All team members comments will be made available on this page.
WEDNESDAY 21ST JANUARY 2015
Best wishes to you all from Joe and me Louise in sunny Banjole
Sent from my iPad
TUESDAY 20TH JANUARY 2015.
On 19 Jan 2015, at 16:48, B DESOUZA <bennydesouza@btinternet.com> wrote:
MONDAY 19TH JANUARY 2015
NEW UPDATE 16TH JANUARY 2015
NEW UPDATE 15TH JANUARY 2015
WEDNESDAY 21ST JANUARY 2015
Hi Ben, Betty, Mohamed and All, apologies for the long silence. As you
are all aware we are now back in Banjole, Croatia. Joe and I have had a
fair bit to sort out and including my trip to the dental implantologist
in Rovinj. We are now relaxed with more time on our hands to catch up
with e-mails.
Mohamed and Ben thank you so much for all the
information which Joe and I have had a look at and enjoyed. A holiday in
the Seychelles next year sounds great. We are already booked up on the
flight to Singapore on 19 March to connect with our cruise to the Far
East and are looking forward to this.
Only wish we could have all been
together on this one. Having enjoyed the great company on the Zanzibar
2014 trip Joe and I look forward to the next holiday we shall all meet
up.
We return to London on 2March to get our visas for China as this is
one of the countries we are visiting. In the other countries we get the
visas on arrival of each country.
Best wishes to you all from Joe and me Louise in sunny Banjole
= = = = = = = = = = = = =
Dear Benny
My sincere apologies for this late response to all your emails on Seychelles and Zanzibar.
Having been away from home for nearly six months has taken me time to get back to routine!!!
I have today looked at all your blogs and pictures. Nice!
Having read all the comments of other Team Members, I do agree
that I too would like to give a miss to a holiday in 2015. Visiting my
son in Singapore, Rosie visiting me in August and expecting my nephew
and his family in September will take up most of my year ��.
Pity, as Seychelles would have been fun! But inshallah, next year.
I look forward to that. Of course our dream holiday of 2014 is a
wonderful memory to cherish.
I hope Betty and your family are all well. And how are your two lovely babies?
I believe UK is freezing. Do please stay warm. November to March
are the cooler months in Karachi, and we try to make the most of this
period. The rest of the year is so very hot.
Take care and talk soon,
Lots of love to Betty and you,
Kulsum
Sent from my iPad
- - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Dear Kulsum, Joe & Louise and Team Members
FINAL UPDATE. THANKS TO ALL TEAM MEMBERS FOR YOUR INPUT.
Greetings from very cold London, almost freezing but we are snug inside.
Wonderful to have received your emails which I have only just read and as such we now have comments from all the team members which are now freely available to read on our blog under Team Comments which concludes that our team holidaty for 2015 will not take place until next year where we can certainly plan a joint venture.
I was aware in advance that this year would not be possible but whilst Betty and I visited Joe and Louise in Croatia prior to our Zanzibar holiday 2014, Louise indicated she would love to go on a holiday to Seychelles, her hometown and with our good friend Mohamed who visits Seychelles 2 to 3 times a year, and always wanting Betty and I to join his family, I asked Mohamed to give us all information on Seychelles which Mohamed kindly provided, again thinking Joe and Louise wanted to make the trip this year but I guess misunderstanding on my part for which I convey my sincere apologies to Mohamed and as team leader he can tell me off for bad planning.
All told, the team holiday plans for 2015 will not take place.
Kulsum, thanks for your reply too. I knew you were committed as well as your sister Rosie and Mukh too so this year was a non runner. Betty and our two babies are just fine in fact super fine.
John De Silva ex Zanzibar/Canada you all met in Zanzibar wanted to go to Seychelles this year so again I convey my apologies Betty and I cannot make it as if we did, we would have to give it a miss for next year's team holiday.
John and his wife Rolina, Betty and myself are going to Algrave and Lisbon from the 14th to the 20th June. Just a short holiday and on return if possible we will try and meet up at 5 Parklands Way. Invitation open to all.
Mohamed I know you are soon going to Zanzibar in February and end of October you will be in Seychelles enjoying the Carnival etc., sorry B&B will not be able to join you but be assured we all will be there next year. This is guaranteed.
