A multifaceted holiday

Oh woe, my poor neglected blog... What can I say? I'm reprioritising, refocusing, rewriting (again)and have been much in need of a holiday. As you'll see, the blog's look has changed, along with a few other things. I think it's called metamorphosis...

But never mind all that, I'd much rather show you some happy snappies of a recent trip we took up the coast, where we managed to combine sun, sea, wildlife, landscapes and lots of fun. Hope you enjoy the virtual trip too!

There were panaramic vistas...

And there were moody seascapes...

There were lazy days at the pool, reading and sipping cool drinks...

...whilst gazing at a diamond-scattered sea...

and watching the waves crashing on the rocks

There were days spent gazing at the lagoon...

...munching oysters

And then there was wildlife, in varied forms...

And there were sunsets...

...and nightscapes...

...and more moody seascapes...

And there was even an African beach baptism!

All in all, a pretty good holiday!

BAHB! Birthday, Award, Holiday, Bo!

So, a slightly rushed post this on the eve of getting yet another year older, a tiny bit greyer and a wee bit more wrinkly... Just a couple of years off my half century and starting to feel like a serious cricket score… Of course, all this only matters if you actually believe in time – which I don’t, unless it’s to compare it with lumpy custard – but that’s another story entirely! As far as I'm concerned I'm still as much of a kid as I was at 12! Well, okay, maybe not quite 12...


So all sorts of bits and pieces in this post, given I’m off on Tuesday to more northern climes. Which means the old blog will be having a bit of a holiday - since I’ve no intention of posting while I’m away. But, that said, I will be back and hopefully with lots of piccies, including some of blogging buddies and writer friends. Yep, that will be one of the coolest parts of my trip – meeting up with old and new friends – so, so, so looking forward to it. See you soon, guys!


And then, perhaps the best news possible… Ms Bo appeared in the garden this morning – with a beau – the saucy minx. She’s grown considerably and looks like a really strong young bird – mind you with that head start of maggots and mealworms she’s had a good base to build from. She looks almost full sized now but is still very neurotic. She doesn’t seem to be part of a big group yet but appeared to be on the fringes, possibly, of the Ba-Kaaka Nostra – who were chasing her something rotten. Still, she’s been away from us for two weeks and is clearly fending just fine for herself. I’m really hoping that now she knows there is always food here, she’ll come back a little more often.


It really was so amazing to see her and we both recognized her instantly – there was just something about the bird on the lawn – and then a closer look showed us her white claws and that confirmed it. As was the fact that she took off when I called her by name. Yep, Ms Bo ain’t having anything to do with being a domesticated bird! And you know what? Good for her, I say.

And finally, to leave you with a little something while I’m away... Carol from Not Only in Thailand very kindly bestowed upon me the Kreativ Blogger award. And this time I’m going to break my rules and actually pass this one on.


The rules say I have to list seven things that I love… Only seven? That seems totally unreasonable. Oh well, here goes…

My beloved D – my very best friend and my home.
Friends, including the furry and feathered ones in the garden – they are the bubbles in the champagne of life.
Writing – even when I’m dozing I’m writing stories, non-fiction or potential blog posts in my head.
Reflecting – I’m a ponderer and a wonderer frequently considering awakening and awareness.
Photography – seeing the world through the lens of a camera is to see the world in an entirely different way. And it’s incredibly healing.
Reading – there’s an adventure in every book, irrespective of the nature of the book.
Cooking – my paternal great-grandmother was a cook, my maternal grandfather was a chef – what can I say, it’s in the blood and I find it creative, fulfilling and wholesome fun.

And this time I’m going to break my rules and actually pass this one on to some particularly creative souls:

RL Bourges of Ici, Graulhet

Lettuce of Lettuce Eating

Val of Monkeys on the Roof

Tessa of An Aerial Armadillo

Rick of Kyklops (yes, honey, you for those great photos)

Pat from Write Up the Hill

Jane of Wittering On

Baino of Baino’s Banter

Lola of Aglio, Olio & Peeroncino and,

Vesper of Chick with a Quill

So, there you go, until I see you in a few weeks time, take care, have fun, live abundantly, soar high and be blessed in all that you do.

Hooked on: A Room with a View

When you have a place with stunning ocean views like these, why spend much on decor? You have a perfect focal point right there outside, these gorgeous rooms are the perfect example. A simple clean interior with a stunning view, I certainly would not say no to this place, would you?

The dream of owning a place like this is a distant dream for me, so for the time being I will settle for a holiday similar to this in a gorgeous hotel, how about the Canaves Oia Hotel in Santorini? I'll leave you to enjoy the views...

Breakfast on terrace? Yes please! Happy Friday! Hope you'll have a relaxing weekend :)

xx

(images from gaelle le boulicaut & SLH, check out what others are hooked on this Friday here)

Hooked on: Hôtel Vernet Paris

With Valentine's Day just around the corner, it's the perfect timing for a romantic getaway post, and I bet you're not surpised to see that our destination is indeed the elegant, beautiful and one of the most romantic cities in the world - Paris.

I actually planned on doing a post on a few gorgeous hotels in Paris but when I came across the stunning Hôtel Vernet, all other hotels just disappeared from my mind, let me show you why:

The rooms are light, elegant and has a perfect mixture of modern & classical decor, it's so hard to pick a favorite but I'm loving this gorgeous blue room.

Breakfast in bed? Oh, yes please! Love the hotel already? The best is yet to come!

I was thinking what word I should use to describe the hotel's restaurant, somehow magnificent doesn't feel "big" enough!

The lounge bar has a contempory decor but still has lots of classical details, pinks, silver and white? Can it get more glamorous and romantic than this?

Looking for more ways to boost the romanticness? How about an evening stroll along The Avenue des Champs-Élysées? It's only a 3 min walk away!

Today I'm taking part in the Hooked on Friday party, I'd be just selfish to keep this little gem all to myself right? ;) check out what everyone else's hooked on here.

Have a lovely weekend everyone! xx

(images from Hôtel Vernet )

Happy Thanksgiving!

We don't really celebrate Thanksgiving here in the UK, although after seeing so many great posts, beautiful photos & delicious receipes, I wish we did!

I'd like to thank my wonderful producer ...(Oscar moment, oh no that's a different dream, wake up Tina!)

Right, as I was saying I'd like to thank all the bloggers that inspire and encourage me everyday and of course all our readers! You are all so important to me & without you this little blog would be pointless :) Have a great day everyday!

(images from Lara Ferroni )

Mauritius - Another hellish day in paradise... Part One

Chickens and other humans have been known to travel - particularly to places that delight the senses... Enjoy the scenes from a recent holiday. Personally, I'm hoping to go back soon - preferably yesterday.

View from the hotel lobby... It's hell, I know

Mauritian east coast - views over sugar cane plantations

Tree roots snaking along the Black River in the Black River Gorge

Mauritian Tortoise have a slow and languid snack...

Ah, sigh, sunset over the west coast and Wolmar Beach... So endeth a hellish day in paradise.

More tomorrow...