Hello again everyone. I would like to start by thanking all my followers and for all your lovely comments, it is very much appreciated - keep them coming.
This week, having finally got over my sort of cold and being left with a cough, I got back from Houston on Thursday morning nice and early. Houston was very hot and sunny, but just not enough hours there to really appreciate it. One day I must take a tour to the Space Station - are we all not interested in that somehow? Like most places around the world, there are good and bad and having changed hotels in Houston, we certainly do go past some very poor parts of Houston unlike the other location where it was definitely affluent.
Back home, (having been greeted by the dog which is great but not when you are trying to get in the front door with suitcases in both hands) - the kids (I say kids, but they are adults, but still my kids) have been out and about most of the time so I have been left to my own devices. My son and his girlfriend got home yesterday and he cooked a chicken curry and rice which was delicious and I ate far too much. I have been catching up with my sister (who I incidentally talk to everyday that I am in the UK and we text each other at least once when I am away). Whilst on my travels, I have started to send my niece postcards with a quizz type question for her to guess about the destination such as "What is a famous saying about Houston?" - and the answer should be (well for me anyway) "Houston we have a problem!" Its just a bit of fun for her. She loves it and has so far (after taking their time) received cards from Miami and Muscat.
I have been doing quite a bit of writing over the past couple of days on my love story and a bit on the children's story. I have also received (which was waiting for me when I returned from Houston) a very interesting story written by Mat Jackson - So Shall Ye Reap - and have started reading that.
Today, (Saturday 30th October 2010) I have been doing the washing (which I love, I find it very therapeutic and relaxing, maybe its the smell of the softner), I know, I am really not normal eh? Been sat on my bed with the laptop on a wooden tray table blogging to you guys and 'Come Dine With Me' on the TV in the background - always makes me feel that my cooking is good in comparison to some of theirs.
Oooh incidentally, I will be starting in a few weeks time an exciting blog which will consist of chapters from my book 'Shoy'. I am awaiting a new publisher to have it re-published so the version to be blogged will be from the original. Hope you like it and as always your comments will be greatly received whether good or bad.
I will sign off now from this little interlude and await the streams of 'Trick or Treaters' that will be scaring the poor dog (who is called Tyden) every time they knock. Funnily enough, the doorbell has stopped working (what ashame!!) really it just needs a new battery.
So folks enjoy your Halloween Party's, Trick or Treat haunts and don't over do it on the sweets.
About Me
- Aandi Greenway
- Guildford, Hampshire, United Kingdom
- I am a 47 year old (2011) first generation Caribbean Black British woman. I have a 30 year old daughter and a 23 year old son. I am single and work full-time as Air Cabin Crew on long-haul. My first book (my auto-biography) called 'Shoy' was published in Feb 2004. Currently I am looking for an agent to represent me or publishers for the various projects I am working on such as a play, children's story, love story and the sequel to Shoy.
Saturday, 30 October 2010
Sunday, 24 October 2010
Mexico City
Hello everyone. I left my house last Sunday (17 Oct) to check in for my flight to Johannesburg. It was a late check in at 1945 and by that time you feel you should be settling down indoors rather than starting work. It was a long night flight, and thankfully uneventful. We landed into Johannesburg the next morning and only being one hour time change, body clock was not affected (mind you sometimes I am not quite sure what clock my body is following anyway).
I had already planned what I was going to do whilst in Johannesburg and that was to write, either my love story with a working title of 'Three I Love You's' or the play/musical with a working title at the moment of 'Family Ways'. The reception/bar area of the hotel is very comfortable, in that you get watered and fed as you like and the staff are very friendly. Here's a thing - why is when you are sat, quite obviously working and minding your own business that someone would always come over and pass some comment such as:- "You should not be working so hard" or "Hello how are you would you like some company?" I mean what a question. Needless to say, they did not receive the reactions they were hoping for! I had a very very productive three days there. The sun was very hot, but I am not one for sitting out in it as I get very irritated and also, (showing my age now), I need to get a pair of reading sunglasses. I have to say that Johannesburg is not one of my favourite places to visit as there is nothing to do - except golf if you can play - and I have tried golf, but I seriously don't have the hand/eye co-ordination thing to even hit that tiny ball, but I am sure that someone will tell me of all the beautiful and interesting sights of Johannesburg.
I started to work on the love story and I really got into it, so much so, I wished I was reading it rather than writing it, my mind was racing, faster than my fingers could type, I really enjoyed it and the words just seemed to flow and the dynamics of the characters got stronger and more exciting. Of course I know the ending and its a good one, but you will have to wait to find out all about it.
