Happy Birthday to my beautiful Weimeraner Charlee...
10 on the 13th December 2012
She's lasted longer than a few friendships, a few relationships and a marriage.
Trusty, loyal, my best friend, beautiful and abundant with unconditional love.
She's with a new family now and they love her.
I miss her loads!
Seeing her this week for a birthday treat!
Monday 12 December 2011
A Letter from Tanzania
Current Address:-
Chief Monk for the African Continent
Buddhist Temple & Meditation Centre
P. O. Box 6665
Dar Es Salaam
Tanzania. East Africa
Tel \ Fax : + 255 22 2150422
Mobile : + 255 713 451745
Email :- pannasekara@hotmail.com
revpannasekara@yahoo.com
Web site :- www.pannasekara.com
Council member
WBU
The World Buddhist University,
3rd floor,
The World Fellowship of Buddhist Bld.,
616 In Benjasiri Park,
Soi 22 off Soi Medhinivet, Sukhumvit Rd., Klongtoey, Bangkok, 10110 Thailand
Tel:- + 662 258-0369-73
Fax:- +662 2858-0372
Email:- wbucentre@wb-university.org
Trustee
IRCPT
Inter Religious Council Peace in Tanzania.
P.O.Box 76951
Dar Es Salaam
Tanzania
Tel:- + 255 22 2771511, 2771522
Fax:-+ 255 22 2112899
Email:- wcrptz@cats-net.com
President & Patron
KHA
Kind Heart Africa Orphanage Centre, Tanzania
Dharma Teacher
African Buddhist Seminary
P. O. Box 2319
Bronkhorstspruit 1020
South Africa.
Tel : + 27 13 9310009 Ext: 303 & 296
Fax : + 27 13 9310081
Mobile : + 27 72 0753 455
Permanent Address:-
Sri Visuddharamaya
Olagama
Rambodagalla
Ridiegama
Kurunegala
Sri Lanka
Tel :- + 94 37 2252539
08.12.2011
To Whom It May Concern: HEATHER SUTTIE
Heather Suttie came to help me as volunteer with orphans and vulnerable children in Kind Heart Africa orphanage centre at Chanika – Buyuni - Tanzania. She came to that place at necessary time which we need some body to help me to fund arising and make collaboration with some other people and organizations.
As I wish she worked hard and passed this information to many others. As result of that many people came to visit the centre and well connected.
Our children are at the centre welcoming her always. They love to stay with her for a long time. She is talking wonderful story to them and her teachings for kids very wonderful.
Therefore I am very happy to receive her service again and again to the needy children in Africa. It is a blessing for them.
Also I very appreciate her story about Children in Africa.
We thank you for all
Buddha and all spiritual beings protect and help you!
Thank you and long life!
Rev ilukpitiye Pannasekara Thero
The Chief Monk for Africa continent
PRESIDENT AND PATRON – KIND HEART AFRICA – (KHO) TANZANIA
COMMISSIONER – INTERFAITH ACTION FOR PEACE IN AFRICA (IFAPA)
TRUSTEE—INTER RELIGIOUS COUNCIL FOR PEACE (IRCPT) – TANZANIA
AMBASSADOR FOR PEACE – INTER RELIGIOUS & INTERFAITH FEDARATION FOR WORLD PEACE (IIFWP)
HONURARY MEMBER - DAR ES SALAAM ASSOCIATION OF SPAIN
SPRITUAL DIRECTOR – SERENITY BUDDHIST RELIEF ORGANIZATION (SBRO) – SOUTH AFRICA
www.pannasekara.com
Chief Monk for the African Continent
Buddhist Temple & Meditation Centre
P. O. Box 6665
Dar Es Salaam
Tanzania. East Africa
Tel \ Fax : + 255 22 2150422
Mobile : + 255 713 451745
Email :- pannasekara@hotmail.com
revpannasekara@yahoo.com
Web site :- www.pannasekara.com
Council member
WBU
The World Buddhist University,
3rd floor,
The World Fellowship of Buddhist Bld.,
616 In Benjasiri Park,
Soi 22 off Soi Medhinivet, Sukhumvit Rd., Klongtoey, Bangkok, 10110 Thailand
Tel:- + 662 258-0369-73
Fax:- +662 2858-0372
Email:- wbucentre@wb-university.org
Trustee
IRCPT
Inter Religious Council Peace in Tanzania.
P.O.Box 76951
Dar Es Salaam
Tanzania
Tel:- + 255 22 2771511, 2771522
Fax:-+ 255 22 2112899
Email:- wcrptz@cats-net.com
President & Patron
KHA
Kind Heart Africa Orphanage Centre, Tanzania
Dharma Teacher
African Buddhist Seminary
P. O. Box 2319
Bronkhorstspruit 1020
South Africa.
Tel : + 27 13 9310009 Ext: 303 & 296
Fax : + 27 13 9310081
Mobile : + 27 72 0753 455
Permanent Address:-
Sri Visuddharamaya
Olagama
Rambodagalla
Ridiegama
Kurunegala
Sri Lanka
Tel :- + 94 37 2252539
08.12.2011
To Whom It May Concern: HEATHER SUTTIE
Heather Suttie came to help me as volunteer with orphans and vulnerable children in Kind Heart Africa orphanage centre at Chanika – Buyuni - Tanzania. She came to that place at necessary time which we need some body to help me to fund arising and make collaboration with some other people and organizations.
As I wish she worked hard and passed this information to many others. As result of that many people came to visit the centre and well connected.
Our children are at the centre welcoming her always. They love to stay with her for a long time. She is talking wonderful story to them and her teachings for kids very wonderful.
Therefore I am very happy to receive her service again and again to the needy children in Africa. It is a blessing for them.
Also I very appreciate her story about Children in Africa.
We thank you for all
Buddha and all spiritual beings protect and help you!
Thank you and long life!
Rev ilukpitiye Pannasekara Thero
The Chief Monk for Africa continent
PRESIDENT AND PATRON – KIND HEART AFRICA – (KHO) TANZANIA
COMMISSIONER – INTERFAITH ACTION FOR PEACE IN AFRICA (IFAPA)
TRUSTEE—INTER RELIGIOUS COUNCIL FOR PEACE (IRCPT) – TANZANIA
AMBASSADOR FOR PEACE – INTER RELIGIOUS & INTERFAITH FEDARATION FOR WORLD PEACE (IIFWP)
HONURARY MEMBER - DAR ES SALAAM ASSOCIATION OF SPAIN
SPRITUAL DIRECTOR – SERENITY BUDDHIST RELIEF ORGANIZATION (SBRO) – SOUTH AFRICA
www.pannasekara.com
Saturday 19 November 2011
Richard Gough
Top former footballer and all round top guy ( in my opinion & experience ) is going to help with my Kind Heart Africa Storybook. Yippee!!
Watch this space.. this could be good!
Watch this space.. this could be good!
Home..
Happy to be at home, here in cold & sunny Glasgow/Coatbridge.
Using the computer in the library as my mac book is in getting fixed!
Getting ready for the forthcoming Say NO To PLASTIC vintage, charity & craft sale
on Sunday 27th November.
I am so blessed and grateful to have a wonderful friend in Lisa Bonner who is a super star
and has been hosting the sales since I have been in Tanzania for the past 5 months!
And she is a new baby, Matilda and 4 year old Emily to look after and she;s just started school!
Haven't been feeling tip tops since I came back.. all that deet and anti malaria malarkey, though I was super fortunate that I didn't get malaria, wasn't robbed ( though phone got nicked ) or hurt or felt threatened.
Utterly adored every moment of my time there and I can't wait to return!
So many amazing adventures, wonderful people and majestically beautiful landscapes.
I miss Sarah, Tonic, Meswin, Kessy, Anita, Abby, Jim, Pannasekara, Graham, Asana, Mandisa, Bilen and all the other lovely people I met, not to mention the kids at the Kind Heart Africa School. Think of them a lot! And i heard today from John Hudson that its been raining for 10 days straight!??
Cold and sunny here.. weird : )
Using the computer in the library as my mac book is in getting fixed!
Getting ready for the forthcoming Say NO To PLASTIC vintage, charity & craft sale
on Sunday 27th November.
I am so blessed and grateful to have a wonderful friend in Lisa Bonner who is a super star
and has been hosting the sales since I have been in Tanzania for the past 5 months!
And she is a new baby, Matilda and 4 year old Emily to look after and she;s just started school!
Haven't been feeling tip tops since I came back.. all that deet and anti malaria malarkey, though I was super fortunate that I didn't get malaria, wasn't robbed ( though phone got nicked ) or hurt or felt threatened.
Utterly adored every moment of my time there and I can't wait to return!
So many amazing adventures, wonderful people and majestically beautiful landscapes.
I miss Sarah, Tonic, Meswin, Kessy, Anita, Abby, Jim, Pannasekara, Graham, Asana, Mandisa, Bilen and all the other lovely people I met, not to mention the kids at the Kind Heart Africa School. Think of them a lot! And i heard today from John Hudson that its been raining for 10 days straight!??
Cold and sunny here.. weird : )
Tuesday 18 October 2011
Robin Sharma
Have just read cover to cover in one day, The Greatness Guide by Robin
Sharma.
101 Lessons for making what's good in work and life even better.
Highly recommend it.
He also wrote The Monk Who Sold His Ferrari which is also a damn fine
read.
Favourite chapters/ quotes from The Greatness Guide...
The Steve Jobs Question "What would I do if this was thelast night of
my life?"
An unforgettable quote from Jay Z. "I'm not a businessman, I'm a
business, man".
The person who experiences most wins.
Speak like a superstar.
Problems reveal genius
Think like a CEO.
Be wise, early rise.
Learn more to earn more.
Drink Coffee with Ghandi.
Be A Rockstar at Work.
Superb stuff. Feeling super charged and ready to rock!
Sharma.
101 Lessons for making what's good in work and life even better.
Highly recommend it.
He also wrote The Monk Who Sold His Ferrari which is also a damn fine
read.
Favourite chapters/ quotes from The Greatness Guide...
The Steve Jobs Question "What would I do if this was thelast night of
my life?"
An unforgettable quote from Jay Z. "I'm not a businessman, I'm a
business, man".
The person who experiences most wins.
Speak like a superstar.
Problems reveal genius
Think like a CEO.
Be wise, early rise.
Learn more to earn more.
Drink Coffee with Ghandi.
Be A Rockstar at Work.
Superb stuff. Feeling super charged and ready to rock!
Robin Sharma
Have just read cover to cover in one day, The Greatness Guide by Robin
Sharma.
101 Lessons for making what's good in work and life even better.
Highly recommend it.
He also wrote The Monk Who Sold His Ferrari which is also a damn fine
read.
Favourite chapters/ quotes from The Greatness Guide...
The Steve Jobs Question "What would I do if this was thelast night of
my life?"
An unforgettable quote from Jay Z. "I'm not a businessman, I'm a
business, man".
The person who experiences most wins.
Speak like a superstar.
Problems reveal genius
Think like a CEO.
Be wise, early rise.
Learn more to earn more.
Drink Coffee with Ghandi.
Be A Rockstar at Work.
Superb stuff. Feeling super charged and ready to rock!
Sharma.
101 Lessons for making what's good in work and life even better.
Highly recommend it.
He also wrote The Monk Who Sold His Ferrari which is also a damn fine
read.
Favourite chapters/ quotes from The Greatness Guide...
The Steve Jobs Question "What would I do if this was thelast night of
my life?"
An unforgettable quote from Jay Z. "I'm not a businessman, I'm a
business, man".
The person who experiences most wins.
Speak like a superstar.
Problems reveal genius
Think like a CEO.
Be wise, early rise.
Learn more to earn more.
Drink Coffee with Ghandi.
Be A Rockstar at Work.
Superb stuff. Feeling super charged and ready to rock!
