Helpful tip #8

Whilst I should actually be setting a Science test right now, I suddenly feel the desire to write a blog post instead. Procrastination.... check! So, I hope you find this helpful.

Tax free is not always cheaper.

Aboard some flights and in shops at certain airports in some countries, goods will be advertised as duty-free (tax free). This means that whatever you buy is tax free, provided you plan on taking it out of the country. While you may find some great specials (and Christmas gifts), look carefully as sometimes you can actually buy the product for cheaper outside of the airport. I found this to be particularly true for food products such as chocolates. I was able to buy the exact same product for cheaper in a local supermarket. Perhaps this was just my experience though, so let me know what you think.

Duty-free, however, seemed really worth it for more expensive items such as jewelry or perfume. Just be observant and do not fall for it just because the name has the word "free" in it.

Happy shopping (or not).  

Chintsa East - My home!

As I sit on the beach and write this, I am reminded that whilst I have most definitely been bitten by the travel bug, and am ever so eager to explore the rest of the world, see new sites and have exciting new adventures, I am also reminded of just how lucky I am to live where I live. Perhaps growing a little older has left me feeling rather reflective and so feel it is only right that I write about my home for a change.

Whilst I technically live in East London, South Africa, I consider my real home to be a tiny seaside village just outside of East London. I feel slightly apprehensive about giving the name of this quaint little place as I would not want my thousands of readers (yeah right...) taking over the place and changing the atmosphere. But I shall divulge none-the-less. Whilst I am sure hundreds of villages just like this exist, I am certain that none can quite compare to the little gem called Chintsa East.

Growing up here has been incredible. A holiday town, with very few of us "locals", which consists of mostly retired people and those wanderlust travelers who somehow got stuck here on their travels. Then you have the few parents, like mine, who gave their kids the chance to grow up in this place.With a close knit community, infinite hours spent in the sand and sea, countless bonfires, mud-fights and beach walks. It is kind of like the life people live in movies. One of holiday friendships, tree-house building, themed parties (as we got older) and childhood shenanigans.

There is nothing more wonderful to me than watching the crabs scurry across the shore, or hearing the waves crashing or the sandpipers chirping. It is nature at its best and is truly magical. The stars sparkle so clearly in the unpolluted, midnight sky and one feels safe enough to venture off on their own. The locals are friendly, and you will inevitably be invited in for at least one cup of tea on your way down to the beach. It is easy to see why visitors to this place never want to leave. It is beautiful, and one of my favourite places to be.

I will always be grateful for being a part of a place that has, amidst all the hustle and bustle of todays times, remained so wonderful and quaint.