Throwback Thursday: Euro Trip for Mom's 50th - Part 1

One year ago today, my mom, William, my grandparents and myself landed in Athens for the trip of a lifetime. My mom wanted to celebrate her 50th birthday by travelling Greece, and visiting her dream destination of Santorini.

After 18 hours of transit, we arrived in the (beautifully warm) ancient city en route to our hotel to join the rest of our tour group. We booked the Trafalgar Aegean Odyssey tour, which comprised two full days in Athens before embarking on a seven night cruise.

Whilst in Athens, we visited the first Olympic Stadium, the Acropolis and the Olympieon and dined in Plaka, the oldest section of Athens. Now we know why the Greek economy is in recession: they've never heard of point of sale bills and more often than not we'd receive a handwritten bill in Greek. Other times our bill was of a verbal nature. Clever - no VAT.

View from our hotel

We boarded the Orient Queen and our first port of call was Istanbul, Turkey. We booked an excursion for a full day tour of the city. Learnt a lot about the city (including the fact that Turkey falls into both Europe and Asia). The The Blue Mosque and Aya Sofya were the first landmarks we visited. The structures were beautiful, but on a summer's day reaching temps of 30 degrees, and a couple of hundred people going barefoot inside, a rather unappealing smell lingered in the air. We had lunch at a traditional restaurant before continuing to the Grand Bazaar (imagine a flea market the size of a mall). Our tour guide warned us about the gypsies that roamed the market, selling 'gold' to tourists at extreme prices. We spent only a few minutes inside (just to see what the fuss was about) before exiting hastily and finding a coffee shop for some respite from the heat and to take a load off our aching feet. Shortly thereafter, we returned to the cruise ship for a swim and a cocktail on the pool deck. 

The Ampitheatre in the Acropolis

Our hotel

Olympic Stadium

Inside the Grand Bazaar

Inside the Blue Mosque

First look at Istanbul

Our cruise ship

Aya Sophya

Mom and I dressed appropriately

The Grand Bazaar

Exterior of the Blue Mosque

Overall impressions of the city: Pretty but we won't return in a hurry. Why do we say that? Whilst we were there, the country was experiencing some political unrest and although we were safe at all times, one could feel the tension emanating off the Istanbul uses. Would we return to Turkey? Maybe sometime in the future, but we would definitely bypass Istanbul.

Next up on our itinerary was Mykonos. Wow. Photographs of this beautiful island do not do it justice. We arrived in the late afternoon, and our tour guide took us for an evening stroll around town. The cruise ship docked in the harbour overnight, so passengers had the option of staying at a hotel on the island as opposed to a night on the ship. We walked around the maze of passages containing curio stores and restaurants a-plenty, and ate lamb for dinner at a restaurant on the beach, an idyllic sunset the backdrop. The next morning we disembarked the ship to start our day on the beach. A bus trip and 40 minutes later, we arrived at Paraga beach.

What a surreal feeling it was knowing we were actually in Greece, on this stunning island that has featured time and time again in magazines and movies. William and I swam in the Mediterranean (which was surprisingly cooler than anticipated) before enjoying a delicious lunch at the restaurant. Note to self: Make sure you know which beach is the nudist beach (awkward). Our time on Mykonos came to an end shortly thereafter, and sadly we did not see the infamous pelicans that call the island home. Definitely a reason to go back! Mykonos was my highlight of the trip. I would love to go back and spend more time exploring this gem of a hotspot. It has such a unique vibe.

Paraga Beach

Mykonos

View from our dinner table

Another beach shot

Sunset

Our fourth day of the cruise was spent at sea. We lay around the pool, reading and enjoying the scenery that surrounded us. Greece really is magnificent, and I would encourage any traveller to make a turn past the Aegean Sea.

Our third stop was the island of Patmos. We spent only a few hours here and due to the limited window of time, we literally disembarked the ship, had a bite to eat at a restaurant in the harbour, browsed some curio shops, and returned to the ship. Our fourth stop (and second for day four) was the thriving city of Kusadasi. Governed by Turkey, the town is very much the opposite of Istanbul as it encompasses more of the European free living vibe. The shopping is absolutely amazing in Kusadasi, and we picked up major bargains on branded products, perfume and of course a leather jacket for my mom. 

