I only spent one day here but it was lovely. I did not book any Semester At Sea trips and just decided to go with the flow. The first thing I did was go to the local market which was a great idea because it was all locals. There were lots of fruits and small clothing items, wood work, textiles, etc. to be purchased.
Mauritius has a wide range of cultures...Indian, Chinese and African are the main ones. They also speak French because the French were there at one point. All people and their religions get along peacefully and respect eachother. You could see a Hindu temple close to a Chinese restaurnat and everyone is happy! I love that!!!!!!!!!!! Other countries can truly learn from this way of life!
We (Amy and Alice and I) went to China town where we had dim sum...and loved it. We then found an amazing taxi driver that took as around the entire day for a very reasonable price. He took us to a Hindu temple, numerous beaches and the main one we stayed around Grand Baie. There we did a little shopping, ate lots of fried street-vendor foods (and didn't get sick), ice cream (Pistachio of course for me...oh and mango.lol) and dipped our feets in the soothing Indian ocean. The beaches are beautiful and calm, the water super clear, the sand soft and white...just relaxing place to be in. A definite vacation destination. Mauritius is like the Hawaii of Africa!
The people were lovely, a lady at a shop would always say "what do you need darling" ;) Darling was her word! ;) People are at peace there.
Lots of sugar cane fields on an island about 40 miles wide, lots of religions, lots of people, lots of water...slow island life, very hot and humid and very beautiful!!!
I will be back! ;)
Peace and Light!
Up next...India!!!!!!!!!
Sunday, March 1, 2009
Ah South Africa, the first country to truly reach the depth of my soul! I have shed tears of joy, tears of clarity, wisdom, connection...an awakening of the spirit that recognized the beating of the drums from the very start. I was home in South Africa and my spirit somehow new and revealed it to me throught my visit.
The very first day I took part in a project for Habitat For Humanity which was building a home in a local neighborhood of Mfuleni ( I think that's how it's spelled). I had a wonderful time and spent most of it painting and playing with the local children. The nearby neighbors did all they could to make us feel comfortable and coocked us an amazing meal (chicken, rice and vegetables) and the occasional snack (bread and home-made juice/soft drinks). Habitat for Humanity has build a lot of new homes in the area which is such a blessing to the families considering how difficult it is to afford one. The children are adorable and gravetate to foreigners. They usually receive many gifts like stickers and pens and lots of play time and hugs. Most of the time they don't ask for anything and just want to be hugged or carried. Their smiles are of the brightest sun and their eyes filled with dreams and hope, some more than others.
That night I would go dancing to a spot called Mama Africas in Long Street. It was a great place with one of the best bands I've ever seen. A fusion of African vibes and popular music. The band whose name I do not recall where amazing musicians...they had a singer with an amazing range, a few marimba players, a trumpet player, a sax player, a drummer...They were incredible! We (tatiana, sassa, jade and I) ended up making friends with them and found ourselves dancing through the night often showcasing our skills on stage! ;) The crowd loved it! ;)haha You know me, I gotta dance! ;) hahalol
It was a wonderful night and I had great conversations and sweated a lot! (My work out for the day)lol
The next day I took off for my Safari in Pilanesberg....Wow!!!! We took a flight to Joburg (Johannesburg) that took about 2 hours and then a drive that took about 3 hours to the game lodge called Ivory Tree Lodge. You must go!!!!!!! It is absolutely beautiful. My room was amazing! Comfortable beds, modern bathrooms with a huge bathtub, two sinks, a separate room for the toilet and guess what....and outdoor shower!!!! ;) yup! ;) Just lovely. Pilanesberg has mountains which is a great set up for sunsets and sunrises and all in between. We had game drives about 2 times a day in an open jeep (our guide's name is Alicia). She was super nice and we got to see animals up close (for most of the time). I was surprised and happy to have seen so many lions. They are usually one of the hardest to see but somehow we got lucky and saw many, some even while mating. ;) They were only but a few feet away, breathtaking!!!! ;) The lodge is small yet classy. They have a beautiful pool, great food, amazing service and a view to die for (you can see elephants from the pool who live in the mountains)...Crazy!
They also have a great spa which I took advantage of. ;) I took a 3 hour treatment which rubbed me down, cacooned me in all natural soft lotion...I had my own room with glass walls so you can see the beauty outside, there was also an outside shower and bathtub which I soaked in for about 40 minutes drenched in bubbles and minerals while snacking on fresh fruit with whipped cream and bottled water. I sat there listening to the animals in the forrest, feeling the cool wind caress my moit body...It was lovely. After that I had a great full body massage!!!! ;) Loved it!!!!!!