I will phone you tomorrow to give you details of Neptunes. Hope you and your wife enjoy a few days whilst you are in Zanzibar in February.
Thanks to one and all for your kind responses. Click on any of the links below to view team members comments.
TEAM COMMENTS
http://seychelleszanzibar.blogspot.co.uk/p/team-comments-page.html
Best regards
Benny
Some Background chit chat - Benny & Mohamed
P.S. Mohamed you sent me a message about your farmland and property you are hoping to sell in Sweden. Sorry I have misplaced it. Appreciate if you could resend as I would like to share it with our feam friends. Thanks Benny.
Thanks Benny
Wise decision not to risk other peoples holidays this year in Zanzibar.
You and me can always be there as we know our way.
I was there last election in 2010 as well as 2000 and witnessed the situation with riots, shootings , etc.
One of us brothers have to be there with our sister in such times, as she cannot leave her house.
Keep in touch with Madeira for updates.
Love to all.
Mohamed
Dear All,
I
believe I have given sufficient information on Seychelles for you Guys
to ponder on. Make sure once you decide, make air as well as hotel
bookings by June, October can be difficult due to some French holidays.
I shall be there end March/April and try to negotiate better rate at BERJAYA BEAU VALLON RESORT, by then I shud know how many rooms to be booked. Please feel free to contact me if more info required on
Best wishes.
Mohamed
Is it modern Sega Dance from Seychelles or influences from CONGO ?
Sensual, sexual and entertaining.
Enjoy the rhythm of Music and Performer.
Mohamed
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x76LChFwWWU
Dear Team Members,
Here is a fresh update with reference to planning our team holiday in 2015. As proposals were for us to have a joint venture holiday with some time in Seychelles and the rest in Zanzibar. Going by the responses received showing that many members had already got 2015 holidays sorted out.
I wish to inform you that ZANZIBAR Neptunes will not be our destination this year and to-date, John De Silva has confirmed he would like to join the team spending some time in Seychelles and also Zanzibar. P.S. In consultation with Mohamed, we may plan just a trip to Seychelles for those still for it!!
Trying to keep our team together after our fabulous holiday last year 2014, we planned to go back in 2016 and this will be for certain in the pipeline.
As from this message dated 20th January 2015 at 20:00, Zanzibar has been ruled out of the plans and as for Seychelles, the proposer Louise has not responded as yet and should she feel she wants to make the trip in October 2015, this will be open for further discussions as Mohamed and family will be in Seychelles at the time and in time for the carnival.
Talking for Betty and myself, I do not think we could fit in a holiday in Seychelles this year 2015 and go next year to Zanzibar as this would surpass our budget and as such we provisionally wish to state that visiting Seychelles this year may have to be a miss but for certain will be included with the team for next year 2016. If pushed we may consider a week as in June were are on 10 days holiday in Algrave/Lisbon with John & Rolina and with all other social/entertainment activities may be a bit too much for us to handle.
John I regret to inform you that Seychelles & Zanzibar combined is out this year. If you still are happy to just go to Seychelles, subject to Joe & Louise also wanting to do the same, Betty and I will make it making it a good party with Mohamed and his family.
Will wait to hear from Joe & Louise but on record, everything is on hold with Zanzibar totally out of the planning for 2015.
Mukhtar, Kulsum, Rosie, Peter & Hilary - in time we will discuss next years plans with a few new proposals to include Seychelles/Zanzibar joint venture.
Mohamed, a million thanks for all your input on Seychelles which is appreciated and be assured we want to be there with you and your family, again subject to J&L.