So I arrive back at Heathrow on Friday (22 Oct the day before my sons 23rd birthday) very early in the cold morning (I know it was not really that cold, but you have to realise that I had been in a minimum temperature of 29 degrees centigrade for four days and now its 7 degrees - so yes cold), I had been sneezing and this annoying cough had started a couple of days before, so all I wanted was a hot cup of proper tea and brown toast with Lurpak and marmalade (shredless of course), shower and bed and as boring and predictable as I am, I did after having had a one way conversation with the dog (a 15 month old male boxer and he is gorgeous).
So here I am, giving myself a break from the love story to bring you this next snippet of my life. Hope you enjoy this one as much as I did.
I have been very lucky to have visited Mexico City three times (once during the height of the Swine Flu which incidentally I had contracted and very embarrassingly passed out on a flight back from LA, but that's another story), so having had it, I was not overly worried as some of my colleagues were. Of course at that time, nearly everyone in the streets, working at the airport, travelling on the aircraft etc were wearing masks and everywhere you went there were hand sanitizers. Anyway I digress, Mexico to me, like a lot of places around the world, has its good and bad, very bad points, but there is so much to see and its steeped in history.
The first time I was there, I went on a tour from the hotel in a minibus with our own guide and it was fascinating. They have some very opulent buildings such as the Palace of Fine Arts.
There are many monuments and statues. The picture below is a monument of The Angel of Independence and apparently in the base it houses the tombs of several key figures that fought in the War of Independence.
The above snap is that of Christopher Columbus. There are so many and a lot of them are not in places that are people friendly, in that they are in the middle of the roundabout, so if you are on the 'do-it-yourself walking tour' you cannot get across to read the inscriptions. One of their tallest buildings - which is similar in looks to the Empire State Building - is the Latin America Tower. It is earthquake proof and has proved itself a few times the largest reading being 7 on the Richter scale.
As you can imagine, Mexico City and all its attractions and of course the traffic, takes time and this makes for a long and very hot day. There are numerous stops for refreshments (good job) and after one such stop, we ended up at the Catedral Metropolitana. This Catedral is built on soft soil and is slowly sinking. Once inside you can see the scars because of the subsidence and there is scaffolding everywhere supporting it.
Like I said, there is so much to see and do around Mexico City and it is well worth a visit, but don't rush it. I have only mentioned a mere snippet of this beautiful place.
On another visit I went on a tour of the Sun and Moon Pyramids of Teotihuacan. I had seen the pyramids in Cairo, but these are very different and you can climbs these ones and I did.
Of course once you are up, you look down and it is steep and on one side there is a rope handle which is not stable to aid your descent - this is slow and scary. Having got safely down the first one, you walk along the Avenue of the Dead towards the Sun Pyramid. This one is a lot taller and the steps seem slightly steeper, but maybe it was just me. I managed to get to the top, but once up there I began to feel really sick and my skin felt like there were bugs underneath trying to get out and I could not breath. I was trying to drink some water from the bottle that I had, but I just could not. Of course it had not occurred to me that with the altitude being so high, of course the air is a lot thinner and it was affecting me. In no time at all I was sat down and there was a crowd around me and there were people fanning me (not a good time to be wearing a white skirt either) I was helped down the steps (which seem to take an age) by one of the men who was on the same tour as myself and back to the minibus. By the time I reached the minibus, I was feeling a whole lot better and breathing normally - seriously though, I thought I was going to die.
Another beautiful and relaxing tour to do is the canals of Xochimilco. You get a real sense of family Sunday afternoon out on the canals. The Trajineras (canal boats) are very colourful and are propelled along like gondalas. You wind your way through the many waterways, looking at the magnificent manicured gardens along the banks. You wave and say hello to people in the other boats. There are Mariachi Bands playing and there are other boats with food and drink and they punt along side you and serve you your choice of food and drink, you pay and they punt off to another boat. It is so civilised and a great way to spend a Sunday afternoon in the heat and gentle breeze
Of course you can't go to Mexico and not get to see a show by some of the indigenous Aztec Indians. There costumes are very colourful and the ploomage on their headgear is amazing.
Well, I think I have shared quite a lot about Mexico, but believe me it was just the tip of what I had experienced and seen. Hope you enjoyed it. Thank you for reading.
I had already planned what I was going to do whilst in Johannesburg and that was to write, either my love story with a working title of 'Three I Love You's' or the play/musical with a working title at the moment of 'Family Ways'. The reception/bar area of the hotel is very comfortable, in that you get watered and fed as you like and the staff are very friendly. Here's a thing - why is when you are sat, quite obviously working and minding your own business that someone would always come over and pass some comment such as:- "You should not be working so hard" or "Hello how are you would you like some company?" I mean what a question. Needless to say, they did not receive the reactions they were hoping for! I had a very very productive three days there. The sun was very hot, but I am not one for sitting out in it as I get very irritated and also, (showing my age now), I need to get a pair of reading sunglasses. I have to say that Johannesburg is not one of my favourite places to visit as there is nothing to do - except golf if you can play - and I have tried golf, but I seriously don't have the hand/eye co-ordination thing to even hit that tiny ball, but I am sure that someone will tell me of all the beautiful and interesting sights of Johannesburg.