Unwanted House Visitors
Woke up this morning to find 4 of them downstairs. ( thankfully )
3 in the kitchen and one in the sitting room. How did they get in and
why did they pick this particular joint
and what is the MO of cockroaches, what do they want ???
perplexedatcockroaches.com
3 in the kitchen and one in the sitting room. How did they get in and
why did they pick this particular joint
and what is the MO of cockroaches, what do they want ???
perplexedatcockroaches.com
Unwanted House Visitors
Woke up this morning to find 4 of them downstairs. ( thankfully )
3 in the kitchen and one in the sitting room. How did they get in and
why did they pick this particular joint
and what is the MO of cockroaches, what do they want ???
perplexedatcockroaches.com
3 in the kitchen and one in the sitting room. How did they get in and
why did they pick this particular joint
and what is the MO of cockroaches, what do they want ???
perplexedatcockroaches.com
The last 7 days...
So Jim has been with me for almost a week, wonderful company, his last
night ended up with a night watching models rehearse ahead of a bikini
fashion show in a stunning venue, hotel, restaurant and bar by the
beach called Mediterraneo. That was the end of what has been a
brilliant week, with lots of company. He left Sunday morning to catch
the 9.30am ferry to Zanzibar.
On Monday, we both met Jack McConnell's friends. Claire MacDonald and
her husband Donald. Donald was here on business and Claire connected
with me on Facebook.
She had been in touch with Jack and mentioned her apprehension about
coming to Dar. I sent her the piece I wrote on Dar which was published
in the Sunday Mail
and also sent her some links on things to do, places to visit, etc and
I was thrilled that she came out and I ended up spending lots of time
with her.
Apart from being super company and super cool, it was so lovely to
have a Scot to run around with! Oh and an Irishman too!
We covered lots fo ground, both metaphorically and physically.
In no particular order, here are some of the highlights ( pictures on
FB )
A visit to Kivukoni Fish Market, the Botanic Gardens, Kariakoo,
appearing in a pop video, Indian meals at the Badminton Club, drinking
baby coconut milk (nutritious and delicious) and prepared
with a 3ft panga, that's a big knife to you and me! Took a dala dala -
only 300 shillings, a taxi costs 15 000 into town..saw my first ever
rainbow here in Tanzania, it rained everyday ( thank you for bringing
the rain Claire )
had drinks at Slipway, bought Tanzanian dresses which Jim negotiated a
great price for, was given a gift from C&M which was just what I
needed, covered lots of ground on foot, chatted non stop and in
general, loved having them here. Spent lots of time with Claire as
Donald was working mostly. Have agreed to visit them with Charlee at
their home in Melrose.
All in all, a great week, only interspersed with major stress for 48
hours with regards to my visa and flight, which I don't want to
revisit in my head or bore you with!
Loking forward to catching up with Claire and meeting her family and
her dog Zak in Melrose, when I am back and also nipping over to
Zanzibar to spend some time with Jim
before I head home to rehoe Charlee, sort out crap and see my nearest
& dearest!
night ended up with a night watching models rehearse ahead of a bikini
fashion show in a stunning venue, hotel, restaurant and bar by the
beach called Mediterraneo. That was the end of what has been a
brilliant week, with lots of company. He left Sunday morning to catch
the 9.30am ferry to Zanzibar.
On Monday, we both met Jack McConnell's friends. Claire MacDonald and
her husband Donald. Donald was here on business and Claire connected
with me on Facebook.
She had been in touch with Jack and mentioned her apprehension about
coming to Dar. I sent her the piece I wrote on Dar which was published
in the Sunday Mail
and also sent her some links on things to do, places to visit, etc and
I was thrilled that she came out and I ended up spending lots of time
with her.
Apart from being super company and super cool, it was so lovely to
have a Scot to run around with! Oh and an Irishman too!
We covered lots fo ground, both metaphorically and physically.
In no particular order, here are some of the highlights ( pictures on
FB )
A visit to Kivukoni Fish Market, the Botanic Gardens, Kariakoo,
appearing in a pop video, Indian meals at the Badminton Club, drinking
baby coconut milk (nutritious and delicious) and prepared
with a 3ft panga, that's a big knife to you and me! Took a dala dala -
only 300 shillings, a taxi costs 15 000 into town..saw my first ever
rainbow here in Tanzania, it rained everyday ( thank you for bringing
the rain Claire )
had drinks at Slipway, bought Tanzanian dresses which Jim negotiated a
great price for, was given a gift from C&M which was just what I
needed, covered lots of ground on foot, chatted non stop and in
general, loved having them here. Spent lots of time with Claire as
Donald was working mostly. Have agreed to visit them with Charlee at
their home in Melrose.
All in all, a great week, only interspersed with major stress for 48
hours with regards to my visa and flight, which I don't want to
revisit in my head or bore you with!
Loking forward to catching up with Claire and meeting her family and
her dog Zak in Melrose, when I am back and also nipping over to
Zanzibar to spend some time with Jim
before I head home to rehoe Charlee, sort out crap and see my nearest
& dearest!
Bridesmaids..
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1478338/
Never been one, had 3 though and I LOVED this film. Watched it twice
this weekend.
Actually watched parts of it with Jim over 3 nights and watched the
entire movie again last night.
It was funny, inisghtful, very well written and I laughed so much.
It was produced by Judd Apatow who also worked on Knocked Up, The 40
Year Old Virgin and stars Kristen Wiig and Rose Byrne and a
whole host of excellent players.
Its touching and funny and its truthful. A must see! I know I am
probably late in getting to see it, I am in Africa after all.
Girls will love it too, we can connect wih each of the female leads in
some way and sorry, I am a sucker for a good male lead
and the bloke who plays the Irish cop is ace and the ending..
"This is the first time I've seen you look ugly, and that makes me
happy!" Ha! great line.
Definitely see it if you can!
Never been one, had 3 though and I LOVED this film. Watched it twice
this weekend.
Actually watched parts of it with Jim over 3 nights and watched the
entire movie again last night.
It was funny, inisghtful, very well written and I laughed so much.
It was produced by Judd Apatow who also worked on Knocked Up, The 40
Year Old Virgin and stars Kristen Wiig and Rose Byrne and a
whole host of excellent players.
Its touching and funny and its truthful. A must see! I know I am
probably late in getting to see it, I am in Africa after all.
Girls will love it too, we can connect wih each of the female leads in
some way and sorry, I am a sucker for a good male lead
and the bloke who plays the Irish cop is ace and the ending..
"This is the first time I've seen you look ugly, and that makes me
happy!" Ha! great line.
Definitely see it if you can!
Bridesmaids..
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1478338/
Never been one, had 3 though and I LOVED this film. Watched it twice
this weekend.
Actually watched parts of it with Jim over 3 nights and watched the
entire movie again last night.
It was funny, inisghtful, very well written and I laughed so much.
It was produced by Judd Apatow who also worked on Knocked Up, The 40
Year Old Virgin and stars Kristen Wiig and Rose Byrne and a
whole host of excellent players.
Its touching and funny and its truthful. A must see! I know I am
probably late in getting to see it, I am in Africa after all.
Girls will love it too, we can connect wih each of the female leads in
some way and sorry, I am a sucker for a good male lead
and the bloke who plays the Irish cop is ace and the ending..
"This is the first time I've seen you look ugly, and that makes me
happy!" Ha! great line.
Definitely see it if you can!
Never been one, had 3 though and I LOVED this film. Watched it twice
this weekend.
Actually watched parts of it with Jim over 3 nights and watched the
entire movie again last night.
It was funny, inisghtful, very well written and I laughed so much.
It was produced by Judd Apatow who also worked on Knocked Up, The 40
Year Old Virgin and stars Kristen Wiig and Rose Byrne and a
whole host of excellent players.
Its touching and funny and its truthful. A must see! I know I am
probably late in getting to see it, I am in Africa after all.
Girls will love it too, we can connect wih each of the female leads in
some way and sorry, I am a sucker for a good male lead
and the bloke who plays the Irish cop is ace and the ending..
"This is the first time I've seen you look ugly, and that makes me
happy!" Ha! great line.
Definitely see it if you can!
Bridesmaids..
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1478338/
Never been one, had 3 though and I LOVED this film. Watched it twice
this weekend.
Actually watched parts of it with Jim over 3 nights and watched the
entire movie again last night.
It was funny, inisghtful, very well written and I laughed so much.
It was produced by Judd Apatow who also worked on Knocked Up, The 40
Year Old Virgin and stars Kristen Wiig and Rose Byrne and a
whole host of excellent players.
Its touching and funny and its truthful. A must see! I know I am
probably late in getting to see it, I am in Africa after all.
Girls will love it too, we can connect wih each of the female leads in
some way and sorry, I am a sucker for a good male lead
and the bloke who plays the Irish cop is ace and the ending..
"This is the first time I've seen you look ugly, and that makes me
happy!" Ha! great line.
Definitely see it if you can!
Never been one, had 3 though and I LOVED this film. Watched it twice
this weekend.
Actually watched parts of it with Jim over 3 nights and watched the
entire movie again last night.
It was funny, inisghtful, very well written and I laughed so much.
It was produced by Judd Apatow who also worked on Knocked Up, The 40
Year Old Virgin and stars Kristen Wiig and Rose Byrne and a
whole host of excellent players.
Its touching and funny and its truthful. A must see! I know I am
probably late in getting to see it, I am in Africa after all.
Girls will love it too, we can connect wih each of the female leads in
some way and sorry, I am a sucker for a good male lead
and the bloke who plays the Irish cop is ace and the ending..
"This is the first time I've seen you look ugly, and that makes me
happy!" Ha! great line.
Definitely see it if you can!
Cockroaches
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cockroach
heading - so wish i hadn't read this, then again, information is power!
so much to learn about africa and I'm loving thisnew found thirst for
even more knowledge!!
heading - so wish i hadn't read this, then again, information is power!
so much to learn about africa and I'm loving thisnew found thirst for
even more knowledge!!
Cockroaches
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cockroach
heading - so wish i hadn't read this, then again, information is power!
so much to learn about africa and I'm loving thisnew found thirst for
even more knowledge!!
heading - so wish i hadn't read this, then again, information is power!
so much to learn about africa and I'm loving thisnew found thirst for
even more knowledge!!
Tonic
Tonic has just served up the best poached eggs on toast I have ever had!
He's also just rustled up an amazing chicken and veg dish ( trying to
be healthy ) and I jokingly asked him to marry me!
They love the banter here.. His reply.. "Let me think about it" and we
all roll about laughing.
Sweet...
He's also just rustled up an amazing chicken and veg dish ( trying to
be healthy ) and I jokingly asked him to marry me!
They love the banter here.. His reply.. "Let me think about it" and we
all roll about laughing.
Sweet...
Tonic
Tonic has just served up the best poached eggs on toast I have ever had!
He's also just rustled up an amazing chicken and veg dish ( trying to
be healthy ) and I jokingly asked him to marry me!
They love the banter here.. His reply.. "Let me think about it" and we
all roll about laughing.
Sweet...
He's also just rustled up an amazing chicken and veg dish ( trying to
be healthy ) and I jokingly asked him to marry me!
They love the banter here.. His reply.. "Let me think about it" and we
all roll about laughing.
Sweet...
Tonic - The Chef
Tonic has just served up the best poached eggs on toast I have ever had!
He's also just rustled up an amazing chicken and veg dish ( trying to
be healthy ) and I jokingly asked him to marry me!
They love the banter here.. His reply.. "Let me think about it" and we
all roll about laughing.
Sweet...
He's also just rustled up an amazing chicken and veg dish ( trying to
be healthy ) and I jokingly asked him to marry me!
They love the banter here.. His reply.. "Let me think about it" and we
all roll about laughing.
Sweet...
Tonic - The Chef
Tonic has just served up the best poached eggs on toast I have ever had!
He's also just rustled up an amazing chicken and veg dish ( trying to
be healthy ) and I jokingly asked him to marry me!
They love the banter here.. His reply.. "Let me think about it" and we
all roll about laughing.
Sweet...
He's also just rustled up an amazing chicken and veg dish ( trying to
be healthy ) and I jokingly asked him to marry me!
They love the banter here.. His reply.. "Let me think about it" and we
all roll about laughing.
Sweet...
Tonic - The Chef
Tonic has just served up the best poached eggs on toast I have ever had!
He's also just rustled up an amazing chicken and veg dish ( trying to
be healthy ) and I jokingly asked him to marry me!
They love the banter here.. His reply.. "Let me think about it" and we
all roll about laughing.
Sweet...
