMG_1509871425739.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<strong></strong><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<strong><u>CECILIA FOREST</u></strong><br />
<strong><u></u></strong><br />
Similar to Newlands Forest, Cecilia forest is situated in the beautiful part of Constantia and offers a few captivating hours out in nature. If you prefer to avoid the heat of the day, then this walk through the forest is ideal. The walk sometimes features fresh mountain water streams and a waterfall. <strong>Difficulty level : Easy to Intermediate</strong><br />
<br />
<br />
<strong><u>PIPE TRACK</u></strong><br />
<strong><u></u></strong><br />
If you're looking for something moderately easy, then this one's for you! The Pipe Track stretches from Kloof Nek (bottom part of Table Mountain) to Camps Bay. There's a varied terrain and has enough of an incline to make you a feeling that you're getting a workout without leaving you feeling exhausted. Also, as with all these trails...the views are amazing! <strong>Difficulty Level : Easy</strong><br />
<strong></strong><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiwhRffwD7UmDCZIsl-YpR0ZAAsq9qdUU08y1BWDMLHwrX4S9aqU3JwakqizxYyNhLrYEU7-MSeI48JFcrMEyNNoxiuyIpoproHpv2QVtl9rYIdIK8rhn3KTBwhT7XoRNeMaqFKEx9NIXa/s1600/FB_IMG_1509713079378.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="540" data-original-width="960" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiwhRffwD7UmDCZIsl-YpR0ZAAsq9qdUU08y1BWDMLHwrX4S9aqU3JwakqizxYyNhLrYEU7-MSeI48JFcrMEyNNoxiuyIpoproHpv2QVtl9rYIdIK8rhn3KTBwhT7XoRNeMaqFKEx9NIXa/s640/FB_IMG_1509713079378.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<strong><u>RHODES MEMORIAL</u></strong><br />
<strong><u></u></strong><br />
I remember coming here a lot as a kid and haven't done this trail in a while. You can start the hike from the parking lot at Rhodes memorial, but there's also a path that joins up from Newlands forest. I'd rate this trail as intermediate as there are some parts that requires a little more effort than others. Added bonus is that you can catch either breakfast, or a post hike bite at the Rhodes Memorial restaurant. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEaohEIviywcQg-8wPRcveUMoFwILEhj3jb9OG_ecgp14HkKdBybVF5rXvJZYXRAGTV30XuTMIXG86CpVe3kYmiqgUzWfx5zNcldBSV96BK4zNNy4IMA6ltNbpeNTUt0OY6o3zAoN5idWw/s1600/20171105_130119.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEaohEIviywcQg-8wPRcveUMoFwILEhj3jb9OG_ecgp14HkKdBybVF5rXvJZYXRAGTV30XuTMIXG86CpVe3kYmiqgUzWfx5zNcldBSV96BK4zNNy4IMA6ltNbpeNTUt0OY6o3zAoN5idWw/s640/20171105_130119.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<strong><u>LIONS HEAD</u></strong><br />
<strong><u></u></strong><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtdR_HsRMdWLoOGojtLfoQ5at5k3xZUt43b3gcNFh_V-DD2E9OaAN17N6U0NZj9XXqk4JiBXdyhuQOkYSNCZPu6es11LUf2A_49Qs4wt_5TU_m_LgMxpxgYgfiJMTHx6jHICT-ABs6Becp/s1600/DSCN7492.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtdR_HsRMdWLoOGojtLfoQ5at5k3xZUt43b3gcNFh_V-DD2E9OaAN17N6U0NZj9XXqk4JiBXdyhuQOkYSNCZPu6es11LUf2A_49Qs4wt_5TU_m_LgMxpxgYgfiJMTHx6jHICT-ABs6Becp/s640/DSCN7492.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<strong><u></u></strong><br />
It's supposed to be a quick hike with a short summit, but that really depends on your fitness levels. This hike offers panoramic views of the Atlantic seaboard and apparently the sunsets are spectacular! You also get some great visuals of Table Mountain, Signal Hill and Robben Island en route and makes for some great photo opportunities at the summit. There's a little bit of climbing involved, but nothing too hectic. <strong>Difficulty level : Intermediate</strong><strong><strong><u></u></strong> </strong><br />
<strong></strong><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicr4UsaOg0GT2NGk5_sRwOGnoYX7XKuGjX4Eb3b2IwV192fTcwmYlBVfJtJ6mfKdgutdZdY-Q0hgi7dFunDeNeF2JL_tTvBydLxQcIMQ2_IGO57pSFaJKo2Qseq_nyuApqKwxbsMLtincB/s1600/DSCN7449.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicr4UsaOg0GT2NGk5_sRwOGnoYX7XKuGjX4Eb3b2IwV192fTcwmYlBVfJtJ6mfKdgutdZdY-Q0hgi7dFunDeNeF2JL_tTvBydLxQcIMQ2_IGO57pSFaJKo2Qseq_nyuApqKwxbsMLtincB/s640/DSCN7449.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjw5xE8jsGS8BfK3TqFr6RXLeCKs1C1U8DHA6IpVC8zwOZKqkdyNgnJBwPYH0fVF1lbUWOtTOssJbm52CpNskCUU2mBVOeDJbX5UpZmW2pySBh3wqYcJ-gSEp8AB5-CTk8VKoAGErfrnhqE/s1600/DSCN7499.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjw5xE8jsGS8BfK3TqFr6RXLeCKs1C1U8DHA6IpVC8zwOZKqkdyNgnJBwPYH0fVF1lbUWOtTOssJbm52CpNskCUU2mBVOeDJbX5UpZmW2pySBh3wqYcJ-gSEp8AB5-CTk8VKoAGErfrnhqE/s640/DSCN7499.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<br />
<strong><strong><u>CONSTANTIA NEK</u></strong></strong><br />
<strong></strong><br />
Your walk begins on the forestry road just above Constantia Nek. There are two routes to follow depending on how fit and strong you are. On the left hand side you will find some steep steps to climb which will take you to the last section of the climb. It's technically a "short-cut" but it is also slightly harder than the alternate route which is a slower and more winding route up the mountain. There is one ridiculously steep incline right at the end, but if you make it up, it gives way to a more even pathway that takes you to a dam. Truly spectacular! <strong>Difficulty Level : Easy/Intermediate</strong><br />
<br />
<strong></strong><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghCrgVufHAYaUDtYhp0Q8o_fgNiTFy6xDI6f-7v_ma1obEOjoU_YjRkszX-73ZMNGsMH9NMHuvebW44A4M1-WvXIfSKl1whyIjDM5B2juirgkvMD51Fzr-04nF40alX5FGsKnaZnUchjNw/s1600/Woodhead+Dam+Constantia+Nek.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="540" data-original-width="960" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghCrgVufHAYaUDtYhp0Q8o_fgNiTFy6xDI6f-7v_ma1obEOjoU_YjRkszX-73ZMNGsMH9NMHuvebW44A4M1-WvXIfSKl1whyIjDM5B2juirgkvMD51Fzr-04nF40alX5FGsKnaZnUchjNw/s640/Woodhead+Dam+Constantia+Nek.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Woodhead Dam, Constantia Nek. Picture courtesy of @shaqct </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<strong></strong><br />
<strong><u>KLOOF CORNER</u></strong><br />
<strong><u></u></strong><br />
Steep inclines and steps can be a challenge for some, but the panoramic views make it worth the climb! Highlights include views of the city, Table Mountain, Robben Island, the Atlantic Seaboard, Sea Point and Devil's Peak. Summer sunsets are also spectacular. <br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzc2xLZC-lAvb19XAE-Al5bBFAaKKQrk38VBe_fyxYcjTS96M8zgHfeMR2395cIlh1VinFFBsdGA-tEWk3KF1ejKKAV-ImKDT8GqUiASruPDUizuciN6Pi5HKNSW-86Wfcq1s_ZHh_PPs3/s1600/Kloof+corner.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzc2xLZC-lAvb19XAE-Al5bBFAaKKQrk38VBe_fyxYcjTS96M8zgHfeMR2395cIlh1VinFFBsdGA-tEWk3KF1ejKKAV-ImKDT8GqUiASruPDUizuciN6Pi5HKNSW-86Wfcq1s_ZHh_PPs3/s640/Kloof+corner.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Picture courtesy of @shaqct (Instagram)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<strong></strong><br />
<strong><u>SKELETON GORGE</u></strong><br />
<strong><u></u></strong><br />
The name is enough to scare the living daylights out of you, but I promise it's not so bad! Skeleton Gorge is one of the more strenuous routes around (according to me) and covers a distance of about 6.2km and gains around 930 metres of elevation. I wouldn't say it's a struggle, but at the same it's not a walk in the park. I've seen some fit people cruise pass me on this hike even though I thought I was "managing", so if a casual stroll is what you're after then this is NOT for you! The first half of the route follows a forest ravine and is well shaded (with lots and lots of steps and incline) but once you emerge from the forest as you reach the top, you will be bombarded with views from all directions! From here you could follow the pathway to Table Mountain and take the Cable car down, or you could head towards Nursery Ravine and return to Kirstenbosch Gardens. <strong>Difficulty Level : Moderate to Hard</strong><br />
<strong></strong><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHe7fgJ74vKvrdGWR7AuYw-BJ1U2QraQgdec82-eKDzsLSFN1LttGfUid3kwTfgcAsglFlJHQqFciW7QmqYNkSzpQ79lZnWk0ouPTFKnWLRJEICVUgd1fzzj85oTE8rWnXJOxcyJ6NJoZB/s1600/FB_IMG_1509701201645.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHe7fgJ74vKvrdGWR7AuYw-BJ1U2QraQgdec82-eKDzsLSFN1LttGfUid3kwTfgcAsglFlJHQqFciW7QmqYNkSzpQ79lZnWk0ouPTFKnWLRJEICVUgd1fzzj85oTE8rWnXJOxcyJ6NJoZB/s640/FB_IMG_1509701201645.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<strong></strong><br />
<strong><u>PLATTEKLIP GORGE</u></strong><br />
<strong><u></u></strong><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJ5mXiN5XnqNidtNt_p-iP6fHsmzyMzHFxgIFIM-j3PrJc74b_LYjYXOP_DMDp7KroNx8t6chuGTNQDHENF4bGvigjgOzX9HrV3ywQC4Dj8Wf7BZhqx9ImJ1sjZYMhTTv1h-3Er8DzCDm9/s1600/FB_IMG_1509713169139.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="810" data-original-width="1080" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJ5mXiN5XnqNidtNt_p-iP6fHsmzyMzHFxgIFIM-j3PrJc74b_LYjYXOP_DMDp7KroNx8t6chuGTNQDHENF4bGvigjgOzX9HrV3ywQC4Dj8Wf7BZhqx9ImJ1sjZYMhTTv1h-3Er8DzCDm9/s640/FB_IMG_1509713169139.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<strong><u></u></strong><br />
Most people will tell you that the top of their bucket list when coming to Cape Town, is to go up Table Mountain. Now you could take the easy, clichéd, touristy route and go up the cable car...or, you could save yourself a good buck or two and hike up! The trail is basically a stairway of 1800 stone steps to the top of Table Mountain. I'm not going to lie...it's quite a climb; but the breaks you take along the way gives you plenty of opportunity to absorb the view. The route gains around 700 metres over a distance of only 3km making the gradient steep and relentless, BUT the views from the top is beyond amazing!! Plus, if you're too tired to hike down, there's always an option to take the cable car ;-) The route is quite exposed so be sure to go early to escape the impact of the heat. <strong>Difficulty level - Difficult</strong><br />
<strong></strong><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJZDSrLB-0nzC5S4MzP6sh2hHCmkVJfsAvJDuYl_URTEO_jI1IvtIhstJI3NPlzDvDo_A0il0jzf8KUTLIp0kLXM8-fQUhOd_9ncO_c13hxaAh4CosC3ig20zAa4mZGbMTkF1DSaEYsvKy/s1600/FB_IMG_1509713180557.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="810" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJZDSrLB-0nzC5S4MzP6sh2hHCmkVJfsAvJDuYl_URTEO_jI1IvtIhstJI3NPlzDvDo_A0il0jzf8KUTLIp0kLXM8-fQUhOd_9ncO_c13hxaAh4CosC3ig20zAa4mZGbMTkF1DSaEYsvKy/s640/FB_IMG_1509713180557.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEJBmpX0ojssiqI4bZntyCQv__C7QgE2HDnQ5Lc6npVWd6CPz8erDHzfwi5QKPMDnqG010R-FRLKEnF8r3nxQJYWU8EuQl1YhqRZRsZGvFojH-7JP-MktgZnXtz9H0ddLU-THzcVaT-aAC/s1600/FB_IMG_1509713157596.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="810" data-original-width="1080" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEJBmpX0ojssiqI4bZntyCQv__C7QgE2HDnQ5Lc6npVWd6CPz8erDHzfwi5QKPMDnqG010R-FRLKEnF8r3nxQJYWU8EuQl1YhqRZRsZGvFojH-7JP-MktgZnXtz9H0ddLU-THzcVaT-aAC/s640/FB_IMG_1509713157596.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<strong><u>INDIA VESTER</u></strong><br />
<strong><u></u></strong><br />
Now if you're really up for a challenge then this one's for you! I've haven't personally done it myself, but I've heard that it is relentless. This trail is for the adventurous! <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh67h5_Amp6jXFs2RHtPKV8pmKv8-g2kihakylnROYT-2Y0eN11yfzzs4pzSa6JMOalzf3uFESNM5R9bqQ6b_UV-T3pDnPaKrOAe62BfE1lpQHlYNS1kUKdEtC__dv8v_-6idaN_6uPXyFx/s1600/FB_IMG_1509713003815.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="540" data-original-width="960" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh67h5_Amp6jXFs2RHtPKV8pmKv8-g2kihakylnROYT-2Y0eN11yfzzs4pzSa6JMOalzf3uFESNM5R9bqQ6b_UV-T3pDnPaKrOAe62BfE1lpQHlYNS1kUKdEtC__dv8v_-6idaN_6uPXyFx/s640/FB_IMG_1509713003815.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7X0u_8oQt4NHlINW1ROa3iUT0X2CGpSDtaPgJC5aZd4_i7_7W3RK_gLHwVKL8icfjfp7CjwbpejjT-n456e59KO0T5uVl6TdkYp45urIXfTx1j7E3fwDx4FYb-9R7h7mh5xLuUi5Ws10F/s1600/FB_IMG_1509712969949.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="540" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7X0u_8oQt4NHlINW1ROa3iUT0X2CGpSDtaPgJC5aZd4_i7_7W3RK_gLHwVKL8icfjfp7CjwbpejjT-n456e59KO0T5uVl6TdkYp45urIXfTx1j7E3fwDx4FYb-9R7h7mh5xLuUi5Ws10F/s640/FB_IMG_1509712969949.jpg" width="360" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
And that's it! A few of the most popular hikes in Cape Town.</div>
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
Thanks for reading!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Peace,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
NAMU :)</div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br /></div>
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07937370112210543248noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5573165486496956276.post-57461053408139409132017-10-31T09:40:00.000+02:002017-10-31T09:40:12.522+02:00School Holiday Vlog<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
About two months ago, my cell phone got stolen. I was out with my mom early on a Sunday morning and the next thing I knew my phone was gone. It's a tragic story actually - how quickly, easily and unknowingly you can be robbed of your possessions; but anyway, after the initial shock and anguish of losing my phone and being out of touch with what everyone was getting up to over the weekend (because...no social media access) - along with the trauma of losing all my contacts and other important information - what I was really sad about was losing all of my videos and photos. All my precious memories...GONE! </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Lucky for me, about a week or so before this incident, I was trying to create some more space on my phone, so instead of deleting pictures, I transferred a lot (but not all) of them from my phone to my laptop. But this whole incident just got me thinking...</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I have lost so much footage over the years, a lot of cute and adorable moments while the kids were growing up because I was negligent with the process of archiving them properly. I either lost a phone or got a new one and didn't back up and save all my media at the time and now the moments are gone. I figured that I could be doing a better job of saving all the random little moments and making them into home videos for the kids to look back on one day.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Initially, I started making these videos as a way to document our family vacation that we took earlier this year, and since I'm doing a lot of the preserving on this blog already, I thought I'd add some of these videos here as well. They're not fancy or super creative or anything, but if you're keen to follow along, you can check out and subscribe to our YouTube channel <a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCc_yYYRWNOfs_1DkFDl2wCQ?view_as=subscriber">over here </a> ! </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="270" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/DG0vOaNCNKs" width="480"></iframe><br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Thanks for reading!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Peace,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
NAMU :)</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07937370112210543248noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5573165486496956276.post-75271269592794914212017-10-30T09:34:00.002+02:002017-10-30T09:38:46.728+02:00It Takes a Village to Raise Kids<div align="justify">
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
I was hiding away from the kids in the bathroom the other day even though it was a particularly good parenting day (maybe even a couple of consecutive days) - because hiding away is almost second nature to me now; even on the good days! I seemed to have ticked all the relevant and required boxes of essentials in parenting (is there even such a thing) - my kids weren't hungry, I was meeting all their emotional needs, we were having fun together and enjoyed being in each other's company (a complete commercial scenario), and I had this <strike>false</strike> immense sense of satisfaction that I was nailing this parenting gig...even wanted to start an advice column on this little blog on how to do it. You know, just generally getting carried away with myself.</div>
<br />
<br />
And as one does when you have had an hour extra sleep and a little too much time on your hands and things are looking <strike>fleetingly</strike> particularly good; my mind started to wander...and I was thinking how amazing I'd be from the get go if I were to have kids now. I mean, I know exactly what to expect, I feel completely Zen in my life right now, the teenage years aren't even such a nightmare like everyone said it would be - I could totally do this whole thing much more efficiently if I had to do it all over again! I had found the winning formula and I was feeling smug enough about it to plan an Agony Aunt column for parenting and an imaginary fourth child!! Colic, reflux, sleep training, tantrums and the teen years - pffft - I had it all covered...in my head of course. <br />
<br />
<br />
And just as quickly as that thought popped up into my head, the bathroom door boomed with the impact of little fists almost simultaneously with me wanting to b!$ch slap myself back into reality. And there it was...the shrill voices of arguing kids that were missing for a few brief days? Hours? Hours that felt like days? Who really knows...but I felt that all familiar feeling of the life draining out of me and my reflection in the mirror verified that the scowl had returned to my face. Aaaah...the familiarities of parenting. <br />
<br />
<br />
And when the noise eventually died down, I laughed at myself and wondered what the heck I was even thinking! Before having actual kids I might have had very similar ideas on what a fantastic parent I would be; but once you're sleep deprived and smelling of vomit and your boobs are the size of your sister's...and a year down the line you're saddled with two wailing babies...and next thing you know you're battling to keep up with a toddler whose energy is triple that of your own, and then the fights - oh the fights - all pleasantries fly out the window and you just try to survive any way you can! And even though I had temporary amnesia in those few moments of silence while setting up fort in the bathroom, I know I wouldn't have survived even half as gracefully if it wasn't for the support of my village...my family. <br />
<br />
<br />
I'd forgotten how many phone calls I made to my family in tears and frustration because I wasn't quite coping with the day. How many house calls they made to rescue me from the kid who was testing my patience. How many sleepovers they had just so that I could regain my sanity. I'd forgotten about the morning school drop offs when I was in the thick of things with my third baby and the after school pick ups if I was ever delayed somewhere or running late. I forgot how we took turns pushing the pram so that the other can shop...I forgot, briefly, that I didn't raise them entirely alone. That I had the support of my tribe! <br />
<br />
And maybe, in those moments of quiet, I also thought I had <strike>escaped</strike> passed a lot of those initial struggles, that we've moved on to an easier phase...until the very next day I was buckling up for the early morning commute to school and then later on I was strapping and offloading a car seat from my car and carried a sleeping toddler up a flight of stairs...and then it dawned on me that it will never be entirely over because I am part of someone else's village too <3<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQqewmbltcdeZvpbABdcz4RgH7vVfWtrI6cpxaycVsw8JMKY1E41WaBmhePaQhiUqk3lmHGWC-C6Zbn2U6VfJ1naejCfaf6vzzh7fjQvKakWBxki12_PWF0lv8FxzD2o0JnNKEMlyPqglm/s1600/fireflies+group.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="959" data-original-width="1440" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQqewmbltcdeZvpbABdcz4RgH7vVfWtrI6cpxaycVsw8JMKY1E41WaBmhePaQhiUqk3lmHGWC-C6Zbn2U6VfJ1naejCfaf6vzzh7fjQvKakWBxki12_PWF0lv8FxzD2o0JnNKEMlyPqglm/s640/fireflies+group.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div align="center">
Thanks for reading!</div>
<div align="center">
</div>
<div align="center">
</div>
<div align="center">
Peace,</div>
<div align="center">
</div>
<div align="center">
</div>
<div align="center">
NAMU :)</div>
