Memories of Benin

Today I thought inspired to write a post about Benin. O! Get ready guys because it's going to be  a long post! I have so much memories attached to that country. I have thought about doing it many months ago but I could not find times and enough words to write because Benin has been a really important part of my life. I felt like I should take my time to read and write before publishing this post. I went to Benin in the early 90's I was not far to become a teenager when I first went there then later I became a young lady. Being in that country really means a lot to me since I grew up there without my parents and I had to learn so many things in order to become a " complete adult ". The reason why I decided to write about Benin is not because I want to talk about my personal life but the people,the culture, the beauty of the landscape and the memories related to that special African land. . My Carnet de Voyage is about this type of experience it's a Carnet de Voyage of life, of countries, some experiences and Arts. I have lived there and I enjoyed living in Benin! I hope to go back to Cotonou for my next summer vacations. I miss the local dishes and the atmosphere. I simply want to take time to walk once again in the streets of Cotonou and see the people around talking and being busy with their daily activities. The charming ladies driving their motorcycles in the city. Yes! It will remind me of some good times spent there. I can still hear the voices of the ladies selling some "dokos" and some local soups on their tables put along the street with some small lanterns at night. Some customers would simply be sitting there eating and talking to each other.I can still hear the noise of the vespas (a type of motorcycle) driving in the quiet streets and not forgetting on a funny note the "agluzas!" (a type of pork) I got used to them time after time.
       The first time that I felt and saw the harmattan, it was in Benin. I am originally from the central part of Africa the weather is different and the "harmattan" was a phenomena that I have never experienced before only in the books until I got there (people told me that dry wind was coming from the Sahara.) Early in the morning the city was completely covered with white fog and it was so chilly! Once out,You could barely see the person coming in front of you. To me, it was such an exciting and funny experience! So clearly in this post I want to talk about the most exciting things to do  (What I did) and what to go visit.
        Benin is a country in West Africa which was formerly called "Dahomey". The Republic of Benin is bordered by Togo, Nigeria, Niger, Burkina Faso and the Atlantic Ocean on the bottom. The official language is French but on my own experience as far as I remember "Fon" was the language mostly spoken but still people use French for those who do not know how to speak Fon and at school too. Others could speak Yoruba as well.Of course! I had to learn Fon because it was important for me to understand and to speak a little bit. Even though I have lost a lot since I didn't practice it again for years, I can still understand some words (Like for example I can still say good morning: "Afon Gandji a" or goodbye its: "o Dabo" or this one "Evivi gandji" meaning "very good" or "Asea?" meaning "Do you listen?" or "Gosifine!" which means "Get out of my way!" "Awi" I think it's the cat.etc ok! these are just few examples of the words that I can still remember)

Benin on the map of Africa

 Benin had originally a kingdom named the "Kingdom of Dahomey". After the French colonization, Benin got its independence the 1rst of August1960. The currency used is the CFA.The country also had a History of slavery trade during the 17th century like many other countries on the African coast. I also remember reading that a certain period the country went through a lot political turmoils but when I was there it was really fine! Things were changing and my friends recently told me that Cotonou has changed a lot after I left. They told me there are so many constructions everyday in the city and it is getting bigger and better than before.

the port of Cotonou

I used to live in Cotonou the active city of the country because of its economic and politic activities. However many people make the confusion between Porto Novo and Cotonou being the capital city and I did too. The fact that Porto Novo is a quiet city compared to Cotonou and the fact that the government is in Cotonou may probably explains the reason why we think this way but do not get confused! Porto Novo is definitely the capital city of Benin. According to Wikipedia in the city of Cotonou  you will see the ocean because it lies between the Atlantic Ocean and a lake. This statement is true! I remember most of the weekends in the afternoon with my host family we used to spend our afternoon at the "beach" actually it was not really a beach but the ocean because there is a huge difference when I compared the beach of my country and the one in Cotonou. The waves are big and strong. I guess people who like surfing will find their happiness on these waves! Yes it is definitely the real Atlantic ocean.We were there for picnic, to also play on the sand and the water but we needed to be really careful.

What can I recommend you to do for fun in Cotonou as a tourist? Well! First You should book a room in a nice hotel. There are many of them with different prices. It will be good to have a tour guide. The people are nice in general.

Take a time to go to the beach you will like it! You will relax on the sand and see the coconut trees! You can eat some of them if you want (wink)

the beach

There are good tearooms in the city such as "La Caravelle", "Les Delices" "Maison Rouge" and many others (It has probably changed since I left the country for years but don't worry you will find good ones) You won't be disappointed because the bakery and pastry are fined and so well done there. If you want to eat traditional and local dishes you can go to good restaurants in the city. Here is a web link about the Beninese gastronomy: http://www.recettes-cuisine-afrique.info/?Benin 

 If you like artistic works museums you will find them also there are some monuments to see. If you want to have fun, in this case instead of taking a taxi every time, try to take the "zemidjan (s)" which is a moto taxi. I and my friends had so much fun with it and it is cheap and fast!(Smiling) The first time that I tried it, I was scared but later I got used to the zemidjans.

you can see the zemidjans  with men wearing yellow blouse (people call them kekenon!)

If you are into religion a lot, then you  can visit the cathedral "Notre Dame" where the statue of the virgin Mary cried some real blood tears (if somebody has more details about this event  and want to share it please drop them in the comment box  I will really appreciate it). I used to go to this cathedral on Sunday too. I remember that the train used to cross the city at this area. You can also go to the big market called "Dantokpa" you can buy whatever you want but there are also some supermarkets in the city if you want specific things or food. You can go to the artisanal village where they sell some nice African Arts like handcrafts and many other things and activities in the city. Don't forget to buy some postal cards and some souvenirs! I like to do it too.

