Dreaming of somewhere else

I think November is possibly on of the most dreary months there is. 

Granted this year has been better than last, it's been weirdly warm here in London.

Despite this though, it doesn't stop me thinking of sunnier climes. I'd love to jet off and soak up the sun somewhere beautiful just before Christmas, then come back and feel rejuvenated enough to deal with the Christmas shopping crowds!

South Africa has a particularly special place in my heart. I spent 5 months there in 2008 and completely fell in love with it. 

Cape Town is one of the most diverse and exciting places i've ever been. It's an amalgamation of so many different cultures, sights and sounds. The city sprawls out below the majestic table mountain, all the way to the sea. The setting is magical, the people are lovely, the wine is amazing, and the shopping is pretty good too.

I'd love to be there right now, do a couple of days in town and then drive out to the cape winelands to relax, and it seems i've found the perfect place to do that.

Babylonstoren.

Judge for yourself, but from these photos, to me it looks pretty much like heaven.

If time and money prevailed, i'd be there right now!

All images from Babylonstoren's website

Essaouira, Morocco

Last June i went on holiday to Morocco, i spent part of my time there in Essaouira, on the coast. A refreshing change from the intense, overwhelming buzz of Marrakech. Essaouira has all the charm of Morocco, but less of the intimidating feeling. It was actually relaxing. It is undoubtedly incredibly beautiful and genuine. You don't feel like it's been ruined by hoardes of tourists tramping the streets, and local people seem to carry on as i imagine they have always done.
We were lucky enough to be visiting when the Gnaoua Music Festival was on, so there was a great sense of anticipation and excitement about the town. As an avid people watcher, it was an incredible experience.
Also, as a design lover, Essaouira was enchanting. I kept discovering beautiful little squares and alleyways intricately tiled. There is a resonating blue theme throughout the city which fits perfectly with the blue of the atlantic coast. It seems as if the whole city was designed for photographs.