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07937370112210543248noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5573165486496956276.post-15225125459740154272017-10-24T14:32:00.002+02:002017-10-24T14:40:25.209+02:00A 21st Birthday Message to my Nephew<div align="justify">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYM1mci46yrSWNVMmpuIbC8ngMpUndVnZncToTNiZU5pAuv9FqNqS8ef3MWPyZ-LU9nbcV1tauAz3Tvui3McQSyytovyA3jhU0YsaUcd8iUewDuFgR22oIN3pDUY5nPnL623AyhEzioXxj/s1600/IMG_3754.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYM1mci46yrSWNVMmpuIbC8ngMpUndVnZncToTNiZU5pAuv9FqNqS8ef3MWPyZ-LU9nbcV1tauAz3Tvui3McQSyytovyA3jhU0YsaUcd8iUewDuFgR22oIN3pDUY5nPnL623AyhEzioXxj/s640/IMG_3754.JPG" width="426" /></a></div>
<div align="justify">
</div>
<div align="justify">
Today you turn 21. That's 21 years of monumental moments and memories that make up your life as you know. 21 years of life around you unfolding in a way that has moulded and shaped you into the young adult you are today. But there's a lifetime of memories harvested in this heart of mine too...and I hardly know which one to pick out first about how our journey's collide. </div>
<div align="justify">
</div>
<div align="justify">
I was just 17 when you were born (it was the day before my matric accounting final) but in my heart you held a position of so much more than just my sister's son. You were her first born, yes; but you were also the first for us all - first grandchild, first nephew - the first of everything for all of us and it was the first time I ever experienced a new kind of unconditional love! </div>
<div align="justify">
</div>
<div align="justify">
So much of your formative years was spent in our home (technically Naani and Naana's, but we all lived there too. We all played a part), so many of those memories are housed in my heart and the hearts of your grandparents, uncle and aunts. For four years you were the only one. You filled the home with light and love and laughter. We all doted on you, spoiled you, showered you with love. Each one of us in our own special way. </div>
<div align="justify">
</div>
<div align="justify">
And then the others came one after the other. Life slowly started to change. You were no longer the only one and maybe felt like you were no longer the centre of our universe too. But you took on the role of big brother and cousin with pride and ease and built special relationships with everyone in the brood. But the one thing I'm most proud of is that the tight bond we have as aunty and nephew has always remained strong. It may have evolved over time; maybe even matured - but it's unmistaken that it's there! It's evident in our shared ditsy personalities...laughing at each others lame jokes...our out of key car karaoke moments...how we pick up random deep conversations in the school parking lot...our creative ideas...and it's in so many things that I can't even begin to expand on and explain. It's special to me, and whether I don't see you for a week or a month, I know that it's just there - without cause or reason or conditions!</div>
<div align="justify">
</div>
<div align="justify">
It's hard to look back and not feel sentimental. 21 signals the start of your journey into adulthood. The day you get handed the metaphorical key to unlock your own destiny. But new beginnings always conjure up memories of times that have passed, and as silly as it sounds to have a whole group of people emotional about this day; it's only because we feel like we've always been part of the journey too. We've been there from day one! We've rocked you to sleep, held your hand, and walked beside you through all the ups and downs, the highs and lows; and now we get to see you take flight, as you venture into this new stage of life too. </div>
<div align="justify">
</div>
<div align="justify">
21 is just the beginning. It's your foot in the door to your own future. It's a time for great discovery...of who you are and who you want to be. It is the beginning of you building your very own legacy. There's a lot of hopes and dreams that we all envisioned for you since the day you were born - to study hard and be successful in whatever you choose to do! We want you to have a GREAT life and a bright future. But futures aren't built on the hopes and dreams of others; they are built on effort and actions and whatever steps we make in the present moment...so put effort into whatever you do in life, work hard, be kind and most importantly, always do what's right. Your future depends on it! Every action can either be a building block or a sledgehammer, so act wisely</div>
<div align="justify">
</div>
<div align="justify">
</div>
<div align="justify">
Lastly, I want you to know that whether you're 21, 31, 41 - for as long as I'm around to give it, I am always here to support you and I will always love you <3</div>
<div align="justify">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcUXZsW246LSo4aeZ5j9FyfZ3U5kUJ6cGzge59vug7RzUGQ92EP-a7TCsJSnJywc6AjgCadB-3qAcTtH_R80Hh-TiRSl-FXwS-5GWK0N9yTtgxt0784h1V0i9sD9143zx6Jy4RKg2rIR6S/s1600/IMG_3753.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1333" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcUXZsW246LSo4aeZ5j9FyfZ3U5kUJ6cGzge59vug7RzUGQ92EP-a7TCsJSnJywc6AjgCadB-3qAcTtH_R80Hh-TiRSl-FXwS-5GWK0N9yTtgxt0784h1V0i9sD9143zx6Jy4RKg2rIR6S/s640/IMG_3753.JPG" width="532" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Love Always,</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
JAAN :)</div>
<div align="justify">
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07937370112210543248noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5573165486496956276.post-8089100219698243002017-10-09T09:48:00.001+02:002017-10-09T13:28:19.993+02:00Our 16th Anniversary Staycation<div align="justify">
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSN3uaPTpG2rNd8yOkEdlFgut-fpXsDhM4JOv_hvQF2P0h7E_ine_7mh_nuAIxOxdXGGkKdu5pZAD6NKJEvJ6y0M1TZg7pMBKn9J76ZBBr_QfR0v1_kIDJv_d3GafFfMuly5GOPS7Cls0d/s1600/_MG_2541.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSN3uaPTpG2rNd8yOkEdlFgut-fpXsDhM4JOv_hvQF2P0h7E_ine_7mh_nuAIxOxdXGGkKdu5pZAD6NKJEvJ6y0M1TZg7pMBKn9J76ZBBr_QfR0v1_kIDJv_d3GafFfMuly5GOPS7Cls0d/s640/_MG_2541.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><em>2Cherries Photography</em></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
16 years can do a lot to a marriage...to a person. Far from the star crossed lovers of when we first met; the rose tinted glasses have fallen off. Life has altered us, bent and broken us, left us a little disillusioned; and yet here we still stand - together. We have laid our soul bare, are privy to each others imperfections, survived the initial teething stages of early marriage, the stumbling blocks of the adolescent years and now find ourselves smack bang in the middle of the marital teen years; which, strangely enough, involves a lot of eye rolling, witty one liners, hilarious metaphorical comebacks and enforced curfews (thanks to having kids and responsibility this time, and not our parents)... which kind of resembles a lot of the banter and real life engagement between my own teenagers at the moment! We have changed...our lives have changed. But I guess that's what marriage is - being together through a landscape that is constantly changing.<br />
<br />
We go through a big chunk of our youth imagining the perfect union, living up to false expectations and a skewed perception of what #couplegoals actually looks and feels like. Yet reality is so far off from the curated images that the media portrays. The reality is that there's a lot of work and effort that goes into keeping a marriage strong! Over the years our formula for that has had to change with our constantly transforming landscape...<br />
<br />
We thought the early years with kids was hard to stay connected, but at least the kids had a fixed and early bedtime and we knew for a fact that we would have time for each other (and more importantly, some TV) after the kids were in bed and the chaos of the day died down. <br />
<br />
We also had a lot of sleepovers at the Grandparents. A LOT! Like...almost every weekend! Needless to say, we looked forward to these kind of weekends (Hooray for family).<br />
<br />
But then the kids grew up a little and we became snowed under with homework and projects and research and typing and printing then eventually, preparation for exams. And the 7:30pm bedtime shifted to 8pm...and the 8pm moved to 9pm; and I can't really keep my eyes open or mood intact after that! <br />
<br />
So eventually we started to go on regular date nights. And this was quite cool, because never mind how disastrous and chaotic the week had been; or if we managed to live pass each other for a couple of days because we were too drenched in frustration and exhaustion; there was that little glimmer of light at the end of week that we always looked forward to. A chance to escape the drudgery of everyday life, dress up and have a chance to just be us - and it felt good! <br />
<br />
And now, even though the kids are a little bit older and much more independent, an early bedtime is kind of non existent (for the older two...Zee still has a fixed bedtime); and "TV time" has evolved to comedic conversations and quality one on one time with the teens - which I love, because we get to have important conversations with them and it has created a strong bond that keeps us connected with our kids - but it's also left us with even less time for "us". And with date nights becoming more and more like a parenting strategy meeting instead of a romantic rendezvous like it used to be, we knew it was time to change things up again.<br />
<br />
So for our anniversary this year we decided to do something a little different by planning a mini staycation barely 30 (maybe 40?) minutes from home. In all honesty, I've been planning this whole thing in my head for months...but only in my head because I'm very last minute in real life; and in the end hubby took over the planning and we got this whole thing going a mere days before our anniversary. It was the first time in ages that we spent an evening away from home, and even though the kids are not little anymore, there was still a degree of mom guilt for leaving them behind...but not enough to make me cancel my plans!<br />
<br />
There's a lot of things I've learnt about relationships during these 16 years, but I'd say that the best advice for this stage of marriage (any stage of marriage really) is to make time for each other. This may seem like it's difficult in the beginning years, but it really only gets harder. As the years progress, the outside noise only gets louder and life pulls you in a million different directions. Life with kids only gets busier and as important as it is to invest time in them, we also have to prioritise investing time in each other. <br />
<br />
In the end, this whole idea of a staycation wasn't so much about our destination, but more about escaping all the diversions that threaten to keep us apart, and kept the focus solely on ourselves for a change - and it was absolutely wonderful! <br />
<br />
<em>* In all the hasty last minute packing, I forgot to include a hairbrush so I had to finger brush my hair. My family would argue that it looks exactly the same as any other day!</em><br />
<em></em><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9xjyt4yqbrIklOey8CHLtCXvAn_nHmRNi8yWTYk6dn3DPn6M2EIgGCKxHjp8xc0a3RWc2Bz41qYvzagh9gHdbuIZDNSva5f9sI8AsJHOMnB72GRP1G28XMUu1pWhOWbd2OXZC2V2juX9I/s1600/_MG_2545.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9xjyt4yqbrIklOey8CHLtCXvAn_nHmRNi8yWTYk6dn3DPn6M2EIgGCKxHjp8xc0a3RWc2Bz41qYvzagh9gHdbuIZDNSva5f9sI8AsJHOMnB72GRP1G28XMUu1pWhOWbd2OXZC2V2juX9I/s640/_MG_2545.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><em>2Cherries Photography</em></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVkW5e0plrVQGVeDmw97X5pEN5CKUEAAo7-BOSrYWz5f7-wPpzPOG-yaYU7QHTSLiK7WeVtztzl80snPha_L886sy9Zjj-FPxsqzGV78fig78xob5lFQkxzEQ6A-tT-hOnumJSZKNf1LfF/s1600/20170924_113802.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVkW5e0plrVQGVeDmw97X5pEN5CKUEAAo7-BOSrYWz5f7-wPpzPOG-yaYU7QHTSLiK7WeVtztzl80snPha_L886sy9Zjj-FPxsqzGV78fig78xob5lFQkxzEQ6A-tT-hOnumJSZKNf1LfF/s640/20170924_113802.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWVyp0tk8Ttk4rBfxWJ-Wbmc_mfgAVccC4SX7c-MWjDx65AYaw1ekwqoou-QsqpyVCqMYSUyHOVtKFrQHIoqHYyqPHSU3JPbog5dltKihGU6HTXpwCymrFAnT_VsE1EbDY-7FkQKtODOD_/s1600/20170924_113815.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWVyp0tk8Ttk4rBfxWJ-Wbmc_mfgAVccC4SX7c-MWjDx65AYaw1ekwqoou-QsqpyVCqMYSUyHOVtKFrQHIoqHYyqPHSU3JPbog5dltKihGU6HTXpwCymrFAnT_VsE1EbDY-7FkQKtODOD_/s640/20170924_113815.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6-MU0MaEAylFwfABxNFsV5jv6NAFMDHAw2VNkJ79RtQAWgN2Lc_z1HJcqP345Y8doUXe5pXqb8KsjtBW5IZFRynZitqegEQf6Kl6AW1tbHbLpbZrAqOfQuqG5oZlaoVYFkSFz_QRc0brd/s1600/IMG_20170924_121457_965.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6-MU0MaEAylFwfABxNFsV5jv6NAFMDHAw2VNkJ79RtQAWgN2Lc_z1HJcqP345Y8doUXe5pXqb8KsjtBW5IZFRynZitqegEQf6Kl6AW1tbHbLpbZrAqOfQuqG5oZlaoVYFkSFz_QRc0brd/s640/IMG_20170924_121457_965.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj467qXDzHbs-Q8x-0EMwPl5EkzYnRD-FBTI3jz5EkLPYOX3I0uw_RIsIrp8Dc7bxsBNJ_pTVc8ug1MZJDTtkQ7fd3XJZUqNRGKmaZbUWj8D980e5NaoNoR6wEeTPZqNBIsUZbJBt0PUOw0/s1600/IMG_20170924_143823_349.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" data-original-height="1350" data-original-width="1080" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj467qXDzHbs-Q8x-0EMwPl5EkzYnRD-FBTI3jz5EkLPYOX3I0uw_RIsIrp8Dc7bxsBNJ_pTVc8ug1MZJDTtkQ7fd3XJZUqNRGKmaZbUWj8D980e5NaoNoR6wEeTPZqNBIsUZbJBt0PUOw0/s640/IMG_20170924_143823_349.jpg" width="512" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBPJOYCvNR0w2vBxC5vffwZ1aVy-NhllUhC1IUXL34niKm2Ro5BbKBGqY4Eati3hupQpq_qPSYy_lIdUQUenL-l9X7Lcjoq8lv5euL4e4RO-HGS0YdB6dgpvMXIS2qCcZyedvkRpufUl9i/s1600/20170924_113633.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBPJOYCvNR0w2vBxC5vffwZ1aVy-NhllUhC1IUXL34niKm2Ro5BbKBGqY4Eati3hupQpq_qPSYy_lIdUQUenL-l9X7Lcjoq8lv5euL4e4RO-HGS0YdB6dgpvMXIS2qCcZyedvkRpufUl9i/s640/20170924_113633.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhf2LU_1C2Fvy4uPXQ6RDi1NGw3f-RkfrXlnkRo7P4BqXEXHgDfzfN4nmrAljPAnNC_jojWcNnGW1qKK7FsyWGaF0Zg61SkHlSJcrCcK7sIZl5XjOS_zCCIW3vTBxzlaZMqncylmXF7XZMh/s1600/_MG_2548.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhf2LU_1C2Fvy4uPXQ6RDi1NGw3f-RkfrXlnkRo7P4BqXEXHgDfzfN4nmrAljPAnNC_jojWcNnGW1qKK7FsyWGaF0Zg61SkHlSJcrCcK7sIZl5XjOS_zCCIW3vTBxzlaZMqncylmXF7XZMh/s640/_MG_2548.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><em>2Cherries Photography</em></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div align="center">
Thanks for reading!</div>
<div align="center">
</div>
<div align="center">
</div>
<div align="center">
</div>
<div align="center">
Peace,</div>
<div align="center">
</div>
<div align="center">
</div>
<div align="center">
</div>
<div align="center">
NAMU :)</div>
<br />
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07937370112210543248noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5573165486496956276.post-77288301791279555052017-10-04T13:12:00.002+02:002017-10-04T13:12:28.189+02:00WFOT Congress 2018 - Welcome to Cape Town<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Hello, I'm Namreen. Welcome to my Blog! </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikBLbIh3ITyFlenTrXpXA22LC3umKC8QbvMAzyQ65IQbgPSIb0riiP3-j0Y4f5U-qG3tnAZC79D2ObaYrYhHPSDgEGpEto5yoE62A5q1Q1VwFRGkMxcXyVTMe_SotY24x40KOODOo5tMOs/s1600/IMG_4828.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikBLbIh3ITyFlenTrXpXA22LC3umKC8QbvMAzyQ65IQbgPSIb0riiP3-j0Y4f5U-qG3tnAZC79D2ObaYrYhHPSDgEGpEto5yoE62A5q1Q1VwFRGkMxcXyVTMe_SotY24x40KOODOo5tMOs/s640/IMG_4828.JPG" width="426" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
If you look around this space of mine, you will notice that I write a lot about family. Our lives are entwined and interconnected and inextricably linked in infinite ways, and a lot of it is documented over here - which may make you wonder how exactly I'm linked to the WFOT Congress of 2018. With two of my sisters being Occupational Therapists, and both of them presenting at the WFOT Congress next year - and since we've also never really outgrown doing almost everything together- I've hopped on board the WFOT Congress train as the official Blogger in an effort to showcase our beautiful city and all it has to offer during your stay here! </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Cape Town is an eclectic city found at the very tip of the African continent with a rich history and a unique, laidback and quirky charm. It prides itself on its diversity and is one of the most multicultural cities in the world. If the WFOT Congress wasn't enough reason to visit our city, then maybe the fact that it is currently one of the top tourist destinations in the world could help lure you here. With the iconic Table mountain as its backdrop, some of the most cinematic landscape and views you will ever see, and the tranquil setting of the surrounding Cape Winelands; Cape Town is up there as one of the most beautiful cities in the world! If you're still doubting whether or not it will be worth travelling all the way to the tip of Africa for the congress, then maybe this list of the top 6 touristy things to do while here (and also in close proximity to the Congress venue) may help make your decision a little bit easier.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<strong><u>TABLE MOUNTAIN</u></strong></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<strong><u></u></strong> </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEzxzv5O2f8MgTSLYcX5dfPgdFZYjHKESUyZKO5G4ElFCP-e2QiAQXPyxqvhAnBtRgwmUd0W8N2SD6QJpyy795DMtI-epwtMx_8OsdVlqppK3rk55UP5jsxZR9w14OuJzLgYESM10w4W0G/s1600/IMG_8732.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEzxzv5O2f8MgTSLYcX5dfPgdFZYjHKESUyZKO5G4ElFCP-e2QiAQXPyxqvhAnBtRgwmUd0W8N2SD6QJpyy795DMtI-epwtMx_8OsdVlqppK3rk55UP5jsxZR9w14OuJzLgYESM10w4W0G/s640/IMG_8732.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
When you're living in one of the notoriously most beautiful cities in the world and the backdrop is one of the new Seven Wonders of the World; you tend to take things a little for granted! It's impossible not to gasp at the beauty that is the ionic Table mountain in all its glory and splendour irrespective of the season or time of day...Whether it's basking in the red and orange hues of sunset, or draped in clouds on a cold wintery day; like a seasoned model, it has the ability to look good in just about anything, any time of the year! </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
For us living here, the site signals home; but for many tourists, visiting this landmark is a bucket list destination that they simply can't leave out! Table Mountain operates throughout the year (weather depending), and the panoramic views of the city from the top are just spectacular. </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicRWpG_lqJYYQkz-KrWAwH0OMpRgIOenUwcytltlddDcI4QBDyhqDYm4Q1jnk4qPxvdvYlI0RbFbryPSLJ5wCBboifZsbgVlmdw5DY7Njp32BCceyitlWDQzOk5QvWfGr4hdjfLvjRdi99/s1600/DSCN4951.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicRWpG_lqJYYQkz-KrWAwH0OMpRgIOenUwcytltlddDcI4QBDyhqDYm4Q1jnk4qPxvdvYlI0RbFbryPSLJ5wCBboifZsbgVlmdw5DY7Njp32BCceyitlWDQzOk5QvWfGr4hdjfLvjRdi99/s640/DSCN4951.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<strong><u>CAPE POINT</u></strong></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<strong><u></u></strong> </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
Known largely as being the tip of the Cape Peninsula <strong><em>and </em></strong>the African continent, it is also the point where the Indian and Atlantic oceans meet! Cape Point is a nature reserve within the Table Mountain National Park and is often referred to as the Cape of Good Hope. There's a lot of history revolving around this area that I won't really go into over here; but it's significant to us in more ways than just two oceans meeting!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
On the most part, the park is generally unspoiled and undeveloped. The main attraction here is to head up towards the old lighthouse and marvel at the spectacular views and obviously get to see the actual tip of the continent. If you're fit enough, there's a pathway and a couple of hundred stairs to climb - but the views make it worthwhile. Or you can save yourself the strenuous uphill climb by taking the Flying Dutchman Funicular. But for me, the best part of this reserve is the little hidden beaches! Cold Atlantic waters on the one side, and warm Indian ocean on the other...if you have the time, then a dip in either side of the ocean isn't a bad idea!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img alt="" class="mw-mmv-final-image jpg mw-mmv-dialog-is-open" height="640" src="https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/5/5e/View_at_Cape_Point.JPG/800px-View_at_Cape_Point.JPG" width="425" /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div align="justify" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<strong><u></u></strong> </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<strong><u>KIRSTENBOSCH GARDENS</u></strong><br />
