SPLENDID EXPERIENCES

Welcome to my blog !

A place where I will share my personal anecdotes from my travel adventures and my vegetarian culinary experiences. A space where I will catalogue all things Splendid.

Splendid Travel

Splendid Food

Splendid Spaces

  • January Book Review

    1. Heart the Lover – Lily King
    • 5 Stars

    …‘Love is crushing. Love is something you let yourself feel at your own peril, despite your better sense’… 

    I read this book on a Saturday, and I couldn’t put it down, it was that good. A deeply moving story with an intricate throuple.

    The story follows a young woman nicknamed Daisy, later known as Jordan – a name given to her by Sam and Yash, her classmates in a literature course. The novel follows Jordan’s life from her senior year of college to adulthood, where she is married with children.

    During her college years, Jordan spends most of her time with Sam and Yash, sharing long discussions about literature and bonding over card games. Friendships evolve into romance, introducing emotional complexity and difficult choices. These decisions, deeply influenced by questions of faith and life’s complexities, shape the course of their futures.

    As the story shifts to a married Jordan, the impact of those formative years becomes clear. The choices made in college echo forward, altering their lives in ways that cannot be undone. When long-buried secrets resurface amid a terminal illness, Jordan, Yash and Sam are forced to confront the lasting consequences of their past.

    Heart the Lover ripped my heart in half and left me shattered. This was my first Lily King book, and I loved her writing style; this story is told from a narrator’s perspective. The characters were memorable and the story telling gripped me from the first chapter. I fully understand the hype around this book and why it became a favourite for so many readers in 2025.

    2. Before We Were Strangers – Renee Carlino

    • 5 Stars

    ‘We were victims of bad timing. But here we are again.’

    As I read Matthias and Graceland’s story, my heart ached for them in the best possible way, and I found myself cheering for them. Their bond felt like a once‑in‑a‑million kind of love, destined to endure every challenge and hardship that was thrown their way.

    Matt and Grace meet in college on their first day at Senior College and become ‘Fast Friends’ – they become inseparable. Matt is an aspiring photographer, while Grace is a music major. Their bond is magnetic; they inspire and nurture each other’s creative gifts, and over time their friendship deepens into love, both believing it will last forever.

    But when they’re each offered a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, Matt accepts his without any hesitation, while Grace has her reservations. As they navigate the next phase of their lives, things fall apart – everything begins to unravel, there’s communication breakdown – time passes and life goes on.

    3. Twice – Mitch Albom

    • 4 Stars

    ‘You can’t go back and change the beginning, but you can start where you are and change the ending.’

    Twice is packed with so many meaningful moments, I could not put it down.

    The book begins with Alfie (Alfred) Logan in Nassau, being interrogated by a detective for allegedly cheating and winning millions at a casino roulette wheel. During the interrogation, he reads from a notebook and relays the intriguing story of his life – spanning his time in Africa and America. We also discover that Alfie has a unique ability to go back and do things a second time, altering the outcome for better or worse. His love story pulls you in; it’s earnest, compelling, and filled with valuable lessons along the way.

    When I was reading this book, I had a few moments of reflection and wondered; if I had the ability to go back, what moments would I choose to do twice? For me, there are two pivotal moments, and both involve using the time I had with people who were once dear to the fullest.

    This is the third Mitch Albom book I’ve read. The first was Tuesdays with Morrie, which I discovered while navigating life with a terminally ill sibling. That book became the therapy I needed. Twice was just as profound for me, and it served as a powerful reminder to cherish the time we have with the people we love- real life has no do-overs.

    4. The First Time I Saw Him – Laura Dave

    • 3.5 Stars

    The First Time I Saw Him is the sequel to The Last Thing He Told Me, it was selected as one of Reese’s Book Club picks for January and the novel generated significant interest, following the release of the Apple TV series trailer which will air on the 20th February 2026.

    The book is a continuation of the story from Last Thing He Told Me. Although I haven’t read the original, I watched the TV series and found it gripping. Naturally, I was intrigued by The First Time I Saw Him and wanted to read it before the start of the TV series.

    The story starts five years after Owen’s disappearance and focuses on Hannah and her stepdaughter Bailey, now living in Southern California. When Owen is spotted, Hannah quickly understands that their safety is at risk, and life begins to unravel for them. Hannah mission is to keep Bailey safe. The story delves into the past, I enjoyed getting to know all the other characters and the intricacies of their connections. The one theme that stood out for me in this book, is family and the lengths people go to protect their loved ones.

    The book is fast paced and easy to get into. I’m still on the fence on whether reading the book before the TV series will have an impact. I guess I’ll have the answer once I’ve watched the TV series.

