POTPOURRI September 2014

14 Beach Boy’s Must-Haves

Signs He Is Ready To Settle Down!

All In A Heartbeat Saving the Life of Lenny Gabriel

How I Took Control

The Secret to Gorgeous Salon Hair Meet Martin Hoarau

SEPTEMBER 2014 | POTPOURRI

1

www.potpourrimagazine.com

2 Weight Loss SuccessES

POTPOURRI

September

53

65

Natural Wonder of the World Cairns, Australia

Clean Up The World Do Your Bit!

20

44

ELUSIVE BALANCE and the Virtues reward

20

Good Touch Bad Touch Protect Your Child

Surrogate Babies What are their rights?

The Team Chief Editor: (1) Marie-France Watson | M: + (248) 2512477 | E: marie-france@seychellespublications.com Marketing: (2) Ineke Camille | M: + (248) 2520937 | E: ineke@seychellespublications.com Freelance Writing: (3) Elaine Lafortune, (4) Darrel Antat, (5) Mawess Wirtz, (6) Isabelle Lablache, (7) Kurt Gilbert Photography: (8) Suzanne Verlaque | POTPOURRI Photography Studio Graphics & Layout: (9) Olivia Michaud | W: www.angelcreativedesign.com

La Plage

right on Beau Vallon Beach 1

2

5 Potpourri Magazine Seychelles

6

3

7

4

8

9

Potpourri Seychelles is published by Paradise Promotions Ltd Box 1539, Room 14, Docklands Building, Victoria, Seychelles Tel: + (248) 4325215 | Fax: + (248) 4325216 | www.potpourrimagazine.com Printed by: ATLAS Printing Press LLC.

Phone: +248.4.620.240 Open everyday Non-stop 12pm - 11pm

Closed on Wednesday

From the

EDITOR Dear Folks,

Photo credit: Suzanne Verlaque

In honor of this issue, I tried to figure out how a male editor would approach this and what he would write. The task was no child’s play. I could not even for a second be a man, and this is even despite knowing numerous stereotypes about our male counterparts. But in the process, I did realise that it might not be as easy as we’re made to believe being a man is.

‘Should I open the door for her?’

‘Should I pay the bill?’

‘Should I use only half my strength when it’s time to arm wrestle?’

With the world screaming about equality between men and women, there are some grey areas on the topic. Good and noble intentions can quickly be dismissed as being rude and chauvinist. Many men must surely feel they can never win.

If we simply laugh off this topic, we might be overlooking a very serious issue.

Statistics indicate that men are more likely to end their lives (over half of all suicides occur in adult men, ages 25-65 according to www.save.org), while World Health Organisation statistics tell us that more women suffer from depression. Are men doing a better job in bottling up their feelings? Are their masks better than ours?

This is no simple topic and I will not further dabble into a topic I have no certified expertise in. However, I am a wife, a sister and a mother to two future men and I know that the occasional, “How are you really doing?” can go a long way in getting the men in my life to come clean about their feelings.

Our expectations might never diminish and we might never feel 100 percent contented with the men in our lives but once in a while let’s be mindful of the fact that they might really be trying their best and that they simply do not get us.

For those of you visiting our beautiful islands this month, may you have a memorable holiday and are blown away by the Seychellois hospitality.

Chief Editor

SEPTEMBER 2014 | POTPOURRI

1

Cover Model Christophe POTTER, 22 years old, Student.

Creative & Fashion Director: Joel Rose

2

Photographer: Lou Rabetokotany

SEPTEMBER 2014 | POTPOURRI

Hair: Teresa Costa

Make-Up: Brittay Jaime

by Tina Houareau

Dust If You Must

This sweet poem was first published on September 15th 1998 in the 21st edition of The Lady (“in continuous publication since 1885 and widely respected as England’s longest running weekly magazine for women”). The poem was written by Mrs. Rose Milligan from Lancaster in Lancashire.

On a practical level, it reminds us of the fact that at the end of a long and dusty week, not everything always needs to be in its place. On a more philosophical level, the poem prompts us to always remain conscious of how we spend the day with our loved ones - what we will do and how we will respond to the challenges that arise throughout the day. May the poem encourage you to step back from saying ‘yes’ to so many people all the time and really start focusing on this brief moment in time that you have on earth.

Dust if you must.

But wouldn’t it be better, To paint a picture, or write a letter, Bake a cake, or plant a seed?

Ponder the difference between want and need.

4

SEPTEMBER 2014 | POTPOURRI

Dust if you must.

But there is not much time With rivers to swim and mountains to climb!

Music to hear, and books to read, Friends to cherish and life to lead.

Dust if you must.

But the world’s out there With the sun in your eyes, The wind in your hair, A flutter of snow, a shower of rain.

This day will not come round again.

Dust if you must.

But bear in mind, Old age will come and it’s not kind.

And when you go, and go you must, You, yourself, will make more dust.

Tina Houareau is a Seychellois living in the USA with her young son. She is an Instructional Designer for Capella University, where she is completing her PhD in the same field.

Photo Credit - Joel Zamzow

Musings of an Island Girl

SEPTEMBER 2014 | POTPOURRI

5

6

SEPTEMBER 2014 | POTPOURRI

SEPTEMBER 2014 | POTPOURRI

7

LIFESTYLE

Signs He Is Ready To Settle Down Are you ready to settle down but you keep asking yourself, “Is he ready for this?” each time you think of launching this topic?

By Darrel Damoo Many young women are left bewildered with the notion that their partner might not be in a fit state to take to the next step.

Ladies, it’s men. We do things differently.

Yes that’s right. I am a young man who has already found his calling. So take it from me girls, there are lots of processes that happen in a male’s life that might not be obvious to you. Most of us don’t know how to really truly express our feelings with words, so we choose plainly hidden signs. Signs that I will now divulge, just for you.

How do you know he has called off his search for the one true love? And how do you know you are the reason?

These are the toughest question you’ll ask yourself after dating a guy who you think could be serious. The answers might have been in plain sight for quite a while now, but you just might not have understood them.

8

SEPTEMBER 2014 | POTPOURRI

Here are the major pinpoint clues you should watch out for: HE’S GOT DATING FATIGUE

This is just the introduction, ladies. At this early stage he feels that he has dated enough to know what he truly wants. In his mind he could be thinking that instead of seeing new faces every week, he just wants to see one.

HIS OUTINGS WITH FRIENDS START TO DIMINISH

That’s a good start. He now changes his perspective of the definition of “a fun night out.” Instead of swilling down beer, whiskey, vodka and God knows what other liquor might be on the agenda, he turns his focus onto you with a surprising dinner or a Friday night movie together.

YOU NOTICE AN INCREASE IN PHONE CALLS, MESSAGES AND INSTANTANEOUS VISITS

That’s a major clue to him wanting to be around you or in touch with you to more than he is actually doing. Usually this kicks in after a few weeks and by then you probably wouldn’t have noticed, so keep a sharp eye -- even note it down if you think you must.

LIFESTYLE

HE BRINGS UP THE SUGGESTION OF MEETING HIS FAMILY

Now here is another great example of him being ready, BUT (yes, there is always a ‘but’) this one can be tricky. Meeting the parents is one thing but you really should be focused on meeting the extended family in this case. So yes, there are two steps to this one.

First comes the parents, second is the extended family (brothers, sisters, cousins, aunts, uncles and son).

TOPICS AND DECISIONS ABOUT THE FUTURE ARE OF INTEREST TO HIM

If he is prolonging his plans by using next week, the month after or next year, that should be proof enough that he is ready. He buys tickets for next week’s movie, he schedules a plan to go on holiday with you, and most of all he keeps on using the two words ‘we’ and ‘us’ in all of his plans. Smile if you’re experiencing that --things are looking great.

NOW WE ARE MOVING ON TO THE EXCITING PART, GIRLS. A PET…TO SOME IT MIGHT NOT BE AT ALL REVEALING BUT THERE IS SOMETHING THERE. HE IS ATTENTIVE TO YOU

You notice that he really is listening to everything you say and participating in the conversation as if it was a debate for an election? That’s great stuff, then. But just in case you still have doubts whether he is bluffing, quickly bring up an unorthodox topic about your pet cat getting a new perm. If he looks confused, then he’s probably actually listening – well done.

“LET’S GET A NEW PET”

Now we are moving on to the exciting part, girls. A pet…to some it might not be at all revealing but there is something there. Requiring the two of you to share the responsibility of raising a dog, cat or even snake (yes there are some of you out there), could represent a testdrive or a start to raising a family. Trust me: I’ve done it myself.

CHANGE IN LIFESTYLE

From moving out of his parents’ house into his own place or proposing shared accommodation with you, this is a practically executed tactic that men use when ready to get more commitment-friendly. This means he does know that he wants to be with you everyday but he is beating around the bush to tell you the exact words. That’s us men: very cleverly silly at times.

EXPOSURE OF HIS RELATIONSHIP STATUS

Were you worried that he might just be another ‘player’? Be relieved if you find yourself participating in joint activities with him such as friends’ parties, group outings and even if he changes his relationship status on Facebook!

Although it is quite common for some females to be suddenly attracted to a guy when his relationship status is out in the open, fear not. Jealousy is always out there and true love always finds a way to win. The next clue will shed light on this statement.

HE KEEPS YOU UPDATED ABOUT HIS ADMIRERS

Now, now ladies, this is a crucial element which should not be confused.

It might seem as if we are gloating about the ‘queue’ of girls waiting for you to mess up but it’s really not the case. A man with true feelings who does not want to get into trouble with other girls will always keep you up to date about this info, simply to avoid future surprises.

Remember, he is now thinking ahead. That’s right, we have that capability, too.

NOT SEEING ANY OF THE ABOVE SIGNS FROM HIM?

Hang in there and be a little more patient with him. Not all men have the same perspective when it comes to settling down. You can jump-start his interest by showing him that he really needs you around, but if you still see no signs from him after some time, then it’s best you move on. Time will just make it harder to let go, right?

So be strong, girls, and happy investigating.

SEPTEMBER 2014 | POTPOURRI

9

WEIGHT LOSS SPECIAL

How I took Control Weight gain has always been a tricky issue that becomes even more challenging when we feel that we are no longer in control. We all know of that one person who went through a near miraculous transformation by slimming down four sizes before we even realised it happened, and you can’t help but wonder how they did it. What did they do to make it happen? How did they really take control? While the results of some weight-loss stories seem too good to be true, we are left inspired by these amazing feats of perseverance.

By Darrel Antat

Arestilde Hoareau Gaining the weight

When I was very young and even during my school years, I was always slim and active but when I started working and raising a family, my time for physical activities grew shorter. I ate pretty much everything and was addicted to sweets to the point where I saw myself getting too big.

The breaking point

My breaking point was late last year when I started to experience shortness of breath. I couldn’t bend down to tie my shoes because my belly was so big and I felt really unfit. I had reached 96 kg and something had to be done. Losing weight had always been the annual New Year’s resolution but I was never successful with it.

This year I promised my wife that I will do it no matter what. I put it all in God’s mighty hands and he took me there.

Taking control

I knew that I couldn’t immediately start with exercising because studying was also taking up my time, so I started with my diet. I gave up soft drinks and cut all my sugar intake, switched to three cups of green tea on a daily basis and started eating more vegetables. After the first month, I had lost 8 kg. So I stuck to my diet and started exercising. Soon enough my clothes started getting loose and this was a great motivation for me to carry on. I am now 73Kg, feeling healthy, happy and fit! I’ve taken up mountain biking and exercising has now become my new way of life from which there is no turning back.

It’s easy when you have the right mindset. If I did it, so could you. With God, everything is possible.

Challenges

The first challenge I had was getting rid of the sweets but it got easier to control after the first week. Next thing I had to deal with was my schedule when I started

Before

After exercising. Studying was already taking up most of my time so I had to reschedule and stop other activities. My priority was to lose weight no matter what. I started with walking for a few minutes and then kept going for longer times and after two months I started running.

The new ‘you’

When I look at myself now I feel good, I’m really happy and I enjoy every bit of my new look. I see my old photos and can’t help but laugh because I look like a fat frog. The most important thing for me now is that I’m healthy.

Words of encouragement

My words of encouragement to others would be to have a good mindset and focus. Don’t put it off for tomorrow, start now. It’s not going to be easy but once you start it will flow.

10

SEPTEMBER 2014 | POTPOURRI

Alcohol is also a factor. I didn’t drink for a year and a half because when I drank I ate more.

Nowadays I drink just water. No sodas or lemonades. In Malaysia I blend fruits and make juices that I drink.

Challenges

For me being in Seychelles in itself was sort of an obstacle, in the sense that in Malaysia I can really focus on my personal life, while on the other hand it was always my professional life and career that came first when I was still in Seychelles. Being in university now, there is less pressure and I have time to do things on a more personal level and focus more on myself. I couldn’t do all the exercises right from the start; especially rock climbing which was really hard in the beginning. I was easily out of breath and couldn’t climb as high as the others.

Keys to success

Hard work and a lot of dedication! Seeing results made me want to keep going. So now I go jogging for 25 minutes a day, six days a week.

The new ‘you’

2014 has been a good year and I want it to stay like this for a long time! I’m doing a lot of things I hadn’t done when I was younger like when I was still 18 or even 21, and I sort of regret that.

I didn’t do them back then because they all could have already happened, but I guess some opportunities present themselves later in life. I always keep it in mind that I might gain weight one day because anything is possible, but I’m trying my best to stay like I am now because I really feel good about the way I look.

Words of encouragement

I would tell everyone to be sure to have your breakfast. I consider it the most important meal of the day. Get moving at least 4-5 times a week.

Try new things and don’t be afraid to start. It also helps to have an active group of people around. It’s easier when you surround yourself with people who want to do lots of activities and sports like jogging, badminton or even just walking.

After

Clive Camille The transformation

It just happened, and that’s the simple truth. The thing is, when I had started university in Malaysia, I didn’t have a car to drive around and so I decided to start walking. But it was just for the pleasure of it; I did not intentionally do it to start to lose weight. Then after about two months, I noticed some changes, like my clothes getting loose on me.

My university has a lot of young people, some as young as 17 and I think the oldest is around 22, and I was among the few older students there.

They are all fit and active, so when we would hang out we’d regularly do physical activities. I would be meeting up with them once a week to play badminton, we’d also try rock climbing, archery, jogging sessions… although we didn’t really keep up with all of it, we’d still do badminton once a week. Rock climbing maybe twice a month, on a good month!

Eating adjustments

It was more of a lifestyle change. Diet feels too much like having restrictions. I never stopped myself from eating what I want; if I wanted McDonald’s or pizza I would buy it. Maybe I just don’t eat as much as before. I make sure to have breakfast every morning and I’ve added more

Before

SEPTEMBER 2014 | POTPOURRI

11

WEIGHT LOSS SPECIAL

fruits and vegetables to my meals. I cook my own food now, which I feel is healthier. Well, at least I’m sure about what’s in it, compared to eating out.

