Pole Pole ndio mwendo – Kenyan Proverb

Malindi hasn’t changed too much over the last years, a new Post Office ( there used to be a bus stop there), a few newly built houses but still same ol’ messy traffic, bikes, tuc-tucs. Wonderful. After a few hours sleep it was definitely “time to face the music” and meet old and new friends, explore the wonderful Kenyan coast and make the most of this wonderful holiday. So, here we were : 4 Blondes on a mission :) The wonderful beaches in Che Shale, Watamu, the emerging islands of Mayungo and even Lamu…nothing was safe this time!

Che Shale    

 

 

Watamu

Mayungo

Just a few impressions of one stunning day after the other, and yes… I had to put up with being the “pale” one for most of the holiday. Anyways, the most amazing part is probably our trip to Lamu, an island approx 30 minutes flight from Malindi which could not be any more different and beautiful at the same time. The beaches are absolutely endless… But, first things comes first.

After a wonderful New Year’s Eve including the traditional jump into the swimming pool the Four Blondes were on their way to Lamu. After a short flight we landed at Manda Air Strip and were picked up to be taken to our accommodation for the next two nights – the Peponi Hotel in Shale, located right on Lamu island and approx 30 minutes by boat from the air strip. Lamu is wonderful, and since 2001 been classified as a world heritage site to preserve the oldest inhabited Swahili settlement south of the Sahara. Shale, were the Peponi is located, is 2 miles away from Lamu and has one of the most wonderful beaches I have ever seen. The narrow streets are characterized by coral-decorated high-built houses and is definitely more touristic than Lamu. Two days were definitely not enough to fully enjoy this wonderful place, but we managed to squeeze a few things in: an extensive walk to Lamu, an aperitivo on the Floating Bar in front of Shale, the negotiations with the local boat owners ( with the most random names ever…), the party in Manda ( across to the other island) with some really random people but the coolest music ever, countless drinks on the veranda of the Peponi…

Shale

Lamu

Let me share a few more random impressions with you that characterized this wonderful holiday from the first to the last day. A big thank you goes to Barbara, Bene & Vale for being part of the Blondies Group and making every single moment memorable and unique. And of course to all the other special characters I had the honour of meeting again or for the first time: Toti & Veru ( and the little ones), Tata Patty who is like a second mom to me, Claudio who never appears to either sleep or eat but is adorable at all times, the girls young at heart who taught us that life never gets boring, Freddie and his infinite imagination, Jaguaretti who always knows how to treat the ladies ( with a freshly made chocolate souffle’!), Pippo and his wonderful melodies, and the list goes on and on and on. Thank you all.

We will be back!

Tine

Curacao is one of the three ABC islands, better known as the Netherland Antilles, located an easy 9 hours (!) direct flight from Amsterdam and just above the coastline of Venezuela. About 6 weeks ago I finally followed my inner need for sun, sea & fun and I jetted off to Willemstad. For about two years my friend Wolfi has been living and working there and considering this project is coming to and end soon I really did not have any further excuses not to go.

After a crazy o’clock wake-up in the morning, an almost missed flight in Heathrow and 9 1/2 very long hours later I finally arrived to fabulous 32C and sun…and it was only half past three in the afternoon!! After a very quick check in to the hotel we were almost immediately on our way to the first of many Happy Hours on the beach. Tiredness suddenly did not really matter anymore and Mari & Wolfi looked after me properly with beer and rum & coke until I could not really stand anymore. I’ve got to say though…that first moment when my bare feet touched the sand and hopped into the sea…I was one happy girl!!! Good that that was only the start to a fantastic holiday! The first couple of days were dedicated to a gentle approach to the sun ( I had a slight green shade on me after 2 beach-less years…) and various trips here and there with my favourite tour guides. Among other things there were BBQ’s near the beach, the best Sushi I ever had and more Happy Hours. No reason to complain really :)

The beach & the view from my balcony at the Marriott Beach Resort & Emerald Casino

View from the lobby…not too shabby

Day 4 of the holiday and things are getting slightly more “interesting”. Wolfi had booked us on a Jeep Safari to explore the island off the beaten track from the slightly rougher coastline all the way to the Christoffel National Park. I am not entirely sure how that old Land Rover coped with the 7 of us and all of that up & down, but it once again shows that the good old mechanics should probably get more trust than we like to give them…

