Staying dapper? Not a problem…check London label Duke + Dexter’s hand-painted, bespoke loafers and get hooked on the idea, that you could have your pets follows you everywhere you go, as their in-house designer paints your favourite cuddlies on your favourite pair of loafers or boots. But you can also go for a more seasonal topic with gorgeous and colourful lilies for summer, maybe even the city you live in (‘clue is in the shoe’) or wolves, Teddy bears and big cats for winter, which will give you endless joy and a guaranteed conversational topic, wherever you go. Loved by dapper gents in the music biz, artsy sets, actors and tech millionaires, it isn’t difficult to see why being original and ‘not worn by anyone else walking this planet’ has its appeal. However, it does have a special feel to it, when you get a pair of customised shoes featuring your favourite things/people/places in your life, which is what makes them such a brilliant present too. For now, not wanting to let standards slip during lockdown or self-isolation, grab the first pair for yourself, which you can order online and get delivered to your door (dukeanddexter.com)
Duke + Dexter
D + D is a British men’s footwear label with a difference! Founded by Archie Hewlett in 2015, their design team is based in London, whilst all their shoes are handmade in Sheffield! The ‘Handmade in England’ label has to stand for something, and you’ll realise immediately when trying on, what it represents: comfort, quality…and serious swagger. The brand likes to see itself as a challenger to the classic British shoe label, bringing a bit of attitude and a rebellious touch to classic shapes. And it works! Most famously, when Brit actor Eddie Redmayne won an Oscar for his outstanding performance in ’The Theory of Everything’, wearing a pair of Duke + Dexter loafers. Loved not just by Ryan Reynolds, Tinieh Tempa, Justin Timberlake and David Beckham, their fans include big names in the music business such as Snoop Dogg and Zayn, tech-millionaires and all those who want to stand out from the crowd. Their concept of highly individual foot gear works, making an essential statement for any guy worth his salt.
Getting your initials embroidered on your clothing items is a big trend too. Most notably started by Louis Vuitton, this classic aspect of bespoke fashion pieces sits well alongside their other D + D ranges (Chelsea boots, sliders and loafers too: choose a loafer with a contrast trim, monogrammed with your initials, and if you can’t resist, get the city you live in handpainted across the front, and you’ll find yourself wearing small pieces of art on your feet.
Duke + Dexter also prides itself for using sustainably sourced materials and releases styles in very limited runs to eliminate wastage as best as possible. Clearly, that’s another advantage to producing on home soil, as this allows them to react to trends quickly, whilst being able to control supply & demand. No doubt, it aided them winning the ‘Premium Footwear Brand Of The Year’ at Drapers Footwear Awards in 2019.
Fashion attitude in multitude – collaborations
This is definitely a trend of modern times, and never has it been as important as now to be original and use a bit of street cred by a third party for whatever cudos that celebrity name brings. And Duke + Dexter is a master at that! For younger generations to relate, having their idol wear cool kit is a master stroke in branding, and Archie Hewlett know this. Having teamed up with the American actor and comedian Jonah Hill in 2017 opened up the American Markte to all those who love a ‘bit of British’ across the pond. 2019 saw D + D get into bed with Snoop Dogg. Many saw that as a proper coup, as the label produced a limited edition collection exclusively for Selfridges.
They had already partnered up with Harrods the year before in 2018, so building on that, they went one further by striking a deal with Snoop Dogg and Selfridges – a dream team scenario between celebrity – retailer – brand, we reckon! Working with the KaDeWe in Berlin was another ace move to gain international recognition, so it wasn’t a surprise at all for the world to see the D + D open their own retail outlet, and their flagship store in Earlham Street in Covent Garden opened its doors in 2016.
London’s Covent Garden
And where else, we ask?!? Duke + Dexter’s shop opened at 16 Earlham St a few years back, a place where exposure to international fashion folk is guaranteed. Sitting pretty alongside other independent labels like Paul Smith, Burberry, Fred Perry and American Vintage, this is an area that has been described as the Mecca for menswear. Stretched over 51.000m2, you can go crazy on clothes and shoe shopping, have lunch at one of the trendy bars or cafes, keep going throughout the afternoon, until you’re ready for dinner.
