Wanderlust – a strong desire to travel “a man consumed by wanderlust”

I have always loved to see new places and have different experiences. This was my third visit to Livingston Island and I can assure you I will go again.

However, here’s some tips I wish I had before my trips. If you live in South Africa, https://www.flysafair.co.za/ has wonderful rates to fly from Johannesburg direct to Livingston. This time however I flew out of Lusaka, its crazy but its more expensive to fly from Lusaka than SA. I flew with Zambia Airlines https://www.zambia-airways.com/zm , that proved the cheapest.

Their aircraft is fine, it was a one hour flight to Livingstone. Only served us chips and water though, no wine or food or other snacks:-(

Airport shuttle from the airport are expensive, the local taxis are much cheaper, more than 50% cheaper. The local taxi drivers are also pleasant, extremely safe, friendly and most helpful. Think about it as your way to support the small guy on the ground:-)

As much as I love pictures of myself, that’s not the main reason I posted this picture. The weather in Livingston is extremely hot, so wear light, free flowing clothes that are as cool as possible. You will thank me when you experience the 36degree heat and the sun is blazing and you start to sweat in places you never knew sweated. Staying hydrated with more than champagne, wine, beer or gin is absolutely critical! Buy lots of bottled water for your trip and carry it with you everywhere.

I did tell you earlier, I love images of me:-) Picking the time of year that you visit Vic Falls, impacts the experience that you have. The first time I visited it was February, beautiful experience, full Zambezi and the clouds of showers from the falls was such an exhilarating experience. I love my hair looking great, but with the slightest bit of moisture it frizzes. We all want to look great in our pictures when we show it to our grandchildren one day, the last time I conceded on the hair, just to enjoy that fresh spray of water on my skin. The cool fresh feeling in the blazing heat was one of the most refreshing experiences ever. So, feeling nostalgic I headed out, walking in 36degree heat at 10h00 hoping to meet those sprays of mist…….well be warned you will not have that experience if you go to Livingstone in the latter part of the year. October is not a good month to visit. The falls were really dry, their true splendor like Dr David Livingston discovered were non-existence.

The level of the river, did however give me a chance to experience something I couldn’t the last time…DEVILS POOL. The service provider fetched me from my hotel and then dropped us off at the site, where a speed boat took us on a ride, to the closest point to Devils Pool, where we them got off and walked a short distance. The service provider sets up a permanent camp for tourists. They do on average 5 tour groups per day. This experience costs about $125pp, or if you are a Zambian local or have a valid work permit you will be charged $80, plus $5 transport and $4 for shoes. I highly recommend you hire the shoes, the walk on the rocks to Devils pool can be slippery and you can hurt your feet. A sturdy, well placed step in the right shoes makes all the difference. You don’t have to book these in advance, you can do it at your hotel or online https://livingstoneisland.com/ . I highly recommend you do the early morning visit to Devils pool, the entire excursion takes about 2 hours. The best part is that you will have enjoyed your experience before the sun blazes and threatens to melt you into oblivion.

Oh, you get a welcome drink on arrival and then you get a great meal. Since I was a good girl and went first thing in the morning I was rewarded with this delicious, refreshing and absolutely African breakfast.

You have to love their sense of humor. The loo does have a beautiful view of the Zambezi. It is a proper loo, so no pressure if you need to go, on the go.

There is much to do in Livingstone, however I was only there for a weekend. I enjoyed a breathtaking Sunset cruise, it is an absolute must if you are there. An Africa Sunset is the best in the world, but hey don’t take my word for it, check it out yourself. The tour company fetches you from your hotel and then drops you off at the jetty to board your cruise. I went on the African Queen, complimentary food and drinks for the full two hour cruise, talking about scoring. This cruise is usually $75 to $80 per person. Because I have a valid work permit for Zambia, I was able to get it for K880, which is $45. If you don’t ask, you won’t know. They apparently have a rate for tourists from the SADEC regions as well.