The last day in South Africa I went to a Township...this is when my soul was touched!!! I went to a Township called Khayelisha, forgive me if I spelled it wrong. Our first stop was Vicky's Bed and Breakfast, which was mind blowing for me considering that I had heard about the place years ago in the US and told myself that I would go there one day!!!! I couldn't believe that I was there, standing in her living room, visiting the space, speaking with her and hugging her child! But I was and it wasn't a dream. I just felt proud and blessed to be there and knew I was on the right path in my life. It feels like everyday I get some kind of reassurance that I'm moving towards the right direction and it's a great feeling!That day we also visited a local market located inside a Sunday school that was situated in front of a church. Children were practicing their songs, wearing their best gear, looking beautiful and full of hope. Singing in a language I did not understand, except for the occasional English song praising God. I let myself get carried away in their voices and decided not to take pictures and not to video tape every minute but just take it all in and engrave it in my mind rather than in technological equipment. At the end I asked their music teacher to tell them I said thank you and that to always remember that they are beautiful and that they sounded like angels. They sweetly responded with a thank you and were the best-behaved children I've seen so far in South Africa. I decided to go across the street to the church. I sat in the back where there were a few empty seats and felt completely welcomed. I didn't care that I was probably seen as a tourist or foreigner but I completely drenched myself in the spirit and allowed myself to be open and vulnerable to the experience. As they started to sing in harmony and we bowed our heads in prayer, I became emotional and open, translucent with my prayers and my feelings, tears began to flow from my eyes, still shut but I never looked up to wipe them off, didn't care if others were watching or not, I gave myself to that moment and it touched me in a very deep way. After that we also visited another church. It was there, watching the people, the generosity, the fulfillment in their hearts regardless of the little that they had. I was connected to Africa; I was home. My unconscious shifted to a place otherwise not known to me and I felt that innately, instinctively my soul could recognize the energy that was once and still is a part of me. I felt compelled to tears of joy and pure recognition that I was being taken to a place that would completely change my existence on this earth forever. I watched complete strangers hug and not let go, kiss and smile together, share life stories, pray together, cry together, feel together, celebrate together, join together and give all that they have regardless of how much or how little that may be. My tears created out of an indescribable feeling, neither of sadness or profound joy but more of an upliftment of awareness that I was here at this very place aware and awaken and alive...feeling so alive so connected to humanity!That afternoon I walked the streets with the locals, enjoying their Presidential Election Rally. It was magical...men, women, children of all ages wearing shirts of their favorite party candidate, honking their car horns in the streets, loaded in rented buses waving flags and signs, wanting to take pictures with me and befriend me...true genuine friendship with no regards, no agendas just pure interest in getting to know someone's heart! I did not want to leave but I had to. My experience in South Africa was a unique one. Filled with dance and music, wild animals at my fingertips, endless stars above me and me starring to the sky in awe of its beauty. I met great people, one who offered to pay my way if I moved to South Africa for at least a while, a sweet guy, and an amazing musician. Two other guys who befriended complete strangers, took care of us and were not pushy but kind and great company. The people of the townships who opened their homes for strangers to experience. Who opened their lives and hearts and took risks to grow their own business, strong black women who alone decided to take a stand and create a capital making system for the community by opening up Bed and Breakfast locations in their own homes. The endless love of the children who yearn for your embrace as they hook their arms around your neck and hold on for dear life! ;) Who kiss you and hug you and ask you questions and hold your hand as to ask you to never let go...to be honest I didn't want to let go anyway! ;) The Habitat for Humanity Project, who always gives so much in return and rearranges villages and brings hope to a community, warmth to a family as they sleep at night for the very first time in a place unlike their old tin made homes. Who can now have heated water and cook inside the home and turn on the lights and bathe in a bathroom. To the people that volunteer in these projects and give back without expecting any recognition or monetary award in return. I fell in love with South Africa and my soul screams "RETURN"...and I will listen, I promise! ;)
The very first day I took part in a project for Habitat For Humanity which was building a home in a local neighborhood of Mfuleni ( I think that's how it's spelled). I had a wonderful time and spent most of it painting and playing with the local children. The nearby neighbors did all they could to make us feel comfortable and coocked us an amazing meal (chicken, rice and vegetables) and the occasional snack (bread and home-made juice/soft drinks). Habitat for Humanity has build a lot of new homes in the area which is such a blessing to the families considering how difficult it is to afford one. The children are adorable and gravetate to foreigners. They usually receive many gifts like stickers and pens and lots of play time and hugs. Most of the time they don't ask for anything and just want to be hugged or carried. Their smiles are of the brightest sun and their eyes filled with dreams and hope, some more than others.
