I'm Back Baby...

Well Haai there... 

I apologise for being so quiet - life has been crazy lately. I am here with a basic life update - so keep reading. 

I think it is safe to presume that I have been gone for 4 months - however I am back and ready to share my life with you all once again. 

Where do we start?!? 

Should we go back to when I returned back to SA after my stint in Italy... I think that is a good story to tell. 

So I landed in Durban on the 2nd of October, the only person to know of my arrival was my darling mother who happily collected me from the airport ( She did on countless times tell me how hard it was to keep my arrival a secret). The flight home - which I did solo this time, was long, slightly entertaining and pretty annoying. It involved making delayed flights, making a new friend, cold coffee, and Jack Daniels. Finally after 3 flights and two extremely long stopovers I made it onto South African soil. Without telling anyone my first stop for the night was to surprise my best friend and godson - I pull  into their driveway and there she is waiting for me, for some reason she had a feeling I was coming home, it was strange yet so amazing to see them. 

Next stop early on the Friday morning was to go home and surprise my younger sister and little brother. I got home and my sister was pretty stoked to see me, after that I went into my brothers room - as quietly as possible ( I had to climb over the bed and all the crap on the floor - in order to get to him sitting at his computer) I put my arms around him, he turned around and simply gave me a 'hello', as if I had just got home from a day at work. I then got ready for my day of surprising the other specials in my life. 

{Brotherly love}

Durban Girls'  was next on the list on stops - (my dad works there and my little sister goes to school there). Now because it was Friday and break-up day all the times for break/lunch were changed around, ( I completely forgot to take that into consideration). I arrive at the school and my mum and I make our way to the front office to ask if I can go up to my sisters classroom  (little did we know that the girls were on tea break) as we approach the office my sister walks around the corner and we were made, first she hit me because I never told her I was home and then she gave a very sisterly loving hug. After I long embrace and very quick catch up - I asked the lady sitting in the office to call my dad and ask him to come to the front office. So he did - all flustered as he thought there was a problem and the students were causing havoc. He saw me was surprised  - first person I actually surprised and it didn't go wrong. (10points) 

{Surprise}

I proceeded to attempt to surprise other people over the course of my weekend home - some plans worked and others not so much, but I can say that I really enjoyed all of it. Seeing their faces when they saw me coming just made my heart very happy. 

After that first weekend home  -  My little brother and I hit up rAge Festival in JHB read more in the next post. 

{<3}

{Cousin Love}

{My best...}

Change is good, very good indeed. 

{ I now have purple hair.. YAY!}

While I am home I usually sit at a coffee shop, drinking way to much coffee while taking advantage of their free wifi. However now I have a part-time job at a small company helping them out for the month - which keeps me out of trouble. 

Other than that we are onto single digits for the Bali Countdown - Keen much?!? YES...

I mean 9 days left until my beautiful little sister and I fly off to enjoy the Island life for a month - who wouldn't be excited... 

Toodles... <3

Be Happy & Smile...

I had a lovely few weeks. 

Imagine how different your day becomes when you do small things for another person, like a simple smile can make another persons day. 

With the industry I work in, one must always wear a smile no matter how bad a day you are having. Sometimes it can be hard and you tend to lose the smile during the day. This happens to me, especially when you have guests over a long period of time. 

A few things happened to me, that reminded me how beautiful a smile can really be. 

1. I was going about my day, cleaning and organizing the boat before the new guests arrived. I had to take a few things outside to clean with the high pressure spray { which is actually quite fun to use }. I smiled for some reason and an Italian gentleman from a boat further down the Jetty, walked up to me and proceeded to greet me and strike up a conversation - starting with you have a beautiful smile. I became awkward and weird after that as I do when one pays me a compliment. Now everytime I see him he blows me a kiss and greets me, I smile and that makes him happy. :) 

2. Every morning I buy Croissants for the guests to have with breakfast. Although I have been in Italy for Four Summers,my Italian isn't fluent. While I was at the cafe and giving the gentleman behind the bar my order, another man from a boat down the way approached me and helped me order in Italian. Stating that after four summers, Inow needed to learn a new phrase everyday. While attempting to place my order I laugh like an idiot and the gentleman behind the bar absolutely loved it. He was so patient and helpful, continued to ask where I was from and my name ect. eventually he told me my smile was radiant and that I should never stop. Now when I go see him in the morning, he greets me the Italian way with a kiss on each cheek and waits for my awkward smile before taking my order. Day Made! :) 

