Adult much?

So its been a while...

Yes I know, it's probably the third time that I've decided to start over!

I thought I should give it up and just stick to my day job, but where's the fun in that? Besides, I've never been one to quit. especially when it's laziness to blame.

So this is it. 

Let us catch up.

Thus far, I have experienced the most mind blowing roller-coaster ride emotionally. If you know me, you definitely know what I am referring to. Moving on to greener pastures has been the idea over the past few months. This has involved weight gain and LOSS (alhamdulillah) with some teenage skin tendencies. YES, I hit a milestone with my birthday this year, yet my skin still feels the need to act like a teenager when my brain and heart are acting like the maturing adults they're supposed to be!

I feel that this year has been the year that has finally welcomed me into the "Adult World" - in other words, I started paying my own bills and dealing with my wonky personality.

Ok, so maybe I'm being too basic by saying I only pay bills - but it's a start. 

The crux of the matter is that, I've learned to be more comfortable with myself and accept ME for who and what I am. I've come to understand that it is OKAY to not be where I had planned to be in life - everything in life happens for a reason. 

I may not be working my dream job or living my dream lifestyle however, I am HAPPY.

Happy -  a word that we rarely associate with our life plans. 

Think about it, when you envision your life did you ever put the word "happy" or "content" in the equation? No, right? This technological world has made us morph into materialistic hoarders - zombies in the 'race' of life. 

Don't get me wrong, I LOVE fancy things and still want my dream lifestyle however I want to do it with love and happiness. I want to have peace of mind of knowing I am connected to who I really am, and not be afraid of the perception that people have of me when they see me living my 'basic' life.

This realisation took me a quite a few panda faced sessions with my besties, but also helped me reconnect with the few people that I am proud to call my 'squad' - a little circle of ionic bonds.

SO my fellow 90's kids - unfortunately we need to start referring to ourselves as 'adults' as the last batch of 99's turn 18 this year!

Breathe, work and play - life is about the moments that leave you with memories that bring a smile to your face. Live your life in such a way that if you'd have to press replay you would see yourself being HAPPY!

That's it, from philosophical Saudaa

Here's to toned assets (asses), giggles and tickles!!

x☺x

The Little - Big village

It's two days since my arrival in Ajmer and being back here during the festivities is absolutely INSANE!!!!

I thought crowds in Makkah was the real deal,however the tiny alleyways that can literally only fit one average sized person's width have to channel hundred thousands of people has changed my mind.

(You would've seen the video on instagram).

Since my first time here in 2005 not much had changed, the ‘roads' are still pathways however it's a little cleaner, neatly concreted, with shops and homes bordering it without any ‘yard’ space. Butcher's still have open plan trade and can be seen hacking away at meat - it's surprising how they they're NOT plagued by flies! The food still tastes divine.

The internal roads still have open water runs, however they're covered the way an awning covers an open area or with grids. There is a constant supply of water unlike in KZN (but who's complaining?) and their electricity department however is still acting like Eskom used to!

Although it is understandable, because you NEED to have a cooling agent on at all times, so it's bound to put pressure on the power grid.

What intrigues me the most is that this is a tiny little town in a huge country but people from around the world of various colour and creed flock to visit it because of one individual...🙌

Today I thought I'd dedicate this post to the most beautiful feeling I had at sunset - maghrib.

I thoroughly enjoy reading salaah in jamaat (praying in congregation). That feeling of being connected to something larger than anything that exists is absolutely incredible.

This evening there was the added effect of a melodious imam (prayer leader) and chirping birds along with a cooling breeze to settle the anxiety from the heat. I'm sure many if you would be able to relate.

Anyhoo we're off to Chennai in a bit 👌and I almost paid R100 for a frappacino😂

Till then adieu🙋

Saudaa

xxx

Roaming the city

Day 2 and a bit of day one

So second leg - connecting flight was good

All I did was SLEEP!

I then awoke to a hustling and bustling city! It seriously is a city that never sleeps! Even though we arrived at 8am we were greeted with overwhelming humidity and more Indians than Durban 😂 (all you Johannesburg people would be having palpitations)

We hired a cab and off we went not having to lift a finger - just had to hold on to my heart that continuously stopped as our taxi effortlessly maneuvered through roads that hath no rules only honking (hooting).

On arrival at the hotel it was sort out bags, shower and out!

No sleep, no chill - just OUT!

First stop visiting all the friends unfortunately not family - I'm just a 5th generation South African Indian without any proper roots to trace.

