I am in Mumbai now (more about that when I am back), but I wanted to share this South African style of dancing with you :-)
You always think about the belly dancing in the Middle East and the Brazilian bootie shaking, but you probably never knew that the Africans CAN really swing those hips!!
WOWZA!!
And see how fast these feet move!
Have a good weekend y'all!
Mireille
Sunday, March 20, 2011
Saturday, March 19, 2011
"Around the World in a Day" linky party
I am invited by Laura of Happy Homemaker UK to join a 'Around the World in a Day' linky party.
So here is my story from Johannesburg, South Africa!
I am a Dutch expat who travels around the world with my handsome hubby and adorable twin girls, who we adopted when we were living in Thailand at the age of 3 months. Jasmine and Juliet are 8 now, almost 9 next month!
We have an exciting life and lived so far in Holland in a few places, Tenerife and Lanzarote both on the Canary Islands, just south of Spain, closer actually to Morocco. Then we moved to Eugene, Oregon to do some studies, back to Holland to get married before we moved to Jomtien in Thailand. Here we lived for 5 years and this is when our twins entered our lives, so much fun!!
After that we went to Ridgefield, Connecticut for 5 years, the North East of the USA and that was a grand time as well.
But now we are already 2,5 years here in Johannesburg, South Africa which is actually more fun than most people would think. It is a gorgeous country and SA was voted one of the countries with the best sceneries by Conde Nast Traveller in 2006 and last year in 2010 the idyllic Pezula Spa in Knysna one of the best SPA's in the world! So go figure! If Conde Nast says it it must be good!!
We Like to go on safaris all the time, the girls are addicted to seeing those wild animals so close up by now that they are always begging to go again on another trip! Nature is just amazing here, and the skies are breathtaking! We have the most spectacular thunder and lightning storms where the sky just opens up and the sunsets are a deep orange I have never seen anywhere else!
Yes, there is crime in this country, everybody always warns me about it, but hey; would I live here and jeopardize the lives of my precious children if I knew that it would be too risky!! You just have to know where and when you are going places, like any big city in any country... you can't just go anywhere after dark! But I was not planning to do so anyway, so when I keep to those rules I feel pretty safe here!!
So why don't you come over and crash my couch, come and visit this beautiful country! You will be amazed!!
See you later! and as they say in ZULU: Sizobonana!
I am looking forward to reading your stories!!
Mireille
So here is my story from Johannesburg, South Africa!
I am a Dutch expat who travels around the world with my handsome hubby and adorable twin girls, who we adopted when we were living in Thailand at the age of 3 months. Jasmine and Juliet are 8 now, almost 9 next month!
We have an exciting life and lived so far in Holland in a few places, Tenerife and Lanzarote both on the Canary Islands, just south of Spain, closer actually to Morocco. Then we moved to Eugene, Oregon to do some studies, back to Holland to get married before we moved to Jomtien in Thailand. Here we lived for 5 years and this is when our twins entered our lives, so much fun!!
After that we went to Ridgefield, Connecticut for 5 years, the North East of the USA and that was a grand time as well.
But now we are already 2,5 years here in Johannesburg, South Africa which is actually more fun than most people would think. It is a gorgeous country and SA was voted one of the countries with the best sceneries by Conde Nast Traveller in 2006 and last year in 2010 the idyllic Pezula Spa in Knysna one of the best SPA's in the world! So go figure! If Conde Nast says it it must be good!!
We Like to go on safaris all the time, the girls are addicted to seeing those wild animals so close up by now that they are always begging to go again on another trip! Nature is just amazing here, and the skies are breathtaking! We have the most spectacular thunder and lightning storms where the sky just opens up and the sunsets are a deep orange I have never seen anywhere else!
Yes, there is crime in this country, everybody always warns me about it, but hey; would I live here and jeopardize the lives of my precious children if I knew that it would be too risky!! You just have to know where and when you are going places, like any big city in any country... you can't just go anywhere after dark! But I was not planning to do so anyway, so when I keep to those rules I feel pretty safe here!!
So why don't you come over and crash my couch, come and visit this beautiful country! You will be amazed!!