I started to work on the love story and I really got into it, so much so, I wished I was reading it rather than writing it, my mind was racing, faster than my fingers could type, I really enjoyed it and the words just seemed to flow and the dynamics of the characters got stronger and more exciting. Of course I know the ending and its a good one, but you will have to wait to find out all about it.
So I arrive back at Heathrow on Friday (22 Oct the day before my sons 23rd birthday) very early in the cold morning (I know it was not really that cold, but you have to realise that I had been in a minimum temperature of 29 degrees centigrade for four days and now its 7 degrees - so yes cold), I had been sneezing and this annoying cough had started a couple of days before, so all I wanted was a hot cup of proper tea and brown toast with Lurpak and marmalade (shredless of course), shower and bed and as boring and predictable as I am, I did after having had a one way conversation with the dog (a 15 month old male boxer and he is gorgeous).
So here I am, giving myself a break from the love story to bring you this next snippet of my life. Hope you enjoy this one as much as I did.
I have been very lucky to have visited Mexico City three times (once during the height of the Swine Flu which incidentally I had contracted and very embarrassingly passed out on a flight back from LA, but that's another story), so having had it, I was not overly worried as some of my colleagues were. Of course at that time, nearly everyone in the streets, working at the airport, travelling on the aircraft etc were wearing masks and everywhere you went there were hand sanitizers. Anyway I digress, Mexico to me, like a lot of places around the world, has its good and bad, very bad points, but there is so much to see and its steeped in history.
The first time I was there, I went on a tour from the hotel in a minibus with our own guide and it was fascinating. They have some very opulent buildings such as the Palace of Fine Arts.
As you can imagine, Mexico City and all its attractions and of course the traffic, takes time and this makes for a long and very hot day. There are numerous stops for refreshments (good job) and after one such stop, we ended up at the Catedral Metropolitana. This Catedral is built on soft soil and is slowly sinking. Once inside you can see the scars because of the subsidence and there is scaffolding everywhere supporting it.
On another visit I went on a tour of the Sun and Moon Pyramids of Teotihuacan. I had seen the pyramids in Cairo, but these are very different and you can climbs these ones and I did.
Of course once you are up, you look down and it is steep and on one side there is a rope handle which is not stable to aid your descent - this is slow and scary. Having got safely down the first one, you walk along the Avenue of the Dead towards the Sun Pyramid. This one is a lot taller and the steps seem slightly steeper, but maybe it was just me. I managed to get to the top, but once up there I began to feel really sick and my skin felt like there were bugs underneath trying to get out and I could not breath. I was trying to drink some water from the bottle that I had, but I just could not. Of course it had not occurred to me that with the altitude being so high, of course the air is a lot thinner and it was affecting me. In no time at all I was sat down and there was a crowd around me and there were people fanning me (not a good time to be wearing a white skirt either) I was helped down the steps (which seem to take an age) by one of the men who was on the same tour as myself and back to the minibus. By the time I reached the minibus, I was feeling a whole lot better and breathing normally - seriously though, I thought I was going to die.
Another beautiful and relaxing tour to do is the canals of Xochimilco. You get a real sense of family Sunday afternoon out on the canals. The Trajineras (canal boats) are very colourful and are propelled along like gondalas. You wind your way through the many waterways, looking at the magnificent manicured gardens along the banks. You wave and say hello to people in the other boats. There are Mariachi Bands playing and there are other boats with food and drink and they punt along side you and serve you your choice of food and drink, you pay and they punt off to another boat. It is so civilised and a great way to spend a Sunday afternoon in the heat and gentle breeze
Of course you can't go to Mexico and not get to see a show by some of the indigenous Aztec Indians. There costumes are very colourful and the ploomage on their headgear is amazing.
Tuesday, 19 October 2010
Singapore
Hello everyone, thank you for coming back. I am sat in the hotel bar type reception in Johannesburg with the sun very hot outside, but unfortunately my allergies have decided to attack me, so sleep last night was totally interrupted with trying to breath and sneezing, but I am up nonetheless. To top it all I am feeling queasy as always when I come here from the altitude (not nice), but with nothing to get distracted with, I am bringing you this account of Singapore.