<strong><u></u></strong><br />
<strong><u></u></strong><br />
<div align="justify">
Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens is up there with the best in the world and is frequented by both locals and tourists. It lies at the foot of Table Mountain and houses a wide variety of indigenous plant life and flora. Look out for labels on trees and plants with all the information you need to know about them and take a walk on the relatively newly added Boomslang Canopy Walkway to get a panoramic view of the garden. Pack a picnic basket...or, put on your hiking shoes and tackle one of the several hiking trails leading to various parts of the mountain! You can get a better idea of what Kirstenbosch looks like from this video I've posted <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QP-eX5oJVmo">here .</a></div>
<div align="justify">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8YvutplqNZqgRAYVM9ns0iJL1V5PK1Y9RnFQr1wdvNt8RLK-TZgKwBZ4_jXgt_jYqf7gyXukbaoP1CO0A_rWnnXXE-zv0EntJYVy1KfdoY2msU1LbMIN6ss9dOzTRLTgaDeQZfqaJZrxF/s1600/DSCN9323.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8YvutplqNZqgRAYVM9ns0iJL1V5PK1Y9RnFQr1wdvNt8RLK-TZgKwBZ4_jXgt_jYqf7gyXukbaoP1CO0A_rWnnXXE-zv0EntJYVy1KfdoY2msU1LbMIN6ss9dOzTRLTgaDeQZfqaJZrxF/s640/DSCN9323.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div align="justify">
</div>
<div align="justify">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1HmnywtVxRDphcH5dsX1kqGUx4iS6MK_KTML-UFAAhlAVFCikaDzzqKatmzoMiXM_kH4WVABeteC89SoUGy84zr-l5lsj397w3ND3mFkaUvPx5ghxx180Zq_YxWTdDxgMEB7tKFsUDXtr/s1600/IMG_4887.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1HmnywtVxRDphcH5dsX1kqGUx4iS6MK_KTML-UFAAhlAVFCikaDzzqKatmzoMiXM_kH4WVABeteC89SoUGy84zr-l5lsj397w3ND3mFkaUvPx5ghxx180Zq_YxWTdDxgMEB7tKFsUDXtr/s640/IMG_4887.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtNtlbrhtn6eMAoUAh3cqycEYF3Qhr6coWb6YI0kGG2U1LZFII7lnmnOXG6yNDyEUHb4D71w31WWUpV-sY0PBUQvx786djvJ-tQyJJ_Nq_f8IIiqnpqkA_Z3ScbiT4yolm8wV2UQ9Y1kzU/s1600/IMG_4891.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtNtlbrhtn6eMAoUAh3cqycEYF3Qhr6coWb6YI0kGG2U1LZFII7lnmnOXG6yNDyEUHb4D71w31WWUpV-sY0PBUQvx786djvJ-tQyJJ_Nq_f8IIiqnpqkA_Z3ScbiT4yolm8wV2UQ9Y1kzU/s640/IMG_4891.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div align="justify">
</div>
<div align="justify">
</div>
<div align="center">
<strong><u>ROBBEN ISLAND</u></strong></div>
<div align="center">
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
South Africa is a country with a rich history and a dark past! Nelson Mandela is probably one of the most iconic and well known figures of our modern history, and his struggle to help end Apartheid is widely documented. It's for this reason that many tourist make the trek to Robben Island and visit the prison cell where he was kept for 18 of his 27 years behind bars. Believe it or not, I've never yet been there myself, but this is a picture I took from Signal Hill.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHRpV968renwxgF8f6LKVOKxBcriYKlbgi2ip_7Mog8AE8mLemSveM0cqASW2kfVb1I0-LBIMSqio051pnhjbsGZHVYwNjbY321exaQKJKYZEUu7hSqPf1nu8d1Xgg5BnU0fYM3SWAN8D4/s1600/DSCN9829.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHRpV968renwxgF8f6LKVOKxBcriYKlbgi2ip_7Mog8AE8mLemSveM0cqASW2kfVb1I0-LBIMSqio051pnhjbsGZHVYwNjbY321exaQKJKYZEUu7hSqPf1nu8d1Xgg5BnU0fYM3SWAN8D4/s640/DSCN9829.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div align="justify">
</div>
<strong><u>THE V&A WATERFRONT</u></strong><br />
<strong><u></u></strong><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Cape Town definitely has it's own unique, laidback charm, and one of the best places to visit when you're a tourist, is the V&A Waterfront. With all the luxuries of a general mall on the inside; and a host of fun activities on the outside; you will be guaranteed to always have a good time. There's the harbour where you can catch one of several different boat rides, the Cape Wheel where you get great views of the city, a wide range of eateries, live African music, The Aquarium, The Watershed and the Red Bus Tours also leaves from here...there's just such a vibrant and tangible energy about the place that makes it a compulsory stop off for tourists.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjx7AvvbUTQVCQ8KIEQIOL3dcalD6y9tOUy06mr-dZ2sGV4SRQ_MUuG7pWP1ZqgEbIkmPblE-NN77oIxTngcg5x-caWI5cB_MAR35XsEL_FAavFYqQYoxCAjTAMljAqhfxaImmDAy3wsCRH/s1600/IMG_8883.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1290" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjx7AvvbUTQVCQ8KIEQIOL3dcalD6y9tOUy06mr-dZ2sGV4SRQ_MUuG7pWP1ZqgEbIkmPblE-NN77oIxTngcg5x-caWI5cB_MAR35XsEL_FAavFYqQYoxCAjTAMljAqhfxaImmDAy3wsCRH/s640/IMG_8883.JPG" width="516" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfJJVMacGIyjlAGG4ESNDC5qDvxwGJHW4QwzSM5-Liwcw0QGz3xxyqLQy3VfMfJGHzil6wusPRKFV_CVgUzi6NLfMtMHNSn6DZf72nSTdYJd_deHfwtkh_pNX_BgqnOgCSBC2x5sf4y3rY/s1600/IMG_8986.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfJJVMacGIyjlAGG4ESNDC5qDvxwGJHW4QwzSM5-Liwcw0QGz3xxyqLQy3VfMfJGHzil6wusPRKFV_CVgUzi6NLfMtMHNSn6DZf72nSTdYJd_deHfwtkh_pNX_BgqnOgCSBC2x5sf4y3rY/s640/IMG_8986.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<strong><u></u></strong> </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<strong><u>RED BUS TOUR</u></strong> </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Probably the best way to see a lot of the city in one day and also learn a lot of its history, is via the hop on, hop off Red Bus Tour. Not only do you get to see a lot of the natural beauty of the city, but the commentary while on board is very educational. The commentary is pre-recorded and you listen at leisure via earphones while you get to relax and soak up the scenery (commentary comes in different language options as well). There's an option of a few different tour routes to take - a Winelands option or a trip around the Peninsula where Kirstenbosch is also one of the stops, and various others...but be sure to get an early start if you're keen to hop off and properly explore all the places en route. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div align="justify">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnqF7VJaFdZyXT5ndkvZcmimAQuyHkecX2Kd36VSiMue_AcYkrYP6rgaYghYuuR8Ae0C0ANq1VtIY6K-U4rg_kLJ8GrBvPEszsuFyOh28L20jIetunEwrc0hNRv_lWwtqbg_d_Gut2JCmg/s1600/20170429_115644.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnqF7VJaFdZyXT5ndkvZcmimAQuyHkecX2Kd36VSiMue_AcYkrYP6rgaYghYuuR8Ae0C0ANq1VtIY6K-U4rg_kLJ8GrBvPEszsuFyOh28L20jIetunEwrc0hNRv_lWwtqbg_d_Gut2JCmg/s640/20170429_115644.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<strong><u></u></strong><br />
<strong><u></u></strong> </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKzHEHlEXXwqpiku2__csmPWM-6FctpEPrQ-sO4hp81PUBviM9MvBWaq2IGh252XjbXylpUmoE2iMhT3vt4djUFFB1TomnQY2Ey5I2vsbuDKvKpHM7YNiU4r3oDDz_EzoAZjwRhtFf7qGq/s1600/IMG_4520.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKzHEHlEXXwqpiku2__csmPWM-6FctpEPrQ-sO4hp81PUBviM9MvBWaq2IGh252XjbXylpUmoE2iMhT3vt4djUFFB1TomnQY2Ey5I2vsbuDKvKpHM7YNiU4r3oDDz_EzoAZjwRhtFf7qGq/s640/IMG_4520.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnPA06zmSJU6Ss9F3YZfF8qxIlsuEDtCBG0o09kODjeL2-VASDrwdm3jEquhnS2CSdv_jYox_-OygsvYU0QYRmbLONa4r-6hQjCwZjKzB0kGTOPXiBntpeJGC60BZOsPeVmXwA6ynlArC5/s1600/IMG_4525.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnPA06zmSJU6Ss9F3YZfF8qxIlsuEDtCBG0o09kODjeL2-VASDrwdm3jEquhnS2CSdv_jYox_-OygsvYU0QYRmbLONa4r-6hQjCwZjKzB0kGTOPXiBntpeJGC60BZOsPeVmXwA6ynlArC5/s640/IMG_4525.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div align="justify" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<strong><u></u></strong> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2t-IpGWflYu_p4tvgAq-f8P8eK_1mZCe4M81hIrpRkXIe5u4LAKHEdGlmkJ8Vz6m-uFq_8bR-rlFXwIZ48AE6hh0YqZARUm8huXcUIzpvIVBWhDpdYFIqT8GS1uNVMuEHWTEM7Yd3kVVE/s1600/IMG_6482.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2t-IpGWflYu_p4tvgAq-f8P8eK_1mZCe4M81hIrpRkXIe5u4LAKHEdGlmkJ8Vz6m-uFq_8bR-rlFXwIZ48AE6hh0YqZARUm8huXcUIzpvIVBWhDpdYFIqT8GS1uNVMuEHWTEM7Yd3kVVE/s640/IMG_6482.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
This post only covers the top touristy, must see and widely known spots we have to offer! If this hasn't yet convinced you, then do follow along as I share some of the lesser known, but equally beautiful destinations we have on offer in our beautiful city; in future posts! </div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Thanks for reading!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Peace,</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
NAMU :)</div>
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07937370112210543248noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5573165486496956276.post-49908984309992148162017-09-29T16:18:00.002+02:002017-09-29T16:18:16.987+02:00Things to do at the V&A Waterfront this School Holidays<div style="text-align: center;">
<em>*Written in collaboration with V&A Waterfront*</em></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
Exams are over, the weather is starting to look more promising, and school is almost out for a 10 day break!! Can we have a collective "WOOHOOO"!!! </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Once the weather warms up, there's really no better place to be than right here in Cape Town. It's actually sinful to spend the days indoors! Cape Town definitely has it's own unique, laidback charm; and the warmer weather, for us, is all the invitation we need to down tools and have a mini vacation in our own city. And one of the best places you can always depend on to feel like a tourist, is the V&A Waterfront. With all the luxuries of a general mall on the inside; and a host of fun activities on the outside; you will be guaranteed to always have a good time. There's just such a touristy vibe about this place that I absolutely LOVE! </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
For a family that frequents the Waterfront a lot, we haven't even gotten to explore every single nook and cranny yet- not even the half of it. So when the V&A Waterfront invited us to an afternoon of fun to showcase the range of activities on offer to keep the holiday boredom at bay, we were eager to see and experience all the parts we've been missing out on. <br />
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHdVpHBy0gAnejnr6_dAzKHe6O2R7LAFsYAbOZJYwrLUAW_XGcF1v3CxrnqYxqwY6zZqS0j7PAyl-mh-IqoJMMIsKUdAKg6jFhqS-Y5NnFFmGa0GKGf8uFdQZPsT-y9w2-GYey9rAEKqDP/s1600/IMG_8883.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1290" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHdVpHBy0gAnejnr6_dAzKHe6O2R7LAFsYAbOZJYwrLUAW_XGcF1v3CxrnqYxqwY6zZqS0j7PAyl-mh-IqoJMMIsKUdAKg6jFhqS-Y5NnFFmGa0GKGf8uFdQZPsT-y9w2-GYey9rAEKqDP/s640/IMG_8883.JPG" width="515" /></a></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
First up was lunch at the newly opened, Italian inspired franchise, COL'CACCHIO. The new concept store has a grab and go section of ready meals, as well as all the familiar favourites of their normal menu - with an addition of a few new extras. It is <em>not </em>a halal franchise, but they do have vegetarian options, some new fish dishes, as well as a very exciting looking dessert menu if you just want to hang out for a coffee. The décor is warm and inviting and the outside terrace has a spectacular view (which you can see in the video at the end of the post)! </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0Yoa5OfMUSN3xU9ZF5zNPyuChBgE1UtcreRLvrkNSkx9iEHxOD7i5W4z9RC2ddqOa3d6No5Bg6QlIuB3tQccpdQBivkyOhhan8e5ISOwyoXCaQasEFVuruY19sAg-ELKEMrzpGJ_bYFA8/s1600/IMG_8873.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="425" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0Yoa5OfMUSN3xU9ZF5zNPyuChBgE1UtcreRLvrkNSkx9iEHxOD7i5W4z9RC2ddqOa3d6No5Bg6QlIuB3tQccpdQBivkyOhhan8e5ISOwyoXCaQasEFVuruY19sAg-ELKEMrzpGJ_bYFA8/s640/IMG_8873.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhd26IhWOiU97Jyg66sUEFRxOKj2eAOAySJlqSXmbmODHsmW-oY5wKgjsvvhHj380EMvHosZt8zA7t1pTF2Ce9nWI_NHpT-hX-dCXsce_sH7c8Q1i_DGGnyYvjohdwJcbCD2Rkf_nNJz607/s1600/20170921_140433.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhd26IhWOiU97Jyg66sUEFRxOKj2eAOAySJlqSXmbmODHsmW-oY5wKgjsvvhHj380EMvHosZt8zA7t1pTF2Ce9nWI_NHpT-hX-dCXsce_sH7c8Q1i_DGGnyYvjohdwJcbCD2Rkf_nNJz607/s640/20170921_140433.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwrNHoCZpO_Nf5jpFTtSVCYF_xGnyyAyDSKgrZyB4jOQjFGCp5S-rb-zs2SYphuanrgVwc7x4uwnUOG0eROWiAFNfG92iwWhQD1Gv5h7GGqknD6BuPrsXMFTkDTCOTO1WK-UUQsYce0WM0/s1600/20170921_141116.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwrNHoCZpO_Nf5jpFTtSVCYF_xGnyyAyDSKgrZyB4jOQjFGCp5S-rb-zs2SYphuanrgVwc7x4uwnUOG0eROWiAFNfG92iwWhQD1Gv5h7GGqknD6BuPrsXMFTkDTCOTO1WK-UUQsYce0WM0/s640/20170921_141116.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbXYQpwF2LDupuMfSRhPOFH2j0wuA8_FoPUJdVn4Wi2bcAecn5K2XEHXDVDR0bP8trhse9LdfPB92eQ4akICmlIBeU7w5nheFjDcpHy72hYYxj3z0c7v4SL8HYO5ETgqcY4VDH50yK7MUC/s1600/20170921_142645.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbXYQpwF2LDupuMfSRhPOFH2j0wuA8_FoPUJdVn4Wi2bcAecn5K2XEHXDVDR0bP8trhse9LdfPB92eQ4akICmlIBeU7w5nheFjDcpHy72hYYxj3z0c7v4SL8HYO5ETgqcY4VDH50yK7MUC/s640/20170921_142645.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Next, we headed outdoors for a trip up on The Cape Wheel. We've been on the wheel a good couple of years ago when the kids were much smaller, and I don't even think Zee can remember any of it; so it was really cool to experience it with them now that they're a little older. Plus, the view from the top never gets old (check it out in the video below)! It was overcast on the day we went up, but usually you get great views of Table Mountain, Robben Island and a few other landmarks. Apparently, according to my 15 year old, the lighting is also amazing up there for selfies! </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDASTcj_rzBCvmklyI49KIkkj44AxEZXMS3C7DYNeDmHLR6PH2XtloQ0XYVrY5Qxod5TXvD-0WSBQa1d031_0ibq24SOUKcfiZrMbjrZROQVrzk-uWQoWJ8H6c3wKYrKPRSV89NnTfMjFc/s1600/IMG_8882.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDASTcj_rzBCvmklyI49KIkkj44AxEZXMS3C7DYNeDmHLR6PH2XtloQ0XYVrY5Qxod5TXvD-0WSBQa1d031_0ibq24SOUKcfiZrMbjrZROQVrzk-uWQoWJ8H6c3wKYrKPRSV89NnTfMjFc/s640/IMG_8882.JPG" width="426" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh07HauwthMuyLYMHyhyXQoAEifeDNKzrSXSsfPd_L58CkDeAFvtPS8hPyQkvDSAh3UkR8pKA4YSlJKtEg4ScUqezLdYt0yKhKLwL2GNHGEOue9CMjOpz-N4v9TN6SOLb9QX5lIJeLjy86R/s1600/20170921_152525.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh07HauwthMuyLYMHyhyXQoAEifeDNKzrSXSsfPd_L58CkDeAFvtPS8hPyQkvDSAh3UkR8pKA4YSlJKtEg4ScUqezLdYt0yKhKLwL2GNHGEOue9CMjOpz-N4v9TN6SOLb9QX5lIJeLjy86R/s640/20170921_152525.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcMWwSLEA8xXFmtJEl8qEk0arRjFC_HuNVQ50n1blG12-kJMwf6yCg5kTjk-G_OwUsXpcZPsKBIKVW4PPHkTt-ChzrtngCxH1yoz6yPhhnrS0SLwrXry77U2epTCmbpNEQM2JLLdikbHax/s1600/20170921_151143.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcMWwSLEA8xXFmtJEl8qEk0arRjFC_HuNVQ50n1blG12-kJMwf6yCg5kTjk-G_OwUsXpcZPsKBIKVW4PPHkTt-ChzrtngCxH1yoz6yPhhnrS0SLwrXry77U2epTCmbpNEQM2JLLdikbHax/s640/20170921_151143.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2Q_EL7D9Ugf1oTDlAjs3lMoalphOp3SBLSq0I6SU7DJDTLoLoth4L4rnaNTnv46-xjROQ_tR0PAuhxNJwCbAt5UegI0W3EwCCk0jNGevtBRQWWHj8nJquWHj_Wdr__vx8rlXqDc798mSF/s1600/IMG_8986.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2Q_EL7D9Ugf1oTDlAjs3lMoalphOp3SBLSq0I6SU7DJDTLoLoth4L4rnaNTnv46-xjROQ_tR0PAuhxNJwCbAt5UegI0W3EwCCk0jNGevtBRQWWHj8nJquWHj_Wdr__vx8rlXqDc798mSF/s640/IMG_8986.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Next we headed towards the clock tower to find the outdoor skate rink, Fantasy Skate. There is a very distinct and tangible energy in the air once you exit the mall that is uniquely "Waterfront". Besides this massive wheel peeps out at you wherever you turn, there's so much buzz and activity outside that a day spent here can never be boring.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Fantasy Skate is a synthetic ice rink located on the Pierhead Wharf at the V&A. It's not a massive rink, but the kids seemed to have a lot of fun trying to glide around on it maybe because it looks less intimidating than the big ice rink. I must also add that skating on the synthetic ice isn't as easy as skating on actual ice, but the kids all had a good time falling flat on their bottoms while trying. A skate session will cost you R30 for 20 minutes. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRon9fVYIz_deyEnSuvKO1FKI9S26R0a21up6lTaJukpfRIzGlVW9rHriEDa0ZVhbTsTXTYpkH5Ugiz9PzHiCP7MJXOPAr1GuRCWy6DaMs6fkOmhFw-ND3lKgDZFgVL7zLVoG65Ea-20Ol/s1600/IMG_8913.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="425" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRon9fVYIz_deyEnSuvKO1FKI9S26R0a21up6lTaJukpfRIzGlVW9rHriEDa0ZVhbTsTXTYpkH5Ugiz9PzHiCP7MJXOPAr1GuRCWy6DaMs6fkOmhFw-ND3lKgDZFgVL7zLVoG65Ea-20Ol/s640/IMG_8913.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhv-gZ-63_kMKE940lLaz_-4GzCwd9XhxdAE0ssUtaXU69_Q-bsq_pMUZbUrpBmbtSQzLjuQb_aEaxOeJoL-LKG5JnXWQzR_g_brUVnqsGXElo7qNImBqlze5zeiHfBUJFcigqcDB_OJO0w/s1600/IMG_8899.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhv-gZ-63_kMKE940lLaz_-4GzCwd9XhxdAE0ssUtaXU69_Q-bsq_pMUZbUrpBmbtSQzLjuQb_aEaxOeJoL-LKG5JnXWQzR_g_brUVnqsGXElo7qNImBqlze5zeiHfBUJFcigqcDB_OJO0w/s640/IMG_8899.JPG" width="426" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8xpZDpaMlS88kOI4B7Oa2rzSfiAXaUfWqBf9XBwzoO6-SQh-w6BaCmo_6mgYKKFvq2VnG9TOXdudqXEeOJ96hNPqQo6KC1D9QSZl24gXApTgLx85TksOvtV7bWD8t9GzHl0Y9lkHE3Fny/s1600/IMG_8923.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8xpZDpaMlS88kOI4B7Oa2rzSfiAXaUfWqBf9XBwzoO6-SQh-w6BaCmo_6mgYKKFvq2VnG9TOXdudqXEeOJ96hNPqQo6KC1D9QSZl24gXApTgLx85TksOvtV7bWD8t9GzHl0Y9lkHE3Fny/s640/IMG_8923.JPG" width="426" /></a></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl5KWWJyZz0ZqnlL7c00UdWXsNM9KikXaT_VZI6Qv-_fQt2-2c_P5-n_AD3e-i7qGgK6t5MSR7CpNDTe27AtUJYYEm9hQgujVthQMEf5-HB-W8nlUiPf9zx339sxO-m0tp9ihhNaC8m5H0/s1600/20170921_154609.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl5KWWJyZz0ZqnlL7c00UdWXsNM9KikXaT_VZI6Qv-_fQt2-2c_P5-n_AD3e-i7qGgK6t5MSR7CpNDTe27AtUJYYEm9hQgujVthQMEf5-HB-W8nlUiPf9zx339sxO-m0tp9ihhNaC8m5H0/s640/20170921_154609.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
After enjoying a bit more time outdoors, we headed back inside for a coffee and cake treat at Limnos. Limnos is famous for their decadent confectionery treats and I always get secretly thrilled when people compare my Milktart to their legendary Fabiola! Anyway, this was a deliciously sweet stop before heading to the Waterfront's newest attraction for the kids : the opening night of Future Park, which is now on at the Watershed.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgR8StcPL7Y8GvjVAVkhLKUbImwlpCBfA9dJqvp5AUqnB1febRga1BC7IsbcEJoJo3C3tAEklnkImolGafUs8lRkMGBbJJJ8vUbyEeSFqeXmAnewvojWAI7n_IXvTIfKyq9k_up1yHwdhyphenhyphenT/s1600/IMG_8942.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1040" data-original-width="1600" height="416" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgR8StcPL7Y8GvjVAVkhLKUbImwlpCBfA9dJqvp5AUqnB1febRga1BC7IsbcEJoJo3C3tAEklnkImolGafUs8lRkMGBbJJJ8vUbyEeSFqeXmAnewvojWAI7n_IXvTIfKyq9k_up1yHwdhyphenhyphenT/s640/IMG_8942.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFhnHaz3vc6U1_s99FGOHAxvZ-j-u5toGhgqRROR2v1cEbBbBqvRu9_027b5YCbA7p0eXphJ084rr_6NrAWG6IZMqRBPsJL5kH6GJosSWNHzZAzSf9vw-FpcZEMD7Q6bh1FG6DOyJ5xAug/s1600/IMG_8969.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFhnHaz3vc6U1_s99FGOHAxvZ-j-u5toGhgqRROR2v1cEbBbBqvRu9_027b5YCbA7p0eXphJ084rr_6NrAWG6IZMqRBPsJL5kH6GJosSWNHzZAzSf9vw-FpcZEMD7Q6bh1FG6DOyJ5xAug/s640/IMG_8969.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdRPO0RDidq0di2bn-tsLNI5lgXMZb6VyoGL9mL3VqwQH9XKv6feDLRVSfzqXB0z-0wfHsDpmxKEIUWhK-zCHF58Z8QPRdz5A9RpEHTlQH7h6D1n-m7DeSL2nxGFjEr_AlxxU5Q2DzTrS4/s1600/IMG_8974.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdRPO0RDidq0di2bn-tsLNI5lgXMZb6VyoGL9mL3VqwQH9XKv6feDLRVSfzqXB0z-0wfHsDpmxKEIUWhK-zCHF58Z8QPRdz5A9RpEHTlQH7h6D1n-m7DeSL2nxGFjEr_AlxxU5Q2DzTrS4/s640/IMG_8974.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEighRuWnopcbF_6FI4R_7LT_PoXoI15RWU0vcw7SOilLgFv_zHxBZovoFuY0wy4XuYQmV2y6TnBWe3jBqfsTL9yt9tIllf2ODrgcVrkUSt4gH-Ke0KvRwoBFI64a1yDSmkzMuuM4udn49po/s1600/IMG_8990.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEighRuWnopcbF_6FI4R_7LT_PoXoI15RWU0vcw7SOilLgFv_zHxBZovoFuY0wy4XuYQmV2y6TnBWe3jBqfsTL9yt9tIllf2ODrgcVrkUSt4gH-Ke0KvRwoBFI64a1yDSmkzMuuM4udn49po/s640/IMG_8990.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOipJq9cXbIJL2zZh5ScNt3X-zvs22P3qvp3xVDFgYtaV_6FYmm_vSg92-Tc0Wo2KGsGzaWmF14sim241OyJMjp036QHSCkGPxpT6mdj7NSdI_ZSqOXtarVfC8z1_qZIZccSIDHnoNySgm/s1600/IMG_8991.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOipJq9cXbIJL2zZh5ScNt3X-zvs22P3qvp3xVDFgYtaV_6FYmm_vSg92-Tc0Wo2KGsGzaWmF14sim241OyJMjp036QHSCkGPxpT6mdj7NSdI_ZSqOXtarVfC8z1_qZIZccSIDHnoNySgm/s640/IMG_8991.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
