New Year in Mauritius

Hello Journeyers,

We are already slowly but surely approaching 2016 and I'm only sharing how we entered 2015 now. How pathetic!
Mauritius has obviously become one of my favourite places to visit. I don't know how but I fall in love with this beautiful island more and more after every visit.

This time around it was a very short visit, we went for New Years, and we couldn't enter 2015 in a more spectacular way!

Quality time with Cedric's family and friends.

No better way to enter a beautiful New Year!

Although 2015 is more than halfway gone, you still have more than 4 months left to make your 2015 your best year yet! Let's get going...
P.S. - All these photos were taken with our GoPro.

River Lodge - Lion Sands, Sabi Sand

Hello Journeyers!

Cedric and I went for a little breakaway for his birthday a while back, and seeing that I have not blogged in ages I decided to start with this one.
If you are looking for a beautiful relaxing location and the joys of spotting some leopards then this place is for you.

River Lodge, located in the Southern Sabi Sand Game Reserve with 20 Luxury Suites is the perfect holiday/honeymoon destination.
We decided to fly to Skukuza Airport because who wants to drive 12 hours return for a 3 day trip?
You drive into the Lodge greeted by friendly staff.

We arrived at the Lodge and settled into our room, overlooking the Sabie River, before heading off for some lunch. Note to self; Starve yourself for at least a week before going to any Lodge, your body will thank you!

Our ranger, Kenneth was extremely nice and really made sure we saw everything we had on our list. We literally went under and over trees to spot that beautiful male leopard. I mean, we had 3 exceptional sightings of leopards in 2 days! A win don't you agree?

The 2 days flew by and I did way too much curio shopping. *Sorry boo boo*

We were very sad to leave, but at least we still had 1 day at Tinga Lodge to look forward to.

Thank you to the incredible staff at River Lodge for making us feel so at home and for the extra 5kg's I gained in the 2 days!!!

10 Best Memories of Paris

Hello Journeyers,

I have been daydreaming about Paris more and more lately. From listening to a colleagues stories of their recent return from Paris to watching one of my favourite movies the other night, View from The Top.

I won't lie, I have been throwing quite a few hints towards Cedric to go back. Ahhh the dream, I would love to go back.

That's why I thought I would share my 10 Favourite experiences from our holiday in Paris in 2012. I can't believe it's been 2 years already. It feels like yesterday.

1. Eiffel Tower,

This one needs no explanation. I couldn't wait while we were driving to the apartment to spot the Eiffel Tower, and when I did I was in awe an basically freaked out when I saw the top of it peeking over the buildings. It's spectacular and something you don't get used to. In the 10 days we spent there I couldn't wait to see this beauty every single day.

2. The Metro.

Let's just say if South Africa's transport system was like this I wouldn't be needing my car.

3. The City.

There's so much to see and do in Paris, and around every corner it just gets better and better. The beauty of this city should almost be illegal. I doubt I will ever be able to get tired of those buildings. Simply spectacular.

4. Nutella Crepes.

Golly wholly, please take me back. They are not shy with throwing that Nutella onto that crepe and I literally had one a day. Wherever I could find a food stall that sold them I had one...and sometimes two.

5. Shopping up a storm - Champs Elysees

I experienced H&M, some spectacular make-up shops and bought myself a very bright summer dress for 3 Euros. Yes you read right, a full THREE! Shopping is not really that affordable but if you go when they have sales you can score some really nice things at a really great price.

6. Montmartre

I really enjoyed this part of Paris, but be careful when it comes to finding someone to do your self portraits or caricatures. Make sure you go with someone that actually has a portfolio. And shop around for prices, trust me the person 3 seats down from the one will be cheaper. You don't want to be caught like Cedric and I was with our first one. The guy turned me into a mermaid that beats Cedric the caveman.

7. Moulin Rouge

This was not something I really enjoyed that much. Mainly because I was just in a bad mood that night and then because our seats were facing away from the stage so we sat with twitchy necks from turning our heads to see the whole night. The show itself was good but rather pricey. Worth the money? I would say yes if it's really on your bucket list.

8. Macaroons

I've never again tasted Macaroons as good as the ones in Paris. They just know what they are doing. I didn't eat nearly enough of these beauties and cannot wait to go back just to devour hundreds of these.

