Steve Jobs - VISIONARY.

Tributes extolling the genius  of  Steve Jobs have been and will continue to be written following his death yesterday, and every one of them will not be enough. But one recent one put it more aptly than most..."he was the closest friend you've never met".  I couldn't agree more.
Genius knows no bounds and this was illustrated by the man who dared to inspire the imagination of not only the pre-schoolers, but generations after in  equal measure. My son was almost in tears this morning when he overheard our discussion. He who, only last week, was overheard telling his friend that..."Steve Jobs is Apple!".
My daughter was a tad more eloquent: "Steve Jobs rocks Mommy!"
Without a doubt, he did.

Nuit Blanche

It's called Sleepless Night and is meant to be an all-nighter; from 7pm to 7am. We tried last night. We went- we saw- and we were back home by midnight. Considering the company, aged 5 and 11 - we did not do too badly.
Nuit Blanche is in its 10th year and is an all-night art exhibition and festival in the Hôtel de Ville, Montmartre, Pigalle and the St. Georges areas. Contemporary art installations, sculptures, exhibits can be viewed all night. The Pompidou Centre opened to the crowds free of charge from 9pm until 1am. Stands were set up where we picked up maps and followed our own course. The metro, lines 11 and 12 were open for the entire night between certain stops. Next year, we are going without the kids- it was fun but a bit crazy for them, and for us equally as we were too worried we might lose them in the crowds. Saw a Jazz band play, drummers and dancers in the streets, grafitti artists and numerous installations.

Prepare yourself for the unexpected

This is what I woke up to today. From last week, the building across our apartment has been undergoing renovations, so my view has been scaffolding, safety nets and builders going about their business.
Then this morning, this.
Of all the buildings, in all the cities, in all the world... I love it .  A reminder of home just outside my window. South African tourism taking advantage of the expansive Paris apartment faces. Well done! Check the website for the possibilities.

The new scenic view from my living room...

Gastronomy: Lounging at Les Sabias

Lounge music, I guess I am just a sucker for lounge music. Evokes images of chilled out cocktails on friday nights, lazy saturday afternoon barbecues and  late sunday lunches. The association is always culinary. Sundays have become either late morning brunches, or late lunches, when not actually making making lunch from the sunday market bounty (a whole other post yet to be written there). For now, we are still fairly new in our city so on a voyage of discovery on the restaurant front.
Les Sabias, in Neuilly did not disappoint. It was the lounge music playing in the background that got me.

Chinese Artists in Paris

Writers, artists, designers, foodies and your average francophile are drawn to Paris by one thing-  Inspiration. There is something about the city that is deemed a mecca of inspiration for the creatives, and it has always been the case. In some cases , destination Paris was a result of political and social circumstances forcing people to seek out refuge in a democratic, liberal country that not only allowed but encouraged their creativity. Chinese artists made their way to Paris in the early 1900s, with the formation of the Franco-Chinese Education Society in 1915 and establishment of the Franco-Chinese Institute in Lyon in 1921, encouraging further influx. The current exhibit at Musée Cernuschi was refreshing in that it revealed artists that not only drew inspiration from the city, but worked that inspiration around the art forms that were familiar to them, lithographs, ink on paper and silk as canvas.

Gastronomy: Le Bistro de Neuilly, Neuilly-sur-Seine

Discovering my neighbourhood has never been such a pleasure.
Le Bistro de Neuilly is on rue du Commandant Pilot in Neuilly-sur-Seine. A very quiet street. The restaurant is small, but has really friendly hosts, and it was apparent that the diners were mainly regulars and of course us, the newbies. Jazz music playing in the background, every so often there was laughter and dancing from the back to a popular song - it is that kind of place. Young families, older couples, young couples.
The food was great! I have yet to write up on a bad experience - actually, I will not, if the food's not good, I won't recommend a place.

Fête de la gastronomie

While I was busy walking around yesterday doing my best impression of 'tourist with camera' I had completely forgotten it was fête de la gastronomie. Launched in May this year, it is the inaugural event that looks to promote French cooking - not forgetting that we are talking of cuisine that this year won its status on UNESCO's World Heritage List. Yes, that is how seriously the French take their cuisine.