    5. An Almost Perfect Summer – Jill Mansel

    • 3.5 Stars

    I’m a sucker for books set in small towns, I enjoy the escape and picturing the setting and getting lost in it. This book was fun to read from that perspective but felt the multiple characters that get introduced make it hard to stay engaged.

    The story opens with Nella and Nick bickering over the last bunch of roses at a farm shop. Nick is a charming and attractive man who manages luxury holiday homes in a Cotswolds village, while Nella is a highly organized local whose life is abruptly disrupted when she loses her job due to circumstances beyond her control. From there, the novel unfolds through a series of events that gradually draw the two characters together.

    Following her redundancy, Nick offers Nella a position at the retreat. Although there is an undeniable spark between them, Nella is determined to resist her growing feelings. As she begins working at the retreat, the reader is introduced to a range of intriguing characters, each with their own storyline. These narratives are thoughtfully interwoven, adding depth and variety to Nick and Nella’s developing relationship.

    My only criticism is that I would have liked to see more development in Nick and Nella’s romance. That said, the novel remains thoroughly enjoyable, light-hearted, and entertaining.

    6. The Beginning of Everything – Jackie Frase

    • 3 Stars

    Even though I found the premise of the story in the beginning slightly unrealistic, I enjoyed the unfolding story of Jess and Gethin’s relationship. Jess has escaped a bad relationship and is homeless. She finds shelter and becomes a squatter. Gethin, the owner of the house, a kindhearted man, finds Jess in his home and lets her stay. Jess and Gethin get to know each other, and they become friends who develop feelings for each other.

    I was proud of Jess for her bravery for leaving her abusive relationship. Gethin’s patience and kindness towards Jess was commendable.

    This is a character-driven story, easy to read and get into. The pacing was good. If the premise wasn’t so unrealistic, I would have given the book 4 stars.

  • ,

    Exploring Joburg’s Culinary Delights at Mila Restaurant

    Food tells a story that imprints memories.  

    One thing about Joburgers — myself included — is that we truly appreciate the good life, and this was clear the day we headed out for a late lunch at Mila Restaurant at LXX in Sandton. From the moment we arrived, we stepped into an unhurried yet vibrant atmosphere, with patrons enjoying business lunches and others catching up with friends. My friend and I had recently revived our Ladies Who Lunch catch-up, and this outing felt like the perfect way to settle back into it. 

    The restaurant’s aesthetic exudes understated luxury—warm, elegant, refined, and welcoming. 

    Image Cred @Mila Restaurant
    Image Cred @Mila Restaurant

    As a non‑drinking vegetarian foodie, I’ve learnt to manage my expectations when it comes to mocktails. All too often, they’re served in plain glass tumblers that feel more like an afterthought than a crafted drink. So when my mocktail arrived beautifully presented and photo ready, I was pleasantly surprised. In that moment, I knew we were off to a very good start. 

    The food…shew…where does one even begin? It was that good. I ordered a selection of vegetarian dishes, and honestly, I savoured every single one. The Zucchini Keftedes was without a doubt my favourite meal.   

    The dessert was just as delicious and beautifully presented.

    Left Image – Dakos Burrata; Top Image – Halloumi Ricotta Ravioli; Right Image – Zucchini Keftedes
    Dessert
    Top Image – Hazelnut Tart; Bottom Image – Kafethaki Vanilla Brule

    Out of 10, I would rate our overall experience 9.

    • Food gets a 9.
    • Restaurant aesthetics and ambience gets a 9.
    • Price gets a 7, the food is on the pricey side but on all fairness, eating out has become a tad pricey.

  • 2025 Reading!

    “Something magical can happen when we read a good book.”

    Books have a unique power to take us to places we may never physically go – they offer an escape. The stories allow our imagination to travel freely, introducing us to new ideas, perspectives and igniting our imagination.


    Two years ago, I started being intentional with limiting my screen time. I then set a target to read at least 1 book a month. Fast forward to 2025 and I have managed to read 60 books. Fiction being the books I read most.

    2025 books I read!

    What makes a book great in my view is when the story and the characters stay embedded in my heart and mind long after I have read the book. I will share brief review of the books that gave me that feeling. These books I couldn’t put down. In some instances, I found myself reading through the night.


    I have picked 12 books for the number of months, this was a real daunting task but I managed.
    The book review will focus on 3 things;
    o Is the story enjoyable?
    o Are the characters memorable?
    o Is it a book that I can re-read?
    Each book will be graded out of 5.