Cathedral "Notre Dame des Apotres" in Cotonou

 The mysteries, the History of this country, the stories told by people, superstition  tradition and many things like that make that place really special. Just thinking about it I always remember a book that I read there. The book was entitled "L'Arbre Fetiche" (The Fetish Tree)  written by Jean Pliya  ( I like this author I also read another book that he wrote it was a playwright the title was "La Secretaire Particuliere" It was so funny and interesting! I even remember some students did the play at my high school.) Ok! Back to my thoughts: Now if you read the book entitled "L'Arbre Fetiche" you will understand my point and you will be taken into the universe of the country itself. For instance, around Christmas and new year period I remember there were some groups of children wearing masks and dancing in the streets of the city with some drums singing "Caletta! caletta!" I think it's a tradition and probably still happens. Everybody in  the streets had some little fireworks I did like that atmosphere a lot! 

Jean Pliya's book

I also remember that at a certain period of the year like "out of the blue" adult people wearing some black torn and old clothes came out of nowhere and run between people everywhere in the streets and markets (Sometimes they wear colorful clothes). Then you could see the people around running away escaping from them running there and there saying these men were some "walking deads" they were called "Egungun" something like that and that if you look at them you would die. I heard that it was a tradition but I was thrilled and scared to death because I have never heard stories like that. I didn't understand either but I got used to it later with time and I knew whenever I saw them coming I had to avoid them as much as possible. A classmate told me later that he never believed they were real "walking deads" He thought that it was just a way to scare people and he told me that surprisingly one of them asked him for water because he was thirsty (Then tell me guys how is it possible that a walking dead could ask for water to drink?) Like seriously??! Then I started to think differently about these so called "Walking deads" but seriously guys if they are comedians I mean they were really excellent in the play because it looked so real and it was scary! 

Recently I checked the news about the "Egunguns" I read on an article that one of them was arrested and kept at a police station. Really!? A walking dead kept at a police station? Ok! This is where I still get confused about this phenomena but if you know something about it please drop the comment in box below I really want to understand what it is. To tell the truth I am still in a questioning mode: Are they real or false? However I can never think about going close to them and try to see their faces or closely stare at them because I don't know what is going to happen to me after. Let's change the subject...

With my host family we used to run at night around the Etoile Rouge where many people were jogging as well. We were living somewhere not far from the cathedral St Jean (St John) and Gbegamey. I was a student at a boarding school named "College Pere Aupiais". You can visit this school if you want. It was one of the best in the city I don't know about now but I guess it is still the same.

"Francis Aupiais" the high school was named after him

  So, during classes I stayed at the dorm. I was living with my host family during the holidays and during my vacations I was going back home or to another country with my family who came to pick me up. I remember a weekend with my host family we went out of Cotonou to Ouidah a little city on the coast of the Atlantic Ocean. I recommend you to go to visit Ouidah.There,You will visit a Fort built by Portuguese people  There is a long story related to it. If you know the darkest part of the History of Africa, you will know that slavery was done on most of the coasts of the continent and Ouidah being a city on the coast of Benin, the slave trade happened in that area. My feeling once there was so heartbreaking and emotional at the same time. You could still hear our ancestors 'voices who were forcibly deported crying in the empty huts. I guess their spirits were still there that is why I could hear their voices and I had some goose bumps. If you are African or if you have some African roots you will probably understand my point. It is something to read the History book and it is another thing to live what the books say. That experience you cannot explain  but it stays deep inside of you forever. At a certain point of the long trip  (that the slaves did by feet for days), there is a type of huge gate with columns and it was written "The door of No return" and I saw the strong Atlantic Ocean where most of the big ships that transported our ancestors were waiting to put them all and left the continent. That part was the most moving and heartbreaking step. As a young African I could not say why and how but I could have some tears falling from my eyes because I understood that there was no coming back. They were gone forever to suffer in some unknown lands.

"The Door of No return" in Ouidah. The slaves were leaving their native land through this door forever

The Temple of Pythons

I could hear the people (the slaves) crying from the ocean. Once again I had some goose bumps because hearing the wild waves of the ocean hitting the shore mixed with the sound of their sad voices hurt me so much and it gave me some mixed feelings. Then suddenly some scenes of the movie "Roots" came back in my mind. Therefore, I was either angry of the History which is normal because I could not understand why my people were treated this way and at the same time I had a deep feeling of sadness because there was no way to take them back and the events and damages were already done but all in all it was an important experience.
     Later We went to visit the museum of Ouidah and the temple of pythons.  I didn't go inside I didnt feel strong to try this experience I was scare but I remember something that the touristic guide was saying about these pythons. I think they were sacred and protected on purpose and kept by some special people something like that (If you know the exact meaning of the temple of pythons and the story related to it please feel free to drop the explanations in the comments box below I will really appreciate it. Thank you!)  You also know that the festival of voodoo takes place there. I didn't attend it...Now you know what to do in Ouidah I shared my old memories.

The Fort in Ouidah

the pythons of Ouidah

If you want to know more about the city of Ouidah and the story of these pythons check out this web link below
http://www.museeouidah.org/HistoryOfOuidah.htm
    Back to me being a student in a private board school named college Pere Aupiais. It was a catholic school situated in the area of Cadjehoun or I think "Haie Vive" and....Patte d'oie (something like that)  It has been a while! We wore the "kaki" uniform and our standard was "Ora et Labora" which means in latin "pray and work hard." like study hard you see what I mean?  Every Sunday we (me and the other students living at the dorm too during the school year) were going to pray at the cathedral "Bon Pasteur" (The good Pastor) We had many activities in my high school such as some different clubs etc. I was in the English club and I like my teachers so much!!! Mr Sewagnon and Ms Attolou Aimee were my English teachers really they were the best! La Haie Vive was a really good area with nice fancy houses.  