'Chasing Shadows' with Santu Mofokeng

I almost missed this, but it is still on for two more days. Santu Mofokeng, renowned South African photographer has an exhibit on until Sunday 25th Sept. at Jeu de Paume titled, 'Chasing Shadows'.
In my month here I have become used to all things French, then this afternoon I was transported back to SA through a series of Black & White photos in works spanning 30 years. He started his career capturing images pre- and post-apartheid in South Africa, but moved away to document religion and its practice by black urban people; practices that were a mélange of christian and pagan ceremonies, in cities, mountains and at times in caves, reserved solely for worship.
Must see, if for nothing else than his landscape images, yes, I know, landscapes.

The splendour of Palais Garnier

I went on a tour of the Opera house; Palais Garnier on Monday. This is home to one of France's most splendid historical artchitecture. Home of the Opera and Ballet and a name synonymous with French culture, it was founded by Louis XIV in 1669, who was not only an actor but also a talented ballet dancer. The Opéra Garnier is the thirteenth theatre to house the Opera, and was designed by Charles Garnier, who due to a bureaucratic error resulting in a missing invitation, on the eve of the opening of the building was the only person that had to pay for his ticket.

What makes a neighbourhood?

In Paris most neighbourhoods are defined by firstly, whether they are on the left or right bank, which determines whether there are leanings of conservative or liberal, bourgeois or bohemian, artsy, tourist hot-spots or not; and then by the usual determinants, of race - yes, dare I say it in the country that defines itself around its liberté, égalité, fraternité even race will always be there - and religious affiliation, although to a lesser extent. When you find yourself in certain neghbourhoods race does become a determinant, the 18th is populated by a predominantly African population; Chinatown in the 13th, and the Marais district is often referred to as the Jewish part of Paris. Even the banlieu's are known for the most part as home to immigrant (or not) North African populations.

Gastronomy: La Villa Corse, Paris

Here I was thinking that Wanderlust! would gradually move away from its food theme...Had a fantastic lunch at La Villa Corse in the 16th a couple of weeks ago. Quiet neighbourhood the 16th, fairly upmarket, in fact very upmarket and très bourgeois - but it has a wide offering of restaurants from the formal and expensive to the more casual and inexpensive. La Villa Corse is somewhere in the middle, not exactly brasserie dining but won't break the bank either. With a lounge bar, a library with books laden on dark wood shelves and a formal lounge- it speaks of long lingering dinners, but lunch worked just as well though.

C'est la rentrée!

Today my kids went back to school- after almost two and a half months off! Am I the only person who thinks that the summer school holidays are far too long?
They have been fortunate enough to enjoy their holidays in three different countries- Ghana, South Africa and France; and I have been quite the organizer of 'Things to do with kids between 6 and 11'...in fact that's what my next post should be about-there's been enough organization in these quarters. Despite all the activities across the three countries, by last week they just wanted to get back to school, or in their case, start their new school.
I experienced my first dose of 'the madness of the school supplies shopping'.

Brunch, carnival and late night dinners

Yesterday, armed with a good review from Oubruncher; literally 'where to brunch' a website dedidated solely to great places to have brunch in Paris, we made our way to the 8th. Le Quai was not our first choice but after numerous attempts to make reservations at our initial choices - and being told that there was nothing available before 2pm (for brunch!) we decided to take the 2pm.

Bonjour à tous!

We are here! Arrived in Paris this morning - feeling excited, not to mention anxious about the new life. Staying in temporary accommodation until next week, then settling in to make this city our home. In the meantime gorging on croissants beurre, baguettes slathered in butter and creamy cheeses. Note to self: Must make plan to walk at least 30 minutes daily.
Champagne is reasonable compared to what we are used to paying (both in SA and Ghana) and a bagful of groceries this morning did set us back some euros; but I can gladly live on bread and cheese for the moment.
Wanderlust! has a whole new location, and from scouring the numerous blogs on Paris, restaurants reviews may not be the main focus going forward. From Paris by Mouth to The Paris Kitchen, the restaurant scene is pretty much covered. What will be the focus? Well, for now it's definitely back to the drawing board. In the meantime, will be looking for places offering french lessons in order to bring the french up to speed; must be able to order those delightful french dishes like a pro by year end. It's always about the food!

