More about Tripoli

So I realised I never finished telling you all about Tripoli and I have lots more pictures to share! Hopefully you'll find some of them interesting, and I promise I will move on soon and talk about other subjects!

These images are some from in and around Tripoli. I realised that there are some parts of it which are amazing, some which are hidden Italian architectural wonders and others which are just pretty dusty and dirty. It's a funny city, vibrant but sleepy.

And then for this one above there are some bits which I found more interesting. The little gazelle which is there for tourists to stroke. The dried seahorses they sell in the souk as good luck charms. And the gold stores with these huge necklaces which are gifted to the bride.

I hope somehow I've given you a little idea of Tripoli. Any questions please do ask!

On holidays

We wanted a beach holiday, with sunshine, wine, food and each others company and we got, a no hassle beach holiday with sunshine, wine, food (so much food) and we got on well for the entire time (bar the odd bicker of course...)

I feel it's necessary to comment on this as I have still raw memories of a holiday we took two years ago to Italy where we spent the first three days arguing. It was horrible... But, I think this time we spent the first three days sleeping and I loved it.

I also managed to not change colour, seven days in bright Sicilian sunshine and I'm so worried about burning I spent most of it with factor 25 suncream on or hiding under a beach umbrella. J tells me it's good, I won't look like an old leathery lady... I just enjoyed the warmth.

Now to get the sand out of everything and back to normality. And to sort out all the things I abandoned for a week. One of which was my e-mails... Which to be honest was perhaps one of the most enjoyable parts of the holiday. To be completely out of contact for a week. Poifect!

Now to bed, we shall enjoy our last day off before the grind and I shall be back soon with more tales, thoughts, photos and of course will be catching up with all I have missed in the blogging world this last week!

Xx

Behind the doors...

I was looking through my Tripoli photos and noticed a lot of doorways, for some reason the arches must have caught my eye while out and about. The top row on the left hand side is the entrance to the old city which houses the medina. On the right hand side is the door to the old French consulate which is now a hotel and restaurant. Recommended if you're looking for somewhere for dinner. On the bottom row, this doorway was just huge and so beautiful but as you can see from the photo slightly ruined by the crazy wires and air conditioning unit on the side of the building. Finally there is the beautiful tiling of the old Turkish consulate, I love these amazing arabic tiles and their colour and beauty. More to come...

Sweet Sicily

Is where I am right now... Hopefully enjoying the weather. As such another run of time off from the blogging world but I am hoping to return refreshed and raring to go with lots of pictures, stories and more!

Until then...

M x

Change does you good...

And speaking of which above is the latest change, new hair! It feels weird but I like it, less unruly mess to deal with. Who knows however what it will look like tomorrow...

And for those London dwellers, get on down to Ora Salon. They have consistently given me the best cuts and they did my wedding hair and they're lovely, play good music and aren't too expensive!

Happy Thursday x

Tales from Tripoli

Tripoli is a crazy place, from the moment you land to the moment you leave it's hard to get used to. As a north African/Arab state it really is a mixture of cultures, combined with the ancient flows of peoples such as the Phoenicians, the Romans, the Ottomans, the Italians, the Spanish and so on. As a people they are fabulously friendly, warm, curious, helpful.

As a city... The traffic is mad, three lanes = five cars, pavements are crumbly and dusty, plastic bottles everywhere. But hidden wonders too. Moments of peace and tranquillity to be found amongst the madness.

This post is a short one for now, I shall put more pictures up soon but the one above was one of my favourites, the moon shining above, the palms gently in the breeze and the simplicity of the mosque. A moment of peace in a city of madness.

Dear blog...

My sincerest apologies for having been so slack. I arrived back in London yesterday and was so very tired. They worked me hard in Libya. But I have got some nice pictures of Tripoli to post and shall try and get better about being here more often again.

Until then...

M x

Rescued Gorilla

This little baby gorilla was rescued in the Democratic Republic of Congo by these lovely people. Thankfully they caught one of the traffickers. Hopefully she's well on the way to recovery now!

Off again...

Today I will be flying to Tripoli, Libya with work. I'm back in the evening of Monday 11th April. I shall apologise now for possibly no posts. But shall be looking forward to Tuesday's catch up of all your lovely blogs!

Until then... have fun, for those with long weekends, hope you enjoy them!

Mother and Bride - Time for congratulations!

The lovely Shonagh is getting married tomorrow. I have enjoyed so much following her story, and she was such great support for me when I was getting married. So for all of you who haven't read her wonderful blog, laughed at her witty writing and great posts, hop on over and go wish her all the best for tomorrow.

M x