OPEN LETTER

“THE DAY I GOT THE TEXT THAT YOU WERE LEAVING WAS THE DAY I HELD MY BREATH FOR THE LONGEST TIME IN MY LIFE.” Dear Sousout, More than two years ago, we met unexpectedly. You were 17 and I was around 15. For the first time, the riddles of age had left my mind. It didn’t take long until I realized that I was falling. Falling deep in love with your personality and your charms. Those eyes were enough to change my thoughts about this cruel world. Every heartbreak I had faced all seemed to vanish and the pain I had felt for so long had vanished in the blink of an eye.

My heart stopped the day we met, a place where we fought and removed our stress (that anonymous place). We went on and off declaring our love but never giving a name to what we were exactly. Spending the month of December together where we would take pictures of our awesome moments and training every Tuesday and Thursday. I honestly attended just to get a glimpse of your face...

I was having troubles with my previous boyfriend, but you were always there to soothe things for me. I had problems eating at that time and I would often feel sick after training. You would bring me home by bus and take another bus back home, which was pretty far away. I remember the most minor details about us being together.

I remember your love for Fanta and nugget crisps. I remember our days writing our faith in the sand with our foot prints. I remember how your hands felt better than the ocean. I remember playing the guitar for you... I remember giving you me.

You were attending the Maritime School and I was just about to finish secondary. I knew that school was hectic for you and soon you would have to leave for work on a private island.

The day I got the text that you were leaving was the day I held my breath for the longest time in my life. You were leaving, but I was a strong believer...I believed in you. I believed in us.

Your on-and-off trips affected me but I stayed strong for the both of us. You were always back once in a while and I can’t possibly forget that feeling of having you in my arms.

Seeing my reflection in your eyes made me know that this is where I wanted to be. My nose in your neck, breathing in my happiness made me realize the amount of pain I was going through when you were not around. I counted the days you were gone, but feared to count how long you were beside me, because I knew it wasn’t for long. Me escaping home to meet you somewhere...I never look back and regret it…not once.

Sometimes I found that your words spoke much louder

than your actions, though. It had been about four months you were gone. You called from time to time and had our long conversations like everything was just fine. You would tell me that you would be back but that I had to move on for now or else I would have been stuck in this bubble of distress. There was even a time when you called and sounded like you were crashing, like the waves I heard in the background, and told me that one day you want a baby from me. I know I was too young to think of that, but like I said...when I met my prince, the riddles of age had been forgotten. Unfortunately, things took a turn for the worse.

I ended up filling your name up in my diary. I feared that I was starting to go down the wrong path. I cried myself to sleep at night and I had no control over my feelings. I would lay down on the cold tiles and let my tears roll down my cheeks. Days felt like years had gone by. I looked out into the sea (my view at home) and imagined you coming back from the private island and holding me once more. I longed for your scent, for your touch, I longed for you! Almost six months had gone by...but no life had reached me.

It was not long untill I found out what had happened to you, my love, my prince. You had met a young lady and had fallen in love and were about to become a father.

I didn’t know how to feel. I threw my fist into a wooden plank and bled uncontrollably. I felt no pain. NO PAIN would ever come close to the pain of my heart. People say “my heart hurts” and that day I felt a pain that I never want to feel again in this life. I choked on my breath. I cried till my veins were sore and my eyes were light and I could feel my heart change its pace. And from that day on, my heart has never regained strength.

Many would ask if I’m mad. No, I am not. Life has its selfish ways of showing that something was just not meant to be. I have had glimpses of your photos as a new family. It takes a part of me every time I do. I do not feel betrayed. I am stronger than I was a few years ago. I am now attending post-secondary and trying my best to be someone in life. I currently have a new prince and perhaps one day, he will be my king.

I end this by letting you know that I wish you the best in life, and hope that you treat her like a queen. I have my reasons for falling in love with you, and now I have only one reason to say goodbye; respecting your new role as a parent...

Love, Kalbas

Do you have something you need to get off your chest?

Something you desperately need to say to someone?

WRITE TO US; marie-france@seychellespublications.com. All letters will remain anonymous.

12

SEPTEMBER 2014 | POTPOURRI

SEPTEMBER 2014 | POTPOURRI

13

All i n

t ea

PERSONALITY SPECIAL

e a h r tb a There once was a loving family that got a pleasant surprise: there was another unexpected addition on the way. They quickly made arrangements to welcome the new baby and waited excitedly for the little one…

By M. Wirtz Broken Hearted

Right after Lenny Gabriel was born, the first indication that something was wrong came when his parents noticed that he was wheezing instead of breathing, and that one side of his chest was smaller than the other. Initially the doctors felt that he would recover within six months, but his parents felt that tests needed to be done and they pushed to make it happen.

Their worst fears were confirmed - the doctors discovered that he had holes and malformed valves in his heart.

They made frequent visits to the hospital until finally Lenny was added to a list of patients that needed a surgery that was not available in Seychelles at that time.

Worse still, the surgery could only proceed on the condition that Lenny would go with a nurse instead of his parents. To be without their baby for 3-6 months was out of the question, so they quickly started looking for help elsewhere.

Patched-Up Heart

It was then that his father found an amazing group that funded his first surgery. With his son hanging on to dear life he petitioned the Seychelles Round Table, through which Mr Pardiwalla, who was then the Chairman, contacted his counterpart in Cape Town, South Africa.

Once the explaining was done, the organisation acted quickly. At just 18 months old, Lenny was taken to South Africa together with his family.

Lenny was hospitalised immediately and the surgery was fast-tracked due to a connection the Round Table Chairman in South Africa had at the Children’s Red Cross Hospital, which is coincidently where the world’s first heart transplant was performed.

The surgery required that a large incision be made on his back in order to access his heart, where they placed an artificial valve which would enable him to maintain a level of blood pressure that his heart would be able to withstand without collapsing. The procedure was carried out successfully and despite the massive scar that Lenny would earn at just the age of 1, the family was relieved. Their only wish was that Lenny would live a careful life to increase his chances of living past the age of 6; the age at which doctors estimated that his heart would give out.

14

SEPTEMBER 2014 | POTPOURRI

Flying you to the city of

light & love

SEPTEMBER 2014 | POTPOURRI

15

PERSONALITY SPECIAL

At 6 years old he had not understood that he had almost died, yet again. But once he woke up, tests were carried out and to the family’s jubilation all looked set.

Hearts Soaring

The surgery was successful but it took Lenny four days to come out of the ensuing coma. He remembers seeing his mother and wondering why she looked so sad. At 6 years old he had not understood that he had almost died, yet again. But once he woke up, tests were carried out and to the family’s jubilation all looked set.

The artificial valve was not only successful but it was expected to adjust to the pressure changes that would happen while he grew up. For once the prognosis was life. It took a while, but finally after six years, Lenny’s parents had their son. He was expected back when he was 18 just to check that the valve had really “grown with him,” but that was it. Tragedy turned to joy and Lenny went back home with new parts and another massive scar down his chest.

Fragile at Heart

Lenny remembers that his siblings were always being told to treat him with kid gloves; he was not to be tired out, no excitement and a long list of other “don’ts.” He credits his older brothers’ inability to understand this concept for his extremely happy childhood.

One of his favourite memories is of being pushed around in a cart and having the time of his life. He regrets the eventual thrashing that his brother received, but he loved that his brothers kept on doing it anyway.

His brothers could have killed him, but he would have died happy.

Hearts Sinking

When he was six years old, Lenny was still alive and kicking and showed no signs of being sick, but to be on the safe side, the whole family went on holiday to Singapore. On the agenda, other than fun, was a visit to the National University Hospital that was working on (at the time) a breakthrough valve that would grow with a heart and adjust to its unique condition.

His father took him to the hospital and what was supposed to be a holiday turned into a nightmare. The doctor was surprised that Lenny was still alive – his artificial valve was failing. He was immediately hospitalised and his father had to make the decision whether Lenny was to be used as a guinea pig for the new technology. Without hesitation, his dad acted quickly and said yes to the surgery, which was performed the next day, just in the nick of time.

At that point a few other children on the list had already passed away and Lenny’s father was determined that his son would not be following them.

Childhood memories

Like any other child, Lenny loved Christmas

A Heart-Warming Ending

Lenny went for his final check-up a couple years earlier at 16 because his parents did not want him to go during his ‘A’ level studies. He was hospitalised and got to experience his first live procedure (with him still awake), and on his birthday, no less. He credits his doctor (who was still a student) from preventing him from running away in panic. The staff sang happy birthday right before he was cut open.

“There’s nothing like watching your own blood gushing out from your own body to freak you out,” according to Lenny.

The doctor would explain what he was doing and why, and Lenny says that it gave him the confidence that he was on top of things. He left the hospital with a clean bill of health and two smaller scars on his lower abdomen.

Hearts of Gold

Lenny’s mother, constantly by his side

16

SEPTEMBER 2014 | POTPOURRI

For someone who has faced death so many times and triumphed, Lenny does not seem to consider his story as any particular achievement.

But when he returned from his university he found out about how the Seychelles Round Table had saved his life. He immediately joined and now, all Lenny wants to do is give other Seychellois the opportunity he received.

The Seychelles Round Table is a group of young men between the ages of 18 and 40 that work tirelessly to raise money for the funding of charitable projects. While their considerable donations, the most recent being wheelchairs to the Seychelles Hospital, are in the public eye, the multitude of Seychellois that they have sent for treatment is something

PERSONALITY SPECIAL

they have not shared as widely.

There may be the impression that the Round Table hosts the Regatta and then hands over the money to a worthy cause, but the group works continuously throughout the year, giving up family time, energy and their own money. They even rope their nearest and dearest into helping them in countless activities that are all aimed at giving back to the community. They are a fellowship of men that believe that charity brings them closer to each other. They are among Seychelles’ quietest of heroes.

Lenny is thankful that there are men willing to keep the Round Table alive. He is thankful that there are still people that are capable of empathising with the world and who believe in helping out others. He is thankful that when the going gets tough, these men rally to the aid of those in need. And Lenny knows this, because Lenny himself is the proof.

Protective big sister, Lindy

While their (The Seychelles Round Table) considerable donations, the most recent being wheelchairs to the Seychelles Hospital, are in the public eye, the multitude of Seychellois that they have sent for treatment is something they have not shared as widely.

Lenny and his parents, Harry and Sydna Gabriel

SEPTEMBER 2014 | POTPOURRI

17

A

renée martin designs

“RELAXING IN THE SPA, I SURPRISED EVERYONE WITH A BOTTLE OF CHAMPAGNE, MAKING FOR A MERRY END TO THE AFTERNOON”.

18

18

rriving back in Perth from Hong Kong I barely had time to change suitcases before Jen and I took off for our long awaited girls’ weekend to Melbourne. She had an architecture conference to attend and I was simply doing what I do best – exploring a new city! After a slight disaster involving Jen leaving her phone on the plane, we disembarked into my Aunt Manette’s waiting arms.

No sooner had we settled into her very comfortable and centrally located abode then we were off to explore the retail delights of Chapel Street. After taking some rather fetching photographs of Jen trying on a number of skin-tight lycra leggings, she settled on some tiger print and gunmetal ones. The jetlag started to catch up with us so we recharged with Baileys Iced Lattes at Amici Café, whilst sampling their homemade biscotti.

Melburnians really do know how to make the best coffee!

The next day Manette and her partner, Gunther, woke us with berries and fresh croissants before bundling us into the car for a wine tour of the Yarra Valley. After stopping at Chandon for some wine tasting and lunch, we drove across to Daylesford where we swam in the mineral springs at Hepburn Bathhouse. Relaxing in the spa, I surprised everyone with a bottle of champagne, making for a merry end to the afternoon. That evening we dressed up to the nines and headed to the riverside for the best Italian meal I’ve enjoyed in a long while at Rosetta. Carrying on upstairs into the heart of Crown Casino, we tried our luck at the Roulette and Blackjack tables where we couldn’t help but be entertained by

DECEMBER 2013 | POTPOURRI

SEPTEMBER 2014 | POTPOURRI

some young Americans who claimed to be expert players. We left poorer for money but richer for friends!

Whilst Jen was at her conference the next day I took the opportunity to enjoy lunch in the Colonial Tramcar Restaurant with my school friend Susan. We enjoyed a four-course meal as the tram trundled from central Melbourne to the seaside of St Kilda and back again, alas in time for me to meet Jen at the airport for our flight home. So until next time - if you can’t be good, be good at it!

Baileys Iced Latte You will need...

50ml Baileys Irish Cream 25ml shot of strong coffee 25ml milk 1 teaspoon of sugar (preferably raw) Handful of ice cubes Whipped cream and chocolate shavings, for garnish

What to do...

Pour the Baileys, coffee, milk, sugar and ice into a cocktail shaker.

Stir well and pour into a latte glass. Add a dollop of whipped cream on top and sprinkle with chocolate shavings. Serve with a straw and biscotti for a naughty afternoon treat.

Brigitte Monchouguy is a Seychelloise legal practitioner with a passion for social journalism.

She is happiest when travelling, with interests in music, art, theatre and architecture. She also dabbles in mixology and will be sharing cocktail recipes along with her monthly escapades.

A Fresh Start - London to Mahé

By Daniel Balkwill

EVEN THE GREATEST EXPONENTS OF THEIR ART ARE GUILTY OF SPORADIC LAPSES OF JUDGEMENT. WE ARE ONLY HUMAN AFTER ALL

19

AUGUST 2013 | POTPOURRI

Dan works for Kreol Wines - a new wine shop located at Eden Plaza on Eden Island, specialising in Argentinian, Australian, French and South African products.

Opening hours are 9-6.30 Mon-Fri, 10-6 Sat & 10-4 Sun.

T

he cursor of the Word document on the computer mocks you infuriatingly with each rhythmic, intermittent blink. The seemingly infinite well of creativity that you were previously able to dip into with barely a second’s thought has run dry. The curse of “writer’s block” can strike anyone at any given moment, affecting the full spectrum from the keen amateur to a world renowned best- selling author of the calibre of F. Scott Fitzgerald. This must be what fictitious secret agent and international man of mystery, Austin Powers, was referring to when he lamentably described “losing his mojo.”

Everyone, irrespective of their profession and status, is prone to

those unforeseen episodes when, for whatever reason, their lives are temporarily jolted out of kilter and everyday tasks they normally execute with consummate ease inexplicably become more difficult. I’m sure culinary luminaries such as Gordon Ramsey occasionally over-boil an egg and that Manchester United football ace Wayne Rooney sometimes sends the occupiers of row X scuttling for cover in the stands instead of burying an easy chance from close range into the net. During a complex dance routine, I’m convinced that singer Rihanna has accidentally landed unceremoniously on her butt at least once in her life. Even the greatest exponents of their art are guilty of sporadic lapses of judgement. We are only human after all.