Shop ’til you drop is an understatement in Covent Garden, as there’s no room to drop: countless shows award-winning shows await as there are theatres strewn all over the place, famously including the Royal Opera House, the Theatre Royal in Drury Lane, the Noël Coward Theatre and the Donmar Warehouse, amongst many other leading production houses. Covent Garden is buzzing 24 hours a day, so we suggest you just dive in and experience the best that London has to offer.
Richy Ahmed literally ‘worked his way up’ on the scene from raver to music fan, promoter, DJ and finally to producer. Uniquely, he knows every aspect of the industry, giving him such a clever advantage. Mates with all the boys on the circuit, he literally has EDM running through his veins. He knows how the dance floor ticks or how to get the crowd going at a festival, which has him regularly turn up at the best dance events all over the world. Yet sitting down on the floor with him, sharing a bit of carpet at London’s Eastern Electrics Festival, was not an issue.
He’s completely down to earth and totally honest with it. That afternoon, he was part of a dream-team line-up at the main stage, playing alongside Eats Everything, Hot Since 82, The Martinez Brothers and Seth Troxler. Woaahhhh, what a day that was: hot sunshine, 25 thousand ravers, the DJ booth was ‘on fire’ and a crowd, that never stopped dancing! After his set, Claudia Peifer grabbed him in the Green Room to find out how he ticks, why he loves house and what makes him such a much-loved act. We’re talking fave clubs, like Watergate in Berlin, playing Paradise at DC-10 on Ibiza and other iconic venues, and discover how he actually ended up spinning decks. He regularly features in the line-up of those legendary Elrow parties and plays huge festivals like Space Miami, Glastonbury and Tomorrowland, so hit that start button now to learn more about the boy from South Shields…
Hailing from South Shield in North East England, Richy Ahmed is a British producer and DJ who has made a name for himself in the electronic music scene by dabbling in nearly every aspect of it from raving to eventually making a name for himself as a DJ and a producer.
Taking inspiration from a wide range of genres that includes electro, funk, hip-hop and even disco, Richy has been a driving force behind the ongoing popularity of UK house music. Making sure his home territory was covered first, he soon set his sight on sunnier destinations, racking up appearances and residences at cult Ibiza venues like Paradise and DC-10, and that was just the start! Not content with simply conquering the mecca of electronic music and club culture that is Ibiza, Richy has set his sights on global domination with appearances at famous (and sometimes infamous) venues such as Berlin’s Panorama Bar, Blue Marlin Dubai, Rome’s Room21 and BPM Mexico, amongst countless parties organised by Spain’s biggest party host elrow. Not content with playing legendary venues alone, Richy has also made appearances at world-famous festivals like Tomorrowland, Glastonbury, Burning Man, and Hideout Festival in Croatia.
TA-DAH.TV’s Claudia Peifer grabbed him for a legendary interview during the Eastern Electrics festival staged at Hatfield House, just outside London. Clearing the Green Room for a full half an hour, Richy revealed all from his calling to step into the DJ booth to his favourite clubs to play at.
Having established himself firmly on the DJ map the world over, Richy has added yet another feather to his cap by launching his own label and event imprint, FOUR THIRTY TWO – talk about a man of many talents!
The label has so far served as a way for Richy to continue his musical growth, released UK house music that stays true to the genre’s core. Alongside this, Richy has also ventured into the world of A&R, championing the music and artists he truly believes in.
To get a taste of Richy’s DJ skills, check out his most popular releases and remixes including his breakthrough hit “The Drums” or remixes of legendary artists like London Grammar and New Order.
Can’t wait to experience one of his legendary live sets? Keep your eyes peeled for upcoming appearances by RICHY AHMED by clicking the link now!
His staying power is second to none, considering he brought out his first album ’Born To Do It’ in 2000 (yes, three zeros)! See him live and you understand why this singer-songwriter, DJ, rapper, record producer is still at the top of his A-game decades later! At the Gibraltar Music Festival he first played his set as a singer, and then delivered his TS5 DJset, which left us all with our jaws on the floor.