3. While waiting for guests to arrive back on the boat there was a little boy walking with his dad along the walk-on, he was fascinated by our bicycles standing outside, he was dressed up complete with long pants a collared shirt and the coolest kicks. I smiled at him and the most heart melting thing happened. He stopped, looked up at me smiled and blew me a kiss. I mean he must have been 3 or 4 years old it was absolutely beautiful. Definitely going to be a charming man one day. My day was absolutely made by the cutest human I have ever seen in Porto Rotondo. 

Just by noticing that something as small as a smile can make anyones day better, whether it be a friend or a stranger passing by. 

So be someone elses sunshine, Be the reason someone smiles today. 

/

{Smiles all round}

Banana Muffins!

Last night in the spur of the moment I made some yummy banana muffins, and decided to share my recipe with you. 

Ingredients: 

1/2 cup of Flour

2 tsp Baking powder

1/2 tsp Salt

3/4 cup of Brown Sugar

3 Bananas (ripe and mashed) 

1 Egg

1/3 cup of Butter (melted) 

Method:

1. Preheat oven to 180 degrees. Grease an muffin tray. 

2. Cream the sugar, butter, eggs and banana together. 

3. Mix flour, baking powder and salt together and sift into banana mixture. 

4. Mix together for a minute. Spoon mixture into muffin tray.

5. Bake for 10-15 minutes. 

6. Enjoy!?! 

You could also add oats or nuts. 

{Yummy}

Smiles! x

Work, food and an Update...

This past week has been a tad boring, the boat that I work on is privately owned. So we only have family and friends onboard during the summer. This season is going to be extremely quiet, as the owner and his wife are not joining us and so not many people want to be here without them. 

My blog won't be as exciting with travels until October, but I shall keep you intrigued as much as I can whether it be with food, music, funny stories or just anything in general. However I am hoping to see a bit more of the Island before I leave so I shall definately document that. 

There is another South African boat in the marina they are lovely people, an Austrian man and a Swiss lady, they both reside in Cape Town for six months and then Sardinia for the other six months. I often head over for a braai, drinks or just chats and it is always lovely. Last Saturday we had a real South African braai complete with potato salad and garlic bread. {Yum!} They have a car on the island so when she goes to town I go with her, much easier than hiring a car. They are like another set of parents, and I truly am grateful. 

There is rain here {YAY!} loving it.

 I have indeed been trying to improve my skills in the kitchen, last week I made the most amazing Roast chicken and veg dish. Basically just chopped up a bunch of mediterranean veg, oiled and spiced them up, chucked it all in a ovenproof dish and threw it in the oven. {Voila!} Dinner is served.

On Friday I made my first ever Beef burger, { there is a story to why - a post for another day maybe?!}. So I went the easy route and bought ready made fresh hamburger patties, seasoned them up with some S&P and cayenne pepper, rubbed it in there real good. Then I continued to chop up some gherkins, red onions, lettuce, I grated some cheese and fried up some bacon bits. I  must add that I made my very own 'slap chips' - which turned out amazing. The burger came with grilled buns and everything. I was indeed proud of myself, first time burger attempt turned out great! 

On Saturday I spent the day on the beach {Best!}, I went to a little beach down the way from the port called Tartarughino-(little turtle). They have comfy beach chairs and complimentary towels, a restaurant and one stunning blue beach. 

{I was sporting my O'Bryans cap and a Heineken for most of they afternoon.}

{I literally did absolutely nothing but bake in the sun and read Dave Grohls biography - This is a call.}
 

Sunday came alone to quickly, so I slept in and then tried  my hand at some cupcake art. I love cupcakes - {if I could marry a cupcake and travel with him I would.} I have this amazing cupcake recipe that I got from my mom's colleague. It's amazing and works super well.   

{My attempt at Tobi from Naruto}

{My attempt at the ear from the series Hannibal}

Sunday evening came and it was time for a lovely dinner and a movie { The Hobbit - Desolation of Smaug}. 

{The Gorgeous Sunset to end off the weekend however it did get better later on}

On Mondays I am meant to see my Best and her cutie pie, but because I am not able to be there I edit pictures of him, and she also sends me updates. I love this tiny human. <3

Till the next time I have something interesting to tell you. 