Usually this is nothing to worry about and it is merely a sign that perhaps we have become a little regimented, stale and stressed out in our busy lives and need to take more time out to relax in order to get the best out of ourselves again. Often, a short holiday is an ideal way to recharge the batteries and rediscover one’s familiar joie de vivre. You don’t even need to travel abroad. ‘Staycations’ are becoming increasingly more popular as the global economic recession continues to take its toll. The salient point to remember is that it’s important to break out of your normal, restrictive routine once in a while and devote some quality time towards indulging yourself.

In these modern times, our over-reliance on internet usage, playing computer games and excessively immersing ourselves in social media are all ways in which we can unwittingly allow our bodies and minds to become stodgy and inactive.

Personally, I find that simple, enjoyable activities such as cooking an adventurous dinner, playing with the dog, going for a long walk or a game of football with some mates are all effective ways of shaking me out of a momentary malaise. A good book is an often underrated pleasure. After a recent visit back home to the UK, I took a selection of my favourites back to Seychelles with me and, in doing so, reminded myself what a joyous experience reading can be. It’s pure, unbridled escapism.

Anyway, back to the attack of writer’s block I mentioned at the beginning. Oh, I think I’ve just got over it.

H

SEPTEMBER 2014 | POTPOURRI

19

The conversations lasted for hours and brought meaningful connections into my life, especially at a time of difficulty. I was touched that a stranger would trust me enough to engage in deep conversation wholeheartedly and to take the time to listen to what I had to say.

Our conversations were multi-themed, deep and philosophical. Colonialism, cluelessness, racism, poetry, Greek theatre, Creole culture, insensitive professors, depression, religion and the meaning of life – all were spoken about freely in a non-judgmental manner. He was a stranger, and is now a good friend, but to this day I still cherish and remember these long conversations for the profound shared experiences, stories and liberated human connection that answered some of my difficult life questions and broadened my mind. It’s indisputable that the conversations were not nonsensical but meaningful, insightful, rare and surely taught me some valuable lessons. Ray helped me in many ways than he can ever imagine. I bumped into the right person that had the insight and compassion needed at that point in my life.

To Ray, It was good speak!

By Alexandria Faure ‘Sometimes one feels freer speaking to a stranger than to people one knows.

Why is that?

Probably because a stranger sees us the way we are, not as he wishes to think we are.’ ~ Carlos Ruiz Zafon I’ve had interesting and inspiring conversations with strangers during my time at university, but none beat the conversations with Ray. I watched Raymond Antrobus perform at a spoken word event and was inspired by his poetry and presence. I never imagined that one year later I would bump into him on my way to rehearsals outside the university where I was studying. Bumping into this brilliant poet lead to a few long, meaningful conversations over Turkish coffee and Chinese food, which resulted in some positively defining moments.

Conversations with a Stranger = Life Transforming.

We should remember to be careful with whom we open up to, share our stories with and also not forget that these kinds of meaningful connections can happen with people we are close to, and not only strangers. My point in this is that sometimes it’s the people we least expect that bring defining insights and positive impacts in our lives. And that sometimes, just sometimes, strangers can turn out to be a rainbow in our grey cloud.

We are now overcome with the use of technology as a means of communication, and human connection matters now more than ever. Sharing our stories connects us to one another and gives us the profound platform to communicate who we are, what we value, how we want to be treated and confront the big questions of this world.

Like Poetry? Find Raymond Antrobus on Google, Youtube and Twitter.

In the UK or London? Want to watch him perform?

Check out www.chill-pill.co.uk.

Alexandria Faure has a degree in Drama and Theatre. She now resides in Abu Dhabi.

20

SEPTEMBER 2014 | POTPOURRI

Bande d’hypocrites !!!(par Georges Gravé) Au moment ou je commence à écrire cet article (26 juillet 2014), il y a déjà plus de 900 morts dans la bande de Gaza et 32 en Israël…. Et lorsque vous lirez ce même article début septembre, le nombre de morts sera certainement multiplié par deux, trois, voir quatre !!!! Ce matin, je viens de recevoir une pétition à signer pour l’arrêt des bombardements sur Gaza. Désolé mais je ne signerais pas ce genre de pétitions partisanes !

Et je ne me risquerais pas à prendre parti contre ce conflit qui dure depuis des décennies. Chaque mort, qu’il soit juif ou arabe me fait vomir de honte, chaque enfant, chaque maman qui tombe sous les bombes me fait saigner le cœur. Je suis tout simplement révolté par la guerre.

A ce jour, ils sont 5 a se partager les morts du monde entier : Etats-Unis, Russie, France, Royaume-Uni et Allemagne. Il faut rajouter à cette sordide liste la Chine, Israël et l’Inde qui commencent à talonner les grands. La France (cocorico) est le troisième ou quatrième pays exportateur d’armes (cela dépend des années.)

Les ventes d’armes ont progresses de 35 % entre 2009 et 2013 de 56.5 a 73.5 milliard de dollars.

Les exportations mondiales dans le secteur de la défense devraient atteindre plus de 100 milliard de dollars. Depuis peu, les armements « made in France » font le bonheur d’acheteur du Moyen-Orient, ce que beaucoup de pays nous reprochent, (mais on s’en fout).

Afghanistan, Inde, Pakistan, la plupart des pays d’Afrique, Ukraine, Syrie et tous les autres pays à travers le monde, je suis contre vos guerres imbéciles, et je suis révolté par la bêtise humaine. Amis du monde entier, sachez une chose, regardez l’histoire en général ; toutes les guerres s’arrêtent toujours. Alors pourquoi attendre et laisser tuer vos frères, vos femmes et vos enfants…. Prenez exemple sur l’Europe, il nous aura fallu deux guerres mondiales et des centaines de millions de mort avant de devenirs amis !!!

Alors vous comprenez bien, que l’eternel conflit du moyen Orient, que l’éternelle guerre en Afghanistan, qu’une petite guerre au Mali en passant, ne peux pas faire de mal a notre

Alors, oui, partons en guerre, mais ne nous trompons pas de combats. Partons en guerre contre les vrais meurtriers, ceux qui devant les cameras du monde entier demandent la larme à l’œil des « cessez le feu « immédiats et qui sans aucun scrupules fabriquent et vendent les armes aux gouvernants du monde entier. Bande d’hypocrites !!!!

Ceux la même, qui sont venus sur les plages du débarquement en juin dernier se tenir la main, faire la bise aux vétérans, se pencher sur les tombes de milliers de soldats morts et rabâcher avec des sanglots dans la voix ce stupide « plus jamais ça ». Bande d’hypocrites !!!

Ceux la même, qui a l’invitation du Pape et devant les medias du monde entier sont venus prier a ses cotés dans les jardins du Vatican il y a, a peine quelques semaines. Bande d’hypocrites !!!

Il existe dans la loi pénale des peines identiques pour crime et complicité ou pour recèle dans un autre domaine, et bien pourquoi pas une loi de complicité de guerre a tous ces marchands de canons qui fabriquent et fournissent en toute légalité les armes pour nous tuer !!!! Mais, c’est tellement bon pour leurs économies. Crime de guerre, c’est une de leur loi hypocrite qu’ils ont inventé pour se disculper, comme si la guerre en tant que telle n’était déjà pas un crime ! !! « Un crime de guerre est une violation des lois et coutumes de guerre d’une gravité particulière disent ils. Ceci inclut les cas où une des parties en conflit s’en prend volontairement à des objectifs (aussi bien humains que matériels) non militaires.

Un objectif non militaire comprend les civils, les prisonniers de guerre et les blessés. » Mais enfin il faut quand même avoir le courage de dire qu’une bombe ne tue pas seulement des soldats, elle tue aussi des civils. Je crie haut et fort que vendre des armes est déjà un crime de guerre. Que dépenser des milliards et des milliards d’euros pour faire la guerre est aussi un crime de guerre !

“JE NE COMPRENDS PAS CETTE BÊTISE QUI FORCE LES HOMMES À MASSACRER LEURS FRÈRES POUR DES IDÉES SOUVENT SUPERFICIELLES OU DES MYTHES QUI LEUR FONT DES PROMESSES, COMME CELLE D’ATTEINDRE LE PARADIS EN TUANT LE PLUS D’ENNEMIS POSSIBLE”.

plus exactement) en toute discrétion tous les deux ans. Les medias, complices des politiques n’en parlent à peine, car quand il s’agit de guerre, c’est le seul moment de consensus national.

Tout le monde est toujours d’accord. Ce salon est la grande messe entre fabricants d’armes et institutions politiques de tous bords. Toutes les djellabas des pays Arabes, tous les boubous les plus colorés d’Afrique ainsi que tous les costumes-cravates des marchands se rencontrent discrètement devant les derniers chars de combats, blindés en tout genres, missiles et grenades derniers cris. Et sans aucuns complexes on prépare ici les prochaines tueries de notre monde. Et ils sont malins les « coquins », une fois les conflits terminés, leurs copains arrivent avec compassion les poches pleine de contrats pour aider à reconstruction ! Bande d’hypocrites !

Je ne comprends pas cette bêtise qui force les hommes à massacrer leurs frères pour des idées souvent superficielles ou des mythes qui leur font des promesses, comme celle d’atteindre le paradis en tuant le plus d’ennemis possible. De tels comportements sont le fait de l’ignorance.

Qu’il est lâche d’envoyer des enfants a la guerre plutôt qu’a l’école. Ici, il faut bien parler de Dieu, car c’est le meilleur commercial de la guerre. Il a permis et permet encore d’envoyer des millions d’hommes se faire massacrer en son nom ! Mais, jamais au grand jamais, Dieu a demandé aux hommes de se battre pour lui. Dieu a toujours prôné l’amour et rien d’autre que l’amour et dans toutes les religions du monde !!!

Il faudra bien que cela cesse un jour et que nous arrêtions de transformer notre monde en cet immense abattoir en folie. Rien n’est stable et je suis un grand optimiste. Je suis certain, qu’un jour un nouveau leader d’opinion, plus courageux et plus sage que les autres se lèvera et dira : Stop ! Alors le temps sera venu de transformer toute cette énergie de guerre en énergie de reconstruction afin de respecter notre planète et ses habitants.

En attendant, soyons donc plus fort et plus conscient que nos dirigeants ! Ne nous laissons pas berner par des conflits d’intérêts qui ne sont pas les nôtres. Déposons les armes, toutes les armes, crions notre désir de paix, et d’amour et au nom de l’humanité, écrivons en lettre d’or dans nos cœur le mot PAIX.

Georges Gravé is the Personal Development & Training Manager at the Maia Luxury Resort and Spa

économie surtout en période de crise !!! Des biens pensants disent même en toute bonne foi, qu’une petite guerre, c’est bon pour redonner des couleurs a notre économie. La véritable couleur de la guerre c’est le rouge du sang versé afin que les caisses des états riches soient encore plus pleines !

Il y a un endroit ou tous ces braves gens se rencontrent. C’est au salon International de l’armement ; Eurosatory, le supermarché de la mort. C’est un salon qui a lieu à Paris (Villepinte

SEPTEMBER 2014 | POTPOURRI

21

KNOW YOUR RIGHTS WITH

BE RNA R D GE ORGE S

Does Seychelles recognize a child born through surrogacy overseas (via a foreign birth mother)?

Does the child qualify for Seychelles citizenship or not? Even if DNA proves that the child is the biological child of Seychellois parents?

What are the rights of the parents in these matters?

This question is a topical one for two reasons. First off, the news media recently has been all over the case of a baby born to a surrogate mother in Thailand, and allegedly abandoned by his biological parents when they found out the baby was suffering from Down’s syndrome. Next, because the Civil Code revision in our country is currently grappling with this very issue.

The simple days when children had one father and one mother are long gone. The same child today can have up to three mothers: the biological mother, the birth mother, the legal mother. All three can be the same person, but they can also be different persons. If the child is born to one mother in a same sex relationship, the child may even have two different legal mothers!

The law is in a state of development everywhere, but whereas other countries have already gone some way towards formulating legal rules to guide the new developments of surrogacy, adoption and legal same-sex relationships, Seychelles law on the subject is still in its infancy, if a pun can be pardoned.

Let us begin to explore the question asked by coming to grips with the different aspects of motherhood. The mother whose egg is fertilized at conception is the biological mother. The mother in whose womb the fertilized egg grows during gestation is the birth mother. The mother who has legal rights over the child when born is the legal mother. Thus mother A can supply the egg but, because she is unable to maintain a pregnancy, mother B gestates the fertilized egg and gives birth to the baby. Once the baby is born, the baby is given up for adoption to mother C. In this scenario, mother A is the biological mother, mother B is the birth mother and mother C is the legal mother.

Now, let us consider the law as it exists in Seychelles relating to recognition of children and citizenship.

The Civil Code was drafted in 1804 when surrogacy and DNA were considered science fiction if they were ever considered at all. Naturally, the Code did not cater for them and simply spoke of parents as the natural, biological parents of the child. There is never much doubt as to the identity of a child’s mother, so the Code concentrates on the paternity of children and explains the methods of proving who the father of a child is. Now that DNA can prove this with more certainty, this is the method preferred by courts, even in Seychelles.

We thus have a situation where a child is born to a foreign surrogate mother abroad. We assume the identity of the father is known. What is the citizenship of the child?

The place of birth of a child is immaterial for the purpose of

“The place of birth of a child is immaterial for the purpose of seychellois citizenship.

All that is required is that one parent should be seychellois”.

Seychellois citizenship. All that is required is that one parent should be Seychellois. Thus, if the father of the surrogate child is a Seychellois, then the child will automatically be Seychellois, even if born abroad to a foreign birth mother. If the biological mother of the child is a Seychelloise, but her birth mother is a foreigner, and the father is a non-Seychellois, then the law will have to decide who the ‘mother’ is – the birth mother or the biological mother – for the purpose of citizenship, because the child will be presumed not to have a connection with a Seychellois parent by virtue of being born to a foreigner abroad. The Code doesn’t give us any clue as to how the decision will go and it will be left to the judge to decide the issue as a first point. My guess is that the law will go with the biological mother – after all, the child is more closely connected with the biological mother genetically than with the birth mother. Here again, therefore, the child will have a claim to Seychellois citizenship irrespective of place of birth.

As to the rights of the parents, these will be the same rights as the parents would have over their naturally born child. There may however be a problem between the parents and the surrogate mother. If the surrogate mother does not want to give up the child when the child is born, what are the rights of the biological parents? The answer to that lies in the law of contract and the place of the surrogacy. But that, as the saying goes, is another story, for another time…

Educated at Seychelles College and Cambridge University, Bernard Georges has two Masters Degrees – in the law of divorce and in canon law, the law of the church. He is best known as a lawyer, having been in private practice for over 30 years. Over the past ten years, he has also been a member of the National Assembly. He is currently a part-time lecturer in law at the University of Seychelles, where he teaches Constitutional Law. And, he is a budding writer. He has written and published two novels to date and he promises many more books on history, law and Seychelles.

