Tick... Tick... Tack! Tour of London

What would it be if you were to lean out of the window as far as your body could allow and shout absolutely anything from the bottom of your heart out into the world outside?
My words would come out from my lungs deep inside; shout out:
"God, I fuckin' Love YOU!"
 Think that sums it all up.

Been absent from my blog for almost three weeks now! So, time to catch up.
It's a sunny, warm and typical Sunday early evening here in London. A swirl of a breeze is flowing through the vast, open living room windows, into the corridor of light grey horizontal stripes with a slight shimmer of silver, channelling a loving spirit of many whose paths have crossed mine in the past, finally into my boudoir which is experiencing a certain feeling of emptiness already as I have decided to move on with my life, beginning with the sale of my apartment in Chelsea. Boy, thank goodness these walls 'don't' talk!!! My blog would be child's play if they did. Haha.
Also, I've been flat-hunting for a garden apartment. The patio, living room, and bedroom design is almost completed. Now, all I have to do is find the apartment. I was told how important it is to put your thoughts and ideas into the universe, and they will be granted. Let the angels take the role of a Genie, so let's see what the forces will throw my way. No doubt, I will keep you posted on that.  

As a result of all the changes to come, Kim joined me today at the Battersea car boot sale, which takes place every Sunday. Come rain, come shine. This was a first for us; the 28-degree heat was no joke. It happened in London, and we chatted to all sorts of people who passed by where we had laid the goods gathered from my worldly travels, mainly clothes, I must add. The roof of my car was half open, and Ibiza music compiled by my brother Soltan was playing. It helped me choose my next dance partner in Fabric, the cutest 2/3-year-old boy who could move from that young age. Kim was a natural at attracting buyers with her flair and charm, carrying a lace beige umbrella above her head; while I wore shorts and a cowboy hat, we made a few friends along the way.
The day was a total success, and it helped me get rid of a whole bunch of extras in my life. The rest will head to the charity shop tomorrow; I must always give something back.

Diversity is the name of the game!

Going back in time, last night was the wedding of family friends with our kids, the Ex with his new lady whom I had met once at the Pop Up store when he purchased four of my prints; she is charming and pretty. We decided there and then to keep in touch. Coooool.
In the surroundings of what was a proper blossoming English garden with a
It was somewhat overwhelming to connect with so many friends from the past; most married couples, we used to mingle with and be repeatedly asked if we would go back together since our relationship is so amazingly amicable. My answer was pure and simple... "Nope."
Sabi even asked: "Was your Ex the love of your life?"
Without a thought, I answered: "Yes."
He was indeed because now I see it clearly. How else would I have lasted those difficult years of learning as I did and still have so much respect and love for him? It's just a different sort of love. We spent over twenty years together; surely that counts a lot. He is an extraordinary man in my life and always will be.
At the dinner table, I sat next to Mimi on one side and the twin sister of a beautiful, gentle soul, Gemmy, who lost her life to a brain tumour. As, naturally, the conversation between the three of us was directed clearly towards Gemmy, it was only apparent that she was with us at that table, in spirit. The bride's mother, a very dear old friend Melody, who is full of love and kindness, and her husband had organised a night to be remembered by all. The touching, humorous speeches by all parties kept everyone smiling, and the two daughters, including the bride, were full of sweetness and joy.  

Saturday midday was spent with Labella, a new Fabric buddy, at the Borough Market, set in the city, introducing a rich culinary experience. I will say it repeatedly: nowhere beats London on a sunny summer's day in the world. We walked around the stalls of food vendors, from cheeses to olives, sourdough bread to fresh fruit and flowers, and chatted away while eating lunch purchased on the spot. It was the beginning of a great weekend.

Southwark Cathedral

Inside the market

Jumi Cheese
Jimmy Choos
Jumi Choos
Jimmy Cheese

To be devoured?!?











On a Friday evening, Aiden, the sex therapist I had met a year and a half ago, appeared in promising words on my iPhone out of the blue and suggested he pay me a visit. This all sounds soooo not what it was! Whether I needed to see a sex therapist at a time in my life (not long ago) or not is irrelevant. In fact, Aiden had mentioned I should be doing his job, but nah, I may mistakenly get them more addicted! Haha.  
Dinner at the Balthazar in Covent Garden with Shelley was a three-course meal. We started with a couple of their speciality, Aperol spritzes, my favourite summer drink. 