Each visit included true Indian hospitality with thee most amazing “chai”. What we make back home is tea, here it is chai ❤ and snacks.

We got to tour around the Muslim area roaming the infamous Muhammed Ali Road.

The true joy of travelling comes from living the lives of the locals so in that spirit I do try the street food.

This time I had chaat -

The crush of sev and the base, mush of tomatoes and onions. With extra pops of flavour from the mangoes and coated channa was a treat for my bored ol’ tastebuds.

Then roamed a bit more, even took a bus and then got to watch a skating class and no I didn't skate only because I was too afraid to fall plat and test my amateur skills 😂 I haven't skated since 2013!!

It was lovely spending the evening out walking almost aimlessly and feeling secure. I'd never roam the streets of Durban primarily because of the way we've been indoctrinated that S.A is so unsafe blah blah blah…

I also got to find an African trader in India and in true tourist mode I had to document it with a picture! He sold leather goodies and that corner on the road was his usual spot.

Anyhoo a trip to India wouldn't be complete without a trip to the movies, so at 11 we went to watch one😂 yes ELEVEN PM.

If you think that's crazy, there was still traffic AFTER the movie ~ 1:30 am!! All I needed was food and there was traffic 😑 however we quickly sourced a restaurant that was abuzz with late diners to which we added to.

After the tummy was happy it was time for us to finally get back to the hotel and have 3 hours of sleep before we checked out and headed off to our second stop - Jaipur where the long drive to Ajmer awaits!

So that's all for now… till I get to my next stop

xxx

Saudaa 😘

Ps follow me on instagram as I share my day all day 📷

Leg one 🙋

Okay so it's dayone of travelling!!

And my father's 55th birthday!

I got to ditch work earlier than others and got the most sketchy wishes for my holiday

The prime examples being

“Don't drink and don’t have a baby” and “Baby Dzaddy”! I've no clue what that's supposed to mean but all I was told was to go follow some dude on instagram to find out.

Anyhoo as usual it was rush at home as I suddenly thought of clothing items that I would need AFTER the bags were packed the night before (I'm a lady - we can't help it!).This time there was added pressure with plumbers installing copper pipe replacements.

However, all went well and we arrived at the airport and I fetched my bag that was totally mutilated by a local airline - but it was fixed and returned anew (I'd be bluffing if I said I didn't think that they should damage my bags more often 😂).

My flight was slightly delayed however Wi-Fi always makes up so I was content and I had a newspaper to read. Sometimes I feel really old fashioned but I love to physically turn the pages of a book or newspaper. I'd choose a book over reading on an electronic device any day!

After browsing for days and trying to compile a list of places to visit it was time to board. The in-flight experience was normal however the chirps of old to middle-aged uncles proved to be extremely entertaining - suggesting everyone have tea during our stop over.

Note to self - remember what my name means!!!

I'm currently flying over the equator and it’s -63° F. The wonders of nature never cease to stupify me!

I still have the second leg to go but that's for another post😉

Ciao bellas🙋

xxx

Saudaa

Hello there... again!

Hello hi 🙋 hoe gaan dit?

It's been ages I know!!

I've realised that I've got commitment issues - don't give me that questioning look. I am a woman of the 21st century surrounded by unlimited distractions, so full of energy and curiosity that I can't help but take a little detour down the little trek that isn't well travelled.

Yes that's a long sentence, but I've always had that problem - my teacher's couldn't even get me out of the habit.I've got too much to say and my mind often doesn't give me time to pause and have proper sentence construction.

You're probably thinking, you're typing this and there isn't a time limit. That is true, however I write as it flows.

Anyhoooo with the end of each paragraph it's forced me to change the idea of this post.

Travelling, flowing and construction.

Well on my last expedition this past December I explored China once again - which I will fill you in on.

This Easter holiday coming up I get to travel again. I've got a trip up to the motherland planned - India! Yes I'm excited, and hopefully don't end up life forgotten toast. These killer Durban days seem to be like the perfect test run!

So how does flowing fit in?

Although it's my 3rd trip, this is going to be my first time in the SOUTH! and all I have imagine it to be is- beautiful, luscious greenery with flowing channels of water snaking through and enriching the soils of the land.

With the ideas and expectations set in place I plan on constructing an incredible memories to add to the collection of travel memoirs.

I plan on having a travel diary maybe I'll share it with u guys.

Till then

xxx

Saudaa