22

SEPTEMBER 2014 | POTPOURRI

CONSUMER AWARENESS Taste the Sweetness of Paradise

The Gadget World

with Elton Moustache (Director of Unified Technologies) sales@unifiedtechnologies.info

QUITBIT

Smart Lighter to help you quit smoking

Hissen Building | Providence Industrial Estate Tel: +248 4374334 | Fax: +248 4374333 Email: home374334@gmail.com

24

SEPTEMBER 2014 | POTPOURRI

CONSUMER AWARENESS

Know Your Wine

by Kreol Wines (Eden Plaza) Vinalba Cabernet Sauvignon Cabernet sauvignon is a medieval hybrid of red grape variety cabernet franc and the white variety sauvignon blanc. It grows particularly well in Argentina, which has gained a well-earned reputation for producing other luscious, full-bodied reds such as bonarda, merlot and Argentina’s signature red grape – malbec.

The winery, Vinalba, is located in the Lujan de Cuyo region of the Mendoza Valley, the most renowned wine growing area in the country although it also owns vineyards located further south in the Patagonia region, which has cooler climatic conditions. It is owned by Herve Joyaux Fabre and his wife Diane, who originally hail from Bordeaux in France. Since 2008, Vinalba has produced outstanding quality, well-priced wines that consistently win a host of prestigious international awards across the full spectrum of their range – a sure-fire sign of a class outfit.

Fruit; A big, juicy hit of blackcurrant dominates the palate, followed by toasty vanilla oak.

Oak; 60% aged in French oak for 12 months.

Tannin; High Acidity; Medium Ageability; Ready to drink now but will improve further over the next several years.

Recommended dishes; Sumptuous with roast lamb, studded with garlic and flecked with rosemary. Also pairs well with pizza and tomato-based pasta dishes.

Tip; On a hot day, avoid the temptation to plunge a tannic red wine such as a cabernet sauvignon in an ice bucket or place into the fridge overnight. This will only accentuate the already high tannin content in the wine and will do it no favours. Lightly chilling in the fridge for 10 minutes will suffice.

Price; SR245 – Kreol Wines

There are many people out there that have attempted to quit smoking and tried to do so using different methods available- such as nicotine patch, e-cigarettes among others. But giving up smoking isn’t one of life’s easiest tasks.

Most smokers cannot even keep count of how many cigarettes they consume in a day.

Quitbit is the world’s first smart lighter will make you quest to quit smoking more manageable whereby you can also monitor your results and progress. The lighter uses a heating coil just like the one found in a car to light up your cigarette.

It eliminates the need to buy a new lighter all the time as making you stick with the same lighter helps you to monitor your short and long term progress. The smart tracking features of the lighter is activated each time you light up a cigarette and a small LED display on the front of the lighter will feed you with information about how many cigarettes you’ve smoked since the beginning of the day and how long it’s been since your last cigarette. This information may not mean much but it really does help you know when you have made small changes and helps you to challenge yourself to fight the desire to smoke and gradually cut back at your own pace.

The smart lighter also can be paired with your smart phone via an app so you can view your smoking history, set reduction plans and optionally limit how often and when the lighter can be used. You can also share your progress with Quitbit’s community or with your friends on Facebook and Twitter. For those of you who have tried everything - maybe the Quitbit can help you achieve your goal to finally quit smoking!

SACOS HOUSEHOLDER’S INSURANCE Why Do You Need Insurance for your Property

One of your most important assets is your home. You need to ensure that if something happens to your house and its contents you are covered by insurance.

Accidents usually happen when you least expect them. A severe storm, flash floods or accidental fire can cause serious and costly damage to your house and its contents and the cost of rebuilding your house and/or replacing damaged items could run into thousands.

Property insurance provides protection against most risks to property, such as fire, theft and weather damage. Property insurance is necessary: • It will help you pay to rebuild or repair your house if it is damaged by a covered cause, such as a fire or an act of vandalism.

• It will help you pay for settlements involving accidents in your home where you are held liable (such as when a visitor gets injured while in your house and that visitor sues for damages and medical expenses).

• It gives you peace of mind from the “what ifs” related to your house - what if my house burns down? What if a hailstorm hits?

What if a thief breaks in?

The reality is that without adequate insurance, there is no peace of mind!

Don’t hesitate! Get your cover now and be insured with SACOS.

Contact the SACOS Insurance Company Ltd on telephone 4295,000 or pay SACOS a visit at the SACOS Tower, Palm Street, Victoria, for professional assistance and guidance.

Contributed by SACOS Insurance Company Ltd.

SACOS. Rest Assured, Be Insured

SEPTEMBER 2014 | POTPOURRI

25

Les yeux ouverts Rêve d’océans, de végétation luxuriante et de parfums exotiques ?

On ne vient pas aux Seychelles par hasard.

On en a rêvé. « Une mer si bleue qu’il n’y a que le sang qui soit plus rouge... », pour citer Claudel.

Des clichés, on en a plein la tête, le temps de vacances trop courtes, avec le regret de devoir repartir; et pour certains la chance de pouvoir y revenir.

Car quelques-uns l’ont compris : les Seychelles ne peuvent se résumer à un album de photos de vacances.

Alors, nous qui avons la chance d’y vivre, que pourrions nous dire à ceux qui ne peuvent y rester ?

Les Seychelles, c’est avant tout une émotion. Comme tout sentiment, ça ne s’explique pas.

On ne peut que méditer ces vers de Baudelaire :

« Au pays parfumé que le soleil caresse

J’ai connu sous un dais d’arbres tout empourprés

Et de palmiers, d’où pleut sur les yeux la paresse

Une dame créole aux charmes ignorés »

Les Seychelles, c’est pour finir une rencontre.

Rencontre avec des familles comme il n’en existe plus ailleurs. De l’arrière grand-mère au dernier né, se retrouvant le dimanche autour du cari lors d’un pique-nique sur la plage.

Vous l’avez compris, ici, la notion de partage existe encore, et bien audelà du cercle familial.

Le Seychellois est fier de ses origines diverses, fier de son pays et de sa place dans le monde du XXIème siècle. L’avenir, il l’envisage rayonnant.

Il n’y a là aucune arrogance à exprimer une telle joie de vivre et de vouloir la communiquer.

Quelle société peut encore afficher aux yeux du monde autant d’optimisme ?

Terre bénie des dieux sans doute, et que nous avons le bonheur de partager.

Terre d’accueil, certes, mais pour ceux et celles qui sont convaincus qu’une intégration réussie passe par le respect des uns et des autres, valeur universelle plus que jamais d’actualité.

Catherine Perrin

Grand Anse, La Digue (Courtesy, Gerard Larose)

Comment résister à ce que dame Nature a si généreusement produit ?

Elle s’est surpassée pour aiguiser nos sens à l’extrême. Au fin fond des bois, ça sent la cannelle, la vanille et le frangipanier.

Evènements culturels culturels

Cours de français

Ateliers créatifs

AllianceFrançaise de Victoria Toutes les informations sur les évènements culturels à l’Alliance sur notre site internet www.allianceseychelles.org

26

SEPTEMBER 2014 | POTPOURRI

SEPTEMBER 2014 | POTPOURRI

27

BEHIND THE BUSINESS

The Secret to Getting Salon - Gorgeous Hair with Martin Hoarau Looking good is no longer a luxury. It is a necessity!

By Elaine LaFortune Getting the perfect hair style can be a challenge, but when placed in the hands of a good stylist, the constantly heavy pressure we feel to look good can be relieved considerably.

Something else goes on in hair salons that can also make you feel better: the rapport with your hairdresser, and a welcoming atmosphere. A salon – bustling with characters from all walks of life, trading gossip and swapping stories – can provide a brief respite from reality.

Martin Hoarau is one stylist who knows this all too well, judging by the inviting ambience he has cultivated amongst the staff at his salon. Avid readers of POTPOURRI see Martin at work every month for our makeover feature, but for this issue we stole a few additional moments from his busy schedule to discuss his business, the hairdressing industry and some of his most memorable experiences as a stylist.

Most people think lowly of hairdressing as a career.

What do you have to say about this?

Being a hairdresser is all about passion and without it you cannot execute your work efficiently. You do not do it for the money; you do it because you are into it. A lot of hard work goes into it and you need to be persistent if you want to reach the level you aspire to. It is a very tedious job and after studying it for about three years, I can now confidently say that it is definitely not a job for everybody. Hairdressing has been my passion since I was but 13 years old and I find absolutely nothing unexceptional about what we do.

“WE ARE NOT AS EXPENSIVE AS PEOPLE THINK, SO DO NOT HESITATE TO DROP BY.”

28

SEPTEMBER 2014 | POTPOURRI

The fashion industry is constantly evolving. How do you as a hairdresser adapt to these changes?

The change that hairdressing goes through is not made by the hairdressers. It is the people in the streets who are creators of fashionable hairstyles; we just adapt it and make it fancier and more wearable for people to go out and to give them an everyday look. We will simply rework a rougher look into a smoother finish and give it an air of artistry and sophistication.

What difference do you make in the lives of people who come to you on a daily basis?

When working with a client you have to be sure that whatever style you give them, will be suited to them. A perfect example would be when changing the colour of a client’s hair. We do not just choose a random colour – we have to make sure that it suits either their skin tone or eye colour. The way I work personally, is to make sure that whatever I do is stylish but at the same time, I make certain that it is manageable as an everyday wear for the client. If I think something is not going to be right for someone, I will not do it, because our reputation is at stake. We tend to cater for everyone as individuals with a different colour, a different haircut; all with the idea of enhancing someone’s personality. When you work in this manner people will confide in you. Being able to not only make them beautiful, but also give them a word of hope and advice – that for me, is the ultimate.

Photo credit; Alvin Abel

BEHIND THE BUSINESS

Hair extensions are a quick way to create either a slight change or the most drastic.

How different is it for you working with someone with an extension and someone with natural hair?

Make Overs

The demand for hair extensions is rising dramatically and at the salon this is usually done to give the hair more volume and length. Of course working with natural hair is easier as it flows more. But I find that most women who have extensions, especially those who have always had short hair tend to be more confident after they have extended their hair. They do an extension and two weeks after you see them – they have changed the way they dress, the way they wear their hair; it is like getting a boob job.

Do you have a specific brand that you like to work with?

Over my 33 years in hairdressing and working with brands, I have to admit that I prefer working with brands that are chemical free. We have gone completely for the more organic way of hairdressing, so clients do not have to worry about anything seeping through their scalps or even burning their scalps. The brand we use is called Oalia, it’s made in Barcelona by an Italian company. It’s a fantastic product. It does not smell and it is ammonia free.

Arlene Leon - June 2012

Dianne Dalida - July 2013

Jeannine Nourrice - May 2013

Lyn Gower - January 2013

Mary Jane - October 2012

Prisca Andrade - December 2012

Suzanne Verlaque - December 2013

Sylvie Ah-Time - February 2013

How has working with POTPOURRI for the makeover piece been for you?

We have been very fortunate to work with the magazine.

It has given us more status, considering the status of the magazine itself and the amount of people it reaches on a monthly basis. Before when people referred to us, it was: “Martin Hoarau, the expensive hairdresser,” but now in POTPOURRI they see the kind of services we offer and what we are all about through the captions written and the photos taken. This has provided us with way more clients and I choose to believe that it has made us a bit more money, too.

Quality service comes with a price. How affordable do you think you are as a salon?

I think we cater for everyone. Since we started here four years ago, we have only upped the price twice. The majority of our clients are 80 percent Seychellois and that is fantastic!

“WE HAVE GONE COMPLETELY FOR THE MORE ORGANIC WAY OF HAIRDRESSING, SO CLIENTS DO NOT HAVE TO WORRY ABOUT ANYTHING SEEPING THROUGH THEIR SCALPS OR EVEN BURNING THEIR SCALPS.”

SEPTEMBER 2014 | POTPOURRI

29

BEHIND THE BUSINESS Aimee Wright - November 2012

Anielle Esparon - August 2013

Elsa Barallon - April 2013

Esmee Jumeau - May 2014

Giselle Chuen - April 2012

Laura Higby - March 2012

Liza Cosgrow - March 2013

Simone Sauzier - April 2014

What do you think makes your salon stand out?

We open as early as 7:30am and we close late in the evening. We provide our clients with really good consultations and we also use quality products. We make it a priority that our clients walk out at least 95 percent happy. The training we have had and the training we give to our staff speak volumes. We use the European technique of hairdressing but with a Seychelles feel to it. At the same time I acknowledge that there are some incredibly fantastic hairdressers here.

What would be your ideal client?

Having someone come in and say: “Martin, do whatever you want!” I am not the kind of person who is going to chop someone’s hair off completely, but I like to make changes to a person’s look. It is nice seeing a client walk out with confidence and you know they feel good about the changes you have made.

There is stereotype associated with hairdressing in that many think it is a woman’s job. What are your thoughts on this matter and how different do you think you are compared to a female hairdresser?

done using these small rollers. Nonetheless, in all honesty, there isn’t a look that I hate. I believe that everyone has their own style.

What is the one style you cannot pull off?

The bun! The one thing I cannot do is put someone’s hair up. If someone comes to me and asks me to put her hair up, I will literally go weak at the knees and start sweating because I just cannot do it. Not to worry though, the girls at the salon can.

What are the common misconceptions you think that people have about hairdressing?

A lot of people think that we are just thick, uneducated and without qualifications and this is kind of disappointing, really. The most common is the idea that because you are a male hairdresser then you must automatically be gay.

How has your journey been in the business thus far?

When we first started it was only my wife and I, and now we have expanded to having as many as 12 staff on board which I believe is amazing.

A male hairdresser can make a female client look and feel sexier. I remember a survey regarding this was done in London and it revealed that men tend to take extra care with their female clients, even more so if they are straight men. But in haircutting itself and hairdressing, I believe women are as good as men. There was a stigma way back linking hairdressing to women, but this has changed over the years. It is unfortunate though that we do not have a lot of male hairdressers here.

What are some of the moments that have marked you?

Who do you think female clients prefer?

Do you see yourself going back to London in the near future?

Definitely a male hairdresser!

A look you love, a look you hate and a look you just find plain boring?

Out of all the haircuts, any versatile bob is a look to love. It is a haircut that has been there since Cleopatra and it will remain for years to come. The bob has evolved over the years and it is one of the sexiest haircuts there is.

A look that I find utterly boring is seeing women who have had their hair

30

SEPTEMBER 2014 | POTPOURRI

I worked with “Live TV” in London doing a live makeover on air. I also did some work on the “Sex and the City” girls when they came for a movie shoot. I had to transform their look and these are the most memorable moments that stand out for me.

Unless something major happens, I am not moving! This is my home and since I left it I have always wanted to come back. I am definitely staying put.

Any last words?