Please invest in Peaceful Sleep lotion, not the spray. The mosquitoes are relentless, they appear in swarms. But for all their buzzing, nothing can detract from the beauty of the sun setting on the Zambezi, I was thoroughly mesmerized, yet again. Don’t try and sneak liquor onboard, alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks are FREE on board. The staff are pleasant, friendly, respectful and ever willing to serve you. At the end of the cruise, you really are going to feel filled, with gratitude and marvel for the wonder of creation.

I have to tell you, wherever I am, if there are animals, they always gravitate into my space. Why? I have no idea. I came across beautiful herds of zebra, deer, giraffes, a hippo on my way back to my hotel room and even iguana. Truth be told I could have done without having that Iguana run across my walk way. If you really just want to see the wonder of Africa, in all it’s glory, book a trip to Livingston at the right time of the year, after the rain has come. Support the locals, remember to tip the drivers, waiters, dancers etc Tourism is their only economy.

I also highly recommend a night at the Mukuni Boma. They have an extensive buffet of just about everything. From game meat, grilled mopanya worms, ostrich, kudu, oxtail, fruit, vegetables, local cuisine. Go hungry, so you can pace yourself and maximize the buffet.

While you enjoy dinner, they have a cultural show. Cultural dancers, singing and their traditions. It is a great insight into the Zambian culture. They also dress you in a local Chitenge when you arrive and you can have your face adorned with their tribal painting, hair braiding, visit a Sangoma/traditional healer or sit by the large fire pit and just look up at the African night sky.

If I could encourage you with anything else, whenever you travel, choose your travel partners wisely and carefully, it could make for the most memorable holiday in the best of the worst way. Fortunately for me, I always travel with the best.

#visitzambia

#wanderlust #livingstone #devilspool #sunsetcruise #africanadventures #wheretostay #wheretogoinafrica #holidayinzambia #whattodoinlivingstone #lisasukdev #memories #howtogettodevilspool #whattodoinzambia #

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Every Summer, South Africans book in droves for the cruises on offer by MSC. I went again this year after ages. I was on my way to the MSC Orchestra cruise ship, docked in Durban, South Africa. I was so excited for my trip! Before boarding we enjoyed pre-drinks at my friends home, where we all parked our cars and then used one uber to the cruise terminal.

I forgot how magnificent the cruise ship was. After embarking and taking a tour of my cabin and balcony, it was time to explore a bit. The pooIdeck is usually where the fun happens. As I relaxed by the pool, I noticed how many different cultures were represented on the ship. I couldn’t wait to set sail.

Each day on the ship was a new adventure. There was delicious food. Me not being a lover of gast food or pizza, enjoyed the fine dining each evening. I must encourage you to dress up for dinner, it changes the entire mood and ambience of the occasion.

The weather was overcast and humid, yet perfect for the cruise. We had to get to below deck during the rain – only to save my hair.

Great evening music show – 80’s and 90’s music. The show itself was quite engaging so it made for a great night.

After theatre was fine dining dinner and then the dance floor – what a fabulous club onboard.

Walking the deck, under the night sky is almost magical – sheer darkness (the depth of which is only fathomable when you out at sea) and a sprinkling of stars that look even more intense because of the night sky.

Visiting the island is great fun, I think people in general are more relaxed and friendly when they on land than on the actual shipJ Be open to making your circle bigger, just embrace people and cultures and for heavens sakes do not be selfish with your seating areas, (there are not enough on the island). Invite people to join you, you will have a better time.

A cruise for me is the perfect way to run away from reality and have a break that you so need.. It is also ridiculously affordable. No matter how many cruises you have been on, some tips bear true:

1. If you did not book when they first launched the cruise – wait until 4 or 5 days before it leaves to book – CRAZY SPECIAL OFFERS (if you willing to take the risk of not getting the cabin you want, in-case its over booked)
2. If you drink alcohol – BUY THE ALCOHOLIC PACAKAGE – you will thank me and yes you will use up all the vouchers on board.
3. When packing – packing one day and one night outfit for each day, PJ’s, toiletries and then your swim wear.
4. DO NOT TRY TO SMUGGLE ALCOHOL ON BOARD – YOU WILL GET CAUGHT!
5. Carry sunblock and use it liberally.
6. Take lots and lots of pictures of your own – the printed packages on board work out a tad expensive if you didn’t budget for it (besides, what do you do with printed pictures anymore)
7. Do go to the officers dance – it’s the only time you are allowed to fraternise with themJ
8. You are on a cruise – be open to having an adventure, let all your inhibitions go!
9. Buy the bottle of Rum and Rasberry as soon as you get to the Island – and enjoy it.
10. The hawkers are very determined – if you can support them, if you can’t be kind.
11. There are no irons in your cabin, to iron out any creases on your clothes and THATS OK, we South Africans living through loadshedding