The lake village Ganvie

    Another of my tourist trip was Ganvie! I also  recommend you to go to visit Ganvie. It is a lake village built by the Tofinou people on the Lake Nokoue.  I remember that when I went there the man  who took us there (the tour guide) told us that the Tofinou people were escaping from the slave trades supported by another tribe from Dahomey. To be safe, they built a village on the lake and lived there for years away from the shore.That Dahomey tribe who were after them, had a religious or superstitious about entering the water therefore they could not catch them. As a people who live on the river their main economic activities beside tourism are fishing and farm fishing. I remember seeing little schools, cemeteries on the water I even saw a church I mean a total life on the river! We ate some local dishes at a restaurant on the water. It was an exciting experience! The people were so nice they welcomed us with warmth and love. They looked happy to see us visiting their village and you could tell that they were used to see tourists coming to their place (My mum and my sister did the same trip years later They really like it!) One of the tourist in our group lost his shoe in the water as we were getting back in the "pirogue" (the traditional little boat that we use in Africa) There is no translation for pirogue unfortunately but this is a picture of it.

Women on the pirogue (the main mean of transportation in Ganvie)

So the young man lost one of his shoe in the water. As he was trying to sit back in the pirogue,  suddenly one of his shoes fell and went down in the river instantly a little boy of Ganvie jumped in the deep water stayed there for like more than 10 minutes. We thought something happened to him but then he went out triumphantly with a smile on his face and with the shoe on his hand so we were all impressed and everybody applauded him for his bold and kind act. The man told us that the child was looking for the shoe as much as he could because they are really loyal people. He also told us that in the day the people of Ganvie were going on earth for selling things and fishes at a certain time of the day before night come they were already on their way back to the lake village. They were so independent of the earthly life and I liked it a lot! I even bought some souvenirs from there before leaving the lake village. My last year at the College Pere Aupiais there was an international competition for all the students of the French speaking countries in the world organized by RFI (Radio France Internationale). We were supposed to write an inspiring story. I participated and I wrote my trip to Ganvie. Unfortunately I didn't win they sent me a letter to thank me for my participation. There were so many students of other countries with different interesting stories.  However the best thing that I kept with me was the fact that my teacher helped me to write and I had his total support. I was proud of me trying something different. To me the trip to Ganvie was definitely inspiring...You want to know more about visiting Ganvie click on  this web link here: http://www.amusingplanet.com/2013/12/ganvie-village-on-lake.html

   You can go to Abomey! Yes! go to visit the historical museum and the royal palaces of Abomey where were staying the 12 kings. Abomey was the former capital of the kingdom of Dahomey and you will be amazed by its History. Abomey is on the list of the World Heritage sites in Africa. You will learn about the different kings who bravely protected the land . Those kings such as king Behanzin (You probably heard about him), king Guezo and many others. I will put some links about this special city if you want to know more about it

City of Abomey

the temple in Abomey

  

Here is the link:  http://www.africanworldheritagesites.org/cultural-places/ancient-sub-saharan-civilisations/palaces-of-abomey.html

you can also watch it in this youtube video to have an idea: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XinLxUEcYbU

Je vous parle de mon experience du Benin dans les videos suivantes:

Video 2 est la suivante mais j'ai le reste dans ma chaine youtube ou vous les retrouverai: Posh Girl

Another of my tourist trip was going to Porto Novo the capital city of Benin. I cannot say a lot about Porto Novo because I went there only once and we went to eat in a restaurant. we stayed the whole day in a type of hotel to entertained ourselves therefore I cannot share a lot about the city I am sorry... But! You can go there and see by yourself and have your own experience. Porto Novo is definitely way different than Cotonou. As we were driving around to the hotel I saw some places which still had the colonial style. 

Another place to go: Discover the "Pendjari National Park" to see the wildlife! Be adventurous! Here is the web link if you want to have an idea of this park:  http://www.pendjari.net/

  Here is a touristic website in case you want to visit Benin and plan your trip in advance: http://www.africa.com/benin/travel/

      In Benin people are really talented like people of Africa in general. You can see the artisanal works (handcraft Arts etc You know I like handcraft Art) and buy some of their master pieces.
   All in all you have an idea of Benin and you can now think about going there and visit the country. You won't be disappointed people are warm and nice! Now I think that I said everything! I will conclude this post with nice music from some Beninese musicians especially my favorite and talented one: Angelique Kidjo! She is internationally known and she even won a Grammy Award! You know my passion for music how I like it!  so sit back do like me relax and enjoy! Have fun!

PS: For those who wants to say something or share a trip to Benin you can drop your comments on the box below and any questions as well. I will gladly reply to them if I can. Thank you!

Angelique Kidjo "Agolo"

Angelique Kidjo "Wombo Lombo"

Petit Miguelito ft Chantal Ayissi (from Cameroon)Petit Miguelito ft Black Kent "Parce que Je  t'aime"

Petit Miguelito ft Teeyah

I like the national anthem. 'L'Aube Nouvelle"

To All the Moms in The World

To All The Moms in the World

This is a little post to say Happy Mother's Day! to all Mothers.
You well deserve that day to be honored. You are blessed among all the creatures because you carry lives, you give birth through pain and love to special human beings that we are. You possess and share a part of God's love in you.( Mother's Day has different dates in different countries of the world but I believe that we should honor our mothers everyday for what they are doing for us.) From babies to successful adults that is what you did to us and for us. 

Back home in my country we like to say that Mothers You are the base of families. I think about women in some societies where they are less fortunate to express freely their feelings and their opinions but still remain faithful to their duties of mothers. I think about widows in some countries of the world who still fight for their children's well being without any support from families 'members or governments. You are not alone because only God sees and knows your everyday pain and stands by your side. I want to encourage you all. I also think about Single moms who are strong Women and who stand everyday to provide for their children's needs by doing sometimes two jobs in a day. Mothers are real superhuman. I know that someday it will payoff because your perseverance is not in vain. We see it and we are thankful. However, to me the best job in the world is to be a mother!  