Singapore is another of my favourite destinations to visit. When I arrived for the very first time, having previously been to Bangkok, my expectation was one of chaotic traffic, noise, smells, pollution, dirt, bartering etc. But it is so not like that at all. In fact Singapore is clean, clinically clean and I observed one night from the balcony of my hotel this little army of cleaners sweeping the roads/paths all night. Chewing gum is not allowed in Singapore (so I've been told) and so there are no little black dots on the pavements from the previous discarded stuff. The gardens, fauna and flora are so manicured and beautiful to look at.
Singapore not being that large can be seen in about three to four days, depending on how long you take at each attraction. Views from my hotel have been spectacular.
This picture is looking at the Financial District of Singapore and the two largest buildings are 280 meters tall which is the maximum height in the area.
To the left of the above picture you can just make out the Fullerton Hotel which was once the general post office and was made in the Art Deco Style which was the dominating style of the district.
Down at the harbour, almost opposite the Fullerton Hotel is what once was the symbol of Singapore the Merlion. This is an imaginary creature which is made from the head of a Lion and the body of Fish. It is quite an attraction and I could just stand there and watch it for ages, its as though it talks to you.
There are many many places to eat of course from eating where the locals eat such as a nice little place called Maggie's. The food here is great and lots of it and hot. It is served as its cooked. Of course there are fine dining places catering for large groups as well as romantic couples. There are an array of bars to suit. There is also an area called Chijmes. This used to be a Catholic Convent and surrounding the very gothic church are bars, restaurants and nightclubs for your entertainment. It is a very lively place in the evenings and you sit out in the warm evening air, sipping your tipple, chatting with friends, people watching etc. The last time I was there it was the World Cup so there were big screens erected and it made for an even better evening, the atmosphere was great.
Of course you cannot visit Singapore without stopping in at the Raffles Hotel for some afternoon high tea in their beautiful tea room. The architecture is just amazing in this old building. If a stylish evening out is what you are looking for then a visit to the Long Bar is great and you can't step into this beautiful dark wood surrounding and not taste the famous Singapore Sling and eat peanuts, discarding the shells on the floor.
The skyline of Singapore has changed dramatically over the last year and now there is a fantastic new hotel, shopping complex and conference centres across the bay at the Marina Bay Sands. It is a new complex with these three towering buildings and at the top is guaranteed breath taking panoramic views of Singapore and beyond.
To top it all there is an infinity pool - this was the first one I had ever experienced and if you don't have a head for heights, this is not for you at all. It is just amazing and so worth a visit.
I have been lucky enough to have been in Singapore when the Grand Prix has been on. If you are not a Grand Prix follower, just the atmosphere alone would make you interested and hearing the roar of the engines as they speed past is exhilerating.
I have also been there for The Chinese New Year and the firework display just goes on and on for what seems like forever with the noise level to match. It is a colourful and a no expense spared extravaganza.
In Singapore you can 'shop till you drop' and treat yourself to some expensive diamonds and gems, eat the many diverse cuisines that are on offer, sample a different drink each night of your stay, do the jive at three in the morning to some random music playing outside the 24 hour 'golden arches restaurant', or just do nothing and soak up the sunshine, but above all, be amazed in Singapore, see it, embrace it, enjoy it and relax as you do.
Singapore is another of my favourite destinations to visit. When I arrived for the very first time, having previously been to Bangkok, my expectation was one of chaotic traffic, noise, smells, pollution, dirt, bartering etc. But it is so not like that at all. In fact Singapore is clean, clinically clean and I observed one night from the balcony of my hotel this little army of cleaners sweeping the roads/paths all night. Chewing gum is not allowed in Singapore (so I've been told) and so there are no little black dots on the pavements from the previous discarded stuff. The gardens, fauna and flora are so manicured and beautiful to look at.
Singapore not being that large can be seen in about three to four days, depending on how long you take at each attraction. Views from my hotel have been spectacular.
This picture is looking at the Financial District of Singapore and the two largest buildings are 280 meters tall which is the maximum height in the area.
To the left of the above picture you can just make out the Fullerton Hotel which was once the general post office and was made in the Art Deco Style which was the dominating style of the district.
Down at the harbour, almost opposite the Fullerton Hotel is what once was the symbol of Singapore the Merlion. This is an imaginary creature which is made from the head of a Lion and the body of Fish. It is quite an attraction and I could just stand there and watch it for ages, its as though it talks to you.
There are many many places to eat of course from eating where the locals eat such as a nice little place called Maggie's. The food here is great and lots of it and hot. It is served as its cooked. Of course there are fine dining places catering for large groups as well as romantic couples. There are an array of bars to suit. There is also an area called Chijmes. This used to be a Catholic Convent and surrounding the very gothic church are bars, restaurants and nightclubs for your entertainment. It is a very lively place in the evenings and you sit out in the warm evening air, sipping your tipple, chatting with friends, people watching etc. The last time I was there it was the World Cup so there were big screens erected and it made for an even better evening, the atmosphere was great.