Travel, no matter the destination or means – is meant to set your soul free and for you to make memories, let you memories be the happiest you ever had…..until your next trip

2020 has been quite a year thus far. Some say it should be written off. I have other thoughts.
I have seen so many people lose their lives to this treacherous pandemic that has plagued the entire world. It really got me thinking. So many people are physically dead and will not wake another day to experience anything. Yet I have to say that there are more people I see living that are dead.
What has happened to life itself? The fact that our hearts continue to beat, that after a restful slumber we have another opportunity to live, is that something that is completely lost on so many.
While we yet have breath, choose to LIVE. Despite every tragedy and hardship we endure, we are given the gift of another day. What will you do with it.
Do you have dreams, wishes, hopes, things you want to come true? Then fight, muster up the courage and determination to realize them. These don’t have to be larger than life, impossible things, they can be simple and small. But they can be the seeds that produce roots, that make us grounded and unshakable in our resolve to make seconds, minutes and hours matter. The tree of life that will yield fruit depends on what you nurture it with.
Don’t take everything that fuels your soul and desires to your grave. Spend it here, while you breathe.
So while many are losing their lives to COVID – use your life to make moments and memories that will outlive you.
“Don’t let the dead determine the destiny of the living.” Be the one who lives with every fiber of your being. I yearn to see the fire of life burning in eyes that I see. To be fueled by the contagious instigators of life. Live my beautiful friend Live. Be the instigator of life.

The opportunity to lead and serve is a gift and an opportunity to develop a legacy.
The dictionary would define legacy as “a gift or behest, that is handed down, endowed or conveyed from one person to another. It is something descendible one comes into possession of, that is transmitted, inherited or received from a predecessor.”
Well done on whatever you have done thus far to create or develop your personal legacy. It is said little becomes much when it is used well. Know that the torch has been passed to you, you now have an opportunity to lead, serve and develop your personal legacy even further.
Think BIG, do not be limited by circumstances or resources for every BIG thing started small. Mother Teresa was a great example, she started as a nun in a missionary and lived by a few principals, that developed her legacy:
1. If you love people you have no time to judge them
2. There are no great things, only small things with great love. Happy are those. Spread love everywhere you go. Let no one ever come to you without leaving happier.
Mother Teresa did not let her religion or her circumstances limit her. She continued to show love daily and reach out to whomever she could. She said if you can’t feed all the children, feed one. Likewise with whatever you are doing in life and cant reach everyone, start with those you can reach and impact. A lesson I am employing with these words on this platform
Mother Teresa never started her work as an ICON, but persevered and her international icon status was the result.
No matter what we do, let the spirit in which we work be one of love, for people don’t always need things, people are most moved by how you make them feel. I have yet to meet someone who said they don’t need love.
I want to encourage you to dream big, to attempt enormous, unthinkable things, for you are not alone. You already have a solid foundation and you will find support from like-minded people, which will completely surprise you.
Leaders’ core focus, when they have developed their own lives, is to serve and develop their communities. It is about service above self, a motto Rotarians live by. As long as I focus only on ME, there is little that will become of the people around me; there is little progress that will be affected. Yet when I focus on what needs to be done and how it can be done, the world is a better place, for thought followed by plan and action will yield results beyond our imaginations.
Today, imagine what you can do in this world that so needs you.