The hits kept on coming, whether young or old, they still sounded fresh, and the audience knew all the words, right across the generations. His all-round talent is just awesome, and you couldn’t meet a nicer guy – hence, you could really feel the love out there for him. ‘7 Days’ is one of the most iconic pop songs of the 90s, and his live performance didn’t stop short. What a treat it was to have him perform in Gibraltar – watch the video now to relive the moment…(craigdavid.com)
Craig David – Live Shows
9 April 2026: London, Born To Do It Tour at Eventim Apollo Hammersmith
10 April: London, Born To Do It Tour at Eventim Apollo Hammersmith
9 May: Tenerife, R&B Nation
15 May: Marlow/UK, Pub In The Park
5 June: Letchworth, Try Fest
06 June’26: Weston-super-Mare, TS5 at Summer Fest At The Beach
4 July: Manchester, Barton Live
27 June: Marbella, TS5 at Marbella Arena
18 July: Solihull, TS5 at Solihull Summer Fest at Tudor Grange Park
19 July: Nottingham, Splendour Festival
24 July: York, York Racecourse
14 Aug: Newmarket, TS5 at Newmarket Racecourse
The Man Himself
Originally from Southampton, Craig David has got an Afro-Grenadian dad and an Anglo-Jewish mum – wow – which probably also makes him the cosmopolitan character he is! He is one of the nicest acts in the biz, and we think, this is one of his greatest secrets…and greatest assets: that he is such a likeable guy, quite apart from the massive talent he has shown to have. An all-rounder in so many ways, he sings, raps, writes songs, has big roots in R&B, yet churns out pop, dance, hip-hop & garage tracks, having sold over 15m albums, of which many went multi-platinum, paving the way for him as a highly successful solo artist.
Apart from 5 super successful, and by now iconic, studio albums, he’s collaborated with artists like Sting, Tinchy Strider, Big Narsty, Rita Ora and many more big names in the music industry. He’s been nominated for the Brit Awards more often than you’ve had hot dinners (well, fourteen times, actually), has been nominated for a Grammy, has won MTV Europe Music Awards, as well as three prestigious MOBOs, and has been nominated for Urban Music Awards as well. For his contribution to the music industry, David has received an honorary Doctor of Music from Southampton Solent University.
Talking Southampton and football, he supports Southampton FC, of course, and loved taking part in Soccer Aid at Wembley Stadium, where he picked up the ‘Man Of The Match’ Award, playing alongside English soccer stars and absolute heroes like Alan Shearer, Teddy Sheringham and David Seaman.
When it comes to social conscience, he has a big heart too: becoming a Goodwill Ambassador for the World Health Organisation against tuberculosis. For this, he travelled to South Africa, and returned to Kenya years later to trek 100miles across the Kenyan desert for Comic Relief as part of Red Nose Day, alongside TV presenters Dermot O’Leary and Lorraine Kelly, as well as singer-songwriter Olly Murs.
After all these years, he still puts on huge tours and parties the nights in Ibiza, where he has regular residencies during summer, literally being part of the furniture at Ibiza Rocks Hotel. Taking the batteries out is just not an option…
Rocky Road
Craig David’s life took a turn for the worse, when his nice-guy image was under attack, having been caricatured in the British TV comedy sketch show Bo’ Selecta!, in reference to David’s first big hit. Over night, his reputation took a nose-dive and his fortunes changed. He suddenly lost direction and this was evident in his work too, having produced an uninspiring cover album of Motown songs. He wasn’t happy at all about this kind of karaoke album, and felt he was losing touch, turning out his own authentic dance tracks no longer.
That’s when a move to Miami seemed a good idea, however, hanging out in VIP-areas of local clubs and doing parties for the sake of it, didn’t make him happy. Pumping iron, meaning concentrating on weightlifting, didn’t fulfil him either, so he realised he had to hit the studio and get back into writing, or else…
That’s when he began to develop a new musical project, after starting to host house parties in 2012, just for his friends hanging out at his apartment. The apartment number was TS5, and the rest is history! The TS5 concept gave Craig David a new lease of life, returning to the music industry as a solo artist once again, starting second time around.