Ciao!

Rome Wandering...

Finally I get to tell you all about my slightly spontaneous, pretty amazing trip to Rome last week...

Day 1.

On Saturday the 31st May, I took a flight to Rome Fiumicino airport, caught a train to the Main termini, and then the metro to a stop closer to the hotel. Once at the hotel I got settled in and relaxed a little before heading to the roof for a drink. My waiter was a gentleman named Willy, lovely guy - I ordered a G&T, to my surprise he has a very heavy hand and it felt like a GGG&T.:)

{The view from my Hotel - a tiny Vatican}

{Drinks on the roof - I can never be natural in a photo}

Before dinner I went for a stroll to the Vatican, although I have seen it before it is still beautiful. 

{Vatican} 

{Vatican}

{Vatican Panoramic}

Day 2.

I had an average night in the first Hotel, but I decided to move on. I packed up and took a lovely walk to the new hotel - which was near the Colosseum, {the walk was sort of long - but the best way to see Rome}.

{Stopped at a park in the Gardens- Let me take a selfie}

{Let us dance in the sun,
 wearing wild flowers in our hair.

            -Susan Polis Schutz}

{Colosseum vibes - from a different angle}

They were doing a lot of work on the Colosseum while I was there, so I didn't go inside - just roamed around looking at her from all different angles. 

{Jump, Jump, Jump}

The hotel I stayed in for the second and third night was called iRooms - modern with light up showers and beds, they supply you with Ipads to do your business and everything in the mini bar is FREE! yes please. To be honest the best part was the light up shower - I mean wow. However I stayed in the iSpa room the first night there, which had a Hot Tub and an amazing spa shower. The second night I stayed in the iSuite - a bigger room with a bigger shower ect. Breakfasts there were rather intimate - one long table where everyone sat together and the food was basic. All in all one of the best hotels I have stayed in - they have a few hotels around Rome, you can visit there website www.iroomsrome.com look them up if you are ever in the area. 

Day 3.

I made missions to the Trevi fountain and the Spanish steps, I swear I walked the comrades in the few days I was in Rome. I was a victim of an attempted pick pocketing while coming out of the metro, I felt the bugger trying to open my handbag and grab, thankfully there was nothing much of value that he could take. The funny thing is I am always cautious when leaving the metro, but I honestly thought this kid was just riding the metro and leaving, next thing his hand is in my bag. So I turned around and said something, he then had the nerve to ask me for money SERIOUSLY?!?, ask me first and then try rob me, not the other way around. This happened on my way to the Hard Rock Cafe for lunch - which was average, meh. 

{Trevi Fountain} 

{Me + Trevi Fountain} 

I did the tourist thing and threw a coin over my shoulder and made a wish, {I can't tell you otherwise it won't come true}. I truly do hope it comes true - I need a big change. 

{Making Wishes}

{Bad photo - but these are the Spanish Steps}

{while in the iSpa room - I did laundry in the Jacuzzi, Winning!} 

{In english - The Wedding cake}

Day 4.

On the Tuesday I moved onto another hotel as I had the Queens of the Stone Age concert that night. The concert was in Capannella, so thats where I had to book a hotel. Little did I know that my hotel was a 45 minute walk from the metro, so off I went. 

{Selfies while I walk}

Once I had checked into the Hotel, I had a snooze before getting ready for the show. My alarm went off at 5pm telling me to get ready for a life changing event. Excitement started kicking in, I turned up some QOTSA jams and continued to get ready. 

Dinner time before heading out - I ordered a seafood pasta (average). I then caught the hotel bus to the Ippodromo, when I arrived it was crawling with fellow rockers. The atmosphere was amazing, you could feel it was going to be life changing.

{Rock in Roma Entrance Banner- Excitement kicking in}

{The  music Lineup for the summer}

I bought some wicked cool QOTSA merch before the concert started, grabbed a beer and a Red Bull, and proceeded to push my way through the crowd to get a good view of the stage. I was surrounded by people waiting in anticipation just like I was for the countdown to the opening song. 

The lights went off and the crowd went quiet then the countdown got to 10 - and the crowd went insane counting down with the clock, and boom opening song starts *(you think I ain't worth a dollar, but I feel like a millionaire) and the crowd goes wild. I honestly got goosebumps while rocking to my hearts content jumping, screaming, singing along. 

