Java@Vida (Posted by Aroon Patel)

Special moments that will remain etched in the heart, long after the memories have faded.....

It was really heartwarming to spend time with you in Durbs, sis, and I wish you much adventure before we meet again....

Love, Big Boeta

Facebook albums are uploaded...

I feel as if I have gone through the joyful emotions of my holiday all over again while uploading them.

 

Life really is about the experiences and those moments of impact.

 

Enjoy!

 

Copy the link into your browser and you will be able to view the pics.

 

Album 1:

 

https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10151794087075114.857800.781080113&type=3&l=8af021baf4

 

Album 2:

 

https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10151851171770114.865170.781080113&type=3&l=af7ef43343

 

 

S.A trip June 2012-that's a wrap! 7th flight conquered!

This morning at 05:30am I landed to a balmy 32 degrees in Dubai. A fairly pleasant flight which I used to fill my soul with one of the staples it requires which was music. I at last got to watch "The Vow" on the flight and then indulged in listening to the entire musical of "Les Miserables"(This brought back many fond memories of Adhil and mum-I think I had a warm fixed grin on my face while listening...wonder if the peeps next to met thought I was loony),as well as listened to the new Emile Sandi album and of course I threw some Glee into the mix.

As we decended into Dubai these brown masses of granules on the ground looked rather strange to me(arial view of the desert)and I then realized that it was my first time landing in Dubai during daylight in summer. Coming from lush greenery I almost felt like asking the first officer to please make a u-turn back to Cape Town. Hee hee. The next thing that confirmed that I had arrived was of course my usual mistaken identity that I am from India. An Indian man approached me on the escalator within the terminal and rapped at me in Hindi.I gathered he was asking where he could find his luggage. I responded in English however he then stuck almost to my tail and each time I increased my walking speed so did he and then yes follows me into the passport control line! I don't suspect my mistaken identity is going to fall away for as long as I live here so best I learn some Hindi quickly!!!!!

Our S.A trip has come to an end and it really really finished off on the beautiful note it played out on throughout. A heartfelt thank you to everyone that contributed to my experience. It meant and still means the world to me.

To my friends and family around the world who have been following my posts I hope you were entertained. I will be posting a link on this blog by this evening of a Facebook link where you can view the photos from the trip that were not added to this blog. (You will be able to access it even if we are not Facebook buddies)

Feeling rather tired so time to catch up on some sleep however at the same time I am energized and excited about Dubai take 2!!!!!Let's see what Dubai has up it's sleeve for me for the remainder of this year :)

So without any delay Lights,Camera Action!!!!


Song for this post:

"She's got her ticket-Tracy Chapman"

She's got her ticket
I think she's gonna use it
I think she's going to fly away

No one should try and stop her
Persuade her with their power
She says that her mind is made up..."

Franschhoek here we come!!!!

Farewell Cape Town....Hello Franschhoek!!!!!!

Feeling....oh you probably know how I'm feeling. Hee hee.

Last night we had a legendary night celebrating Adhils' birthday Mexican style. Awesome last night in Cape Town city.

Now we head off to the winelands....oh yeah :)

Cape town morning greetings,Coldplay and birthday cheer!

This morning the flat was buzzing with birthday sillyness.Today is my brother Adhils' birthday!

We had a special birthday coffee and sang and danced and acted silly as we do in honor of his special day.

Next thing you know we were off to meet Zarina and Kamal for birthday breakfast.(A quick stop en-route at the gorgeous Charleys Bakery to pick up the birthday decadence was a must and of course Coldplay our chosen choice of music for the day)

A beautiful breakfast was had at one of those hidden special Cape Town eateries. Let the birthday celebrations continue!

Tonight we add some Mexican flavour to the mix! Ariba ariba!

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The cherry on the top!

We down to the last four days of this magical trip and its time to start putting the cherry on the top. How?By just lapping up all the gorgeous gorgeous scenery and greenery.

Its a chilly morning out there and its still pitch dark. Despite the bitter chilly air that you know is waiting to greet you as you open the front door I have been going through my days not being properly equiped in terms of wear for the day(Despite my sis lending me loads of winter gear). Its as if I have almost forgotten how to plan ahead for a winters day!Dubai what have you done to me!!!Ha ha.

So yes..the trip is winding down and that means that as of tomorrow after lunch I will no longer be in mobile contact,bb contact or email contact until I land in Dubai on Monday morning. (My blackberry will be given away tomorrow afternoon)I am rather looking forward to a few days of no technology and more so as we will be away in the tranquil winelands for the weekend so how perfect!