He's also just rustled up an amazing chicken and veg dish ( trying to
be healthy ) and I jokingly asked him to marry me!
They love the banter here.. His reply.. "Let me think about it" and we
all roll about laughing.
Sweet...
Saturday 15 October 2011
Oran Mor
The next Say NO To PLASTIC Vintage, Charity & Craft Sale takes place on Sunday 30th October at Oran Mor, Glasgow, from 12 til 5pm.
Entry is 1 pound ( no pound signs on this keyboard ) and all of the proceeds go to my wee school here in Tanzania. It costs one pound per day to feed one child for an entire day, so i am hoping even more than usual that it will be busy!
We started the sales in 2007 and since then we've supported lots of charities and have also supported and promoted local talent - purveyors of all things eco, organic, upcycled, recycled and vintage. Competition is stiff ( and that's good ). We continue to grow and develop the sales, seeking out the best indie sellers from around Scotland.
There is a Say NO To PLASTIC events page on FB if you're interested in finding out more! Or email me hsuttie@mac.com
Also, check out the Kind Heart Africa page on FB.
Entry is 1 pound ( no pound signs on this keyboard ) and all of the proceeds go to my wee school here in Tanzania. It costs one pound per day to feed one child for an entire day, so i am hoping even more than usual that it will be busy!
We started the sales in 2007 and since then we've supported lots of charities and have also supported and promoted local talent - purveyors of all things eco, organic, upcycled, recycled and vintage. Competition is stiff ( and that's good ). We continue to grow and develop the sales, seeking out the best indie sellers from around Scotland.
There is a Say NO To PLASTIC events page on FB if you're interested in finding out more! Or email me hsuttie@mac.com
Also, check out the Kind Heart Africa page on FB.
Jim
Is the irish friend I met in Tanga a while back. He's a 50 something year old, 6 ft, voluntary teacher from Galway and I love him! He is hilarious, he's got the craic like! He's been staying with me in Masaki and we haven't stopped talking, well we did when the blackberry services were down as i was having a nightmare trying to sort out my visa ( which was due to expire ) and also my KLM flight back to Glasgow.
It is a Godsend having Jim around. He is a wonderful human being.
He leaves tomorrow to hang out in Zanzibar for a few weeks before returning home to Ireland.
He has been here for a year and has spent a bit of time in Dar. He walks eveywhere ( with his hands behind his back ) and has been showing me all around Dar on foot. Some interesting sites!
He is super well versed in film, literature and general knowledge and is super duper naturally funny.
I would love to get him on Mastermind, Who Wants To Be A Millionaire or something like it.
He is brilliant and I've made a promise to visit him in Galway... and I don't make promises I can't keep!
It is a Godsend having Jim around. He is a wonderful human being.
He leaves tomorrow to hang out in Zanzibar for a few weeks before returning home to Ireland.
He has been here for a year and has spent a bit of time in Dar. He walks eveywhere ( with his hands behind his back ) and has been showing me all around Dar on foot. Some interesting sites!
He is super well versed in film, literature and general knowledge and is super duper naturally funny.
I would love to get him on Mastermind, Who Wants To Be A Millionaire or something like it.
He is brilliant and I've made a promise to visit him in Galway... and I don't make promises I can't keep!
Sunday 9 October 2011
Sunday..
Heading off again to the pool to go for a swim and read.
Hoping to cacth some rays as I am a bit peel wally and next week will be entertaining friends of friends..
I am also seeing my lovely teacher friend, Itishman Jim Lovett. He is coming to stay with me for a few days before leaving Tanzania, after volunteering in the mountains of Tanga, to head to India.
Can't wait to see him!
Have been up since 5am, sending out emails and FB messages to friends asking them to send me a story. 108 sent this morning, I wonder how many replies will come back?
Home
Trying to get home for a friend's wedding but am having major issues with KLM trying to change my date. The local office here can only be described as hopless - in saying that, massive opportunity for change!
KLM have been helpful on twitter and I am now in a pickle as to when to come home as the dates are so restrictive that they have for availabilty.. Anyone with a pair of red, ruby slippers I could borrow please ?
ASAP! : )
KLM have been helpful on twitter and I am now in a pickle as to when to come home as the dates are so restrictive that they have for availabilty.. Anyone with a pair of red, ruby slippers I could borrow please ?
ASAP! : )
The Pool
Yesterday was spent by the pool as I had no electricity!
$20 down ( RIDICULOUS ) and i was happily propped up in the shade reading
Mandela's Way. 15 Lessons on Life, Love & Courage by Richard Stengel who when the book was published was the editor of Time Magazine. He also collaborated with Nelson Mandela on 1993's Long Walk To Freedom.
President Bill Clinton and Deepak Chopra have endorsed the book. It is an amazing, uplifting, heroic and sad story, filled with great lessons. Defo worth checking out!!!!!
$20 down ( RIDICULOUS ) and i was happily propped up in the shade reading
Mandela's Way. 15 Lessons on Life, Love & Courage by Richard Stengel who when the book was published was the editor of Time Magazine. He also collaborated with Nelson Mandela on 1993's Long Walk To Freedom.
President Bill Clinton and Deepak Chopra have endorsed the book. It is an amazing, uplifting, heroic and sad story, filled with great lessons. Defo worth checking out!!!!!
http://www.ninofoto.com/
Dear Nino!
Thank you for the most wonderful pictures. Completely captures our time on safari and Zanzibar.
The images make me melt. Happy happy days.....
With much love and appreciation
Heather
xxx
Zanzibar...last weekend..
For the past fortnight my friend and housemate Sarah has been working in Zanzibar for a lingerie and swimwear firm as a production manager.
By all accounts she did a sterling job! She very kindly invited us, Kahleeda and I, to spend the day there with her at the location, which is this hotel..
Oh my word, it is awesome..pics on Facebook Link attached.
Stunning! And we had the best day ever. I even took a massive leap of faith and jumped off the pier iwth Sarah.. what a rush!!!!!!!
The other few days were spent chilling, planning, chatting and just being. It was blissful.
£1 to Kind Heart Africa School - Easy!
Support Kind Heart Africa with a £1 entry fee to this.. A Great Afternoon of Shopping Which Doesn't Cost The Earth..!
Say NO To PLASTIC Vintage, Charity & Craft Sale
Oran Mor
Sunday 30th October
12 til 5pm
Husband, child and boyfriend creche
£1 entry Supporting The Kind Heart Africa School, Tanzania.
Since 2007, the first, most forward thinking and fabulous vintage, craft and charity sale that Scotland has to offer.
Reduce, reuse, recycle and enjoy a great afternoon of shopping which doesn't cost the earth.
The shopping bit!
30 stalls featuring the finest of indie purveyors from all over Scotland of :
Vintage clothing
Antiques
Recycled and upcycled accessories for you, your home and your friends and family
Organic produce
Home Baking
Second hand books & DVDs
Stalls include :
Freak Carousel
Jewel In A Lotus
Sparkle Candy
Florence Box Jewellery
LOL Skincare
Aunt Cissie's Wardrobe
Felicity Trinket
For more information, please email hsuttie@mac.com
Say NO To PLASTIC Vintage, Charity & Craft Sale
Oran Mor
Sunday 30th October
12 til 5pm
Husband, child and boyfriend creche
£1 entry Supporting The Kind Heart Africa School, Tanzania.
Since 2007, the first, most forward thinking and fabulous vintage, craft and charity sale that Scotland has to offer.
Reduce, reuse, recycle and enjoy a great afternoon of shopping which doesn't cost the earth.
The shopping bit!
30 stalls featuring the finest of indie purveyors from all over Scotland of :
Vintage clothing
Antiques
Recycled and upcycled accessories for you, your home and your friends and family
Organic produce
Home Baking
Second hand books & DVDs
Stalls include :
Freak Carousel
Jewel In A Lotus
Sparkle Candy
Florence Box Jewellery
LOL Skincare
Aunt Cissie's Wardrobe
Felicity Trinket
For more information, please email hsuttie@mac.com
Electricity
All puns aside, there is nothing more empowering than coming home to an empty home
with no electricity and no power in the generator. Managed to find one of my candles and lit it at 6.30pm when it was already pitch black. Thank goodness my blackberry has some kind of mini torch built in!
I loathe using the generator as its noisy, it stinks of diesel, is expensive and shockingly bad for the environment.
So with twitter and facebook for company ( had a tiny bit of power left ) I went to bed super early tpo try and watch a bit of Bad Teacher. Laptop died within 7 mins, that's ok! Meant I went to sleep wishing I could be transported to Chaniki to at least hang out with the 30 kids there. And on that note, I fell asleep and woke up gain with the birds tweeting at 5am. No alarm clocks required here let me tell you!!
I hadn't realised how cut off you can feel when you have no phone and when mine was nicked 2 weeks ago it was a nightmare! Anyway, all of these challenges are adding even more to my independence, so that can only be a good thing!
Would be nice to have some company, a dog lying on my feet in bed, that would be ace!
Martin Geissler
Martin Geissler..
has been an absoloute gem . He's helped me with my book idea for the Kind Heart Africa School and has been in touch with me as, from time to time I guess we have checked in on each others happenings on FB. Last time we were in touch, he was in this continent reporting on the Somalian refugee situation in Kenya. I was having a bit of a tough day at the time, and he got it, as he has worked extensively in Africa.
His day was way more challenging in every way, compared to my silly wobble.
He's also commented on a few of my posts on FB and
has been an absoloute gem . He's helped me with my book idea for the Kind Heart Africa School and has been in touch with me as, from time to time I guess we have checked in on each others happenings on FB. Last time we were in touch, he was in this continent reporting on the Somalian refugee situation in Kenya. I was having a bit of a tough day at the time, and he got it, as he has worked extensively in Africa.
His day was way more challenging in every way, compared to my silly wobble.
He's also commented on a few of my posts on FB and
He too, seems to have a great fondness for Africa, its people, culture and landscapes
Anyway, he has contributed to my story book and his lovely family have helped out too! LOVED what they have taken the time to think about,
put down and send with love.. Very grateful to the G family!!
Am somewhat in awe and envy of what Martin does for a living, I also wonder what his children know about his 'job'. Bet they'll be even more proud of his mum and dad's life experiences when they are old enough to understand fully!
Anyway, he has contributed to my story book and his lovely family have helped out too! LOVED what they have taken the time to think about,
put down and send with love.. Very grateful to the G family!!
Am somewhat in awe and envy of what Martin does for a living, I also wonder what his children know about his 'job'. Bet they'll be even more proud of his mum and dad's life experiences when they are old enough to understand fully!
Heartfelt thanks from Pannasekara, all of the children and me..x
Friday 7 October 2011
Facebook. Friend or Foe ?
Facebook : Friend or Foe
I wrote this article circa one year ago and it was published in The Daily Record.
Being something like 12 000 miles from home, its a a Godsend, I still believe many of the points I raised to be pertinent. I did go through a bit of a cull, much like chucking out old grey underwearand it felt great. When I can get online I only go on Facebook to catch uo with friends. I don't read gossip or news websites. I ask locals for directions and just the other day deleted one particular individual that has this to say...
" you're so lucky and stop bragging about it"
You create your own luck, I have always worked hard and contributed to those around me.I am not bragging, only sharing. Bragging to me is about being gifted a handbag that cost £3500 and sharing that on FB. I could do a lot with that money here..a friggin handbag. Oh dear. Happy for her, but really is that what happiness is about ?
Anyway! Here is the orginal article.
Chances are you’re on it, if you’re not, your colleagues are, your boss probably is, perhaps your ex and that ‘friend’ from school you weren’t hugely keen on is and your distant ( very ) relatives are, as well as the majority of the acquaintances you’ve bumped into along the way.
The facts.
19 million of us in the UK are on Facebook.
400 million people use it worldwide and according to a recent pole in the UK, 3 in every 4 users avoid adding their boss as a 'friend' out of fear that their actions on the site could cost them their job.
According to FB’s own statistics, 50% of active users log on to Facebook in any given day. The average user has 130 friends.
People spend over 500 billion minutes per month on Facebook.
I’m an avid user, you could say a fan of Facebook and I have to admit to being somewhat perplexed of late, as to whether it’s a friend or foe. It’s been my ‘friend’ for almost two and a half years and like some relationships, they inevitably run their course and come to an end.