See you later! and as they say in ZULU: Sizobonana!
I am looking forward to reading your stories!!
Mireille
Friday, March 18, 2011
Please Pray for Kate Mcrae
I don't know this little precious girl personally, but almost every day since about a year when I get an update of her life via her moms blog she brings me to tears!
Even know when I am writing this, because I just read her latest update it is hard to write this post... she is SO precious, so brave, so courageous... I have never met a girl this age so extraordinary!!
When you look at this cute face you wouldn't think that she has cancer!
Life threatening cancer!
Her mom Holly writes a blog about her daughter, the good moments but also the bad moments!
And that is HARD to read....
Especially when you know that this precious little girl is only 7 years old.... just a year younger than our girls!
Please go to her page, support her, pray for her, leave a comment at her blog so she knows you are praying for her and are keeping her in your mind!
She needs all the prayers she can get, she breaks my heart, Kate is the most wonderful little girl I have met in cyberspace, look her up and help the family by donations or prayers!!
You will not be sorry that I have introduced you to her!
For sure!
She will bring tears to your eyes, will steal your heart, just like she did mine...
Most days are good days for me! Until I get an update via email from Holly ~ Kate's mom and I am scared to open the email... but I also have HOPE and FAITH, so I go and open the email and read what Holly wrote that day...
I can't just imagine how this mother with a husband and 2 other young children can keep up to have hope and faith for her precious little daughter Kate who is battling a brain tumor, I can't even fathom her life... I have a DEEP respect for this mother the way she so eloquent writes about her feelings, her pain, her sorrow about her young daughter, but she believes strongly in God and his guidance.... it is just amazing to me!!
And I wanted to share....
Hope you don't mind and click, support, pray for Kate!
(Click on all the links to get more info on Kate)
God bless Kate!
Mireille xx
Even know when I am writing this, because I just read her latest update it is hard to write this post... she is SO precious, so brave, so courageous... I have never met a girl this age so extraordinary!!
When you look at this cute face you wouldn't think that she has cancer!
Life threatening cancer!
Her mom Holly writes a blog about her daughter, the good moments but also the bad moments!
And that is HARD to read....
Especially when you know that this precious little girl is only 7 years old.... just a year younger than our girls!
Please go to her page, support her, pray for her, leave a comment at her blog so she knows you are praying for her and are keeping her in your mind!
She needs all the prayers she can get, she breaks my heart, Kate is the most wonderful little girl I have met in cyberspace, look her up and help the family by donations or prayers!!
You will not be sorry that I have introduced you to her!
For sure!
She will bring tears to your eyes, will steal your heart, just like she did mine...
Most days are good days for me! Until I get an update via email from Holly ~ Kate's mom and I am scared to open the email... but I also have HOPE and FAITH, so I go and open the email and read what Holly wrote that day...
I can't just imagine how this mother with a husband and 2 other young children can keep up to have hope and faith for her precious little daughter Kate who is battling a brain tumor, I can't even fathom her life... I have a DEEP respect for this mother the way she so eloquent writes about her feelings, her pain, her sorrow about her young daughter, but she believes strongly in God and his guidance.... it is just amazing to me!!
And I wanted to share....
Hope you don't mind and click, support, pray for Kate!
(Click on all the links to get more info on Kate)
God bless Kate!
Mireille xx
Photo Walk in Kliptown
Last weekend I went on my first Photo Walk. The destinations of these walks are different each time and you walk with a group of photographers. This time it was Kliptown, the poorest side of Soweto township.
First stop on our trip was the Freedom Charter and the Walter Sisulu Square. In 1955 the Congress of the People, who met here to draw up the Freedom Charter, an alternative vision to the repressive policies of the apartheid state.
(Just click on any of the pictures for a bigger size)
After that we went to Kliptown and stopped by the KYP, Kliptown Youth Program. KYP's mission is to eradicate poverty of mind, body, and soul and to fight against the disadvantages imposed on the children of Kliptown, by providing educational support and positive activities to engage in after school.
In the street where the center was, all the women where outside, I guess the weekend is saved for washing, since all the women were doing their laundry and hanging their clothes over the fence...