“We are not as expensive as people think, so do not hesitate to drop by.”

SEPTEMBER 2014 | POTPOURRI

31

FEATURED ARTIST

An Eternal Pursuit The Life and Times of Tom Bowers

By Kurt Gilbert Nestled amidst the forests of Les Canelles is a place that one would never expect to find. A refuge from the undesirable aspects of the city. An isolated sanctuary for those who prefer a life of quiet reflection to one of inflexible working hours and fast cars.

Upon arriving at Tom Bowers’ Sculpture studio, I was greeted by the man himself, accompanied by two dogs who were far more protective of their owner than they were welcoming of this young stranger. Even before stepping through the gate, my memories of the Bowers residence and Tom’s studio were confirmed to be accurate and the past came flooding back; hundreds of Cardinal birds that have chosen the mountain-top retreat as their home, the dogs and cats that keep Tom and his wife Ellen company throughout the day, the studio filled with half-finished works of art and the insentient but very much alive sculptures that complete the Bowers community.

For Tom and Ellen, the realisation of an ideal life started much the same way as it does for so many foreigners who move to Seychelles. After a brief holiday in 1981, the Bowers decided to leave their London life behind and start afresh. After literally giving everything away, including their studio,

the move was finally made in 1986 and one can tell just how settled Tom and Ellen are here now from the simple fact that between them, they’ve only been back to the UK three times since and even then, those visits have been out of absolute necessity.

So, I guess the best place to start is at the beginnings of your artistic journey. How did you discover your artistic tendencies?

Well, I think there’s not much else I can do. Education in London was destroyed during World War II; you’d start school, sort the classrooms out and then you’d get bombed and everything would stop. Every time a bomb hit a house, the crater exposed a five foot layer of the finest clay you could wish for. Clay so good that you could take it right out of the ground and put it into an oven. I suppose it was really at that point that I first started making small sculptures – mostly animals that I liked as a child.

On top of that, I fought a disability which had me between crutches and a wheelchair for the entirety of my childhood, so my old man taught me to read and I spent hours and hours entrenched in books. By the time I was about 13, I was reading books you could only find in universities.

Books that disturbed the status quo, so to speak. That went on until I was 14, when I left school to become a skinner at Roland Wards, which was the biggest Taxidermist in the world back then. That experience really served to teach me about the bone and muscle structure of the animals, which is why I don’t need to use models or photos as references for any of my work now.

And how much of you still draws directly from those memories when you work?

Well, it depends on what you’re doing. It means drawing on stored information that sometimes goes back as far as 50 years. For example, some time ago I made a sculpture of an Eagle for a client which was taken from an Eagle that I’d seen in Scotland on a power cable. He (the Eagle) took off and I used the memory of that moment to recreate the scene as a sculpture. I mean, I have complete recall of the movement of muscle and joints; if you move your hand one way, it looks like that and so on.

Wow, that’s impressive. Now, with regards to your time at the taxidermist, did you have free reign? I have this mental image of you rummaging around in a dimly-lit workshop at night, pleasing your own curiosities...

No, no. We were working to strict regulations. As you are with everything, though, the more you’re restricted the more you create or the more your brain works to create. This is something that the art schools sort of...misconceive, really. If you restrict a painter or a sculptor, they’ll always fight against it to put in what they want to put in.

32

SEPTEMBER 2014 | POTPOURRI

FEATURED ARTIST

“Firstly, an artist should have a knowledge of the state of the society. Whether you’re painting, doing a commercial or making a film, you have to know what the society expects, what it doesn’t expect, what it wants, where it’s going, what it’s aspirations are”.

SEPTEMBER 2014 | POTPOURRI

33

FEATURED ARTIST

With that, what do you think of the philosophy of art? I mean, where do you stand with regards to what a successful artist is?

Firstly, an artist should have a knowledge of the state of the society. Whether you’re painting, doing a commercial or making a film, you have to know what the society expects, what it doesn’t expect, what it wants, where it’s going, what it’s aspirations are.

The Zeitgiest?

Exactly. These are things that people completely miss. You go into an art school and nobody talks about this stuff and you go: “Hang on – that’s the key.” That’s why Michaelangelo, as an artist, ended up as one of the richest men in Italy; because he had a key to the society and the Church used his key to do things like the sculpture I just made for the Freedom Monument in town.

The President rang me, told me what he wanted and within half an hour, I’d drawn it up. I sent it to him and he said, “Yeah, that’s it.” Once it was finished, he came over here to view it and we knew it was the one. It’s about knowing a society, as I’ve said. Knowing that in Seychelles, the people have been through so much and worked together to get where they are now. It’s the victory lap.

So, as an artist yourself, would you agree with the idea that great art reflects certain aspects of the audience that they wouldn’t necessarily see anywhere else?

Not aspects that they wouldn’t see anywhere else, but aspects of themselves that they recognise. That’s it. Subliminal things that you’re thinking of all the time. It’s not what you put in, it’s what you leave out. It’s not the words in the book that count but the words that you omit. It sounds strange, but it’s absolutely accurate. The clarity of your art is what speaks to your audience. There can’t be any unnecessary input. That’s everything.

Had I space and time to write out every word I shared with Tom, Ellen and their daughter Kate while I was a guest in their home, I would. Unfortunately, 3 hours of dialogue turns out to be a lot of words on paper. Needless to say, my trip to the Bowers’ abode was one of the most inspiring and informative afternoons I’ve had in many moons. Then again, it would have been foolish of me to expect any less.

Tom and Ellen welcome passers by to visit their studio during the week. You can find it on the western side of the Les Canelles mountain road. Just look out for the sign board.

34

SEPTEMBER 2014 | POTPOURRI

SEPTEMBER 2014 | POTPOURRI

35

FASHION 36

SEPTEMBER 2014 | POTPOURRI

FASHION

MODEL: T-TRAY PHOTOGRAPHER: PAOLO BORDONI (SEY PHOTO) VENUE: ANSE SOLEIL LINEN SHIRT: EGO FURSTENBERG LINEN SHORTS: VILEREQUIN HAT: HELEN KAMINSKI ‘XY’ SUNGLASSES: SUN LAB All items available at drift seychelles

SEPTEMBER 2014 | POTPOURRI

37

FASHION MODEL: KEVIN MARENGO PHOTOGRAPHER: PAOLO BORDONI (SEY PHOTO) VENUE: ANSE SOLEIL LINEN SHIRT: VILEBREQUIN LINEN SHORTS: VILEREQUIN HAT: HELEN KAMINSKI ‘XY’ SUNGLASSES: SUN LAB SHOES: COOLGO All items available at DRIFT Seychelles

38

SEPTEMBER 2014 | POTPOURRI

FASHION

MODEL: KEVIN MARENGO AND TTRAY PHOTOGRAPHER: PAOLO BORDONI (SEY PHOTO) VENUE: ANSE SOLEIL KEVIN WEARS: T-SHIRT: VILEBREQUIN TURTLE MOTIFS BEACH SHORTS (PINK) - VILEBREQUIN CAP: HELEN KAMINSKI XY’ SUNGLASSES: SUN LAB SHOES: SOLUDOS TTRAY WEARS: T-SHIRT: VILEBREQUIN | PATCH BEACH SHORTS (MULTI COLORED): ‘83 990’ SUNGLASSES: SUN LAB FLIP-FLOPS: CRESSI All items available at DRIFT Seychelles

FITNESS GYM

SEPTEMBER 2014 | POTPOURRI

39

FASHION

Wilson Nancy | 40 | Self-Employed Businessman Preferred colors?

Well they don’t call it a color as such, but I prefer white and I like orange, which is also just a pastel.

I would never be caught wearing…

All black.

A look that I think should have never gone out of style

I would say the bell-bottom pants should have never gone out of style because they’re a classic and still pretty fashionable when you look at them.

Your take on Hats

Actually this year, hats are becoming trendy again, especially for women this summer. Not the wide fluffy ones but small and short. That’s what I found out in Italy. I would wear a hat depending on the occasion or function. If I’m going outdoors where there’s a lot of sun then I’d definitely wear one for protection, but not really indoors. Unless I’m hiding a bald patch!

Are accessories important to you?

I have my bracelets which are of semiprecious stones and that’s the only thing I wear. I have one of ‘Tiger Eye’ because I was born in the Chinese zodiac year of the tiger, for me it’s just for my wellbeing, though. My bracelets are the one accessory that I wouldn’t leave the house without. Oh, and definitely a watch. I have a Samsung Gear watch that I got more for its fashion-ability – I wanted to be a trend setter – but it’s proven its worth in terms of function.

The practical look that never fails I would say smart-casual, mainly linen for our climate.

The one guy who always gets it right Vin Diesel

Advice for guys

What’s the type of look that makes a guy stand out?

It all depends on the occasion. Sometimes you have to go with function-ability, sometimes you have to go with fashion-ability. For example if you are going to a ball or a similar formal event, then you have to go with something formal, if it’s casual then you have to go with casual wear. As long as you feel comfortable in it, then it works.

Fashion or function, which takes precedence?

Function first, definitely!

How important is the brand/designer to you?

In Europe I feel people are more brand conscious than in Africa, but it’s getting better now. And even in Seychelles we are getting to know brands and people tend to shop according to brands more and more.

There’s definitely a difference from back in the days to now. Personally, I shop by brand.

40

SEPTEMBER 2014 | POTPOURRI

Just wear something that you are comfortable in. Whether or not it’s fashionable, you need to feel comfortable or there’s no point in wearing it. At the same time, try to follow the trends and make sure you don’t wear something that’s mismatched, which is a big no no in my book. You have to consider which colours blend with others. At times if you follow certain Italian styles, you’ll notice that they tend to go off a bit. That is attractive in its own right, but only if you have the right balance.

I’ve also noticed this year that a lot of guys are keeping a full beard…that seems to be trendy now.

Photo Credit: www.minxsociety.com

FASHION

Get His Look Ryan Gosling

Ask any woman when was the last time she saw Ryan Gosling looking shabby and she’ll likely laugh at the thought. Most of the world was introduced to the 33-year old Canadian in the romantic drama ‘The Notebook.’ Even then, in a 1940’s setting, the signs of an emerging fashion icon were evident. Fashion critics will tell you Gosling can pull off any look – he makes the clothes, not the other way round. Never one to be seen in a dull suit nor is he ever scared to experiment, no one can deny he is a trend setter.

The tabloid, so far, has portrayed him as an unassuming, calm and collected young man. If there’s any truth to that, it really is icing on the cake.

Shoes | SR750 | Cufflings, Espace Building Belt | SR450 | Cufflings, Espace Building Shirt | SR650 | Cufflings, Espace Building Trousers | SR657 | Cufflings, Espace Building Boss Orange Sunglasses | SR2150 | Beyond the Sea

with Ms Jules

MEN AND BLING A watch and a wedding band.

Most men prefer not to venture beyond these two items when it comes to the world of jewelry.

Perhaps women should be happy about this since it means the little boxes would always remain ours. Well, that is until men do start venturing beyond the ‘safe’ zone.

So, how far beyond the safe zone should men venture out? Again, the basic understanding is, to each his own. Explore styles and see what suits you the best. But, if you’re thinking about moving beyond a watch but you’re unsure of ‘what else’ read on for some basic tips.

Rings: Do not do diamonds.

Aside from a wedding band, a simple no frill ring will do the trick. Keep it to one ring per ten fingers.

Chains: Chains must complement your watch. Do not pick something that will clash with it. Ideally, a man should have a strong, sturdy chain, i.e. nothing that screams delicate.

Necklaces: Simplicity is the key – stay away from ‘playboy

bunny’ or ‘best lover’ pendants.

Go for a thin necklace with a small pendant (or no pendant at all) or even a beaded necklace can look great with the right outfit. Just make sure it hangs just past your collarbone.

Earrings: That style out the window in the mid90’s. Just don’t do it. Sorry guys.

Body piercings: There is no reason for a guy to have a piece of jewelry stabbed through their navels, their tongues and their noses. Again, just don’t do it.

On a last note, remember that jewelry brings attention to the body area thy cover, i.e. hands, chest, fingers. Make sure your nails are properly trimmed and you keep up with your grooming.

“PIRATES, ON THE OTHER HAND, GET AWAY WITH EVERYTHING”.

SEPTEMBER 2014 | POTPOURRI

41

Tessa Henderson (32)

MAKE-OVER

Martin Hoarau’s Hairdressing Occupation: Communications & Membership Manager at LUNGOS Family: Eldest and only girl in a family of three.

Mother to baby boy Teejay.

General hair beauty routine: I put my hair up in a ponytail - everyday, unless it cannot be tamed then I tie it in a bun.

When was the last time you went to a hairdresser?

I try and go every two weeks.

General make-up routine: Make-up? What is that?

I do not wear make-up. If I go out I’ll put on some eyeliner and a little mascara but that’s about it. Half the time I forget I have them and go without!! I love my natural look. I so don’t have ‘put make-up on’ in my routine.

BEFORE

Why I need a make-over: I have only got one hairstyle; the boring ponytail. My hair is untamed so I never wear it loose. Layers do not work and my hair is thick and heavy.

What I am expecting from it: Options that will work and I need to know how different I look with make-up on.

Hair (with Martin) “Tessa’s main problem is ‘BIG’ hair.

I will add layers, disheveled layers, so that it hangs better since we are keeping her length. The focus is on the interior of her hair. Minimising hair above her shoulders will give her a ‘thinner’ look – so we’ll do that too.”

For booking, call Martin Hoarau Hairdressing on 4325186

Make up

for AFTER photo go to page 41

(with Sophie)

“I had to mix two different foundations to get the perfect tone for Tessa’ skin. I opted for a blue toned eyeshadow along with some glitter for her eyes. To keep the look ‘simple,’ a watermelon colour lipgloss was used and a clear coat on top to seal the colour in.”

For booking, call Sophie on 2793300

1

2

3

The Team

1. Hair: Martin Hoarau | 2. Make Up: Sophie Pool | 3. Photography: Alvin Abel 42

SEPTEMBER 2014 | POTPOURRI

SEPTEMBER 2014 | POTPOURRI

42

SEPTEMBER 2014 | POTPOURRI

43

MAKE-OVER

R E T F A

Editor’s note: We think she loved it.

Tessa says, “Oh my God, who is this person in the mirror?”

44

SEPTEMBER 2014 | POTPOURRI

SEPTEMBER 2014 | POTPOURRI

45

HEALTH

VIEW FROM THE STATION

ELUSIVE BALANCE ....and the Virtues reward

By Jenny Gilbert There is a plethora of information on the internet and on every bookshop shelf on how to ‘find balance’ in one’s life. Open any magazine and you’re sure to find some advice on the nowaccepted notion that in today’s busy world the solution to our all our problems is to attain this magic called ‘balance.’