That night I would go dancing to a spot called Mama Africas in Long Street. It was a great place with one of the best bands I've ever seen. A fusion of African vibes and popular music. The band whose name I do not recall where amazing musicians...they had a singer with an amazing range, a few marimba players, a trumpet player, a sax player, a drummer...They were incredible! We (tatiana, sassa, jade and I) ended up making friends with them and found ourselves dancing through the night often showcasing our skills on stage! ;) The crowd loved it! ;)haha You know me, I gotta dance! ;) hahalol
It was a wonderful night and I had great conversations and sweated a lot! (My work out for the day)lol
The next day I took off for my Safari in Pilanesberg....Wow!!!! We took a flight to Joburg (Johannesburg) that took about 2 hours and then a drive that took about 3 hours to the game lodge called Ivory Tree Lodge. You must go!!!!!!! It is absolutely beautiful. My room was amazing! Comfortable beds, modern bathrooms with a huge bathtub, two sinks, a separate room for the toilet and guess what....and outdoor shower!!!! ;) yup! ;) Just lovely. Pilanesberg has mountains which is a great set up for sunsets and sunrises and all in between. We had game drives about 2 times a day in an open jeep (our guide's name is Alicia). She was super nice and we got to see animals up close (for most of the time). I was surprised and happy to have seen so many lions. They are usually one of the hardest to see but somehow we got lucky and saw many, some even while mating. ;) They were only but a few feet away, breathtaking!!!! ;) The lodge is small yet classy. They have a beautiful pool, great food, amazing service and a view to die for (you can see elephants from the pool who live in the mountains)...Crazy!
They also have a great spa which I took advantage of. ;) I took a 3 hour treatment which rubbed me down, cacooned me in all natural soft lotion...I had my own room with glass walls so you can see the beauty outside, there was also an outside shower and bathtub which I soaked in for about 40 minutes drenched in bubbles and minerals while snacking on fresh fruit with whipped cream and bottled water. I sat there listening to the animals in the forrest, feeling the cool wind caress my moit body...It was lovely. After that I had a great full body massage!!!! ;) Loved it!!!!!!
The last day in South Africa I went to a Township...this is when my soul was touched!!! I went to a Township called Khayelisha, forgive me if I spelled it wrong. Our first stop was Vicky's Bed and Breakfast, which was mind blowing for me considering that I had heard about the place years ago in the US and told myself that I would go there one day!!!! I couldn't believe that I was there, standing in her living room, visiting the space, speaking with her and hugging her child! But I was and it wasn't a dream. I just felt proud and blessed to be there and knew I was on the right path in my life. It feels like everyday I get some kind of reassurance that I'm moving towards the right direction and it's a great feeling!That day we also visited a local market located inside a Sunday school that was situated in front of a church. Children were practicing their songs, wearing their best gear, looking beautiful and full of hope. Singing in a language I did not understand, except for the occasional English song praising God. I let myself get carried away in their voices and decided not to take pictures and not to video tape every minute but just take it all in and engrave it in my mind rather than in technological equipment. At the end I asked their music teacher to tell them I said thank you and that to always remember that they are beautiful and that they sounded like angels. They sweetly responded with a thank you and were the best-behaved children I've seen so far in South Africa. I decided to go across the street to the church. I sat in the back where there were a few empty seats and felt completely welcomed. I didn't care that I was probably seen as a tourist or foreigner but I completely drenched myself in the spirit and allowed myself to be open and vulnerable to the experience. As they started to sing in harmony and we bowed our heads in prayer, I became emotional and open, translucent with my prayers and my feelings, tears began to flow from my eyes, still shut but I never looked up to wipe them off, didn't care if others were watching or not, I gave myself to that moment and it touched me in a very deep way. After that we also visited another church. It was there, watching the people, the generosity, the fulfillment in their hearts regardless of the little that they had. I was connected to Africa; I was home. My unconscious shifted to a place otherwise not known to me and I felt that innately, instinctively my soul could recognize the energy that was once and still is a part of me. I felt compelled to tears of joy and pure recognition that I was being taken to a place that would completely change my existence on this earth forever. I watched complete strangers hug and not let go, kiss and smile together, share life stories, pray together, cry together, feel together, celebrate together, join