Future Park is an interactive digital universe that brings your children's drawings to life. The exhibition has a host of fun activities that will captivate the imagination of your young ones while introducing them to the wonders of technology by using scanners and sensors to make each child's drawings come to life in a digital universe.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
But drawing is not the only thing you can do at Future Park! The two stories worth of interactive digital activities to keep your children occupied and enthralled. A light ball orchestra and musical hopscotch and so much more...definitely something worth going to see while they are here! For more on what to expect from Future Park, watch the video insert below. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgydzSknfXUZH6bvCv33xN8EKcccWVGHzyUdPJusn0-Qe9kBWShDJO3LynuQGejdmvrDFKwG2eJjdmmrpCxmR-d_JJqTLYkz9SRvtoQ9LFGIOabLMWFLd4IymrZ1gEyflSLXwYdv0Y6Zv0B/s1600/IMG_9012.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgydzSknfXUZH6bvCv33xN8EKcccWVGHzyUdPJusn0-Qe9kBWShDJO3LynuQGejdmvrDFKwG2eJjdmmrpCxmR-d_JJqTLYkz9SRvtoQ9LFGIOabLMWFLd4IymrZ1gEyflSLXwYdv0Y6Zv0B/s640/IMG_9012.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8ufYQuBV6zuNGfMFeLFQBFRmb0y8EnCX9lJresjVEgC70xtt-JAwHTz84hiNm1G6tFu7qEBCv5vNJC3oFWfGwo5thhAlpnA_lCxRsM83XU9bXTtcuZ6TPyq-dN6QrfVJbn_2DFAK6yKht/s1600/IMG_9025.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8ufYQuBV6zuNGfMFeLFQBFRmb0y8EnCX9lJresjVEgC70xtt-JAwHTz84hiNm1G6tFu7qEBCv5vNJC3oFWfGwo5thhAlpnA_lCxRsM83XU9bXTtcuZ6TPyq-dN6QrfVJbn_2DFAK6yKht/s640/IMG_9025.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB2MY-5cc7RRtdUeR7-Djt3qL9yp6fRXedFd-af9o5fIip8ScY6JegeJE_-yla9un5YwMi6xZqK-e4dOlhC3HQuXN9PUYk-siUjgaBPRcjTUh4uHnnQgMcn2h5rDS6YKV3M7jEcjX2uJsm/s1600/IMG_9014.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB2MY-5cc7RRtdUeR7-Djt3qL9yp6fRXedFd-af9o5fIip8ScY6JegeJE_-yla9un5YwMi6xZqK-e4dOlhC3HQuXN9PUYk-siUjgaBPRcjTUh4uHnnQgMcn2h5rDS6YKV3M7jEcjX2uJsm/s640/IMG_9014.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<strong><u>ABOUT THIS VIDEO </u></strong>: I'm starting to enjoy the process of documenting things with little videos as well. It definitely tells a part of the story that pictures and words can't. So do click on the video below to get a different perspective of the days happenings!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="270" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/G9k9zj2nqCo" width="480"></iframe><br />
<br />
That's it from us for today. Thanks for reading!<br />
<br />
<br />
Peace,<br />
<br />
<br />
NAMU :)<br />
<br />
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07937370112210543248noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5573165486496956276.post-51249451472480321032017-09-26T09:06:00.003+02:002017-09-26T10:02:06.151+02:00Travel Diary - Phi Phi Island, Thailand<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguDZ-5MvmKEEDvYsf-8qUABN0VjC8Qg1D2ToA7_mozxLwtOwtutFqyVHFRecskQ2T7lwqMBOLmeU_-tK6kbmI1a_NySTWiFAG7vc3gLbaJvVi5HYZSak_xfPNrpp6VNIGNpGF9scfrBdDE/s1600/20170417_081551.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguDZ-5MvmKEEDvYsf-8qUABN0VjC8Qg1D2ToA7_mozxLwtOwtutFqyVHFRecskQ2T7lwqMBOLmeU_-tK6kbmI1a_NySTWiFAG7vc3gLbaJvVi5HYZSak_xfPNrpp6VNIGNpGF9scfrBdDE/s640/20170417_081551.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
We decided from the onset of our trip that we weren't going to spend our money on "things", but rather on experiences instead. We didn't want to come home with a suitcase full of arbitrary items that cost a fortune and that we will hardly ever use, but rather with stories of wonderful adventures that would last us a lifetime. We wanted to make memories - with our children...with each other. And that's exactly what we did! <br />
<br />
Tourism is a major economic factor in Thailand. The people pride themselves on this and almost everything is commercialised. But of all the things we did while there; of all the clichéd tourist spots we simply <em>had </em>to visit, the island tours remain undoubtedly our favourite experiences of them all! The raw, unfiltered, untouched, natural beauty that exists within the waters of the Andaman sea is so breathtakingly beautiful, so picturesque, so...perfect! A collection of islands that resembles a real paradise on earth. Phang Nga Bay was beautiful, but I really think we saved the best tour for last!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
By this, our sixth day in Thailand, our kids already knew the drill. They dragged themselves out of bed knowing full well that there was a lot of exhilarating experiences expected for the day ahead! After a quick breakfast we headed to the foyer and got to our tour bus (on time this time), and headed towards the same pier and same procedures as the last time.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmXJmhk3iMSgfWJVg52odFpgl6bgpN-dLPqaptZ3SIHg6YoTemzV90qHRKoZ2xEIOZTNZiAsqBSMZMGQ3q9IdSyN33XxAK8-tfqY-nPF6n7Q2aDlmoXpMCVhTg9Nl-vLPmco9nwiOSygWU/s1600/IMG_6335.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmXJmhk3iMSgfWJVg52odFpgl6bgpN-dLPqaptZ3SIHg6YoTemzV90qHRKoZ2xEIOZTNZiAsqBSMZMGQ3q9IdSyN33XxAK8-tfqY-nPF6n7Q2aDlmoXpMCVhTg9Nl-vLPmco9nwiOSygWU/s640/IMG_6335.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhz0_iEdmSRFJfBTuDvPYj6KFEPr8DPd8nJeZgj5CREUVtMMJFF242Dner2CAToGYzthAefVI0Yw1nHJsvKf2RE-udOTWKozPxiM0HM9hI6XnpChG-y1CywMwXh0g5fmc_jhr8_ZNWPFsky/s1600/IMG_6349.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhz0_iEdmSRFJfBTuDvPYj6KFEPr8DPd8nJeZgj5CREUVtMMJFF242Dner2CAToGYzthAefVI0Yw1nHJsvKf2RE-udOTWKozPxiM0HM9hI6XnpChG-y1CywMwXh0g5fmc_jhr8_ZNWPFsky/s640/IMG_6349.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
This time round I tried to soak up more of my environment instead of trying to photograph all of it! Mounds and mounds of incredulous limestone boulders jutting out of green seas, until eventually giving way to crystal clear blue waters, as we made our way to our first stop - an uninhabited island (except for a few tourist boats docked on the shores) where we were allowed to lounge around, snorkel or just soak up the views. <br />
<br />
We went at a time when the island wasn't too busy and it was quiet and calm enough to truly enjoy ourselves. I got to venture out deep into the sea...to where my feet could no longer touch the ground, and I swam alongside fish of all sorts and sizes. And I probably wouldn't have gone out so far out if it wasn't for my daughter's adventurous spirit and deep love for the sea! Watching her fearlessly face the ocean was absolutely magical. The boys played it a bit safer and stayed near the shore and hubby and I took turns to go a little deeper while one stayed with the boys.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgag4UsiRnajMwlqEK5_wh7GON31bHSCIsdRLUqJj8AK803XYaPZD6BudA31VSb_f3MZv0aMkPcH6yxd6MlO7_e6Vet8r05VIl8V_FC0hmhDBcatTGp0UzNrA1miVQBu62fAKX6mudkSovK/s1600/IMG_6368.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgag4UsiRnajMwlqEK5_wh7GON31bHSCIsdRLUqJj8AK803XYaPZD6BudA31VSb_f3MZv0aMkPcH6yxd6MlO7_e6Vet8r05VIl8V_FC0hmhDBcatTGp0UzNrA1miVQBu62fAKX6mudkSovK/s640/IMG_6368.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0snTsMo9WA98Ei-HaNe2kGHTZUaPPygXN7YZN_Mv7lBHIRVGSfAaTaRwSQmL7e2mCHdvPGSciXCqDCKnYa5fPpIe2bgTEHqbiD9oK4JKQ8s5EtdO1M7xV6zj_e97y3VUAbmdOOnzEuWkE/s1600/IMG_6383.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0snTsMo9WA98Ei-HaNe2kGHTZUaPPygXN7YZN_Mv7lBHIRVGSfAaTaRwSQmL7e2mCHdvPGSciXCqDCKnYa5fPpIe2bgTEHqbiD9oK4JKQ8s5EtdO1M7xV6zj_e97y3VUAbmdOOnzEuWkE/s640/IMG_6383.JPG" width="426" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpbAi7U71MXr37EvZqEcFf3vPaR41Prd0EpQ7l88a7PYmZaJMttmNXlsbwEqATLXZa5ZLZkrPmTYyKYHfXPpl_80szVfgJ64wFF2lZpTWp0QKfRBA5f5zGDXXjgCZjiIq4LPYQ0NvuEhld/s1600/20170417_081451.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpbAi7U71MXr37EvZqEcFf3vPaR41Prd0EpQ7l88a7PYmZaJMttmNXlsbwEqATLXZa5ZLZkrPmTYyKYHfXPpl_80szVfgJ64wFF2lZpTWp0QKfRBA5f5zGDXXjgCZjiIq4LPYQ0NvuEhld/s640/20170417_081451.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4ZrTGSJCWtt9hyphenhypheneB9x3Pf7q0QIVNwdw2y_TJ9LnWfyWgBYNShii2nrd0ETE_uDX8s41EHwHZDwlrWpt9gxNvlvK47Kccaq1004l-wTu9YXdLvSrlFXVpyIFLiq7RgH8hcmEUvE130EXu5/s1600/20170417_081611.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1156" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4ZrTGSJCWtt9hyphenhypheneB9x3Pf7q0QIVNwdw2y_TJ9LnWfyWgBYNShii2nrd0ETE_uDX8s41EHwHZDwlrWpt9gxNvlvK47Kccaq1004l-wTu9YXdLvSrlFXVpyIFLiq7RgH8hcmEUvE130EXu5/s640/20170417_081611.jpg" width="462" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirs4sGG5ezUmPsdL_656TKCXfimZ3GSfv-bwHu-XGvP678PD15KOMrPwlHSIqnhrcIj_34ai92tPHMFYpoZoju5656FlznuGBOXBfEdwrYkI4EAGzJ6B8ed9gFpVQX90B5phmVcFRVSDDu/s1600/GOPR1113.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirs4sGG5ezUmPsdL_656TKCXfimZ3GSfv-bwHu-XGvP678PD15KOMrPwlHSIqnhrcIj_34ai92tPHMFYpoZoju5656FlznuGBOXBfEdwrYkI4EAGzJ6B8ed9gFpVQX90B5phmVcFRVSDDu/s640/GOPR1113.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmjc_9CGz6z3y0vBXsWi1gC-bjJElxjXDDu0eUelOtUdHu0XxTg-rahCRo1_Oh1XXniz9SPpM1MGiphz0vApekPD5qIwsEVBd9GgGz5LjHp3HewWrNtCsBI1UpVNOEOvnpWa7DXO6_qXyp/s1600/20170417_081617.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1140" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmjc_9CGz6z3y0vBXsWi1gC-bjJElxjXDDu0eUelOtUdHu0XxTg-rahCRo1_Oh1XXniz9SPpM1MGiphz0vApekPD5qIwsEVBd9GgGz5LjHp3HewWrNtCsBI1UpVNOEOvnpWa7DXO6_qXyp/s640/20170417_081617.jpg" width="454" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuci9ZCxy8w8NMYECtz9LsVauGXW9LucpQoyhCq-jTf4U748AIFDuS4HxZo-cI0QB-EkvtGrOe4SCjoh45dxP9G7gJAbNPZsnQAJpKIYehxEY9ebKICDc9UP1BwYLr8duMX4uFJ7HsNfmg/s1600/GOPR1081.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuci9ZCxy8w8NMYECtz9LsVauGXW9LucpQoyhCq-jTf4U748AIFDuS4HxZo-cI0QB-EkvtGrOe4SCjoh45dxP9G7gJAbNPZsnQAJpKIYehxEY9ebKICDc9UP1BwYLr8duMX4uFJ7HsNfmg/s640/GOPR1081.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfcZNdRjnTpIn2zq493zawBXWxRlxBc5U_sCLi41B8riJBRxAQmSK-s8ODtGfydyJy50mwcraZPAPhjZbur-QK0ANCva4527XdOkBd0IZiri9_sV48s56d8vLWecne-WDddwRLNGxVxA4z/s1600/GOPR1129.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="956" data-original-width="1600" height="382" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfcZNdRjnTpIn2zq493zawBXWxRlxBc5U_sCLi41B8riJBRxAQmSK-s8ODtGfydyJy50mwcraZPAPhjZbur-QK0ANCva4527XdOkBd0IZiri9_sV48s56d8vLWecne-WDddwRLNGxVxA4z/s640/GOPR1129.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
There are scores of tourists who embark on these tours on a daily basis, and the tour guides we had tried their best to take us to these popular spots when they are least populated. For that reason, our second stop was an early lunch. This island was the first one we visited that was visibly inhabited. Modest, wooden, beach facing houses with the most incredible views! I pottered around the island, took a few pics while some of the other tourists took the opportunity to enjoy the warm waters.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoh5e55MwW9As-jC8QOIebYYvYkfhWbc5L-VPQDM-HuNjeTV4S25DRS-QYa_K6Xdo71LyNhqEJx6JJxI8F0Lt5TKq7VWSWESsPsmEqAXIjfmUsRKSaL-pfU4UwlUi5iLqQNYWzBkZYeOnH/s1600/IMG_6390.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoh5e55MwW9As-jC8QOIebYYvYkfhWbc5L-VPQDM-HuNjeTV4S25DRS-QYa_K6Xdo71LyNhqEJx6JJxI8F0Lt5TKq7VWSWESsPsmEqAXIjfmUsRKSaL-pfU4UwlUi5iLqQNYWzBkZYeOnH/s640/IMG_6390.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgT0I7BrJrGx4sIQqBy1UJl9HeeZUyAHGpCzwLAA3oGVYoXVAEhCG-0qdIO-5Bxd8-2lLmF0-aj8qOe0KmaRulugVWJCLakCWo_SNEqk7nP4Bq3oig4xEXXQB4jxP_Q51wRtnXO0x0HNv62/s1600/IMG_6398.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgT0I7BrJrGx4sIQqBy1UJl9HeeZUyAHGpCzwLAA3oGVYoXVAEhCG-0qdIO-5Bxd8-2lLmF0-aj8qOe0KmaRulugVWJCLakCWo_SNEqk7nP4Bq3oig4xEXXQB4jxP_Q51wRtnXO0x0HNv62/s640/IMG_6398.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhx3QxEM_5Vq5ZqJWiYxqtVTZK7DIWYjqxfzi04Ixp4zLq36I_vctktkDWBZg-L9EpZn0klSMny1POaTXJY-HpS5IPsBmLeR8YoaFDkE6KTxqATlsRxzQdaQVEYt6993fwiSIS2vluyMCpp/s1600/IMG_6403.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1375" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhx3QxEM_5Vq5ZqJWiYxqtVTZK7DIWYjqxfzi04Ixp4zLq36I_vctktkDWBZg-L9EpZn0klSMny1POaTXJY-HpS5IPsBmLeR8YoaFDkE6KTxqATlsRxzQdaQVEYt6993fwiSIS2vluyMCpp/s640/IMG_6403.JPG" width="548" /></a></div>
<br />
For our next stop, we slowed down near hidden bays and passed concealed lagoons and made our way to Monkey Island. I read a lot about Monkey Island in my research. About being careful with our cameras and phones and general belongings. I saw beautiful pictures of people floating on wooden swings hanging from trees with the clear blue oceans strategically behind them. But I'm guessing we were there during high tide, because the was no shore to disembark onto and we all kind of hovered towards the front of the boat to get a glimpse of the monkeys. This was also another strategic move since it awarded us more time at our next two stops which turned out to be the highlight of our tour! Monkeys are cute and all, but we wanted some more adventure! <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2n-GZ5PQE-KLvmJoXKDvmjnDq3AoZNkmEHJJGNEpfCP-yCrt5qa5t6dqb9oN7W0NYuxg3sk4YKsIVJt8iZt9lN0X3HxF-JVnjk8mk5imwXqIpipDfY7Ym6PwL7PDiBHRZ17-Y3RyKj1_s/s1600/PhiPhi+%252811%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2n-GZ5PQE-KLvmJoXKDvmjnDq3AoZNkmEHJJGNEpfCP-yCrt5qa5t6dqb9oN7W0NYuxg3sk4YKsIVJt8iZt9lN0X3HxF-JVnjk8mk5imwXqIpipDfY7Ym6PwL7PDiBHRZ17-Y3RyKj1_s/s640/PhiPhi+%252811%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqMj4rSVe5eLgs4_dkVP1i3TCTLIYkgKOJ2d8x-chnn1hmgrCSKhWEXniigUbhNpOPtDIoSa6yUBgCkW6QBm8TLbXTxmuDpyWYBjrrek8pMzXkKLYKK3hqVIUcX2-ViZ9Nl3mi2qLCzENh/s1600/IMG_6439.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1294" data-original-width="1600" height="516" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqMj4rSVe5eLgs4_dkVP1i3TCTLIYkgKOJ2d8x-chnn1hmgrCSKhWEXniigUbhNpOPtDIoSa6yUBgCkW6QBm8TLbXTxmuDpyWYBjrrek8pMzXkKLYKK3hqVIUcX2-ViZ9Nl3mi2qLCzENh/s640/IMG_6439.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<br />
We thought we saw it all, but this next stop completely took my breath away!!! Like literally! I couldn't even believe that what we were experiencing was real! Waters so clear that you could see all the treasures that lay between the oceans surface and its floors. And just as quickly as the water turned the most beautiful colour of aqua and gave us a glimpse of all the beauty it holds, it went completely dark again and then our boat came to a complete stop in the most magnificent setting I had ever set eyes on - docked in a lagoon somewhere in the middle of the sea, no shore in near sight- we grabbed our snorkel gear and jumped off the front of the boat and into the sea. I won't lie, I was frightened out of my mind. But once I saw the kids fearlessly jump into the water below, there was no choice but to follow! <br />
<br />
After spending some time swimming around, we went back to the entry point of the lagoon, where just a couple of metres away the water was a completely different colour and so was the fish that swam beneath its surface. Here we stopped again, jumped off the side of the boat and, with our feet unable to reach the ocean floor, we swam with the hundreds of multi coloured fish. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguI3qGtAlfqC8wUD4ded5jyBj1oEp_gmew0XzaMGtFg308UAyB4P9ZR-Kpe9o-CmuhoVeEs-50jx70qYrYLEE5Vj1W1t6ITFvWtK_PrKdekApVCNdd_A8Ui-7fiqt0vgsMcaJBx5jcsj0L/s1600/IMG_6433.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="425" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguI3qGtAlfqC8wUD4ded5jyBj1oEp_gmew0XzaMGtFg308UAyB4P9ZR-Kpe9o-CmuhoVeEs-50jx70qYrYLEE5Vj1W1t6ITFvWtK_PrKdekApVCNdd_A8Ui-7fiqt0vgsMcaJBx5jcsj0L/s640/IMG_6433.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEis-QZVLuIZUo9yWWXj1Dmq1lhuL1eWdlOh_hW0R48A9ErM2DZveXKw_z59hxWMdakf4BrOTEsb2K-TEhtl70guNVU8Rpt-WnSNAD2U1ZvFVqftmyl9TPCY11DTfmFsR0OtEJgZAQlCg6ib/s1600/GOPR1226.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEis-QZVLuIZUo9yWWXj1Dmq1lhuL1eWdlOh_hW0R48A9ErM2DZveXKw_z59hxWMdakf4BrOTEsb2K-TEhtl70guNVU8Rpt-WnSNAD2U1ZvFVqftmyl9TPCY11DTfmFsR0OtEJgZAQlCg6ib/s640/GOPR1226.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivuCB32NvihP-F5ygr2LGkALa2iQkEVXbtvXW27lThTiVvjYtjxJk_uQdg6_0o5Ytzla10mrJoRKl3nCCJDEgLXUs2otStenEIGPcxoxNKM6zeirLdO09XPfV8PlnePf8Ppw4KXc_URcHK/s1600/GOPR1163.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivuCB32NvihP-F5ygr2LGkALa2iQkEVXbtvXW27lThTiVvjYtjxJk_uQdg6_0o5Ytzla10mrJoRKl3nCCJDEgLXUs2otStenEIGPcxoxNKM6zeirLdO09XPfV8PlnePf8Ppw4KXc_URcHK/s640/GOPR1163.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFhUBIbEkAR5QUgSEWxV94wbc23n1LR4hI6TnNaRs-AaFV7cfUbTkJpPRZhfsNvqC7f8e0Ul-Ixru14nMtnduPn3mfzJyNn3IGEekmKq7njnHZceRN4bVEYMv3_xDYQWtNu6AmF72Yye2o/s1600/PhiPhi+%252847%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFhUBIbEkAR5QUgSEWxV94wbc23n1LR4hI6TnNaRs-AaFV7cfUbTkJpPRZhfsNvqC7f8e0Ul-Ixru14nMtnduPn3mfzJyNn3IGEekmKq7njnHZceRN4bVEYMv3_xDYQWtNu6AmF72Yye2o/s640/PhiPhi+%252847%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggioFLhQV4qd3otT_RqRJ14avYrsqdMfxh7sGN3s4eOUi1SclOdUh_EQVBTzEh2d0trCSFTZu-qhM6QOPww1PV9MQfAX2C9CAU0BIqUGUb7sTvA_ryaqC40y9mdX8Z0ma1UULH1r8oZvKi/s1600/PhiPhi+%25286%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggioFLhQV4qd3otT_RqRJ14avYrsqdMfxh7sGN3s4eOUi1SclOdUh_EQVBTzEh2d0trCSFTZu-qhM6QOPww1PV9MQfAX2C9CAU0BIqUGUb7sTvA_ryaqC40y9mdX8Z0ma1UULH1r8oZvKi/s640/PhiPhi+%25286%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgN7wW2cdd3HP75C1TIEvxV9Jnxjl4nIg9CJTNB2m5mtfMOJ1Rn7OhUCJ_rU-GfVxkZxd_9u7OIIIBpTaGhPhOcY-EMr4SPLl047CPvuK7TLlQm-ubBKzFvac4c60MKckX_yW9ZNFmGZcT0/s1600/GOPR1194.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgN7wW2cdd3HP75C1TIEvxV9Jnxjl4nIg9CJTNB2m5mtfMOJ1Rn7OhUCJ_rU-GfVxkZxd_9u7OIIIBpTaGhPhOcY-EMr4SPLl047CPvuK7TLlQm-ubBKzFvac4c60MKckX_yW9ZNFmGZcT0/s640/GOPR1194.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAnI54eIcUu8Hl0-knnxbVKOwQitbPqLpaMTxwrMmlImP5XGloRtX6duwG_jlPrZyJwDd_q7YCz-DE78YbyrHs1ymId1drLKx9JlR6ymXjqH3lQe9bVFUYacwjB0a_ip3gC-NA2TbYpdui/s1600/GOPR1212.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAnI54eIcUu8Hl0-knnxbVKOwQitbPqLpaMTxwrMmlImP5XGloRtX6duwG_jlPrZyJwDd_q7YCz-DE78YbyrHs1ymId1drLKx9JlR6ymXjqH3lQe9bVFUYacwjB0a_ip3gC-NA2TbYpdui/s640/GOPR1212.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
They say travel changes you. That it opens your eyes and your heart and broadens your perspective on life - and it's true! For me, I thought I would find my life changing moments in Thai culture; but instead I found my greatest lesson on the shores of the iconic Maya Bay. And it was in the moments that my eyes scanned this beautiful shores, as I tried to soak up this last bit of Thailand that I was really able to truly see myself reflected in every single tourist there...standing against the light, trying to capture the perfect picture. <br />
<br />
<br />
And there I stood, camera in hand, face to face with this picture perfect setting; and then after a few brief shots, I shoved the thing back into my bag, took my kids by their hand and marched off to the edge of the water. This was our last stop of a day that was full of adventure, once in a lifetime experiences and the most spectacular memories. At this point I just wanted to float on my back and absorb surroundings that I'm not sure I will ever see again. I wanted to swim with my daughter as deep as we could possibly go, equally as much as I wanted to catch the waves on the shore. I wanted to get lost in these final moments in paradise...but you know what I didn't want to do as much as I did at the start of this journey? I wasn't as interested in taking pictures of everything. <br />
<br />
And that's how we spent the last hour of this tour. Languishing in the deep blue sea that was relatively empty save for a few other people who also decided to leave their cameras on shore.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7Az0sYT4LpM15v12UZFk226gyaIrD6TfCfSTWbFPFv6Hw7qPhwpYycJJfLLXMe_K1Rn8juOmMBIJFu24l4TNoYiep4NpTjjeeN4KPIQvOlw4EAGb-0TiyPRB3_jqPCeY6xdubr-T1Goy4/s1600/GOPR1242.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="939" data-original-width="1600" height="374" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7Az0sYT4LpM15v12UZFk226gyaIrD6TfCfSTWbFPFv6Hw7qPhwpYycJJfLLXMe_K1Rn8juOmMBIJFu24l4TNoYiep4NpTjjeeN4KPIQvOlw4EAGb-0TiyPRB3_jqPCeY6xdubr-T1Goy4/s640/GOPR1242.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjonvZEDyGBTxy6S2RWEbbUVojCC0HcVnzgA4xPFt8xXbRxBdKYAOBP7VOKsbG4xMGPAHlTAsGIWcMileKhklM3uybYOu4LbfS_pRaJaAQRKW6G8BMayd2Wt7Egogsvl_d9THIwzEjkjmh/s1600/PhiPhi+%252835%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjonvZEDyGBTxy6S2RWEbbUVojCC0HcVnzgA4xPFt8xXbRxBdKYAOBP7VOKsbG4xMGPAHlTAsGIWcMileKhklM3uybYOu4LbfS_pRaJaAQRKW6G8BMayd2Wt7Egogsvl_d9THIwzEjkjmh/s640/PhiPhi+%252835%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDg_mlpKufcNRcb0-C4YsTHRx5HDcv26LS_7KRCM4Yym72C08cTpAWGl_wD3r5TSJOMWHmbT2nJtsIrKnGt7cyteeQXKHVxO1mEOFWydn3JutSBe54rrv1GTVQJPLsAJ_jN73LaSM8AjQY/s1600/copy+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDg_mlpKufcNRcb0-C4YsTHRx5HDcv26LS_7KRCM4Yym72C08cTpAWGl_wD3r5TSJOMWHmbT2nJtsIrKnGt7cyteeQXKHVxO1mEOFWydn3JutSBe54rrv1GTVQJPLsAJ_jN73LaSM8AjQY/s640/copy+2.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