Walking with elephants

Another week gone by, and the countdown to leaving sunny but cold, oh so cold SA, about to get underway. In the meantime, we took in the Elephant Sanctuary at Hartbeespoort Dam. One takes for granted how truly magnificent these creatures are, but as majestic as they are, there's something rather pitiful when we see them in enclosures. The Hartbeespoort sanctuary is one of three Elephant Sanctuaries countrywide, with one in Hazyview (Near the Kruger National Park) and another in Plettenberg Bay (along the Garden Route).

Snow in the South

Photo courtesy: www.news24.com

Allow me a moment to whinge...I am freezing and absolutely hating the weather right now! There. Now that's out of the way...for now. Thought I'd keep doing what I do in keeping the pounds at bay, but somehow managed to make it to the gym only twice, just twice in two weeks. Oh Ghana how I miss thee...
Nothing more disheartening than the cool crisp of a winter morning, with just the right amount of bite to remind that you that you ain't in the tropics no more.
It snowed in the Eastern Cape and Kwazulu-Natal and yes, we have not seen any snow in Gauteng, but I am sure there's a cold front that's crept in...IT IS FREEZING. My friends are at a point where they're turning a deaf ear to my complaints, my kids think I'm over-reacting, and pretty much everyone seems to think the weather is par for the course at this time of the year...is it? Global warming has not lent a hand?

Snakes and crocodiles!

The Green Mamba at close range, yes with reinforced double glass in between me and the snake but still at close range, is a terrifying creature. Just the knowledge of the slow and painful death its bite can induce is chilling enough on its own. Behind the glass they appeared harmless though.  Croc City in Fourways, a stone's throw away from the Lion Park was all reptiles and birds. I found it very odd that in the middle of this place that is all about reptiles, there are rabbits hopping here and there, and peacocks strutting about.

Places in SA: The Lion Park, Johannesburg

Lions in the city

We have just over three weeks in SA, and have a carefully drawn up schedule for things to do with the kids; some we have done before, when they were much younger, some are definitely deserving of second visits now that they are older, a bit more engaging and can ask interesting questions. Nothing worse than enthusing about something of interest to a disinterested three year who would much rather find himself at the nearest jungle gym.  The Lion Park in Fourways was first on the list.

What will you do with your 67 minutes?



Photo Courtesy of: http://www.wikipedia.com/

It is Nelson Mandela International Day today and we are not only celebrating the former President's 93rd birthday but  also becoming a nation (or world, it is an International Day) of do-gooders. The day is now not only  going to be a commemoration of Madiba's birthday but also a day to get involved in communities, or whatever works for you in the 'giving-back' department; effectively "be the change...Madiba style" - all that is required is that you give just 67 minutes of your time today to a good cause. Great concept definitely, especially for its association to man lauded worldwide and known for 'giving back' to an entire nation. Happy Birthday Madiba!

Bidding Farewell to Ghana

In the midst of the flurry of activity around packing away our three years here; as well as the farewell teas, lunches and dinners, I almost forgot to write my very last post from Ghana. I am already thinking of how much I will miss the taste of shito with fried yam and kelewele on my tongue. A farewell gift from friends is a recipe book of Ghanaian dishes - which I now have to learn to perfect because according to my kids I can no longer pass off my attempts as Ghanaian with a South African twist, as I have been doing.

Thank you for hosting us. I take with me memories of the sights and sounds: Makola; Agbogboloshie; Cape Coast; Kokrobite; and that Jamestown Castle. I will always remember: crowded La Beach; the Volta River; the castles steeped in history; incessant hooting; aggressive tro-tro drivers; and the fruit - yes definitely the sweet taste of Cape Coast pineapple. Not forgetting: the hawkers selling everything from groundnuts to puppies; the hot sticky weather incredibly I will miss that too; the vibrant colours of kente at a durbar; pride in a culture rich in history; grilled tilapia with banku; the motorcycles of Tamale; and that very Ghanaian greeting Akwaaba.


I bid you adieu ~ Yεbεhyia.