On that special date, I also want to thank my mom. She is so special and precious to me. She is my inspiration and just hearing her voice gives me strength. God made mothers for something special. You carry something special.My mum is the reason why I still fight for my dreams. I love my mom and I want to make her happy and proud. She never stops believing in me. Mother's heart is like an alabaster jar they forgive, they never see something negative in their children. The way God sees us is the same way you see your children the unconditional love. You protect us and you take care of us.
 Moms I want you All to know that you are all precious and your love is precious to us. Happy Mother's Day to my mum and to you all mothers of the world.
Thank you!

My Mom and I (Precious moment!)

Milli Vanilli

Milli Vanilli!!!
(Just remembering Milli Vanilli)
Yes, I know it's old but guess what?! I miss this group so much! I do not have a lot to say about this R&B pop group that I like. My tribute here will be really simple. I Just want to remember the good times when these two handsome guys were entertaining us with their dance. I recall some of their songs because at home it was on TV everywhere and I was a child when these two guys were famous. They had an original style  that I liked ( I mean their clothes, their hair...everything!) the group Milli Vanilli was composed of two young men: Fab Morvan and Rob Pilatus. For some reasons I always thought that it was an English group. Hey! No! I was wrong! I found out that one is actually French and the other was from Germany. Amazing right!? because they were so fluent in English I like their accents when they were speaking during interviews. Unfortunately, the group had not a happy ending due to a lip-synching scandal...well something like that) and the sad note of the story is that Rob Pilatus passed away in 1998 in his early 30 something. Gone too soon he was so young... (RIP Rob). No matter what people say, I still think that they were both talented (Some of you will probably have another opinion) and I always wished to see these two guys back together and sing. While looking for recent news about Fab Morvan I read in some articles that he has a solo career now.
I still do not get the way they were treated. I think that people were too hard on them. Yes they made a mistake and it happens moreover we know that we are all humans. Also, when you like somebody you are supposed to support and stand by him/her in the good and the bad times. It looks like the entertainment world has no mercy...There is too much pressure.

"On Oprah Channel the TV show"Where are They Now" Fab Morvan the last Milli Vanilli is talking about what happened and what is happening now

Conclusion: This is a story that many young people should learn from. The lesson is not to be naïve in that business and know what you are doing or signing.

  Who can forget the songs: "Girl You Know it's True"
                                           "Baby Don't Forget My number" the video of this song was so funny.
                                          or this one: " Girl I am Gonna Miss You"
Guys! That was a good time!!  I want to thank these guys they were good! This tribute is just a way to say that they are not forgotten at all. I miss you Milli Vanilli! I miss those times! We like both of them.
I will simply share some of the songs from www.youtube. I hope you will enjoy them. If you have any comments feel free to drop them in the box below. I will be glad to read them! Thank you!

Here are the songs! The good old time! Enjoy and have fun!! (Smile) I am getting nostalgic now...

"Girl You Know It's True"

 

 "Girl, I am Gonna Miss You" (and we definitely miss Rob Pilatus too...) That song reminds me of the good times I had during vacations...

 

"Baby Don't Forget My Number"    ( "Love is stronger than tender " Lol!!This one always makes me laugh it's so funny!)

 

"Blame it on the Rain" (1989)

 

Recently, Fab Morvan sang 'Girl You Know It's True"  as a tribute for himself and  Rob Pilatus when they were both Milli Vanilli. It was really emotional and it feels so strange to see him singing this song alone when we were used to see them singing together! Just watch the video. Thank you for reading this post

 

 

To You Children of Africa

My Young sisters, my young brothers
    I want You to read this post. I feel so inspired tonight to write this little post to You. It probably sounds weird but I feel that I should write something I must say something. Someday you will understand these words, these thoughts. Someday you will understand me. No more cry no more tears in your eyes because a bright future is yet to come. I want you to smile and stand up for your dreams. I believe in you the New powerful Generation of Africa, the new people of Africa. I believe in a future Africa getting strong and stronger. There is a new wind coming from somewhere a new wind that will blow all over the continent a new life a new beginning so wipe your tears.
Do not and never be ashamed of who you are. Do not accept negativity about our land our continent. I want you to raise up your heads. You come from a royal continent yes once upon a time but true facts we had proud queens and kings in Africa. Yes we had kingdoms and empires. We had a great civilization,  great warriors, great leaders in Africa who believed in freedom even though oppressed, rejected. we had great poets, great artists in Africa. Africa has a rich culture, Africa has a rich land it is the continent of the future. There is a new sun rising soon with a bright light do not fear because things will be different. Someday you will understand. 
   We, the African, the older brothers and sisters understood some mistakes  made of the past we are trying to prepare the way for your time which is coming we are preparing your time to shine to make this continent great. It might not be enough but at least we are trying to start changing things...The mistakes of some of our ancestors should not be "forgotten" but forgiven. We must simply move on. We don't need to keep repeating and look back to the past. Yes we had some dictatures, awful bloody and greedy killers in some countries...There were genocides, wars in some part of the continent we can never forget what they did... but look! we must move on otherwise it will be a strain to our advancement. For the sake of those who fought for a free Africa, for the sake of those who prematurely died who were victims please stand up! You are the hope of tomorrow. I am sure they will be proud to see you reigning.
    I want you to think about and help those who have not a lot opportunities, I want you to stand for humanitarian causes such as protecting and taking care of widows and orphans. Support your brothers and sisters who deal with physical differences and difficult medical conditions. I want you to be involved in some other causes such as problem of clean water in some rural places, social causes, protect our endangered animals (our elephants, rhinos, gorillas,  and many others are killed every year for greediness, these people are so stupid that they cannot understand the importance of the natural environment) ... 
Keep and learn our valor, our own languages and cultures. Look up to God and follow His instructions that's how we succeed in life. He is the only and real support for our change never make God on the side or behind. It's a big and huge mistake!. Put God first in order to have success. We need to keep wisdom and God is the source of our strength and wisdom. He is the source and the essence of our continent. He is about to do great things in Africa just open your eyes and get ready you will be surprised. Someday you will understand...
I want you to concentrate on being great men and women in politic, business, literature, religion, medical fields, sport... I want You to concentrate on education, your studies because education is the key for success as it is said in the Bible that " my people perished because of lack of knowledge." Yes! Knowledge is the key to success for a better life a better tomorrow. Do not be afraid to learn do not be tired to learn. Dream big! for you for your families and for our countries. Have vision for a better tomorrow. 
I do not want you to make differences between all of us. You are either from Gabon or Senegal or Benin, Nigeria, Kenya, South Africa, Zambia, Congo, Algeria, Morocco, Burkina Faso, Ghana, Togo, Tunisia, Botswana, etc.  It does not matter at all! We are all the same because we share the same land, the same continent. No more differences among countries in Africa no more differences among tribes. Embrace who we are. Know who you are.Those kind of "differences" make our originality .You must be proud of your culture  be proud of who you are. You need to understand that  strength and success come from Unity, and solidarity. Therefore, We must hold our hands together, think positive and everything is going to be alright... I am not promoting a revolution or things like that, I am not a philosopher neither a writer. I am a person who just wanted to write what is right to say which is encouraging you all. I believe that sometimes we need to read positive things.This message sounds strange today but someday you will understand. I want you to read it and feel inspired.
A letter written from me, your sister to you young brothers and sisters from Africa.