<div align="justify">
Some people may say that travelling with kids could hold you back from experiencing things on your terms; and that having so many extra people to consider could prevent you from making the trip solely about what you want to do. A small part of that may be true...but on this trip, travelling with kids led me to do unexpected things. I don't think I would've jumped off boats or done half the things I did if I wasn't with them. And I don't think anyone else would've had the power to make me put down my camera. So thank you kids, for teaching me the value of being present and completely immersing myself in the moment. This wouldn't have been as fun if it were not for all of you <3</div>
<div align="justify">
</div>
<div align="justify">
</div>
<div align="justify">
<strong><u>ABOUT THIS VIDEO </u></strong>: Undoubtedly my favourite video of all the videos of this trip! It's not a very long one, but it truly encapsulates all the most memorable moments. Would be great if you could check it out :-)</div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="270" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/bfktPcif0UE" style="height: 215px; width: 430px;" width="480"></iframe><br />
<br />
<br />
And just like that, my travel diaries are over! But the memories will live on...over here, and even more so in my heart! <br />
<br />
<strong><u><em>For more on our Thailand Travels, read here:</em></u></strong><br />
<strong><em><u></u></em></strong><br />
<a href="http://namusnarratives.blogspot.co.za/2017/04/travel-diary-travelling-with-kids.html">Travelling with kids</a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://namusnarratives.blogspot.co.za/2017/07/travel-diary-destination-thailand_5.html">Destination Thailand</a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://namusnarratives.blogspot.co.za/2017/07/travel-diary-chalong-temple-phuket.html">Chalong Temple</a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://namusnarratives.blogspot.co.za/2017/07/travel-diary-tiger-kingdom-phuket.html">Tiger Kingdom</a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://namusnarratives.blogspot.co.za/2017/08/travel-diary-cave-canoeing-and.html">Phang Nga Bay Island Tour</a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://namusnarratives.blogspot.co.za/2017/08/travel-diary-afternoon-in-old-phuket.html">Old Phuket</a><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Thanks for reading! <br />
<br />
<br />
Peace,<br />
<br />
<br />
NAMU :-)</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07937370112210543248noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5573165486496956276.post-13699478940029941982017-09-15T13:47:00.002+02:002017-09-15T15:05:22.359+02:00Eid-Ul-Adha 2017<div style="text-align: justify;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Every year I hesitate to write an Eid post. I wonder if it's even possible for things to change from one year to the next and if there will even be something new or profound worth writing about, instead of it just being a post about sharing pictures. Every year I wonder, hesitate and then write a post anyway - and it's amazing, when going back to read them now, how things really have changed over the past few years!</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Besides the kids growing considerably in this time, we've also welcomed new additions to the family and only have some treasured memories remain of those who have gone. And so these posts have become like little beacons of memories, spread out over time, capturing this ever changing landscape we call Life! And despite old traditions giving way for new ones, one thing remains unchanged; and that is that Eid days will ALWAYS be about family.<br />
<br />
<br />
There is a lot of significance that revolves around this second Eid, and this year I was feeling particularly sentimental about it all. So many close family and friends similar in age to me embarked on the sacred journey of Hajj, and I'd be lying if I said that my heart wasn't deeply impacted when going to bid my farewells. There was a deep sense of emotion and yearning in me that I was completely unprepared for...and then reading all their updates from the holy land really only intensified the tugging on my heart in a way that is simply impossible to ignore. <br />
<br />
<br />
With my brother's visit coinciding with Eid, it was also the first time in a very, very long time that our whole family was able to celebrate Eid together! Amidst the vibrant energy - the laughter, playfulness and banter - it was impossible to escape the ominous presence of Time hovering and taunting as the tiny granules of sand slipped speedily through its hourglass. With ageing parents and the cruel concept of time, the memories made in these moments will be forever cherished...and the words "until we meet again" weighing too heavy on the heart. <br />
<br />
<br />
And it made all the other simple things I usually worry about on this day so irrelevant! So I didn't get to colour my greys, and they can be seen peeping out in all my pictures of that day; and I also completely forgot to make an appointment to thread my eyebrows and wax my lip; and I didn't lose that impossible 5 kilos so that I could look better in my dress. And instead of worrying about all these vain concepts to make me look flawless in front of people who all already know my flaws; I threw in the proverbial towel and said "flip it all!". I put on my best dress an my favourite shoes and embraced myself as I truly was, in that moment, flaws and all; and had the <strong><em>best </em></strong>Eid I possibly could! <br />
<br />
It's impossible to include <strong><em>ALL </em></strong>the pictures I took on the day, so I just included a few of my favourites <3<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeXn7uMtmXFkr-qUkfxLrsdzo8O5RptbTM-ebDRuqVpm8QxTzA4MoSdm8T9LlE4EF6Ow2i8zk6lCvI1jOUU9fpFbr_F9Kd52xt3toaAydYZ_H-wg4gnGhS4gcCPzHvOiYaTT5IXP8Fqm3a/s1600/IMG_8278.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeXn7uMtmXFkr-qUkfxLrsdzo8O5RptbTM-ebDRuqVpm8QxTzA4MoSdm8T9LlE4EF6Ow2i8zk6lCvI1jOUU9fpFbr_F9Kd52xt3toaAydYZ_H-wg4gnGhS4gcCPzHvOiYaTT5IXP8Fqm3a/s640/IMG_8278.JPG" width="426" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiN44XmG-eZLlPh5D3y_rCxDuHZhOAyRnThHjK8996ih-BcnP2xb5GRPDaMYFvYUx247hyTi36SwNwCtoWwRonHK0l-S4qcqF3NpyqF-0p47uB3S__t2a1rQDANiBP2oT_98DeihbNcqXrx/s1600/IMG_8179.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiN44XmG-eZLlPh5D3y_rCxDuHZhOAyRnThHjK8996ih-BcnP2xb5GRPDaMYFvYUx247hyTi36SwNwCtoWwRonHK0l-S4qcqF3NpyqF-0p47uB3S__t2a1rQDANiBP2oT_98DeihbNcqXrx/s400/IMG_8179.JPG" width="266" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhW_fubdGWcmNwsfIMjWHy2jhawLN-LPK32DzUvwk2DgYkBZuxHQPKKfcfL3yRPg2XxNlCh-EuCClm9sNFzvznkd83wx1I5M311vl60ZG_bmNGYflUsHRFcC2ezgiiXXzQK_84uLqCaKjyp/s1600/IMG_8184.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhW_fubdGWcmNwsfIMjWHy2jhawLN-LPK32DzUvwk2DgYkBZuxHQPKKfcfL3yRPg2XxNlCh-EuCClm9sNFzvznkd83wx1I5M311vl60ZG_bmNGYflUsHRFcC2ezgiiXXzQK_84uLqCaKjyp/s400/IMG_8184.JPG" width="266" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhREolBLCKdAc20vLCNtq5PGZANgff8csuTSeVOz-Vfn69ffDPVDd_Jl4qe0doyG4gGF7ZRHWHh28fQNSCxw_tBq20sBYsjmsZpoHxHnTv1MRqFm9rBpcCeR_MxyVXe5lvt_KOnWPmKs1kB/s1600/IMG_8204.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhREolBLCKdAc20vLCNtq5PGZANgff8csuTSeVOz-Vfn69ffDPVDd_Jl4qe0doyG4gGF7ZRHWHh28fQNSCxw_tBq20sBYsjmsZpoHxHnTv1MRqFm9rBpcCeR_MxyVXe5lvt_KOnWPmKs1kB/s640/IMG_8204.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9czBP4foKA9S6vPNnmjPXsJuwPd1lDoj0YkAvCKxqBV0_h9cOuYN5ANBLhr7Up7Xms3nv2uxS-agfIDw8vP4MIK1f-WKdBprjJIEAhyxCrHs9bUhhZf2kpS4I7CfUFQJ2CjZ8y03Ky8-I/s1600/IMG-20170901-WA0035.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="960" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9czBP4foKA9S6vPNnmjPXsJuwPd1lDoj0YkAvCKxqBV0_h9cOuYN5ANBLhr7Up7Xms3nv2uxS-agfIDw8vP4MIK1f-WKdBprjJIEAhyxCrHs9bUhhZf2kpS4I7CfUFQJ2CjZ8y03Ky8-I/s400/IMG-20170901-WA0035.jpg" width="300" /> </a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEPeVOT_ta-YtLgClDQVaSZPxS_9OYafr6xEI0CJY4_a05F18axpuKbkA1tV5_U29VF5l0Ihy50JAV_c9DPOAIimkoSueuetNnD5d3SJdANkMIRhIEQSciO1P3GPSk5k4dpNUoLVpIC3n2/s1600/IMG-20170901-WA0053.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="960" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEPeVOT_ta-YtLgClDQVaSZPxS_9OYafr6xEI0CJY4_a05F18axpuKbkA1tV5_U29VF5l0Ihy50JAV_c9DPOAIimkoSueuetNnD5d3SJdANkMIRhIEQSciO1P3GPSk5k4dpNUoLVpIC3n2/s400/IMG-20170901-WA0053.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXByZonxdDOIrKkceq1ytnAHla9lDFhPUMFHTvcbR-Ism-JzQIPCTXf53I5OEaTHzyE1WPaCX6KO3HAqf7bG_U5nKPmUGQAmFsEuLsAlMcwO-nsn3zXqKijMQ0QK1qweybo-SYEKK5fSjQ/s1600/IMG_8339.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXByZonxdDOIrKkceq1ytnAHla9lDFhPUMFHTvcbR-Ism-JzQIPCTXf53I5OEaTHzyE1WPaCX6KO3HAqf7bG_U5nKPmUGQAmFsEuLsAlMcwO-nsn3zXqKijMQ0QK1qweybo-SYEKK5fSjQ/s400/IMG_8339.JPG" width="266" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilHnuwcKduEOa-f1QUo98L80REe-CBq6gexk56XGBR43s71vgNNuo5fpj_nNzhCYlkxn1Vopwmg7s2ZYqFTybhkzzawghiGES5u3gc2mQcTaQpFPJCtvMxA057qSG4I4TG0hof9XVwGOXB/s1600/IMG_8516.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilHnuwcKduEOa-f1QUo98L80REe-CBq6gexk56XGBR43s71vgNNuo5fpj_nNzhCYlkxn1Vopwmg7s2ZYqFTybhkzzawghiGES5u3gc2mQcTaQpFPJCtvMxA057qSG4I4TG0hof9XVwGOXB/s400/IMG_8516.JPG" width="266" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBOkmhREGPWW_Fb5pJ6Z3dqcpTjzbIPUxO1XwxDBstTGuDuIuK53gVr7_bUcvrU_7rn3iOVEE8iCWXRkF17OhM_O-LVqKT9rYlA3i4-gGqbcxlO6Bv3yEoRfcMrOMSbMd-Az7oHBzR7o5Y/s1600/IMG_8462.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBOkmhREGPWW_Fb5pJ6Z3dqcpTjzbIPUxO1XwxDBstTGuDuIuK53gVr7_bUcvrU_7rn3iOVEE8iCWXRkF17OhM_O-LVqKT9rYlA3i4-gGqbcxlO6Bv3yEoRfcMrOMSbMd-Az7oHBzR7o5Y/s640/IMG_8462.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9qvWThCEftSMmdYdwW058OerdxyMVGnMwA5ofVd84eYtgbnu2AUK0UpSIPfiKNzG6FvVO_npkt6GAVZJQx5XxyNMFU9FGqCLBGkPNHPGRZeFvKURM6fPhtNa0iiwlKAfI-AGSgA1hL1t0/s1600/IMG_8497.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1242" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9qvWThCEftSMmdYdwW058OerdxyMVGnMwA5ofVd84eYtgbnu2AUK0UpSIPfiKNzG6FvVO_npkt6GAVZJQx5XxyNMFU9FGqCLBGkPNHPGRZeFvKURM6fPhtNa0iiwlKAfI-AGSgA1hL1t0/s400/IMG_8497.JPG" width="310" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilqZLU6szamSheVyrwvW9iri4XPbeZXpA1sgrBgKWaDMIFlsFdffXBYP9M59QDWr9iw1ak1db6A_Vyb_nTppZZN9L4Y3HyT3094I3Bc5QMuU-lM7UlxK8XG6UHExWGSlm4kmDLJ2UJtRNx/s1600/IMG_8417.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1236" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilqZLU6szamSheVyrwvW9iri4XPbeZXpA1sgrBgKWaDMIFlsFdffXBYP9M59QDWr9iw1ak1db6A_Vyb_nTppZZN9L4Y3HyT3094I3Bc5QMuU-lM7UlxK8XG6UHExWGSlm4kmDLJ2UJtRNx/s400/IMG_8417.JPG" width="308" /></a> </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMLtKYrV4fbPHl9RGBtE_6ggzyRL06UGKx8nkqsc8_6QVI__cctXrY0PGqYAoJZVc9m0kgy8od6QjoibiM7bUmXKLyCSq57-o2mpDy8OpR5S0oJDXEUOVezRI7DqoXofYJrwsEacfaLI__/s1600/IMG_8208.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMLtKYrV4fbPHl9RGBtE_6ggzyRL06UGKx8nkqsc8_6QVI__cctXrY0PGqYAoJZVc9m0kgy8od6QjoibiM7bUmXKLyCSq57-o2mpDy8OpR5S0oJDXEUOVezRI7DqoXofYJrwsEacfaLI__/s640/IMG_8208.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6OpyOAvNDYXLmkYH9KreIVcym1m3Ku-LyI15KW6JeMj1RaVSovirba229JBXlsKHB0e0dSn0jQmizcZVVyVmlr3Mm3FZUGFeAcAmZonkfjZG6MOqqPQvyKLQtA2_pUTNmZmDFrZIAZS-1/s1600/IMG_8286.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6OpyOAvNDYXLmkYH9KreIVcym1m3Ku-LyI15KW6JeMj1RaVSovirba229JBXlsKHB0e0dSn0jQmizcZVVyVmlr3Mm3FZUGFeAcAmZonkfjZG6MOqqPQvyKLQtA2_pUTNmZmDFrZIAZS-1/s400/IMG_8286.JPG" width="266" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2gkHRtYuWeDclQdF_Edc-_q2_aCbuoQTXK00JhWn3G5VDHTLGnik6BPTGdYEAIpXbElGZL9ilcD5taQHgqrsjZEIejTK5EFmGiVqoK3bspA5XFj9sN8M9bYcDs3YWFwy8cQQ8onmoXYzr/s1600/IMG_8309.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2gkHRtYuWeDclQdF_Edc-_q2_aCbuoQTXK00JhWn3G5VDHTLGnik6BPTGdYEAIpXbElGZL9ilcD5taQHgqrsjZEIejTK5EFmGiVqoK3bspA5XFj9sN8M9bYcDs3YWFwy8cQQ8onmoXYzr/s400/IMG_8309.JPG" width="266" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEganjlmghWJNpfGAVMZByKbxYdcRU0UY48b_T2FEfqZnTxjNEC7stkNufJgs4ykdV-iaCYPme0gYvMlQBIOfR1yYJt-gsXMQnz7p8yui58e0U21hMK-gy-g9UpkW1zJZC9sELmnBlERDYIM/s1600/IMG_8318.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEganjlmghWJNpfGAVMZByKbxYdcRU0UY48b_T2FEfqZnTxjNEC7stkNufJgs4ykdV-iaCYPme0gYvMlQBIOfR1yYJt-gsXMQnz7p8yui58e0U21hMK-gy-g9UpkW1zJZC9sELmnBlERDYIM/s400/IMG_8318.JPG" width="266" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiddlC3SSKqjRVeqfwTGBXRQ3Agwulca0Hlg3B6fif7990UTyjchKusFdP0Z7kI86KJLLCwzq74A32wL5O5G-b04Ve5ayxhw4wcFb2Y1IdaXWHaE0vNAiSkJkg7Y70KnvyilyCbGxYhzdYh/s1600/IMG_8243.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiddlC3SSKqjRVeqfwTGBXRQ3Agwulca0Hlg3B6fif7990UTyjchKusFdP0Z7kI86KJLLCwzq74A32wL5O5G-b04Ve5ayxhw4wcFb2Y1IdaXWHaE0vNAiSkJkg7Y70KnvyilyCbGxYhzdYh/s400/IMG_8243.JPG" width="266" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBEiIX7y3xNw2hZm9XEhnwcHX4iqRVGbxqb1mwA36bzcFQQN64oVr4wOngSSSKbUx7DdQifxM9ZJ_FrwfUYWiguBZMquIy9KCWn3-pi0Uz_81o-IdrfuAZGGVv85dxPK8YrClQ8_ZG8nC1/s1600/IMG_8443.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBEiIX7y3xNw2hZm9XEhnwcHX4iqRVGbxqb1mwA36bzcFQQN64oVr4wOngSSSKbUx7DdQifxM9ZJ_FrwfUYWiguBZMquIy9KCWn3-pi0Uz_81o-IdrfuAZGGVv85dxPK8YrClQ8_ZG8nC1/s640/IMG_8443.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuYvv7GDIG5nKUT7t50FJUav5vxQV0Wl5W6f9SApYePBu7m0aUDeix2QeKXAbcmk0TnUZCQ0_qMdy3L8VM3XoHhN1KaqplBtmOWJS5Sf6WldjsFW2g5_Utnaeznunr626tvHtnY-3AVOJ7/s1600/copy.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuYvv7GDIG5nKUT7t50FJUav5vxQV0Wl5W6f9SApYePBu7m0aUDeix2QeKXAbcmk0TnUZCQ0_qMdy3L8VM3XoHhN1KaqplBtmOWJS5Sf6WldjsFW2g5_Utnaeznunr626tvHtnY-3AVOJ7/s400/copy.JPG" width="266" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvuwpV7Fs-2KVUHUQLUeIefUMvM7W6Q9XzBxMiKlHUtAgxArkTqzaNsyPaG8OoNJZF5PHuR0-yhaLm9AFrQjTlAJ1r1G6T5oGaKLYoSf1JdrE2S9MJmOwi1bTS53Y-tukoyxQoYQ9GI5Jt/s1600/IMG_8484.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvuwpV7Fs-2KVUHUQLUeIefUMvM7W6Q9XzBxMiKlHUtAgxArkTqzaNsyPaG8OoNJZF5PHuR0-yhaLm9AFrQjTlAJ1r1G6T5oGaKLYoSf1JdrE2S9MJmOwi1bTS53Y-tukoyxQoYQ9GI5Jt/s400/IMG_8484.JPG" width="265" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsxxpepXKAuIGY3Sa_-72rG2lBXX4vO8Ewv008jk_LoTiyMYbPoRroaqjivwv-GK1H41H5NKu4NgkR34zSM8N_5KmK6R-sWd43eYWX6rzftPlJzLGAMWfprd5BywEuBOiBem8UUI5Ygyry/s1600/IMG_8424.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsxxpepXKAuIGY3Sa_-72rG2lBXX4vO8Ewv008jk_LoTiyMYbPoRroaqjivwv-GK1H41H5NKu4NgkR34zSM8N_5KmK6R-sWd43eYWX6rzftPlJzLGAMWfprd5BywEuBOiBem8UUI5Ygyry/s640/IMG_8424.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9HjINkO49TGmLeOjEif_LqOQAo361rNy2aWFis1xf9fiOOxGI5XeMq25rXiP5FTWUcofasOXJEHfUC8ub6eo2S-rbcZJ5N6jfo821zpGozRZZvWWjAUuWW6puzk_pLiJMCwEXWINbeaeI/s1600/IMG_8403.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9HjINkO49TGmLeOjEif_LqOQAo361rNy2aWFis1xf9fiOOxGI5XeMq25rXiP5FTWUcofasOXJEHfUC8ub6eo2S-rbcZJ5N6jfo821zpGozRZZvWWjAUuWW6puzk_pLiJMCwEXWINbeaeI/s400/IMG_8403.JPG" width="266" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidfB6lCm3tWds5mHqTUpLEvg-dcC40Lmf1RlNU_b6-_HA-s4DHdnhWtZnPR6cOSGrdN_FlrCLD5jgcn2Lbm9pbPn_6e8PJ2S8dLIa0VgfNBy9qkz307NQkbGX1mcqGv7S70NQz8FT-0Fdf/s1600/IMG_8478.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidfB6lCm3tWds5mHqTUpLEvg-dcC40Lmf1RlNU_b6-_HA-s4DHdnhWtZnPR6cOSGrdN_FlrCLD5jgcn2Lbm9pbPn_6e8PJ2S8dLIa0VgfNBy9qkz307NQkbGX1mcqGv7S70NQz8FT-0Fdf/s400/IMG_8478.JPG" width="266" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnqlrrd8gZXd2BsVx6krLe73kKtZYtWRqTKi40_g1x5p_txMXa-l7OtD6PSHtLjN836ZynTponHgq4opffrxI7EaUJ3Elnz3MnDTOPDbG2KoUe5Ks7fG8wnuZfcYpg4FXzRZCT8ova1c33/s1600/IMG_8428.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnqlrrd8gZXd2BsVx6krLe73kKtZYtWRqTKi40_g1x5p_txMXa-l7OtD6PSHtLjN836ZynTponHgq4opffrxI7EaUJ3Elnz3MnDTOPDbG2KoUe5Ks7fG8wnuZfcYpg4FXzRZCT8ova1c33/s640/IMG_8428.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizA9swh-IG9kr8L_a_6PTteBM4Z0IDK4Rly85PuPak2uR762Aap7IRET9zjkxps9jXwAN2ynAHxlW3-q8ml9ZXoPBnhJtknqVKps3jqUV3wtuzXDOjDULIgnRODLu0TBje3wPtus8iaiPD/s1600/IMG_8431.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizA9swh-IG9kr8L_a_6PTteBM4Z0IDK4Rly85PuPak2uR762Aap7IRET9zjkxps9jXwAN2ynAHxlW3-q8ml9ZXoPBnhJtknqVKps3jqUV3wtuzXDOjDULIgnRODLu0TBje3wPtus8iaiPD/s400/IMG_8431.JPG" width="266" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgliSeGM8h9AlGAD60A6nXBrBtnLjNiU4hSxfp9a2EuvsPO6fnefB4-zphuRAWDSZOjGVfPOgWMOUmbpc0FfZa5yqOAJ3SibIjULVi2mPDU8cvwFKPsSncy87wUGzzt5gyGRMa1sUVEgpZY/s1600/IMG_8263.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgliSeGM8h9AlGAD60A6nXBrBtnLjNiU4hSxfp9a2EuvsPO6fnefB4-zphuRAWDSZOjGVfPOgWMOUmbpc0FfZa5yqOAJ3SibIjULVi2mPDU8cvwFKPsSncy87wUGzzt5gyGRMa1sUVEgpZY/s400/IMG_8263.JPG" width="266" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgs2BVcvjaIaHrkj5PjCDewRIINUeva0Fwn1NgBLQeewC-SnKdHMH_DA5tDx-fEWKFwAAOSontuulvRQyX6KGY0MlB5cdlmpolawmldctuUksxeTE-kKycwknPpLB18cVvZXjv9X0jWQTTd/s1600/IMG_8238.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgs2BVcvjaIaHrkj5PjCDewRIINUeva0Fwn1NgBLQeewC-SnKdHMH_DA5tDx-fEWKFwAAOSontuulvRQyX6KGY0MlB5cdlmpolawmldctuUksxeTE-kKycwknPpLB18cVvZXjv9X0jWQTTd/s640/IMG_8238.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjY8uvodiJjJXqvmUQ6qJcvLy7jjOqRLJq4Gd4M_fFh0ukD7YUz_udmF7QSxM85OUvD8G6Jl4yLHxwrCaGjXU-YmSzbccxd-yGKmkXJ_NFB46BBSExcr0tEslvcE-XNWT3Jzw4eiY-rgRal/s1600/IMG_8237.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjY8uvodiJjJXqvmUQ6qJcvLy7jjOqRLJq4Gd4M_fFh0ukD7YUz_udmF7QSxM85OUvD8G6Jl4yLHxwrCaGjXU-YmSzbccxd-yGKmkXJ_NFB46BBSExcr0tEslvcE-XNWT3Jzw4eiY-rgRal/s400/IMG_8237.JPG" width="266" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJL9mHyskmcdOgz1yUIBR2NfG9qxVPUdHWCFF26PDgnKkvaPq9Q1dva4w4TapDZjRdVDUHb_VvSByMlTausrnmU2rJIa_CxHE5OTMtDZl6OyDGD2oVP6kZZw35KNv8GIRHK3CaDiVSejsx/s1600/IMG_8228.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJL9mHyskmcdOgz1yUIBR2NfG9qxVPUdHWCFF26PDgnKkvaPq9Q1dva4w4TapDZjRdVDUHb_VvSByMlTausrnmU2rJIa_CxHE5OTMtDZl6OyDGD2oVP6kZZw35KNv8GIRHK3CaDiVSejsx/s400/IMG_8228.JPG" width="266" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Thanks for reading!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Peace,</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
NAMU :)</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07937370112210543248noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5573165486496956276.post-77384112868924199222017-09-11T10:46:00.000+02:002017-09-12T14:03:41.359+02:00Life Lately - An Unplugged Sunday<div align="justify">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggXdcdn2nAT1zt_rK9JnO_Wd_GoiBKH25gXx16XythOz2lDl1nm_9GymUveY3-zCIVFusIJiQbyXTx9Vm8mMjwYkFFN0PqU1Fudd3BxFcGIXhZZQt7DdaDyeuJsDFzQFT6EI1haEoaFjfl/s1600/IMG_20170910_083442_805.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1080" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggXdcdn2nAT1zt_rK9JnO_Wd_GoiBKH25gXx16XythOz2lDl1nm_9GymUveY3-zCIVFusIJiQbyXTx9Vm8mMjwYkFFN0PqU1Fudd3BxFcGIXhZZQt7DdaDyeuJsDFzQFT6EI1haEoaFjfl/s640/IMG_20170910_083442_805.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Today I've found my first quiet moments in weeks! I don't know exactly when life became so hectic, when life started feeling more like sitting dead centre in the middle of a whirlwind than the tranquil island life we were basking in not so long ago; but as always we try our best to brace our selves through those windy weeks and do our best to ride with the tide rather than to oppose it.<br />
<br />
So what's exactly has life been like lately? A never ending list of projects, assignments and deadlines for the kids. A malfunctioning printer to print required assignments and one or the other always needing my laptop to do their work on. On the plus side, the kids have been working independently or in groups with friends, but it still requires involvement on some level from me - 'cos what ever gets done without a little shouting from Mom! <br />
<br />