Facebook, for me used to be about social networking, about catching up with friends every now and again, the types in my experience that you don’t call or text regularly or dare to email at work, in my mind when you’re on Facebook you know it’s a social thing, it’s a fun and frivolous way to communicate – poking, uploading pics and links and tagging people in embarrassing photos and being invited to the odd party. It’s fun isn’t it?
I have in excess of 3000 friends ( ridiculous I know, ). Unbelievable, especially since I have never ever promoted it on air or in print and more and more I’m being marketed to and approached by complete, random strangers.
I do use it in support of my eco movement Say No To Plastic once every few months but everyday I log on it now feels like bombardment!
Most invitations now automatically mean I hit the ignore button ( sorry ). If it’s a real friends birthday, surely a phone call or text or email or even handwritten card is more personal than a status update to one and all as to where your birthday celebrations are, it’s a bit impersonal and a tad lazy!?
When it came to friends in my book, it used to be quality not quantity. Some of my ‘famous and or infamous’ and ‘influential’ friends are on FB. Sarah Cawood, Nichola Joss, Susie Pearl, Jack McConnell, Jenni Falconer, Josie D’Arby, Nick Frost, Edgar Wright,
Robert Cavanah, Sarah Heaney, Fran Healy, Noel Gallagher,
Sara McDonald, Danny McNamara, Fern Cotton ( I could namedrop further but I won’t ) all update their own pages and message me every now and again and the number of my ‘friends’ who’ve attempted to befriend them through FB is ridiculous! It’s embarrassing really. That’s the thing, some people will only befriend you for your contacts or to see what you and your pals are up to, the voyeuristic element. Not cool.
Some of my real friends as opposed to virtual ones have told me “I have a love hate relationship, laden with a mild addiction. It makes me happy and frustrated at the same time.” Another said “I’m not on FB and I’ve friends who on longer bother with me because they can't make the effort pick up the phone or even write an email anymore as it is so much easier just to change their profile or make an all round announcement about their lives. It is the height of laziness and has turned them into not very nice people if you ask me!” A girlfriend sobbed “ I can’t believe he’s going out with her so soon after we split and he’s parading photos of them all over Facebook!” She found out from snooping on FB. Not healthy.
Facebook is big business. Gordon White Managing Director, Podcastmatters tells me “Used properly, Facebook can be an enormous friend to a business or organisation. With so many people in the UK using social media it is essential that companies have a presence and the ability to engage with their customers, Facebook offers the best opportunity to do this.”
He adds “Unfortunately many organisations use it badly and don't try to engage with customers; simply pushing information in the traditional way does not work in social media, it is about developing, and being part of, a community.”
“Even those who accept the need to engage are making basic mistakes in the way they use Facebook which could lead to the loss of their entire community at some point down the line. It is a valuable tool when used properly but, it could cause problems for many organisations if they don't fully understand how it works and how to use it.”
The Politics of Facebook.
Wendy Alexander is a FB friend of mine, (we have actually met on a number of occassions) and in the last few weeks I’ve had a number of requests from MSP’s & MPs to accept their friendship or be invited to become a fan.
Less than 48hours ago Nick Clegg ranked above musician Ian Brown (41,414 fans), and fellow politician Boris Johnson (39,929 fans). Figures from online measurement service Famecount shows that since the election campaign began at the start of this month, the Liberal Democrat leader has seen his popularity grow by 970 per cent.
Before the campaign began Mr. Clegg could only round up 4,500 fans, though following two live debates on TV his Facebook page has in excess of 45,000 fans. David Cameron follows in second place with 30,000 or so fans, while Gordon Brown operates within the Number 10 Downing street brand and therefore does not have a personalised page.
I don’t know about you but I’m feeling a bit engulfed by this FB friend of mine and questioning whether or not my relationship with FB will continue. It seems to be spiralling out of control.
20 something gorgeous girl about town Felicity Lamb has her own experience to share. “ When I found out my Facebook had been hacked it was disappointing to say the least... as I had spent time networking for work and social times. Waking up on a Sunday morning to find out everything had gone overnight was a bit of a shock..... In fact I thought it was a bad dream after too many G&Ts the night before.”
She adds “On contacting "The facebook team" to try and amend things I got no response what so ever and therefore had to start from scratch yesterday. As well as losing many friends I had met whilst travelling and all their contact numbers, I lost all of my photographs which was a little sad as it was nice to flick through them occasionally on rainy days and reminisce in those lushting times.”
It’s not all bad. ”On a positve note, it happened at a time when I had a few deadlines for University so that was a bonus not being able to jump on Facebook every so often here and there, (which we all do) I find it can be quite distracting and also i have been able to tidy up my friends and get rid of a few too!”
To finish, Felicity said “On the whole it made me realise that anyone really important to you will be in your phonebook and all that matters are your real friends anyway of course its great for networking but it is not the be all and end all.”
Let’s investigate the pro and cons.
PROS
It’s free and everyone has access to one.
Nuff said.
It’s easy to use.
It must be, some of my school friends mums use it regularly.
It’s probably the best thing to use to reconnect with people. No matter where you are in the world it’s amazing for long-distance use. It’s even made easier via the ‘networks’ system. It might be a bit obvious, but every friend you have, you’ve known through someone else. Once you understand this and the ‘People who you may know’ tool, you’re on a roll to reconnecting away.
It’s a simple and effective, free marketing tool.
Invite friends for free to your events and to recommend your products/services.
It’s good for your health.
According to New Scientist, apparently you feel happier when you have a physical representation, and therefore know for sure, that you have friends.
Cons
It’s bad for your health.
Psychologist sources ( MSN Today and Biologist to name just two ) argue defiantly that it’s bad for your health because apart from the obvious fact that you’re staring at a computer screen and hurting your eyes, you’re also damaging real social relationships which actually require person to person contact.
It’s impersonal.
You didn’t remember her birthday. Facebook told you it was today. (This is true, although it still creates a feeling of it being personal because you have to actually go through that amazing effort of clicking on the person’s name, writing ‘happy birthday’ or doing as I do and post a link to Stevie Wonder’s video on you tube for the track Happy Birthday! and clicking ‘post’) You didn’t really remember they were off on holiday to the Maldives for two weeks, their statuses told you so. Did you really want to know how he was doing post split, or were you conveniently looking at his profile, and thought you might as well ask? A phone call would make these things personal. The ease and accessibility of Facebook lessens the actual intention.
It’s fake and superficial.
Your Facebook profile is a representation of how you want to appear to everyone and their dog. People have admitted the sense of competition that takes over when they go on Facebook; whether it being how many friends they have, to how many event shots they have been in (for some reason, people assume that if you don’t have many, you basically never get out), to how many people write on their walls, all a measure of perceived popularity.
Two words; internet bullying.
It happens. Fact
It’s voyeuristic.
It says rather a lot when ‘Facebook stalking’ actually becomes an official term. And when it makes the news when someone dumps their boyfriend using Facebook. There are no boundaries to the invasion of privacy, as shown when Facebook itself claimed to own our photos and any other content or information we had posted on the site. As we all know, there was a public outcry about this, and Facebook backed down.
To FB or not to FB.
The thing is, no matter how much I have negative feelings about it and what it turns people into, like everyone else, I probably rely on it far too much. I’d be left out of the loop on lots of fronts and it seems such a waste of time to delete all the pictures, banter and links I’ve spent hours and hours sharing with my friends all over the world. I also like, from time to time, being able to see what peeps are up to, without actually having to speak with them.
To those without Facebook or whom haven’t signed up to it yet and to those who’ve deleted theirs a pat on the back. Meanwhile, I’m off to seriously ponder deleting more than a few ‘friends’ and pick up a pen or the telephone to properly connect with my pals and meet them for a real cuppa.
Central College of Commerce
Jeezo, I went there in 1995/96.
Just had to get copies of my qualifications for my visa.
Laughing at some of the stuff I passed on and surprised at some of the stuff I got merit on.
Weird to see it all in writing after all this time.
Thank you to Margo Sykes & John Heuston for being super helpful at such short notice.
The hardest thing..
.. for me right now is leaving my dog.
I have managed to find her a fantastic new home. I just miss her.
I've had her since she ws 13 weeks old, she is 10 in December, she's been through everything with me!
So, to coin Dr Seuss, don't cry cos its over, smile cos it happened!
She's lasted longer than my marriage and any other relationship and she is an amazing creature.
I have managed to find her a fantastic new home. I just miss her.
I've had her since she ws 13 weeks old, she is 10 in December, she's been through everything with me!
So, to coin Dr Seuss, don't cry cos its over, smile cos it happened!
She's lasted longer than my marriage and any other relationship and she is an amazing creature.
Tears
.. of joy at some of the stories you've all sent me. In no particular order..
Martin Geissler
Fiona Kyle
Garrie Renucci
Jack McConnell
Stuart Cosgrove
Martin Jack
Guy Fee
Joe Aitken
Fiona Hutchison
James Docherty
..just some of you and still so many more to look forward to receiving!!
Cannot wait to share these superb stories and poems with kids at The Kind Heart Africa School, they are world class and I had a 60 year old tough Tanzanian moved and laughing with me today at one of the stories. Awesome. So very grateful to everyone who has contributed so far...
Martin Geissler
Fiona Kyle
Garrie Renucci
Jack McConnell
Stuart Cosgrove
Martin Jack
Guy Fee
Joe Aitken
Fiona Hutchison
James Docherty
..just some of you and still so many more to look forward to receiving!!
Cannot wait to share these superb stories and poems with kids at The Kind Heart Africa School, they are world class and I had a 60 year old tough Tanzanian moved and laughing with me today at one of the stories. Awesome. So very grateful to everyone who has contributed so far...
Rain
We don't get much of it here but for the last few days we've had sporadic downpours.
Wonderful!!!
Did a jig in the garden the other day, barefoot, so happy to be cool and wet.
I think Meswin and Tonic think I am nuts, Kessy knows I am!
The rain was so heavy at 5am this morning it woke me up and I just got up
and stood in the garden and watched it fall. Wet jammies? Aye.
I think Meswin and Tonic think I am nuts, Kessy knows I am!
The rain was so heavy at 5am this morning it woke me up and I just got up
and stood in the garden and watched it fall. Wet jammies? Aye.
My New Home..
..is stunning, its in Masaki, a very cool area on the peninsula.
2 mins from Oyster Bay and Slipway - great for places to eat and drink and shop.
Its also very near to Coco Beach, where I was lucky enough to spend an evening with the owner.
His name is Hilarious Festo. No Joke. And he is a very kind man, with an office under a tree.
Him, a chair, his seat and his laptop!
Tonic is Sarah's chef, he cooks for us 3 days a week and he is such a superb chef!
Meswin is around all the time to do everything - cleaning, maintenance, helping generally
and just smiling. They are such a joy to be around!
Sarah is awesome and she has been so welcoming towards me. I love my room.
I have one bag of clothes, 3 pairs of shoes, some nick nacks and that's it.
Had to buy myself a fan as there is no air con. I have my own bathroom - with a BATH!!!!!
Amazing, though it can take an hour to run.
The birds tweet, there are gorgeous lush flora and fauna, its a bright, breezy space and I really love it there. It so feels like home!
Sarah spends half her time in Zanzibar and its even more fun when she is around, so full of energy and a breath of fresh air, so honoured to have her as a friend.
The home I am in, is my dream home, I'd like to rent one like that myself sometime soon and share it perhaps with a partner, we shall see!
I never ever watch TV, I read lots, walk and just chill out when I am not 'working' and its a wonderful place. Weirdly, Sarah's book collection, which is extensive, I counted the other day, I've read 23 of them.
We share similar interests and passions though she kite surfs and dives and runs and is superfit. Hey ho,
I think if I was brought up in South Africa my lifestyle might just be a wee tad different!?
2 mins from Oyster Bay and Slipway - great for places to eat and drink and shop.
Its also very near to Coco Beach, where I was lucky enough to spend an evening with the owner.
His name is Hilarious Festo. No Joke. And he is a very kind man, with an office under a tree.
Him, a chair, his seat and his laptop!
Tonic is Sarah's chef, he cooks for us 3 days a week and he is such a superb chef!