(You can read my post "Africa Sweet Africa")

"Africa" One of my favorite of Salif Keita from Mali. Enjoy and be inspired!

" Asimbonanga" from Johnny Clegg and Savuka (South Africa)

Being Single, Living Single

Picture from Henri Bendel's facebook (I love the picture I felt like it matches this post)

Do you know how it feels to be lonely? It's probably the reason why I decided to write this post about being and living single.
Like some of you I know what it means to be a single lady. I know what it means to live by yourself. I guess many of you who will read my post, will understand what I talk about. I believe that there are the pros and the cons of being single. But still being lonely is not ...a good feeling at the end of the day...really not (Smile)
The positive aspect of being single is probably the fact that you can do whatever you want to . There is a certain freedom to do whatever you want for instance:
You can wake up late or early  during the weekend it all depends on how you feel.
You can cook and eat whatever and whenever you want.
You are free to be lazy sometimes and it is ok to be lazy when you do not have strength because you were busy and overwhelmed with so many activities during the week.
After going out for shopping. It's ok to have your clothes on the floor because you just do not feel like you want to organize things right away you can do it later. (Please  do not confuse with being messy and dirty or unclean...)
You can be back to your place late or early. You like your place in a certain style you choose the decoration and everything.

enjoying a bubble bath like Betty Boop!

You can take your time taking a bubble bath like all the ladies. You like to sing or put a good music to relax. Nobody will be knocking at your door and say: "Hurry up now! I have an appointment scheduled! Try to be fast there!" See? it's sometimes not cool right?!


or having a warm bath with good music to relax!

The negative sides of being single are probably more in my list because loneliness is one of the most difficult thing to live. Some studies in psychology show that people who had companions  (or husband) even a pet lived longer than those who were single and lonely.
When you are single you must do all by yourself. You must be strong and think twice and fast. Nobody will help you find good ideas over a difficult situation let alone an emotional support.
If you do groceries or shopping you will do it yourself nobody to help you carrying heavy bags to home.

   You listen to music and you can feel melancholy. Nobody to make you happy or make you smile. This is such a sad situation...
You can't share your thoughts about what happened at work or at school. I mean nobody to listen to you if your heart is heavy and sad. You have no shoulder on your side to cry. You cry alone. If you are happy you are happy alone nobody to share the reason of your happiness. If you are sick you have to take care of yourself alone.
You go to the park alone. You eat at the restaurant alone. You go to movies alone...
Just to name few of them and it looks like there are more sad notes in the single life (Maybe it's me I don't know). I do not think that being alone or lonely is a good thing but when you have no choices you simply deal with the situation. I don't want to be negative I just say the facts.
         People always say being single It maybe the best time of your life I always wonder why they say such things. They are probably right but on the other hand I believe that it's all about one's experience. Something that I personally realized with life it's that there is never a perfect 100% situation. For example, you might think that I like being here but at the same time I do not like this or that situation. You always have to make a choice anyway and assume the consequences as well. Let's say for example you do not want to be single anymore because you cannot handle this loneliness anymore. Once married there are decisions to make. You basically accept to compromise and give up a part of your freedom. You have to change some little  "bad" habits which can be irritating to your partner.( I heard so many stories about it). At the end of the day you definitely have to make a choice, a decision  and simply assume it.
My conclusion of this post will be a thought. This is what I think: " Let's try to be happy when being single and when married" I do not say give up on finding Mr or Mrs Right. Always keep hope for love.  It is really not easy but you don't want to feel sad or bitter. You want to keep smiling and smiling will attract people (Something that I myself am learning still and I admit it is not easy) But life is precious and we want to take a good advantage of it. What I do it's to do what I enjoy to do in my free times to avoid feeling loneliness. I avoid listening to sad music and I think a pet is a great thing in the house because it brings comfort. I embrace who I am and by the time I am waiting for Mr Right I try to set up a plan of my life and my personality should be once engaged. I should envision my life in the future. It's simply like trying to get ready (through readings, people's advice...) for the possible new part of my life.

       Another happy note on my thoughts: I am a huge perfume lover and I think perfumes have some meanings and should be wore according to how you feel or your status. For instance, like I said earlier I should embrace who I am at this moment and I always thought that Chanel perfumes:

Coco "Mademoiselle" Chanel

Coco "Mademoiselle Chanel"  because  I am a "Mademoiselle" meaning single for now and it means for me to enjoy my single life for the moment because it wont last long... maybe. Then, "Chance" of Chanel because it reminds me that I should always take a chance in my life and it gives me hope and luck that I would be able to meet  the right partner someday.  "La Petite Robe Noire" of Guerlain, representing an elegant lady.