I am therefore seriously being challenged by the great philosophers, psychiatrists and lifestyle gurus, both past and present, to share my humble view on this elusive concept. I say elusive because I have never been able to succeed in ‘finding balance’ along the lines of what has become a ‘simple’ solution to a complex reality. There are some incredible articles and handbooks written on this subject and I’m sure that most of them have value and are well studied and researched. Yet despite my years of making attempts to ‘find balance’ by learning about and acting upon these well-considered suggestions, I still didn’t quite get it.

My contention is that we cannot prescribe a ‘balance pill’ any more than we can journey to find it. I say that because each of us has our own way in the world, our own perception of what balance is, our own idea of what we need to do to find the place which makes us feel that life is good – and that can be a million different things to a billion different people.

In preparation for this article I asked a handful of people what ‘Balance’ means to them. Here are some answers: “For me Balance is maintaining my sanity without becoming ‘normal.’”

“Balance for me means feeling at peace with myself.”

“My idea of balance has to do with emotions being able to cope in a crisis with a level of calm, not overreacting, being more accepting.”

“Balance is taking the positive and the negative and finding neutrality without drifting too far this way or that.”

“For me being in a state of equilibrium, a state of nirvana, living in a Utopian reality would be Balance.”

“Being comfortable mentally, physically and emotionally.”

“Feeling grounded and connected to the Universe gives me a sense of Balance.”

“Balance is not having to do anything radical to feel OK.” Your Balance, that which makes sense for you, not for someone else, is there when you need it. You are, after all, a unique specimen with idiosyncrasies and ideologies that may not be even vaguely understood by the great minds out there who preach Balance. I do hope you will read this article and find yourself on a journey of discovery of what Balance really means to you, and you alone.

It was while developing the Virtues concept that I recognized that the last, most obvious virtue had to be BALANCE. Once I put it to the test and started practicing my own programme more diligently every day, I found that I became

46

SEPTEMBER 2014 | POTPOURRI

a much more comfortable individual, more abundant, more graceful, a little more humble, more thankful than ever for what I have achieved, a great deal more in tune with my own integrity and much more accepting. In a nutshell, the daily practices in Abundance, Grace, Humility, Gratitude, Integrity and Acceptance always lead me to Balance.

Now, to others on the outside who see me scuttle around the Station like a busy bee, always hectic, often moving from one crisis to another,

“I know that balance is always with us and that we need to simply stir it into consciousness when we need it…” it would be easy to understand why some might well consider me to be ‘out of balance.’ While I feel exhausted sometimes, I am always excited, mostly very happy and rearing to move to the next post, over the newest hurdle. If I were out of balance would I not be toppling over? The question arises because my state of busy-ness or stress perceived by others might not match their value system but is absolutely in line with mine.

I believe that I am happier being busy and working with a million different things at once.

And no matter how many articles I read on how to ‘shut down’ or ‘make a full stop at the end of the day’ or ‘stroll out into the nature and breathe,’ I am not that person. Trying to achieve a state of Balance by shifting gears and assuming a position that doesn’t fit my idea of myself does nothing other than to move me out of my natural Balance. I live my life according to what I feel I want to and need to do to achieve my dreams and getting tired and sometimes a little overwhelmed most certainly comes with the territory. But it doesn’t mean that I’m out of Balance because my Balance is about feeling good within, having a real sense of purpose and being involved with something that enables me to sleep peacefully at night – and I sleep better when I’m exhausted!

I have learnt that one needs to stop looking for Balance and start acquainting oneself with the natural balance that exists within us. I know that balance is always with us and that we need to simply stir it into consciousness when we need it and that is what the Virtues programme does.

that my life is in fact in Balance according to the way in which I feel harmonized. When I remember the daily Virtues, Balance results. In my experience, Balance is a reward for mindful, moderate living. There is no magic to it at all, no need to turn one’s life upside down. The reward of Balance requires only that we take daily baby steps to be happy within our skin.

Jenny Gilbert is the founder and owner of Everglow Ltd, the island’s premier natural health manufactures and service providers. She is also Director of Wellness at Resonate Wellness at The Station. Homoeopathy is a well recognised system of ‘natural’ medical treatments for most diseases and conditions. Please visit resonatewell.wordpress.com or email reson8.well@gmail.com.

SEPTEMBER 2014 | POTPOURRI

47

HEALTH

We should not need to read about how to find something that is within us. Adopting the daily Virtues is simply a means by which we allow that element of ourselves to flow, a way to ignite it a little every day.

There will be some days when you will feel that you need to start finding Balance. It’s not possible because it is not out there but within you and I suggest that when you are willing to open up to your most glorious you, Balance will be your reward.

The Virtues programme is a guide to enable you to do this. We see, from the diligent, mindful, joyful practice of these fundamental daily VIRTUES, that Balance results. It comes from the realisation of some universal truths and the enactment of those in a way that makes sense on a personal level.

It’s a lot like Homeopathy, which is a true system of healing that identifies with the individual, not the collective mass.

During the weeks that I follow the Virtues programme tirelessly, I find myself to be calm, gentle, optimistic and content, not to mention motivated. Is this not Balance?

One of the most powerful suggestions made to me was by my mentor who believed that moderation is the key to a good life. Through the development and practice of this simple word, ‘moderation,’ I realise

48

SEPTEMBER 2014 | POTPOURRI

find it difficult to talk about their feelings. It is normal for everyone to feel down from time to time – it is a normal reaction to losses, setbacks and disappointments in life. The standard signs and symptoms of depression are low moods and sadness, accompanied by intense feelings of helplessness and hopelessness, apathetic with loss of interest in most previously enjoyed activities, change in appetite and sleep, decreased concentration and energy, psychomotor retardation and irritability.

Sometimes ignored but very real, suicide is also a symptom of depression. Hence, the reason why a person suffering from depression expresses

Am I Suicidal?

Q: Dear Annalisa, I think I have been depressed

for over 10 years. Since coming back from university I have never felt like I belonged here. I keep who I truly am to myself - otherwise my family would never accept me and I doubt anyone would love me. I go through periods where I think things will be OK and I get hopeful and then, just like that, I’m back to square 1. A successful, rich actor took his life this week and I can’t help but wonder ‘if he couldn’t make it what chance do I have?’ I clearly need help but where do I start? Dave, 33

A:

Dear Dave Experience has shown me that no two people have the exact same path. Plus having similar paths does not necessarily lead to the same destination. Yet I think the matter you help raise here, depression in men - is a very important one. It is a common health condition yet often misunderstood and overlooked as many men

“SOME OF THE RISK FACTORS LIKELY TO MAKE MEN MORE VULNERABLE TO DEPRESSION MAY BE LONELINESS AND LACK OF SOCIAL SUPPORT, HISTORY OF ALCOHOL OR DRUG USE, AND TRAUMA OR ABUSE IN EARLY CHILDHOOD”. “wanting to end it all.” This being the case, it is imperative that clinicians ask any person displaying signs or symptoms of depression whether he/she has had suicidal thoughts or ideas. To be noted!

Research has shown that this practise does not encourage the person to suicide but rather

it creates an environment which allows the client to talk about his/her intentions, if any. In addition to the above, depression in men may also present itself as physical pain (backache or sexual dysfunction), anger (ranging from irritability to violence) or engaging in reckless behaviours (increased alcohol consumption or other drug use). For a diagnosis of depression, the assessment should indicate the presence of at least five of the above symptoms for a period of at least two weeks.

Therefore before you declare yourself as “depressed,” let me ask, how much do you identify with the symptoms?

The triggers or causes of depression in men are not necessarily different from those in women.

It may include such things as relationship problems, overwhelming stress at work, losses or changes and family responsibility. Some of the risk factors likely to make men more vulnerable to depression may be loneliness and lack of social support, a history of alcohol or drug use, and trauma or abuse in early childhood.

Causes or triggers may be more easily apparent to you, but insight into the impact of risk factors may require the assistance of a mental health professional.

Men are less likely to talk to their male friends about how they feel. How likely is it that you will talk honestly to a friend or loved one, about how you are feeling? If it is highly unlikely, then it would be advisable for you to seek professional help. More importantly, given that you have battled with these feelings for over 10 years, it is highly recommended that you seek the help of a qualified mental health professional. Rest assured that once the correct diagnosis is made, there are plenty of successful treatments and ways that your therapist can assist in teaching you to manage your depression.

Mental Health Services, Ministry of Health on 4388000 is a sure place to start. Go ahead and try.

Annalisa Labiche is a practicing Clinical Psychologist with over 5 years experience. She completed her Bachelor of Art (Psychology) degree and Master in Psychology in Australia. She is exposed to a multitude of complaints such as relationship, parenting, family issues, psychological disorders, substance misuse amongst many others.

SEPTEMBER 2014 | POTPOURRI

49

AGONY AUNT

Dear Annalisa ......

Better Living

With Célia Ponzo

YOUR LIFE, YOUR JOURNEY...

What does this mean for our wellbeing?

It means a busy mind, a worried mind, an anxious mind.

A fearful mind leading to a body more prone to illness and sickness. We are all aware how negative thoughts influence our mind, which in turn has an effect on our bodies. The more energy we place on what is wrong with our life, the more we will feed that negative energy and let it take over our mind and body.

So how can we think about our past and future and present in a peaceful manner?

One of the ways to look at it is to see your life as a journey.

A journey which will take you on the best ride of your life.

This does not mean life will not throw at you obstacles that you feel you are unable to get over, people that will hurt you, moments that will make you lose your direction, or situations that will make you fall down so hard that you are not sure whether you will be able to climb back up.

Sometimes life will make you lose your ground over and over again until it teaches you to just let go. Let go and surrender and trust that it is leading you somewhere in

“Sometimes we try so hard to forget people or not bump into people, but no one will ever go away until we’ve been taught what we need to know”.

Your life, your journey....

How do you visualise your life? Are you exactly where you want to be at today or are you still dreaming of how it could be or how it should not have been? Too many of us focus on our past, dwelling on things that happened to us, actions we did, decisions we took. Some wish they had turned left instead of right when they were at a crossroads, some live in the past, remembering. On the other hand, some live for the future, counting down days until the next exciting event happens. Some worry about the future; where they will be, what job they will end up in, what life partner they will have by their side, whether they will get sick or whether they will end up living until they’re 105 years old.

We live in a society where we tend to focus on the negativity of the past and the uncertainty of the future. Not many of us live in the today, or even better, the right now, this very moment. Not many of us just ‘be’ and accept this present moment, which contradicts the very nature of human beings.

the right direction, and trust that is where you need to go.

The people you meet form part of your journey. They are all there to teach you a lesson. Make a list of the people that are part of your life today or at some point have been a part of your life and write down what they have each taught you, whether it is to be stronger, whether it is to trust, whether it is to accept or whether they taught you a mistake. Sometimes we try so hard to forget or avoid people, but no one will ever go away until we’ve been taught what we need to know.

The mistakes we make on our journey tend to leave us with feelings of regret, guilt or moments of “what if.” Make it a habit to just let go of the past and trust that what you see as a mistake was actually a lesson that taught you something very important, preparing you for your next challenge in life. Making mistakes is only human, and the most important aspect of them is learning from them and making sure you do not repeat the same mistake.

Finally enjoy the ride of this beautiful journey and be grateful for what life has to teach you.

Célia is passionate to inspire happier and healthier lives by sharing holistic tips to her public. Her background is in medical anthropology and public health.

She is currently working in the nutrition unit at the ministry of health.

50

SEPTEMBER 2014 | POTPOURRI

PARENTING

Alcool et Grossesse.

L’alcool est une substance toxique pour l’adulte, en effet des milliers d’individus en meurent chaque année. Cette substance toxique pour le fœtus est appelée substance tératogène.

Une femme enceinte doit souvent changer ses habitudes, voici ci-dessous des réponses à certaines questions que vous pouvez vous poser.

Quelle quantité d’alcool est-il possible de consommer sans qu’il y ait de risque ?

La consommation d’alcool lors d’une occasion ou régulière est particulièrement nocive pour le développement du fœtus. Il est recommandé de s’abstenir de boire de l’alcool au cours de la grossesse. Il n’y a pas de dose minimale définie qui soit sans danger pour le fœtus.

Est-ce qu’il existe un moment pendant la grossesse où il est moins dangereux de boire de l’alcool ?

Il n’y a aucun moment où boire de l’alcool pendant la grossesse est sans risque. Tout au long de la grossesse, les organes du fœtus sont susceptibles de voir leur développement perturbé par l’alcool. L’alcool est la substance psychoactive la plus toxique pour le fœtus.

Existe-t-il un type d’alcool moins nocif pour le fœtus ?

Non, tous les types d’alcool sont nocifs.

“POUR LA FEMME ENCEINTE : SA CONSOMMATION EST ASSOCIÉE À UN PLUS GRAND RISQUE DE FAUSSE COUCHE, D’ACCOUCHEMENT PRÉMATURÉ, DE RETARD DE CROISSANCE ET DE DÉCÈS DU FŒTUS AVANT LA NAISSANCE”.

Quelle quantité d’alcool reçoit le fœtus lorsque la mère en consomme ?

A travers le placenta, l’alcool passe rapidement et librement du sang maternel vers le sang du fœtus. Le fœtus présente un taux d’alcoolémie identique à celui de la maman.

Quels sont les risques de consommer de l’alcool pendant la grossesse ?

• Pour la femme enceinte : sa consommation est associée à un plus grand risque de fausse couche, d’accouchement prématuré, de retard de croissance et de décès du fœtus avant la naissance.

• Pour l’enfant : tous les organes du fœtus sont susceptibles de voir leur développement perturbé par l’alcool. Cependant le système nerveux central qui se développe tout au long de la grossesse est la cible principale de l’alcool. Cette substance toxique provoque des malformations qui sont parfois visibles sur le corps et qui sont en majorité cérébrales. La consommation d’alcool pendant la grossesse est une cause majeure de retard mental d’origine non génétique et d’inadaption sociale de l’enfant.

• Les effets de l’exposition du fœtus à l’alcool persistent toute la vie.

Qu’est-ce-que le Syndrome d’Alcoolisation Fœtale (SAF) ?

C’est un syndrome polymalformatif décrit chez les enfants de mères consommant des quantités importantes d’alcool pendant au moins le premier trimestre de la grossesse. Le syndrome est définit par un retard de croissance, des malformations au niveau du visage, cérébrales et des troubles neuro-comportementaux. A cela s’ajoute parfois des malformations cardiaques, des yeux et du squelette... Le SAF constitue l’atteinte la plus grave de l’exposition prénatale à l’alcool.

Mesdames, si vous planifiez une grossesse, il est préférable d’éviter la consommation d’alcool avant le début de celle-ci.

Pour plus d’information n’hésitez pas à contacter le professionnel de santé qui vous suit….

Zéro alcool pendant la grossesse Loréa Rassool est sage-femme ,formée en France et installée en libérale ( Cabinet Isis). Elle propose parmi de nombreux services : des consultations pré et post-natales, des cours de préparation à la naissance, du yoga périnatal, des consultations gynécologiques de prévention, différentes méthodes de contraception et de la rééducation périnéale.

