Creative Escapes
Ever hankered after a tranquil creative space to explore
your emotions? Discover your inner artist at myriad art retreats across the
country. You’ll not only learn to express yourself through dance, writing,
theatre or painting, but you’ll return home reinvigorated. “In several studies,
it’s been found that those who regularly paint tend to be less, and have a
healthier sense of self-esteem than those who don’t. This is true for other art
forms too,” says Johannesburg-based psychologist Diane Preddy.
New & Trends
Animal love: Prep your pet sitter
Your animal care needs more than a list of instructions.
Heed these tips:
- Leave your credit card number and authorization
with your vet so the sitter won’t be saddled with a bill s/he is unwilling
or unable to pay in an emergency.
- Give the sitter two sets of keys – one to use, the
second to keep at his or her home as a backup if the first set gets lost.
- Prepare a release document stating what should be
done with your pet and keys in case you pass away while out town.
- Make a list of your pets’ usual habits and hiding
places to ensure their comfort. Also include what treats they are
especially fond of.
- Buy some new toys and treats for the sitter to use
to cheer up your pet if he or she becomes lonely or depressed while you’re
away.
Holding it in?
Try this solution:
Constipation can make your winter holiday woeful. The
doctor’s solution? “When you travel, your stomach may be uncomfortable with the
discuption in your routine. Your body may react to any unusual foods and unfamiliar
environment, and end up clogging up completely. “One solution is to concentrate
on increasing your intake of water and other fluids, high-fibre foods and
exercise whenever your travel plans allow. “And if all else fails, try a spicy
curry!” – Joburg-based travel doctor Dr. Therese Maarshalk
Green your getaway
Pining for an exotic holiday, but concerned about the
environmental impact your travelling may have?
Mitigate your guilt by making Careplane.org part of your
travel planning, which helps you make flight purchases based on sustainability
(in addition to cost and convenience).
This innovative site allows eco-savvy travellers the chance
to compare the environmental effect of itinerary choices when searching for
flights on their favourite travel sites. It takes into account aircraft
characteristics and the number of passengers on board, among other factors. The
website submits the travel results page to Brighter Planet CM1, which then
works out the carbon footprint. Fly green!
The perfect travel gift
When a loved one is moving overseas, it’s always great to
say goodbye with a fittingly marvelous gift.
But with all the excess luggage charges and 100 ml bottle
restrictions, that heavy knitted jersey or coffee-table book might not be the
most prudent gifts. Consider these instead:
- Comfy throw: When freezing on a long-haul flight
and stuck trying to sleep with one of those scratchy carrier-supplied
blankets, a cashmere throw is cosiness heaven.
- Noise-cancelling headphones: Banish engine roar or
chatty neighbours with these headphones that will cocoon your jet-setter
in blissful silence.
- A travel voucher: Load some travel cash to a Flight
Centre Gift Card so your friends or family can choose to use their present
as and when they want for various travel-related costs.
The Tao of travel
By Paul Theroux (Penguin Books)
For 50 years, master traveller Paul Theroux wandered the
globe writing about his adventures. The Tao of Travel is a collection of short
extracts from travel classics – including excerpts from the writings of JRR
Tolkien and Mark Twain – and modern travel works interspersed with his own
experiences. It also touches on unconventional themes in essays like “The
contents of some travelers’ Bags”, “travel as an Ordeal”.
Art for giving: Ceramic healing
the Light From
Africa Foundation
Zone in on that do-good feeling with an art-charity
experience, Last year, the Light From Africa Foundation launched Art in the
Forest in Cape Town. Located in Cecilia Forest, this art hub combines the
spirit of giving with the healing power of clay. Ceramic classes and workshops
are offered and the profits help improve the lives of orphaned and vulnerable
children. The project provides them with a safe, creative space which allows
them to feel nurtured and playful. The Art in the Forest project also supports
other partner charities in the Western Cape and Gauteng. See
lightfromafrica.com for info.