Guerlain : "La Petite Robe Noire"

Marilyn Monroe holding Chanel's perfume (She said in an interview back in the days that she only wears Chanel perfume at night)

Coco Chanel Number 5, "Miss Dior Cherie" of Dior because the warmth and the spice they bring a happy note in my life's melody. They help me to embrace my womanhood, me being a woman and feeling good and beautiful. Also I like Lancôme perfumes for the same circumstances almost. For example "La Vie est Belle" of Lancôme because Life is indeed beautiful when we decide it should be this way. I like the smell of  "Pleasures" of Estee Lauder. These perfumes' design and smell is so fresh and wearing them reminds me that I should allow my life to be happy and I should be proud of this precious life and being single is not the end of the world it is just another window to see life in general. These are the right perfumes to use during this period of my life (That's me thinking! that's my opinion I don't know about you...)

Miss Dior Cherie

If I was a single man I will choose those of Yves St Laurent which are: "La Nuit de l'Homme" and "L'Homme" because you re indeed "The Man". I like to smell both. I think they are just good ones

"L'Homme" Yves St Laurent

"La Nuit de L'Homme" Yves St Laurent

I hope you like my post if you have  some comments feel free to drop them in the box below I will gladly read them Thank you!!

The 86th Academy Awards (The Oscars 2014 The D day!!!)

Yes! today 3/2/2014 is the D day for the Oscars! Are you excited like me? I hope so! In order to make you feel the moment, I would like to take you back in the History of the Oscars which I think it's important to know once again and to understand why it is such an amazing event. I will do a short summary of the history but if you are interested to know more about it, check out these websites:
https://www.oscars.org/awards/academyawards/about/history.tml
http://oscar.go.com/oscar-history
You might find the answers of some of your questions.

Why the Oscars? I think we need to remember that every work deserve to be rewarded (or awarded) and have a recognition. The Oscars also known as the Academy Awards are this recognition for actors, film directors and many others like the costume designers, those who have composed a music  or soundtrack for a movie etc.These artists are officially honored for their creativity and their achievement in the Film Industry. I will simply say that it's a "merit" to have an Oscar but it's also a merit to be nominated because it's a title that you keep in your entire career life. You will always be known as "The Academy Award Winner" or as "The Academy Award Nominated" which is important in the career of Film industry.

When was the first Oscar ceremony? According to Wikipedia.org and some other websites that I read, the first Oscar event took place on May 16, 1929 at the Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel. The second took place in 1930. We all know that there is the Event itself and then, there is the "After Oscar" party which I think they call the Oscars Governors Ball and "Vanity Fair" Gala etc but I have to make sure about this information first.
 Who was the first winner? According to the same websites, Emil Jannings was the first Academy Award Winner as a leading role for his performance in the movie entitled "The Last Command". I have never heard or watch this movie. I didn't know about this artist either but it's always good to know just for personal information. 
However, after reading and watching some documentaries about the Oscars, I understood that people were complaining about the fact that African American artists (or actors) did not have recognition that they deserved. I did my researches and I found out that it is only in 1963 that the first African American actor won an Oscar. His name is Sidney Poitier for his role in the movie "Lillies of the Field" Let's say from the 20's to the 60's which is a long period of time no African American actors were Academy Award Winner even though they were already in the movies ndustry. Then, according to Wikipedia and this History University Professor's blog: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/elwood-d-watson/the-complex-history-of-af_b_4856311.html
 It is only in 2001 that the second African American won the Oscar. His name is Denzel Washington and also the actress Halle Berry. It certainly raises some questions about why did it take so long for them to be honored like their other colleagues? They were not new in the industry and like the other actors they were also talented and had enough experience. I do not know the reason but I just read the facts and the facts make me simply wonder why?
 Today, I think there is a little bit of changes and diversity in the choices which makes people who have the acting passion to have hope. This year, it's good to see revelation of new actor and actress such as Lupita Nyong'o who is really talented.
I will be sharing pictures but I precise that they are not mine I pick them up from google.com
It's exactly 4pm on my watch the red carpet is soon to start. Presenting Rachel Smith and Lawrence Zarian. The Oscars will take place in the Dolby theater tonight.  I can see Michael Strahan and Kelly Ripa, Lara Spencer and Robin Roberts from "Good Morning America" and many others. All the celebrities are coming on the red carpet and it's an excited crowd of fans who welcome them. I have my choices and my taste already but also I read fashion designers review or comments and the poll about how celebrities are wearing the gowns. Unfortunately I won't be able to put all of them because the list will be too long. Therefore I will just put some of them that actually captivated my attention and those of many others.
For the best style so far:
Lupita Nyong'o ( Actress a "12 Years a Slave") looked like a princess in her nice blue pale Prada's gown.
Jennifer Lawrence ( nominated for "American Hustle") was in a red peplum dress Dior Couture's gown. I think she had a nice dress but I didn't really like her make up this time. I think I  like her last year dress and make up more than this year.
Charlize Theron was gorgeous with her black dress of Dior Haute Couture. I loved everything about it and I like her necklace as well.

Jennifer Lawrence, Kerry Washington, Amy Adams

Charlize Theron wearing Dior Haute Couture

Cate Blanchett (Leading actress in "Blue Jasmine") looked great in her  Armani Prive's dress.
Anne Hathaway had a simple make up. I think she doesn't need a lot because she is such a beautiful woman! She wears a special Gucci dress that I love. Yes! she is like a princess!
Amy Adams (Nominated for "American Hustle") is wearing a sapphire blue dress from Gucci.