together and give all that they have regardless of how much or how little that may be. My tears created out of an indescribable feeling, neither of sadness or profound joy but more of an upliftment of awareness that I was here at this very place aware and awaken and alive...feeling so alive so connected to humanity!That afternoon I walked the streets with the locals, enjoying their Presidential Election Rally. It was magical...men, women, children of all ages wearing shirts of their favorite party candidate, honking their car horns in the streets, loaded in rented buses waving flags and signs, wanting to take pictures with me and befriend me...true genuine friendship with no regards, no agendas just pure interest in getting to know someone's heart! I did not want to leave but I had to. My experience in South Africa was a unique one. Filled with dance and music, wild animals at my fingertips, endless stars above me and me starring to the sky in awe of its beauty. I met great people, one who offered to pay my way if I moved to South Africa for at least a while, a sweet guy, and an amazing musician. Two other guys who befriended complete strangers, took care of us and were not pushy but kind and great company. The people of the townships who opened their homes for strangers to experience. Who opened their lives and hearts and took risks to grow their own business, strong black women who alone decided to take a stand and create a capital making system for the community by opening up Bed and Breakfast locations in their own homes. The endless love of the children who yearn for your embrace as they hook their arms around your neck and hold on for dear life! ;) Who kiss you and hug you and ask you questions and hold your hand as to ask you to never let go...to be honest I didn't want to let go anyway! ;) The Habitat for Humanity Project, who always gives so much in return and rearranges villages and brings hope to a community, warmth to a family as they sleep at night for the very first time in a place unlike their old tin made homes. Who can now have heated water and cook inside the home and turn on the lights and bathe in a bathroom. To the people that volunteer in these projects and give back without expecting any recognition or monetary award in return. I fell in love with South Africa and my soul screams "RETURN"...and I will listen, I promise! ;)
Namibia!!!
If you haven't heard of it please google it right now! It is a beautiful and young country sorrounded by beautiful dessert dunes and coast line.
I had a great time in Namibia. I will begin to tell you that they love Cuban culture there...I went to a club called El Cubano where the waiters wore Che t-shirts and the walls were decorated with Cuban newspaper articles (real ones). Don't get me started on how I felt about it...I actually gave some of the waiters a little lesson on how many Cubans feel about Che and how horrible Communism is...they were amazed, educated and grateful for the truth!
Women in Namibia are sooo friendly which was refreshing considering that in the states there seems to be this huge concept of competition and envy. At El Cubano's restroom women will walk in and genuinely ask you if you were having a great time, what was your name, etc. I loved it, It was beautiful!
I purchased a lot of things in Namibia: a hand made carpet, original art work (signed by the artist), wood work, a silver bracelet with elephant hair for good luck, just beautiful...and other things. We SAS accouted for 10% of their tourism for the year!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Crazy...I'm glad we were able to help their economy!
I went to the beach in Namibia but did not get in the water...freezing! I missed my 4x4 dessert adventure...long long story!!!! That sucked...as I watched the trucks drive off as I was getting to the port...late...and upset only to laugh it off with my friend Sassa who also missed her trip and pack up our stuff and go to the beach and we had a wonderful time...we made the best out of a bad situation and it worked out well! ;) Positive thinking...the only way to go! ;)
I also did a Township in Namibia...Townships are neighborhoods where the "black" people (which tend to be the poor people) of Namibia live. These neighborhoods are right next to one another though they are very different, they have their own schools and speak different languages. I walked around with a local guide and drank some of their home made energy drink, spoke to the people, played with the kids, visited a few homes and watched them in their daily lives. The people were friendly and loving, specially the kids. What amazing children! The homes vary from tin shaks to concrete new small homes being build by the government whose goal is to build all new homes...that will take a long time. I also gave a donation to our guide who took us to his home at the end. I definitely want to return some day and help out the community...they really need some education of the world and some entertainment...they don't have any movie theaters or form of entertainment. One of our guides said she feels they really need that. They depend on outsiders to come in and build such things for them.