9. Wandering the streets of Paris with Cedric by my side

Let me tell you this, it's not called the city of love for nothing. There's something about the streets and buildings and a electric feeling in the air of love when you walk the streets. What better way to do it than with the love of your life. Not to mention watching the ET light up at night while cuddling on the grass watching it.

10. SA Bar in the middle of Paris

Perfect for days where you miss home. We went to go watch a rugby match and I even had some Simba chips. I may or may not have missed SA in those few minutes. But then I walked outside and forgot all about it again.

Oh Paris how I miss you....

Have you ever been to Paris, and what is your favourite memories?

Disclaimer: All expenses were paid for by us for our trip to Paris. As always all comments and opinions are my own. All the contents and images posted are my own unless otherwise specified / linked to the original source. Please feel free to share photographs and material from this site but please link back to the original image or post.

Zomato // Walnut Grove // Da Vinci Hotel

Hello Journeyers,
Thanks to Irina I was contacted by Zomato, the place where you can find restaurants near you, see detailed restaurant info, follow foodies for trusted reviews and discover restaurants according to your mood. It's the all in one go to foodie website and the must have app to download...

Zomato has also recently unveiled their rebranding and new logo. How amazing does the logo look?

I was extremely excited, and couldn't wait to attend their foodie meetup. It was held at Walnut Grove in Sandton City. It was an evening filled with mingling, laughter, loads of eating and fun. They introduced their new menu to us and my very first time at a micro-tasting evening.

Walnut Grove was founded in 1975 and is a family owned and run business. They are based in the buzz of Sandton City and you can take a breather after a busy day of shopping and sip on glass of wine under one of Africa's largest chandeliers, a towering walnut tree flowing with over 10,000 reclaimed and antique crystals. The chandelier is almost as spectacular as the food and service!

The tables were elegantly and organically decorated. We were welcomed with Mojitos which was just what the doctor ordered. Starters was already waiting for us as we sat down, platters full of cheeses, fruit, breads, dips and healthy micro-wraps. I really had to stop myself from eating all that delicious breads.

I was already starting to feel my pants tighten around my waist, so we ordered a glass of red wine and then they put mains in front of us. I had to stop myself from drooling all over the table. It consisted of a Paneer Cashew Saffron Curry rice, the spiciness of the dish caught me off guard but I enjoyed it. Next up was Rustic African Nachos served with cheese, guacamole, salsa and chilli. I'm a sucker for good nachos and these climbed fairly high up on my list. I was intrigued by the Red Velvet Burger. I cannot wait to go back and have a full sized one of these babies! Last on the tray was Black Pepper and Lemon Zest Calamari Basket. Not sure how I felt about this one.

 

 

After mains we were served spoons of Mascarpone and Coffee Caviar. I picked at each individually, not so good, but together. It's a burst of flavor in your mouth! Very interesting!

 



Now don't get me wrong, this part of the meal is usually the one I look forward to the most. At this stage I had to already loosen my belt. As they put down the tray filled with a trio of gourmet milkshake shots, summer macaroons and a red velvet cupcake. I was so full I had to take the macaroons as take away for Cedric to indulge at home. He loved it. My favourite was the oreo milkshake and red velvet cupcake.

They invited us to help decorate this beautiful rainbow cake. This man decorates 10 a day! How insane is that? I was rather impressed with my icing skills.

 

And if that isn't enough, with your coffee or tea you get a mini red velvet cupcake. How cute is that! They just seize to amaze and surprise us. The food was great, service was filled with smiles and the restaurant filled with laughter. All signs of a great success if you ask me!

If you are dropping by Johannesburg and planning to stay somewhere in the busiest and most popular areas, why not go to Da Vinci Hotel. You will be greeted with a smile and receive the 5 star service you deserve while on your lay over / business trip or mini breakaway. Within walking distance from Sandton City, wireless internet connectivity and a wellness spa, it's a perfect all in one!

Source

I would like to say a big thank you to Zomato for hosting such a great foodie meetup and for the photos and to Walnut Grove for the amazing experience and for opening your doors to us. Also thank you to Da Vinci Hotel for allowing me to write about them.

Disclaimer: I was invited by Zomato for this micr-tasting experience. As always all comments and opinions are my own. All of the content and images posted are my own unless otherwise specified / linked to the original source. Please feel free to share photographs and material from this site but please link back to the original image or post.