Of course you cannot visit Singapore without stopping in at the Raffles Hotel for some afternoon high tea in their beautiful tea room. The architecture is just amazing in this old building. If a stylish evening out is what you are looking for then a visit to the Long Bar is great and you can't step into this beautiful dark wood surrounding and not taste the famous Singapore Sling and eat peanuts, discarding the shells on the floor.
The skyline of Singapore has changed dramatically over the last year and now there is a fantastic new hotel, shopping complex and conference centres across the bay at the Marina Bay Sands. It is a new complex with these three towering buildings and at the top is guaranteed breath taking panoramic views of Singapore and beyond.
To top it all there is an infinity pool - this was the first one I had ever experienced and if you don't have a head for heights, this is not for you at all. It is just amazing and so worth a visit.
I have been lucky enough to have been in Singapore when the Grand Prix has been on. If you are not a Grand Prix follower, just the atmosphere alone would make you interested and hearing the roar of the engines as they speed past is exhilerating.
I have also been there for The Chinese New Year and the firework display just goes on and on for what seems like forever with the noise level to match. It is a colourful and a no expense spared extravaganza.
In Singapore you can 'shop till you drop' and treat yourself to some expensive diamonds and gems, eat the many diverse cuisines that are on offer, sample a different drink each night of your stay, do the jive at three in the morning to some random music playing outside the 24 hour 'golden arches restaurant', or just do nothing and soak up the sunshine, but above all, be amazed in Singapore, see it, embrace it, enjoy it and relax as you do.
Friday, 15 October 2010
Sydney - Australia
Well hello folks, I got back from Muscat yesterday morning with a nasty cold and I have not felt like doing a thing, just feeling sorry for myself. As promised here is another instalment about one of the places I love and have visited (in the line of duty) many times.
My very first visit to Sydney, I was full of over-excitement. We arrived very early in the morning and I was knackered and even if I tried there was no way I was staying awake. So listening to my body, I had a couple of hours sleep and then on waking remembered that I was in Australia. In no time at all, I was out the hotel with camera and huge expectations. Walking down the hill towards the harbour, I was like a mad person, I was sure I was talking to myself (aloud) and for anyone who knows me, they would be nodding right now lol lol. I could see the Sydney Harbour Bridge. Oh My Life, Oh My Life and that was definitely said aloud. Knowing that the bridge was opposite the Sydney Opera House, my pace quickened and as I turned the corner, there it was. WOW - Oh My Life - WOW. I had the biggest smile on my face ever and (not ashamed to say this), I started to cry. For a lot of people, to witness with your own eyes this amazing place is just a dream and here I was on a beautiful morning, standing right there, the bridge on the left and the Opera House to my right.
There is just so much to see, spoilt for choice and choosing where to go next is the dilema. I stood there just watching and absorbing the sight and sounds. There were people climbing the Bridge, which is something I have to do, but of course I would like to do that with someone special.
On another one of my visits, we took a trip over to Manley on the ferry. The area is very colourful with lots of street entertainers, some of which were really good and drew huge crowds. The beach is absolutely beautiful and there were loads of surfers. It was a bit chilly, but they were out there riding the waves (rather them than me). There was such a family atmosphere and sitting on the wall running along the beach, its the kind of place you can imagine living near and waking up to that view every morning. How could you not be inspired? and how could you ever be stressed?
Of course you can't go to Australia and not get to see an Aborigine blowing his digeridoo. For anyone who has not heard this live, its an amazing sound, very mesmerizing and conjures up a load of images.
I have to say though, the most memorable time having been in Sydney is on a cold, early morning (actually getting in and out in less than an hour of getting to my hotel room) and down to the Opera House and it being totally deserted. The light was just bouncing off the exterior tiles, with the odd bird flying overhead and the shadows being casted danced over the steps as the clouds moved over the rising sun. Truly fantastic.
There is a lot of fine dining to enjoy and if you love your meat, one of my favourite places to visit is Philips Foot. It is a pub type restaurant where you barbeque your own meat, helping yourself to various salads, breads, potatoes etc. It has different cuts of meat and I love it and whenever I go, I always have the largest T-Bone steak I can pick out. Another great spot at night is the Opera Bar. Here you can sip champagne and marvel at the Opera House and Harbour Bridge lit up in all their glory.
Everyone I know wants to visit Sydney and I reckon that everyone should get that opportunity at least once in their life and when/if you do, enjoy it - its a long way to go not to.
Look forward to your comments and bye bye for now.