SEPTEMBER 2014 | POTPOURRI

51

PARENTING

Good Touch Bad Touch the time parents don’t think it will ever happen to their children, due to how ‘protected’ they think their lifestyles are, so they do not see the need to talk to them about it. However it’s in these ‘safe’ environments, where children trust their supervisors and surrounding adults that incidents are most likely to happen.

One day, while surfing the net, I came across a young lady named Erin Merryn. She was sexually abused as a child and after a very long time was able to move forward and has now made it her life’s purpose to educate as many people that will listen on this subject. She started with two books about her experience - Stolen Innocence and Living for Today - and is now working to get a law called ‘Erin’s Law’ passed across America at the state and federal level. So far she has passed Erin’s Law in the Illinois state legislature unanimously, without receiving a single ‘No’ vote. Erin’s Law is a bill that requires children be educated, by law, in schools on CSA. Through age-appropriate curriculum in a child-friendly manner, they will learn the very important details of what it is, how to prevent it, appropriate touches, unsafe secrets, warning signs for parents and take-home student handbooks.

Although Seychelles may not have a curriculum in the schools in the near future, Erin’s mission impressed me greatly and I hurriedly tried to find as much information as possible on the above details so I could be equipped and knowledgeable for my children’s learning process. Whilst researching I discovered that one in six children in America is sexually abused and over 90 percent of the victims know their perpetrators. They then feel confused, ashamed and guilty - they fear that they will anger the perpetrator or are threatened to stay quiet through a bribe or by being convinced plainly that no one will believe them, which often times can allow the abuse to last for years.

“IT’S VERY DEPRESSING TO

By Nathalie Hodgson

THINK THAT IN TODAY’S WORLD

Child Sexual Abuse (CSA) has always been a topic of great interest to me, and even more so now that I am a mother of two. I have witnessed firsthand the profound effects that accompany such abuse. My close friend changed from a fun-loving, happy-go-lucky girl into a complete introvert – you could count how many times she smiled a year on one hand. I could not relate to her pain, however I felt it, being so close to her, yet so helpless at the same time. She has always been on my mind and while I write this today, I cannot help but think that if she was given this information and confidence, what a difference it would have made to her life.

THIS IS SOMETHING THAT EVERY

The only way to stop monsters from preying on our innocent children is by taking away the secrecy, taking away the fear of talking openly and educating our children (of all ages) about its very real existence and how to protect themselves from predators. Risk reduction education is our strongest tool to break the silence and protect our children. Education starts from the home and so it begins with you, the parents, guardians and mentors of the household.

NO LIMITATIONS ON AGE AND

It’s very depressing to think that in today’s world this is something that every child should know, just as much as how to read or write. Sexual abuse has no limitations on age and every child could be at risk. Most of

52

SEPTEMBER 2014 | POTPOURRI

CHILD SHOULD KNOW, JUST AS MUCH AS HOW TO READ OR WRITE. SEXUAL ABUSE HAS EVERY CHILD COULD BE AT RISK”.

I was again very drawn to Erin’s goal to get her law passed to prevent children from becoming victims. If each child in class recognizes what a good touch and a bad touch is and that when someone touches them in a bad way, it is never okay, that it’s not their fault and that they need to keep

ways to discuss this difficult subject without frightening them. Keep searching for a selection of methods to guide you through these important conversations.

So when I asked around amongst my Mummy peers on this subject, you could hear a pin drop in the room. Definitely a confirmation of how uncomfortable and difficult yet important the subject is. This made me even more determined to learn how to communicate and educate my children and maybe pass on my experience with my peers. So here is what I learnt and together with my child psychologist girlfriend here are the tactics I have started with in my home:

Here are some I have used as reference:

1. Educate and take ownership

As soon as your children become aware of their body parts, educate them on the correct names and functions of their anatomy. Also reiterate to them that these parts belong to them and no one else. This makes it easier for them to identify them and talk about them to someone. I have also found that when my children don’t want to hug or kiss someone (for whatever reason), I don’t force them, if they are not comfortable. This may give them a little more empowerment over their own bodies.

2. Ease it into conversation

Keep the chats with your children light and friendly and ease them into a conversation. When the children bring up the body parts in a casual chat at bath time for example, these are the best opportunities. Making it serious but unemotional, so it is easy to learn, will ensure that it is remembered and if so they are more likely to talk about it later on, if necessary.

www.speakupbesafe.org Books: Some Parts Are Not For Sharing by Julie Federico and ‘Your Body Belongs To You’ by Cornelia Spelman Video.

With these few tips I hope that I have been able to at least step over the “how do I start?” feeling and get you active, as responsible parents, to start your education for your children on CSA. What is important is to always have an open communication with your children, in general allowing them to talk to you about any tough conversation.

Nathalie Hodgson is Seychelloise living in Qatar. She is a yoga instructor, tourism consultant, freelance writer, Doterra oils wellness advocate and budding naturopath.

Eager to spread as much love, joy and happiness to all that she meets and inspire endless possibilities for creation for a better more peaceful world. Get in contact with her on FB:EssentialoilsDoterraDoha

3. Explain What is Safe Touch

Whenever there comes a time when a doctor or parent may have to touch somewhere they don’t like, it should be followed by concrete examples and should be fully explained. It should be communicated what they are doing and that is it for their own safety and should always be in the presence of someone they trust (preferably the parent having the CSA conversations with them). The most important point to stress is that it should be a very, very rare occasion and may even happen only every few years.

4. Teach them to say NO

Predators will not start with bad touching straight away. They always begin with long patting and playing with hands, legs, mouth or hair, which the children may not think is a problem since they may have only been told that the ‘other covered body parts’ are the only places where they have to be alerted. However if anyone is made to feel uncomfortable with any touch, they should be able to say “stop” or “no, thank you.” This line is the most important to repeat: “If anyone touches you anywhere that you are not comfortable with or it makes you feel ‘funny,’ you need to tell them loudly, ‘please do not do that to me, I don’t like it’. Give them the confidence and guidance to trust their own feelings and most importantly make them feel at ease to come forth and tell you about any incident.

Anytime, anywhere!

5. Role play

When these conversations arise and you have their attention, you can even try role playing, which has worked wonders for me on this subject.

We practice what they should say (like, “No, that hurts, I don’t like that” or simply “STOP that, it is hurting me”). We also discuss if anyone asks them to show their private parts or touch their private parts (no matter who it is), to always keep telling me about it. Even if it is a silly game, or it is only once. I repeat to them, “always tell Mumma, just for me to know.” I say this with a smile and not too serious. It’s a parent’s worst nightmare to even think someone is hurting your innocent child, and while most parents don’t want to fill their kids’ heads with fear, there are age-appropriate

SamTurns Name: Sam Naya Birthday: 19th September Message from his parents, Jack and Vanessa Naya; “Happy 3rd birthday our little climber. You’re one special little guy, a treasure to be cherished forever. We love you so much.

God bless you and keep you safe always. From Manman & Papa” ‘In collaboration with Chanterelle Bookshop’

SEPTEMBER 2014 | POTPOURRI

53

PARENTING

telling responsible adults, until someone listens. It will also allow their peers to recognize strange behavior so that they can openly talk about it amongst themselves.

The Smoothie Queen Mili’s Watermellie Smoothie! ~Melon Mania~ Hi there!

We have already reached the month of September! I have really enjoyed sharing my delicious recipes with all of you throughout this year and I hope that your taste buds have fallen in love with my smoothies. This month we shall be making my watermelon smoothie. Not only does it add the perfect touch to my days relaxing with a book in my garden, it also picks me up when I’m feeling a little down. Despite the popular belief that watermelon is made up of only water and sugar, watermelon is actually considered a nutrient-dense food that provides a high amount of vitamins, minerals and antioxidants for a low amount of calories.

Ingredients:

1 quarter of a watermelon A handful of mint A handful of basil leaves 1 lemon 1 cup fresh coconut water

Method:

Wash all your ingredients.

Remove the seeds from your watermelon.

Chop watermelon into small cubes. Place your watermelon, coconut water, basil leaves and mint leaves into the blender. Squeeze the juice from your lemon into the blender, too.

Blend for 1 minute and voila!

Serve in a frosted glass with ice and garnish with a small slice of watermelon and a few mint or basil leaves...

Enjoy!

Emilie is our Smoothie Queen and she shares her smoothie recipes with us each month. She is a young pescatarian from the Seychelles who dedicates much of her time making it possible to provide us with not just super healthy but also amazingly delicious smoothie recipes! Catch Emilie in action on our website, potpourrimagazine.com where she shares videos on how to make her smoothies and she will help us improve our diets with her fabulous recipes.

54

SEPTEMBER 2014 | POTPOURRI

CONSERVATION

The sight of old refrigerators, microwave ovens, and old TV sets in or near the public bins in our communities is not uncommon, especially in September around the time of the Clean Up the World Campaign. People always seem to have a piece of electrical junk that has burned out or gone too rusty to use. Sometimes, people simply feel the need to upgrade, to trade their old oven or TV in for a new one, for example.

The annual Clean Up the World event bears testimony to the fact that a lot of Seychellois households have numerous and diverse appliances and electronic goods to get rid of. Clean up the World day is one of those days where these old appliances items seem to appear out of nowhere, to line up near the road awaiting collection. In the end, we are not really cleaning up, since we are just moving all this waste from one site (our home), to another (the landfill). So the problem is not really solved for Seychelles.

The situation may not be as bleak, however, as a few good practices may actually reduce the amount of metal and electronic waste that makes its way to our landfill every year.

( 1 ) REDUCE THE AMOUNT YOU CONSUME!!

Lots of households in Seychelles have a refrigerator for food items such as bread and leftover foods, and an additional deep freezer for frozen goods.

Instead, having one large enough refrigerator will function as good as the two. This will not only cut on your energy bill, but it will also help protect our environment. When you invest in a fridge or freezer, choose one that is good quality and energy efficient to save you money in the long term.

( 2 ) REUSE YOUR ITEMS!!

Appliances have an unpleasant habit of getting rusty in our tropical island environment. Is your our bread toaster, your washing machine or refrigerator looking unsightly because of the rust? Don’t throw it out. Find a person who can do some lovely renovation using spray paint, strike a bargain and get your appliance back to being brand new. Or, if you really have your heart set on that new oven, offer your old one to someone else.

( 3 ) CREATIVELY RECYCLE YOUR APPLIANCES!!

If you look around Seychelles you will see that many people get creative with recycling appliances, turning old fridges into flower or veggie beds, and old washing machine innards into a brand new BBQ. This kind of creative recycling could even be turned into a flourishing business by some enterprising handyman or woman!

( 4 ) DONATE YOUR APPLIANCES OR PARTS TO ARTISTS OR REPAIR SHOPS. Your used appliances contain an assortment of re-usable goodies such as bolts and nuts, wires, springs and the like (if not more). These small parts can often be used by repair shops, and the small and big bits may be of interest to local artists who work with metal – A great example of metal sculpture using this technique can be found along the esplanade next to Carrefour des Arts, and there is another great metal sculpture on display at the prison, done by one of the inmates.

( 5 ) RECYCLE YOUR JUNK!

Of course there is another option and that is to donate your metal and electronic junk to one of the companies based in Seychelles such as Samlo & Sons, Surya, or Leevac Trading. You can do this year round by calling them up and asking them to collect, or taking your junk to them. If you have a lot of scrap metal they may even pay you for it. Or you can wait for Clean Up the World in September and put it by the side of the road along with everyone else.

Contributed by Sustainability for Seychelles (S4S), a local NGO whose mission is to promote sustainable living in Seychelles. For more info about our work contact us: Email: info@s4seychelles. com Tel. 422-4072 / 251-9135. Address: Suite A9 Arpent Vert, Mont Fleuri. Website: www.s4seychelles.com or find us on Facebook. This article was supported by the GEF small grants programme.

SEPTEMBER 2014 | POTPOURRI

55

DINING 56

SEPTEMBER 2014 | POTPOURRI

DINING

SEPTEMBER 2014 | POTPOURRI

57

BON APPETIT

Pumpkin Cheese Cake Served with a Guava Coulis

In September, indulge yourself & your family with a smooth and velvety Pumpkin Cheesecake. Sit comfortably to enjoy your cake with an exotic Takamaka Bay Coco Caipirissima and relax quietly…

Serves 8

INGREDIENTS

Batter 500 g Cream cheese 200g Pumpkin 2 Eggs 1 Egg yolk 125g Sour cream 175g Sugar ¼ Tea spoon of cinnamon powder ¼ Tea spoon of nutmeg powder 1 spoon of vanilla essence 50 g plain white flour

CRUST

150g Plain white flour 250g Unsalted butter 150g Sugar ½ Tea spoon ground ginger powder

COULIS

200g Guava purée 150g sugar 200ml water

THE BATTER

Peel, boil & mash the pumpkin.

Leave the pumpkin to cool for 20 minutes.

Combine the cheese cream with the mashed pumpkin in a large bowl.

Beat until smooth.

58

SEPTEMBER 2014 | POTPOURRI

Add the eggs to the batter one at a time; finish with the additional egg yolk.

Using a spatula, fold them all together.

Add sour cream to the mixture and continue to fold softly.

Sprinkle the sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg powder and 50 g of flour.

Drizzle the vanilla essence and stir gently until well blended.

Set aside the mixture.

THE CRUST

Pre- heat your oven to 170°c In another bowl, combine together 150g of plain flour, 150g of unsalted butter and 150g of sugar.

Flavour with a half tea spoon of ground ginger powder.

Bake the crust in the oven for 9 minutes until golden brown.

Leave it to cool for 10 minutes.

Crush the crust to obtain a crunchy crumble.

Incorporate 100g of butter to the crumble to hold the mixture.

METHOD

Spread out the crumble in a round cake tin, flatten 1 cm thick.

Pour the batter over the crust.

Put the cake in the oven for 45 minutes until golden brown.

GUAVA COULIS

Combine the Guava Purée with the water and sugar in a saucepan and bring the mixture to boil.

Once it is boiling and the sugar has dissolved into liquid, turn off the heat and transfer the mixture into a food processor. Blend until it is very smooth.

Serve the guava coulis on top of your cheesecake or pour the coulis in a shot glass and place it close to the cake.

Preserve the rest of the coulis in the freezer, to be used when needed.

