Arrival in Madinah

Hi beautiful readers!

Just reflecting back on the beginning of my #HajjJourney makes me extremely nostalgic, followed by a burst of emotion and an immediate welling up of tears😢 Each moment so starkly ingrained in my memory, I can feel the heaviness of the heat and the pounding of my feet on the pavement as I walked towards the mosque....

When we departed from Cape Town, we opted to spend a night in Johannesburg to rest up before the flight to Madinah. This was the best idea, we were absolutely knackered from the preceding days and nights, during which we barely slept, whilst receiving hundreds of guests and well wishers. It was the absolute best feeling, to be honoured so greatly by all the wonderful friends and family, some whom we hadn't seen in years, come and wish us well on our journey. This practice is unique to Cape Town, and yet it is such a special part of the sendoff for pilgrims; as one leaves home with a full heart, flying on wings of blessings.

Our evening in Johannesburg was literally spent in resting up, sleep, eat and pray... 

We met up with the rest of our travelling group the next morning as we checked in for our flight to Madinah. I was so grateful to have a direct flight to Madinah, I am not a keen flyer, so 6 hours direct to our destination was just perfect. We landed around 7pm, and as we disembarked and stepped onto the tarmac, the intense heat hit me like an oppressive wall! I felt a bit disoriented, as if my brain was trying to comprehend how to deal with the heat, and the reality that I had actually set foot on Saudi soil!❤️

After a couple of hours, as the bus neared our hotel, we glimpsed the minarets (turrets) of the mosque, lit up so beautifully. And every momentary glance of those minarets filled me with wonder, and as we recited salutations in unison, I could tangibly feel the emotion take residence in my heart. I was filled with awe as our bus entered the vicinity of the mosque and pulled up at our hotel, just a few meters from the entrance of the mosque. I could barely contain my impatience as we dropped the luggage in our room, and made arrangements to meet in the foyer at 12am to experience our first visit to the second holiest Holy mosque and (for the men) to visit the burial place of our beloved Prophet (PBUH).  

As I stepped out of the hotel, once again accosted by the unexpected brutality of the heat, I was inexplicably stirred, as our spiritual leader briefed us on the history of our surroundings. I was overcome by the magnitude of walking in the city that our esteemed Prophet (PBUH) lived, fought and prayed; and making our way to the mosque, his final resting place. After a few meters, we turned a corner and laid eyes on the main entrance of the mosque; here we paused to absorb the beauty of Masjiudul Nabawi, and to just gather ourselves. Some of us were openly crying, the tears of joy flowing down our cheeks; I was still really overwhelmed, just by virtue of the realisation that I was indeed HERE ⭐️ 

As I approached the gates and stepped onto the mataf, I could feel the tranquility and was immediately engulfed by the magnificence of  Madinah. I entered the mosque, and like a typical tourist, stood for a few moments taking in the beauty of the architecture, the captivating smells and the enormous significance of this particular mosque.  

My first night in the mosque was spent in thanksgiving; for being granted the invitation and to be amongst the few honoured guests to visit for Hajj this year. I had also received special notes from my kids and others close to me; these letters and notes I had promised to only read during my first few moments in the mosque. And so I took this quiet time, when the mosque was practically empty, to absorb myself in their words. I can so clearly remember the early hours of that morning, reading those letters, tears flowing freely and feeling like I had walked into another dimension, where everything felt so surreal, like a fantasy...

There is so much more to share so keep an eye out for the next instalment...

A restful moment in the airport lounge before flying to Jhbg

Off to check in for our Madinah flight

Arrival on Madinah airport

Prayer times on display in the hotel lobby

First few moments walking the streets of Madinah

Briefing on the history of our surroundings

First Tahajjud (pre sunrise) prayer

The mosque was relatively empty the first few days

Exploring on the first day, we only realised after walikg about for a while just how the heat affects one
during the day

The minarets, lights and air of tranquility all combine to present this picture of magnificence

Ciao for now, 

RuBe xoxo

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The start of my #Hajj journey

Welcome readers, 

I started 2017 on another continent, on vacation with my family in frosty London. And I remember at one mealtime, we discussed the fact that the next international trip would most likely be mine and hubby's Hajj journey. I had also been telling all my family and friends for the past year that my 40th birthday celebrations would be happening in Makkah, whilst on Hajj...