Really rough coastline, and me…still really really white…

The Vodoo Cave

A local artist made these with items washed up by the sea

View from the top in Christoffel National Park & our Jeep

Well…this is the point where the whole thing gets a little messed-up. The top of the mountain was the last stop of the tour and shortly after taking these last two pics I climbed back down towards the car, which really wasn’t a tough thing considering there was a path and all. I am not entirely sure how and what happened, but about 2m from the car I tripped/ slipped and fell rather badly on the stones. Next thing I know is that my left leg is bleeding rather profusely and after a very prompt reaction from Wolfi and another passenger I am sitting in the front seat of the car and they are trying to do whatever possible with the first aid kit. Unfortunately I am really bad with wounds & bleeding ( = I pass out), so I could not even look at it all…it did not hurt at that point, but they both seemed very preoccupied. That was also the moment when I heard the word “stitches” for the first time. Great…this was going to be an interesting day!

In no time we were shooting down the hill to get back to civilization and take me to hospital. No point in getting into the details ( Eeeeeeek!), but a good 2 hours and 7 stitches later we were on our way to Wolfi’s flat. Obviously one needs to prioritize things…after that ordeal I really needed a beer and a cigarette!!!!

Gross. Anyways, back to more pleasant things. In the end of the day I could have let this ruin my holidays in some way…well, there certainly wasn’t going to be any more swimming, snorkeling, crazy unka-unka ( = dancing) or other walking-related things, but I couldn’t let that happen. Of course, there was rest and nursing involved, but there were things to do, places to be, beers to be drunk…

A few days later we had an early start and about 8 of us joined a boat trip to Klein Curacao. This little strip of land is located about 2 boat hours away and is definitely worth a visit. I would absolutely not recommend doing this trip on a day when there is a) very strong wind & b) the boat is going against it. Within an hour 2 /3 of the passengers where hanging overboard fighting with real bad seasickness…forget the pills, even they don’t work! The relief was great when we finally arrived…and what a little strip of paradise it is!!!

The old light tower is abandoned and literally falling into the pieces, but what a beauty when one is approaching…

Wolfi & Thomas jumped off the boat and swam ahead to “reserve” one of the sun-thingies. Essential in this place!

As you can see there are a few relicts around…but really not much more. And here’s me recovering in the shade, sometimes it’s needed! :)

The return to Curacao mainland was nothing compared to the morning, even our most fierce sea-sick people were fine and between beers & songs we were back in no time. Ah yes, of course…just in time for HAPPY HOUR! Once again :)

My favourite past time – Sudoku ( yes…) & sunset on the beach! No swimming permitted, but that was certainly not holding me back from soaking in as much sun as possible. The walking was more like stumbling, but it was certainly feasible.

Stunning Sunset.

The ten days were over way too quickly, as it mostly happens when one is having fun. Agreed that I could definitely have avoided the whole falling-hospital-stitches thing, but all in all that did not completely spoil it. Everyone was absolutely adorable and I was looked after so well! Particularly by my private nurses Mari & Wolfi :) Danki ( = Papiamentu for Thank you) from the bottom of my heart for making this holiday truly memorable, and a big Danki goes to the Hilton gang as well…those BBQ’s were absolutely brilliant!!!

Bon Nochi!

Tine

What is the best medication to get over this whole winter/ new year's blues? Right...leave town!!! So far so good, it's mid February and I have already been abroad twice this year :)

On 23rd January Lou and I headed to Heathrow at crazy o'clock in the morning to catch a flight to New York. A 4-day adventure that turned into a real good fun trip. Yes, it took me about a week after to get over then jet-lag, but it was worth every minute. It would seriously take me forever to write everything down, so here are a few impressions of " Lou, Em & Tine in New York!!!!"

Lou seriously enjoying our one-bedroom suite :)

Grand Central Station

Times Square, feels a little like Picadilly Circus...very very busy!

Central Park all covered in Snow. It was soooooooooooo cold!!!

Rockefeller Centre. Way too high up for me, but worth it!!

Brooklyn Bridge.

The Bull on Wall Street

Lady Liberty

The Guggenheim

The temperatures did not really get above freezing at any time, but the sun was an advantage. Plus, it really made everything look even more gorgeous!!! Some additional memories that I have taken home with me are... NY hot-dog in front of the Met, Mr Cat in the little grocery store, Victoria Secret's massive store on Lexington, the Sex & The City Tour ( yay, Cosmoooo!), the massive cemetery on the way from JFK to Manhattan, the skyscrapers, the "closed" mexican restaurant, Times Square by night, the security search to get on the ferry to Ellis & Liberty Island, finding the bull!!!, brunch by Grand Central Station, Bloomingdales, finding our way around without map, Chinese New Year, the cupcakes (mmmmmm!), trying to get on a cab at 2.30am ( ...and getting ripped off!), Canal Street, the view from Rockefeller and on and on and on... :)

Now I just need to save enough money to survive a one-week shopping spree there and I will be back!!! I ♥ NY!!!