Chart Toppers & TS5 pool parties
Enjoying gigantic success with his debut album Born To Do It, featuring massive hits like Fill Me In, Last Night and the iconic track 7 Days, the follow-up album Slicker Than Your Average also boasted huge hits like Rise & Fall, in which he duetted with the multi-award winning Sting, as well as What’s Your Flava. His then produced his 3rd album under a new contract with Warner Music, churning out hits like All The Way and Trust Me. For the mega track Hot Stuff (Let’s Dance), he actually managed to get David Bowie’s permission to sample his number-1 single Let’s Dance (from 1983 – OMG) and produced yet another dance floor filler. This clearly portrayed his talent to mix and mash, put his own twist onto riffs and reproduce proper bangers from samples of other artists. Was this leading the way to his TS5 concept, which was to mature many years later? We think so…
A new deal with Universal Publishing Group in 2013 gave TS5 the platform it deserved, seeing David off to do a world tour, whilst London’s Capital Radio announced that it would air David’s DJ set on a weekly basis, giving it a prime time slot on Fridays at 22.00h. TS5 is an inspired concept: first it allows David to be DJ, putting together awesome playlists of tracks, he then actually sings to. How he remembers all these lyrics remains to be a mystery, but spinning the decks and then move into a live performance, effortlessly, is a talent not many solo artists claim to have. The DJ – live act aspect of this concept is so appealing, that when the Ibiza Rocks Hotel came knocking on the door to get him to play for the summer season, his residency contract was sealed. The pool parties seriously took off and are presenting an integral part of the summer schedule on party-island – his TS5 pool parties at the Ibiza Rocks hotel are legendary by now. He tours festivals and the rest of the world with this concept to great acclaim, as it is so uniquely HIM.
Is self-isolation and lockdown causing you anxiety, getting on top you? Then here is your definite guide to handling worry, as well as advice on how to deal with self-isolation and lockdown! Learn how to turn this pandemic and subsequent crisis into a time of personal growth and self-improvement, as Claudia Peifer chats to psychologist and relationship expert Sam Owen. Whether you’re working from home or possibly have lost your job due to the Coronavirus pandemic, or you’re self-isolating or your area is in lockdown, check the video for some excellent tips & tricks on how you can tweak your life, as well as that of your family, to cope with the situation – either now or when it possibly returns in the future! A different outlook changes everything, so watch the video to unleash the power within you 🙂
Anxiety
Every living person will experience anxiety at least once in their life time! There’s no need to be ashamed of it, but the fact that it’s one of the biggest health threats in modern times, shows that surviving in our fast living world comes at a price. ‘Many of the aspects of modern life are negatively impacting on the human nervous system’, as Education Manager Alison Cullen explains, who works at herbal remedies company A. Vogel.
Some know how to deal with it better than others, but the truth is, stress on a regular level can already start at school, so most of us have been experiencing anxiety or have been impacted by mental stress since a very young age. In today’s world, we have access to a lot more knowledge and insight in order to help ourselves, and psychologist and relationship expert Sam Owen has developed a unique technique to overcome anxiety, whenever or wherever it might occur. In her book ‘Anxiety Free’, Sam explains a technique she has developed, which, she swears by, works every time! She has identified eight threats, which can cause anxiety to happen, of which four are termed ’self-generated’ and the other four she calls ‘externally generated’. The big thing is, that once, you’ve been able to identify the root of the anxiety you’re feeling (like worry, rumination, negative thinking or feeling threatened), you can actually help yourself get out of this state by identifying a solution and then act upon it. Sam describes this method, as explained in her book: 1. Identify, 2. Solve and 3. Resolve. Sam calls this process the ’Three Pillars of Calm’. It’s is simple, yet powerful and is a very effective approach indeed, as you do not have to live with anxiety at all. Practice makes perfect, and whilst it may take a while for you to master this system with yourself, however once you’re on top of it, it is a very liberating feeling.