The week before passed, my brother Soltan and his lady Tuba paid a visit while Mum and Sis Hala were also over. On a Friday, we threw a party for family and close friends, with noticeable diversity in cultures, age and outlooks, but all lovingly adorable in their rights. The party was a joyful event that only made me feel even more blessed with everyone who enriched my life with their love.
On Thursday, Camden Market was calling. Hala suggested we visit as Soltan had not been for a while, and it was Tuba's first. It was a memorable cloudy but pleasant afternoon, rafting on the canal and listening to the live music played by the duo of young men and their female companions. I turned my iPhone music on, and we smiled at the passers-by on Little Venice.  

 

Camden

The Love Birds

The musicians on board the Little Venice Tour

Camden Market by the canal

We, en famille, also met up with Tony, a good friend of Soltan's, for a cocktail at the roof terrace of Radio Bar, followed by the club Project, showered by champagne by our host! Where I reconnected with a super couple, Theos and Rosemary. It was a pleasure meeting them properly at our party. Some people have an incredible aura simply because they live by the rules of kindness, and their smile shines through their whole being. Soltan's music rocked the party till the early morning hours, and bedtime was just after 6:30am when the last three guests left. Towards the night's end, Troy and Torsten arrived with Yass, who was the cake's topping.
The series of family visits ended last Tuesday, and life is back to somewhat normality—or another version of abnormality, as some may question.

I have been so good during the sales. I have only one top and hairband from Paul Ka to report, which is unbelievable. The only way is not to walk into any store or use super control to change the habits (good or bad) of a lifetime—look and no buy.  
The new hot dude in my life is away visiting Russia, which is not a good sign! Haha.  But again, it is all in the name of fun and laughter. I decided to enjoy my singlehood to the last drop long ago and keep to my word... So far.  

How do I feel right now?  
Everything is excellent under the sun or moonlight, shining bright. Love all the way...
Funny, the music I am listening to says... I wanna go to astronaut school; I wanna be an astronaut. Most appropriate, somehow!


 

Fulfilled... Happy... Way to go!

Life is joy.
Life is great.
It is, after all, what you make it out to be.

The reason behind my happiness is a full-on life awaiting major changes on the line. The day I decided that not only myself but no one was ever going to feel sorry for me was a big step towards taking full responsibility for my actions, and here is now, the time to prove just that.
Only a few weeks ago, I was in the wilderness with a group of yoga fanatics, surfers, hikers, and then me, a party animal of the past. Out of all life's experiences emerged a new chapter of a strong woman with goals so ready to take on.  

Life has been going fast on a roller coaster at the speed of light!  
The end of May was night after night of laughter, re-kindling with old buddies whose humour was more engaging than any comedy strip could offer. Troy had us in stitches at home one evening, with the presence of Hala, Dylan and Mama, who had cooked us a delicious meal. There was Aisha's superb bbq, where Shane joined Hala and me to have a night to remember in the company of the witty Ranna, who was adamant about getting married in 2014, although her boyfriend seemed unsure. She said, "I don't know who I'll be married to, but I'm definitely getting married next year!"
It was all in the name of good humour, but then,  a gentleman unknown to us stepped in and randomly said in a slightly drunken, happy mood:
"Now... Why don't we all have sex!"
You can only imagine the look of surprise on all our faces with an ensemble of outbursts of laughter. His wife, who was amongst us listening, simply brushed him off with these words:
"Oh! Here we go, he and his sex talk!"
The guy got encouraged with his sex chat and carried on taking it to a higher level, a full-on comedy show of an outrageous nature. A fun party, especially with Aisha and Pedro's warm and generous hospitality, could only be great.

Last Thursday, Thomas, whom I had first met in Fabric and with whom I was celebrating his birthday not long ago with his friends there again, invited me to one of the opening nights at the Serpentine Gallery in Hyde Park. Every year, an architectural site goes up and stays on through until October, then dismantles to be taken away. Sou Fujimoto was appointed to build a vision of airy lightness amid the surrounding greenery this year.