#ICOMMUNICATE #lisasukdev #legacy #leaders #change #betterfuture #betterworld

We live in a generation where effort must yield personal reward or most will not attempt to make an impact. I can tell you from personal experience that there is no greater reward thank working from your heart to make a difference. Make a difference WHERE you can with WHAT you can.
I have been part of the Rotary for years, it’s an organization that has almost eradicated polio from the WORLD, save for 2 countries. The Rotary Club of Umhlanga started Toy Story, Winter warmth and so many other projects. The moral of the message is “WHEN YOU CHOOSE TO BE AFFECTED BY THE WORLD, YOU CAN EFFECT CHANGE IN IT”
We are constantly in a period of succession of leaders, one generation to the next. I want to remind you , Leaders are not born, they are MADE. Made by hard work and effort – the very price we must all pay to achieve anything worthwhile.
As a note, the single biggest way to make an impact is to focus on leadership development. There is no limit to what can be achieved when leaders are recruited and developed. Each of us has the capacity to lead, in our respective areas. It is not about a position or a title, it is how we influence one another. The most powerful tool in leadership is your personal example.
Critical to leadership is also COMMUNICATION. A leader must be able to share knowledge and ideas, to transmit a sense of urgency and enthusiasm, to inspire co-operation. If a leader can not get a message across clearly and motivate others to act, then the message itself does not matter.
South Africa and this world needs YOU. Focus, plan, pursue and achieve beyond the precedents already set before you. YOU CAN!
All you need is around you, tap into your network and resources and do PHENOMENAL things, it IS your time.
What you do makes a DIFFERENCE; all you have to do is decide what that difference is going to be. I once heard a gentleman say “Looking back in history, it’s the optimist that change the world, not the pessimist” So YES, I believe YOU CAN. Do your BEST. Lay the foundation for the next generation; show them how it’s done.
Know that to make a difference in someone’s life, you do not have to be brilliant, beautiful or rich, you need to CARE. Never let what you cannot do, interfere with what you can.
Remember C3 – CHOICE, CHANCE AND CHANGE. You must make a choice, to take a chance to effect change.

In life sometimes you just have to seize the moment.This trip was one of those. I had been in Durban for a few months for work and I wanted to have a momentous new years eve. I did not want to do a house party, night club or dinner. I wanted to be somewhere I had never been before. On the eve of New Years eve I booked tickets. My son had been making poor choices or just not getting his affairs in order for most of 2019. as such when we decided we would go away for New Years Eve, he found himself without a passport. I remember being judged for being selfish because I still opted to go. In my defense, we are each accountable for our lack of positive decisions and our choices – hence it was a lesson to my son, that if you don’t make positive choices, in essence you would miss out more than just a short trip in future.

I packed my bag the night before because I had an early flight in the morning. I was apprehensive about travelling by myself, but I was determined, even if I stayed in my hotel room, that I was going to do this. Anyway I was up at 4am, to make my way to the airport and a friend decided to join me. I admit I was incredibly relieved, as I had never traveled alone before.I had never been to Maputo before and wasn’t sure what to expect. I was told by people to not expect much. I am a firm believer in each moment will always be what I make of it.

We landed in Maputo, were taken to our hotel and then our first stroke of luck. The bell boy was delightful. He asked if we had plans and had made any arrangements etc (which we had not) – he arranged a car, driver and to be our guide. He took us on the Maputo City Tour, we had our gin and tonic, ice and glasses in the car (great way to start a tour).
Needless to say, at the pace we travel, we saw everything in one day. So there is a little truth to the statement – there’s not much to do in Maputo.

Maputo is very busy over the festive season, most migrant workers come home for the holidays. We stayed on the coastline. The best view of the fireworks display. Word of advice – book your dinner/party in advance if you spending new years eve in Maputo.

We ushered in the New Year with drinks and fireworks, it was a very chilled night. I remember sitting on the stairs of the hotel, looking out at the masses of people all along the seaside, thinking, how blessed I was. I determined at the start of 2020, that I would be the best version of me and be unapologetic about it. as I watched each firework come out in all its grandeur, I also pondered on how it fizzeled out so quickly. It reminded me of life and how with everything in life “This too shall pass”. There will be moments of grandeur and there will be moments of sparseness, there will be moments of spot lights, but there will also be dark moments. With each moment we choose how to react/respond. For me the start of 2020 was my moment – my moment to be ME.