Best regards
Benny
= = = = = = = = = = = =
MONDAY 19TH JANUARY 2015
(Two New Updates below)|
Hi Benny and Betty
Keeping in touch 😊
Thank
you for the details of the Seychelles Holiday 2015, we had a most
wonderful time on holiday in Zanzibar with all the team, unfortunately
this year 2015 we have already made commitments four holidays already
booked, it will be our 40th wedding Anniversary and my 60th Birthday and
we have plans in place, as well as the four holidays ie a visit to
Paris and the Moulage Rouge which I have alway wanted to see the dancing
girls, music and show, also a couple of visits to London may be a
show.
love to you both
Hilary and Peter 💌
Robin
Hood and Maid Marion are keeping warm in their underground cave the
merry men and friar tuck are out hunting in Sherwood Forest hoping they
will bring something back to eat. 🐰
ha ha ha
Sent from my iPad
Sent from my iPad
On 19 Jan 2015, at 16:48, B DESOUZA <bennydesouza@btinternet.com> wrote:
Dear Hilary & Peter,
Thanks for your kind update. Yes, we knew of your 4 holidays whilst we were in Zanzibar but all the same I had to post proposals for 2015 for team planning and know how most of us plan well in advance. Perhaps the full team get-together next year but in the meantime good to hear of your 40th Wedding Anniversary and your 60th birthday. 'Waiting for the invite' -- ha ha got to be so lucky!!
Have fun. Will be in touch. Love from Benny & Betty
= = = = = = = = = = = = = = =
MONDAY 19TH JANUARY 2015
Dear Benny
I hope this finds you
and Betty well and thank you for having sent through the various emails
and blogs regarding Seychelles. My apologies for not having responded
sooner to your email regarding the Seychelles trip. Another dream
holiday is being planned!�� Wonderful.
I
already have two holidays planned this year and have already committed
myself to friends. The first of these being in June (as a celebration of
my big birthday) and the second during the latter half of the year. It
is also my intention to visit Kulsum in Karachi. Whilst I am tempted to
squeeze in Seychelles too I wonder if I may leave it open for now.
Perhaps I can do a lastminute.com decision if time and resources permit. But please do keep me in the loop.
Always lovely to hear from you. Keep well and hope you are keeping toasty warm in this freezing cold weather.
Lots of love to you and Betty.
Rosie
= = = = = = = = = = = = = =NEW UPDATE 16TH JANUARY 2015
Update from Mohamed Lodhi
----Original message----
From : lodhi@swipnet.se
Date : 16/01/2015 - 06:10 (GMTST)
Subject : Planning for Seychelles Visit
----Original message----
From : lodhi@swipnet.se
Date : 16/01/2015 - 06:10 (GMTST)
Subject : Planning for Seychelles Visit
Dear All,
I
believe I have given sufficient information on Seychelles for you Guys
to ponder on. Make sure once you decide, make air as well as hotel
bookings by June, October can be difficult due to some French holidays.
I shall be there end March/April and try to negotiate better rate at BERJAYA BEAU VALLON RESORT, by then I shud know how many rooms to be booked. Please feel free to contact me if more info required on
Best wishes.
Mohamed
Dear Mohamed,
Thank you for all your information with regard to Seychelles which is very entertaining but as you know, many have commitments this year and originally I was planning for the joint venture project next year so all could attend. Have not heard from Joe and Louise since they returned to Croatia, a bit concerned so will try and phone them later. I know between them they only use the Apple IPad and now understand Joe uses it most of the free time. They were very keen to go to Seychelles this year which got the ball rolling. Giving all some time to digest and decide, have to wait for a couple more acknowledgements especially Joe and Louise for if they can make it in October this year, perhaps 4/6 of us will follow though it would be great with the full team.
Talking to Tony earlier, he again said that we would have a great holiday in Seychelles and took it for granted we were planning for next year where perhaps I could get him and Shirley to join us. The other two Jivanjee girls, Kulsum and Rosie have not as yet responded and their input is important as they brought real fun and life to our holiday including Peter and Hilary who were just superb but on return from our Zanzibar trip, said they want to go back to Zanzibar next year 2016 as they already have 4 holidays this year. They enjoy their holidays to the fullest.
As soon as I hear from Joe & Louise, I will let you know.
Best regards
Benny
Thank you for all your information with regard to Seychelles which is very entertaining but as you know, many have commitments this year and originally I was planning for the joint venture project next year so all could attend. Have not heard from Joe and Louise since they returned to Croatia, a bit concerned so will try and phone them later. I know between them they only use the Apple IPad and now understand Joe uses it most of the free time. They were very keen to go to Seychelles this year which got the ball rolling. Giving all some time to digest and decide, have to wait for a couple more acknowledgements especially Joe and Louise for if they can make it in October this year, perhaps 4/6 of us will follow though it would be great with the full team.