    2025 Top 12 Reads!
    1. The Wish – Nicholas Spark
      • 5 stars
      • The story opens in 2019, where we meet Maggie, a renowned New York–based photographer who owns a gallery. Her life takes an unexpected turn when she meets Mark, who soon begins working at the gallery. As Maggie and Mark grow closer, Maggie reflects on her past, taking us on an emotional journey of her past. The story shifts to 1996, when a young Maggie is sent away to live with her aunt. There, she meets Bryce, a warm-hearted boy wise beyond his years. A deep friendship forms between them, and it’s Bryce who introduces Maggie to photography. He becomes a vital source of support during a formative time in her life.
      • The Wish is a complex story that addresses important societal issues and life challenges.
      • Maggie as a character stayed with me for days, weeks and months after reading. I loved the setting and the story. This book, I couldn’t put down.
    2. Cant Get Enough – Kennedy Ryan
      • 5 stars
      • After reading This Could Be Us and Before I Let Go, this book was one of my most anticipated reads for the year and it didn’t disappoint.
      • Hendrix is a successful businesswoman and has phenomenal friends. She’s facing a few life challenges, her toughest being caring for her aging mother. She meets Maverick Bell, a tech billionaire whose chasing the next big thing in his life. Sparks fly. There’s instant attraction but Maverick is in an entanglement, which complicates their instant connection.
      • As destiny would have it, his relationship comes to an amicable ending. This gives Maverick an opportunity to pursue Hendrix. The romance between them is shown beautifully – its smart, its uplifting, its loving wholeheartedly and supportive.
      • What brings them together is a shared experience of having a family member who had or has Alzheimer’s.
      • I love how Kennedy Ryan always builds awareness for a variety of topics in her books. I also enjoyed reading about black love shown in a positive light.
    3. Atmosphere – Taylor Jenkins Reid
      • 5 stars
      • The story follows Joan Goodwood who gets selected for the NASA’s space shuttle programme in the 80ties. In the book, you get to relive Joan’s past and present while in the programme. You also meet the other canditates/ characters who are part of the programme and have an impact in her life in some shape or form.
      • This is a voyage of discovery for Joan, not just in space but also her self-discovery. The story is fast-paced, gripping and heartbreaking.
      • A beautiful tribute to the women who broke boundaries in the 80ties when women were only just being accepted into space programs.
      • The story and the characters stayed with me for a long time after reading this book.
    4. We all want impossible things – Catherine Newman
      • 5 stars
      • A book about two imperfect best friends since childhood, Ashley and Edith, who have been through everything together. As adults they are navigating a difficult time in their lives – Edith has terminal cancer.
      • While the book is heavy and sad in places, it also celebrates friendship, relationships and love.
      • We All Want Impossible Things reminded me of a quote that says ‘The only certainty in life is death.’ As much as the story is about the inevitable, the story is just as much about living. It is a story of full of life and laughter.
    5. Seven days in June – Tia Williams
      • 4.5 stars
      • This story is not a simple love story; its romantic, it’s compelling and layered in past traumas and survival.
      • It follows two writes, Eva, a single mom and Shane, a successful bad boy of the literary world. They have a romantic past. When they reconnect after fifteen years, they have chemistry; it’s steamy, its messy, its complicated as they have to confront their past.
      • I loved this book. I’m a sucker for second-chance romance and Tia Williams delivered with the portrayal of the characters and their flaws in this book.
    6. Love Marry Kill – Zukiswa Wanner
      • 4 stars
      • Two couples, one steamy love affair and a hitman. ‘Till death do us part’ means different things to people. This book is an emotionally layered love story with twist and turns. This book is a page-turner, which dives into the messiness of infidelity and the length people will go to keep what’s theirs.
      • A great read.
    7. Fabrics of love – Lebo Mazibuko
      • 4 stars
      • Fabrics of Love needs to made into a Limited Series – goodness this was such a pleasant read. Growing up in Soweto, the character, the setting was so relatable.
      • The story follows the lives of the Ntoi family, with a particular focus on its women. At the heart of it is Buang, the formidable matriarch who works tirelessly to keep the family together – she’s a fierce protector, she is resilient and sadly has been hardened by her past. Then there’s Prettygirl, the vibrant life of a party – a familiar township character full of charm and energy. Her sister Rosemary is book-smart, focused, and disciplined; she is driven by ambition and purpose. Then there’s their cousin Moipone, a quiet and timid young woman who carries unseen scars from her childhood.