The evening went on from there by picking Ernest up and heading to the busy Birdcage pub in the East End run by the one and only Andi Dj-ing on stage with Neneh Cherry, whose birthday I had sadly missed but managed to make it to her partner's at least. Seeing so many friends there through Ernest's introductions over the years was great.  

Despite the cold and pretty miserable weather we have been experiencing in London this spring, BBQs have not been short of hand. One at Robbie and Aari's with Aisha on a chilly evening protected by the fully leafed walls of their garden and another family Sunday at the Ex-in-laws was a good way of sticking our tongues out at the unkind climate.

Last Saturday began with an idea of a brunch picnic and ended in a gathering of good old friends at a pub lunch in Hammersmith by the river. The food at the Blue Anchor was not much to be desired, but the walk along the Thames and the semi-appearance of sunshine added flavour to our dissatisfied palates. We then headed towards Holland Park for a coffee and more of a spot in the sun. The queue of people standing next to the open-air café, all dressed up with picnic baskets, suggested a night at the Opera in the white-tented area nearby. Before the sopranos began, Robby, Dylan, Kerry and Hala all left, so Barton and his good friend Lydia suggested I join them for a sit down on the lawn of the park, close to the opera tents and soak up some heat before it runs away again. We did manage to find a spot in the sun through the overcrowded space, and since the singing barely reached us, my iPhone music took over the beats. When the sun finally disappeared behind the trees in the far, the cold air had arisen, and by deciding to give my friends a lift, the night continued to Barton's, where I got to meet Kathy, visiting London for the first time. The evening ended with a Persian meal at a new nearby restaurant to Barton's and then home.

Holland Park

Another view...

Since my return from Costa Rica, life has been 'non-stop', and if it had not been for all the exciting new projects keeping me up most nights, I would have probably felt the lack of sleep. Alas, none of that. The Stats on my blog indicate over 11,000 hits from every country I imaged possible on an Atlas; I have made prints of photos taken from various trips around the world on perspex and will be exhibiting them for the first time at Mama Brown's new unique concept space of an extravaganza of art, furniture and clothes gathered from all around the world, not to mention the delicious daily recipes of Aisha, to take place over the next five days, starting tomorrow.

'Passion Photography' is my theme, as many words can be spoken through the lens of a camera. Hence, 'Combining travels and photography mixed with words... There will be an outlook into my colourful world'. From designer turned tourist, writer and now photographer, life is all about crossing the lines of one's comfort zone and spreading those wings into the wilderness of the unknown. So much to be grateful for. Today, after finishing preparing the prints to be hung on the walls of Mama Brown's pop-up store, I made a getaway to meet up after 3:00 pm, quite later than expected, with Julie for a spot of tennis watching at Queen's Club. As we met outside the entrance and headed to court one, a drizzle of rain began, and the game was stopped. What's new, this being London! So, we headed to the bar for a glass of bubbly or two, and as the rain had not stopped, we continued to our reserved seats for afternoon tea on the grounds. Finally, we managed to seat ourselves for an astonishing game played by the tall Argentinian Juan Martin Del Potro against Xavier Malisse of Belgium. We almost gave up in the middle of the match but hung in to watch Del Potro win the three-set game.

The winner, Del Potro serving

Woohoo! The sun showed up at 8:00 pm!
End of game.

Oh my goodness, it's 4:00 am, and I need to sleep before the exciting new day begins. 

Na night, Everyone.

Stepping out of Comfort Zone at Chirriposa Retreat

"Our Greatest Strength Lies In The Gentleness
And Tenderness Of Our Heart."
~Rumi

Back in Costa Rica, another day, another bus journey began in the early morning towards the beach on the Osa Peninsula. This time around, we sat in the back seat before the pile of luggage and enjoyed yet another ride through the green scenery that passed us by. A stop at a café along the route and the first sights of the Golfo Dulce were apparent; the sweet Gulf indeed. By then, friendships had flourished, and I did not feel alone for a second.

The first sight of Golfo Dulce

Where Eagles Dared!