Talking to Tony earlier, he again said that we would have a great holiday in Seychelles and took it for granted we were planning for next year where perhaps I could get him and Shirley to join us. The other two Jivanjee girls, Kulsum and Rosie have not as yet responded and their input is important as they brought real fun and life to our holiday including Peter and Hilary who were just superb but on return from our Zanzibar trip, said they want to go back to Zanzibar next year 2016 as they already have 4 holidays this year. They enjoy their holidays to the fullest.
As soon as I hear from Joe & Louise, I will let you know.
Best regards
Benny
NEW UPDATE 15TH JANUARY 2015
Update from Mukhtar Jivanjee
Thank
you Benny for extending an invitation for the proposed holiday in
Seychelles. Your intent of visiting Seychelles is surely a very mouth
watering thought. It would have been wonderful to have spent time with
all you again but unfortunately we have already committed to attend a
very close family wedding in Krabi -Thailand. Following a week's stay
there, we are then planning to travel to close by countries - most
probably Cambodia and Vietnam. Then later in the year we join our
Bridge Academy on their annual outing. So hopefully 2016 Inshallah.
I read that the airport at Zanzibar can now accommodate all types of aircraft. Construction of a new taxiway and apron has been completed, and work on the new terminal building is progressing, and expected to be completed in October 2015.
Mr Mussa Awessu Bakari, the Acting Director General, Zanzibar Stone Town Conservation Authority said that his office has inspected 75 buildings identifying 52 as 'dangerous' and of these, 18 are considered 'very dangerous.' The inspection continues. Many tenants in more than 52 buildings deemed dangerous in the historical tourist stone town will be moved. Last week, three people including a son and his father were seriously injured when floors of a three-storey building came down. Let's hope our Hurumzi house is not one of them
Very Best Wishes and love to Betty
Mukhtar
I read that the airport at Zanzibar can now accommodate all types of aircraft. Construction of a new taxiway and apron has been completed, and work on the new terminal building is progressing, and expected to be completed in October 2015.
Mr Mussa Awessu Bakari, the Acting Director General, Zanzibar Stone Town Conservation Authority said that his office has inspected 75 buildings identifying 52 as 'dangerous' and of these, 18 are considered 'very dangerous.' The inspection continues. Many tenants in more than 52 buildings deemed dangerous in the historical tourist stone town will be moved. Last week, three people including a son and his father were seriously injured when floors of a three-storey building came down. Let's hope our Hurumzi house is not one of them
Very Best Wishes and love to Betty
Mukhtar
= = = = = = = = = = = = = =
Dear John,
I am so excited in just a few minutes you have acknowledged message and you are right in the forefront for Seychelles. Yes, B&B feel the same it should be just Seychelles this time and as for our scheduled Algave, B&B are still for it and would not withdraw but if you are happy to put it on hold, lets have all our fun in Seychelles. Thanks for your encouraging response which will be the first on the team blog. Will be in touch. Love to Rolina and the family. Ha Ha my team Arsenal won and it was a good game. Sorry about Spurs. Regards Benny
I am so excited in just a few minutes you have acknowledged message and you are right in the forefront for Seychelles. Yes, B&B feel the same it should be just Seychelles this time and as for our scheduled Algave, B&B are still for it and would not withdraw but if you are happy to put it on hold, lets have all our fun in Seychelles. Thanks for your encouraging response which will be the first on the team blog. Will be in touch. Love to Rolina and the family. Ha Ha my team Arsenal won and it was a good game. Sorry about Spurs. Regards Benny
----Original message----
From : john.de.silva@rogers.com
Date : 11/01/2015 - 18:52 (GMTST)
To : Bennydesouza@btinternet.com
Subject : Seychelles
From : john.de.silva@rogers.com
Date : 11/01/2015 - 18:52 (GMTST)
To : Bennydesouza@btinternet.com
Subject : Seychelles
Hello me dear folks, Benny I am thrilled and so excited to have
received this invite, both Rolina and my self are very excited and can
confirm we are in. Our preference would be only going to Seychelles at
this time and not include Z'bar as we can do that in 2016.