Meswin is around all the time to do everything - cleaning, maintenance, helping generally
and just smiling. They are such a joy to be around!
Sarah is awesome and she has been so welcoming towards me. I love my room.
I have one bag of clothes, 3 pairs of shoes, some nick nacks and that's it.
Had to buy myself a fan as there is no air con. I have my own bathroom - with a BATH!!!!!
Amazing, though it can take an hour to run.
The birds tweet, there are gorgeous lush flora and fauna, its a bright, breezy space and I really love it there. It so feels like home!
Sarah spends half her time in Zanzibar and its even more fun when she is around, so full of energy and a breath of fresh air, so honoured to have her as a friend.
The home I am in, is my dream home, I'd like to rent one like that myself sometime soon and share it perhaps with a partner, we shall see!
I never ever watch TV, I read lots, walk and just chill out when I am not 'working' and its a wonderful place. Weirdly, Sarah's book collection, which is extensive, I counted the other day, I've read 23 of them.
We share similar interests and passions though she kite surfs and dives and runs and is superfit. Hey ho,
I think if I was brought up in South Africa my lifestyle might just be a wee tad different!?
Kind Heart Africa - Background
Kind Heart Africa’s first centre was established under
Rev. Pannasekara in Dar es Salaam and registered with the Ministry of Home Affairs, bearing registration number SO 15751 as of 08th February 2008.
The Kind Heart Africa Organisation have been working in Tanzania since 1998 and this project brings together the synergy of two Buddhist Monks whose ministry supports some of the most excluded and invisible children in Tanzania. Tanzania faces the challenge of vulnerable children, a prospect that has become an alarmingly common sight in cities around the world. This country began to see the problem of vulnerable children in difficult circumstances in the late 1980’s. At the same time, Convention Rights of Children (1990) came into force.
Kind Heart Africa was founded in line with these Conventions. There are now some 3000-5000 vulnerable children in Dar es Salaam and Kind Heart Africa believe that all children fundamentally have the right to a happy, healthy and safe childhood.
Global and National Development Policies disenfranchised the poor, spawning years of poverty alleviation strategies that have not touched the rural farmer, which represents 80% of Tanzania’s population. Their children began migrating in the thousands to all the towns across the county. Some families are unemployed or are involved in unreliable income earning activities. These parents cannot afford to send their children to school or they do not send them because they need their services at home. Also, many children run away from their homes, because they have been victims of violence and abuse, by-products of crushing poverty.
Street life violates the dignity of the children and negatively affects their physical, mental, emotional, moral and overall well-being. Full time street children experience great difficulties in their daily life including hunger, lack of shelter, sickness and police harassment. In these harsh conditions the children use drugs, get involved in criminal activities and engage themselves in prostitution. "Survival sex" with adults provides the children with food and shelter and unprotected sex leads down the road to HIV/AIDS deaths.
Rev Pannasekara has been working with boys’ education for the past 13 years and Kind Heart Africa was founded to empower young boys to realize their human rights within the Community and the Tanzanian reality today. He has been working with Street Children for the past 10 years addressing the Tanzanian Government to the plight of children forced on the streets due to growing poverty rural heightened by the HIV/AIDS pandemic.
The Kind Heart Africa Centre is dedicated to empowering vulnerable children aged between 3 -17 years who have expressed the will to realize their potential and become self-reliant by mobilising resources and advocating for children’s rights.
Rev. Pannasekara in Dar es Salaam and registered with the Ministry of Home Affairs, bearing registration number SO 15751 as of 08th February 2008.
The Kind Heart Africa Organisation have been working in Tanzania since 1998 and this project brings together the synergy of two Buddhist Monks whose ministry supports some of the most excluded and invisible children in Tanzania. Tanzania faces the challenge of vulnerable children, a prospect that has become an alarmingly common sight in cities around the world. This country began to see the problem of vulnerable children in difficult circumstances in the late 1980’s. At the same time, Convention Rights of Children (1990) came into force.
Kind Heart Africa was founded in line with these Conventions. There are now some 3000-5000 vulnerable children in Dar es Salaam and Kind Heart Africa believe that all children fundamentally have the right to a happy, healthy and safe childhood.
Global and National Development Policies disenfranchised the poor, spawning years of poverty alleviation strategies that have not touched the rural farmer, which represents 80% of Tanzania’s population. Their children began migrating in the thousands to all the towns across the county. Some families are unemployed or are involved in unreliable income earning activities. These parents cannot afford to send their children to school or they do not send them because they need their services at home. Also, many children run away from their homes, because they have been victims of violence and abuse, by-products of crushing poverty.
Street life violates the dignity of the children and negatively affects their physical, mental, emotional, moral and overall well-being. Full time street children experience great difficulties in their daily life including hunger, lack of shelter, sickness and police harassment. In these harsh conditions the children use drugs, get involved in criminal activities and engage themselves in prostitution. "Survival sex" with adults provides the children with food and shelter and unprotected sex leads down the road to HIV/AIDS deaths.
Rev Pannasekara has been working with boys’ education for the past 13 years and Kind Heart Africa was founded to empower young boys to realize their human rights within the Community and the Tanzanian reality today. He has been working with Street Children for the past 10 years addressing the Tanzanian Government to the plight of children forced on the streets due to growing poverty rural heightened by the HIV/AIDS pandemic.
The Kind Heart Africa Centre is dedicated to empowering vulnerable children aged between 3 -17 years who have expressed the will to realize their potential and become self-reliant by mobilising resources and advocating for children’s rights.
A School for 100 Street Children in Tanzania ( we can only look after 30 at the moment )
and our mission is this :
To establish well-being and equality for all vulnerable children in Tanzania who can make learn to make the right decisions for their lives today and in future.
To become the leading centre in Tanzania that provides material support and a safe, secure and happy environment for vulnerable children.
Engaging the children in different social and educational activities thus keeping them from risky environment and behaviours.
The centre is aimed to serve the children of Dar es Salaam and also the neighbouring regions of Tanzania.
The initiative will be one of its kind in the area and will set an example to the Building Capacity projects in focusing on rural areas too.
All the vulnerable children residing in Tanzania are expected to benefit from this initiative.
The main purpose of the Organization is to take care of orphans and vulnerable children, empower them by providing education and vocational training to make them useful members of society.
To establish well-being and equality for all vulnerable children in Tanzania who can make learn to make the right decisions for their lives today and in future.
To become the leading centre in Tanzania that provides material support and a safe, secure and happy environment for vulnerable children.
Engaging the children in different social and educational activities thus keeping them from risky environment and behaviours.
The centre is aimed to serve the children of Dar es Salaam and also the neighbouring regions of Tanzania.
The initiative will be one of its kind in the area and will set an example to the Building Capacity projects in focusing on rural areas too.
All the vulnerable children residing in Tanzania are expected to benefit from this initiative.
The main purpose of the Organization is to take care of orphans and vulnerable children, empower them by providing education and vocational training to make them useful members of society.
www.pannasekara.com
kindheartafrica@gmail.com or revpannasekara@yahoo.com
An article I wrote on Dar for The Sunday Mail..
Tanzania – Dar Es Salaam
Tanzania is a peaceful, tropical country in East Africa, bordered by the Democratic Republic of Congo, Burundi, Rwanda, Zambia, Kenya, Mozambique, Malawi and the Indian Ocean.
Dar Es Salaam, affectionately known as Dar, is the major economic city in Tanzania. A dynamic, colourful destination of culture, sometimes left in the shadows of Mount Kilimanajaro, a spot left behind in favour of Zanzibar and thought not to be as wild as the Serengeti.
Locally translated in Swahili, the Arabic name Dar Es Salaam means ‘Peace of Heaven’. English is the second language here with everyone speaking Swahili. It’s relatively easy to learn as the words are pronounced phonetically, it’s fun and the locals love it when you have a go!
Dar Es Salaam has loads to offer, lush countryside, Indian, British & German colonial architecture, stunning beaches, superb restaurants, a buzzy bar and nightlife scene, bustling shopping experiences all of which can rival any European city.
Situated just below the equator its always hot, average temperatures range from 26 degrees C to 35 C with the rainy season between March and May. I took a flight from Glasgow with KLM for around £600, via Schipol touching down in Kili en route to Dar. I left home at 6am and arrived at my final destination at 9.30pm feeling refreshed and excited. Tanzania is 3hours ahead of the UK. The KLM flight was excellent, other airlines fly from London via a choice of routes. Hotel choices are varied and for every budget, Movenpick, The Kempinski and The Double Tree Hilton are three of the top ones I’d recommend.
The currency here is the Tanzanian shilling. 10 000 TSH is the biggest denomination of notes, equivalent to £4. An expensive meal for 2 with wine can come in at less than £20. A coffee is 50p ( there are no Starbucks or Costas here ), Beer
( Serengeti or Tusker are the best ) at £1 and a Coke or my favourite Stoneytangaweezee ( locally produced ginger beer ) at 50p, an ice cream comes in at 40p and these are average prices across the board. Food and drink unrelated, I had a 2 hour shampoo & set in a local salon and it cost £2.50.
It’s easy to get around the city, taxis are very cheap, agree a price before you get in! Buses ( dala dalas ) are popular, though very crowded, Bajajs look like they’d be fun and a bit scary, think motorised rickshaws.
The beaches around Dar are simpy stunning. Take your pick of Kunduchi, Kipepeo or White Sands, three of my favourites. A short trip by boat and head to the surrounding islands of Sinda, Bongoyo or Mbudya.
I headed for Mbudya, 30 mins after leaving and you’re on a beautiful secluded marine nature reserve island, perfect for swimming, snorkelling, chilling in a hammock and for lunch. Place your order in the morning, its caught for you then cooked. Eat with your fingers and savour lobster, calamari, crab, red snapper, parrot fish, whatever can be caught, all served with chipsy ( chips ) and washed down with a cold drink. One of the best Sunday lunches I have ever had.
I visited The National Museum and The Botanic Gardens where peacocks roam around a plethora of trees,flowers and fauna. The Kivukoni Fish Market is a full on assault on the senses. Every shape and size of seafood is available, sold on a retail or wholesale basis. It was quite an overwhelming experience! A portion of grilled calamari with piri piri sauce from the café there comes highly recommended at 50p.
When it comes to shopping you won’t find any European or American high street brands. There are modern shopping malls, my favourite haunts are at The Souk, Slipway where you can pick up local textiles, handmade jewellery, organic skincare products, art and souvenirs. Dar has a distinct flavour of ethnicity and tradition on one hand and African modernity on the other.
Restaurants are in abundance – European, Ethiopian, Thai, Chinese, Indian, and of course local which specialise in seafood and mishkaki, grilled a kebab of either chicken, beef, prawn or pork.
Sip a cocktail at The Slipway and enjoy the splendour of the sunset – it’s breathtakingly beautiful. Clubbing and the Q Bar, Runway and 8th Floor at The Kempinsky are all favourites of hip locals, visiting tourists and Diplomats residing here, ideal if you want to hang out with the savviest of the style conscious set. There’s also a great selection of local halls, pubs & clubs playing Bongo Flava – a mix of Swahili, hip hop, R & B, Zouk and Rumba. The third Saturday of the month at Meditteraneo is fantastic and rivals any cool club in Ibiza -
a magical location to eat, chill, enjoy sublime music and then watch the sunrise over the Indian Ocean.
Tanzanian people are beautiful. The culture is one of politeness and respect, you’ll never hear raised voices or see road rage and it’s frowned up on to even impart bad news. Everything runs rather slowly though. Namely, the traffic, the internet and ordering food and drink.
This East African country has loads to offer and you could easily while away a week in Dar before heading off to Zanzibar for pristine beaches, Arabian Dhows and colourful bazaars. Serengeti National Park in the North boasts incredible wildlife sanctuaries and the Ngorogoro Conservation Area and of course, Kilimanjaro.
More on these destinations in the future, for now though, if you fancy an inexpensive week away enjoying an African adventure in a welcoming, buzzy and cultural beach side city, Dar Es Salaam is just the ticket
Tanzania is a peaceful, tropical country in East Africa, bordered by the Democratic Republic of Congo, Burundi, Rwanda, Zambia, Kenya, Mozambique, Malawi and the Indian Ocean.
