VideoWatch: Erykah Badu “Window Seat”

I have been MIA on this blog for a few months, I am in the middle of getting a new look site, complete with my online portfolio sorted under my URL. It could have probably been done a lot quicker, but it has taken me a LONG time figuring out what I want it to all look like. 

Anyways, as my countdown begins before I launch it (details of that will be released soon) I had to post this vid. Not because of the controversy but it was kinda fitting. Shedding the old to reveal the new. Love this song, love Badu. [parental advisory]

Much love. x

Our North African adventure (Day 5.1)

23:15

I’m so tired! After spending the obligatory time after an excursion in the foyer, we took ourselves into the Medina in search of Djema El-Fna and the central Souks (markets) I stopped a couple times to get saffron for Mum and something for my niece and sisters all the while dodging the scooters, bikes and cars.

We walked around for what I now think was an hour before we were led to the area near Djema El-Fna down many small openings and dark paths until we saw the huge brown gates into what could only be described as one of the greatest spectacles I’ve ever seen.

We shook off the “friendly local” who tried to get money out if us and wasn’t happy with what we gave him, til he backed down and left.

We navigated our way through beautifully crafted wood, glass and silk caverns. Many a vendor trying to buy your affection before taking your money. Ladies offering henna tattoos and a man trying to sell wooden snakes blocking your path.

There was a maze of juice vendors, fruit stalls (both fresh and dried) and so many food stalls the smells and tastes grabbing your attention.

We decided to get some food before The Boy passed out and stopped at a stall and grabbed a bite to eat. Friendly smiles and greetings soon turned into the smiles of greed as we went to pay and noticed they’d tried to bump up the price of our food. After much banter and an angry Black woman coming out, we stood out ground, paid and left.

We made our way back to the Souks and continued the journey of knock off designer gear (some looking really good) beat down Nikes, lanterns, tagines and trinkets.

We soon found ourself back outside the Souks but still within the Medina walls and after walking for a good hour/hour and a half with tired feet, a tired 9 year old, a frazzled mother and a chilled out Dan we stopped at a sister hotel to the one we’re staying in and taxi’d our asses back to base.

Time for my shower and bed. Just finished packing as its the last day tomorrow. Very early start as we have one more excursion planned before we head back to the snow capped streets of London.

Miss you guys, see ya soon. Bless. x

Our North African adventure (Day 5)

17:17

Don’t get the hump with me but today has been something I’ll always remember. Unfortunately Dan stayed behind as Isaiah and I travelled 40 mins North West to Kasbah Le Mirage. It us situated within the Palmeraie area just outside Marrakech.

Abdul, our driver took us and was genuinely a decent man. He waited for us to arrange our day. I suggest if you’re going to come to Marrakech to book the camel ride. Thankfully when we arrived Matthew was out in the Oasis or we would have had a wasted journey.

Kasbah Le Mirage is a stunning location, full of beautiful decoration and warm staff who welcomed us in without hesitation although we hadn’t booked anything.

The concierge sat us in the reception room and went about calling Matthew and organising the camel ride. Matthew came and got us and we went to help tend to the camels as he prepared the two we would be taking out. Only Riri (the male) and Fifi had other plans. We interrupted their erm “alone time” so waited for them to finish.

Matthew took us down to where we would eventually set off and he gave us a Berber style costume to wear complete with headscarf. After a quick chat about how to sit we were hoisted on board Riri and off we went with Fifi in front and Matthew leading us into the Oasis.

It took a while to get used to as camels are nowhere as easy as horse riding, the feeling of imminent death by falling off eases off after 15 mins. The Boy and I rode together for 30 mins then we stopped and Matthew put The Boy on Fifi and had him lead us the rest of the way.

The area was a mixture of beauty and devestation which was bittersweet in many ways, as it rained a little and yhe sun came out through the clouds I realised just how spectacular the are would have been The area has been ravaged by neglect where the younger generation has left the villages for the bright lights of the city and it was sad to see. But thankfully with the Government bringing in construction and a regeneration sceme for the palm trees it will once again be beautiful.