      • Through the eyes of these women, the story explores their journeys as they chase their dreams while confronting culture, family secrets, love, relationships and the weight of past trauma.
      • A multi layered captivating book. I loved how Lebo Mazibuko brought to light the vibrancy of Meadowlands (Soweto).
    8. One Golden Summer – Carley Fortune
      • 4 stars
      • I stumbled upon this on Instagram, there was a lot of hype around it, and my curiosity was immediately sparked. I then had to read the 1st book, Every Summer After.
      • Carley Fortune has a gift for painting the picture of a magical summer. As much as I loved Percy and Sam’s story in Every Summer After, I connected even more deeply with Charlie and Alice’s journey. This is a story steeped in nostalgia – One picture. Three teens. A yellow boat. Its where past summers collide with present-day choices, and a beautiful friendship slowly unfolds into a deeply emotional summer romance.
      • Charlie is charming and self-assured. Alice gives more than she receives, she puts everyone before herself. Charlie helps Alice step out of her shell and Alice helps Charlie deal with his deep regret. They complement each other in so many ways and have the most hilarious banter. Their chemistry felt natural and warm.
      • Overall, this was a fun, emotionally rich read, one that truly captures the magic of the lake. As the story reminds us, ‘Good things happen at the lake.’
    9. Things we left behind – Lucy Score
      • 4 stars
      • This is the third and final book in the Knockemout series. Sloan and Lucian were my most anticipated couple in the series and Lucy Score didn’t disappoint.
      • I absolutely loved Sloan and Lucian’s relationship, especially their sharp, entertaining banter. As adults, they may claim to loathe each other, but neither can deny the sparks between them. Their history adds so much depth to the story – from childhood friends, to sworn enemies after an incident that shattered their bond, and finally to lovers.
      • Sloan is feisty, witty, and warm-hearted, with dreams of a traditional happy ending – a loving husband and children. Lucian, on the other hand, has become powerful and wealthy, capable of making anything happen, except committing to the idea of family, which he firmly resists.
      • I love how Lucian would do anything for Sloane even when he insistent that he didn’t like her. It warmed my heart that they got their happy ending.
      • While I didn’t particularly enjoy the crime subplot, it was expected, as it featured heavily in Things We Never Got Over and Things We Hide from the Light. Still, it was a joy to return to Knockemout. I have a soft spot for small-town settings – even fictional ones, as they stretch the imagination and transport you to places you may never otherwise experience.
    10. Tell me everything – Elizabeth Strout
      • 4 stars
      • It follows a friendship between 90 year old Olive Kitteridge, Bob Burgess whose the central character, a lawyer and acclaimed writer Lucy Barton.
      • Through quiet, intimate conversations, Lucy and Bob reflect on their lives and what might have been, while Olive and Lucy share stories about people they have known.
      • The true allure of this book lies in its richly drawn characters and their complex inner lives—because human beings themselves are deeply complex. Woven through the narrative is a mystery that gradually unfolds, drawing in characters who carry their own layers of history and emotional depth.
      • This book is beautifully written. Although I haven’t read the previous novels in the series, I found it easy to follow and completely captivating from start to finish.
    11. What a way to go – Bella Mackie
      • 3.5 stars
      • A murder mystery with a humour all in one.
        Anthony Wistern is a wealthy, charming, philander with a dysfunctional family set to inherit his fortune. Upon his untimely death, each of them becomes potential suspects.
      • The characters are self absorbed and not really likeable but they make a good story.
    12. The love we found – Jill Santos
      • 3.5 stars
      • A sequel to The Light We Lost, which I would highly recommend reading before starting this book. Ten years have passed, and a great deal of life has unfolded since the end of the first story.
      • This sequel is rich with blended family dynamics, hidden truths, and the challenge of confronting the past while learning how to move forward. It explores the reality that people are imperfect and that life is often complicated and messy. The story continues with Lucy a single mother juggling the needs of her children, her life after Gabe and finding love again.
      • The story is emotional, it’s moving and it’s well written.
        I’m chuffed with what I have been able to accomplish with my reading.