Amy Adams wearing Gucci, Lupita Nyong'o wearing Prada, Sandra Bullock wearing Alexander McQueen

Sandra Bullock (Nominated for "Gravity") looks stunning!!! I love her midnight blue draped dress from Alexander McQueen. I even like her make up.
I loved Kerry Washington's lavender gown from Jason Wu. Really this lady wears her pregnancy so well! She is beautiful! I also like her make up
Naomi Watts in her Calvin Klein white dress looked nice!
Emma Watson looks gorgeous in the Vera Wang's gown. Some people didn't like it I don't know why.
 The "Not good":
Lady Gaga! I didn't like her style at all. Even many people didn't like it too! The make up wasn't good at all.
Did you recognize Margot Robbie on the red carpet? The blond lady of "The Wolf of Wall Street". I didn't recognize her Some did like her new style but not me I like when she keeps her blond hair.
Some people didn't like Penelope Cruz's dress. I don't know...but I didn't see something wrong with it. I think it was ok.
So many people are coming and leaving I try to remember what I saw first...

 Men were also elegant:
Leonardo DiCaprio (Nominated for "The Wolf of Wall Street") in a Giorgio Armani ensemble

Leonardo DiCaprio

Bradley Cooper (Nominated for "American Hustle")
Jared Leto
Zac Efron and many others

I like the way some couples were dressed:
I think about Mathew McConaughey  ("Dallas Buyers Club") and his wife Camila Alves
Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie

Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie

Chiwitel Ejiofor and his girlfriend Sari Mercer looking stunning!

Olivia Wilde  (wearing her pregnancy so well!) and Jason Sudeikis
Chiwetel Ejiofor ( Nominated for "12 Years a Slave")and Sari Mercer
If you want to see more comments and pictures shared about the Red carpet fashion, check out this website:
http://www.nydailynews.com/entertainment/academy-awards-red-carpet-2014-gallery-1.1708292?pmSlide=1.1708282
I am watching the ceremony now! I will be writing about everything tomorrow

 
03/03/2014

I think you agree with me that Ellen DeGeneres did a great job hosting the Oscars yesterday. She is really creative and original in her sense of humor. I like the pizzas part when she invited people to eat pizzas. I also liked when she took some selfies with celebrities while presenting. I also like when after she took the picture to the audience, she said: "Hash tag blessed!" that was so hilarious! I laughed at her jokes about Jennifer Lawrence falling it was not bad  it was just funny! She knows how to make you laugh.
Now let's talk about the Academy Winners yesterday which is the most important part I think. Who are they? I must say that I was impressed about artists' works in general! What I like about the Oscars is to realize that they are so many creative and talented people who are working hard behind the making of movies. I mean, make up, costume design, special visual effects, songs etc. It is simply amazing because without them there will be no movies. We basically focus our attention on the actors only but we sometimes forget the people who work hard and make the movie to be successful. I truly admired the work of the make up artist ladies who did the make up of Jared Leto and Matthew MCCounaughey for the movie "Dallas Buyers Club". The transformation was such an amazing and outstanding artistic work! For this reason, the two ladies won a well deserved Oscars yesterday. If you wonder why, then watch the movie to understand what I am talking about.
"Gravity" won a lot from, pictures, visual effects, I mean all the behind and the making of this movie was a complete success.They won most of the Oscars for this work however, none of the two actors were winner yesterday.
The best costume design was won for "The Great Gatsby" and I say 100% well deserved! Just watch the movie and you will agree with this choice.
The 3D animated cartoon "Frozen" won the Oscars for Best original Song "Let It Go"

The Best Supporting actor Academy winner was Jared Leto for his role in "Dallas Buyers Club"
The Best Actor Academy winner was Matthew MCConaughey for his leading role in the movie "Dallas Buyers Club"

The Best supporting Actress Academy winner was Lupita Nyong'o ( and I was so excited and happy for her and for what she represents for many) for her role "Patsy" in "12 Years a Slave"

Lupita Nyong'o winning the Oscar

She is such an inspiration and her speech that night moved me . It brought me the deep desire to fight and stand for my dreams as well. She is an outstanding young actress with a good career ahead of her.

Best Actress Academy winner was Cate Blanchett for her leading role in "Blue Jasmine"
I hope you liked the singing performances of the different soundtrack and songs like the one of Pharell Williams with "Happy" A song which was a great success and viral around the world.
I think I said everything! so I hope you liked my post. If there are some mistakes do not hesitate to let me know in the comments box below and I will make the changes. Also you can drop your comments or questions I will gladly read them and reply to them as well and soon as I can. Thank you!

The 86th Academy Awards (The Oscars 2014 prediction)

Ok! First, I must start by saying that I like movies and I want to add this: I am so excited for this Sunday event: Yes! The Oscars!!!!! Of course! I cannot miss it at all! The Oscars will air on Sunday night on abc  March 2, 2014, 7e/4p.I am more than ready and you should be too! (smile) It's only once a year so let's watch it! Ellen DeGeneres will be hosting the event so I know it will be so much fun! She is really talented and always know how to make people laugh. She is the perfect host for the event!

Ellen DeGeneres

Why do I decide to write about this event? Simply because I like Arts in general which include movies and actors 'work. Yet, I have never written about it before now because I never thought it was important at that time. However, I realized that this year I should write about it because I felt so inspired to do so. It is something that I want to share with those who actually have the same passion (You like movies).
What is special about the Oscars? Well I think first, the Red Carpet Fashion of course. What ladies wear how they wear the gowns. Who wears it right and who looks gorgeous it is simply a combination of all of it. Second, the excitement of the actors who are going to be awarded for their hard work during the year. Third, the revelation of new actors such as Lupita Nyong'o that we did not know before "12 Years a Slave" even though she was already acting and producingsome movies. Those like Barkhad Abdi who are an example of the American dream coming from a simple life to suddenly be a lucky Academy award nominee. Then last, the performances during the ceremony.
People have already made prediction about potential winners for this Academy Award. Yet I must say most of the movies were good last year! I admit that movie like "The Wolf of Wall street" was really controversial and it was a subject of discussion on TV. Despite the fact that some scenes were really "too much" to my own opinion, I must say that I was impressed by the way the actors played their roles.

