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

8 Tips to Guaranteed Success

Exams are around the corner, well for some it has already made an appearance! Nerves are on the edge and everything seems to be going awry. I can relate, however after years of having to get to grips with exams and ensure a successful outcome I though i would share some of thee best tips to help your study timetable be effective :)

So here goes!

1. Plan out your study regime. 

the best way to do it is to identify your weakest subject all the way to your strongest subject and have more sessions with the weaker subjects. When planning sessions consult your exam timetable so you when you need to be fully prepared and armoured. Make sure you take short but frequent breaks in between your sessions. 45 minutes with 10 minute breaks have been proven to be the most effective.

Pace yourself

Your brain is a muscle. Think about how your body feels when you suddenly do a rigorous exercise routine without bracing yourself a few days in advance. The same applies to your brain.

2. Be organised.

Having a study timetable will only be helpful IF you follow through with it, which will only happen if you are organised. Keep all your study material together and make sure you have everything you need. Those pages that have magically "apparated" (ref. Harry Potter) into thin air source them from a friend or teacher/ lecturer. Have all your stationery together so you don't end up scavenging for items whilst your timer is ticking.

Having separate files or folder for each subject on a desk or in a particular cupboard helps to keep you and your material "together". Same applies for the stationery you use.

3. Figure out the best study method that works for you.

It may be mind mapping, drawing pictures, summarising, highlighting, reading aloud or even acting as a teacher and teaching yourself.

For me the best way was summarising and making colourful and neat study notes - I find that similar colours help you connect related ideas and if it's keywords or lists for a concept I make up silly acronyms to help remember all the factors.

4. Get comfy in your study spot. 

Some people can work in the same spot ALL the time, others like me need a change of environment. Remove all distractions ** YES, your cellphone and the internet are catergorised as distractions! PUT IT AWAY  - challenge yourself.

Use a cushion to reduce the effect on your bum of having to sit for long durations. Make sure you're not too warm or too cold and you  can be comfy in your clothes. It's important as you are going to be writing and moving and sitting (yes, I did use and twice in a row). 

I used to ready my desk to study and would end up in different rooms of the house or a specific quiet corners in the different campus libraries with a jersey or blanket (I hate having "cold-feet" mind the pun) 

5. Figure out whether you're a silent learner or need something to keep you going

Silent learners usually require a quiet environment (I would recommend this!), whilst others need some noise to keep them going. this is where your playlist will prove to be very useful. Find your spot, plug in, press play and you're almost set.

Ps* try not to listen to songs that you're likely to sing along to - you need to be absorbing your study material, not singing along to your favourite Katy Perry song.

6. EAT.

They say you need to eat healthily - listen to "them". Skipping meals is NOT a good idea and only eating junk is NOT eating correctly. But do keep your favourite snacks and junk food on hand, the nibbles whilst studying does keep your energy level elevated.

I NEED to eat whilst studying. I generally have a good appetite which then increases during the exam period so I rely on my mixed nuts, chewies and chocolate to fill in the gap whilst I'm studying.

7. Get enough SLEEP!!

Those energy drinks are NOT going to give your body the rest it gets whilst you're asleep, so rest and SLEEP! sleeping helps your brain order the material you have studied and if you are the "owl" type nap before you have your all-nighter. If you are the "early-bird" make sure you sleep early so you're well rested and energised to take on the books. DO NOT CRAM the night before or the day of your paper, you will crash and burn. Sleep early and have those 8 hours of sleep before your paper.

I am the the "owl" type. PS** please don't make the mistake of testing out which type of study-person you are during exams - it may just not work out (trust me I learnt that during my trial exams in matric).

8. Stay focused and motivated.

It's all well and good to say I need to study at the beginning put in effort to make a study timetable. Then as exams approach and you write papers or get results back you find yourself losing that drive to study. Yes, it may be a lot of work or you may find it difficult or you may dislike the subject, bit you have to study the material to get it over and done with. 

Remember to BELIEVE in yourself, you can do it. Your will power and effort is what has been getting you through so the result you get is only a reflection of how much effort YOU put in. Once again challenge yourself to be more disciplined and remain focused to achieve your true potential.

I often needed pep talks so I would speak to my parents, sister or friends to help pull out of the pit of self-pity. Having loved ones around you during this stressful time is always the silver-lining. They are there to bring you those smiles, ego boosts as well as the midnight snacks and wake you from your pillow of books!

On that note all the best for your exams! I do hope these tips are truly your tips to success and you are able to optimise your potential.

The most important thing is to BELIEVE IN YOURSELF.

xxx

Saudaa 

BCAM

As October as well as Breast Cancer 

Awareness Month draws to an end I thought I'd end it off with a little reminder.

We don't get to choose our illnesses nor do we get to escape what's in our destiny.

Share your love, empathy and support for the people who affected.

A little goes a long way...

Purchase those little pink ribbons and more ...

Watch this video to find out a little more.

https://youtu.be/Mp350Ht7GHI

xxx

Saudaa 

She said, "Be gentle with yourself"

So today I attended a school's awards ceremony. I have been to my fair share of prize givings and today I was prepared for a long few hours of talks and award presentations with a fully charged phone battery.

However I was forced to  put my blog reading aside not because I was told to but because of the alluring, inspirational words of the guest speaker - Dr. Alloter. She did not lecture, nor did she tell us about her rise in her career, rather she spoke to the entire congregation about OURSELVES!

It really hit home that I first need to figure out who I am... Who I truly am, not base myself in the IDEA of who I'm supposed to be or who others want me to be nor should I measure my life against others.

I've come to the point in my life where I don't want to tell people what I do and if I do it's usually followed up by what I planned on doing with my life. Listening to Dr. Allotor today made me realise that I am happy.  Yes,  I may not be working the life I had envisaged BUT I am HAPPY!

Often I scroll through social media and look at my high school and university mates living their lives with beautiful images as proof of their wonderful "dream come true" lives and I feel why not me?!  I've worked just as hard, if not harder - studying, not bunking and getting through everything with just a single attempt! I have realised that all I need to is say ALHAMDULILLAH for everything I have. 

Who knows what's truly behind the images? Why should I care? That feeling of pride when I feel I've imparted something to another mind is the most rewarding feeling to ever experience!  I am happy and that is what I have always wanted.

So, "Be gentle with yourself" is a statement that I will keep in mind henceforth. We spend so much time idealising what we should be and less time focusing on who we truly are and what actually makes us happy. We get so caught up in our daily activities and forget to take time out to focus on ourselves. 

As I've matured and been exposed to the big bad world I've begun to notice that the ideals I had as a bright eyed teenager no longer fit the individual that I've grown into.  Some of the basic ideals have remained the same but the contexts have changed so some of the frilly ideals would have to evolve and today I got told that IT'S OKAY! - IT'S NORMAL.

It may seem silly that I didn't realise this but being the strong headed taurean that I am, I guess I needed an "expert" to tell me that IT'S OKAY.

So I have to tell you this and may you take it in and use it as a tool of positive reinforcement for yourself-

YOU are the most important individual in your life.  Friends, family and dreams will come and go but all you'll ever have for certain is YOURSELF. So be gentle with yourself...

xxx 

Saudaa 😘