    I’m chuffed with what I was able to achieve this year. The goal has been set and I plan to continue in 2026.

  • ,

    Baby Shower with a view

    This past weekend i got to put together a baby shower event in the Cupola Suite at the Michalengelo Towers Hotel.

    The suite occupies the top three storeys of the hotel with 360 degree views of the city of Sandton as well as panoramas of the city of Johannesburg right the way to the Magaliesberg.

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    Views from the  3rd floor patio

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    Views from the Kitchen in the 2nd floor

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    Views from the pool area on the 3rd floor

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    Views from the Boardroom

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    Dessert Table

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    Cocktail Bar Area

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    View from the top – Cocktail Bar Area

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    Outdoor Patio Lunch Area

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    The flower details

    Catering is provided by Parc Femme and this is arranged by the hotel when you book your function. Compliments to the chef at Parc Ferme, the food was well received.

    The venue is available for events, you may contact the Legacy hotel group – Michelangelo Towers for any booking enquiries.

    The service and staff were great to work with, thank you to all that were involved.

    It was an afternoon well spent ‘working’ and lounging by the pool.

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    TS!

  • Orlando (Florida) – ‘Theme Park Capital of the World’

    ‘We do not stop playing because we grow old, we grow old because we stop playing.’

    Orlando (Florida) is known as the ‘Theme Park Capital of the World’ what i like is the fact that the theme parks cater to both kids and adults.  The overall experience can be overwhelming but with proper planning the experience is incredible. If you are a 1st time traveller and love theme parks, I recommend a minimum of 5 days especially if you want to fully immerse yourself in the Orlando Magic. Walt Disney World alone has 4 theme parks and 2 water parks.

    The theme parks that we went when we were in Orlando were:-

    1. Magic Kingdom – ‘The most magical place on earth’

     

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    ‘We believed in our idea: where parents and children could have fun together’ – Walt Disney

     

    The rides here are endless and there’s a ride for everyone. If you can invest in a FastPass I highly recommend it. Lines can have a waiting period of up to 60min(1hour). Having a FastPass makes the experience even more worthwhile, lines are shorter and you get to go on more rides. I have listed below the rides we enjoyed.

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    Top left: Buzz Lightyear, Top right: Space Mountain, Bottom left: Tomorrow Land Speedway & Bottom Right: Big Thunder Moutntain.

    1. Space Mountain – is an indoor dark outer space-themed steel roller coaster. It’s one of the popular rides, a pure adrenaline rush. Lines are long but they have a FastPass Line.
    2. Splash Mountain – is a hollowed-out log that drifts in water past rocky caves, vine-strewn swamps and sun-drenched meadows. It’s a fun ride for the entire family, you will get wet. The lines are long but there’s a FastPass line.
    3. Big Thunder Mountain Railroad – a rollicking runaway mine train roller coaster that races through a haunted gold-mining town. A family fun ride with a FastPass line.
    4. Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin – An indoor ride with lazer guns shooting Zurgs for points. This ride got VERY competitive with my family. The little people seem to have this ride figured out, they scored a lot of points.
    5. Tomorrowland Speedway – A raceway with gasoline-powered cars that travel up  to 7 mph(11.2654km per hour). This ride is popular kids get to drive a car around the raceway.

    2. Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park

     There’s a new addition to the park, Pandora – The World of Avatar.

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    a. Avatar Flight of Passage – The ride itself is an experience that words simply cannot describe. It’s a 3D ride and you get to Fly on the back of a mountain banshee deep in the heart of the Valley of Mo’ara. The ride is so popular that it has a waiting time of 90m (yes 1HR and 30M). A FastPass is a must here, the wait time is a lot shorter.                                                                                                                                 b. Na’vi River Journey – The ride takes guests through the Kasvapan River of Pandora from the 2009 film Avatar, showcasing native animals and bioluminescent flora, with inclusion of Audio-animatronics.

    AVATAR-Inspired Land Coming to Disney’s Animal Kingdom
    Image Cred – http://www.orlandosentinel.com

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    The other ride that we enjoyed was, Expedition Everest – Legend of the Forbidden Mountain – Steam engine roller coaster train ride train that takes you through rolling hills, mountain. Along the way you will encounter a broken track that leads to nowhere…the train then moves backwards. A thrill ride which reaches speeds up to 50 mph.

    1. Disney’s Hollywood Studios

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    Our best rides at this theme park were:-

    1. Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith – This roller coaster is just pure adrenaline, it accelerates from 0 to 57 miles per hour (91,7326km per hour) in 2.8 seconds (making this the second-fastest attraction at the Walt Disney World Resort, behind only Test Track). We got to this ride late in the afternoon just after it rained, the lines were a lot shorter.
    2. The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror™ – is a simulated freefall drop tower thrill ride. The ride starts in the library with a short video of story of the Hollywood Tower Hotel. You then board the elevator and the madness begins. Awesome, the drop is what really get to you.
    3. Toy Story Mania – is an interactive 4-D theme park attraction, in which guests twist through a series of virtual carnival games while wearing 3D glasses. It’s a fun ride and very popular.

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    The Stormtroopers during their showcase

    Walt Disney World is truly a magica experience, its no surprise that it remains one of the most sought-after destinations for families from all over the world. I like the fact they continue to innovate and re-invent with new rides and experiences.

    4. Universal Orlando Resort

    The Universal Orlando Resort is the 2nd largest resort after World Disney Resort and consist of the following theme parks:-

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    a. Universal Studios Florida – a theme park that lets visitors ‘Ride the Movies.’ 