The next morning we had our driver take us to Ponto Douro – wow wow wow.
Firstly you have to understand, this is the busiest beach day of the year (no one gave me the memo). But our BellBoy turned guide, arranged a table for us, at a restaurant on the beach. PS: there are no hotels in Ponto Douro, you have to stay in a B&B or a tent. the traffic was backed up for kilometers, we opted to get off the car and walk the rest of the way to the beach. The path to the beach is strewn with shops and hawkers, cold beers are in endless supply. The locals are incredibly friendly. The best part is that you don’t have to be afraid, the locals value tourists, they understand that they need the income generated by tourists – they do everything to make sure you are safe. A far cry from South Africa, so welcome and refreshing. After dancing in the streets meeting amazing people we spent the day on the beach.

Ate lots of prawns – have to admit they need to borrow our recipe from South Africa though, their seafood is fresh but not as flavour-filled as we are used to. The water was wonderful. Clear turquoise water, a calm current and you could walk way in. I have to admit I did not see an life guards though and there were thousands of people on the beach. People leave the belongings on the sand, go into the water and have no fear. Apparently locals spend 2-3 days staying on Ponto Douro beach during New Years Eve.

I have to tell you, something I found so heart warming. The previous day we were talking about food, in South Africa we call them samoosas, in Maputo they call them Chamoosas, exactly the same thing just pronounced differently. Our guide brought me some Chamoosas from home to show me what they were. I found that generosity incredibly touching, for someone that has so little, to share what he had, was special.

Prior to going to Maputo people said that you have to have a 4×4 to drive to Maputo, this is not true, there is a toll road all the way from South Africa to Ponta Douro – so if you decide on a whim to go, its only a 6 hours drive, go for it. I will definitely be back to enjoy the beach when it is quieter.

Oh if you like beautiful bridges, we drove across the Katemba bridge in the day and then stopped at a spot to view it at night. Chalk and Cheese, I prefer the night view.

PS: this song followed us wherever we went. Its from Master KG titled Jerusalem.

I got up this morning, scrolling through social media, I saw an image of a beautiful family, full of smiles. It reduced me to instant tears. I sobbed my heart out. I felt alone.
I have been social distancing for just over a week now, no human contact with anyone. It feels desperately lonely. I have always craved human contact, even my profession is one where you have constant human engagement. Not seeing people, speaking to people or just being in the company of other people has been taxing. But I will continue with the course, because I don’t want to infect or be infected by the Corona Virus. I have an auto immune disease and I want to do everything I can to avoid getting the virus.
I think I am pretty strong, but the way I am feeling right now, got me thinking, how are people that have chronic depression doing, we often don’t know who they are, because depression is a disease that can so easily be masked. I hope you reach out to family and friends and just stay in touch, be it telephonically or video calling, so they remember SOMEONE LOVES THEM. That’s part of our humanity.

On the flip side, I have been doing the following to flatten the curve:
1. Make a list when I am going to the shops – so I don’t go often.
2. When at the shops, keep a distance from people and sanitize.
3. No visitors to my home
4. I am not visiting anyone, anywhere.
5. Netflix series – I like the commitment of a series (I enjoyed Self Made, Cable Girls, Bonfire Destiny, The Crown, Reign, Lucifer, Grace and Frankie, designated Survivor – yes I have been watching loads of tv)
6. I started jogging on the spot – keep my step count up (I need the help….I am cooking and the only one eating and I am eating many times a day)
7. Clean household surfaces with disinfectant.
8. Read, write and rest (although it is hard not to do the latter)
9. Call or message people you know.
10. Share legitimate information you get about the Corona Virus (easiest way to check if it is legitimate – check the source) – you can still educate people from the comfort of your couch.
11. If you buying food to stock pile – in case they run out in the shops, here’s some of the things you should buy a few of:
Canned beans
Canned fish
Canned tomatoes
Frozen vegetables
Soup
Noodles
Cereals
Long life milk
Rice
Pasta
I bought wine, chocolate and lots of pop corn. (don’t judge me)

The above food have long shelf life, hence if this pandemic is over soon, you don’t lose any money.
Do things that will keep you in a positive head space. When you feeling frustrated by the isolation (trust me it happens to us all), remind yourself WHY you are doing this. (or give yourself a smack whichever works).