Life has also been akin to cramming all your most sentimental items hurriedly into a backpack when you've been given a minutes notice to leave your home...only in my case we've been trying to cram in as many memories with my brother and his family who were down from the UK for the month of August. Obviously, amidst all the general busyness of life at this time of the year, we tried to make the most of our little time together. This meant back to back weekends that were busier than usual with no time to recover in between. On the plus side, we managed to cram enough memories into that little backpack that we will carry with us for a lifetime! <br />
<br />
Then...there was Eid week!<br />
<br />
And two days after that my phone got stolen...<br />
<br />
And now here we are, almost midway through September and bracing ourselves as we head full throttle toward the end of year madness! Which is why I decided to have an unplugged Sunday this past weekend. It meant putting my phone away for the entirety of our family outing yesterday. Which meant no pictures of the beautiful Cape Town scenery even though the city was really showing off. It meant no selfies to prove we were out there enjoying the sun...no stolen pictures of the kids...no social media posts and NO technology between me and them. Which means, for the first time in a long time, I was truly 100% present. They had my undivided attention and it was glorious!<br />
<br />
<br />
I had conversations with my eight year old that I haven't had in ages! We chatted about earthquakes and tornados and tsunamis and life. And I can't even remember when last we had these kinds of talks...when last I really listened to all his questions. <br />
<br />
<br />
My almost 14 year old who never ever really shows any other emotion besides happy, had a moment of vulnerability and it made me realise that sometimes we take the jolly kids for granted and think that they need less of us because they seem ok...but really, they need us as much as everyone else and it took this moment for me to realise that I often overlook his needs. <br />
<br />
And then my oldest, who I often classify as moody, was just really, really happy that we spent a Sunday doing simple things, together. Proof that all teens really want is a little love, recognition, and undivided attention from their parents.<br />
<br />
<br />
And that's life as it is right now! When life gets this busy, you realise how quickly time is passing and it makes you wonder if we're really doing enough. Are we merely allowing time to pass, or are we really and truly seizing every moment and making the best of it? For me, there will always be a whirlwind spinning around...but it's in the unplugged moments, in the valuable time with my family where I find the calm that keeps me centred through it all.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjual7KI6ewnHgBk-lE7DRnJx-s2pdyR9CLOiHFzYNG1pc6BVCxL0y8zXH8o-49Vj6NbiSDp9IususagicclxxchX3qkLEp4s6dCGG_EzNrEOiX3EZQm4yA5Os-FO98N6odSsRcbL7Q5ukl/s1600/IMG_20170910_083442_804.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1080" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjual7KI6ewnHgBk-lE7DRnJx-s2pdyR9CLOiHFzYNG1pc6BVCxL0y8zXH8o-49Vj6NbiSDp9IususagicclxxchX3qkLEp4s6dCGG_EzNrEOiX3EZQm4yA5Os-FO98N6odSsRcbL7Q5ukl/s640/IMG_20170910_083442_804.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div align="center">
Thanks for reading!</div>
<div align="center">
</div>
<div align="center">
</div>
<div align="center">
Peace,</div>
<div align="center">
</div>
<div align="center">
</div>
<div align="center">
NAMU:)</div>
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07937370112210543248noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5573165486496956276.post-54970031010999408962017-08-25T08:56:00.000+02:002017-08-25T10:46:57.904+02:00The Recognition of Muslim Marriages<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<em><strong>When we get married, we only ever think of 'happily ever after' and don't expect for things to go wrong - but sometimes they do go wrong, and if you're living in South Africa and have only had a Muslim marriage ceremony (nikah), then you as a woman could most likely be at a disadvantage because of it since you won't be covered by South African law should something go wrong. </strong></em><br />
<br />
<strong><em>Today's post is by an anonymous guest writer who shares her story and struggles with the legal system after her divorce. Her story is one of many, and in sharing it we hope to make more people aware of the obstacles and struggles faced after a divorce...and also in the hopes that we can make valuable changes to the legal system that will protect us in the future.</em></strong><br />
<br />
<br />
"At the outset, I must say that my story is not unique. Many women find themselves in the same, if not worse position as me.</div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I was a student when I got married, and continued to study during the first year of my marriage, while assisting my then husband in the family business. I was encouraged to give up my studies when my eldest son was born to be a supportive wife and mother, while actively participating in the running of our businesses. Our aim as a couple was to work hard and save towards our retirement. We made many sacrifices to get to the financially stable position we were in at the time of our divorce.</div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I now find myself, after 19yrs of marriage, as a mother of 3 sons, cast out after all the hard work, without a cut & dried entitlement to a share of the assets accumulated together during our long-standing marriage.I am facing an uncertain future and no financial stability. My work prospects are limited as I have no work experience and my age is a factor too. I am 42yrs old.</div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I'm at the mercy of my ex-husband until the matter is resolved, a process that has taken over 2yrs already, without a trial date being allocated. I have to accept whatever he decides to pay in the way of maintenance.</div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Islam is a fair religion that promotes equality. In chapter 2 verse 231 as well as chapter 65 verse 2, the Quran explicitly states that in the event of divorce, the couple should either reconcile on equitable terms or separate on equitable terms. This means fair, just and equal. Why does the man end up with everything, while the woman is left dependent on the goodwill of male family members?</div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Many clerics argue that Muslim marriages are out of community of property, without accrual. However, our religion allows the couple to choose to share the assets equally.</div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
This is not a religious argument. Instead, it is a constitutional, human rights and socio-economic issue. Islam teaches that we are in a covenant with the country in which we live. The law of the land reigns supreme and we are bound to these laws. Our constitution guarantees protection from discrimination based on, among other things, gender, race and religion. As Muslims, we are protected in the workplace by this clause. Non-recognition of Muslim marriages is unfair, discriminatory and prejudicial.</div>
<br />
Muslim marriages should be regarded just as meaningful as any other marriage. By not recognizing our customary marriage, Muslim women are left disadvantaged and vulnerable.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The default position of the court for other marriages is to protect the vulnerable. Even the marital regime for African customary marriages has changed to align itself with the current law, in that in the absence of an Antenuptual contract (ANC) civil and African customary marriages are automatically in community of property. So why, more than 20yrs since the birth of a democratic South Africa, has the constitution still not recognized Muslim marriages?</div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Why are Muslim women being punished for not stopping at the nearest magistrate's court to get a civil marriage?</div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
There has been some progress in the recognition of Muslim marriages in that our imams are now becoming registered marriage officers and as such can, at the time of nikaah, register the marriage as a civil one. This protects couples getting married <strong><em>now</em></strong>, but those of us married pre-2014 are still not protected and are still in a very vulnerable position. There have also been numerous cases where judgement was handed down in favour of the wife, however, the wheels of the judicial system have been turning very slowly. In fact, it appears to have stalled when it comes to Muslim marriages; not enough progress is being made.</div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I believe the government can assist Muslim women by including Muslim marriages under current legislation. Muslim marriages should be subject to the same laws and recourse as other civil marriages. It's as simple as getting an ANC drafted, should the couple decide not to have a joint estate. If that is a requirement for civil and customary marriages, then it should be a requirement for Muslim and other religious marriages too.</div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I find that there's a lack of education when it comes to marriage. Both parties should be advised of their legal rights & responsibilities at the time of the marriage. This could be done either by the person officiating the marriage I.e. the Imam, or a marriage counsellor. As it stands, women especially are not aware of their rights, and most end up in a vulnerable position when the marriage ends in a divorce because they get married blindly, or in good faith or they quietly accept what the social norms dictate, rather than seeking legal advice. They also find that the system is stacked up against them as their Islamic marriage is not recognised.</div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The costs of going to court to resolve the matter is another factor which deters women from seeking recourse. As a result, many women don't exercise their legal rights and end up accepting whatever, if anything, is given to them as a divorce settlement. There have been so many cases where women and their children have been turned out of their homes because they don't know their rights.</div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The entire court process needs to be streamlined, and by recognizing our customary marriage and allowing us the same recourse as other civil marriages, we will not have to come to court to argue points that would have been covered under our current laws.</div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
This discrimination is leading to a lot of unfairness & injustice, especially in the case of Muslim women as they are from a minority group & their voices are not being heard. It's the duty of the government to listen to each and every citizen of our country and ensure justice and equality for all.</div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
South African Muslims, & South African Muslim women are stakeholders in this society. They have played a very important role in the struggles of our country's past & they remain integral to it's future. They cannot & must not be ignored."</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPv8ii6xDAfWf4P4P8KmKe3fm4Qqe2Oz0swBoiyuFLUiyOgy4_qt6HktSdwdBhen5t6gE_BRe60dJQhxCwvEw8hlBgZOWJCJiMSUef5tM3h-_8sMClFj-lgvw5j7q78Phe814iRmbU18F5/s1600/mh-holdinghands.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="333" data-original-width="500" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPv8ii6xDAfWf4P4P8KmKe3fm4Qqe2Oz0swBoiyuFLUiyOgy4_qt6HktSdwdBhen5t6gE_BRe60dJQhxCwvEw8hlBgZOWJCJiMSUef5tM3h-_8sMClFj-lgvw5j7q78Phe814iRmbU18F5/s640/mh-holdinghands.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
Thanks for reading!!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Peace,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
NAMU :)<br />
<br />
<br />
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07937370112210543248noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5573165486496956276.post-69477260503267894492017-08-23T07:41:00.001+02:002017-08-23T15:02:39.397+02:00Seventeen<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpYZozvLpgaiEG9b0s_PlhsFV1j3GbiXznCk5koZvxgir2j3n8HOWvASSaFAFWUBvC6QLqyEMdYj5WWQv-6gj1HV-RRaLEjlPlC0-Ha2gcxWx_hiq27YL_EzeFppCANpj6vaW4Uw836qvI/s1600/IMG_7441.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpYZozvLpgaiEG9b0s_PlhsFV1j3GbiXznCk5koZvxgir2j3n8HOWvASSaFAFWUBvC6QLqyEMdYj5WWQv-6gj1HV-RRaLEjlPlC0-Ha2gcxWx_hiq27YL_EzeFppCANpj6vaW4Uw836qvI/s640/IMG_7441.JPG" width="426" /></a></div>
<div align="justify">
</div>
<div align="justify">
</div>
<div align="justify">
Wow,17 years old already! Where did the time go! </div>
<div align="justify">
</div>
<div align="justify">
I've been thinking a lot about your birth day - the actual day you were born - and it got me thinking how privileged I am to have been able to watch you grow up and be part of your journey. There's a lot of memories housed in this heart of mine. 17 years of fun times and adventures and weekend outings and Summer holidays swimming in the backyard. 17 years of watching you grow into the charming guy you are today. Seventeen years! Seventeen...</div>
<div align="justify">
</div>
<div align="justify">
Over the years, the time spent together has become a little less frequent. Everyday visits turned into almost every day...to weekends...to most weekends...to some weekends (but hey, at least we still have school runs and holidays!). And as your life has become busier and your work load has intensified and your responsibilities increased, and all these new things have started to take up your time; I have been watching you from the side lines, my heart beaming with pride! </div>
<div align="justify">
</div>
<div align="justify">
But I think I have more than just <strong><em>watched </em></strong>you grow because, for the most part, you have grown up alongside my own children and in every way possible, you fill the role of their big brother. You guys have a close and unique bond and you all crack me up on a daily basis with your competitive banter and incessant laughter. Those few minutes driving either to or from school provides me with so much entertainment and we might not do things exactly like we used to, but that doesn't mean that we can't still have fun - seriously, I couldn't ask for more...maybe only that you all hold onto that bond even when you are old.</div>
<div align="justify">
</div>
<div align="justify">
You have accomplished a lot in this space of time...a result of lots of hard work and determination and I have no doubt that the future holds great things for you. Success, I feel, will come naturally to someone like you. Your diligence and perseverance paving the way. The only advice I can give you is to not be too focused on the road ahead that you forget to look back at the people watching and cheering you on as you make that climb. </div>
<div align="justify">
</div>
<div align="justify">
</div>
<div align="justify">
It's been a fun ride so far, and I'm so grateful to your mom for sharing you with all of us. I know there will come a point where we will have to let go a little more, when you studies and career will have to take precedence...and then a little bit more after that. Watching someone you love flourish and grow is a beautiful thing, but letting go is always hard. Right now we are here to support you as you fulfil your dreams, but always ALWAYS remember that no matter where your road leads; it also leads back to us. We love you, and we're extremely proud of you and we will always be here for you no matter what <3</div>
<div align="justify">
</div>
<div align="justify">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJ59JE_3tBtlPFTroJmPDtXQhfgR7T6Nvg4doWZJeAaOeR_75Ii3Ai3zEp0PtDuGbLsKd5IHzbmkL4Z7Z2AG0OfrTTWRScIZSKLufU3uhRPSlrYu7AWX8Zkb3W1AEtFrGkz0cLf6SXnvHD/s1600/_MG_2727.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJ59JE_3tBtlPFTroJmPDtXQhfgR7T6Nvg4doWZJeAaOeR_75Ii3Ai3zEp0PtDuGbLsKd5IHzbmkL4Z7Z2AG0OfrTTWRScIZSKLufU3uhRPSlrYu7AWX8Zkb3W1AEtFrGkz0cLf6SXnvHD/s640/_MG_2727.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<div align="justify">
</div>
<div align="justify">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRHBIkSzguzIM3cs57fiKnYW797d_JQD6xv8TdTiXEVIVJkrj1D6e3S1fvoKD2tt8ypYE81WH6YOvJsTKuC0fs1zc0ogxR1UUSM3V49UTXKcD3RBOCpSo9LKAkT1g4L9wCkGc084q06cDq/s1600/_MG_3918.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRHBIkSzguzIM3cs57fiKnYW797d_JQD6xv8TdTiXEVIVJkrj1D6e3S1fvoKD2tt8ypYE81WH6YOvJsTKuC0fs1zc0ogxR1UUSM3V49UTXKcD3RBOCpSo9LKAkT1g4L9wCkGc084q06cDq/s640/_MG_3918.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div align="justify">
</div>
<div align="justify">
</div>
<div align="center">
Love Always,</div>
<div align="center">
</div>
<div align="center">
</div>
<div align="center">
</div>
<div align="center">
JAAN <3<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<strong>YOU CAN FIND MORE BIRTHDAY STORIES TO AGU HERE:</strong><br />
<br />
<a href="http://namusnarratives.blogspot.co.za/2013/08/a-son-i-call-my-own.html">A Son I call my own</a><br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://namusnarratives.blogspot.co.za/2014/08/count-on-me.html">Count on Me</a><br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://namusnarratives.blogspot.co.za/2015/08/a-year-of-change.html">A Year of Change</a><br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://namusnarratives.blogspot.co.za/2016/08/celebrating-16.html">Celebrating 16</a></div>
<div align="justify">
</div>
<div align="justify">
</div>
<div align="justify">
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07937370112210543248noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5573165486496956276.post-10943375425156144022017-08-17T09:32:00.000+02:002017-08-17T10:13:55.664+02:00Travel Diary - An Afternoon in Old Phuket<div style="text-align: justify;">
The one thing I hate about family holidays is that I'm the only one doing the research! By the time we arrive at our destination, I have a mental record of all the do's and don'ts, places to eat, things to do and top places to visit. The only problem is trying to convince the other four members of my family that I actually know what I'm talking about. Nine out ten times I get them to reluctantly do as I say and then have them acknowledge afterwards that I was right. The other one time I just give up and we land up at a night market that's been on my to-do list from day one...only, we go there in the scorching late afternoon heat ( insert eye roll here).</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
There's a reason night markets in Thailand are so popular. Firstly, who wants to give up the perfect pool and beach day to browse for trinkets and souvenirs when you can do them at night instead; and secondly, it's the ideal way to escape the relentless Thai heat! Evenings are much cooler and bearable than the daytime, which makes it the perfect time of day to peruse all the interesting items on sale and shop for little trinkets for family at home. Night markets usually open in the late afternoon and carry on till very late at night.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Old Phuket Town has a very strong Sino-Portuguese influence which is quite evident in the distinct style of the architecture. Although there's lots to see in this little district, it requires a bit of walking; and the late afternoon heat had everyone (except me) yelling "HELL NO!!" So we browsed the market instead. Here you can shop anything and everything from fabrics, clothing, jewellery, electronics and fake Ninjago Lego (which we obviously bought for Zee).We also got to experience some typical Thai culinary specialties and were especially excited to see quite a few halal vendors! A particular highlight among the kids was the Nutella pancakes.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
One could easily spend hours perusing the stalls, consuming street food, or just chilling in a coffee shops an enjoying the vibe - easily...if you went after sunset when the sun's rays aren't beating down on you and causing you to sweat bucket loads! So we were kind of forced to cut our trip short because the heat was just too much, but not before we did just a bit of shopping! <br />
<br />
<br />