The bus finally stopped at a bar where our luggage was transferred in the back of trucks, with the group scattered in the designated carriers as that was the only they could have driven through the river followed by an uphill dirt road towards El Tumbo de las Olas which was the house we occupied for the rest of our retreat. At first, it was hard to believe we were sleeping on the first floor of an open house, set amidst nature at its wildest. 'Interesting'... I thought. On the ground floor, there was an open-air dining area with a large kitchen, which the local ladies making lunch occupied. This opened into a garden with a round pool surrounded by tropical trees, flowers, and hammocks hanging from posts. A wooden, open staircase to the first floor was covered by a high ceiling, partially see-through glass. No doors, no windows in sight.

The view from my bed

Walking upstairs to find the white-sheeted beds, only separated by heavy white curtains, reminded me of boarding school days, sharing rooms with inmates! Haha. It was as though time had stopped long ago, and I felt young, very young, a teenager lost in time. We each chose a bed, and Tracey happened to be my roommate, who was joined later by Charel. Next came lunch and a stroll down a pathway of trees and flowers which led to the beach and the blue Gulf, a bay of mainly sand with some stones scattered here and there, the varied green of the palm trees mixed with other lush shrubs unknown in the name (to me anyway) was breathtaking. While watching some of the girls go for a swim, I took a walk around the protected area, ending with large stones set at sea. A scene from a postcard.

We began days with yoga at 7:00am where our bubbly instructor Kenny G talked of Hindu Gods and Goddesses, their influence and learning while floods of tears flowed through most our eyes. It is incredible how connected we all really are. Beauty is found in nature as in people all around us; seek it, and you will find it. I would smile. Every time hummingbirds flapped, their wings hovered above the red and yellow heliconias during the lesson. Other times there were the naughty monkeys swiftly moving from one tree to another, there was the tucan bird with a giant yellow beak which diverted our attention and generally, the wild life in Costa Rica was next to none. It made me wonder whether birds could hear us or, like plants, they simply go by feeling alone. When words come out of our mouths, they generate a certain kind of heat, depending on the sentiments put into them.

We had surfing instructions from Tania on the first day, and people disappeared into the sea while all I wanted to do was lie on the surfboard and paddle away across the mellow waves. With all the Hawaiian Tropical oil on my skin, even holding onto the panel was hard work before sliding away like a slippery fish, but I loved it. Forget gripping on it to stand up! The dream of becoming a surf babe would have to wait for another lifetime... Or who knows?!

During our stay, the food prepared by Angus was more like being on a gourmet holiday, which was different from what I had expected. Especially the very yummy chocolate cake he baked for Molly's birthday was truly more gastronomic than most I had tasted before; I believe I have tried many. Tangus, as Tania and Angus' duo team were called, had gone to all lengths to make our stay fun-filled and fully scheduled. In the mountains, the massage by a local lady was exciting; in a netted room, before darkness dissolved anything in sight but the sound of the crickets and other animals and candles around, she began by expressing gratitude to all that surrounded us and asked permission from my body to work on. Also, she followed a similar ritual at the end, which I felt very much touched by. Then, in Osa, I booked an acupuncture session with the Chinese doctor, which was a healing experience; in the dark again, with the help of a torch on his forehead, he masterly conducted the use of his needles, which generally would freak me out.

One afternoon, we got dressed in our yoga outfits and hiking shoes to walk in the nearby river. I slid on a stone and fell into the water with both my cameras hanging in their cases from my shoulder to waste. Oh well, a farewell to my Canon G12, it did me well but the chip was saved. Nothing lasts forever, after all, but after getting to a waterfall and climbing the rocks to jump into the pond below in full gear, losing my camera became a thought of the past. Material goods are there to give us pleasure, and they are in our control. The minute we pay importance to them, it is them controlling us.