With our schedule plans for London and Algarve this June, it can be put on hold and Seychelles would be our choice. Would you know the dates for Seychelles, would be nice to know.
Also, I know Mohammed well and I am on his regular email list and met
him in 2012 tri to the Isle.
So once again we are all game for Seychelles count us in as confirmed and let me know the dates so that I can plan and cancel our proposed trip to London and Algarve. Arsenal are doing great, Man U lost today and Spurs too.
Cheers
Monday 12th January 2015
John Writes ....
Hello Mohammed, very well written and presented on your experiences and knowledge on SEZ....looking forward to the trip. Check
the below article would love to go and see this Island. Brendon Grimshaw was my x boss ( Managing Editor ) at Tanganikya Standard
Newspapers in Dar es Salaam name later changed to Daily News.
Moyenne Island is a small island (0.089 km2 or 0.034 sq mi) in the Ste Anne Marine National Park off the north coast of Mahé,
Seychelles. Since the 1970s it has been a flora and fauna reserve. From 1915 until the 1970s, the island was abandoned until
its purchase by Brendon Grimshaw, a former newspaper editor, originally from Dewsbury in Yorkshire, England.
Grimshaw was the only inhabitant of the island until his death in July 2012.[1] Currently the island is a National Park and
can be visited as part of organized trips.
History Brendon Grimshaw purchased the island for £8,000 in 1962[2] and set about making the island habitable. He did this
with the help of one other man, Rene Antoine Lafortune. They operated the island as a nature reserve, charging visitors €12
to come ashore, roam the island, dine at the "Jolly Roger" restaurant and relax on the beach.
Grimshaw and his friend planted sixteen thousand trees, built 4.8 kilometres (3.0 mi) of nature paths, and brought and bred
giant tortoises, creating an island of incredible beauty now worth 34 million Euros. Apart from a wide variety of plant and
bird life, the island is home to around 120 giant tortoises.[3] The eldest, Desmond, is 76 years old, according to Grimshaw
in 2012. He named the tortoise after his godson.[citation needed]
There are rumours [according to whom?] that pirate treasure is buried on the island. Grimshaw made two major digs and found
some evidence of man-made hiding places, but no gold or other treasure has been found as of yet. There are two graves on the
island which have been said to be [according to whom?] those of pirates, although this cannot be confirmed.[4]
After 20 years of persistence, Grimshaw and his assistant Lafortune achieved their goal of making Moyenne Island a National
Park in its own right,[5] separate to that of the Ste. Anne marine park. Now known as the Moyenne Island National Park, it harbours
more species per square foot than any other part of the world.[citation needed] The island is 4.5 kilometres (2.8 mi) away from
the main island of Mahe.
Brendon died in Victoria, Mahe, in July 2012
Dear John,
I had known about Mzee Brendon Grimshaw when he was in DAR as those were interesting days with Uhuru. Later on I met him several
times in Seychelles thanks to a Zanzibari friend DUDU who moved there in 64. Visited his Island Moyenne few times as well,
he was living alone then as a hermit and last I saw him, his health was deteriorating, was fragile and unable to look after
the Island. Luckily before he died the Island was declared a National Park/Reserve else it wud have gone to developers. Brendon
had many offers for purchase but he always declined. He is buried there together with his soul mate like Robinson and Friday.
He has written a book titled A GRAIN OF SAND
.
The Island is under a Trust with DUDU as one of the trustees, however its in a very bad shape, the restaurant was closed some
time before he died and poachers have taken many of his tortoises.
You guys must remember DUDU, he is a Hindu chap 72-73 years old, they had a laundry across Africa Bakery on the street heading
to VUGA, next to a carpenter called SATI. Dudu's elder brother Babu Tau moved to UK. DUDU and PRAFUL (younger brother of Narendra
Gajjar, Popat Mulji cabinet maker in Shangani under Bosco,s house) were taken to Seychelles by Stevens the AG in 64. Benny you
must remember Dudu as he was one of you expert divers. Both the guys are still there and I always see them when on visit. Specially
Dudu as he has pleasant family and we are good friends. He does remember you well. Praful is younger.
John, since you know Brendon from DN in DAR you must also remember WILLIAM McATEER a Scottish fellow, he was editor of DN before
Brendon I think, later moved to Nairobi and Qatar, married a Seychellois and lives there now , has written history of SEZ.