Overall, there's quite a lot of activity at night. I remember the bright lights and vibrant music beckoning to us on our first evening there when we went over the road to the beach to watch the sunset. My only regret is that we didn't venture out enough in the evenings...but I suppose it gives us enough reason to go back in the future :-) </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifM-cOmlTyzluxDUz5tb9uxJyTJ4aZLFhd3DeNWFqAmdNytlfvpZBb3K9TIUEvkhhWFka9pbOcPL5qYUsGdCgOtc8UoHItbCP4u0aMGL30AulIFHz_94cDZYSf2qGS2zuyl1WL5IqF3362/s1600/IMG_6329.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifM-cOmlTyzluxDUz5tb9uxJyTJ4aZLFhd3DeNWFqAmdNytlfvpZBb3K9TIUEvkhhWFka9pbOcPL5qYUsGdCgOtc8UoHItbCP4u0aMGL30AulIFHz_94cDZYSf2qGS2zuyl1WL5IqF3362/s640/IMG_6329.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiujyvPRN5371LGL4ZJPrxv180_drzNRH6JuQGhOgnZPxE-upZCKJtqJdStgJnkhSozt9l5kdyOUBkGrf-qNK_XoiPh11g3ilc4g-HondyOaMMnV_sacKcEhge3941ES4sz6hIAn8R3mrw_/s1600/IMG_6279.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiujyvPRN5371LGL4ZJPrxv180_drzNRH6JuQGhOgnZPxE-upZCKJtqJdStgJnkhSozt9l5kdyOUBkGrf-qNK_XoiPh11g3ilc4g-HondyOaMMnV_sacKcEhge3941ES4sz6hIAn8R3mrw_/s640/IMG_6279.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj33FvpnH-g6NU2Ydyvcfl1ZfZNbLdVwYSzoWjse1vhUKU1C2_1bci8AwyD2tusuvaiup30Ik1Qw6GyP_J8pld84CqGzFPZJkwvrbeUWz5gIDNn3OXD40YfmuGPHCR63K38yGsgFfZ7apNf/s1600/IMG_6280.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1076" data-original-width="1600" height="430" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj33FvpnH-g6NU2Ydyvcfl1ZfZNbLdVwYSzoWjse1vhUKU1C2_1bci8AwyD2tusuvaiup30Ik1Qw6GyP_J8pld84CqGzFPZJkwvrbeUWz5gIDNn3OXD40YfmuGPHCR63K38yGsgFfZ7apNf/s640/IMG_6280.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFJlGE-_IsyCrR-D5PfCpDsgMaEQdJa24IisoV-ZlAJx4d1fY0TRVju5IIkxRII4FpF0iQlGlt4hBbDAxgZm2vKq4Wu1m3kpdq5j0VfVivrpOupXMPlOQfcTnNfjmE8TW9_WXymKHKbpVe/s1600/IMG_6289.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFJlGE-_IsyCrR-D5PfCpDsgMaEQdJa24IisoV-ZlAJx4d1fY0TRVju5IIkxRII4FpF0iQlGlt4hBbDAxgZm2vKq4Wu1m3kpdq5j0VfVivrpOupXMPlOQfcTnNfjmE8TW9_WXymKHKbpVe/s640/IMG_6289.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqODZ4IzwwxVO3mp96EIVpb7pdWnR4jQcOsVtf63h3_LVhqtTYJbSJU8cJxJrZK9xmtAE7AaGylsFqCm6ij7gDnoNFga0QXHzAaJAGZd0zAN1lmvzdCSPDdcDTyDGETILWwMkmrxc_z9ph/s1600/IMG_6298.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqODZ4IzwwxVO3mp96EIVpb7pdWnR4jQcOsVtf63h3_LVhqtTYJbSJU8cJxJrZK9xmtAE7AaGylsFqCm6ij7gDnoNFga0QXHzAaJAGZd0zAN1lmvzdCSPDdcDTyDGETILWwMkmrxc_z9ph/s640/IMG_6298.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjstnKDauBG5qE4-PNBQoEB9Xv7SyoXVXkv0Io9zu_ltJg5JhNB4VIzYSlZpGS4T92IQqV0Iv6r2DtXe_RzIfN0aEDVRwn_6Q9PZcmaL2dPhtpPUym5cnQipQ6uftrsw3aIhU3K2y5c2_PZ/s1600/IMG_6290.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjstnKDauBG5qE4-PNBQoEB9Xv7SyoXVXkv0Io9zu_ltJg5JhNB4VIzYSlZpGS4T92IQqV0Iv6r2DtXe_RzIfN0aEDVRwn_6Q9PZcmaL2dPhtpPUym5cnQipQ6uftrsw3aIhU3K2y5c2_PZ/s640/IMG_6290.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5zM8pC515bT7deGdCD2JPRVEwgseB03xPey2LMY6BsakQbO0jHOgGAAzYZ9H0YwS8ntrrYTc6rP44ptTAnBnTywXo_o0Z-pEOnEEJEfEb1FE3E10P3KXljR_ajE6yI871RDaMhpeTbCbi/s1600/IMG_6294.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5zM8pC515bT7deGdCD2JPRVEwgseB03xPey2LMY6BsakQbO0jHOgGAAzYZ9H0YwS8ntrrYTc6rP44ptTAnBnTywXo_o0Z-pEOnEEJEfEb1FE3E10P3KXljR_ajE6yI871RDaMhpeTbCbi/s640/IMG_6294.JPG" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3YbumwICpLGS8S-PqKYLupuh1_FE8GEVyaijhrba9vN1MzcPRNpICMnoiyWzELVqT_l76-DjbCpodJLtgizuJh5lrW0q7CY0z69mZwE8gP7bRbCKtS3zc5TbYq-m-NVAMQSXnSxUGC4c3/s1600/IMG_6303.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3YbumwICpLGS8S-PqKYLupuh1_FE8GEVyaijhrba9vN1MzcPRNpICMnoiyWzELVqT_l76-DjbCpodJLtgizuJh5lrW0q7CY0z69mZwE8gP7bRbCKtS3zc5TbYq-m-NVAMQSXnSxUGC4c3/s640/IMG_6303.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBufMRdIU9cCtpNaZLnmAE9rPTVUPAo8rgD_fq312eTyE1UD14tYg-ZnSB-X0Lcj6-3kCLJKxigdZnC0WZRf1QynEK4t37ME_bvTE2-bOZbbfHjX1a0NpFWDD4EaV95V9NjoCan0UKQZNb/s1600/IMG_6291.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBufMRdIU9cCtpNaZLnmAE9rPTVUPAo8rgD_fq312eTyE1UD14tYg-ZnSB-X0Lcj6-3kCLJKxigdZnC0WZRf1QynEK4t37ME_bvTE2-bOZbbfHjX1a0NpFWDD4EaV95V9NjoCan0UKQZNb/s640/IMG_6291.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIm6E3egWV_V5q_HnpXkSNciou7DXXnqkJ8ZfWlG4DDDDBYxA4DRVNPNewWMI0m_PnufdktzT_zCArCO3Pjygrj6Mlbz5O-Ps4TMwOGjEvZjsidwvaiOPjQacNSzVY7zWkYLMQHpQMCodY/s1600/IMG_6292.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1236" data-original-width="1600" height="494" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIm6E3egWV_V5q_HnpXkSNciou7DXXnqkJ8ZfWlG4DDDDBYxA4DRVNPNewWMI0m_PnufdktzT_zCArCO3Pjygrj6Mlbz5O-Ps4TMwOGjEvZjsidwvaiOPjQacNSzVY7zWkYLMQHpQMCodY/s640/IMG_6292.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsH5aNnwDJyGGJfklSDw6VhO2378-xZX1M_ugWlp9EQaV0Es2hSZ0T_qKlMtF6Z2ZH9Dy7sdev5hn9tXCtJlFVAmXy4Co1HSOtuVCHz4wQTmW8KMcFesQ_jRJ7BajUDHPJqoAut0p9lKt9/s1600/IMG_6306.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsH5aNnwDJyGGJfklSDw6VhO2378-xZX1M_ugWlp9EQaV0Es2hSZ0T_qKlMtF6Z2ZH9Dy7sdev5hn9tXCtJlFVAmXy4Co1HSOtuVCHz4wQTmW8KMcFesQ_jRJ7BajUDHPJqoAut0p9lKt9/s640/IMG_6306.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdalhhHCbf09T740LvqlDebDtVZivbzjIe5wn9sYO3fAAziMlSQcb1D_v5LLW2w3dNjeT8P7XdrzudsPRyVwKAsE-NfroirqsQ54qTRM7Q7VNPf9wKuR2UE3_NQ7wAJHy3YFlqGNl-pcee/s1600/IMG_6308.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdalhhHCbf09T740LvqlDebDtVZivbzjIe5wn9sYO3fAAziMlSQcb1D_v5LLW2w3dNjeT8P7XdrzudsPRyVwKAsE-NfroirqsQ54qTRM7Q7VNPf9wKuR2UE3_NQ7wAJHy3YFlqGNl-pcee/s640/IMG_6308.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwBpa5ele9ntu9OhM1LuMA4OME9reIJHCQ4kkfn_gszBr7dBqDzcwbd3hyphenhyphenXAqsbII6UCm8ZFUExqEM26zeWnCOmiG-c3NbeBW5sVRVIT6Ep2QsBD4DbZ-xx9dHWKYtOdW7ewj54e0Uojcd/s1600/IMG_6317.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwBpa5ele9ntu9OhM1LuMA4OME9reIJHCQ4kkfn_gszBr7dBqDzcwbd3hyphenhyphenXAqsbII6UCm8ZFUExqEM26zeWnCOmiG-c3NbeBW5sVRVIT6Ep2QsBD4DbZ-xx9dHWKYtOdW7ewj54e0Uojcd/s640/IMG_6317.JPG" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div align="justify">
<strong><u>ABOUT THIS VIDEO :</u></strong> I really love how videos capture so many things that a picture can't! In this one I kind of strung together all the bits and bobs of our stay in Thailand into one video. I also decided to not edit out my squeaky voice in some of the parts...and at the very end you will get to hear my hyena laugh! LOL. </div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="270" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/u-O8o7A6iTE" style="height: 303px; width: 547px;" width="480"></iframe><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Thanks for reading!<br />
<br />
<br />
Peace,<br />
<br />
<br />
NAMU :)</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07937370112210543248noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5573165486496956276.post-33661802363704770212017-08-10T09:59:00.001+02:002017-08-10T10:35:28.621+02:00To the Indian Muslim Woman who said she's waiting before having children...<div align="justify">
We live in a society that has a pretty set idea about gender stereotypical roles, and although society at large is trying very hard to overthrow this stone age mind set; gender stereotypical roles and the way it dictates how life should unfold is still very much prevalent and has never been more so than in that of the Indian Muslim community! <br />
<br />
<br />
When I was growing up, I had a one track mind set on how I wanted my life to go. I pretty much wanted to find love, get married and have children. It was likely every Indian girl's fantasy; and every Indian parent's dream come true - to have their daughter "settled". I was young and impressionable and totally taken in with the idea that women should be homemakers and mothers. This was my goal and I wouldn't necessarily say that this was a cultural imposition from my family...it was more cultivated from how I perceived things and how society functioned at that time. <br />
<br />
<br />
Since then, things have evolved. Educated and career driven girls are no longer a foreign phenomenon. They have become the norm. Strong and independent girls with dreams and visions and goals of their own! And with this new breed, it seems like the destinies and roles of women - and Indian women in particular - is slowly starting to be reshaped.<br />
<br />
<br />
But seriously, back then if you were twenty and had no proposal, people would worry! Thankfully my parents were more open minded, and my mother especially pushed the boundaries of the stereotypical role of an Indian woman, and constantly still does (my ultimate hero I tell you!). We are four sisters who have all gone on to follow the unconventional Indian route, but that doesn't mean that the conventional roles and identities didn't still infiltrate our minds through many other influences - like Indian movies for example! Or the fact that most girls were getting married in their early 20's. It wasn't something taught to us, it was more what we saw happening around us. <br />
<br />
<br />
And now I find myself sitting on the complete other side of that equation. I found love. Got married. And had the children...I did these things young and not without some drama in between! I just think I had the wrong idea about the whole vision and what it all entailed. But the point of all this is that all these things...all these dreams and desires...all this responsibility and expectation that society puts on our shoulders - it comes at a cost. A cost I never ever paused to consider, and a responsibility far greater than I could ever have imagined. Because having kids is really not about completing me or us or making our little family whole. Having kids is a permanent responsibility that never gets easy. You need to shape and mould and guide and feed and nurture and teach and be an example...Having kids is a huge undertaking and having them should totally be up to you and not when and how society dictates it should happen.<br />
<br />
<br />
So, to the Indian Muslim woman who has decided to wait a while before starting a family; I salute you!<br />
<br />
<br />
To the girl who has decided to see a bit of the world before settling down to have kids...Do it! <br />
<br />
<br />
To the one completing her education - studying for her masters or PHD...Don't quit! <br />
<br />
<br />
To the one who has decided she's not yet ready for that kind of responsibility, and the one who is enjoying one more extra year of just the two of you as a couple...I fully support you! <br />
<br />
<br />
To the woman desperately wanting to have kids but struggling to conceive, I salute you too! I may not know your pain, but I know it's not made easier by society's prying questions or when they make you feel inferior because you haven't fulfilled their criteria of Love- Marriage- Kids. <br />
<br />
<br />
And to Indian, Muslim girl who has decided that motherhood can't wait, or who, like me, didn't have a chance to plan at all; I salute your choice to do life your way too! I know first hand that having them first is not the end of the world. I also know that kids sometimes help us grow more than we can imagine and I also know that having them doesn't mean you have to stop living or that you have to give up on following your dreams.<br />
<br />
<br />
So to ALL you women....I salute and support you in following your dreams. Because YOU are important. Your dreams are important. Your feelings are important...and you don't need to be married and have children at a certain time in your life for it to complete you. There's no one set formula that leads to happiness, and whichever way your life unfolds, you best believe that there's plenty of us supporting your plight!! <br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNls86zHKsYN4DPe-F7SRdkr9OY7S9x96cvigX83c4efFBik9c0NtHLK0R1eNuZRlCi8_-pRpQETmA6cKTlbc73m7heg75KoY3IYxKcS2HvoBpxl0XaM0KwbYpixoDrikr2ZvIL3K8pEYi/s1600/_MG_9110.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNls86zHKsYN4DPe-F7SRdkr9OY7S9x96cvigX83c4efFBik9c0NtHLK0R1eNuZRlCi8_-pRpQETmA6cKTlbc73m7heg75KoY3IYxKcS2HvoBpxl0XaM0KwbYpixoDrikr2ZvIL3K8pEYi/s640/_MG_9110.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiR8j0sRvTM_hB4Nrs99TcKQ-eDPLZO3rjCAoNBpYILEl07H4Mt_9nQpXaoBV3d9PECfJWEC5OLP9BgnPMCSdMOaHrljBEumNqNTeMilBzZvlXijj33QEriE7nSqZEu_z4xXdBJx6Yl5iCl/s1600/_MG_9248.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiR8j0sRvTM_hB4Nrs99TcKQ-eDPLZO3rjCAoNBpYILEl07H4Mt_9nQpXaoBV3d9PECfJWEC5OLP9BgnPMCSdMOaHrljBEumNqNTeMilBzZvlXijj33QEriE7nSqZEu_z4xXdBJx6Yl5iCl/s640/_MG_9248.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div align="center">
Thanks for Reading!</div>
<div align="center">
</div>
<div align="center">
</div>
<div align="center">
</div>
<div align="center">
Peace,</div>
<div align="center">
</div>
<div align="center">
</div>
<div align="center">
</div>
<div align="center">
NAMU :)</div>
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07937370112210543248noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5573165486496956276.post-13785177440152160902017-08-06T19:45:00.000+02:002017-08-07T10:36:48.973+02:00Travel Diary - Cave Canoeing and Snorkeling in Phang Nga Bay, Phuket Thailand<div style="text-align: justify;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEvQ8MenQSJ4eprtTqOojEd8TTAV1vx7hXwxPK4dIDPDrjoccaAre0-0OFnJ-KcV1spp1R_eR6o23x1pKA-sfPyjblIn-B9_VRLqFwsDuaKmC3BVyUVGev25BJgG6yAvzO3tUcu4jgr_0j/s1600/IMG_6155.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEvQ8MenQSJ4eprtTqOojEd8TTAV1vx7hXwxPK4dIDPDrjoccaAre0-0OFnJ-KcV1spp1R_eR6o23x1pKA-sfPyjblIn-B9_VRLqFwsDuaKmC3BVyUVGev25BJgG6yAvzO3tUcu4jgr_0j/s640/IMG_6155.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Sometimes you look at travel brochures, and your destination lands up being pretty...but nothing like those brochure pictures depicted it to be. I must admit that that was my very first impression of Thailand - seen through the exhausted eyes of a traveller who had just gotten off a long flight and surviving on very little sleep. But Thailand landed up being every bit as beautiful as the brochures - if not a little more so!<br />
<br />
One of the best way to experience Thailand's natural splendour is through one of the various island hopping excursions on offer. There are many ways to got out and explore these islands and whether you decide to take one of the infamous Thai long tail boats, or do the tour via speedboat; one thing is undeniable - and that is that Thailand is unmistakeably beautiful! I cannot emphasise enough that if you are headed to Phuket, at least one Island hopping excursions is a MUST (There's two popular excursions on offer - this one, and Phi Phi Islands. We did both). <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0ChSmktCPPvduBdvLYRzdCROlmEk0_TMI0PzeBTmdlpHqW9Fd0V4lLT5D-TnBxjUpJqqPYPI1dFbrVG7ujdLKvtpdNEdsVayTq7g5JXWsvX8x0XInXz-uhC2Ut_-7-LBA1bw0oWJphSOc/s1600/IMG_6136.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0ChSmktCPPvduBdvLYRzdCROlmEk0_TMI0PzeBTmdlpHqW9Fd0V4lLT5D-TnBxjUpJqqPYPI1dFbrVG7ujdLKvtpdNEdsVayTq7g5JXWsvX8x0XInXz-uhC2Ut_-7-LBA1bw0oWJphSOc/s640/IMG_6136.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjct7ghnrfwOeiUf6Toeuqcy0AheTlu5zZzQykeF53ZRNRQatPjoqibjI9keTxcm1UEj39zl-if0O0jZhlY5UgdlpB8nNPgnMji5KcBWjmVrNNRdmj3qrHWyFOXvPOxhygeBec6Q7g8tdvH/s1600/PhangNga+%25281%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjct7ghnrfwOeiUf6Toeuqcy0AheTlu5zZzQykeF53ZRNRQatPjoqibjI9keTxcm1UEj39zl-if0O0jZhlY5UgdlpB8nNPgnMji5KcBWjmVrNNRdmj3qrHWyFOXvPOxhygeBec6Q7g8tdvH/s640/PhangNga+%25281%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Perhaps the worst part of this day trip was having to get up early; especially since everyone was still pretty much jetlagged and struggling to adjust to the new time zone! Our shuttle was due to fetch us at 8am (and for some reason I thought it was 8:30), so I set my alarm for about 6am to give us enough time to get done and grab breakfast - which, I must also add, was about 1am South African time...so the struggle to open our eyes and get the day started was very real!!!<br />
<br />
We made our way to the reception desk by 8:15, thinking we were early; but quite typical of us, we were late! To add to the mornings drama, I had forgotten to change the backdoor of my GoPro to the waterproof one, so husband and son headed back to the hotel room to fetch it. All in all, a very eventful start to the morning, but I must commend the Thai people for their patience. They were very understanding and accommodating through it all. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br />
We then got dropped off at the pier, which was about a 20 minute drive from our hotel, where we were put into different groups depending on the tour we were taking, given a quick synopsis of what to expect from the tour, and offered some complimentary drinks and snacks as we waited for departure time. And then we were off in of these cool speed boats with about 12 other people! <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMMNqw4pw12ztbHJ_1BQqxVdmCnab52KZW_w2I10M5U9IYHgNrNtf13vuXAIbXCLiwQoSjMqsm7n5kc1RrYCab9uiV6KA9Pq6GMBSOT_jQ_avzQKD6muhzGwLZfvOGpNHsX6Y1xLRRmFl7/s1600/IMG_6334.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMMNqw4pw12ztbHJ_1BQqxVdmCnab52KZW_w2I10M5U9IYHgNrNtf13vuXAIbXCLiwQoSjMqsm7n5kc1RrYCab9uiV6KA9Pq6GMBSOT_jQ_avzQKD6muhzGwLZfvOGpNHsX6Y1xLRRmFl7/s640/IMG_6334.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Once you make your way out of the pier and deeper into the Andaman sea; it's impossible not be mesmerised by the natural beauty of Thailand! And if you're inclined towards photography like I am, then it's also impossible to not have the desire to photograph everything in sight. With the green tinged ocean all around us, and lime stone boulders of all shapes and sizes jutting out of the ocean, and lush, green mangrove forests peeking out everywhere - everything is a photo opportunity and there's no arguing that Phang Nga Bay had made it's mark on our hearts. <br />
<strong><u></u></strong><br />
For the life of me, I can't remember the name of the first island we stopped at. All I can recall is that all of a sudden the water changed from green to blue, and being completely captivated by the crystal clear shores! It certainly made waking up at the crack of dawn worthwhile. Here we were given time to swim and snorkel, and there were also little shops selling kaftans and trinkets which we didn't really spend any time perusing at all. There were also jet ski's available at an extra cost. Life jackets and snorkels were provided free of charge as part of the tour. <br />
<br />
I was on a high...the kids were on a high...the water was perfectly warm and the destination was beyond beautiful! Swimming side by side with exotic fish was equally exhilarating...Only sad part was when we were told it was time to move on to the next stop.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWyA7DztkOvPY-SxOUkqU-iRYoOXERV8gIRljNxMsJWNgFYRwsGcuplWctSn1tCo1Ichz496vtC84rE6uefeWcVWFPSilHZCXAxG1ZqVTt4eydQCFMZymjBAumMKl3vtAy9tBOrvhdM5FR/s1600/IMG_6102.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWyA7DztkOvPY-SxOUkqU-iRYoOXERV8gIRljNxMsJWNgFYRwsGcuplWctSn1tCo1Ichz496vtC84rE6uefeWcVWFPSilHZCXAxG1ZqVTt4eydQCFMZymjBAumMKl3vtAy9tBOrvhdM5FR/s640/IMG_6102.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjayB2vV5u9hewt7ZfcwatFy6IV9kUSZZrQ67hkrSn1NNZRwRbSElEuzqQb-NjH7tW7hKPJxMfJohVndZjVdgvy3qi4lMt3TmwS6xhcgLswdQr7jL5wEy_cli5sWTtIJiYLU6qI1r2Vsb97/s1600/20170415_071835.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjayB2vV5u9hewt7ZfcwatFy6IV9kUSZZrQ67hkrSn1NNZRwRbSElEuzqQb-NjH7tW7hKPJxMfJohVndZjVdgvy3qi4lMt3TmwS6xhcgLswdQr7jL5wEy_cli5sWTtIJiYLU6qI1r2Vsb97/s640/20170415_071835.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Most of the pictures featuring me was in the form of a selfie!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXev5TU1ORi0eYOSBNpT_We4SLKlJXWomJ2_SZRwRCHO3nSW1_4IcrXG7Bc9xXbRJRaxLcg9epb_0Of0bmwS-5gVMl77hE_g0-W-4_6kXMq_xzxeOnXwlHJNTcfKH-rM1nlSfYpvIdoM4L/s1600/IMG_6106.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXev5TU1ORi0eYOSBNpT_We4SLKlJXWomJ2_SZRwRCHO3nSW1_4IcrXG7Bc9xXbRJRaxLcg9epb_0Of0bmwS-5gVMl77hE_g0-W-4_6kXMq_xzxeOnXwlHJNTcfKH-rM1nlSfYpvIdoM4L/s640/IMG_6106.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCawTo2D4tzUtOMMBsVMwijWPghnSFlChzgRqGJVxfrGeoDEi7PvoX98n8ui4TnXOUnaff3YWWASrX0AVqtEeMqvsl1TtePRrnI9-mPCsw5QuJNJi_GqWwsRRV6nd4WVxGZW1MOhFfKRq_/s1600/IMG_6115.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCawTo2D4tzUtOMMBsVMwijWPghnSFlChzgRqGJVxfrGeoDEi7PvoX98n8ui4TnXOUnaff3YWWASrX0AVqtEeMqvsl1TtePRrnI9-mPCsw5QuJNJi_GqWwsRRV6nd4WVxGZW1MOhFfKRq_/s640/IMG_6115.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmA9rRLs-uebUbFJNYDDn7pVx0AxkGv8aYsg6Ky3cS65O1Z7tJzhsDYRHss2YqKeAQPUNnsglLIBQIfTTjYSGNzzVlaniJmd04etXUGay_g9nyJ_QGVnqvcoh0lsgbgU2iPtKc-NsL7jPn/s1600/IMG_6109.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmA9rRLs-uebUbFJNYDDn7pVx0AxkGv8aYsg6Ky3cS65O1Z7tJzhsDYRHss2YqKeAQPUNnsglLIBQIfTTjYSGNzzVlaniJmd04etXUGay_g9nyJ_QGVnqvcoh0lsgbgU2iPtKc-NsL7jPn/s640/IMG_6109.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZeUI0qIOx_TO37Kw3RBrisVScg99JkXpoYH6UpSK1WNXHsIc1Au5tocXrzxbNrY95uSyiVDUjOdoMumtuu0fVeFNw_gqNDQ80fV3w7jtkDk1wTiDyawQmK22DY3yhSAfwI6N1ExxgaadS/s1600/20170415_080123.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZeUI0qIOx_TO37Kw3RBrisVScg99JkXpoYH6UpSK1WNXHsIc1Au5tocXrzxbNrY95uSyiVDUjOdoMumtuu0fVeFNw_gqNDQ80fV3w7jtkDk1wTiDyawQmK22DY3yhSAfwI6N1ExxgaadS/s640/20170415_080123.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Our next stop <em><strong>was Khao Ping Kan</strong></em> also known <strong><em>as James Bond Island, </em></strong>made famous by the 1974 James Bond movie, <em>" Man with the Golden Gun". </em>This really seemed to be the pride and joy of the Thai people. James Bond Island is sold to us as the highlight of this particular tour, and everyone is encouraged to go and take photos at the rock made famous by Roger Moore. This is quite a smallish island plus it was high tide and also full of tourists. We pottered around the island, soaked in the incredible landscape and snapped a few pics; but wouldn't consider this stop to be the highlight of the day. <br />
