Toodle-Loo

I could tell you my adventures, beginning from this morning... but its no use going back to yesterday, because I was a different person then.
~ Alice in Wonderland

kwaheri and asante sana

xxx

~ hibiscus

Time to say goodbye

                                                   (google images)




It is never easy to say goodbye to anyone, anything, anywhere....

But sadly the time has come that we have to say good bye to our friends of Mangotree Musings.

We are slowly being reduced to only two musers left in Dar es Salaam (at the end of May dear Andizi will make her way back to the bright and sunny SA)
Thanks for all the love, comments and support - we had a lot of fun telling you about our journeys, adventures and tit bits of a place that we all love.

All the best for 2011 - it's gonna be a good one!
Till next time!

~desert rose~

MERRY CHRISTMAS TO ALL.....

Seeing that we all away and trotting the globe for the next couple of weeks, we'd like to wish everybody a VERY MERRY CHRISTMAS and an exceptionally good NEW YEAR!

All the best and more from the Musers in the New Year!

Plastic in the ocean

People can sometimes make weird and stupid choices.

Like for instance: yesterday was a public holiday in Tanzania (Independence Day I think?) and we all sat, sunscreened-up, hats on, drinks ice cold and geared for a mean booze cruise on the tender boat on our way to Dhow Junkie, our friends awesome dhow.

                                                                               (google images)

All of a sardine the engine of the tender boat stopped and cut out completely....... We all looked at each other, oih, dhow is out thhhheeerrrreeeeee and the beach is a good swim away. There were murmurs about plastic wrapped around the engine .... and low and behold, as the "captain" lifted up the  engine, there was a  huge 50kg mieliemeal bag wrapped around it.

No problems, hakuna matata..... He just unwrapped it and unceremoniously chucked it right back into the ocean. I mean OH MY SOUL!!!! Was that necessary? Ready for the next guy to get stuck I guess.
Worst thing is that I couldn't get a word out to SCOLD this old guy for what he just did and the bag drifted away slowly.

I must say, I am pretty disgusted at the best of times with these Tanzanians dirty way of dealing with their rubbish. If you are looking to make good money quickly - start a rubbish plant somewhere and clean up this town. (not a nice job, but you'll make millions, because everyone will pay you to do it!)
Currently their reason for throwing plastic bottles, cartons etc out the windows of the dala dalas (taxis) is because it creates work for someone else. For GOODNESS SAKE!

Where's: Zip dit in 'n Zippy Blik! Hie hie!

Try and teach the people around you about cleaning up. We must start somewhere.

~desert rose~

Cold Lemon Papaya Soup

Oh, my soul. I asked my dada (cleaning lady, fairy, nanny, cook....) to prepare some peas, rice and chicken for Moo and myself yesterday.

I came back and had the most delicious meal in a LONG time. I was really expecting, boring old peas and rice, with proper fried chicken ( I even tried to tell her, NO MAFUTA (oil) just KIDOGO olive oil (a little bit!)

We were pleasantly surprised when the meal consisted of: cardamom - and might I add perfectly fluffy - brown basmati rice with coconut peas and a Swahili Chicken Curry, with the most exquisite spices. WOW. I should ask her to cook more often!

                                                                                   (Google Images)      

So I thought I'd go through one of my many Swahili cookbooks and find this recipe for the peas so that I could share this with you, but alas, nothing. (will have to wait for that!)
So I chose a recipe I found in the "Swahili Kitchen" cookbook written and photographed by Javed Jafferji and Elie Losleben, my mouth just watered when I read through it! Enjoy with a cold glass of white wine on a warm, tropical afternoon....

Cold Lemon Papaya Soup

1 large ripe papaya
1 cup lime or lemon juice
1 cup orange juice
3 cloves of garlic finely chopped
1 tsp cumin powder
1 tsp powdered ginger
1/2 tsp chilli powder (or half a small fresh chilli finely chopped)
Black Pepper and salt
Chopped fresh coriander and croutons to garnish

Mix all the ingredients in a blender until smooth. Chill and serve topped with chopped fresh coriander and croutons!

Happy Cooking!

~desert rose~

Best Fruit Cake Recipe ever

Guys, you have to try this, it works like a bomb - everytime!

 Tequila Fruit Cake recipe :

1 cup sugar
1 tsp. baking powder
1 cup water
1 tsp. salt    
1 cup brown sugar
Lemon juice
4 large eggs
Nuts
1 bottle tequila
2 cups dried fruit

Sample the tequila to check quality
Take a large bowl; check the tequila again to be sure it is of the highest quality..

Repeat.