Do your bit to flatten the curve, civilization needs YOU to just do your bit so we can be over this already!

for more info about the virus have a look here: https://www.who.int/health-topics/coronavirus#tab=tab_1

I have a zest for experiencing different cultures and countries. I was scrolling a travel agents site and came across a ridiculous special. Flights, accommodation and a ticket to Rio Carnival. Rio Carnival has been on my bucket list for a long time. So when I saw it, there was no thinking, I booked.

I have to be honest arriving in Rio, staying in Copacabana, felt like a dream. As much as attending Carnival was the hook, or the tick, I fell in love with so much more.

The Favela – much like a ghetto or a township in South Africa, was unbelievable. According to our guide, each Favela is run by a drug syndicate. One has to understand that entry to the Favela, by tourists has to be permitted by the drug lords. It is not advisable to do a self guided tour to the Favela. The Favela has an energy of it’s own, as you manovre through the make shift streets, you see into people’s doorways and their lives. A way of life that is completely foreign to most people’s concept of home. Normal for residents of the Favela is a child under 10, owning and using a gun. Sadly, this is the only way of life they know and I can’t imagine how they can be introduced to another way of life……
But you find the children gathered at certain points, and they will dance to the beat of drums with you. It was during his experience that I wished the most that they were not robbed of their innocence and an opportunity to make life of their own. But they gave me a memory and I hope that I gave them a moment that was pure, innocent and joyful.

OK onto the rest of the trip. BLOCK PARTIES!!!! or BLOCKA as they are commonly referred to. You don’t need to buy tickets, dress up or make a reservation. You take your drinks and follow the music.Masses of party people just get together, each playing their own selection and some people even bringing trolleys of drinks, it is quite something. Rio is not a place to visit during carnival, if you are not comfortable with large crowds of people. They are everywhere.

We also took our pic at Christ the Redeemer, some para gliding off Sugar Loaf Mountain and i got my hair braided on Copacabana beach, while sipping on way too many Caparinhas.

Finally it was the big day, Rio carnival. I got a dress, some face accessories and we were set….until it poured continuously with rain. we retreated to our hotel for a bit, but after a while, decided to brave the storm and do what we came to Rio to do – go to Carnival. In the pouring rain, we saw the stunning, colorful and artistic floats. It really is majestic and larger than life. The atmosphere, despite the torrential rain was electric.

Being the kind of adventurers we are and having seen Rio Carnival, we decided to head to Sao Paulo, to experience their Carnival and city. It was the best decision we could have made.
I remember leaving ,my phone behind in an uber, a random stranger saw my peril, she sat with us, had drinks with us, assisted best she could to get a hold of our driver. I was just in awe of her kindness. After lots of drinks with her and her husband, we ventured back to our hotel.

Well we were better prepared for Carnival the 2nd time round and I have to tell you Sao Paulo Carnival was spectacular! Or maybe it was the dry weather – who knows. If you are going to carnival, every market and store has costumes, accessories and anything else you may need if you want to dress up and they are not exorbitantly expensive.

A few other things you might want to do
Visit the Fruit Market – another level, it’s like a Louis Vuitton store for fruit.
Don’t forget the Spanish Stairs, the Football Museum and of course China Town.

We came across delightful buskers playing music at an incredible level – they should be on theatre stages! I danced while a violinist played Despacito, I love the freedom of travel.

I had the privilege, (note when I use the word privilege, it is a genuine description of what it is) of attending Tsogosun’s annual Entrepreneur Development Gala dinner. The venue and food was impeccable, as is expected from any Tsogo property. The room was filled with an array of colours and guests showing up dressed to the Proudly South African Theme. I thoroughly enjoyed my African Queen ensemble and felt right royal as well:-)

I have attended many gala dinners, this one however was different for so many reasons. For the last 13 years Tsogo Sun has been investing in developing entrepreneurs, this was before there was a benefit for BEE points or anything else on offer. The same team, save for one, the late Billy Gallagher, still run this program, with the same zest, passion and determination as when they first started. Candy Tothill is the General Manager Of Tsogo Sun Corporate Affairs, don’t be misled by her size or soft spoken manner, she is a force to be reckoned with. She lives this initiative! One ilumni from the program insisted that she be given  standing ovation as she made her way to the stage, another battle to find  title befitting her contribution and another called her mother and friend. Those sentiments speak for themselves.