However, I am aware that I mentioned 2 trips abroad. The next one happened about a week later. And while not so spectacular, spending a week in the swiss alps with your dad and some good family friends is definitely a good way to relax and enjoy. I went to Scuol, as usual once every 2-3 years - this time hoping to catch some decent snow and just indulge in a little snowboarding. Looks like I ticked all the boxes, the snow was amazing, the weather good on a couple of days and we just had a very good time. No need to add more I believe....

I have promised myself a few more trips this year, destination to be confirmed...but watch this space!!!

Tine

To all my family and friends - Have a wonderful 2009 filled with joy and happiness.

Lots of Love

Tine

Ps. I was there... NYE in London, freezing cold, but absolutely a-m-a-z-i-n-g. Thanks to Lou, Gary & Paul for a fab evening!

I have always known that I sometimes get hit by what I call "my strange moments" :), well in a nice way obviously. It's just that sometimes my brain gets hit by some strange vibes and next thing I know I am up to something that others would not even consider. Don't get me wrong, I don't have a problem with that at all...it just makes me think sometimes, and smile most of the times when I think back to that particular moment. Well, here you have it...I have done it again. :)

Janet & Paolo's wedding - which had been planned pretty much for over a year - was due to take place near Johannesburg in South Africa on 17th October. I would not have missed that big occasion for anything on the world, but instead of perhaps trying to plan it a little bit more in detail, I just let time go a little bit too fast pass by. Ooops, well...the hotel was booked anyways, but when it got to sort flights out I definitely didn't have too much luck. Whatever, cutting a VERY long story short...I ended up going for 4 days. That would make it an 11 hour flight each way...22 hours in total.... and 2 days in the country...it makes me smile even now that I am typing this. Anyways, here is Tine on her way to the African continent on a Wednesday afternoon/ evening with ( you are not going to believe this!!) the grooms suit in her suitcase. Honestly, I was quite giggling to myself all the way imagining horror-scenarios of missing suitcases etc, but you will be pleased to hear that suitcase and suit arrived safely at destination. The rather uneventful flight arrived in Joburg at around 8.30am in the morning and a short while later I got picked up and we were on our way to Toadbury Hall , somewhere in Gauteng ( about an hour drive if the traffic is ok).

What a gorgeous place!! In that particular moment it hit me that I would not even get a chance to check it out a little more before flying back...and I was definitely not impressed with myself. Anyways, here we are...Toadbury Hall.

Within a few hours the others from the "UK contingent" arrived and we just made the most out of the gorgeous weather, the sun, the pool ( freeeeeeeeeeezing!!!) and the amazing surroundings, while Paolo and Shane were sorting the last wedding-related duties and completing all possible check-lists. What can I say? Absolutely perfect :) Saturday morning was dedicated to sun, sun, sun , pool and more sun - proof is this pic taken by Michelle while we were clearly all way too relaxed to notice!

With the wedding scheduled to start at 3.30pm it was kind of weird to see the groom STILL in the pool an hour beforehand...well, apparently the entire bridal-party was running slightly late, I guess that is excuse enough :) Here are a few more pics.

Groom & Best Man

Paolo.....very smiley and very hot ( that 3-piece suit really didn't do any favours!)

Toadbury Chapel

The stunning bride :)

The first duty of the new husband: "Hold the umbrella". We did have a few spring showers unfortunately...

I would have loved to check out the lion park and a lot of other bits and pieces I heard about, but it was not going to be on this occasion. After a wonderful wedding party, usual late drinks until crazy o'clock in the morning, a stunning breakfast in the sun and a few hours to chill out I was already on my way back to Joburg airport. London welcomed me back with 8C and rain...do I have add anything else? :)

So, while I am still trying to convince myself that I have actually ben there and not just dreamt it - I will have to make sure to go back to visit very soon and make up for the missed opportunity.