Turn on the electric mixer. Beat one cup of butter in a large fluffy bowl.
Add 1 teaspoon of sugar. Beat again.

At this point, it is best to make sure the tequila is still OK. Try another cup just in case.
Turn off the mixerer thingy.

Break 2 eegs and add to the bowl and chuck iin the cup of dried fruit.
Pick the fruit up off the floor.

Mix on the turner.

If the fried druit getas stuck in the beaterers, just pry it loose with a drewscriver.

Sample the tequila to test for tonsisticity.
Next, sift 2 cups of salt, or something.

Check the tequila.  

Now shift the lemon juice and strain your nuts.

Add one table.  Add a spoon of sugar, or somefink. Whatever you can find.

Greash the oven.

Turn the cake tin 360 degrees and try not to fall over.

Don't forget to beat off the turner

Finally, throw the bowl through the window.
Finish the tequila and wipe the counter with the cat.

~deshhert rosh~

Wise Dori....

My dear Andizi - in the words of the very very wise Dori, and I quote: "Keep on swimming, keep on swimming......."

You will have your "no ways" moment, I promise - it's around the corner.

~desert rose~

London in 4 nights.......

TUBE MAP (i know, I'm also VERY confused!)

GAUCHO RESTAURANT (oh my soul - Argentinean Steak and the best Malbec ever!)

CARLOS SANTANA LIVE (tears in my eyes - Maria Maria)

OXFORD SHOPPING (barely made it, chaos and credit card broken)

GORDON RAMSAY'S RESTAURANT ON ROYAL HOSPITAL ROAD (there is NO explanation to describe how AWESOME this experience was)

ALYWNE MANSIONS, WIMBLEDON - Party Palace!

(with some awesome chicken wraps)

( and later - The Alexandra Pub........)

London, done, dusted in 4 nights! Woohooooo! 

Thanks to all you dear people who made this happen!!!!

Life Lessons

                                               (Google Images)



Disappointments. What are you supposed to do with them?

My precious family has recently been the direct hit of a malicious and child-ish person/persons. And I tell you: what an incredible disappointment this has that been for us. We were shocked, shattered and sad.

After a lot of thought and picking other people brains of why someone would do something so degrading to someone else, I've come to the conclusion that the reason for their actions, must be because of jealousy.

This post is short, but all I want to say today is that, if you've got bad vibes with someone, or you don't like that person, don't be malicious, don't shame that person in public. It is not welcome. Go and talk to him/her, sort it out. We are all adults and don't need to be treated like "bad citizens" because of someone's hatred and jealousy.

Be the better person.

I'll have to pick up the pieces and learn from this disappointment and try again.

goodness, what is it with these responsible parent

I don't know, maybe I'm missing the point - why oh why do we have such responsible parent around?
For goodness sake, this is hysterical....!

Impi took this picture yesterday when he came back from the Farm.

waaahhaaaaa!

the little kid's chair is tied to the back of the motorbike with mpira (inner tube) and he's just hanging ten.... no problem what so ever.

see.. the parents both have helmets but, no, oh no, not the little child at the back.

Who do you think  we should send this to - will anybody even do anything about this?

~desert rose~

Ode-to-Sakkie-se-Potjie

                                     

                                                                      (Google Images)

Gotta love a potjie!! My inner bush girl is tagging at me in "whale language" - yyyooouuuu neeedddd tttoooo ccccoooookk ooonnnnn aaaa ffiiiiirrreeeee.....

I miss it, oh my soul, I miss the bush. There is nothing like the smell of fire. Even food cooked over an open fire just tastes better for some reason.

I know I've done a recipe of a potjie before, but this one is also a complete winner!!

This is a Chicken & Sweet Potato Potjie

- Grab your bottle of wine (and a glass, it won't look professional if you drink out of the bottle infront of your guests, you need them impress them)

Ingredients:

10 chicken pieces - pan fried in a bit of olive oil, salt, pepper the whole rigmarole
10 baby potatoes - halved
3 big sweet potatoes (the red ones) cut in thick slices
lots of garlic chopped
2 onions chopped roughly
dried apricots

- Splash a swig of olive oil and add a knob of butter in the potjie
- Then pack everything in layers and cook for about 30 - 40  mins......
- Watch that it doesn't burn - pour wine in if you are in doubt, can't go wrong

Sauce:

1 cup chutney - MRS. BALLSSSSSSSS
1/2 cup tomatosauce
4 pieces star anise
2 - 3 tsp sugar
1 tbsp turmeric
1/2 cup Worcestershire sauce
1/2 cup mustard seeds

- Combine all the ingredients in a jug and pour over your potjie which is simmering on the fire.
- Let this simmer for about 10 - 15 mins - DON'T STIR!