My very first visit to Sydney, I was full of over-excitement. We arrived very early in the morning and I was knackered and even if I tried there was no way I was staying awake. So listening to my body, I had a couple of hours sleep and then on waking remembered that I was in Australia. In no time at all, I was out the hotel with camera and huge expectations. Walking down the hill towards the harbour, I was like a mad person, I was sure I was talking to myself (aloud) and for anyone who knows me, they would be nodding right now lol lol. I could see the Sydney Harbour Bridge. Oh My Life, Oh My Life and that was definitely said aloud. Knowing that the bridge was opposite the Sydney Opera House, my pace quickened and as I turned the corner, there it was. WOW - Oh My Life - WOW. I had the biggest smile on my face ever and (not ashamed to say this), I started to cry. For a lot of people, to witness with your own eyes this amazing place is just a dream and here I was on a beautiful morning, standing right there, the bridge on the left and the Opera House to my right.
There is just so much to see, spoilt for choice and choosing where to go next is the dilema. I stood there just watching and absorbing the sight and sounds. There were people climbing the Bridge, which is something I have to do, but of course I would like to do that with someone special.
On another one of my visits, we took a trip over to Manley on the ferry. The area is very colourful with lots of street entertainers, some of which were really good and drew huge crowds. The beach is absolutely beautiful and there were loads of surfers. It was a bit chilly, but they were out there riding the waves (rather them than me). There was such a family atmosphere and sitting on the wall running along the beach, its the kind of place you can imagine living near and waking up to that view every morning. How could you not be inspired? and how could you ever be stressed?
Of course you can't go to Australia and not get to see an Aborigine blowing his digeridoo. For anyone who has not heard this live, its an amazing sound, very mesmerizing and conjures up a load of images.
I have to say though, the most memorable time having been in Sydney is on a cold, early morning (actually getting in and out in less than an hour of getting to my hotel room) and down to the Opera House and it being totally deserted. The light was just bouncing off the exterior tiles, with the odd bird flying overhead and the shadows being casted danced over the steps as the clouds moved over the rising sun. Truly fantastic.
There is a lot of fine dining to enjoy and if you love your meat, one of my favourite places to visit is Philips Foot. It is a pub type restaurant where you barbeque your own meat, helping yourself to various salads, breads, potatoes etc. It has different cuts of meat and I love it and whenever I go, I always have the largest T-Bone steak I can pick out. Another great spot at night is the Opera Bar. Here you can sip champagne and marvel at the Opera House and Harbour Bridge lit up in all their glory.
Everyone I know wants to visit Sydney and I reckon that everyone should get that opportunity at least once in their life and when/if you do, enjoy it - its a long way to go not to.
Look forward to your comments and bye bye for now.
Monday, 11 October 2010
Antigua - Caribbean
Hello all. A very inspiring place for creative juices to run is Antigua. It is so amazingly relaxing, beautiful, colourful and hot (although when it rains, it really rains). On one of my many trips there, we had hired a jeep and took a trip around the Island. When we set off, the weather was sunny and beautiful. The locals had said that it was going to rain, but at that point, there was not a cloud in sight. The scenery, smells and sounds of the Island and its people were breath-taking. The many white sandy beaches (some deserted) were just inviting with its ice blue/turquoise to deep blue sea lapping against the shore, some of it very rocky in places with an abundance of shells to collect. It is warm and in places so calm that you just float without a care in the world, its like being gently massaged in a sea salt infusion.
As we drove taking it all in, it began to drizzle, which then turned to rain, which very quickly turned to an absolute deluge. The windscreen wipers were almost flying off the front of the car at the speed they were moving. It was not long on our journey, that some of the roads had turned to quite fast running streams and being in a jeep this was passable (just) for us, but for many of the locals, they had abandoned their vehicles along the road. We carried on in the torrential rain to an area of the Island called Devils Bridge. On approaching this part of the Island, the terrain looked like something out of a Martian movie. It was very rocky with sharp, pointed rocks. It was still raining but we parked up and decided to go take a closer look around. This 'Bridge' was just amazing and very very dangerous. Basically it was part of the headland where the middle part of the rock had fallen into the sea and had left this suspended walkway and at the times the sea (if very rough), would hit the rock face underneath and go right over the bridge. This is where the daring part of walking over the bridge would come in - definitely not for me. There were tiny holes all over the area and you could hear eerie sounds escaping all around. Returning to the Jeep, we were absolutely soaked, but with a change of clothing in the car and towels as a beach visit was on the itinerary, slightly contortioning in the car, we were dry and changed and on our way again.
On another visit to the Island, I took a trip up to Shirley Heights which promises panoramic views and it was not disappointing and of course the famous sunset. The sunset colours are so vivid and the whole area turns a red/orange colour for what seems like ages.