{My Ginger Elvis being shy }

They had a kick ass setlist as follows : 

1. You Think I Ain't Worth a Dollar, but I Feel Like a Millionaire 
2. No One Knows 
3. My God Is the Sun 
4. Burn the Witch 
5. Smooth Sailing 
6. In My Head
7. Feel Good Hit of the Summer 
8. The Lost Art of Keeping a Secret 
9. …Like Clockwork 
10. If I Had a Tail
11. Little Sister 
12. Make It Wit Chu 
13. I Sat by the Ocean 
14. Sick, Sick, Sick 
15. Better Living Through Chemistry 
16. Go With the Flow 
17. Encore:
17. The Vampyre of Time and Memory 
18. A Song for the Dead 

For the first time ever I joined in the mosh pit and got down and dirty with the other fans - pushing and shoving, rocking and rolling. It was an experience I will never forget. 

{The Band}

Day 5.

The morning on the Wednesday, I was super tired from the night before,I woke up had a quick breakfast and even though I hadn't drunk that much I felt like I was suffering from a hangover. It was a long day a walking to catch the metro and then sitting waiting for flights. 

When I got back to the boat I got takeout and crashed hard. 
I will forever remember this trip to Rome. I hope to go back again this summer for another concert or two. 

{Home time} 

Until next time - Live long and Prosper...

Here and Settled...

After many a long flight, I have finally made the boat home once again.

So here is my flight plan - I flew Emirates Airlines, which is rather amazing {they sport a rather lovely group of staff - easy on the eyes :) }. Durban to Dubai was the first leg - the longest of the three. I had a 4 hour layover, so first stop Starbucks {YES PLEASE}, and then a large amount of window shopping. I tend to get very hungry when flying - so Food was next on the layover agenda. After all that I sat and read my book while waiting to board {Currently reading Fault in our Stars - John Greene (Brilliant)}.

 {My little superhero and I at Starbucks}

Dubai to Rome was next , not too bad a flight - I managed to catch a few zzz's. Once in Rome I had to collect my luggage and then re-check in for the last flight to Olbia {Missions}. Anyway when checking in I had to hide one of my carry on pieces { as you are only allowed one with a domestic flight - I had two as was travelling internationally } this worked and I was able to catch my last flight. To be Completely honest - worst flight I have ever been on - seriously thought I might die. The pilot did a horrendous job flying and landing the plane.

However I am alive and well, happy to be back in the land of Pizza, Pasta and all things fattening... I am all settled in - finally have a local number once again, and internet connection so can keep everyone updated.

 {Found this lovely Letter from the sister - 

hidden so I would only find in when I unpacked}

 {Airport Selfie}

 {My mum gave me this little Superhero last year when I left, she wants me to travel with him and take pictures everywhere I go, 

{Everyone has to have an airplane photo} 

 Once I arrived in Porto Rotondo, I had to eat at my favourite restaurant - Tartarughina ( English translation - little turtle), Most often I will have the Spaghetti alla vongole, never fails me.

{My super delicious dinner on Monday evening}

From Tuesday until Today (Friday), I have been busy settling in and trying to organize comms. This weekend is the Porto Rotondo Boat Show - all is set up extremely well, and looks beautiful. I am super excited for this weekend and Sunday. I am heading to Rome for a couple days, to sightsee a little more but mainly to watch Queens of the Stone Age play at Rock in Roma, almost as excited as I was for Incubus two years ago.

Until next time  - Live Long and Prosper! 

Saying Goodbye...

Goodbyes are never the easiest, and they are definitely not fun. The past few days have been hard, knowing that I am leaving {like I do every year}, but this time I won't be coming home for a while. When you have to leave your friends and family behind it's difficult - even with the internet and Skype it is never the same. 

My Close friend, her gorgeous son {my godchild} and her family were the first to bid me farewell, the evening started off wonderfully - full of laughs. 

On Friday evening I had a small farewell with drinks and chats at our local bar, it was lovely seeing the friends again. 

On Saturday we had a famdamily shindig, where we all came together for a lovely South African Braai and a good few laughs. 

{Airplane funnies} 

{My dear Grandfather and me giving him some love} 

{My family}