I loved Namibia and look forward to returning one day. The downtown is a sharp contrast where the downtown shows the German influence of the past through its building and middle class/high class passerbys and the poor, native black community with their tin shaks and crumbling old buildings. Still they manage to live together...however although I did see the blacks hang out in areas where the whites also hung out I did not see any whites in the Townships whatsoever. Our guided tours are a phenomenon that was created by our guide, a local that wanted to show people/tour their homes and their way of life. At the beginning he said people thought the visitors were employers looking for workers...they eventually understand the meaning of the tours and have gained a lot from it; they sell their goods (food and crafts) and tourists buy them, so it helps the local community and they also see that other people are interested in helping out. Most things that get done such as a movie theatre are all done by visitors that felt they wanted to extend their hands to the community which they really appreciate and respect. One lady actually spent like 2 million or more on a football (soccer) field for the town!!! Lovely! So the outcome has been positive.
I must go, I hope I have left you with a positive light on Namibia! ;) It is lovely!
Peace and Light,
Yai
If you haven't heard of it please google it right now! It is a beautiful and young country sorrounded by beautiful dessert dunes and coast line.
I had a great time in Namibia. I will begin to tell you that they love Cuban culture there...I went to a club called El Cubano where the waiters wore Che t-shirts and the walls were decorated with Cuban newspaper articles (real ones). Don't get me started on how I felt about it...I actually gave some of the waiters a little lesson on how many Cubans feel about Che and how horrible Communism is...they were amazed, educated and grateful for the truth!
Women in Namibia are sooo friendly which was refreshing considering that in the states there seems to be this huge concept of competition and envy. At El Cubano's restroom women will walk in and genuinely ask you if you were having a great time, what was your name, etc. I loved it, It was beautiful!
I purchased a lot of things in Namibia: a hand made carpet, original art work (signed by the artist), wood work, a silver bracelet with elephant hair for good luck, just beautiful...and other things. We SAS accouted for 10% of their tourism for the year!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Crazy...I'm glad we were able to help their economy!
I went to the beach in Namibia but did not get in the water...freezing! I missed my 4x4 dessert adventure...long long story!!!! That sucked...as I watched the trucks drive off as I was getting to the port...late...and upset only to laugh it off with my friend Sassa who also missed her trip and pack up our stuff and go to the beach and we had a wonderful time...we made the best out of a bad situation and it worked out well! ;) Positive thinking...the only way to go! ;)
I also did a Township in Namibia...Townships are neighborhoods where the "black" people (which tend to be the poor people) of Namibia live. These neighborhoods are right next to one another though they are very different, they have their own schools and speak different languages. I walked around with a local guide and drank some of their home made energy drink, spoke to the people, played with the kids, visited a few homes and watched them in their daily lives. The people were friendly and loving, specially the kids. What amazing children! The homes vary from tin shaks to concrete new small homes being build by the government whose goal is to build all new homes...that will take a long time. I also gave a donation to our guide who took us to his home at the end. I definitely want to return some day and help out the community...they really need some education of the world and some entertainment...they don't have any movie theaters or form of entertainment. One of our guides said she feels they really need that. They depend on outsiders to come in and build such things for them.
I loved Namibia and look forward to returning one day. The downtown is a sharp contrast where the downtown shows the German influence of the past through its building and middle class/high class passerbys and the poor, native black community with their tin shaks and crumbling old buildings. Still they manage to live together...however although I did see the blacks hang out in areas where the whites also hung out I did not see any whites in the Townships whatsoever. Our guided tours are a phenomenon that was created by our guide, a local that wanted to show people/tour their homes and their way of life. At the beginning he said people thought the visitors were employers looking for workers...they eventually understand the meaning of the tours and have gained a lot from it; they sell their goods (food and crafts) and tourists buy them, so it helps the local community and they also see that other people are interested in helping out. Most things that get done such as a movie theatre are all done by visitors that felt they wanted to extend their hands to the community which they really appreciate and respect. One lady actually spent like 2 million or more on a football (soccer) field for the town!!! Lovely! So the outcome has been positive.
I must go, I hope I have left you with a positive light on Namibia! ;) It is lovely!
Peace and Light,
Yai
Hello Everyone, I apologize for not writing in a while, but it has been really busy here with Mid-Terms as well as arriving to different ports. It will only get worse! ;)lol Only because the countries will now be closer together. I have yet to write on my journal about South Africa or Mauritius, which I hate but believe it or not ship life could be quite difficult at times...in regards to managing your time.
I'll try to write soon!!! Oh and put up pictures!
Love yall
Peace and Light,
Yai
I'll try to write soon!!! Oh and put up pictures!
Love yall
Peace and Light,
Yai
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