Where we ended 2016 & started 2017- Frosty London

All words, said in earnest with the highest hopes, and yet our names didn't appear on any accreditation list, not the first, second or third. My dream of a Hajj 1438 were dashed by May; and yet I continued to hold fast to the belief that on my 40th birthday, I would be standing in front of the Holy Ka'baa. I did not know how this would happen, and yet I intuitively believed it would✨

31 December 2016

Upon our return home from holidaying abroad, the year kicked off with a bang! As a family we experienced so many trials and traumas and for a while it seemed that the weeks from February to June, just kept kicking us down. There were many times where I had to work at picking myself up and remaining open to the positive blessings which were also being lined up for us. And while we felt like we were in a whirlwind of change in our home, shifts in longstanding relationships and trying to maintain the balance, life continued its hectic pace.

So much has happened for these young men this year, and they have stepped up to
the challenges with immense strength and grace ♥️

Their additional two 'siblings' aka cousins who moved in for the 7 weeks.

If you've been following my blog you would know that this was the year I put my control freak to rest, so to speak. I consciously decided to let things unfold as they were meant to, I untied the proverbial apron strings with my first born and left this year up to him. Apart from the occasional advisory role, he dictated how his first year at University went. He planned his days, his transport, classes, bought his books, arranged his gym time, worked to earn some cash; all on his own. It wasn't easy to just let go, but it was absolutely amazing to see how he stepped up and took charge! I took this as a sure indicator that things will not fall apart if I step back and allow things just develop naturally, things will happen as they are meant to anyway.⚡️

Our last family Sunday lunch before we departed, this young man dreaded the 7 week separation!

Days before our departure, collecting our documents

Upon looking back, I realise that everything that has transpired over the past two years has actually been a preparation for our Hajj journey. In fact, this year alone has felt so monumental with all its challenges, that I cannot imagine having gone on pilgrimage any other time. I accept that whatever emerged this year was a series of steps to prepare me spiritually, emotionally and universally for this life changing journey. It was as if these occurrences were slowly, unobtrusively, aligning me to be open to embrace this life changing experience with arms wide open. Because without a doubt, by the time we left, I was on another horizon, ready to accept whatever came my way, without expectation or 'cast in stone' plans. Growing up I always heard the 'elders' say that we will be tried and tested before Hajj, and whilst it seemed an abstract concept- I can wholly attest to this! There have been many moments over the past couple of months where I've said that life as I know it no longer exists. Well, after this journey... Life as I know it REALLY no longer exists.

Eid-ul-Fitr morning, days after we received the news of our accreditation

And even though this post does not even touch on Madinah or Makkah... these will eventually follow. I felt it was appropriate to start my #HajjSeries (because it's hard to just do one or two posts) with where it all started, right here at home. I've heard so many people say "I'm not ready for Hajj"; let me just say that nothing will ever prepare one for Hajj, not even the four year wait! Finances and family arrangements miraculously fall into place (and I use the word miraculous as I know of some experiences shared with me firsthand which can not be explained in any other way). Nobody will ever be able to give you lessons to prepare you, as this journey is more than just the final pillar of our religion. It is a spiritual transformation like no other, one that is impossible to convey, as every single moment will differ from person to person. Apart from the physical rituals we perform, there is an intense focus on the self, reflection of life and the importance and significance of serving a higher power, our Creator. I cannot say that I have come back changed and that this is the end of it. After Hajj I suspect there will never be an end to the personal transformation, it actually feels like the beginning. And lessons and insights will continue to unfold for as long as I remain open to serving my Creator. Each day brings another epiphany for me, and with it the opportunity to improve.