I was mesmerized by all the children at KYP, look at these faces!! Meeting these precious faces... these cute little girls, who brake my heart. To see them living in these poor conditions, but such a smile on their faces, or sometimes these very serious faces... already opposed to such dire circumstances... and you know it will not get much better... Being a girl living here, chances that you will get raped is higher than going to school!!
KYP seeks to develop young and dynamic individuals who are willing to contribute effectively for the betterment of their communities. KYP’s tutoring, athletic, and arts programs provide a life to the children of Kliptown defined not by survival, but instead by the ability to be active community members, to have dreams, and most of all to create hope about the future. You can find them on FaceBook as well. Become a friend and help with donations, these kids deserve it!!
So this trip was on a Sunday and normally the center is closed and the kids are off but for us they came to welcome us and to tell us a bit about their lives. A friend of mine, Karen had talked about KYP on her blog before and got so many donations in Singapore that she was bringing that day. She even got a brand new computer from a reader of her blog. She went to Singapore to collect all the donations and last Sunday we went with the Jozi Photowalkers to give all these donations.
You should have seen the faces of these children, it humbles you!! These kids have almost nothing, but NO begging or asking for things, so well raised. And when we gave them some sweets their faces lit up, but even without the sweets, just us being there made those kids day! We took lots of photographs and I can't show you all, but go to my FB account and see more if you like.
Thulani Madondo KYP's leader showed us around at the center and around Soweto half of the day. A trip like this you won't find anywhere else! We visited people's homes, we talked to residents of Kliptown and other parts of Soweto. It was a day to never forget!
The boys did a gumboot dance for us, but I didn't take a video, so I used one from Youtube, but they are the same boys in the same classroom. The gumboot dance originates from the railroad workers during the gold diggers time in Africa. This was a dance to communicate between each other and also to get some relaxation from the hardship of working all day in the blaring sun, digging and working on the tracks.
Here they are all posing for us after the dance! Such a fun bunch of kids!!
It hits hard when you visit these townships, and you see these innocent cute little faces. I want to help more, do you want to help me help them?? Please contact the KYP and donate, so these precious little children have a chance for an education.
See what your money can do here!! ~ WHAT YOUR RAND or $ CAN BUY FOR KYP (to make it easy: from R to $, just take off 0)
So R100 is about $10 ~ give and take...
From R0 to R100
R30: Whistle
R40: Dancing sneakers
R65: Netball sneakers
R70: Netball ball
R80: Gumboots
From R100 to R1000
R100: One hour of tutoring by a professional tutor
R130: Soccer ball
R170: School fees
R250: Soccer boots
R450: Internet for one month
R500: Electricity for one moth
R500: Full school uniform for one child
R800: Jembe drums used for dancers
More than R1000
R1500: Fabric for traditional dancers
R15,000: College student for one year
R12,000: Travel to dance auditions for entire company
And most important of all....
School fees: R50-R700
All donations are much appreciated by KYP and no donation is small!
For more information you can email Thulani Madondo at kliptownyouthprogram@gmail.com
The longer I am here in SA, the more I discover of this beautiful country and the more I appreciate to see all the different areas, the rich and poor side... and you know what these kind of areas are so much more interesting, the stories are amazing!!
The people are fun, friendly and so welcoming!! Go and see them, they will open the doors for you!
Have a Fantastic Friday!
I am off tomorrow morning to INDIA!! (I am not sure if I can update my blog this coming week)
Ciao, Mireille
First stop on our trip was the Freedom Charter and the Walter Sisulu Square. In 1955 the Congress of the People, who met here to draw up the Freedom Charter, an alternative vision to the repressive policies of the apartheid state.
(Just click on any of the pictures for a bigger size)
After that we went to Kliptown and stopped by the KYP, Kliptown Youth Program. KYP's mission is to eradicate poverty of mind, body, and soul and to fight against the disadvantages imposed on the children of Kliptown, by providing educational support and positive activities to engage in after school.
In the street where the center was, all the women where outside, I guess the weekend is saved for washing, since all the women were doing their laundry and hanging their clothes over the fence...