    Our favourite rides were:- 

    i. Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit™ – What Goes (Way) Up Must Come Down
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    • This roller coaster ride is on steroids, you strapon, pick a song & experience pure adrenaline. The ride starts going up at a calm 90° and then a ferocious drop, going through the track at 65mph.

    ii. Transformers the ride-3D – You board a 12-seat passenger car, you have to protect the AllSpark against Megatron in a battle between the Autobots and Decepticons. The ride spins, bucks and dives through the streets and skyscrapers of Chicago.

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    iii. Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts™ – I never really got into the Harry Potter hype so I was very happy to give this ride a miss. My family loved the ride, its another indoor 3D experience roller coaster ride.

    b. Islands of Adventure – forms part of an expansion that converted Universal Studios Florida into the Universal Orlando Resort. The slogan for this theme park, along with Universal Studios Florida, is Vacation Like You Mean It. The park’s overall theme is that of a journey of exploration, where guests depart from a main port to visit themed islands, all emphasizing adventure.

    Our rides were the Incredidle Hulk Roller Coaster Ride and Dr Doom’s Fear Fall.

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    i. The Incredible Hulk Roller Coaster Ride – It’s Loopy, with 7 inversions, the ride goes from 0-40 mph in 2 seconds with a top speed of 67 mph (108km/h) and launches upwards of 150 feet. It’s another crazy ride and not for the faint hearted.

    ii. Dr Doom’s Fear Fall – You get strapped you into a seat, the ride then blast 185 feet into the sky. Great views and then—without a second to catch your breath—hurl you back down

    c. Universal’s Volcano Bay™ – is the latest water theme park that replaces Wet and Wild, it opened in May. We unfortunately did not have time for this water park but it’s the park is themed around a 200-foot-tall (61 m) volcano named “Krakatau,”. There are many elements to this park, it has slides, a water village, a rainforest village and a river village. Definetely keen on giving this theme park a go.

    Our annual family holiday have become something that I truly cherish, there’s really no better moments that time spent with family.

    TS!

  • Four Seasons Resort Orlando – The Perfect Blend

    Orlando (Florida) is a delightful family holiday destination, it’s such a pity that they have such severe hurricanes. We were lucky to arrive back to South Africa just before hurricane Irma.  Some areas were badly affected, its great read about their recovery process and plans.

    Having visited Orlando before, the hotel we stayed at was conveniently located within proximity to Walt Disney World’s theme parks and all of Orlando’s area attractions in a tranquil setting.

    The Four Seasons Resort Orlando ticks all the boxes that make a hotel a perfect holiday  choice – service, comfort, food, and hotel facilities.

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    The resort offers a perfect blend of experiencing Walt Disney World (which is the core reason why families travel to Orlando) and offers the Four Seasons experiences of exceptional quality, wonderful hospitality, and excellent service.

    20170815_174328Located inside a residential estate, there’s a calm, relaxed atmosphere in this estate. The Four Season Resort Orlando is surrounded by natural beauty and offers comfortable amenities—from exceptional accommodation to fine dining to golf to a world-class spa and the complimentary Kids For All Seasons kids camp. (A hotel with kids club is extremely convenient when you travel with kids. )

     

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    Spa (Photo cred http://www.fourseasons.com/orlando/)

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    Golf  (Photo cred http://www.fourseasons.com/orlando/)

    Accommodation 

    1507662591419.jpgContemporary style rooms, the hotel has 443 rooms including 68 suites. The rooms boast iPads and offer free WiFi, 24-hour room service, LED TVs with cable, stunning marbled bathrooms (with TV inset in the mirror) and an Nespresso coffee machine.

    We had 2 interleading rooms and both rooms were very spacious and comfortable – Full bathroom, small work area and balcony with views of the property. The lounge area with a sleeping couch was a decent size.

    Dining

    There are 5 restaurants and a Bar on the property. I like the fact that you can have dinner at a different restaurant and they have taken kids into consideration at all the restaurants.

    1. Capa
    • A rooftop Spanish-style steakhouse and lounge specializing in expert cuts, tapas and seafood.

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    1. PB&G
    • The southern-inspired poolside restaurant including fresh Florida seafood, fish tacos, healthy salads, rotisserie chicken and more. It has beautiful setting overlooking the lake.
    1. Plancha
    • The golf clubhouse restaurant serving Cuban-American cuisine with signature dishes such as the Cubana sandwich, guacamole and the chorizo burger.
    1. Ravello restaurant
    • The main hotel restaurant that serves breakfast and dinner. Breakfast was by far my best meal, so much to choose from – juice & smoothie bar, breakfast omelette station, assortment of traditional breakfast offerings, charcuterie and so much more.
      • On Thursday and Saturday they have what they the call the Character breakfast with Goofy & His Pals. My nephew was elated, having Mickey, Goofy and Minnie at breakfast was the highlight for him. Seeing his face light up with pure joy to meet the character was priceless.