The last day was left for the 'crème de la crème' of all experiences, boating all morning to spot the dolphins. Swimming with dolphins at sea has been one of the most exhilarating experiences of my life. 'They are the only animals which can scan the human body', was what their coach had told us at a resort in Cancun, 'they sense you'. There are centres, especially in Florida, where swimming with these Godly creatures could help cure various illnesses or handicaps. As soon as the two boats our superb duo team hired were set at sea, three dolphins were spotted, and we got close to them before they made their way into the Pacific Ocean. After a ride through the backwaters and, thank goodness, not a sighting of crocodiles or snakes, we anchored at a beautiful spot for scuba diving, followed by a picnic brunch on board the boats. When we finally left to head back to the port, a dolphin appeared not far off, and when we approached the giant mammal, he decided to swim ahead of our boat, literally underneath. Kenny G brought out his flute and began playing a gentle tune, which would have probably even brought a cobra out of his nest. My heart went to Molly, whose mother had recently passed away, whose spirit followed her daughter wherever she went, sending her loving messages through the sound of the birds, the playful monkeys and now, the dolphin swimming with us. I had told her from my experience that when people die, they never leave you, all you have to do is think of them and they will be there to help, protect and guide you in simply a different way. You can feel certain physical embraces. 

Picnic Brunch

The affectionate dolphin

Once we returned to land, Angus was waiting for us with another car to transport us to the last yoga session at the Iguana Lodge, followed by lunch. I chose to skip the class and leave my camera alone on the beach, where I ended up chasing butterflies for ages. Phebe had told me a beautiful story she had once read about a woman chasing a butterfly for so long while where she needed to look was simply within.

Chasing the Butterfly

At last night's gathering, Kenny G asked everyone to express their most memorable moment on the retreat. The memory of the dolphin swimming along with us in harmony was the first thought that came to my mind. Charel shared her sentiments on how the beds were set out and how comfortable we felt in each other's company, the comfort one would think of with loved ones. When it came to Mandala's turn, whose striking beauty had caught my attention from the moment she walked into the dining area on our first night and talked candidly about her battle with cancer. At that moment, I could not help my outburst when I told her:
"You're so brave!"
Indeed, her courage to go through chemotherapy and then to come on such an adventurous journey on her own was truly remarkable to watch. Not only once did she show any sign of pain, if not the one she felt now, indeed the one she had endured. Amazing woman. I also told Kenny how wonderful it was to hear him speak so fondly of his bride-to-be and his love for her. It is quite a rare thing in this day and age.  

My time in Costa Rica was precious in many ways, realising that comfort zones are basically lazy chairs that we settle into and not a way to conduct a life full of adventures to be experienced and taken advantage of. Stepping out of the blanket of my comfort zone, from handstands at yoga to walks up the mountains in jungles, personally, what gave me more courage to try out new ventures was the caring support all around, which we do not always get in life, from our genuinely superb organisers, Tania and Angus, the yoga master Kenny G and every single person there. The incredible energy attracted people with varied lifestyles and ages from different parts of the world to gather here in Costa Rica to reconnect with our spirits and move on to a hopefully more meaningful life. Angus' warm hugs every morning meant a lot to me, and the treasured chats with Tania were sublime.

At one stage, towards the end of the trip, two days of rain and I was almost ready to go home!
What?!? It was only due to too much thinking. Despite carrying my laptop and having internet access, I could not write, put pen to paper, or read! Too much time to think is not necessarily a good thing, it would seem. God knows I was not complaining for one second, as counting my blessings constantly is all I do, even in the worst of situations, and this is by far one of the most magical destinations my travels have taken me to. 

Being back in London and spending time with family has given me a broader understanding of the importance of their love. I have not always been at my best behaviour regarding the awakening of the rebellion in me when asked to behave as requested. When told: "Haldita, you're a handful." I know exactly what that means. How can one take criticism when you know you are not pleasing someone and do not wish to change for their sake? Communication is only sometimes the key, as both parties have to agree first!
Watching the care my Uncle Ken puts into his excellent relationship with his loving wife, Aunt Laura, brought further hope in understanding how relationships can work. Also, having my mum A gel and sis Hala here has been another blessing I thank God for. Accompanied by my kids, life has been bliss.

Toxifying the detox of the yoga retreat with two visits to my favourite club, Fabric, with Sis on the last two Saturdays since the back was a pure pleasure. Getting home one morning at 7:00am to face my cool uncle reading in the living room made me further understand how important it is when one's family have an understanding far beyond their choice of conduct of how you choose to live your life. No criticism but tolerance. If you get along well with your daily routine, no one else will make your choices.  

Life is to be lived... God Bless.