I was mesmerized by all the children at KYP, look at these faces!! Meeting these precious faces... these cute little girls, who brake my heart. To see them living in these poor conditions, but such a smile on their faces, or sometimes these very serious faces... already opposed to such dire circumstances... and you know it will not get much better... Being a girl living here, chances that you will get raped is higher than going to school!!
KYP seeks to develop young and dynamic individuals who are willing to contribute effectively for the betterment of their communities. KYP’s tutoring, athletic, and arts programs provide a life to the children of Kliptown defined not by survival, but instead by the ability to be active community members, to have dreams, and most of all to create hope about the future. You can find them on FaceBook as well. Become a friend and help with donations, these kids deserve it!!
So this trip was on a Sunday and normally the center is closed and the kids are off but for us they came to welcome us and to tell us a bit about their lives. A friend of mine, Karen had talked about KYP on her blog before and got so many donations in Singapore that she was bringing that day. She even got a brand new computer from a reader of her blog. She went to Singapore to collect all the donations and last Sunday we went with the Jozi Photowalkers to give all these donations.
You should have seen the faces of these children, it humbles you!! These kids have almost nothing, but NO begging or asking for things, so well raised. And when we gave them some sweets their faces lit up, but even without the sweets, just us being there made those kids day! We took lots of photographs and I can't show you all, but go to my FB account and see more if you like.
Thulani Madondo KYP's leader showed us around at the center and around Soweto half of the day. A trip like this you won't find anywhere else! We visited people's homes, we talked to residents of Kliptown and other parts of Soweto. It was a day to never forget!
The boys did a gumboot dance for us, but I didn't take a video, so I used one from Youtube, but they are the same boys in the same classroom. The gumboot dance originates from the railroad workers during the gold diggers time in Africa. This was a dance to communicate between each other and also to get some relaxation from the hardship of working all day in the blaring sun, digging and working on the tracks.
Here they are all posing for us after the dance! Such a fun bunch of kids!!
It hits hard when you visit these townships, and you see these innocent cute little faces. I want to help more, do you want to help me help them?? Please contact the KYP and donate, so these precious little children have a chance for an education.
See what your money can do here!! ~ WHAT YOUR RAND or $ CAN BUY FOR KYP (to make it easy: from R to $, just take off 0)
So R100 is about $10 ~ give and take...
From R0 to R100
R30: Whistle
R40: Dancing sneakers
R65: Netball sneakers
R70: Netball ball
R80: Gumboots
From R100 to R1000
R100: One hour of tutoring by a professional tutor
R130: Soccer ball
R170: School fees
R250: Soccer boots
R450: Internet for one month
R500: Electricity for one moth
R500: Full school uniform for one child
R800: Jembe drums used for dancers
More than R1000
R1500: Fabric for traditional dancers
R15,000: College student for one year
R12,000: Travel to dance auditions for entire company
And most important of all....
School fees: R50-R700
All donations are much appreciated by KYP and no donation is small!
For more information you can email Thulani Madondo at kliptownyouthprogram@gmail.com
The longer I am here in SA, the more I discover of this beautiful country and the more I appreciate to see all the different areas, the rich and poor side... and you know what these kind of areas are so much more interesting, the stories are amazing!!
The people are fun, friendly and so welcoming!! Go and see them, they will open the doors for you!
Have a Fantastic Friday!
I am off tomorrow morning to INDIA!! (I am not sure if I can update my blog this coming week)
Ciao, Mireille
Thursday, March 17, 2011
~ Brazilian Carnival ~
Today is St. Patrick's Day ~ So Happy P Day for all who celebrate!!
The girls will have a St. Patrick's Day 'marathon' at school today, they have to run 5 miles.... or maybe 1-2, it depends what they are capable off. We will see how far they come :-)
But I like to tell you about another celebration we had last weekend.... I know a bit late, but there were good reasons for that! What matters is that we celebrated.