We arrived back to the hotel via the village and washed up and had our pancakes before heading back to town with Matthew in tow. Pretending not to listen to Matthew asking if I was married and Abdul telling him my husband was at the hotel (?!) I snapped away and caught the sun peeking through the clouds and a rainbow I definitely will be back here soon

Bless. x

Our North African adventure (Day 4)

16:59

OK, scrap yesterday being the best day. Today topped it by miles. We woke up to a downpour which to me made the place look even greener (Dan disagreed, what does he know? Lol)

We bumped into Richard and invited him along on our days’ travels. Met up with Mo after chilling in the foyer and he took us into the Medina and Kasbah for a whirlwind tour. So much went on, mosques, beautiful buildings adorned with scripture, but as many people were in on of the 300 + mosques a lot of the shops and stalls were closed. Unable to take as many photos as I would have liked, but it’s about respecting others.

We saw the silk weavers The Boy and Dan met a couple of days ago and we sat and drank tea, took photos and I put my bartering skills to good use for some beautiful silk scarves.

Another sea of alleyways and beautiful buildings, and taking in all the sights and smells. We stopped momentarily by the sports stadium and one of the oldest Kasbah walls dating back to when the French were in occupation.

Finally ended up at a shop full to the brim with jewellery, tea sets, crockery, silks moccasins as far as the eye can see. He and I talked about the UK as one of his four daughters lives in Bristol.

We sat and drank tea again. When you’re offered tea, just know the hard sell is in it’s way. We were made to try on clothes and scarves and to wander around the shop. I picked up a few things and went about the process of letting my new friend know I wasn’t for boying off.

After tough negotiations and ball breaking for 20 or so minutes, I managed to get the items I wanted for my price. Jobs a good ‘un. Mo left us with the shokeepers’ assistant who guided us back to our hotel where I’m blogging to you now.

Same as usual, chill for a bit before deciding where to eat. Bessalam. x

Our North African adventure (Day 3.1)

22:30 Just got back after THE biggest meal ever. Well when I say the biggest meal, it probably wasn’t.

We were starving so walked toward the same area as yesterday evening and to another restaurant, but when you’re so hungry you can’t finish your food. Vex.

My chicken was so nice, lemony and a few veg and olives (I don’t eat olives but the flavour was decent) The Boy had pasta bolognese and Dan had his with four cheeses.

About to watch the rest of The Goonies (hey yoooou guyyyyys!) which we started watching earlier and probably talk til all hours again plotting our next holiday. Catch ya later, bless x

Our North African adventure (Day 3)

14:56 What a great day! To quote Bob Marley for a sec: “the sun is shining, the weather is sweet.”

After breakfast we set off out into the city, with no planned itinerary. We started off at the pillars closeby, but we soon realised that they were used as a makeshift lavatory so took a few snaps and got the hell outta there.

We took a trip back into the Medina and The Boy took me to where he purchased the Ginger for me the previous day (he’s a mini Tom Tom; one he’s been somewhere he remembers) and continued to take in the wonderful sights and sounds. Spices and perfumes filling our noses. Simply beautiful. I wish I could capture it for you guys to encounter.

We ventured out for a bit to possibly find the Cyberpark but decided we’d go where our feet took us. Stopped off for some tea (anyone who knows me knows I do NOT drink tea) which is green tea, mint, and sugar. I can’t describe how good it tastes but I will be taking some home when we leave Sunday.

Bumped into “Mo” our main man and we’re going to see him tomorrow. We took a long walk East to the other side of the Medina, nearer to the Kasbah and took pictures. The Boy made some friends via his Arsenal hat and played football for a while as Dan and I talked and took photos.

We continued around and stopped off to grab a few gifts and the beautiful scenery of the hustle and bustle of the Kasbah with mopeds, motorbikes and pushbikes threatening to knock anyone down at anyone time.

Finally made our way back to the hotel where we’re now back in the foyer chilling (The Boy,) blogging (me) and editing video footage (Dan)

Will decide on the afternoons’ events once we have had a rest. So many pics to follow. Catch ya later. Bless. x

Our North African adventure (Day 2.1)

Had a lovely evening after chilling in the hotel with an Aussie called Richard who in stereotypical fashion had been travelling for the past three months. Tales of travelling through the Middle East and North Africa, waiting to get onto the Russian Railway for 8 hours, and the anecdotes of the runny tummies that spread through his group made for an interesting evening as we walked through the city looking for somewhere to eat.