<br />
Also, by this time I was starting to feel more like the hired family photographer than an active member of the family - even though it was largely self inflicted! I was a bit frustrated because I had all these beautiful pictures of my husband with the kids but hardly any (actually none) with me and them. The only remembrance that I was even in Thailand was a couple of selfies and a few shots I half forced the kids to take of me. Then too, it looks like I took a trip to Thailand all by myself while their loving father, my dear husband, went on a family vacation with the kids! At this point I realised that my camera lens was coming between me and family having a good time together and I needed to put it down and live in the moment with them instead of trying to capture every single moment. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKe2D7QSzlqSiPeOgl1M3-em00ddaJF0VHHEUp5B84jEKLotuUtQEupB1hTHk8xXU0Q2iqV7s55JJiXaE2kkBaf6H-1ofcd_ohXS8kXm5NGhnWnjit0i1vx0hq-G26-xNOsXYwjk9cpZw8/s1600/PhangNga+%252824%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKe2D7QSzlqSiPeOgl1M3-em00ddaJF0VHHEUp5B84jEKLotuUtQEupB1hTHk8xXU0Q2iqV7s55JJiXaE2kkBaf6H-1ofcd_ohXS8kXm5NGhnWnjit0i1vx0hq-G26-xNOsXYwjk9cpZw8/s640/PhangNga+%252824%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSjbZ-Ob3X5xnWmU_s5p9iVmW4-cTbHGDJJ_3MiUmzBS4Ypo-FDs2eXPRhn8aCA6wAwV7MdPAe3FO5aXhbuob9yzQbpCeSwUzpxxnFGEvALqpnh7AbLTwb6pUW0ByevZc1aTS82cKcZ4nW/s1600/IMG_6146.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSjbZ-Ob3X5xnWmU_s5p9iVmW4-cTbHGDJJ_3MiUmzBS4Ypo-FDs2eXPRhn8aCA6wAwV7MdPAe3FO5aXhbuob9yzQbpCeSwUzpxxnFGEvALqpnh7AbLTwb6pUW0ByevZc1aTS82cKcZ4nW/s640/IMG_6146.JPG" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7mkwCXi2HbmGHGd1pLEucHgK-Iyapi2QaLF_0PAkOqGhnH9LO6H6s-Zt921zeB8-paTcao4-5kWTsvM30xWznSfKC_Y1JB7TStYervbHCYkFh3gGCjll427f3Zq8oLeBq08MkeIVzt7Nu/s1600/IMG_6167.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7mkwCXi2HbmGHGd1pLEucHgK-Iyapi2QaLF_0PAkOqGhnH9LO6H6s-Zt921zeB8-paTcao4-5kWTsvM30xWznSfKC_Y1JB7TStYervbHCYkFh3gGCjll427f3Zq8oLeBq08MkeIVzt7Nu/s640/IMG_6167.JPG" width="426" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNNyqfDQjlVKkj_nfeAysyNDEmGQL7LRoPTrdEIHIa3cp7V7z2ZQJSNw5xTaXgXVyXIGKyN1Ae7Ocjxjq3ALmaz2Te2smHpyj2O3LsyRDfQyEx4QvG-_HZqa2u4h_Dl8atQv0Q8_JNomyQ/s1600/IMG_6139.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNNyqfDQjlVKkj_nfeAysyNDEmGQL7LRoPTrdEIHIa3cp7V7z2ZQJSNw5xTaXgXVyXIGKyN1Ae7Ocjxjq3ALmaz2Te2smHpyj2O3LsyRDfQyEx4QvG-_HZqa2u4h_Dl8atQv0Q8_JNomyQ/s640/IMG_6139.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlDuvzJxlXLdTVc8OACBocXVzI8Bq_MdlATGs4ukznNnWRJR9fRLUxSjwHYqFSbwop3g734rMW_qLA7u9eH_rvOCM8vVvnAVRot287qHnS4zDdPmwubj2pXLRB8GjMOlSg1lmp-NNS7mNQ/s1600/IMG_6153.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlDuvzJxlXLdTVc8OACBocXVzI8Bq_MdlATGs4ukznNnWRJR9fRLUxSjwHYqFSbwop3g734rMW_qLA7u9eH_rvOCM8vVvnAVRot287qHnS4zDdPmwubj2pXLRB8GjMOlSg1lmp-NNS7mNQ/s640/IMG_6153.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0r0rKjrQ9qF-3Nf73GH4M0vI4VOZrR7qswU8aTzAM1nRVR-CPAd2plLOkUvQtfnhwbWRin5dBdbo431Ke9-L_u6izwaBFDcBVciZDyent52keUG8ztJgGbnARtfI7SImRL5HxvV4-OKUj/s1600/IMG_6161.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0r0rKjrQ9qF-3Nf73GH4M0vI4VOZrR7qswU8aTzAM1nRVR-CPAd2plLOkUvQtfnhwbWRin5dBdbo431Ke9-L_u6izwaBFDcBVciZDyent52keUG8ztJgGbnARtfI7SImRL5HxvV4-OKUj/s640/IMG_6161.JPG" width="424" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjW5FB0iM_yQBbBEF2Bz96Boha7oWTcNMSAbW2DGXzwvXFiLQYRWN_ceuvTNPIkM-aNQXJUSNBoTDxeKdOZBjxv0H2pdxa_3sviKq4FG2fRJYUYPsIPp9tMXrMszgiPf6hivW15lNxhWEIn/s1600/IMG_6177.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjW5FB0iM_yQBbBEF2Bz96Boha7oWTcNMSAbW2DGXzwvXFiLQYRWN_ceuvTNPIkM-aNQXJUSNBoTDxeKdOZBjxv0H2pdxa_3sviKq4FG2fRJYUYPsIPp9tMXrMszgiPf6hivW15lNxhWEIn/s640/IMG_6177.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGA2jCS95FcWwNuwGqILk7lufVcvN1mCVYczDzyN4qOUrgtdvvskI96zlhzO5xiVcbfVPZD-gt_N8NWuN9yjDSXAFgsOpyTp2sguiZNW1ZeDdfjJzp1S_-HOJOEIRKSqvieih7GITkvj9D/s1600/IMG_6184.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGA2jCS95FcWwNuwGqILk7lufVcvN1mCVYczDzyN4qOUrgtdvvskI96zlhzO5xiVcbfVPZD-gt_N8NWuN9yjDSXAFgsOpyTp2sguiZNW1ZeDdfjJzp1S_-HOJOEIRKSqvieih7GITkvj9D/s640/IMG_6184.JPG" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEim1prCumjCBcU23qGGpqi15XXeE1qoM-pHBn8LFZMZCtfQy7x3oAq2S2dqHWIMhyBROiUZL3BmjeF5edW5vf2b09FVhTe8jZ69ycjDxOD603weNKO0w5znNnivQCrf8SE495cnz5GOS7fp/s1600/IMG_6152.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEim1prCumjCBcU23qGGpqi15XXeE1qoM-pHBn8LFZMZCtfQy7x3oAq2S2dqHWIMhyBROiUZL3BmjeF5edW5vf2b09FVhTe8jZ69ycjDxOD603weNKO0w5znNnivQCrf8SE495cnz5GOS7fp/s640/IMG_6152.JPG" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj46Ga_1V2N-2bFqW19QQsFpJJAQyLTOm29FL4PXzxq53WjiMavMVrdV7XlBipoOrbCYjKMqx7mFqgOY_v326-A_XjJxmWPkbMTKsmLQ7puIEWJDnPfheiCOcN7PLRCbPD3sIM_N40IIWRL/s1600/IMG_6165.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj46Ga_1V2N-2bFqW19QQsFpJJAQyLTOm29FL4PXzxq53WjiMavMVrdV7XlBipoOrbCYjKMqx7mFqgOY_v326-A_XjJxmWPkbMTKsmLQ7puIEWJDnPfheiCOcN7PLRCbPD3sIM_N40IIWRL/s640/IMG_6165.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2xxexgktE4B0wf8lEM9RHkMuF1qhJ1ietYNCBNh_oGU4u8bxmrlQ7lCYlhX6OnUR-NJdKAJ-_NiBd1VGOpXLC68Xelk88s4S-xffu5_F__fi5vLiU0E5IoxMeTjFNk0BJ_3mehpdrkACV/s1600/IMG_6193.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2xxexgktE4B0wf8lEM9RHkMuF1qhJ1ietYNCBNh_oGU4u8bxmrlQ7lCYlhX6OnUR-NJdKAJ-_NiBd1VGOpXLC68Xelk88s4S-xffu5_F__fi5vLiU0E5IoxMeTjFNk0BJ_3mehpdrkACV/s640/IMG_6193.JPG" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixuNVbeZk9N0M97FDn5n5LYHO4DlZS_HIAY07UfEu7By94Jq_7phbpAth3q8h0trrCUhcBPqvMBMvkyPDXcmfOGwkzGvTME8rN0mhryolXJ5ydNsrrvZVfxXw2MdVZ6Jxa5uo4oz3t3XcE/s1600/IMG_6196.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixuNVbeZk9N0M97FDn5n5LYHO4DlZS_HIAY07UfEu7By94Jq_7phbpAth3q8h0trrCUhcBPqvMBMvkyPDXcmfOGwkzGvTME8rN0mhryolXJ5ydNsrrvZVfxXw2MdVZ6Jxa5uo4oz3t3XcE/s640/IMG_6196.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<strong><em> </em></strong><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7hX1X7KjepwDIjVIwffOxgLVacLGk2sOBUdYr3Vk8yIljBdwMsXdjAaDOzc6qGBCswReJxU93tt3lntU1maC5jYfPWv1bhwlbq6CjO-fpX9ASg5D_OhA2ryKoCXAh_y1a9m4NXzNd_B5B/s1600/IMG_6125.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7hX1X7KjepwDIjVIwffOxgLVacLGk2sOBUdYr3Vk8yIljBdwMsXdjAaDOzc6qGBCswReJxU93tt3lntU1maC5jYfPWv1bhwlbq6CjO-fpX9ASg5D_OhA2ryKoCXAh_y1a9m4NXzNd_B5B/s640/IMG_6125.JPG" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1bbZ7sXJqyMJZbBDSumZTYNyXqjEX4aNgnp2tq9H7YJ2e6nXe8BVqNiDJEU-x3rtqMME29hZFTRwR43VrtoHpxd-2qr5KDpk0rVAk2tN8tpUruw6NYpTrk6hZmiC35Fa_XxTy2MxjJfz4/s1600/IMG_6170.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1484" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1bbZ7sXJqyMJZbBDSumZTYNyXqjEX4aNgnp2tq9H7YJ2e6nXe8BVqNiDJEU-x3rtqMME29hZFTRwR43VrtoHpxd-2qr5KDpk0rVAk2tN8tpUruw6NYpTrk6hZmiC35Fa_XxTy2MxjJfz4/s640/IMG_6170.JPG" width="592" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><div align="justify">
See my face in this picture? I was so peeved after having to beg my kids to take a picture of me an their dad. Of the very few pics of the two of us on this holiday, my face landed up looking like this!! Happy memories 😂😂😂. Anyway...look, I was there on the family vacation! </div>
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Next up, was the floating village of <strong><em> Koh Panyee </em></strong>where we stopped to have lunch.<strong><em> </em></strong>Koh Panyee is a Muslim fishing village in Phang Nga Bay, established over 200 years ago by three Indonesian families who left their homeland looking for a new place to live. The houses are built on stilts and the colourful rooftops provide a break in the limestone laden landscape.<br />
<br />
The whole place is like a maze of alleyways and houses and we were warned not to venture out too far or we may get lost. While this is mainly a fishing community; the women set up shop outside their homes selling interesting jewels, trinkets and souvenirs...and lots of and lots of pearls! This quaint little village wasn't lavish, but it was interesting to see and the people were extremely warm and welcoming. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEje2h35Ql8SsbdLcdO437_ZrfSMgmozGkGPjkpzClv7lsgSuGulBgN68SEIkeQFFbSyg_88__c0k3hXvtoUt7gktqfj9qjCMetSDMsbju4Il0x7oPD6UWysMhnCGrnGuwwDLjg5CWIVdGgW/s1600/PhangNga+%252820%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEje2h35Ql8SsbdLcdO437_ZrfSMgmozGkGPjkpzClv7lsgSuGulBgN68SEIkeQFFbSyg_88__c0k3hXvtoUt7gktqfj9qjCMetSDMsbju4Il0x7oPD6UWysMhnCGrnGuwwDLjg5CWIVdGgW/s640/PhangNga+%252820%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsgj2aMNo6lieeE8NXLXKyuZQ0h0DGVOxqqeEfxyUsf8BNLJ3oZTDIokT6VnO1MZcckZj0tt88QrdIboVIgTJmZfewsGSpd6F7CbdcddKpmcF2P5BNnOpIs1_PzV8ZS0gcCVejtyyKaA73/s1600/IMG_6208.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsgj2aMNo6lieeE8NXLXKyuZQ0h0DGVOxqqeEfxyUsf8BNLJ3oZTDIokT6VnO1MZcckZj0tt88QrdIboVIgTJmZfewsGSpd6F7CbdcddKpmcF2P5BNnOpIs1_PzV8ZS0gcCVejtyyKaA73/s640/IMG_6208.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMLbW4V2Ns1nlyJoaSbnsnYfBekDfAyzfe8RkQkjvJ9kchlOo4_ojW1WRcEqaExIjqxk2AVgQd2ovjTlncNJTlMNChi6z9UE6fmsQIpyAsIZVFjFobZMFG5t1TMFn6CnihnKm4qDbeMy_j/s1600/IMG_6210.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMLbW4V2Ns1nlyJoaSbnsnYfBekDfAyzfe8RkQkjvJ9kchlOo4_ojW1WRcEqaExIjqxk2AVgQd2ovjTlncNJTlMNChi6z9UE6fmsQIpyAsIZVFjFobZMFG5t1TMFn6CnihnKm4qDbeMy_j/s640/IMG_6210.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj60UHfpJHhaBv0y-mkdOZxJO5csbFmQCjNF17wz8SWTD3WEW8_8PNIpJeY3vPI2ntjnMoRJxrbmm4qs7l0BzqTtG27S9b5KBclSYjjIQbL_hPajc78bn6Cawl6Ay6bncOa8BSoH-CD7010/s1600/IMG_6222.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj60UHfpJHhaBv0y-mkdOZxJO5csbFmQCjNF17wz8SWTD3WEW8_8PNIpJeY3vPI2ntjnMoRJxrbmm4qs7l0BzqTtG27S9b5KBclSYjjIQbL_hPajc78bn6Cawl6Ay6bncOa8BSoH-CD7010/s640/IMG_6222.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-rUuy94KERzmpMvoqU2B8wOzlhsGm7GJAyLJDpdE5l7KUOeIVVF-bLQ450wk3wCWOSBtUJbWAGDTXt2YYCP7FlQx_4OHFP58o3NV9zrEnVEuA5Y31kSainCKb8_OHNyw67UwMC_SFpNuU/s1600/20170415_105441.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-rUuy94KERzmpMvoqU2B8wOzlhsGm7GJAyLJDpdE5l7KUOeIVVF-bLQ450wk3wCWOSBtUJbWAGDTXt2YYCP7FlQx_4OHFP58o3NV9zrEnVEuA5Y31kSainCKb8_OHNyw67UwMC_SFpNuU/s640/20170415_105441.jpg" width="360" /></a></div>
<br />
Our next stop was the cave canoeing site, something all of us were really looking forward to! By this part of the day I started to ease up with the photo taking and really got into enjoying all these once in a lifetime experiences with my family, and we were all a lot happier for it. I snapped a few pics still, but I did not let it dictate the day. <br />
<br />
I was on a canoe, somewhere in the middle of Phang Nga Bay, wrapped up in the arms of the person I love....My hair was a mess and I was sweaty and stinky; but high on adrenalin and excitement while exploring hidden caves and concealed lagoons and sharing all this splendour with my children! It was both tranquil and exhilarating at the same time, and an undeniably magical experience that I will never ever forget!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimKaQhs87WLL5CxXH503VomvOI1gLZQhfZ8mYT6jMLWjCrrKOMJJ5_bFMPG2Fq6gH1J4eMER7A-rjtoXfFnyovcnxQTO3Bk4d3vFr8dSsu3W1BDCj3r_OuE-l5sxL9bmgMO61I-465mpZE/s1600/20170415_114853.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimKaQhs87WLL5CxXH503VomvOI1gLZQhfZ8mYT6jMLWjCrrKOMJJ5_bFMPG2Fq6gH1J4eMER7A-rjtoXfFnyovcnxQTO3Bk4d3vFr8dSsu3W1BDCj3r_OuE-l5sxL9bmgMO61I-465mpZE/s640/20170415_114853.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIqPhLr0DXAUHqpwnG9XzsYUlLYUQg2kf5DfFQnjB8-qnUHYahx90jd3zLg0gDX1RGSUBhFjElhj1AZOM4Hss_SlY52_JokZMzriQ1S69qE-ac-qn2qguTUZs9wlKNiCTjLaPGRf9zhuOZ/s1600/PhangNga+%252817%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIqPhLr0DXAUHqpwnG9XzsYUlLYUQg2kf5DfFQnjB8-qnUHYahx90jd3zLg0gDX1RGSUBhFjElhj1AZOM4Hss_SlY52_JokZMzriQ1S69qE-ac-qn2qguTUZs9wlKNiCTjLaPGRf9zhuOZ/s640/PhangNga+%252817%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7mzMF3hRemFFUyEP-hd5VkhwBEPx1P_8lhOT_iv93U8y7RBnY8Ez0d7ZzRGOiUxRCcXLB-q8GPc3lvqGR-uujD7bIlEDwXIQkHTK0SV1Xw-RCBoCMXEx6Mb0UdmPyy_pvG7i9ZYTipBQQ/s1600/20170415_114831.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7mzMF3hRemFFUyEP-hd5VkhwBEPx1P_8lhOT_iv93U8y7RBnY8Ez0d7ZzRGOiUxRCcXLB-q8GPc3lvqGR-uujD7bIlEDwXIQkHTK0SV1Xw-RCBoCMXEx6Mb0UdmPyy_pvG7i9ZYTipBQQ/s640/20170415_114831.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxAKTbOKEOHqVHGyyLLfhEKOMSxS9_JajDl-WyHD140colAA3xO2Q0NCZ1klncmYkkXGfiUiUTOZowt-OQTgB1BoShhmflqRuXygbnUNdUwoiyb6MLev-Jvjf7FT6VkotVhqSax01wW68A/s1600/20170415_112822.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="846" data-original-width="1600" height="338" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxAKTbOKEOHqVHGyyLLfhEKOMSxS9_JajDl-WyHD140colAA3xO2Q0NCZ1klncmYkkXGfiUiUTOZowt-OQTgB1BoShhmflqRuXygbnUNdUwoiyb6MLev-Jvjf7FT6VkotVhqSax01wW68A/s640/20170415_112822.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiktsLJ6TjfbsnuyoGWDHXqUvKi1FdLAxXCggwP7kX-meUNFQpGWWnMfa0gxBMYybcabsg3F-mrhcs49BHlCOoi7FHfFvMjz6mRsQHKQwhVPvDS5eGW6EJylQ7gwvzHAuPeSG9gBvMvHLeX/s1600/GOPR0954.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiktsLJ6TjfbsnuyoGWDHXqUvKi1FdLAxXCggwP7kX-meUNFQpGWWnMfa0gxBMYybcabsg3F-mrhcs49BHlCOoi7FHfFvMjz6mRsQHKQwhVPvDS5eGW6EJylQ7gwvzHAuPeSG9gBvMvHLeX/s640/GOPR0954.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAmDe9oRY8R3XI0SNdSLUsheFmagaDv_veMUXvnQVc_V452gGSR6osZ7AgssJFfqsb5BtEmgkYl2iITxnLFWH1Au2U7Snq_Vk9-BOXU4Rr2rgGL9hUBhGCbpEJPO0Mkxj3MQiqgLglnyAB/s1600/PhangNga+%252896%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAmDe9oRY8R3XI0SNdSLUsheFmagaDv_veMUXvnQVc_V452gGSR6osZ7AgssJFfqsb5BtEmgkYl2iITxnLFWH1Au2U7Snq_Vk9-BOXU4Rr2rgGL9hUBhGCbpEJPO0Mkxj3MQiqgLglnyAB/s640/PhangNga+%252896%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<strong><em> </em></strong><br />
<div align="justify">
</div>
<div align="justify">
The last island we visited was <strong><em>Rang Yai Island </em></strong>which, from a distance, looked exactly like the island in the movie Moana. This stop is not promised as part of the tour package and was more of a bonus stop, after making it through all the other stops in our tour before we needed to head back to the pier. Of all the stops, this was the most tranquil and least populated with tourists. </div>
<div align="justify">
</div>
<div align="justify">
The beach was lined with coconut trees and mangrove forest with tree swings hanging from the branches and beach recliners seeking refuge in it's shade. I was very tempted to capture a few pictures on those swings, but opted instead to put down all technology and just enjoy the moment without having to capture it all. It was a liberating moment for me on this holiday and even though I don't have the pictures to show for it, I will forever carry the memories of these final moments on this beautiful island in my heart <3</div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg43gWN3VFVIHTc3g_L2N5pon6Zn9nSRQdo6F_5vabIjnp2iKkaXfz_Gke4cSlgp7Dtb3yEujLddo9iA2SmOOnorAtFSUumVZRdBL12LV4TNt65n51gXF2gu21XjWKTaQzrtd5XdXOdN9p5/s1600/IMG_6228.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg43gWN3VFVIHTc3g_L2N5pon6Zn9nSRQdo6F_5vabIjnp2iKkaXfz_Gke4cSlgp7Dtb3yEujLddo9iA2SmOOnorAtFSUumVZRdBL12LV4TNt65n51gXF2gu21XjWKTaQzrtd5XdXOdN9p5/s640/IMG_6228.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMpAiFPgeX-c_COlPL72jlxoHbgSKPaMXx95FNcdsFe1AvftzxJdfVCiyE9OPdH4ID1dOuI8H6mSmw5Zvn57FUOfk0RLtJPaBUJTVShASyMSntpL9Xt39DvrltZrEq7wiw_rZotD1P-tKO/s1600/IMG_6230.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMpAiFPgeX-c_COlPL72jlxoHbgSKPaMXx95FNcdsFe1AvftzxJdfVCiyE9OPdH4ID1dOuI8H6mSmw5Zvn57FUOfk0RLtJPaBUJTVShASyMSntpL9Xt39DvrltZrEq7wiw_rZotD1P-tKO/s640/IMG_6230.JPG" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-wUW2i-p9KW9x_Ad1N1P9l6tUB4z_-BD-Pn8HYaI_LkHfRwFtyoacYvzxpwyOdzFPlEnNQK0kUkV6vmrWvpwTE6vZpgKn1o6ihsf0gactC7R7evbYwzk1eWaDwazs3XNHxUIV1nlc2pvt/s1600/IMG_6260.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1300" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-wUW2i-p9KW9x_Ad1N1P9l6tUB4z_-BD-Pn8HYaI_LkHfRwFtyoacYvzxpwyOdzFPlEnNQK0kUkV6vmrWvpwTE6vZpgKn1o6ihsf0gactC7R7evbYwzk1eWaDwazs3XNHxUIV1nlc2pvt/s640/IMG_6260.JPG" width="518" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZZf14ULq8mSiC2vEnQLoUVAhT5r8boDGR2IRx95xxarTydAh_5kNy1fcoOUKRzwnFbFiJqjnpTh5iOrhI522jdTpF9wMkqSXVtSPNitk3kye76p85hfYyMDA13RKV227Qc2i5EXZpr3n7/s1600/IMG_6263.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZZf14ULq8mSiC2vEnQLoUVAhT5r8boDGR2IRx95xxarTydAh_5kNy1fcoOUKRzwnFbFiJqjnpTh5iOrhI522jdTpF9wMkqSXVtSPNitk3kye76p85hfYyMDA13RKV227Qc2i5EXZpr3n7/s640/IMG_6263.JPG" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9dxV0udh584R-6PXi3kAf5dcQo3illMt3wDQSrbnwrkTMXqEPj_EJDwb7yArFYtEDbMWDzSrLV2JScB9YuZFlsReYJemn_pMxOAoYFpGTm5ma-s5Fi8Jnh3Lk1N16d3uXBCeeeKFiES7Q/s1600/IMG_6271.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9dxV0udh584R-6PXi3kAf5dcQo3illMt3wDQSrbnwrkTMXqEPj_EJDwb7yArFYtEDbMWDzSrLV2JScB9YuZFlsReYJemn_pMxOAoYFpGTm5ma-s5Fi8Jnh3Lk1N16d3uXBCeeeKFiES7Q/s640/IMG_6271.JPG" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSEJUixAFtTbvpDAE9EDm1vOIgj-5f34pk4tj4AY_7XDsR_yMLb86IB6ORdLXPNJ6GzRPebFZtRq17mMrTWYDPGG4nX4e0a5byQJypnGGPjsf8E2JQkDyq42X6-h8RuMjdTM-zS-FLwoAh/s1600/IMG_6274.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSEJUixAFtTbvpDAE9EDm1vOIgj-5f34pk4tj4AY_7XDsR_yMLb86IB6ORdLXPNJ6GzRPebFZtRq17mMrTWYDPGG4nX4e0a5byQJypnGGPjsf8E2JQkDyq42X6-h8RuMjdTM-zS-FLwoAh/s640/IMG_6274.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<strong><em></em></strong><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9kkRCXlyosmgYPDsdpUhG5-natWMRbTQ0dPHM34ITnf4NdKVJZHlmXIK88nYkCOQK9M2ktbvRITw5Zq6MpsM_x8xFXDXdn9tmLvksgCFJWfpQZ1GXjTYCxupNARtgqIpZWfqU81fAUb7q/s1600/IMG_6225.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9kkRCXlyosmgYPDsdpUhG5-natWMRbTQ0dPHM34ITnf4NdKVJZHlmXIK88nYkCOQK9M2ktbvRITw5Zq6MpsM_x8xFXDXdn9tmLvksgCFJWfpQZ1GXjTYCxupNARtgqIpZWfqU81fAUb7q/s640/IMG_6225.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<strong><em></em></strong><br />
<strong><em></em></strong><br />
<div align="justify">
<strong><u>ABOUT THIS VIDEO :</u></strong> This holiday was my first attempt at trying to put together an actual video. Admittedly, it's a time consuming process; but it's really such a beautiful memory to have of our trip. And the thing about compiling them so many months later means that we get to relive all the special moments. It's been rewarding see the kids light up when watching it after all this time...and I can only imagine what it would be like to scratch it out after many years! Hopefully they won't cringe...hopefully they will receive it much as they did now - with a smile on their face and a whole lot of good memories! </div>
<div align="justify">
</div>
<br />
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="270" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/NeYScEV8PDo" style="height: 342px; width: 577px;" width="480"></iframe><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Thanks for reading (and watching the video)<br />
<br />
<br />
Peace,<br />
<br />
<br />
NAMU :)<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<strong><u>LOOKING FOR MORE POSTS ON OUR TRIP TO THAILAND? READ HERE:</u></strong><br />
<strong><u></u></strong><br />
<strong><u></u></strong><br />
<strong><u><a href="http://namusnarratives.blogspot.co.za/2017/07/travel-diary-destination-thailand_5.html">Destination Thailand : Hilton Phuket Arcadia Resort & Spa</a></u></strong><br />
<strong><u></u></strong><br />
<a href="http://namusnarratives.blogspot.co.za/2017/07/travel-diary-chalong-temple-phuket.html">Our visit to Chalong Temple </a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://namusnarratives.blogspot.co.za/2017/07/travel-diary-tiger-kingdom-phuket.html">Tiger Kingdom, Phuket</a><br />
<br />
<br />
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07937370112210543248noreply@blogger.com0