Song for the post:(memory of mum and I singing this)

Smile-Nat King Cole

"Smile even though your heart is breaking,
Smile even though you aching,
When there are clouds in the sky you will get by...if you just smile."
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Drum roll...Meet Kamal Govender

Tonight the much awaited "Kamal Govender" arrives from Johannesburg to join in the fun and add to my travel experience!

I met this awesome guy many years ago through my brother Adhil.I quickly adopted him as another brother!

Adhil,Kamal and I once lived together while I lived in Cape Town and among the many fond memories we share I must mention I can't wait to re-live our Sunday jam donuts and tea tradition!

Let the awesomeness continue!!!


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Final week of my trip unfolding...

After sad goodbyes to my Durban family and that heart wrenching farewell to Aroon at the airport I had a quick recovery from the downer thanks to Sahil and Anu via their entertainment on the flight.

I arrived to a rather chilly but welcoming Cape Town beat.Once home I literally had 20 minutes to freshen up before dinner plans with Stacey and Mariette who I used to work with in Cape Town.We had our pizza dinner reunion and shared a good few hearty laughs.Stacey reckons I must feel like a rockstar flying here and there and having people fetch me for all these reunions. Hee hee

This morning it was an absolute pleasure to have a coffee made by Adhil and to see the picturesque harbour scene again. Aaah how I miss you Cape Town. I now go to sleep reflecting on what I would call a most successful performance by Aunty Sue who chaperoned her niece and nephew to a birthday party, assisted with arts and crafts and got them dressed etc etc. I felt really chuffed with myself and as I approached the party venue it felt so awesome to know that my sis and her hubby trust me with their precious cargo and their precious cargo were comfy to come along with Aunty Sue despite not having seen her in a while. Yay!!!

Adhil,Bridget,Zarina,the kids and I then ended the day at the Spur at the Waterfront. Kids loooovvve the Spur and while they got to play some games in the kids room us adults got to have a bit of a natter. I now go to bed smiling and more so as there was a cherry on the top moment to the day...Zara allowed me to get in under the covers next to her and read her her bedtime story.

Yet ANOTHER super special day!

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All aboard our 5th flight..back to Cape Town we go

So the Gods and the universe syncronised something totally unexpected for me!

Turns out my cousin Sahil and his wife Anushka are on this flight with me back to Cape Town.

We have managed to get three seats in row and its going to be yak,yak,yak all the way. Sahil I hope you cope!
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Durban Delights drawing to an end....

It's my final few hours in Durban on this trip before I head back to Cape Town for my last leg of my epic trip.

My heart is sore but joyful as I am going to mums grave and to the ocean where Dads ashes were placed before I jet off this afternoon. It's the first time I will be placing flowers in the Durban ocean in honor of Dad without mum being my side. Feels surreal.It's also the first time I pay respects to both folks at their resting places.It's really something I am finding rather difficult to digest however am facing the reality head on.

Durban you have been awesome....the experiences have been priceless,memorable and my heart is overflowing with joy and love.

I came across this old photo in my mum's cupboard of my dad and I.(I think I was 10 years old there)I remember that day oh so clearly. I had a gymnastics competition in Bloemfontein and I had been excused from school at midday to leave so I can travel to Bloemfontein.(A road trip that would take about 8 hours I guess) Mum was accompanying me to the competition and I was under the impression that we were going by bus.As I got into the car outside school all excited and nervous about the competition Dad said to mum in the car "I will keep an ear out for any airplane...." (I can't recall the entire sentence). It was an indication that I was going by airplane. My first flight!!!!! I remember the absolute excitement and appreciation for this.I remember going on SAA(South African Airways) and mum kept smiling at me all the way.

P.S I love the way Dad has his cigarette in his hand...so typical! Ransom red was it?

Quote for the day

"In family life,love is the oil that eases friction,the cement that binds together and the music that brings harmony." Eva Burrows

Love conquers all?

Meet Tasmiyah and Atish. I spent Saturday evening at the newly married couple's home.(Married just under a year) Tasmiyah's mum and my mum grew up together after meeting in primary school and remained very good friends through their life journey.
Tasmiyah the youngest in her family and I became very good friends too.

It broke my heart to not be able to attend Tasmiyah's wedding. I couldn't as I had just moved to Dubai and it was too soon thereafter to come back for the wedding.Tasmiyah and Atish had been dating for 10 years and conquered many challenges including the different religion issue that can be such a sensitive issue. Both our sets of folks had married out of religion so more so I could better understand her and support her through it all when I could.