We wanted to go to a particular place Cafe Arabe but where Dan and The Boy were so hungry we stopped somewhere else, sat talked, ate and laughed. After settling our stomachs we made our way back and Richard retired to bed as he had travelled that morning from Casablanca.

We chilled in the foyer for hours, I took a few snaps of the decor with my cam and some of ourselves. Obligatory self papping which ended up with a lady feeling sorry for us and she came to take a photo and it was even worse that ours, we thanked her for her kind offer and left it at that. Pics to follow.

Called a few friends on Skype, played stare outs and chilled on the comfy chairs until midnight. Had it not been so late, we would have had a walk in the Medina/Kasbah, instead retreated to bed.

I’m already planning on returning here many more times as I know five days won’t be enough, and I’m beginning to fall for this place. (next time with my French up to par and more Arabic under my belt.)

Time to bounce, bless. x

Our North African adventure (Day 2)

10:00am Ah man. What did I do to deserve this?!

After being very careful while eating outside the hotel yesterday, we have a nap and get up and go out for half a hour then eat in the restaurant in the hotel.

What was at the time a nice tagiatele (sp) with cheese and tomato sauce came back to bite me in the ASS at 4am. Literally. Say no more.

Gonna stay in until the afternoon then have a wander. Got a very special excursion to book and do hopefully tomorrow or Thursday. Can’t wait. Isaiah and Dan have gone for a wander to burn off energy and let me have some sleep.

18:26 Salam. So after spending most of the day in bed and taking photos from my balcony I feel so much better. I’m guessing the cheese sauce in the pasta at the hotel was the cause. Never mind. I could have gone out this evening as I feel better but Dan, The Boy and I ended up talking and taking pictures of the Moroccan backdrop as the sun went down, and they talked about their time in the Kasbah with “Mo” from yesterday and The Boy learning how to weave silk, buying Ginger for my tummy, (aww) perfumed soap and feasting like kings before coming back to the hotel. I’m kinda jealous but so pleased they had a good time. Pics and video to follow.

We’re in the reception area listening to the Arabic music as we blog, send emails and play games.

Gonna go grab a bite to eat (blatantly rice) then walk around the Medina for a bit. Catch ya later. Bless x

Our North African adventure (Day 1)

11:00 am

After almost missing the flight due to a pancake and maple syrup incident, Isaiah, Dan (my RIR colleague) and I currently 20 mins away from Marrakech and are looking out over Africa. I’m so pleased to be here at this moment. Moving towards a new role at The RIR in a more hands on basis, left my previous job and with new opportunities ahead, it’s fitting that I’m making my way towards the continent where everything began. Time to land, gotta run. Here’s a snap of the North West Coast for ya …

11:15 (sneak typing this place looks BEAUTIFUL!)

16:00 Arrived safely at hotel AGES ago, we took ages filling out an immigration form only to have the man chatting me up and calling his friend over. Took a couple snaps of inside the airport; beautiful. Much better architecture than Gatwick et al.

Taxi took 15/20 and we are in the centre of it all. The hotel is decent, we’re on the 3rd floor on the corner so we can see all the traffic and hustle and bustle. Can see the Koutoubia Minaret in the distance with the snow capped mountains as a backdrop directly behind.

Wandered round with our new “friend” Mohammed who wanted to take us all over. We refused so he took us into the Medina anyway and put us at a place with the NICEST tagine full of chicken and veg. Belly FULL. We paid £16 for two tagines, green tea (with mint) and a litre bottle of water. I told him when I come back tomorrow, I want it cheaper nothing long.

After letting “Mo” know we wanted to go back to the hotel he let us go. Didn’t want a tip either. Let’s see if my man is so generous tomorrow, huh?

Nap time, itis is kicking in. The Boy is watching Transformers and my eyes are shutting. Time to kick back. Bless.

Luda & Shawnna – Battle of the Sexes single

You don’t know how excited I was when I got a DM from my go-to music girl this morning!

The long awaited Battle of the Sexes album by Ludacris and Shawnna have been all over his Twitter page for months. Here is the first single off that album. The song is called “How Low”

Click here to download

Thanks to Lioness, bless up Sis x