Sam comments further: ‘When the anxiety producing threat takes time to resolve, there are science-backed technique for soothing your anxiety symptoms in the meantime, so that you can live each moment much more comfortably and resolve the threat itself more quickly and easily.’ We all know that listening to calming music has a positive effect, but practicing yoga, Tai Chi, mindfulness and even doing art will calm your system and soothe your nerves too, amongst other things. But what happens, when you suddenly feel overwhelmed in a packed train or tube or at a crowded party with very loud music? That’s when practicing the Three Pillar System’ will save you, instead of suffering through it, and instead of self-sabotaging, you will be able to get through it by managing your mental state through self-discipline.
CBT, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, is another method of learning how to handle an acutely altered mental state and improve your mental health in general, which many claim to be true with great success. CBT focuses on challenging and altering ‘unhelpful’ cognitive behaviour patterns, improving and regulating your emotions by developing highly personal ways and strategies to cope with and target the resolving of current situations. Fear of flying can be overcome with CBT, avoiding panic attacks to occur in the first place and even exam stress can be helped through this very clever therapy, that allows you to ‘conquer’ your own mind. So, speak to your health professional, should you have experienced any of the aforementioned experiences and wish to solve them, as you certainly don’t have to live with them.
Experiencing anxiety causes a chemical reaction that has a knock-on effect in your body: adrenaline will be released, as well as the stress hormone cortisol, which will release sugar from your body’s stores, thereby creating extra energy. Amongst other reactions, you’ll feel your senses heightened and your heart might be beating faster (flight or fight syndrome). As your body’s demand on energy is suddenly increased, it will take and divert whatever it can get from other systems in your body and can therefore have a negative effect on your hormonal household, digestive system and even immune system, as well as physical energy levels. Even your bones and joints might suffer as a result. A further side effect might be, that you may suffering from mood swings and other behavioural changes, which will have an affect on your relationships and with others, and how you respond to them.
This then might tempt you to go a bit heavy on cakes and sweets, which, coupled with caffeine, will then overstimulate your system and will cause havoc with your blood sugar levels too – a catch22 situation, that throws your mood levels into spiking upwards and, unfortunately downwards too, never mind your blood pressure levels.
Hence a healthy diet is of great importance to keep your blood sugar levels as balanced as possible, and by that we don’t mean sugary icing on doughnuts, but ‘blood sugar’, which is created by eating ‘complex’ carbohydrates (wholemeal), healthy proteins (including nuts & seeds) as well as essential fatty acids (EFAs), and ideally as organic as possible. The ‘power of three’ is not to be underestimated in this instance…
Tips & Tricks: carry a bottle of either Bach’s Rescue Remedy, A. Vogel’s herbal essence or a bottle of Australian Bush Flower on you for when panic, fear or emotional distress suddenly hits you. It can help balance your nervous system quicker and help soothe you when you’re feeling threatened. Even when it’s just a trip to the dentist or ahead of you final exam week, it could present part of your safety-net just when you need it.
In the interview, Sam Owen cannot stress enough the importance of regular exercise, and she has good reason to do so! As she explains, research shows that light to moderate physical movement (walking, swimming, cycling, running can all be regulated to different strength levels), therefore raising the heart rate, practiced for 3 – 5 times a week, depending on research, can have the same effect as an anti-depressant over a 12 week period. Hence, give over to the power of endorphins, that are released by your body when exercising. ‘You can even get high by running, and hooked on them too (endorphins release), when training several times a week’, claims Claudia Peifer, who used to swim competitively and did cross-country running for cross-training, amongst other sports disciplines. She continues to say, that ‘power walking through hilly terrain really gets your heart beat going quickly (whilst being able to take it easy, when you feel you need to), and works wonders for your bum, tum(my) and abs. How this liberates you mentally, you will most probably only realise afterwards, feeling release and physically strong. The contact with nature, and if you can run in a forest, filling your lungs (and supply your brain) with pure oxygen, feels like a massive recharge and reboot to your system, so I am completely hooked on working out, even at 2am in the morning.’ Now, you don’t need to overdo it, but a moderate workout according to your strength level, that can be increased with time, will help you to be mentally stronger and increase your capability levels.