There is so much to see and do and of course a wealth of food to enjoy. People watching is a must and for me fuel for my imagination. Hope you liked the pictures. I'm off to pack now for another early morning report. Have a good week.
As we drove taking it all in, it began to drizzle, which then turned to rain, which very quickly turned to an absolute deluge. The windscreen wipers were almost flying off the front of the car at the speed they were moving. It was not long on our journey, that some of the roads had turned to quite fast running streams and being in a jeep this was passable (just) for us, but for many of the locals, they had abandoned their vehicles along the road. We carried on in the torrential rain to an area of the Island called Devils Bridge. On approaching this part of the Island, the terrain looked like something out of a Martian movie. It was very rocky with sharp, pointed rocks. It was still raining but we parked up and decided to go take a closer look around. This 'Bridge' was just amazing and very very dangerous. Basically it was part of the headland where the middle part of the rock had fallen into the sea and had left this suspended walkway and at the times the sea (if very rough), would hit the rock face underneath and go right over the bridge. This is where the daring part of walking over the bridge would come in - definitely not for me. There were tiny holes all over the area and you could hear eerie sounds escaping all around. Returning to the Jeep, we were absolutely soaked, but with a change of clothing in the car and towels as a beach visit was on the itinerary, slightly contortioning in the car, we were dry and changed and on our way again.
On another visit to the Island, I took a trip up to Shirley Heights which promises panoramic views and it was not disappointing and of course the famous sunset. The sunset colours are so vivid and the whole area turns a red/orange colour for what seems like ages.
There is so much to see and do and of course a wealth of food to enjoy. People watching is a must and for me fuel for my imagination. Hope you liked the pictures. I'm off to pack now for another early morning report. Have a good week.
Sunday, 10 October 2010
Dar Es Salaam - Tanzania
Hello all. I thought I would share some photos with you of places I have been to in the past and that had a real affect on me. This one is Dar Es Salaam in Tanzania. This destination is quite amazing in what you see and experience. On my first visit, I went over to Bongoyo Island which is a Marine Reserve. It has beautiful white sandy beaches and the day I went over there were tell-tail signs of baby turtles making their way down to the sea.
The sea is warm and on the boat trip over (the only way in which you can reach the island) there were loads of jelly fish to be seen in the sea - varying sizes - absolutely amazing. Apparently (lol nervously), there are snakes through the rocky, tree/bush lined nature walkways (for me a very nervous walk). Once out the other side, there is another beautiful beach where the sea just kisses the shore - stunning. Before going off on the mini adventure, you are asked what you would like for lunch. The menu consists of fish, prawns, chicken and home made fries. My choice was fish.
Once back through the (jungle lol) ducking branches which you seriously hope are branches (lol) and stepping over undergrowth, and observing holes all over the place, you treat yourself to an ice cold drink. The island is uninhabited, but the locals have set up a shack type restaurant with lots of cold drinks, a few souvenirs and of course table and chairs. There are not that many places to shelter from the sun especially if it gets busy. At a pre-arranged time, your lunch is served. If you ordered fish or prawns, they were caught and cooked just before eating so of course they are all different sizes and colours - but delicious with the home made fries.
The day over, you wade back to the boat just off the beach and make your way back to the slip. When we arrived back, we stopped at one of the bars which lines the harbour area. As we sat there watching the mesmerising sunset, out of no-where a local just waded across the harbour, which we thought was deep, it was the most perfect shot as you can see.
If you ever get to visit Dar Es Salaam, Bongoyo island is well worth a visit, apart from sitting on the beach all day just relaxing, there is a coral reef very close by for snorkeling and also an old wreck. - Enjoy.
The sea is warm and on the boat trip over (the only way in which you can reach the island) there were loads of jelly fish to be seen in the sea - varying sizes - absolutely amazing. Apparently (lol nervously), there are snakes through the rocky, tree/bush lined nature walkways (for me a very nervous walk). Once out the other side, there is another beautiful beach where the sea just kisses the shore - stunning. Before going off on the mini adventure, you are asked what you would like for lunch. The menu consists of fish, prawns, chicken and home made fries. My choice was fish.
Once back through the (jungle lol) ducking branches which you seriously hope are branches (lol) and stepping over undergrowth, and observing holes all over the place, you treat yourself to an ice cold drink. The island is uninhabited, but the locals have set up a shack type restaurant with lots of cold drinks, a few souvenirs and of course table and chairs. There are not that many places to shelter from the sun especially if it gets busy. At a pre-arranged time, your lunch is served. If you ordered fish or prawns, they were caught and cooked just before eating so of course they are all different sizes and colours - but delicious with the home made fries.