Tine

2 long months after my last entry (more or less) I finally find myself with a few spare minutes to dedicate to my blog. Bad me, I have completely left that on one side for the duration of the summer...too much going on, no Internet and oh well... enough of excuses. Honestly, there hasn't been happening that much, except trying to get my feet back on the ground and get the flat sorted. We still haven't quite reached that point, but definitely on the best way there. At least now I have Internet at home...

Just got back from a weekend in sunny Milan. I think it has been the most devastating weekend in a long time..he he he... who was there with me, knows!! :) I arrived there on Thursday for a little reunion we organised via Facebook with some real old school mates - elementary school to be precise. What a glorious night! It was really good to catch up with everyone, share a few pints (or more) and make the most of it...beside of the fact that undeniably we are all getting a tad older...

Friday was dedicated to my girlie Ade and her big Birthday madness. Good that that only happens once a year...we all paid with a king of a hangover and general aches and pains. Not mentioning a few pictures that should have never been taken in the first place. Opppps! Well, the good times go way too quickly don't they? I have been back for a couple of hours now, it's raining and cold...nothing much on telly. Here are a few random selected pics from the last 2 months for your entertainment:

Lucy and I on the roof of our office building - Friday afternoon aperitivo with a a bottle of pink bubbly. Well, one needs to make the most of the late summer sun, right??

Tate Modern - September 2008

Wedding near Munich - September 2008

Including glorious Bavarian weather :)

Boat Trip down the Thames to Greenwich

Sunset from the Tate Modern balcony

First Snow ... plane view today ( Milan Linate to London City). No wonder it's so b... freezing. Heating's on!!!!

I've done it...the one thing that has accompanied me for the last 6 months on and off has finally turned into reality and...wow...what a weird feeling it is. Ladies and gentleman, it is official :

I am a flat owner!!!

I have just spent the first hour in my own four walls, wandering around and somehow waiting for the decisive moment when it would dawn on me that it is all very real now. Well, I am sure you can guess that that never happened. I am not particularly bothered though, the whole concept is rather unbelievable just by itself and now there will be all that fun of planning and sorting it out. Hopefully I will get there within 2-3 weeks so that I can move in and make the most of it. Yaaaaay!

Nothing more to add at the moment, I really need to do some serious research and get my planning hat on, otherwise I'll never get there. Brilliant, from one building site (office) to the next ( home), I should really be an expert at it now...we'll see. For those of you who are still waiting on the story and pics of Bene's 30th - Total White Party...please accept my apologies. There has been quite a lot going on and I just have not had the time to finish the entry yet - I will try to get it all online very soon and share with the world what a bunch of muppets we are, or should I say Ice Cream Sellers??? Those of you who had the privilege to take part will know perfectly what I mean ;).

Lots of Love

from a VERY happy Tine

I guess it's time to apologize again. I had planned to write this over 2 weeks ago, but as it sort of goes... busy bees like me don't always find the time :) Anyways, here it is...

It clearly wasn't enough for me to visit Italy a month ago, I could not turn down the opportunity of the bank holiday weekend ( and a prediction of seriously bad weather...as always!) to hit the air and direct myself back to Italy once again. The plan on this occasion was slightly different...Milan on Friday night and then 2 1/2 days in Siena - Tuscany.

Brilliant, in fact I had been bouncing off the wall for a week expecting to go. Friday here we come, and I am on my way to the airport - once again :) Heathrow Terminal 5 is actually very nice. Slightly confusing once the main hall is reached, but hey...long years of airport experiences have proven to be fruitful and everything else went really quickly. I almost wished I had planned a little more time before the departure...helloooooo the shops!!! There's even a Tiffany's! Girls, brace yourselves...these shops are seriously cool. Anyways...with a standard delay of about an hour I arrived in a very sunny and warm Milan. Whoooo-hooooo!!! Apparently it had been raining for 2 weeks solid. Guys, I told you I would bring the sun with me!!! :) Friday evening was dedicated to my girlies and we spent some very constructive hours near Radezky for an extended aperitivo. The massive hangover the next morning ( wake-up @ 7.15am!!!) proved that it had been a successful evening as usual.

The main reason for our trip to Siena was Davide's birthday. That lucky fella actually grew up there and what better place to celebrate than there??! I had never been to Siena before, but was immediately struck by its beauty. You are not allowed to drive beyond the city walls unless you live there and have a special permit, but honestly...it's tons better to take it by foot. Just make sure you don't wear any heals, it may be slightly difficult to get up and down those steep little roads :)

Stunning view on the most beautiful square in Italy ( seriously!!) Piazza del Campo and the Torre del Mangia. This is where the famous Palio is held twice a year during the summer months and the entire city becomes very competitive. They are divided in 17 contrade, named after the dragon, the duck, the shell or even the tower and they race against each other in a very complicated draw-based system. I have learned quite a bit about the Palio during these couple of days and I would definitely love to go and see one. We even watched the dvd of last year's ... let me tell you, people get completely bonkers - purely out of joy. It's incredible.