Patmos

We even found a South African store!

We had these beautiful sunsets every evening.

...to be continued...

Month One Down And Two Causes for Celebration

Starting with the good news, recently our friends Guy & Kirsty Lidbetter announced they are expecting a baby.  Kirsty - you have such a beautiful nature and a motherly instinct that comes so naturally - watching you interact with Ella and Lexi during our visit last year proved this point hundredfold. Guy - you are going to be spending many a weekend teaching baba how to hold a baseball bat, and hit that winning shot (if it's a little boy), or practicing your batting skills for when your daughter brings her first boyfriend home. Just playing. Congratulations Guy & Kirst, you are going to make the most fantastic parents and we are so happy for you. Baby Lidbetter is due October or thereabouts. 

A picture of the parents-to-be taken whilst adventure golfing in July last year

Ali & Lee welcomed their son, Patrick James Piron into the world on Saturday afternoon - congratulations to big sister Georgia, both sets of grandparents, and all the aunts, uncles and cousins. May Patrick bring much joy to you all. We look forward to seeing some photographs of baby and his family. Best wishes Ali & Lee!

The Piron trio at the beach last July

 I may be a week or so late but I did it! I survived my first month at the office (insert happy dance here). I'll blame month end madness and having to submit an assignment as the cause of the delay of this post.

It was not a smooth ride, and at times I felt frustrated that I wasn't at the level I wanted to be - not knowing what where when or why. I referred to this period as the "washing machine days". Life continued around me, but I felt I had no control over anything, nor did I know which way was up. As the days and weeks passed, I slowly acclimatized and started settling down. If anyone says they knew exactly what they were doing in a new position from day one, I think they would be stretching the truth. Just a little.

Here is a summary of my first month:

• I locked my boss out of SAP by incorrectly entering her password three times (I felt like a real idiot).
• I almost fell down the stairs. Luckily only one person saw my near miss though. He laughed, I laughed and then he carried on working - thank goodness for small victories.
• I have made an enemy out of the IT department. They refuse (OK it is protocol so I can sort of understand their side) to answer any questions or assist with anything - even if it will only take a minute of their time - until *dum dum dum* a call has been logged! This was before I even had a laptop, so just how was I supposed to log a call? Grrrr, frustration is. Now I joke with them in asking if I need to log a call with them before they can respond to an email. Yep, this is going to be a love/hate relationship.
• I have called many people by the wrong name and (felt extremely embarrassed when they corrected me).
• I called five people into the office and explained the reasoning behind their salary increases. This gem fell onto my plate as my boss was on leave that day otherwise I normally wouldn't handle such matters.
• I have used much more Excel than anyone should ever have to in their time on Earth. Yowza, death by cells and formulae.

These points may all sound negative, but looking back on the month, they are the ones that stick out the most. There have also been good experiences, like meeting and getting to know the people within the Finance department, and meeting the Financial Director of Africa and the Middle East. I have learnt alot about the logistics industry, and been rather chuffed to be given responsibilities that require trust. 

I am also no longer the newest person in the department, after the Accounts Payable Team Leader started this past Tuesday. Today, myself and the newest addition to the team commenced our three day official induction. It was extremely interesting and so many blanks have already been filled in. We even visited the company depot at OR Tambo International Airport, and were taken through the life-cycle of a parcel. Excited for day two tomorrow.

Wishing you all a pleasant week.

Why I Love Birthdays

Birthday. That day of the year when the pendulum swings into the next year of our lives.

Some people don't like birthdays and will go to extreme measures to downplay the occasion. Whether this is due to not wanting to accept the fact that they are getting older, or don't like being in the spotlight, the reason varies from person to person.

Personally I LOVE birthdays. Obviously the age bit is less than ideal, but the huge plus factor, in my opinion, is the celebration. Birthdays (and unfortunately funerals) are the two occasions that bring people together, and that quality time (birthdays only) is what I treasure. Having a casual braai at home (having a house full of people is one of my all time favorite things in life), or going out to a venue -  the 'what' isn't the operative word. Rather the 'who'. The pleasure of your friends and family's company.