The Carnival of Brazil is an annual festival held forty-six days before 46 days of Lent, Roman Catholics and some other Christians traditionally abstained from the consumption of meat and poultry, hence the term "carnival," from carnelevare, "to remove (literally, "raise") meat." Carnival celebrations are believed to have roots in the pagan festival of Saturnalia, which, adapted to Christianity, became a farewell to bad things in a season of religious discipline to practice repentance and prepare for Christ's death and resurrection.
Carnival is the most famous holiday in Brazil and has become an event of huge proportions. The country stops completely for almost a week and festivities are intense, day and night, mainly in coastal cities. The consumption of beer accounts for 80% of annual consumption!! and tourism receives 70% of annual visitors. The government distributes condoms and launches awareness campaigns at this time to prevent the spread of AIDS.
Brazilian Carnival ~ WOOHOO! WHAT A PARTY!!
Even the little ones are joining the party, Fernanda ~ Marta's daughter, changes her glasses according to the mood of the party... the wilder it gets, the wilder her glasses get! She was so cute dancing away!!
My friends Marta & Candice hosted this wonderful party full of Brazilian Carnival music, Brazilian food and snacks and drinks galore.
A bunch of happy and later... drunk people :-) Why do people party so hard you think? Because after carnival the Catholics used to go into Lent... till Easter.
See for yourself how fun it was!
You shed a lot of calories dancing the WHOLE night away like this!
Even Tien Po was dancing, that does Brazilian Carnival do to you!
In the Netherlands we come from the South and there we celebrate Carnival as well, but since it is winter time there it looks different than the famous Carnival from Rio, where people go halfway naked... in the Netherlands it would freeze your butt off!
But here in Joburg we celebrated big as well, it doesn't matter where you are as long as your friends are around!
Thanks for hosting Marta & Candice... you are party animals and the party was FUN :-)
Did you celebrate Carnival??
Have a fabulous day!
Mireille
The girls will have a St. Patrick's Day 'marathon' at school today, they have to run 5 miles.... or maybe 1-2, it depends what they are capable off. We will see how far they come :-)
But I like to tell you about another celebration we had last weekend.... I know a bit late, but there were good reasons for that! What matters is that we celebrated.
The Carnival of Brazil is an annual festival held forty-six days before 46 days of Lent, Roman Catholics and some other Christians traditionally abstained from the consumption of meat and poultry, hence the term "carnival," from carnelevare, "to remove (literally, "raise") meat." Carnival celebrations are believed to have roots in the pagan festival of Saturnalia, which, adapted to Christianity, became a farewell to bad things in a season of religious discipline to practice repentance and prepare for Christ's death and resurrection.
Carnival is the most famous holiday in Brazil and has become an event of huge proportions. The country stops completely for almost a week and festivities are intense, day and night, mainly in coastal cities. The consumption of beer accounts for 80% of annual consumption!! and tourism receives 70% of annual visitors. The government distributes condoms and launches awareness campaigns at this time to prevent the spread of AIDS.
Brazilian Carnival ~ WOOHOO! WHAT A PARTY!!
Even the little ones are joining the party, Fernanda ~ Marta's daughter, changes her glasses according to the mood of the party... the wilder it gets, the wilder her glasses get! She was so cute dancing away!!
My friends Marta & Candice hosted this wonderful party full of Brazilian Carnival music, Brazilian food and snacks and drinks galore.
A bunch of happy and later... drunk people :-) Why do people party so hard you think? Because after carnival the Catholics used to go into Lent... till Easter.
See for yourself how fun it was!
You shed a lot of calories dancing the WHOLE night away like this!
Even Tien Po was dancing, that does Brazilian Carnival do to you!
In the Netherlands we come from the South and there we celebrate Carnival as well, but since it is winter time there it looks different than the famous Carnival from Rio, where people go halfway naked... in the Netherlands it would freeze your butt off!
But here in Joburg we celebrated big as well, it doesn't matter where you are as long as your friends are around!
Thanks for hosting Marta & Candice... you are party animals and the party was FUN :-)
Did you celebrate Carnival??
Have a fabulous day!
Mireille
Wednesday, March 16, 2011
Happy St. Patrick's Day!