Dar Es Salaam, affectionately known as Dar, is the major economic city in Tanzania. A dynamic, colourful destination of culture, sometimes left in the shadows of Mount Kilimanajaro, a spot left behind in favour of Zanzibar and thought not to be as wild as the Serengeti.
Locally translated in Swahili, the Arabic name Dar Es Salaam means ‘Peace of Heaven’. English is the second language here with everyone speaking Swahili. It’s relatively easy to learn as the words are pronounced phonetically, it’s fun and the locals love it when you have a go!
Dar Es Salaam has loads to offer, lush countryside, Indian, British & German colonial architecture, stunning beaches, superb restaurants, a buzzy bar and nightlife scene, bustling shopping experiences all of which can rival any European city.
Situated just below the equator its always hot, average temperatures range from 26 degrees C to 35 C with the rainy season between March and May. I took a flight from Glasgow with KLM for around £600, via Schipol touching down in Kili en route to Dar. I left home at 6am and arrived at my final destination at 9.30pm feeling refreshed and excited. Tanzania is 3hours ahead of the UK. The KLM flight was excellent, other airlines fly from London via a choice of routes. Hotel choices are varied and for every budget, Movenpick, The Kempinski and The Double Tree Hilton are three of the top ones I’d recommend.
The currency here is the Tanzanian shilling. 10 000 TSH is the biggest denomination of notes, equivalent to £4. An expensive meal for 2 with wine can come in at less than £20. A coffee is 50p ( there are no Starbucks or Costas here ), Beer
( Serengeti or Tusker are the best ) at £1 and a Coke or my favourite Stoneytangaweezee ( locally produced ginger beer ) at 50p, an ice cream comes in at 40p and these are average prices across the board. Food and drink unrelated, I had a 2 hour shampoo & set in a local salon and it cost £2.50.
It’s easy to get around the city, taxis are very cheap, agree a price before you get in! Buses ( dala dalas ) are popular, though very crowded, Bajajs look like they’d be fun and a bit scary, think motorised rickshaws.
The beaches around Dar are simpy stunning. Take your pick of Kunduchi, Kipepeo or White Sands, three of my favourites. A short trip by boat and head to the surrounding islands of Sinda, Bongoyo or Mbudya.
I headed for Mbudya, 30 mins after leaving and you’re on a beautiful secluded marine nature reserve island, perfect for swimming, snorkelling, chilling in a hammock and for lunch. Place your order in the morning, its caught for you then cooked. Eat with your fingers and savour lobster, calamari, crab, red snapper, parrot fish, whatever can be caught, all served with chipsy ( chips ) and washed down with a cold drink. One of the best Sunday lunches I have ever had.
I visited The National Museum and The Botanic Gardens where peacocks roam around a plethora of trees,flowers and fauna. The Kivukoni Fish Market is a full on assault on the senses. Every shape and size of seafood is available, sold on a retail or wholesale basis. It was quite an overwhelming experience! A portion of grilled calamari with piri piri sauce from the café there comes highly recommended at 50p.
When it comes to shopping you won’t find any European or American high street brands. There are modern shopping malls, my favourite haunts are at The Souk, Slipway where you can pick up local textiles, handmade jewellery, organic skincare products, art and souvenirs. Dar has a distinct flavour of ethnicity and tradition on one hand and African modernity on the other.
Restaurants are in abundance – European, Ethiopian, Thai, Chinese, Indian, and of course local which specialise in seafood and mishkaki, grilled a kebab of either chicken, beef, prawn or pork.
Sip a cocktail at The Slipway and enjoy the splendour of the sunset – it’s breathtakingly beautiful. Clubbing and the Q Bar, Runway and 8th Floor at The Kempinsky are all favourites of hip locals, visiting tourists and Diplomats residing here, ideal if you want to hang out with the savviest of the style conscious set. There’s also a great selection of local halls, pubs & clubs playing Bongo Flava – a mix of Swahili, hip hop, R & B, Zouk and Rumba. The third Saturday of the month at Meditteraneo is fantastic and rivals any cool club in Ibiza -
a magical location to eat, chill, enjoy sublime music and then watch the sunrise over the Indian Ocean.
Tanzanian people are beautiful. The culture is one of politeness and respect, you’ll never hear raised voices or see road rage and it’s frowned up on to even impart bad news. Everything runs rather slowly though. Namely, the traffic, the internet and ordering food and drink.
This East African country has loads to offer and you could easily while away a week in Dar before heading off to Zanzibar for pristine beaches, Arabian Dhows and colourful bazaars. Serengeti National Park in the North boasts incredible wildlife sanctuaries and the Ngorogoro Conservation Area and of course, Kilimanjaro.
More on these destinations in the future, for now though, if you fancy an inexpensive week away enjoying an African adventure in a welcoming, buzzy and cultural beach side city, Dar Es Salaam is just the ticket
Work
Can't do anything until I get my visa sorted, so the 2 job offers are now on hold.
Relieved about one of them as I did my bit helping out where and when was required,
delighted still on the other hand about the other opportunity!
For legal reasons I can't mention anything further.
I have been asked to write a monthly column in a magazine here, of course did it for free and it comes out on Monday. Excited. Erm, yes.
Very excited about relocating here. I love this country, its people and all that is has to offer.
At the same time, if the universe has something else in mind for me, I will leave here knowing
that I had the most amazing time of my life, meeting incredible people, soaking up stunning sunsets,
laughing til I developed a 6 pack - almost and just enjoying every single moment.
Some days it is so hard and hot, with no power, horrific traffic, poverty and general diffficulties.
I know have learned to cope with a smile and to breathe. The people here are wonderful.
So full of fun and generosity. I hope everything works out work wise, if not, then its not to be.
Relieved about one of them as I did my bit helping out where and when was required,
delighted still on the other hand about the other opportunity!
For legal reasons I can't mention anything further.
I have been asked to write a monthly column in a magazine here, of course did it for free and it comes out on Monday. Excited. Erm, yes.
Very excited about relocating here. I love this country, its people and all that is has to offer.
At the same time, if the universe has something else in mind for me, I will leave here knowing
that I had the most amazing time of my life, meeting incredible people, soaking up stunning sunsets,
laughing til I developed a 6 pack - almost and just enjoying every single moment.
Some days it is so hard and hot, with no power, horrific traffic, poverty and general diffficulties.
I know have learned to cope with a smile and to breathe. The people here are wonderful.
So full of fun and generosity. I hope everything works out work wise, if not, then its not to be.
Swahili .. its getting better!!
Still! Learning everyday and loving it. The locals adore it and have such a laugh when you engage with them, its great!
I can even make jokes now as well as ordering good, asking for the loo, telling someone they look good
and that they are kind..
Determined to be fluent!!
I can even make jokes now as well as ordering good, asking for the loo, telling someone they look good
and that they are kind..
Determined to be fluent!!
Metrosexuality
I'll admit, I've had the odd luxury whilst I have been here,one of those being a pedicure.
I'm not big on beauty treatments cos I never have time but because it's so sandy here and you're in flip flops all the time and your ankles get nibbled and nobbled by the mozzies, a pedicure is a bit of a treat to get rid of all the grime and bites. In fact it is a necessity!
I've been for 3 pedicures now, not a lot since I have been here for 4 months.
I see more men having pedicures than women!
The men here have great feet. S'all I'm saying and I love how they look after themselves!!
I'm not big on beauty treatments cos I never have time but because it's so sandy here and you're in flip flops all the time and your ankles get nibbled and nobbled by the mozzies, a pedicure is a bit of a treat to get rid of all the grime and bites. In fact it is a necessity!
I've been for 3 pedicures now, not a lot since I have been here for 4 months.
I see more men having pedicures than women!
The men here have great feet. S'all I'm saying and I love how they look after themselves!!
Friends
Graham has gone back to Scotland for a bit before embarking on new job in either Beirut Or Dubai.
Jimmi has returned to Kenya. Gutted.
Sarah has been on a shoot in Zanzibar for a fortnight..so I have missed my nearest and dearest here.
Pannasekara is also in Spain, so missing meditation and his smile and chilled out vibe.
Everyone is also very busy here, so its hard to keep up with your friends and when they are away you miss them terribly! Luckily Meswin, Tonic and Kessie are around at home, so all good on that front!
Wish my dog Charlee was here!!!
Jimmi has returned to Kenya. Gutted.
Sarah has been on a shoot in Zanzibar for a fortnight..so I have missed my nearest and dearest here.
Pannasekara is also in Spain, so missing meditation and his smile and chilled out vibe.
Everyone is also very busy here, so its hard to keep up with your friends and when they are away you miss them terribly! Luckily Meswin, Tonic and Kessie are around at home, so all good on that front!
Wish my dog Charlee was here!!!
Inspector Gadget - Not!
Phone stolen, i -pad returned, technologically challenged, so having to borrow friends computers or spend ages in hotel business suites.
Have new blackberry, only took 4 hours to sort it. Pin is 2397B746
0766299506 is the local number and I can take international calls - hurrah!
Can't explain how hard it is when you feel so cut off and you're in the dark with a candle and a paper fan for comfort!
Have new blackberry, only took 4 hours to sort it. Pin is 2397B746
0766299506 is the local number and I can take international calls - hurrah!
Can't explain how hard it is when you feel so cut off and you're in the dark with a candle and a paper fan for comfort!
Visa
..nightmare..already been here since 28th May, paid $50 on arrival for tourist visa then had it extended for free for one month to do be here for the opening of Kind Heart Africa School on the 28th August.
Just paid another $200 to extend it to the 21st October.
Trying to get flights organised home but having major issues with KLM locally, they are hopeless
and it appears availability is very low.
Have a friends wedding to go to on the 11/11/11 and SO want to be there for Joe & Lyndsey's special day..
Trying not to stress but the lack of power and heat is getting to me a bit!
Had no electricity for 12 hours yesterday at home.
Feel like I am having to jump thoiugh fire lit hoops, with a feather in my mouth,high heels on and a horse on my tail!!!!
Just paid another $200 to extend it to the 21st October.
Trying to get flights organised home but having major issues with KLM locally, they are hopeless
and it appears availability is very low.
Have a friends wedding to go to on the 11/11/11 and SO want to be there for Joe & Lyndsey's special day..
Trying not to stress but the lack of power and heat is getting to me a bit!
Had no electricity for 12 hours yesterday at home.
Feel like I am having to jump thoiugh fire lit hoops, with a feather in my mouth,high heels on and a horse on my tail!!!!
Thursday 29 September 2011
Thursday 8 September 2011
The sun and the moon..
On safari with Nino in August to Makumi.
The sun was setting at 6.15ish to our right as we were leaving at the end of a wonderful day of
nature at its most amazing.
We stopped the jeep and to our left the full moon was rising. They were both in the same sky, at the same level at the same time.
I have never seen anything like it. Incredible!!!
That was one of those precious moments that I will always, always remember.
A perfect ending to a perfect day.
Nino took some awesome ( am running out of superlatives ) photographs
of hippos, lions, trees, birds, giraffes, elephants....He's pretty good at taking snaps ; )
Would love to be back there for just a moment.
I miss him, his spirt, energy and stupid sense of humour. I laughed so much in the 9 days that I knew him that I was almost on my way to developing a six pack..
The sun was setting at 6.15ish to our right as we were leaving at the end of a wonderful day of
nature at its most amazing.
We stopped the jeep and to our left the full moon was rising. They were both in the same sky, at the same level at the same time.
I have never seen anything like it. Incredible!!!
That was one of those precious moments that I will always, always remember.
A perfect ending to a perfect day.
Nino took some awesome ( am running out of superlatives ) photographs
of hippos, lions, trees, birds, giraffes, elephants....He's pretty good at taking snaps ; )
Would love to be back there for just a moment.
I miss him, his spirt, energy and stupid sense of humour. I laughed so much in the 9 days that I knew him that I was almost on my way to developing a six pack..
Gadgets
After the untimely passing of both my mac book and my camera I thought I was up shit creek without a paddle. And then, the universe delivers an i-pad and a camera.
Sarah is lending me her camera and Neels & Greg bought me an i-pad. More on them later.