The key note speaker was Hezron Louw, co-founder of Sumthing Fresh, shared his journey on the Entrepreneur Development program, one that was not smooth, but that has yielded growth 10x greater than when he started. He was authentic and sincere (a rare commodity these days). He was awarded the Entrepreneur of the Year 2017. This great achievement almost led to his demise. “I was a big man in Japan,” Hezron Louw. After his accolade he thought he arrived, that the award was his mark of success. Reveling in that light of “success”, he took his eye off the ball, had no focus and in the process almost lost everything. Fortunately he saw how quickly things were spiraling out of control and started over, employing the very things the Development Program taught him and a mere 8 months later is doing the best he has ever…..yet!

LLewellyn Devereaux, is another success story from the Tsogo Sun Entrepreneur Development Program. This young man has a gift to speak, if you ever find an opportunity to hear him, don’t pass it up! He has a maturity an wisdom far beyond his years, he is no ordinary millennial, he has purpose and is in pursuit of it. His company is called Creative Genius and one of the products they create is called LOHCLA, a natural cure for hangovers. This young man’s products are soon to be be exported internationally! During his address, he said, “we have the ability think, jut not BIG enough,” I find that so true, we get in our own way.  Who told you that you CAN NOT? He spoke about many of the things we already know, I wish I had pen and paper at the time to take notes, I could have listened to him for hours. The flow of wise words felt like a melody to my ears and my soul felt like it was it was fertile soil receiving precious seed.

He reminded us that, our gifts and talents are not for us, after all a Mango tree does not bear mangoes for its own consumption. Our gifts and talents are NOT yet to be discovered, we already know what we are great at and what we enjoy doing, so pray tell, why are we not using them to generate wealth?

I am so proud of the impact that this program is creating, the caliber of the South African business it is creating is exemplary.

For more info on the program email tsogo.entrepreneurs@tsogosun.com

Asia has so much to offer, not just value for money. There’s history, heritage culture, relics and so much more. I was privileged to spend a New Year’s Eve celebration in Bangkok. Any place that doesn’t require a visa is a great place.

The airport has an efficient process they use for guests wanting to get a taxi. As you leave arrivals you are issued a numbered ticket , you then wait in line for your taxi. Simple, quick and easy.

I arrived in the midst of all the preparations for New Years Eve, you know when there is all that hustle and bustle but the atmosphere fees charged with excitement. We had booked into the Baiyoke Sky Hotel in Bangkok, it was the tallest at the time, not sure if there is a taller one now. Just outside the hotel is this local market, the streets are closed off and you have vendors all over the place. I love a market of any kind, not so much for the bargain, but more for the exchange as both the vendor and I go to battle on a price. The quality of the products in the market are exceptionally good. 5 years later I am still wearing things I brought back from Bangkok.

During the day I visited a the Wat Phra Chetuphon Vimolmangklararm Rajwaramahaviharn, or more commonly known as the Temple of The Reclining Budhha. A word of advice, dress appropriately when visiting religious places. Visitors are encouraged not to wear shorts or sleeveless items. The Buddha statues are staggeringly large and will leave you breathless.

After my cultural experience it was time to get ready to usher in the New Year. I have to tell you, it was the first time I celebrated at a hotel party. It was the best choice. I got to experience authentic Thai dancing, bumped into Bumble Bee, Optimus Prime a joker. I had a hot air balloon on stand by and my soul was satisfied after a 5 course meal. Strange how happy I am after I am well fed…… PS: we had to look down on the fireworks display because we were that high up.

The next day we enjoyed a short trip to the water market. A little boats moves you around the “river”, the bans are lined with vendors. Definitely worth a try, although they sell the very same things at the other market.