Tomorrow is St. Patrick's Day, and OK, there is nothing Irish in me... at least that I know off :-)
But I like holidays, festivals and this is a nice one, because you can do so much with the color green. When I think about St. P day, I think about green drinks, a traditional Irish dish named Colcannon, Leprechauns, gold coins etc... etc.. You will see below that people are quite creative and introducing the green theme into their cuisine!
I am not giving you the background story of St. Patrick's Day anymore, I did that in 2009 in my post HERE. You can read it if you like by clicking on the link.
This year I am just showing you food for St. P day. When I researched my favorite food channel: FOOD GAWKER and typed in St. Patrick's Day I got a few good ones I like to share with you... still time to make some of them!! Just click on the name of the recipe and it will re-direct you to the right link & recipe.
Green Beer!
Traditional Irish Food: Colcannon
Leprechaun Cookies for St. Patrick's Day!
Caramel And Chocolate Covered Marshmallows for St. Patrick’s Day
Chocolate Stout Cupcakes with Irish Cream Buttercream…..Slainte!!
St. Patrick's Day Bars
Shamrock Bento
Spring Pea Soup
St. Patrick’s Day Sushi Bento
Last year we were traveling with St. Patrick's Day, but the first year (2009) we were here we celebrated it by going to the square outside at MonteCasino where they had all kinds of activities for children and adults. We might go there this year as well, then pictures will follow. And this picture was taken with a Leprechaun and the twins. Juliet in green little cute pigtails and Jasmine with a funky green headband, the girls look so cute. Only 6 years old, although the month after 7.
I wish you all a very happy St. Patrick's day, are you going to celebrate??
Tell me about it!
Mireille
But I like holidays, festivals and this is a nice one, because you can do so much with the color green. When I think about St. P day, I think about green drinks, a traditional Irish dish named Colcannon, Leprechauns, gold coins etc... etc.. You will see below that people are quite creative and introducing the green theme into their cuisine!
I am not giving you the background story of St. Patrick's Day anymore, I did that in 2009 in my post HERE. You can read it if you like by clicking on the link.
This year I am just showing you food for St. P day. When I researched my favorite food channel: FOOD GAWKER and typed in St. Patrick's Day I got a few good ones I like to share with you... still time to make some of them!! Just click on the name of the recipe and it will re-direct you to the right link & recipe.
Green Beer!
Traditional Irish Food: Colcannon
Leprechaun Cookies for St. Patrick's Day!
Caramel And Chocolate Covered Marshmallows for St. Patrick’s Day
Chocolate Stout Cupcakes with Irish Cream Buttercream…..Slainte!!
St. Patrick's Day Bars
Shamrock Bento
Spring Pea Soup
St. Patrick’s Day Sushi Bento
Last year we were traveling with St. Patrick's Day, but the first year (2009) we were here we celebrated it by going to the square outside at MonteCasino where they had all kinds of activities for children and adults. We might go there this year as well, then pictures will follow. And this picture was taken with a Leprechaun and the twins. Juliet in green little cute pigtails and Jasmine with a funky green headband, the girls look so cute. Only 6 years old, although the month after 7.
I wish you all a very happy St. Patrick's day, are you going to celebrate??
Tell me about it!
Mireille
Tuesday, March 15, 2011
~ Nan Hua Temple ~
Saturday the girls had Dutch Camp with their Dutch school (they go once a week, after school to Dutch school) and now they went to an Agriculture museum to have a sleep over with all the other Dutch kids. Close by is a Buddhist temple we wanted to visit for so long now, so Dirk and I stopped by on the way back home.
Nan Hua Temple (南華寺, Nanhua Si) situated in the beautiful area of Bronkhorstspruit, here in South Africa, it is the largest Buddhist temple and seminary in Africa. It serves as the headquarters in Africa for the largest monastery in Taiwan. It is absolutely gorgeous! Although it was weekend you would expect lots of people, but besides me and Dirk there were 3 other people roaming the grounds.... it was completely empty. And the temple is huge!! I wonder if it is busy on a Sunday? Maybe because it was so so hot, and people are just hanging around their pools instead of visiting temples with NO shade at all....