We don't celebrate enough. We get wrapped up - or tunnel visioned - in our lives and stress over many facets of our existence (finances and work to name but a few), that we actually forget that life is passing us by. We'll never get those days back, and one day when we're watching the replay of our time on Earth, what will we regret? I'll regret the days spent worrying over matters I have no control over, instead of the time that I said yes to a friend's invitation. There's nothing more expensive than regrets, and that I truly believe.

It's not about being the center of attention either. Yes, you'll receive more calls and messages than any other day, but why not think of it as a compliment that so many people treasure you and want to wish you a happy birthday? Honestly, I think a lot of birthdays would go unacknowledged if it weren't for Facebook and it's daily reminders, however, the wisher still took the time to send the wishee (is that even a word?) a message.

What makes a good birthday? In addition to the advantages I've mentioned above, CAKE! If there's one day of the year (OK, Christmas makes two)  where it is absolutely imperative to stray from the diet it's a birthday. Eat, drink and be merry! Have your cake and eat it too. Life is too short not to.

Gifting. This is where the waters get murky. The average person cannot afford to buy every single friend a present. Sadly, in today's world, a 'decent' present (if buying a voucher or contributing cash) is considered approximately R300. Multiply that by the number of friends you would normally buy gifts for and it's rather expensive over a year. If there's one thing I hate it's being invited somewhere just to give a present. The host (possibly a friend of a friend of a friend) doesn't care for your presence, and you may only be acquaintances -  but you've been invited to their birthday party. Why? 

William and I have decided to only buy gifts for friends on landmark birthdays and special occasions (weddings, baby showers, etc)  as it is simply too expensive. By the same token, we do not want or expect gifts from friends on our birthdays. So friends -  if you're reading this, please don't be offended that we haven't bought you gifts, this is why. Age brings with it life lessons, and what was important 5 years ago is not up there on the list of priorities now. As a child I was always excited to open my birthday presents, the higher the number the better. As an adult my values have changed, and now gifts are the least important.

I make big deals out of birthdays. Celebrations would last a week if I had it my way. There's nothing better than showering your loved ones with love and attention, for no other reason to show them how much you mean to them. And yes, we should show this appreciation every day, it's that much more special on a birthday. I plan William's and my birthday parties a month in advance, and countdowns start at more or less the same time.

You're the oldest you've ever been, and youngest than you'll ever be again.

Powerful statement. Make the most out of life.

William is the most recent person in our family to celebrate a birthday. Here are some photographs taken today.

A Mosaic Tray for Jenny's Birthday

Firstly, allow me to apologise for my absence and subsequent non existing blogging. I have been writing end of year exams which have just about consumed me. I wrote the last one today so at least life can return to normal now.

Onwards (march!)

Earlier this month, my close friend Jenny celebrated her birthday. We met at high school (Ashton College) in 2000 and became fast friends. Since then we have shared good times and bad times, and as it happens we've even drifted apart for a while but we'd always reconnect. Jenny is an actuary (yes my friend the genius!) for a well known short term insurer in Centurion, and is married to Bevan (salesman of high repute) who originally hails from East London.

Jen & Bev were married on the 31st of December 2009 at Mangwa Valley Game Lodge near Hammanskraal. Yes, a new year's wedding and it was absolutely stunning. Being mid summer the heat was something else but that didn't deter Jen and she remained in her wedding gown the entire evening. Guests admired the beautiful table centre
pieces, and who could forget their legendary first dance? Well done team Webb, we loved it. 

In January 2012 I took up mosaicing. After starting out slowly, with chipboard animals I progressed to trays. And yes, they must be used to serve. I have made a few couples a tray as a gift in the past and reckon it's becoming a tradition. 

So I made Jen a tray as a birthday gift.

Step one: boarder and heart and photographs

                                                              Step two: filler tiles

Step three: grout, paint and seal.

Unfortunately the flash reflects off the glass surface hence not being able to produce a decent photograph.

Hope you like it Jen, and Angie - your tray is coming soon!