Enjoy your wine (and remember season with salt and pepper) and enjoy this lovely dish!


~desert rose~

A week in Scotland...

                                                                                                  (Google Images)

Champagne on tap, picturesque villages, old castles, Loch Ness monsters, lush green fields with sheep scattered all over, beautiful meals, medieval costumes, live guitar music, roaring fireplaces, sound of Flower of Scotland on the bagpipes, Gaelic crosses, Highland games, kilts, tartans, Edinburgh, history, laughter…… a week in Scotland

~desert rose~

scotland here we come

i'm leaving behind my dearest darling little angel and i'm going on tour with my hubby...... to Scotland
goodness, let's see what this next two weeks have got to offer!

~desert rose~

I am Woman

SEX AND THE CITY 2

Gotta love it – these woman is brilliant! Dar es Salaam-a-la-Sex-and-the-City-2

We got invited to the “Premiere” – excuse me – of Sex and the City 2 in Dar es Salaam! A couple of us girls, put our heels on and off we went to the Cinema.

Firstly – to get to the Cinema it took us about an hour as they opening started at 18:00. Or so the ticket said…. True Tanzania style – we got there at 18: 39 and they were still setting up! Hie hie!

But it looked great – pink carpet, pink drapes, pink cupcakes and best of all – PINK BUBBLES! JC le Roux was launching their new Le Fleurette Rose Sparkling Wine and they did a great job at it! No better idea than to bring bubbles to such a great movie!

It was honestly hysterical – and Samantha was the cherry on the top!

She was excellent! 

                 

I have to mention the clothes, oh the clothes, oh the beautiful, interesting, funky, weird, creations that came on screen! Goodness, whoever has got that job – they are great and shocking at the same time! I guess that is what they want – the shock  and wow factor all in one!

Ladies – round up the troops, dress up and go and see the movie – it’s fun!!!!

~desert rose~

Our little piece of Africa

                                               (Photo: Ryan Wienand)
Long story short.

Yes, I did fall in love with this guy I met in a bar, and yes, I won’t, but others will, vehemently say it because of the ever-present khaki fever..... we won't dwell on the point. And yes, he did end up owning a piece of Africa.

And so we got married, and with that, I also now obviously own a piece of Africa too!

Just came back from our spot in the bush – Lukula. And wow, my soul is restored, by head back in place and my body cleansed of city rat race.

Nothing like spending time out there, looking up to the clear skies at night and seeing the stars pop up in place. Nothing like the smell of a camp fire in the bush, the smoke on your hands, your dusty feet, candle lit dinners on sand banks and the low rumble of a male lions gentle roar when you lie awake listening to the deafening silence of Africa....

Come and visit us….. it’s an experience beyond words.

www.lukulaselous.com

~desert rose~

vuvuzelas in dar!!

                                                                                 (www.rjrossphoto.com)

Wooohooo for Tanzania..... and vuvuzelas!!

What fun! Tanzania played Brazil last night and we decided it's time to dress the part, get the vuvuzelas and support our team!

We all piled into a local dala dala (specially arranged for us) and set off to the National Stadium in Dar es Salaam. We all had the trademark vuvuzelas that are available all over South Africa for the upcoming FIFA World Cup, with us and we took on the job of being proper football/soccer spectators!

Our fellow supporters were very impressed by the vuvuzelas and we had great fun entertaining them with the hooting and blowing throughout the game!
But I must say we did get sideward glances every now and again.......
it was like, come on guys, SHUT UP! You are making TTOOOOOOOO much NOISE!

We had a blast and even tried to see if a vuvuzela can do the job of being a beer glass.......

down down down down

Enjoy the World Cup everybody and support your teams!!

~ desert rose (with ringing eardrums!)~

Yoga - For the Conscious Living

Wow, what a way to start a Saturday morning in Dar es Salaam.

I found myself (at a decent time!) this morning amongst a sea of deep purple, bright blue and happy gray yoga mats, facing the Indian Ocean and focussing on my breathing with so much content.

I started practicing yoga early January this year at the Colosseum Gym in Haille Selassie Road for the only reason - I was curious what the fuss was about.

Vinyasa Flow, Hatha, Ashtanga, power yoga - it was all just a mix of words!

I couldn't have asked for a more inspiring teacher - Taraneh - she completely got me into yoga for the rest of my life.
She was incredible and I'll always say thank you to her. She has sadly left us mid-May to go back to Canada and I had to find another person/teacher to fill her spot.
Luckily another great teacher - Helen - decided to teach Tuesday mornings. at the gym and I was happy again..... (08:30 - 09:45/10:00)

Heard via the grape vine that I had to try Satya's classes at the Thai Village ( Tuesday and Thursday mornings from 08:45 - 10:15)
First day there had me yearning for more - it was intense and I felt wonderful afterwards.