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    1. Lickety Split
    • This was my highlight, a coffee shop on site with easy go items like snack packs and sandwiches. They also have light breakfast, lunch, supper and ice cream.

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    Other Resort Features: –

    • The resort has 3 outdoor pools – one for Adults ONLY.
      • This is a perfect place for couples and adults wanting some quiet time. Its extremely peaceful in this area.
    • Outdoor volleyball, tennis and basketball courts.
    • A fitness centre
      • Decent size hotel gym with the latest gym equipment.
      • They have fitness classes for guests that run 7 days a week.
    • Water park which boasts a 242-foot-long waterslide.
    • An 11,008-square-foot lazy river.
    • Free theme park shuttle and a Disney Planning Centre.
      • Found having the Disney Planning Centre inhouse makes it easier to access any other information on the Disney Theme Parks.

    There’s something for everyone at the resort, great way to enjoy the outdoors and also stay healthy while on holiday.

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    Adult Pool

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                        Lazy river pool  (photo cred YourFirstVisit.net)

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    Water Slide (Image cred http://www.fourseasons.com/orlando)

    1507665038958The resort is an oasis removed from the hustle and bustle associated with a theme park resort.

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    Our morning runs were another highlight of our trip, the environment lent itself well.

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    Morning sunrise on our run

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    Morning run view

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    Things you see when running

     

    The Four Season Resort Orlando  is a great addition to the the Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando. Its a perfect location for families and couples.

    Look out for my next blog on visiting some of the Orlando Theme Parks.

    Another splendid hotel!

    TS!

  • ,

    ONO Eatery (Illovo)

    The Jozi food scene is slowly becoming an experience, I love finding and trying out these delightful eateries! Ono Eatery is my latest discovery.

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    ONO meaning delicious in Hawaiian is an eatery in Illovo (Johannesburg), its Jozi’s 1st Poke Eatery. A Poke Eatery for those who need to be cultured like me, originates from Hawaiian cuisine. Poke means ‘to slice and dice, this dish is a traditional Hawaiian starter – Fishermen would take their fresh daily catches of Tuna and other meaty fish and chop it into cubes, and eat it right then and there – no compromise on freshness or flavor.’  

    The menu is simple and clean, the entire concept is based on food being served fresh, on the go. There’s a variety of smoothies and protein bowls, protein shakes and house shakes. I tried the Matcha + Mint Smoothie Bowl – frozen bananas, pineapples, matcha, avo, almond milk, topped with strawberries, coconut flakes, and black sesame seeds.

    With Poke being the main attraction of the eatery, they offer house poke or custom pokes. I took home a custom poke – black rice, raw slaw, tofu, avo, edamame beans with black sesame seeds. 

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    Love the interior of ONO –  the glass window allows the space to be well lit with well-designed shop signage. Contemporary, organic furniture pieces, I particularly liked the leaf canopy made out of white metal and the swings by the glass windows – it’s pretty quirky.

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    Looking forward too many more visits, highly recommend it!

    They are open 07h30 – 19h30 during the week , 07h30 – 17h00 on Saturdays and 07h30 – 15h00 on Sundays.

    Address: Illovo Junction, 1 Corlett Dr, Illovo, Johannesburg

    Telephone: 073 506 3207

    TS!

  • ,

    48 hours in New Orleans (US Travel Adventure)

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    Flying into New Orleans  – Lake Pontchartrain Causeway

    After a long 16hour flight from South Africa(SA) to the United States (US) and spending another 7hours in transit to catch a 3hour30m connecting flight from New York (NY) to New Orleans (NO), I finally arrived in the Big Easy to meet up with my family to start our two week family holiday in the US.

    I was welcomed by the most friendly driver, Michael. En route to the hotel, we spoke American politics (He says they are still in shock that Trump is president), we spoke about the importance of travelling (He works hard so he can travel the world, visiting SA is on his bucket list) and he gave me some insights of New Orleans and the must-see things.

    The 1st thing that I did see that you cannot miss was the Mercedes-Benz Superdome – a domed sports and exhibition venue. The venue has hosted numerous historical events. According to wikipedia, it has listed football seating capacity of 76,468 (expanded) or 73,208 (not expanded) and a maximum basketball seating capacity of 73,432.

    The superdome gained international attention in 2005 when it housed thousands of people seeking shelter from Hurricane Katrina.

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                                                                                                 Photocred by Infrogmation / Wikipedia

    New Orleans is one of those cities that offer so much that if you don’t have an idea or plan on what you want to see, you will get confused.