 

the movie trailer:

 Leonardo DiCaprio showed to his fans once again how talented he is. I am myself an admirer of his work through the years and his career as an actor and I think he deserves the Oscar this year. The fact is I am never fed up of his movies. I saw him played the "Great Gatsby" and many other movies he is a really good actor! I can tell how this man is so passionate  for his work and how easily he can embrace another personality in his roles. For me it's simply amazing!

the movie trailer:

Chiwetel Ejiofor did a great job in "12 Years a Slave". He took me back to that time where life was not happy and easy for Black people in America. He made us encounter the real character through his acting work. One could feel the emotion, the fear , the sadness he played that role as if he was himself Solomon Northup (the real person who wrote this story which was his own story) ...The desire to live instead of surviving was so strong in this man. You could feel all this emotion from the movie. I believe that Chiwetel also deserves the Oscar that's the reason why I believe that the Academy will not have an easy decision to make this year. The movie "12 Years a Slave" touched me a lot because It taught me a lot from life that we take for granted!
I don't know if you remember how Matthew McConaughey was transformed for the movie "Dallas Buyers Club". He literally lost so much weight people couldn't even recognize him. Yet it shows how passionate and professional these actors are! And that's the beauty of Acting.
Some people really liked the movie "Gravity" with George Clooney and Sandra Bullock. I personally didn't watch it because I am not a science and space person. I only read the headlines of the story, people reviews and some clips of the movie. People liked the pictures of the movie.

"Gravity"

My wish was to see the movies: "The Buttler" nominated but it didn't happen (Oprah Winfrey did a great job as well as Forest Whitaker). "Long walk for Freedom" with Idris Elba. From my personal point of view this movie was a really good movie. The message was strong and important for those who believe in freedom but maybe not enough to be nominated for the Academy Award. I also thought that the movie "42" would be nominated this year but unfortunately it didn't happen. I like the story of this movie it was simply about Jackie Robinson, a brave man, a national hero with a strong personality. This movie moved me so much and I really think that there were some lessons of life to take and learn from this movie. Ok! Now
 
Here are the 86th Academy Awards Nominees:
Best Picture:
American Hustle
Captain Phillips
Dallas Buyers Club
Gravity
Her
Nebraska
Philomena
12 Years a Slave
The Wolf of Wall Street

Best Actor in a Leading Role :

 Christian Bale (American Hustle)
Bruce Dern (Nebraska)
Leonardo DiCaprio (The Wolf of Wall Street)
Chiwetel Ejiofor (12 Years a Slave)
Matthew McConaughey (Dallas Buyers Club)

Movie trailer: "Nebraska"



Best Actress in a Leading Role:
Amy Adams (American Hustle)
Cate Blanchett (Blue Jasmine)
Sandra Bullock (Gravity)
Judi Dench (Philomena)
Meryl Streep (August: Osage County)

Best Actor in a Supporting Role
Barkhad Abdi (Captain Phillips)
Bradley Cooper (American Hustle)
Michael Fassbender (12 Years a Slave)
Jonah Hill (The Wolf of Wall Street)
Jared Leto (Dallas Buyers Club)

Movie trailer: "American Hustle"

Best Actress in a Supporting Role 
 Sally Hawkins (Blue Jasmine)
Jennifer Lawrence (American Hustle)
Lupita Nyong'o (12 Years a Slave)
Julia Roberts (August: Osage County)
June Squibb (Nebraska)

Then, you have the other categories such as: The best Cinematography, the best costume and many others.
Some people predicted:
about the best actor in leading role, Leonardo DiCaprio (which will be his first Oscar) or Matthew McConaughey will be the winner. My choice will be Chiwetel Ejiofor and Leonardo dicaprio to win this category.
About the Best Actress as leading role, They said Sandra Bullock or Cate Blanchett or Meryl Streep. My choice is: Sandra Bullock and Meryl Streep to win this year.

"Captain Philips" movie trailer

"Dallas Buyer Club" movie trailer


For the Best Actor in a supporting role they said: Jonah Hill or Jared Leto. I agree with this prediction. About the Best Actress in a Supporting Role, they predicted: Jennifer Lawrence or Lupita Nyong'O or Julia Roberts. Once again for this category I agree with them.
About the Best pictures, they predicted: Gravity, 12 Years a Slave, Nebraska. I agree with two of them which are "Gravity" and "12 Years a Slave" but I think "The Wolf of Wall Street" can win as well.
I didn't watch all the movies last year but I can tell The actors are done an amazing work so for me, being a nominee is not bad at all it's a step toward more. However, I will be glad to see Lupita Nyong'O win.
About the red carpet fashion, I think I just do not have any prediction but so far Lupita Nyong'o has wowed us many times with her style, her pure, simple  and natural beauty in and out. I admit I am a big fan already not only for her performance and her style, but also for her personality. At the Golden Globe and last year Sandra Bullock wore really nice dresses I simply loved the style. I liked Julia Roberts' appearance at the Golden Globe awards this year, she looked fresh and beautiful. Usually Eva Longoria always come with something special and nice. Kerry Washington is the beauty as well I like her style so yes I know she will wear something special. Therefore, I cannot make any prediction about the fashion style or who will be dressed better than who. I think, I just want to be amazed once again and that's the beauty about the Oscars. I will post some of the pictures from websites tomorrow.
So let's see on Sunday the results and the entire ceremony. I will write a post about everything that captivated my attention also my thoughts and many other things. I think from today I decide to write the next Academy Awards.
If you have any comments about the movies which are nominated feel free to drop a comment below I will be glad to read it. Don't forget to tune in on time! Turn on your TV on abc channel. Don't forget the red carpet and simply Enjoy the Oscars!!