So happy to be gadgeted up again! Can't wait to start snapping again!
Sarah is lending me her camera and Neels & Greg bought me an i-pad. More on them later.
So happy to be gadgeted up again! Can't wait to start snapping again!
United Nations of Friends
England, Scotland, Uganda, Kenya, South Africa and Sri Lanka.
Thank you to Asana, Graham, Sarah, Mario, Neels, Greg, Michael, Jimmi and Victoria and of course Pannasekara for joing me for drinks and a bite to eat on my birthday.
James Bond, Sarah Jessica Parker Producer, A Buddhist Monk, Masai Warrior & Model & Mr Tanzania all round the table. Twas ace. Then onto dance til 4am on a Tuesday night. Hilarious and super good fun.
Lovely card and gift from Graham and from Greg too and friends bought dinner and drinks.
Tis a birthday I will always cherish.
I am how old. Jeezo!???
Thank you to Asana, Graham, Sarah, Mario, Neels, Greg, Michael, Jimmi and Victoria and of course Pannasekara for joing me for drinks and a bite to eat on my birthday.
James Bond, Sarah Jessica Parker Producer, A Buddhist Monk, Masai Warrior & Model & Mr Tanzania all round the table. Twas ace. Then onto dance til 4am on a Tuesday night. Hilarious and super good fun.
Lovely card and gift from Graham and from Greg too and friends bought dinner and drinks.
Tis a birthday I will always cherish.
I am how old. Jeezo!???
Facebook Friends
There is nothing lovelier than hearing from long lost friends from all over the world, no matter where they are or what they are doing, when on your birthday, they get in touch. It's wonderful!
Who cares if FB told them it was my birthday and they felt obliged to say hello and wish me many happy returns.. it meant that I thought about them and reconnected with some I hadn't been able to catch up with before now.
Very grateful for all the lovely messages!!
x
And to Alison who emailed me a song!! ( She is not on FB )
Who cares if FB told them it was my birthday and they felt obliged to say hello and wish me many happy returns.. it meant that I thought about them and reconnected with some I hadn't been able to catch up with before now.
Very grateful for all the lovely messages!!
x
And to Alison who emailed me a song!! ( She is not on FB )
My Birthday
Was on the 1st September and this time last year I was loved up with the ex boyfriend and we'd stayed with his lovely parents the night of the 31st. We woke up and went downstairs for breakfast and I burst into tears as his lovely mum had cooked a wonderful breakfast, sang happy birthday and had decorated the entire dining room in balloons and banners. Fitzy also kept asking what I wanted to do for my birthday but I really did not feel like it.
Looking back I cannot believe that a year has passed. It is frightening!
With the benefit of hindsight I was not happy and I'm not entirely sure why,
perhaps it was the stress of a difficult divorce, living in a space which I did not like
and not being as busy and as fulfilled as I could have been.
This year was so very, very different and I am so blessed and happy to be 'here'.
( not geographically )
Older, hopefully wiser and more empowered and able to deal with whatever stuff comes up.
I thought Fitzy could 'fix' me during and after my divorce carry on. I realise now that the only
person who could fix me was me. Last year was challenging emotionally, spiritually, financially
this year its a heckofa lot more rewarding. Balance and all that.
I also thank Fitzy for not being able to fix me or us, if everything had been ticketyboo then I would not be here now.
I did of course miss my friends, thankfully I have some superb ones here, which leads me to..
Looking back I cannot believe that a year has passed. It is frightening!
With the benefit of hindsight I was not happy and I'm not entirely sure why,
perhaps it was the stress of a difficult divorce, living in a space which I did not like
and not being as busy and as fulfilled as I could have been.
This year was so very, very different and I am so blessed and happy to be 'here'.
( not geographically )
Older, hopefully wiser and more empowered and able to deal with whatever stuff comes up.
I thought Fitzy could 'fix' me during and after my divorce carry on. I realise now that the only
person who could fix me was me. Last year was challenging emotionally, spiritually, financially
this year its a heckofa lot more rewarding. Balance and all that.
I also thank Fitzy for not being able to fix me or us, if everything had been ticketyboo then I would not be here now.
I did of course miss my friends, thankfully I have some superb ones here, which leads me to..
Sarah Scott Productions
is a gift! We've been working together on projects for NBC Bank and Vodacom and she has asked me to be a partner in Sarah Scott Productions. Loving this! Its been a steep learnign curve, everything here takes way much longer than anywhere else I have ever worked and I thought Moscow was tough in 1999!?
Just have to strike a balance. Want to hit the ground running, though have to take into consideration that this is Africa. We have power cuts every single day which causes havoc on the roads, there is no air con, no internet and when you are up against deadlines its hard and not every place can afford to have a generator, which is not only costly its darn noisy!! ( And also very bad for the environment! )
Just have to strike a balance. Want to hit the ground running, though have to take into consideration that this is Africa. We have power cuts every single day which causes havoc on the roads, there is no air con, no internet and when you are up against deadlines its hard and not every place can afford to have a generator, which is not only costly its darn noisy!! ( And also very bad for the environment! )
TIA
Homesick today for fresh, damp air and a long walk on the beach in Troon with Charlee.
Struggling with the heat and its getting hotter and hotter everyday.
Very busy on projects with Sarah and that is great, albeit a bit stressful.
Still have to get work visa sorted before I can earn any money, so that is weighing heavy on my mind.
Also, I am unsure as to where I will be living at the end of this month.. looks like Graham will
be going to Lebanon to take up a new job there. The end of my free living arrangements could be over
sooner rather than later!? Yikes.
Struggling with the heat and its getting hotter and hotter everyday.
Very busy on projects with Sarah and that is great, albeit a bit stressful.
Still have to get work visa sorted before I can earn any money, so that is weighing heavy on my mind.
Also, I am unsure as to where I will be living at the end of this month.. looks like Graham will
be going to Lebanon to take up a new job there. The end of my free living arrangements could be over
sooner rather than later!? Yikes.
New Look - Mr Price
So I didn't bank on being out here for so long.. and I ran out of clothes weeks ago!
Went shopping to Mlimani City today, its a bit like St Enoch Shopping Centre, Glasgow.
Normally I don't mind shopping but today was a day unlike no other.
Mental traffic, blsitering heat, long queues and even buying simple things
like pyjamas and underwear was like organising a military operation!?
The sizes are all wonky, they don't have most sizes stocked anyway actually and the quality is rubbish and it is so expensive!!!
Spent $200 on crap : (
Went shopping to Mlimani City today, its a bit like St Enoch Shopping Centre, Glasgow.
Normally I don't mind shopping but today was a day unlike no other.
Mental traffic, blsitering heat, long queues and even buying simple things
like pyjamas and underwear was like organising a military operation!?
The sizes are all wonky, they don't have most sizes stocked anyway actually and the quality is rubbish and it is so expensive!!!
Spent $200 on crap : (
Friday 26 August 2011
Where are you Son ?
My 6.30pm meeting is late. That is how it rolls with meetings here, Tanzanian time and all that!
We just had a power cut and the bloke in the hat that sent the Jaegermeister over, which I gave to the girl in the table next to me, came over and slapped me on the back. He is South African and an oaf.
He has now staggered off and the power has come back on. 5 star hotel and no electricity for 15 minutes
and the only light in the entire place was the glow from this screen. I still love the oooohs when the power goes off and the ahhhs when it comes back on. They don't have candles here you see, as its on the edge of a cliff and its kinda breezy.
My wee Nokia has a great wee flashlight which comes in useful at times.
Asana and Mandisa have very kindly asked me out to dinner at 9pm but its too late for me to eat.
The couple next to me have just ordered lobster and it looks divine!
This is the Hotel where the Vodacom CEO will be staying and its where the Whirlwind Aviation guys keep their chopper, which I incidently booked this morning. I've never booked a chopper before.
Oaf has just sent over another Jaegermeister. Am sending it back.
We just had a power cut and the bloke in the hat that sent the Jaegermeister over, which I gave to the girl in the table next to me, came over and slapped me on the back. He is South African and an oaf.
He has now staggered off and the power has come back on. 5 star hotel and no electricity for 15 minutes
and the only light in the entire place was the glow from this screen. I still love the oooohs when the power goes off and the ahhhs when it comes back on. They don't have candles here you see, as its on the edge of a cliff and its kinda breezy.
My wee Nokia has a great wee flashlight which comes in useful at times.
Asana and Mandisa have very kindly asked me out to dinner at 9pm but its too late for me to eat.
The couple next to me have just ordered lobster and it looks divine!
This is the Hotel where the Vodacom CEO will be staying and its where the Whirlwind Aviation guys keep their chopper, which I incidently booked this morning. I've never booked a chopper before.
Oaf has just sent over another Jaegermeister. Am sending it back.
Friday!
And its 6.12pm.. sunset is imminent..Have spent the last 2 hours sat right at the edge of the Karembezi Cafe overlooking the Indian Ocean. It was a hectic morning, stuck in traffic for ages before meeting Sarah t her home for lunch. We had an amazing chicken, coconut spicy veggie, egg noodle dish which her chef, Tonic made from the Wagamama Cookbook. Awesome!
Then she dropped me here and headed off to the airport to catch a flight to Zanzibar for the weekend.
Since found out she had the plane to herself!
Just about to meet a friend to discuss a job offer at 6.30pm.
A waiter has just turned up at my table with a shot of Jaigermeister sent over by a bloke in a hat at the bar. How very odd! Can't quite see him as I am short sighted. Blue tshirt, blue cap, tan.
He is now giving me the thumbs up.
www.hotelseacliff.com
Then she dropped me here and headed off to the airport to catch a flight to Zanzibar for the weekend.
Since found out she had the plane to herself!
Just about to meet a friend to discuss a job offer at 6.30pm.
A waiter has just turned up at my table with a shot of Jaigermeister sent over by a bloke in a hat at the bar. How very odd! Can't quite see him as I am short sighted. Blue tshirt, blue cap, tan.
He is now giving me the thumbs up.
www.hotelseacliff.com
T.I.A.
I was in the supermarket the other day, an Indian one in town and I was on a mission to buy a cold, fizzy drink. In Swahili cold is barridi. Anyway, I was craving a diet pepsi or coke and even though I had promised Nino I would stop drinking it, I couldn't resist it. ( I have been drinking soda water and lime since he left ).
So, I got said bottle ( cold ) of diet pepsi and went to join a friend and when I opened it, it was flat. IE no gas. Whatsoever. So I ran back to the shop ( well waled actually as it was 30 degrees yesterday and humid ) and explained that it was flat. The sales assistant told me to speak to the Indian man behind the counter, the manager. Something about him being behind this counter made him management. Anyway! I explained that the drink was flat and asked whether I could swap it for a fizzy one. He shook his head and explained that it was not his fault or his problem. If I wanted another one I would have to buy it and write a letter to Mr Pepsi. ( !? Eh ?! ) I chuckled a bit as there was now a queue forming behind me ( nosey customers I suspect as there was not till at this counter ) I suggested that this was not great customer service and he said, ah yes, you have to go to the UK for that. Eh!? He then said, as did 3 people in the queue behind me, at the same time. " T.I.A."
If you've seen Blood Diamond you'll get it ( if you haven't I suggest you watch it as it is a top film )
We all fell about laughing "This is Africa" that is what you're telling me? Big smiles all round as we all laughed.
I then proceeded to the fridge to get another diet pepsi, shook it you see to see if it was fizzy, shook several bottles ( now have 3 staff members assisting me ) and they were all flat. Went to the other fridge where the non cold drinks were and shook them.. all flat! One dude then told me that because it was pepsi light that it wouldnt fizz up as much as the full sugar pepsi - nope that didn't work either, I then gave him diet sprite to shake, whilst i shook up full sugar sprite.. and they both fizzed up the same!
They all think this is hilarious now, them Mr Manager goes to the cold fridge and gives me 2 free cans of pepsi light.
Apparently once you leave the shop, its the government or the manufacturer you have to contact, as its not the manager's problem.
I went in this morning to buy some water and they gave me a free eco bag : )
Happy Days.