    One thing that I can tell you is that New Orleans does have round-the-clock nightlife and vibrant live-music scene. The city is also famous for its cuisine and is often referred to as the “most unique” in the United States.

    With less that 48hours in the City, we were lucky to get a tour guide that was knowledgeable and knew the city well. We spent the day with John, he took via the tourist route but he added a local feel to it so we got to see and experience New Orleans from a different perspective.

    • Our tour highlights – Bourbon Street (which was under construction) but known for its bars and strip clubs, the history of the street provides a rich insight into New Orleans’ past.
      • Aquarium of the Americas — St Louise Cathedral —– Jacksons Square —- Café du Monte — French Market —- Lake Pontchartrain — La Fayette Cemetery — Magazine Street

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    St. Louis Cathedral

     

    • We drove around the French Quarter and went past the Cornstalk hotel (the most photographed hotel) on Royal Street and other places of interest.

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    The Cornstalk Hotel

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    Houses in the French Quarter

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    Lafitte’s Blacksmith Shop – One of the oldest surviving structures in New Orleans 

    • We then took a drive down Esplanade Street – a scenic and historic street. We went past the Pitot House, the only Creole colonial country house that the public can access. Sadly we missed out on the tour.

     

     

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    Pitot House (photocred louisianalandmarks.org/visit-pitot-house)

    • We took a detour past some residential neighbourhoods – Lakeview, Lakeshore, Garden District and Audibon Palace. John gave us a local insights on Katrina and the devastation it caused. He took us to his neighbourhood and showed us empty lots where houses used to be.

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    • One of the tours that I found strange in was the cemetery tours (I know, it’s a very strange and morbid) but these tours are popular. The reason why this is a major thing to do is because the city is built on a swamp -the only city built below sea level. The deceased have to be buried above ground in elaborate stone crypts and mausoleums. These above ground cemeteries are often referred to as ‘City of the Dead’.
    • Saint Louis No. 1 is the oldest and most famous, we visited the Metairaie Cemetery which has the largest collection of elaborate marble tombs and funeral statuary. The construction of these elaborate final resting places can start from $90 000 and reach $500 000 and they have a ‘Millionaire’s Row’ for all the rich and famous people. I thought we (African people) spent money on funerals.

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    Metairie Cemetery

     

     

    Places I would have loved to spend some time at had we had a full day 2 were:-

    Where we stayed

    We stayed at the Ritz Carlton which is located on Canal Street a major thoroughfare, forming the upriver boundary of the city’s oldest neighbourhood, the French Quarter which served historically as the dividing line between the colonial-era (18th-century) city and the newer American Sector, today’s Central Business District. Great hotel that has everything you need when travelling.

    Decent size rooms which include a fully-stocked minibar and an iPod docking station. Cable TV and a spacious work desk. A private bathroom with bathrobes, slippers and toiletries. My only criticism is that shower/bath situation with a curtain, I’m not a fan. I prefer a stand-alone shower.

    The hotel has 24-hour room service, a complimentary overnight shoeshine service, and overnight laundry service.

    Hotel Amenities & Services

    • Indoor Pool
    • Meeting and Events venues
    • Fitness center with cardiovascular and strength-training equipment
    • A spa with 22 treatment rooms A gym and SPA
    • Wi-Fi
    • Concierge Service
    • ATM Machine on site

    Dining

    1. M bistro serves authentic New Orleans cuisine. Is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
    2. The Davenport Lounge offers afternoon tea and evening cocktails. Serves lunch and dinner. Live jazz is played in the Lounge on Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday evenings.

    The hotel also has a kids club, I find this service extremely beneficial to parents travelling with their little ones.

    Staff were friendly and service was great, we did have a minor issue, one of the rooms was not cleaned. They made the bed but did not clear dirty cutlery and serviettes from our previous dinner in the room.

    I did like the welcome towel area at reception that was setup every morning. Its always the little that guests appreciate and remember with hotels.

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    The experience and being in New Orleans was incredible. I was lucky to capture one of the thee most beautiful sunsets. #GoldenHour

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    With all the problems that they have, the people that we met were happy and truly grateful for having survived and lived through Katrina.

    As I’m writing this blog post, today (29 August) marks the 12 year anniversary of Katrina. Today New Orleans is bracing themselves for heavy rains from Hurricane Harvey.  I do hope they survive the weather.

    Till next blog, happy Travel Tuesday.

    TS!

     

     

About Me

“Fill your life with experiences, not things. Have stories to tell, not stuff to show.

My love for travelling was ignited by my parents, they opened our eyes to the world of travel and encouraged us to explore the world.

A lover of all things Splendid. I love travelling, I love discovering new places and experiencing how other cultures live. Amazing memories are created through experiences, no matter how small or big.

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