Category: Travel

Leaving Sydney and landing in Johannesburg – Day 1

On By Mindful crochetIn Crochet, Travel


So two very excited people got onto the plane. Both Jenny and I haven’t been on a plane since pre-Covid era. We are the only two wearing a mask inflight. It was a nice plane trip but 14 hrs does feel longer than I thought. Thankfully I could crochet to my hearts content- I took various hooks, yarn and little scissors and sailed through Sydney check in- no one was concerned!
As we got to the end, and I first looked out if the plane I took a photo to believe I was really here! The O.R.Tambo airport greets you with simplicity as we queue up for immigration. It’s totally different to Sydney- there are less security personnel and no crowds. There was one queue for immigration and then we were out to get the coach.
People are very friendly and helpful. As we walked out we took photos to prove we have landed in South Africa as we both find it a bit unreal!
After check in we realised it was midnight back home and we didn’t want to sleep as it’s only 2pm here. So we went toe dipping into the pool! Then the jet lag set in, so we had a quick dinner and went early to bed!

Discovering GOA

On By Mindful crochetIn Crochet, Old buildings, Travel

Travelling around has one great reward! It’s discovering things and learning from them. I was pleasantly surprised to find crochet inspiration hidden in little things like the pattern on these old tiles in a very old Hindu temple in Goa.
Goa is a mainly Christian region which was originally colonised by the portugese when they first came to India. Goa boasts many beautiful churches of which we managed to see two. The gorgeous Portuguese architecture is breathtaking and as we were there in the wake of Christmas celebrations we got to enjoy the decorations too. The first church we went to was started in 1594 and dedicated to infant Jesus. I have a few photos to share below. 


I found it inspirational being able to visit and appreciate the churches even though we are not Christians. However I was also a little surprised to find that there was little or no care taken to preserve these ancient relics. Old Paintings that adorn the church walls are not protected in any way and some have scratch marks where people have defaced them. Another thing I found surprising was that the staff employed for the cleaning of the churches didn’t seem particularly keen or trained in their job. 

Once you learn to ignore the crowds and the other little things which we are so used to in our part of the world, you begin to see things as they really are. For example the floor was broken and mostly just dusty but miraculously the churches are very well preserved. They are clean, enjoyable and full of beautiful treasures form Goa’s illustrious past. 


I hope you have had a wonderfull Christmas. Thanks for reading and I hope you enjoyed the photos and writing. 

❤ 

Payal