So, I got said bottle ( cold ) of diet pepsi and went to join a friend and when I opened it, it was flat. IE no gas. Whatsoever. So I ran back to the shop ( well waled actually as it was 30 degrees yesterday and humid ) and explained that it was flat. The sales assistant told me to speak to the Indian man behind the counter, the manager. Something about him being behind this counter made him management. Anyway! I explained that the drink was flat and asked whether I could swap it for a fizzy one. He shook his head and explained that it was not his fault or his problem. If I wanted another one I would have to buy it and write a letter to Mr Pepsi. ( !? Eh ?! ) I chuckled a bit as there was now a queue forming behind me ( nosey customers I suspect as there was not till at this counter ) I suggested that this was not great customer service and he said, ah yes, you have to go to the UK for that. Eh!? He then said, as did 3 people in the queue behind me, at the same time. " T.I.A."
If you've seen Blood Diamond you'll get it ( if you haven't I suggest you watch it as it is a top film )
We all fell about laughing "This is Africa" that is what you're telling me? Big smiles all round as we all laughed.
I then proceeded to the fridge to get another diet pepsi, shook it you see to see if it was fizzy, shook several bottles ( now have 3 staff members assisting me ) and they were all flat. Went to the other fridge where the non cold drinks were and shook them.. all flat! One dude then told me that because it was pepsi light that it wouldnt fizz up as much as the full sugar pepsi - nope that didn't work either, I then gave him diet sprite to shake, whilst i shook up full sugar sprite.. and they both fizzed up the same!
They all think this is hilarious now, them Mr Manager goes to the cold fridge and gives me 2 free cans of pepsi light.
Apparently once you leave the shop, its the government or the manufacturer you have to contact, as its not the manager's problem.
I went in this morning to buy some water and they gave me a free eco bag : )
Happy Days.
The 10 Principles of Spiritual Optimism
When I first arrived here, I was a bit lost, so it appears that things have worked out just as they are meant to. It's been an amazing two weeks and this month will end beautifully with the opening of the Kind Heart Africa School and me making a life changing decision...( still contemplating bits and bobs )
I have read an inordinate amount of books since I arrived here, almost 3 months to the day, in fact it is 3 months to the day on Sunday, when the School opens - freaky timing!! Anyway, I can breathe a sigh of relief as I can now stay here until the 24th of September.
One of the books I read is Why is God Laughing by Deepak Chopra. I'm not a Chopra fan per se and the story in the book is pretty mince ( managed to swap it for a battered copy of Out of Africa at the Yacht Club in Tanga ) but there was one section which I really did enjoy and here is a summary of the most salient points :
The healthiest response to life is laughter.
There's always a reason to be grateful.
You belong to the scheme of the Universe.
There's nothing to be afraid of, you're safe.
Your soul cherishes every aspect of your life.
There is a plan and your soul knows what it is.
Ecstasy is the energy of spirit, when life flows, ecstasy is natural.
There is a creative solution to every problem.
Every possibility holds the promise of abundance.
Obstacles are opportunities in disguise.
Freedom is letting go.
Actually, that is 11.
I have read an inordinate amount of books since I arrived here, almost 3 months to the day, in fact it is 3 months to the day on Sunday, when the School opens - freaky timing!! Anyway, I can breathe a sigh of relief as I can now stay here until the 24th of September.
One of the books I read is Why is God Laughing by Deepak Chopra. I'm not a Chopra fan per se and the story in the book is pretty mince ( managed to swap it for a battered copy of Out of Africa at the Yacht Club in Tanga ) but there was one section which I really did enjoy and here is a summary of the most salient points :
The healthiest response to life is laughter.
There's always a reason to be grateful.
You belong to the scheme of the Universe.
There's nothing to be afraid of, you're safe.
Your soul cherishes every aspect of your life.
There is a plan and your soul knows what it is.
Ecstasy is the energy of spirit, when life flows, ecstasy is natural.
There is a creative solution to every problem.
Every possibility holds the promise of abundance.
Obstacles are opportunities in disguise.
Freedom is letting go.
Actually, that is 11.
Wednesday 24 August 2011
Meeting Up
Fiona, Lorraine, Alison, Lisa, Niki, Frank, David, Colin, Dougie, Heather, Suzanne, Colin D, Michelle, Caroline, Lorraine and Angela... hope to see you all when I am back!!!!
Will mostly be hanging out with Charlee and also want to catch up with Nicole, The Allan Family and John J and Vicky too.
I shall also be making a visit to the dentist, doctor and the hairdresser.
Would also love a wee trip to Jura to see Claire and Andy and breathe in some really fresh air!
On the shopping list is a new camera ( the one that has been with me for the last 10 years is deid and my laptop needs fixed, the last quote from apple was £750 to fix it ) Oh lord!
Will mostly be hanging out with Charlee and also want to catch up with Nicole, The Allan Family and John J and Vicky too.
I shall also be making a visit to the dentist, doctor and the hairdresser.
Would also love a wee trip to Jura to see Claire and Andy and breathe in some really fresh air!
On the shopping list is a new camera ( the one that has been with me for the last 10 years is deid and my laptop needs fixed, the last quote from apple was £750 to fix it ) Oh lord!
Jerry Burns
is one of the most beautiful women I have ever know. She's an incredible soul with a wonderful songwriting and singing talent. She's fragile, funny and fabulous.
I met her at Bobby Paterson's funeral. She sang. She took our breath away. I told her and we became friends - I later discovered that she's friends with Karen Smyth and Fiona White, 2 other fabulous girlfriends. Jerry and I also share a love of sparkles, vintage clothing and a few other things.
One of my favourite recollections of an afternoon with Jerry was lipgloss bingo ( improvised ) at a Mad Hatter's tea Party I was hosting in Oran Mor for Marie Curie Cancer Care, followed by cocktails with Karen Smyth in Bobar. That was a fun Sunday.
I keep all her FB messages and always smile whenever we are in contact, she is so poetically brilliant.
So very grateful to count her as a very special friend. Yes, she is the brother of Gerard M Burns.. boyo that family are talented.
Can't actually find the words to express how wonderful she is, those friends we have in common know...
Listen to her on i-tunes, you'll be bewitched by her.
I met her at Bobby Paterson's funeral. She sang. She took our breath away. I told her and we became friends - I later discovered that she's friends with Karen Smyth and Fiona White, 2 other fabulous girlfriends. Jerry and I also share a love of sparkles, vintage clothing and a few other things.
One of my favourite recollections of an afternoon with Jerry was lipgloss bingo ( improvised ) at a Mad Hatter's tea Party I was hosting in Oran Mor for Marie Curie Cancer Care, followed by cocktails with Karen Smyth in Bobar. That was a fun Sunday.
I keep all her FB messages and always smile whenever we are in contact, she is so poetically brilliant.
So very grateful to count her as a very special friend. Yes, she is the brother of Gerard M Burns.. boyo that family are talented.
Can't actually find the words to express how wonderful she is, those friends we have in common know...
Listen to her on i-tunes, you'll be bewitched by her.
Blackberry..
..soon to have one here. Hurrah! Means I can use BBM, facebook, email and take calls as my current handset is pants!
Would be nice to have some communication with my pals who aren't i-phoned up..not sure actually how many of my pals still have a bberry as everyone seems to have iphones these days!!
Would be nice to have some communication with my pals who aren't i-phoned up..not sure actually how many of my pals still have a bberry as everyone seems to have iphones these days!!
Frightening
.. Statistic ( I actually loathe statistics as I can never usually remember them but I can remember this one )
80% of Tanzanian people live on less than a $ a day.
80% of Tanzanian people live on less than a $ a day.
KHA
40 likes on our facebook page and 46 stories now... still a long way to go if the book is to happen.
Allan Brown has very kindly offered to put me in touch with his publishers, he suggested they may be interested as they also publish all of Alexander McCall Smith's books... that would be amazing!!!!!
Joe Aitken, Fiona Hutchison and James Docherty are all doing their best to help get more stories in.
Guy Fee has written a truly brilliant one! He is an award winning screenwriter and also a dad and a very good friend since I was 15, so I am chuffed that he's delivered such a beauty! I can even see some illustrations with this book too.. how cool would that be!?
Really hoping that Vodacom will also come onboard with some sponsorship. I've learned a lot about Tanzania through working with them so far..
Allan Brown has very kindly offered to put me in touch with his publishers, he suggested they may be interested as they also publish all of Alexander McCall Smith's books... that would be amazing!!!!!
Joe Aitken, Fiona Hutchison and James Docherty are all doing their best to help get more stories in.
Guy Fee has written a truly brilliant one! He is an award winning screenwriter and also a dad and a very good friend since I was 15, so I am chuffed that he's delivered such a beauty! I can even see some illustrations with this book too.. how cool would that be!?
Really hoping that Vodacom will also come onboard with some sponsorship. I've learned a lot about Tanzania through working with them so far..
Resulta
Early morning meeting at the Temple with Pannasekara and he had composed a lovely letter to Immigration - The Director of Affairs, to ask for an extension on my visa. Sometimes they grant it, sometimes they don't and as I keep hearing from everyone, this country runs on money and corruption. Haven't experienced it myself and I hope that continues to be the case.
We went to the Immigration offices this morning where we were greeted by an Amazonianly tall Tanzanian with a big gun and a big grin. He spoke to me in Swahili.. thankfully I nailed it and managed to get a 'bomba!" in there and I also told him that I love Tanzania. He laughed and then said I was a beautiful blue eyed Mzungu. Well, he got the mzungu and the blue yes bit right!
Filled in a form, then Pannasekara ran off to photocopy my passport. There was no power at the Immigration offices. I watched him run off through the carpark with his robes flailing about inthe wind.. he didn't know that I was watching him, though he may have heard me laugh. When he returned he called his friend Happy who works there and explained the situation. He then gave her some money and also the chap who was dealing with me. The offices are like a step back to the 70's. Everything is concrete and glass. When you talk to them you have to bend down and speak through the part in the glass at the counter for documents as the circular part which you should speak through is so high up you'd need to be 6ft at least, or stand on a chair, though there are no chairs, even the seats are concrete.
I was supposed to find out at 1pm if I got the extension and if I'd have to pay for it. I was late as the meeting I was at with Vodacom at Mlimani City ran over and I got stuck in traffic. Narrowly missed 2 crashes. The drivers here, well some of them at least, seem to have a deathwish. Sarah and I also narrowly avoided a collision on the way there too.
At Vodacom, I met many employees, 2 of which had studied in Scotland. Jocelyn who is the Brand Manager studied at Herriott Watt and Albert who is in Finance, at Strathclyde Uni. Hope to catch up with them again soon and listen to their chat from God's Country!
Currently at the Movenpick waiting til 2pm when I have to go back to Immigration. Everything is crossed!
We went to the Immigration offices this morning where we were greeted by an Amazonianly tall Tanzanian with a big gun and a big grin. He spoke to me in Swahili.. thankfully I nailed it and managed to get a 'bomba!" in there and I also told him that I love Tanzania. He laughed and then said I was a beautiful blue eyed Mzungu. Well, he got the mzungu and the blue yes bit right!
Filled in a form, then Pannasekara ran off to photocopy my passport. There was no power at the Immigration offices. I watched him run off through the carpark with his robes flailing about inthe wind.. he didn't know that I was watching him, though he may have heard me laugh. When he returned he called his friend Happy who works there and explained the situation. He then gave her some money and also the chap who was dealing with me. The offices are like a step back to the 70's. Everything is concrete and glass. When you talk to them you have to bend down and speak through the part in the glass at the counter for documents as the circular part which you should speak through is so high up you'd need to be 6ft at least, or stand on a chair, though there are no chairs, even the seats are concrete.
I was supposed to find out at 1pm if I got the extension and if I'd have to pay for it. I was late as the meeting I was at with Vodacom at Mlimani City ran over and I got stuck in traffic. Narrowly missed 2 crashes. The drivers here, well some of them at least, seem to have a deathwish. Sarah and I also narrowly avoided a collision on the way there too.
At Vodacom, I met many employees, 2 of which had studied in Scotland. Jocelyn who is the Brand Manager studied at Herriott Watt and Albert who is in Finance, at Strathclyde Uni. Hope to catch up with them again soon and listen to their chat from God's Country!
Currently at the Movenpick waiting til 2pm when I have to go back to Immigration. Everything is crossed!
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