On Saturday night I sat in their home feeling oh so proud of them both. They both have a beautiful home,are doing well in their jobs and most importantly seem to be off on a strong foot to paving their marriage.I was so thrilled to hear of all the family gatherings they attend and yesterday I was proud to hear Tasmiyah's mum speak proudly of her.

Thank you to Tasmiyah and Atish for such a welcoming evening in their home. I too felt at home and even though yes we have grown up and are now very much adults it felt surreal to see my lifelong friend as a married woman.

If its meant to be...love will conquer...
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Some of our cheese moments(Posted by Yasmin)

)

Super glad my cuz is back in town...we get so silly everytime we are together.

Here are some of our special moments spent together...

Patel adventures continue

On Friday Aroon and family and I headed to Hilton for a night to get some fresh air and get out of the hub bub of the city.Winter in the midlands comes with such gorgeous beauty.The trees glisten with yellow and orange leaves and the hills are still lush with greenery.

Saturday morning was the highlight for all of us.We did the ziplining experience at Karkloof canopy tours.Sweeping views and adrenelin pumping experiences.

My nephews brave spirit of adventure kicked in and they did a few of the 8 lines on their own!!!!

It was without doubt a unique and special experience for each one of us and as Aroon mentioned to me while standing on one of the high platforms "This is a lifetime experience."
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The hills were alive with the sound of music

This mornings run was a much awaited special run.Year before last I had experienced running with Aroon and a massive running group that gets together in the Durban North area. It was an exhilarating experience where you arrive at this quiet intersection and within minutes just after 5am people just stream in and take over the intersection eager to get the run going. Before coming home on this trip I recalled this awesome experience and thought it would be super cool to revisit that experience and the feelings it evokes.  

This morning was a 4:40am wake up call for the love of the combination of running,running with my eldest brother aka "Drill Sarge",running with a like-minded massive group,hitting the hills and suburbia of the area,the crisp morning temperature,the amazing view of Durban and the twinkling lights. 

Ben(the Patel household's Jack Russell)accompanied us this morning on the run. Ben did his first 10km exceeding his longest run being an 8km. He did very well. 

Super super super Friday morning experience and now I get to join in on the school drop off run. 

Today we head out of the city for a getaway from the hustle and bustle to the rolling lush green hills past Howick.Perfect time and place to realign the chakras as even though I am feeling very much grounded and in tune and in sync with my surroundings I feel something needs realigning. 

Hip hip hooray to family getaways!!!

Quote for this post:

"To the outside world we all grow old.  But not to brothers and sisters.  We know each other as we always were.  We know each other's hearts.  We share private family jokes.  We remember family feuds and secrets, family griefs and joys.  We live outside the touch of time."  ~Clara Ortega

All aboard our 4th flight..back to Durban we go!

This morning I arrived to a chilly 4 degrees in Johannesburg.The actual airport terminal was chilly so imagine when I stepped outside!!!

Upon arrival I got to then jump onto the Gautrain and I felt like a little kid again peering out the window taking in the gorgeous landscapes(the Highveld)lined with the morning dew and mist adding to almost what looked like a picture painted scene.Once at Centurion there was gorgeous Bianca and a radiant beautiful preggie Tatum.(Oh my hat!Bianca happened to be playing my current fave tracks in her car from the Adele cd and we share a liking for "Turning tables" and "He won't go."...syncronicity?)

Tatum prepared us brekkies and of course the chit chat and laughs started as soon as I got into the car and went on constantly until I got off the car a few moments ago for my return back to Durban.

These ladies spoilt me rotten with an afternoon of real girly time:manicures done and an afternoon tea at a really pretty tea shop.

We crammed in as much as we could share about our current chapters in life and when it was time to bid farewell my emotions started to stir within. I sat on the train with a heavy heart and a knotted tummy however smiled at the fact that we three made it happen! Life is for living!!!!

Bonus:Ran into a good friend of mine "Kavindra" at the airport. Love unexpected syncronicity in the universe :)
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All aboard flight 3 of our travels...

It's a drizzly morning in Durban and it has been an early 4:15am wake up call.

Aroon drove me to the airport this morning...a peaceful and pleasant drive filled with great sibling banter.