How about Mohamed Amin the famous photographer who died in plane crash ?
The world is small my friends.
Mohamed
Monday 12th January 2015
John Writes ....
Hello Mohammed, very well written and presented on your experiences and knowledge on SEZ....looking forward to the trip. Check
the below article would love to go and see this Island. Brendon Grimshaw was my x boss ( Managing Editor ) at Tanganikya Standard
Newspapers in Dar es Salaam name later changed to Daily News.
Moyenne Island is a small island (0.089 km2 or 0.034 sq mi) in the Ste Anne Marine National Park off the north coast of Mahé,
Seychelles. Since the 1970s it has been a flora and fauna reserve. From 1915 until the 1970s, the island was abandoned until
its purchase by Brendon Grimshaw, a former newspaper editor, originally from Dewsbury in Yorkshire, England.
Grimshaw was the only inhabitant of the island until his death in July 2012.[1] Currently the island is a National Park and
can be visited as part of organized trips.
History Brendon Grimshaw purchased the island for £8,000 in 1962[2] and set about making the island habitable. He did this
with the help of one other man, Rene Antoine Lafortune. They operated the island as a nature reserve, charging visitors €12
to come ashore, roam the island, dine at the "Jolly Roger" restaurant and relax on the beach.
Grimshaw and his friend planted sixteen thousand trees, built 4.8 kilometres (3.0 mi) of nature paths, and brought and bred
giant tortoises, creating an island of incredible beauty now worth 34 million Euros. Apart from a wide variety of plant and
bird life, the island is home to around 120 giant tortoises.[3] The eldest, Desmond, is 76 years old, according to Grimshaw
in 2012. He named the tortoise after his godson.[citation needed]
There are rumours [according to whom?] that pirate treasure is buried on the island. Grimshaw made two major digs and found
some evidence of man-made hiding places, but no gold or other treasure has been found as of yet. There are two graves on the
island which have been said to be [according to whom?] those of pirates, although this cannot be confirmed.[4]
After 20 years of persistence, Grimshaw and his assistant Lafortune achieved their goal of making Moyenne Island a National
Park in its own right,[5] separate to that of the Ste. Anne marine park. Now known as the Moyenne Island National Park, it harbours
more species per square foot than any other part of the world.[citation needed] The island is 4.5 kilometres (2.8 mi) away from
the main island of Mahe.
Brendon died in Victoria, Mahe, in July 2012
Dear John,
I had known about Mzee Brendon Grimshaw when he was in DAR as those were interesting days with Uhuru. Later on I met him several
times in Seychelles thanks to a Zanzibari friend DUDU who moved there in 64. Visited his Island Moyenne few times as well,
he was living alone then as a hermit and last I saw him, his health was deteriorating, was fragile and unable to look after
the Island. Luckily before he died the Island was declared a National Park/Reserve else it wud have gone to developers. Brendon
had many offers for purchase but he always declined. He is buried there together with his soul mate like Robinson and Friday.
He has written a book titled A GRAIN OF SAND
.
The Island is under a Trust with DUDU as one of the trustees, however its in a very bad shape, the restaurant was closed some
time before he died and poachers have taken many of his tortoises.
You guys must remember DUDU, he is a Hindu chap 72-73 years old, they had a laundry across Africa Bakery on the street heading
to VUGA, next to a carpenter called SATI. Dudu's elder brother Babu Tau moved to UK. DUDU and PRAFUL (younger brother of Narendra
Gajjar, Popat Mulji cabinet maker in Shangani under Bosco,s house) were taken to Seychelles by Stevens the AG in 64. Benny you
must remember Dudu as he was one of you expert divers. Both the guys are still there and I always see them when on visit. Specially
Dudu as he has pleasant family and we are good friends. He does remember you well. Praful is younger.
John, since you know Brendon from DN in DAR you must also remember WILLIAM McATEER a Scottish fellow, he was editor of DN before
Brendon I think, later moved to Nairobi and Qatar, married a Seychellois and lives there now , has written history of SEZ.
How about Mohamed Amin the famous photographer who died in plane crash ?
The world is small my friends.
Mohamed