The day over, you wade back to the boat just off the beach and make your way back to the slip. When we arrived back, we stopped at one of the bars which lines the harbour area. As we sat there watching the mesmerising sunset, out of no-where a local just waded across the harbour, which we thought was deep, it was the most perfect shot as you can see.
If you ever get to visit Dar Es Salaam, Bongoyo island is well worth a visit, apart from sitting on the beach all day just relaxing, there is a coral reef very close by for snorkeling and also an old wreck. - Enjoy.
Friday, 8 October 2010
Miami (Night Out and Sunrise)
Looking around the chosen bar, (Chili's), there were many different characters to observe such as the business/colleague couple almost looking like they were on a first date, but not a lot of conversation. The 'girlies' night out and judging from their interactions with the staff, I would have said their local. There was the usual group of lads having a good rowdy time, of course if we were being observed, we would definitely have fallen into the group were our personalities do not mesh but we were having a good time, so in some ways a puzzle.
Having had a very enjoyable evening, made it back to the hotel and after working out how to get the lift to move (lol room key in the slot), got to my room and promptly head-butted the door (ouch!!), but nonetheless was up early in the morning looking out at the view and the sunrise and my mind wandered off into its little world.
Wherever I am in the World, I love observing things and people and the play that I am writing has some scenes that are made up from funny or sad things that I have seen and also people and their one-liners, but there is a main character that brings the whole thing together.
Hope your week has been a good one. Enjoy the weekend.
Monday, 4 October 2010
Welcome
Hello, my name is Aandi Greenway and I hope that the journey you take with me will be enjoyable and interesting. I would also like to thank all of you who have taken the time to read and follow my blog.
I will start by telling you a bit about myself, just to put you in the picture. I am 46 years old (wow where did that come from?) and I have two grown up children (a daughter of 30 - yes I know!! and a son of 22 soon to be 23). I am single (not a good thing), but hopefully not for long, quite how I am going to change this, as I am not looking, is anyone guess. I work full-time for a well known airline on long haul as Cabin Crew and absolutely love it and have been doing it now for ten years, having done four years on short haul.
I also have my own business - 'Sequoia Weddings and Events'. I chose the name as I absolutely love the Sequoia trees and what they represent. Like the Sequoia with their deep roots, fast growth and long life - a well organised Event can secure these roots, accelerating your Company's growth and in turn your Company's survival. Likewise for your Wedding Day, the roots you both bring to the partnership will be secured enabling growth and longevity. Bringing happiness and security into any ones life, (in my book) is a good thing and very satisfying.
One of my greatest achievements, but by no means the only one, is having my first book published (self-published) which is called Shoy. This was first published February 2004. For the last five years I have actively been trying to secure an Agent to have this re-published here in the UK and have (three months ago) achieved this. My Agent works for The Literary Agency Group and are (as we speak) seeking to find me a new Publisher.
Shoy is the first of two which is my autobiography covering my early life from four years old to late twenties. It tells of my struggle having been abused by a lodger in my parents house and how I grew up bull-dozing my way through life, teenage pregnancy, nearly being killed and making the wrong decisions, but ultimately never giving up.
Over the coming weeks/months I will bring you into my world, letting you know about my other projects and where I draw my inspirations from. I hope you enjoy it.
I will start by telling you a bit about myself, just to put you in the picture. I am 46 years old (wow where did that come from?) and I have two grown up children (a daughter of 30 - yes I know!! and a son of 22 soon to be 23). I am single (not a good thing), but hopefully not for long, quite how I am going to change this, as I am not looking, is anyone guess. I work full-time for a well known airline on long haul as Cabin Crew and absolutely love it and have been doing it now for ten years, having done four years on short haul.
I also have my own business - 'Sequoia Weddings and Events'. I chose the name as I absolutely love the Sequoia trees and what they represent. Like the Sequoia with their deep roots, fast growth and long life - a well organised Event can secure these roots, accelerating your Company's growth and in turn your Company's survival. Likewise for your Wedding Day, the roots you both bring to the partnership will be secured enabling growth and longevity. Bringing happiness and security into any ones life, (in my book) is a good thing and very satisfying.
One of my greatest achievements, but by no means the only one, is having my first book published (self-published) which is called Shoy. This was first published February 2004. For the last five years I have actively been trying to secure an Agent to have this re-published here in the UK and have (three months ago) achieved this. My Agent works for The Literary Agency Group and are (as we speak) seeking to find me a new Publisher.
Shoy is the first of two which is my autobiography covering my early life from four years old to late twenties. It tells of my struggle having been abused by a lodger in my parents house and how I grew up bull-dozing my way through life, teenage pregnancy, nearly being killed and making the wrong decisions, but ultimately never giving up.
Over the coming weeks/months I will bring you into my world, letting you know about my other projects and where I draw my inspirations from. I hope you enjoy it.
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