La Plaine St. André T: +248 437 2010 E : reservations@laplaine.sc W : www.laplaine.sc

Coconut Caipirissima

Takamaka Bay Coco Rum pressed with fresh lime wedges and served short with a slither of pineapple juice

YOU WILL NEED

One large old fashioned or tumbler glass A muddler Crushed or cracked ice One loose handful of fresh lime wedges One teaspoon of white sugar Two shots of Takamaka Bay Coco Two shots of fresh pineapple juice

WHAT TO DO

Place the lime wedges and the sugar into the drinking glass Squash the lime wedges with your muddler to release their juice and dissolve the sugar Pour in the Takamaka Bay Coco rum Fill the glass with cracked or cubed ice and top the drink with fresh pineapple juice Add two straws and garnish with a lime wedge or pineapple slice

Takamaka Bay T: +248 437 2050 E: info@takamaka.sc W: www.takamakabay.com

SEPTEMBER 2014 | POTPOURRI

59

BON APPETIT

The Cocktail

WEDDINGS IN PARADISE 60

SEPTEMBER 2014 | POTPOURRI

WEDDINGS IN PARADISE

SEPTEMBER 2014 | POTPOURRI

61

WEDDINGS IN PARADISE 62

SEPTEMBER 2014 | POTPOURRI

OCCASIONS Photographer: Alvin Abel | Chef: Alain Jean Tel: 2580285 | Canape: Pointe Au Sel Bakery Entertainment: Fame | DJ: Peter Toule | Cake: Yasmin Ebrahim | Decor: Daphnee Gertrude | Menu and table numbers design: Neesha Kumar | Scented toiletries: Exotic Scents | Belle Vue Bakery.

SEPTEMBER 2014 | POTPOURRI

63

OCCASIONS 64

SEPTEMBER 2014 | POTPOURRI

OCCASIONS

SEPTEMBER 2014 | POTPOURRI

65

DESTINATION

Natural wonder of the world

CAIRNS

“The things that I love the most about Cairns are the majestic mountains and waterfalls that surround the city”.

By Isabelle Lablache

66

SEPTEMBER 2014 | POTPOURRI

DESTINATION

Naturally beautiful, Cairns is renowned as one of the world’s most iconic tropical locations. It is the only place in the world where two of the world’s heritage sites meet; the Great Barrier Reef and the Daintree Rainforest. Although these two natural wonders are at the top of the list of things to see while visiting Cairns, there are numerous attractions that you can find in this beautiful region.

Once a sleepy little industrial port, Cairns has now become the center for reef tourism here in Australia. The close proximity of The Great Barrier Reef itself, located only 26km from Cairns, makes this vibrant city the place to be to visit the largest reef system on the planet. Since the 1980’s, Cairns has cemented itself as the principal center for reef tourism in Australia.

The close proximity of the Outer Barrier Reef is what sets Cairns apart from all other destinations on the East Coast of Australia claiming to have access to the reef. Over the past 15 years Cairns has seen quite a bit of urban sprawl with a lot of the surrounding area which was once sugar cane fields making way for housing estates.

Living in Cairns

Cairns is home to approximately 200,000 people who enjoy coastal living at its best. With quiet streets, hidden water holes, warm weather and relaxed lifestyles it isn’t hard to see why people like me come here for a holiday and end up staying for life.

Cairns has a friendly and relaxed atmosphere combined with a vibrant energy that can be felt in restaurants and bars around the city. The Cairns Esplanade is a treasure trove of restaurants that offer cuisines of the globe waiting to be discovered.

orest

Rainf

Rainforest

Cairns is surrounded by changing landscapes no matter which direction you are heading. To the east, you have the aquatic playground of the Great Barrier Reef brimming with natural encounters. An hour west of Cairns you can discover the rugged outback town of Mareeba. A further hour west and you’ll be in Atherton Tablelands where you will be impressed by the waterfall circuit, lush rainforest, ‘village in the midst’, and native wildlife like the tree kangaroo.

The things that I love the most about Cairns are the majestic mountains and waterfalls that surround the city. Wherever you are in Cairns there is a strong possibility that you are going to be able to walk into your backyard or out the front of the house and see sky scraping mountains. They are truly humbling. They remind us of how insignificant we are in the grand scheme of things.

Milaa Milaa Wat erfall Waterfalls

If you take a short drive to Kuranda range you will have the chance to witness the spectacular Barron falls which is located in the Barron Gorge National Park and is a truly remarkable sight to behold both in terms of scale and beauty. Once you’ve travelled this far you may as well drive another hour to Milaa Milaa falls and take a selfie with one of the most photographed waterfalls in Australia. This waterhole is safe to swim in for the whole family.

“If you feel like getting up close and personal with one of those bad boys (crocodile), I would highly recommend going to a crocodile adventure park where you can watch crocodile feeding while on a boat trip in a crocodile infested swamp”.

Great Barrier Reef

If you have spent time on Google researching, you will probably have been overwhelmed by the amount of information and tours available on Cairns Reef Tours.

The question to ask yourself is what is it you want out of your big day on the reef, and other simple questions, like can you swim? If the answer is no, then you should choose a reef company that has a floating pontoon.

Floating pontoons are large platforms that have lots of facilities that can get you up close to the reef without even getting wet. Semi-submarines, Glass Bottom Boats and Underwater Observatories are a few of the things that you will find on most pontoon locations. This is the perfect starting point for people who do not wish to get into the water too much, or if you have young children or are elderly as it allows for unlimited periods of

SEPTEMBER 2014 | POTPOURRI

67

DESTINATION

rest. For the more adventurous at heart there is a whole range of deep sea diving expeditions from which you can choose.

Cairns Esplanade lagoon

The Cairns Esplanade is a popular attraction for locals and visitors alike.

The 5000 square metre salt water pool in the heart of the city is the perfect place to cool down, relax, or celebrate a child’s birthday party.

The man-made pool has water consistently pumped and filtered from the Trinity Inlet ensuring safe and clear water all day long. The lagoon is surrounded by beautiful parklands and free barbeque facilities. Cairns Esplanade lagoon offers free aqua aerobics classes and life saving courses for those who prefer to remain active.

Crocodiles

Visitors to Cairns are often fearful of crocodiles. This fear is often exaggerated and unnecessary as crocodiles don’t like hanging around humans. As long as you exercise caution and don’t go into swamps flanked with mangrove trees, you should be fine. If you feel like getting up close and personal with one of those bad boys I would highly recommend going to a crocodile adventure park where you can watch crocodile feeding while on a boat trip in a crocodile infested swamp. It is perfectly safe, I swear!

Aboriginal cultural tours

North from Cairns you can visit an Aboriginal Cultural Park for a soft introduction to the Aboriginal way of life and have a go at throwing a woomera, a boomerang and a spear and even having a go at playing the didgeridoo. You can watch a bit of theatre acting where the Aboriginals tell their story through a play with music and storytelling to keep you entertained. The Aboriginal Cultural Park tells you the story about the Tjapukai rainforest people that used to live and hunt on this very piece of traditional land.

Action and adventure tours

Cairns is also home to many great adventure and sightseeing activities.

These include: bungy jumping, white water rafting, horse riding, Daintree rainforest hikes, deep sea fishing, skydiving, quad biking, helicopter

Jetpack

flights, hot air ballooning, Cape Tribulation four wheel drive expeditions, sea kayaking, and jetpacks ... the list goes on!

It is not hard to see why Cairns is a popular holiday destination attracting over 2 million international tourists annually from places like the United States, Europe and Japan. There is also a growing interest in Cairns from the Chinese leisure market with occasional direct flights from Chinese cities such as Shanghai and Guangzhou.

Mountain backdrop

68

SEPTEMBER 2014 | POTPOURRI

70

SEPTEMBER 2014 | POTPOURRI

REVIEWS

Top 5 rental releases

(sponsored by GR Video Rental)

Noah starring Russell Crowe and Emma Watson A lot has to be said for director Darren Aronofsky’s decision to take the helm of a project as ambitious as Noah. Those of you who are familiar with his work will know that prior to Black Swan, he stayed away from big-budget movies, choosing to go for more powerful, understated projects such as Requiem For A Dream and Pi. With that in mind, Noah is an interesting watch. I wouldn’t go so far as to say that it’s enjoyable, but I will say that if you haven’t seen it and aren’t averse to facial hair, you should definitely rent a copy ASAP.

Sabotage starring

Arnold Schwarzenegger and Terrence Howard

Single Moms Club starring Nia

The Other Woman

starring Cameron Diaz and Leslie Mann

with Kur t Gilber t

Long and Wendy McLendon-Covey

Endless Love starring Alex Pettyfer and Gabriella Wilde

Film of the month O Brother, Where Art Thou? Starring George Clooney, John Turturro Directed by Joel and Ethan Coen Last month, whilst describing my undying attraction to (and fear of ) Collateral, I put it out there that I believe Michael Mann to be the greatest living film director. And I meant it. However, he only has that throne because it’s not a two-seater. If it was, then the Kingdom of Directorial Pursuits would be ruled by Joel and Ethan Coen, otherwise known as the Coen brothers. Now, even though you may not have heard of them specifically, you’ve almost certainly seen or heard of some of their films, not least The Big Lebowski and No Country for Old Men. What makes the Coens so great is their ability to move effortlessly between styles and themes throughout their films, while still retaining their signature feel. I put this down to the fact that they write and produce almost all of their movies, as well as directing them. Perhaps the most obvious example of their auteurist approach is O Brother, Where Art thou?, which is essentially a remake of Homer’s “Odyssey,” (the famous Ancient Greek poem that you slept through at school).

In the Coen brothers’ version, which is set during America’s Great Depression, it could be said that the role of Odysseus is split up and played by three prison escapees. Along their journey from chain-gangs to buried treasure and family life, the leads meet an assortment of characters that represent each of the adventure-wreckers from Homer’s ancient original: Sirens, Cyclopses, blind ferrymen and testing suitors.

The plot moves from strength to strength, keeps you sucked in to a very unique string of events in 1937 Tennessee and, in true Coen brothers fashion, forces you to wonder whether you’ve seen a film like it before.

Best viewed between two other game-changing movies.

If that’s not your thing: Be sure to watch Scarlett Johansson in Luc Besson’s latest sci-fi action flick Lucy.

SEPTEMBER 2014 | POTPOURRI

71

REVIEWS

Album of the month

Fat Freddys Drop – Based On A True Story For so many years I believed that New Zealand is a simple, faraway land famous only for its fruit produce, unbecoming tales involving sheep and the fact that the Lord of The Rings trilogy was filmed there. How wrong was I? Very. New Zealand is so much more than just a farm country that’s frequented by Tolkien fanatics; it’s home to one of the most original, underrated bands on the planet. That’s not a matter of opinion or taste. It’s a matter of fact.

Fat Freddys Drop came together in 1999 after members of a casual jam band from the sleepy town of Wellington (I’d never heard of it either) decided that they were good enough to become full-time musicians. They were right, they got lucky and in 2005, they released their first full-length studio album, Based On A True Story. Rooted firmly to the ground by reggae and dub rhythms, Based On A True Story is essentially an easy-listening album for people who like to slow grind while they’re cooking, cleaning and/or sleeping. The soundscapes are drawn from jazz, house and blues influences which lace each composition with a subtlety that is rare in a lot of popular music of the decade of the ‘naughties’ (post-2000). It’s because of that attention to detail and musical integrity that the album attained gold sales status the same day it was released and topped the charts in Australia and New Zealand for weeks on end.

In short, this album is amazing. If you don’t get it today, you’ll regret not listening to it sooner.

Nobody likes regrets.

If that’s not your thing: Try wrapping your ears around the seminal Hard Bop album, Giant Steps, by John Coltrane.

This time, 10 years ago...

Arcade Fire - Funeral Any form of experimentation makes me giddy (unless it involves bio-matter) and it’s for that very reason that I fell face-over-foot in love with Arcade Fire the moment the final track played out on their debut album, Funeral. As always, it’s hard to think that the boy singing lyrics he barely understood over guitar chords he could barely play, was me, 10 years ago. But it was, and I can say with some degree of certainty that I’ve never felt as cool as I did whenever I played the opening of “Wake Up” in front of my bedroom mirror.

To say that Funeral is a ground-breaking album would be a cliché. Everybody who’s heard it knows that it’s one of one. Nothing before nor after can even come close to Arcade Fire’s sonic mastery on tracks like “Crown Of Love” and “Une Annee Sans Lumiere.” I’m not going to get into the instrumentation or concept behind the album as there simply isn’t enough space in this magazine. What I will say is this: If you’ve forgotten how amazing Funeral is or if you’ve been living in Siberia for the past decade and therefore haven’t heard it (yes, that’s the only valid excuse), then sit down and listen to it from start to finish tonight.

September’s Book Highlight

A Captain’s Duty

by Richard Phillips He knew what this life would entail. He knew that voyaging on the high seas was never predictable and that this goodbye might just be the last. It was no secret that the oceans of the world had now become the playground of those ready to pillage and plunder large vessels, for the goods that their homelands could not

72

provide. Captain Richard Philips knew about the Somali Pirates, yet his love for the ocean was one so dedicated that never being able to set sail again was simply unimaginable. Setting off from Salalah, Oman on a dangerous route through the Indian Ocean to deposit World Food Aid in Mombasa, the Maersk Alabama was up for the journey of its life.

Some two hundred miles off the Horn of Africa, the much feared event occurred, when Somali pirates, armed with AK47s, attacked and boarded the freighter mid journey. The last thing they expected, however was to find a ship with not a crew member in sight. The last thing they would have bargained for was the toughas-nails, plain-talking Captain who offered himself as hostage in exchange for the freedom of his ship. What followed was a grueling five day stand-off and an escalating battle of wills that would end in a daring and deadly high seas rescue. The astonishing story of an ordinary man who did what he saw as his duty, and in doing so became a hero.

SEPTEMBER 2014 | POTPOURRI

A life or death adventure that some of us think only exists in Jack Sparrow movies. Oh how wrong we are. The story of Captain Philips is not only true but one which definitely inspires bravery and dedication for one’s passion, in all who hear it. As I was gripping onto the pages of this book, it was hard to keep reminding myself that, yes this really did happen, and is actually happening a lot more often than we know. The escapades of Somali pirates should not be news to anyone, and yes, it could have been any other vessel that was attacked by that specific group of pirates, but it was upon the Maersk Alabama that the cards fell and Captain Philips reacted in such a way that caught the attention of many, with awe. We hear the stories all the time from the mouths of the reporters, but to actually read the words of the one, who was actually there, has a different impact.

The author gives us a glimpse of the history of his profession and the merchant marines, whom we

owe for the cars on the roads, the food in our fridge, and basically everything we have, especially in little Seychelles.

We also get an insight on what it takes to rise in the ranks of the profession and we read the story of a rambunctious young man, who would later become a captain and save the lives of all those on his ship.

My only disappointment was that the tone of the book towards the pirates, I found, was somewhat unsympathetic.

Yes, I agree that they steal and hold hostages and cause families all over the world much pain at times, but their plight in one of the poorest countries in the world should not be forgotten.

Until next time my faithful booklovers, TheMadBookBlogger www.madbookblogger.wordpress.com

SEPTEMBER 2014 | POTPOURRI

73

74

SEPTEMBER 2014 | POTPOURRI