As you can see we managed a little sightseeing :) but the obvious reason for our visit could certainly not be ignored....and it was two days of fun, drinks & food :) What can I say, that boy knows how to throw a good party and we certainly did not turn down the opportunity!!!! Enough said though, let me entertain you with a few more random pics...

Thank you Davide & Dome for contributing some pictures. I am not even sure anymore which ones I took, oooooooops! :) Anyways, there is one more little story to mention...and that is the Palio draw in Piazza del Campo on Sunday evening. I didn't think that sqaure could hold that many people, but apparently it gets worse during the Palio ( not surprising!!!). Remember I mentioned rather complicated rules relating to this race? Well...as I may get it wrong I better don't get into too much detail, but it appeared that the whole of Siena met in Piazza del Campo to find out about the participants in the July & August races. How about this sight... ? I have to admit it was about 4 Campari's later, so a lot of people had already left, but it certainly gives a random idea.

I was really sad to leave, but hope come back for another visit soon. Perhaps with a little less vino and more Campari??? Mmmmm, haven't decided yet :) Once again Happy belated Birthday Davide, thank you for the invitation....it's been fab!!!!

Ok ok, the footie is on in a minute, and as Italy is playing I better get ready psychologically. GO ITAAAAAALLLYYYYY!!!! Back soon with more news, promised!!!

Tine

This time in sunny Civitanova Marche, located just about half an hour from Acona - somewhere more southern than central Italy on the Adriatic coast. Unfortunately the only way getting there rather quickly from London is with one of those lovely low cost airlines I so hate. Never mind, after my last attempt about 3 years ago I though it was time to give them another chance and, oh how weird, they did not disappoint me... it actually got worse! I have to admit that the hangover on Saturday morning did not help enhancing the flight experience, but hey...I am normally relatively easy to please. I swear!! :) After a long contemplation I have actually concluded that most of my hate is caused by the travelers involved in this type of "adventure"... I guess I will never get used to the fact that everyone starts running madly once they're behind the boarding gate. Only one comment: 'Get a life!"

But I am not going to waste precious lines and words on this oh-so-useless airline or Stansted airport, there is way more to be said about this beautiful region of Italy - Marche. I have been visiting this gorgeous part of Italy since I was a little girl and now my parents have decided to get themselves a little flat there. The city itself may not be particularly beautiful or picturesque, but only a short drive away you are either on the beach or in the hills. Each of these has a little town or something worth visiting and once you drive through the valleys there are lots and lots and lots of shopping outlets of all sorts. Anyways, we had a little family gathering and tried to make the most of two glorious & sunny days.

What a view... This was in Montecosaro, one of those small towns located on a hill top about 15 minutes from Civitanova. It somehow feels like being out of the world, really peaceful and green. You will find a few tourists there, almost as if nobody wants to risk getting lost in those valley-streets where even your sat-nav gets confused because of all the curves. The main square is tiny and in the sunny corner you will find a group of elderly ladies & gentlemen sharing stories of past and present and eyeing at any outsider that may dare entering their world.

We also wanted to visit Loreto, a popoular catholic pilgrimage site located not too far from both Montecosaro and Civitanova Marche. Legend has it that angels brought the house of Maria from Bethlehem to Loreto and a church has been built around it. Unfortunately we also got lost on those treacherous streets, and had to rush to Numana for our dinner reservation. I am sure there will be another occasion to explore the area a little more.

In case you're wondering...that's my "litle" bro Stephan.

Too bad he is the one that inherited the right genes and is a lot taller than me :) Oh well, I am still the older one , if that counts for anything??!

Another weekend that passed way too quickly, and sooner than I would have imagined I was already back at the airport heading back to London. But...no time to despair, there is lots going on. A new office building to organize, a flat purchase to sort out ( and have an incredible amount of patience...) and looking forward another long weekend away in a weeks time. Milan will have me for one evening, then we are heading to Siena for 2 days. Can't wait!!! Watch this space for more stories...

Tine

...in a little cafe near the Thames. Nothing more needs to be added.