The morning we departed...

 3 months ago today, 25th July 2017,  I left my home as an individual, with absolutely no knowledge of what lay ahead. As I share my story, you may catch a glimmer of what this journey is about, but the only way to really know is to experience it firsthand.

Watch this space for next instalment 😊

Ciao for now,
RuBe xoxo

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Abu Dhabi meanderings

Hi lovely readers, 

I intentionally delayed part two of my travel post, so that when I do write about it, it will be just long enough after the actual experience so that I can reminisce properly! After spending about a week in Dubai, we opted to stay 5 days in Abu Dhabi to see a different side to city. 

Our previous trip to Dubai was most certainly a different one, we stayed on Yas Island, one of the islands quite removed from the bustling downtown of Abu Dhabi. Yas Island is home to the thrilling Ferrari World, YAs Water World, the Formula One track where one can experience racing first hand, yacht club and stunning beaches. In other words, a resort-like feel to the entire island. When we visited at the beginning of 2014, Yas Mall was in the process of being built, by December it was complete and occupied with retail stores - in true Emirati fashion.

This time round, we decided to stay in the city centre, close to Abu Dhabi mall. Although it was more for convenience than shopping that we chose to stay in the banking district. We decided to be typical tourists, and ditch the shopping- so we booked the red bus tour, a night tour and planned a few other touristy excursions.

Abu Dhabi slowly crept into my heart, the city is rich with culture, the atmosphere more relaxed and it’s clearly more conservative than the vibrant Dubai. It is apparent that there are lots of South African expats living in Abu Dhabi evidenced by a typical South African Woolies complete with RE: and Super Sport clothing ranges! Nandos, Mugg & Bean and even Steers have found a home in this chilled city.

Red Bus exploring 

The Volvo Ocean Race docked … all the way from Cape Town!

We enjoyed lunch at the Observation Deck, 74th Floor at Etihad Towers with the most amazing views
And that pic in the top right corner is actually a hotel, Emirates Palace, once of the most expensive hotels in the world.

How amazing, a building so green it has automatic shades which open and close depending on how the sun hits the exterior of the building to save on cooling costs (energy efficient!)

Abu Dhabi aims to be a cultural tourist destination and have embarked on building their very own Louvre and Guggenheim museums

One of the pieces of the seeing through light exhibition: Selections from the Guggenheim Abu Dhabi collection

The UAE PAvilion, this majestic Dune shaped building was moved piece by piece from Shanghai. Designed by highly acclaimed London firm Foster and Partners

Many of the Middle Eastern cruises depart from Abu Dhabi, they have a busy working harbour 

The road runs along the Corniche, the Waterfont area.

World Trade Centre Souk & Mall, previously the old Central Market
I totally loved the architecture, all the timber works, lattices and atriums

One of the highlights ofAbu Dhabi was the desert safari, hosted by Desert Rose Tours and Safaris. The dune bashing was amazing (although not as hair raising as I was expecting but there were some loud screams in our 4x4). We were then taken to a camel farm, and had some time to interact with these gentle animals. We proceeded to do some more dune bashing and drove off into the sunset to our camp for the evening. 

We arrived at sunset at an authentic bedouin camp where we were treated to a traditional Arabian grill, some belly dancing for entertainment, sheesha pipes and henna art thrown into the evenings activities.

The setting sun on the desert horizon

I did not enjoy the Arabian coffee and instead opted for the familiar taste of Nescafe

It was interesting to see the young locals enjoying their Friday evening with dancing and singing

Ok, so maybe a bit of shopping, checking out the Marina Mall
And a proudly South African Woollies!

We had a superb time, but by the time we had to leave, we were so ready to see our kids and to spend the night in our familiar bed… Travelling is great, but there’s really no place like home!

Caio for now, 

RuBe xoxo

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