Today you and I board a 6:45am 45 minute flight to Johannesburg and then take the slick Gautrain to Pretoria where I am going to spend the day with two very special people in my life...Tatum and Bianca.The three of us started our friendship at Damelin College when I studied Travel and Tourism.Bianca was in my class and her high school friend Tatum was at the same college.Since then we have shared such beautiful moments in life together and have truly carried each other through the dips within our lifes journey.

Super excited to be spending the day with these beautiful ladies.

Pics of Johannesburg and Pretoria to follow.

P.S:I still feel like I am stuck in that sweetmeat coma!!!!

Song for the post:

Survivor-Destiny's Child

"I'm a survivor..
I'm not going to give up
I'm not going to stop
I'm going to work harder.

I'm a survivor
I'm not going to stop
I will survive
Keep on surviving."

P.S Oh so looking forward starting my new read on the plane which you can catch a glimpse of in the pic. Thanks to Mich and Lana for the gift :)
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Sweetmeat paradise

Today I got to indulge in all the sweet delights I haven't had in absolute ages! Ruthna took me past Continentals and these sweetmeats screamed "Soraya...eat me!!!"Ha ha ha

This is after initially turning down an offer of buying burfee at the Gorimas shop even though it was heck of a tempting.This was while I made a purchase of naankathai in memory of mum.Mum absolutely loved it. I could see the calories piling on before it even touched my lips!!!!

Oh well I am officially in a sweetmeat coma (burfee,gulab jamun) and murukku on the side and it was worth every morsel...(Sue giggles)Bring on the Friday run!!!!! Ha ha
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Today marks a year since the passing of my legendary mother "Mardia Patel"

So grateful to be in Durban today for the mark of mum's one year since she has left us.A year yes but it feels like just yesterday that I was at Oasis Village's internet room on the skype call chatting to Zarina waiting in anticipation to see mum on the call when Aroon came onto the call and broke the news so gently to us.

Last night I lay in bed wide awake with the greatest feeling of gratitude for my mum and every part she played in moulding and guiding me on this journey.

To think that I was determined to come into this world- a result of a freak of nature and kept my mum unexpectedly busy bringing me up as her fourth kid and wow we can confidently say that we shared a truly special time together and it has been so worth it ;)

In my final week of wrapping up my life in Cape Town prior to my move to Dubai I clearly remember on one afternoon me laying alongside her in my bed and we randomly started sharing our recollection of our exciting shared lifetime experiences with each other. I also shared some entries relating to us with her from some of my journals from over the years and she had a beautiful aura of appreciation around her.I guess this moment of sharing was her way of saying "We have done well and can be proud of that and its time for me to go." We both knew it and felt it but couldn't say it.

Mama dearest may you rest in peace. XOXO

The photo of mum is at one of the semi-final world cup soccer 2010 games that mum and I got to experience together. The look on her face is priceless.

Songs for the post:

"You raise me up-Josh Groban"

You raise me up so I can stand on mountains,
You raise me up to walk on stormy seas,
I am strong when I am on your shoulders,
You raise me up to more than I can be."

Another which is just as special:

"Mama-Boyz 2 Men"

Mama you're the queen of my heart.
Your love is like tears from the stars.
Mama I just want you to know...loving you is like food to my soul."
:
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A day well spent

Yesterday Samantha,Meena and I got together for the first time since our last meeting in 2009 when Sam had a baby. We all three met in high school and have stayed friends since however getting together for a full days catch up in the same city was and is an absolute treat and rarity.

Upon arrival at the "Beverly Hills hotel" my heart skipped a beat at the beauty of the deep blue ocean and lighthouse scene seen from the floor to ceiling windows next to our table. No doubt we ladies chatted and chatted and chatted and chatted about the latest bits of our life journey. An absolute bonus was having Meena's sister Saadia pop around too with her gorgeous baby boy Azhar. To hold a four month precious baby was so good for my soul it almost scared me.

All in all a most fulfilling and special day spent chatting about life,laughs shared and all over decadent delights. There had to be food(scones,samoosas,vadas,Belgian waffles,brownies) and coffees too!
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Sunrise swim,sun salutations and more

My alarm went off at 6am on what started off as a chilly morning.My heart rate was pounding at the sheer thought of going for a Durban ocean swim with my brothers and Bear.

We arrived to a magical and breathtaking ocean scene...

Aroon,Bear and I hit the ocean while Adhil had a morning stroll watching us glide through the warm ocean.

The water conditions were perfect,flat,a perfect temperature and a clear sea bed.

I was in my absolute element and upon coming out of the water I felt exhilirated!!!Woo ha!!!

What a special morning...
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