Besides promoting Buddhism throughout Africa and novices take a 3 year course to become a monk, they also give meditation retreats that takes 1,5 days, this is what their website writes about it:
Beginner's Meditation Retreat
Our flagship's beginner meditation retreat is for people who wish to learn to meditate. No previous experience is required. Meditation can be practiced by anyone regardless of age or religious belief, and who is preferably in good mental and physical health.
We will show you correct meditation postures, do Tai Chi and simple yoga (which aids in sitting meditation). If you wish to learn how to tame your mind, then this retreat will help you.
Learn basic Ch'an (Zen) meditation, and relaxation exercises. Walking, sitting, and standing meditation, as well as a tea-drinking meditation. Sitting sessions last between 15 - 20 minutes. We recommend sitting with unsupported backs, so a healthy back is advisable.
The retreat begins on Saturday morning and continues through to lunch-time on Sunday. You may stay on for a Temple tour after lunch if you wish.
And then there is a more advanced one, looks quite interesting these retreats... maybe when I have 2 days open this year I might go and try the beginners, you want to come over and join me??
Intermediate Meditation Retreat
The intermediate retreat is a powerful opportunity for meditators who are ready for further guidance and inspiration to expand and deepen their practice.
Anyone who has attended at least three beginner's meditation retreats and is able to sit for at least 30 mins per session may attend. Learn techniques designed to refine the senses of perception, which results in both deeper and more subtle experiences of meditation.
A wonderful opportunity to experience your own inner being, while sharing in the support of others. Mindfulness will be a focus throughout, with alternating periods of sitting and walking practice. Noble silence is observed throughout, with instructions and guidance for meditators. Optional group meetings or private interviews with the teachers are available.
For enquiries and bookings e-mail: info@nanhua.co.za or Phone 013 931 0009
I would love to do a meditation course... is always good for your mind & body and since I have the girls I haven't really done anything like this for myself. I used to meditate before the girls... but not since then, so it is time to get back into this!
How about you? Do you meditate, or something else that is good for the body & mind? Tell me about it!
Have a Terrific Tuesday!
Mireille
Nan Hua Temple (南華寺, Nanhua Si) situated in the beautiful area of Bronkhorstspruit, here in South Africa, it is the largest Buddhist temple and seminary in Africa. It serves as the headquarters in Africa for the largest monastery in Taiwan. It is absolutely gorgeous! Although it was weekend you would expect lots of people, but besides me and Dirk there were 3 other people roaming the grounds.... it was completely empty. And the temple is huge!! I wonder if it is busy on a Sunday? Maybe because it was so so hot, and people are just hanging around their pools instead of visiting temples with NO shade at all....
Besides promoting Buddhism throughout Africa and novices take a 3 year course to become a monk, they also give meditation retreats that takes 1,5 days, this is what their website writes about it:
Beginner's Meditation Retreat
Our flagship's beginner meditation retreat is for people who wish to learn to meditate. No previous experience is required. Meditation can be practiced by anyone regardless of age or religious belief, and who is preferably in good mental and physical health.
We will show you correct meditation postures, do Tai Chi and simple yoga (which aids in sitting meditation). If you wish to learn how to tame your mind, then this retreat will help you.
Learn basic Ch'an (Zen) meditation, and relaxation exercises. Walking, sitting, and standing meditation, as well as a tea-drinking meditation. Sitting sessions last between 15 - 20 minutes. We recommend sitting with unsupported backs, so a healthy back is advisable.
The retreat begins on Saturday morning and continues through to lunch-time on Sunday. You may stay on for a Temple tour after lunch if you wish.
And then there is a more advanced one, looks quite interesting these retreats... maybe when I have 2 days open this year I might go and try the beginners, you want to come over and join me??
Intermediate Meditation Retreat
The intermediate retreat is a powerful opportunity for meditators who are ready for further guidance and inspiration to expand and deepen their practice.
Anyone who has attended at least three beginner's meditation retreats and is able to sit for at least 30 mins per session may attend. Learn techniques designed to refine the senses of perception, which results in both deeper and more subtle experiences of meditation.