I also decided to attend his classes on Saturday Mornings ( starts at 10:00) at the Fitness Centre (you turn right off Kimweri Rd after the fallen down Baobab on a dirt road - Centre is at the end of the road) and I just thought that I had to let all the Dar es Salaamites know about this.

Come and stretch, position your body in poses unknown to yourself, test your balance and breath in fresh air......

~desert rose~

The Lamb neck-pepper-pasta potjie ala Dad (interpreted by Desert Rose)

Image from : www.ez-gas.com

po·tjie póyke] (plural po·tjies) noun  Definition: South Africa cooking pot: a rounded three-legged cast-iron pot in which food is cooked over an open fire [Late 20th century.<>]

 

Alright, so pour yourself the inevitable glass of red wine and get the following ingredients together:

(this will probably be enough for ± 8 – 10 of your friends)

1kg Lamb Neck chops (The new Farmhouse Butchery has them – saw it there last weekend)

Flour for dusting

2 large red onions

4 cloves of garlic, finely chopped

1 red and green pepper each, chopped roughly

The bottle of Brandy (KWV makes a good one) that’s stuck in the back of your cupboard cause you’ve stopped drinking brandy and Coke as a rule.

Black Pepper soup & Mushroom soup each prepared to specs on packet (Now I’ve never managed to find this in any Dar supermarket, but let’s pretend you had a packet…… guess any resemblance to a peppery packet soupy thing will work)

Packet of Tagliatelle – cooked for 5 mins and drained

Bottle of Chutney (Mrs. Balls only. If you don’t have it, don’t make this recipe! Shoprite – if you’ve got 4 hours every morning to deal with traffic or sometimes it is on display for 30 mins in Village Supermarket until all the South Africans get to it)

Grated Cheddar Cheese (3/4 cup if you have to be specific)

Punnet of fresh mushrooms (ha ha again – but don’t worry, you can actually find it every now and again at Shoppers Plaza or Village Supermarket)

METHOD:

If you are brave, get the guys to build a fire and do this over the open fire – best way! Remember to monitor the coals all the time – must not be too hot.

Otherwise doing this on a normal stove will be fine.

-       Drink your wine at regular intervals.

-       Sauté onions, garlic, red and green peppers

-       Remove and keep separately

-       Dust the chops with flour and add to potjie, braai for a few minutes until brown all over

-       Add a dash of that KWV Brandy and flambé the meat – please take caution when doing this!!

-       Add onions and pepper mix in

-       Season with salt

-       Add the pepper and mushroom soup until potjie is about half way covered.

-       Add pasta on top

-       Add a helluva lot of chutney (leave kidogo (little bit) in the bottle)

-       Add grated cheese and mushrooms on top and add that tiny bit of leftover chutney over all of this

-       Simmer this at a long, slow heat and be carefull that the chutney doesn’t burn – probably 1 hour?!!

-       I would serve this with some salad and if you want rice!

-       Enjoy!!!!

 

A telephone conversation in Tanzania.

The telephone conversation went like this:

(Note: this is a real-life emergency that happened yesterday)

ME: Hello, please could you put me through to the Clinic, I have an emergency and would like to see the gynecologist as soon as possible. 

OPERATOR 1: Ok please hold.....

.......

OPERATOR 2: GHALLO?

ME: Hello Ma'am (my mother taught me well) please can we come and see the RUSSIAN gynecologist right now - I have a friend that's got an emergency.

OPERATOR 2: ..... GHALLLO?!

ME: HELLO MA'AM, DO YOU HAVE SPACE FOR ME NOW?

OPERATOR 2: OH, ghallo, yes, you can come.

ME: Is the RUSSIAN gynecologist there?

OPERATOR 2: Yes, you can come, what is the patient's name?

ME: Mary. Please confirm if the RUSSIAN gyne is there - I can't remember her surname, I think it starts with a S.

OPERATOR 2: Yes, you can come.

ME: Thank you, we'll come now to see the RUSSIAN gyne. Goodbye.

OPERATOR 2: OH, she's not here, she's on leave.....

ME: ...........

Don't you just love it. If it wasn't my first day back after two weeks in a semi-1st-world-country, I would reacted very, very badly indeed.

I am pleased to report though that my friend, Mary, is ok and nothing is wrong with her or her baby. Just mama's low blood pressure. 

Guess who told us this: the Philippino gynecologist........

~desert rose~