A wonderful opportunity to experience your own inner being, while sharing in the support of others. Mindfulness will be a focus throughout, with alternating periods of sitting and walking practice. Noble silence is observed throughout, with instructions and guidance for meditators. Optional group meetings or private interviews with the teachers are available.
For enquiries and bookings e-mail: info@nanhua.co.za or Phone 013 931 0009
I would love to do a meditation course... is always good for your mind & body and since I have the girls I haven't really done anything like this for myself. I used to meditate before the girls... but not since then, so it is time to get back into this!
How about you? Do you meditate, or something else that is good for the body & mind? Tell me about it!
Have a Terrific Tuesday!
Mireille
Monday, March 14, 2011
My ♥ goes out to Japan
A huge shock for the whole world!
I have a few friends living in Japan, but luckily they are all OK. But my ♥ goes out to all the people who lost their homes, friends and family and who are in the middle of this huge crisis!
I hope they will find the strength and courage to move on and rebuild their lives!
Prime Minister Naoto Kan has said Japan is experiencing its greatest hardships since World War II as it tackles the aftermath of an earthquake, tsunami and a growing nuclear crisis.
The people of Japan will need help for a long time to come. They may have just suffered the worst disaster in their countries existence.
If you like to help, but don't know how? Click on this link and you will find a few organizations that you can support by donations.
Hope.Faith.Strength.Courage.Togetherness.Help!
M xx
I have a few friends living in Japan, but luckily they are all OK. But my ♥ goes out to all the people who lost their homes, friends and family and who are in the middle of this huge crisis!
I hope they will find the strength and courage to move on and rebuild their lives!
Prime Minister Naoto Kan has said Japan is experiencing its greatest hardships since World War II as it tackles the aftermath of an earthquake, tsunami and a growing nuclear crisis.
The people of Japan will need help for a long time to come. They may have just suffered the worst disaster in their countries existence.
If you like to help, but don't know how? Click on this link and you will find a few organizations that you can support by donations.
Hope.Faith.Strength.Courage.Togetherness.Help!
M xx
Sunday, March 13, 2011
Shopping in Incredible India
I went out shopping the other day with my friend Karen, who also writes a wonderful blog, see here was asking me if I would like to buy some Indian outfits for the girls and me?
She mentioned that it might been a good idea for my next Xmas card... and so the idea is born!! I am going on a quest to look for outfits. So I started doing some research and I must admit... a bit confusing. I mean I have heard of Saris, but then I learned that there are:
Salwars - outfits with loose trousers and tight fitting around the ankles
Saris - we know them all, the ones with the draped fabric
Legenga Cholis - seems to me a bit more formal and for weddings
Churidars - informal outfit with pants, either loose or tight
I am not sure if I wrote it down all correctly.... but I am sure my friend Sucharu can help me out to find the perfect outfit for my girls, so we can take some beautiful pictures for our next Xmas card!! But then I also want the matching jewelry, I love the ones they wear in their hair and the bangles of course... oh and the shoes.... so we need to do some shopping Charu!! And for me I like to shop for some cooking/spices/table decoration... in this area... FUN FUN FUN!
Prepare yourself!! LOL
Which ones you like best??
And do you have an Indian outfit??
Have a lovely day,
Mireille
She mentioned that it might been a good idea for my next Xmas card... and so the idea is born!! I am going on a quest to look for outfits. So I started doing some research and I must admit... a bit confusing. I mean I have heard of Saris, but then I learned that there are:
Salwars - outfits with loose trousers and tight fitting around the ankles
Saris - we know them all, the ones with the draped fabric
Legenga Cholis - seems to me a bit more formal and for weddings
Churidars - informal outfit with pants, either loose or tight
I am not sure if I wrote it down all correctly.... but I am sure my friend Sucharu can help me out to find the perfect outfit for my girls, so we can take some beautiful pictures for our next Xmas card!! But then I also want the matching jewelry, I love the ones they wear in their hair and the bangles of course... oh and the shoes.... so we need to do some shopping Charu!! And for me I like to shop for some cooking/spices/table decoration... in this area... FUN FUN FUN!
Prepare yourself!! LOL
Which ones you like best??
And do you have an Indian outfit??
Have a lovely day,
Mireille
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