Self Isolation & Lockdown
Let’s be honest: not being able to leave the house is probably what we all (silently) might have wished for, having to go to work at 7.30h in the morning, on a cold, wet winter’s day. So how surprising is it then, to see our mindset change, when we’re told, we mustn’t or can’t go out!?! Right, let’s start right there: what happens when WE change OUR mindset and start using this lockdown or self-isolation to become productive to our own benefit? Ohhh, if it only where that easy…
Still, lockdown and self isolation might become a regular thing in the future, so here’s the lowdown and some great ideas on what you can do to help yourself in a situation of obligatory confinement:
LEARN something new remotely via online tutorials, on YouTube or via group chats:
* how about learning to code
* learn a new language (or several?)
* why not learn to play that instrument, you never had the time to devote to before
* learn to bake or to cook better with celebrity master classes
* learn to meditate by joining live YouTube classes
* listen to teaching podcasts on your chosen subject
* hairdresser crisis? The join tuition classes on YouTube and try out your partner as a guinea pig
* learn about how to give massages or therapeutic treatments, people will love you forever
* flower arranging is another great past-time to master – if you’ve got a garden, even better
CONNECT with friends, family or indeed, strangers via zoom or Skype to beat loneliness:
* hold house parties or pub quizzes (thank you Sunnii for the inspiration)
* carry out tasks or play games with your circle of friends or family, learning from each other
* try internet dating – just don’t forget to put REAL romance in, when the time comes and lockdown is lifted
* join an online-choir to give your lungs a workout
* hold virtual Happy Hours at Gin o’clock or dinner nights in
* conduct culture trips from your armchair and log-on to online channels (yep, you’re already in the right spot at TA-DAH.TV)
* use apps to share moments of mindfulness, meditation or prayer
* tune in to theatre streaming sites to enjoy the performing arts and their curtain calls
EMBRACE the feeling of vulnerability: enjoy therapeutic sessions yourself from classic therapy to canine therapy OR help others, who are in need:
* adopt an animal (from dolphins to puppies)
* adopt a virtual pet or visit virtual animal/dog shows
* adopt a grandparent and help those elderly, who might not have any family left
* volunteer to help others in difficulty
* become part of a charity and help out in their online services
* upload or extend what’s app groups to be able to ‘chat’ on multiple levels, to comfort those who feel alone – this therapeutic exercise is a win-win situation for both parties
* listen to fun podcasts to realise life goes on, laugh heartily over comedy, sport or lifestyle orientated topics
* don’t chuck your plans or goals because of you can’t go out, stick with creating lists and plans for your to get on with once lockdown is over
EXERCISE does not need to be reduced to gym space:
* join workout clubs on YouTube
* follow personal trainers online and on YouTube for courses
* create work-out clubs yourself on zoom, which is a great way to stay connected with gym mates
* get work-out apps you can practise to in your local park on the permitted daily outing
* give the kids a workout, changing to the role of trainer yourself and create a gym circuit with household goods or bedroom items
• exercise your mental strength by practising yoga, Tai Chi, mindfulness and breathing techniques – why not form your own circle on zoom?
Whatever it is, that will prevent you from mental rut, repetitiveness and frustration with the situation, or even depression, because you may not be able to see a way out YET, we can all use this time for productive improvement, either on a personal level…or a DIY-level (joke). Let’s make the best of a situation that has cost so many lives so far, so count yourself lucky and appreciate life with either one or many of the above suggestions, until the crisis is over.
We went straight from The Oasis Music Festival at 3.30am to our pick-up point to head for the desert – who needs sleep anyway? On arrival it was time for coffee & croissant (very French) in a beautiful Berber tent (very Aladdin), whilst the crew cranked up the burners to fill the balloon and get everything ready for take off. Our aim? Hitting 1000m altitude to watch the sun rise over the Atlas Mountains – magical! The man to take us up there is called Ya-Ya for a nickname, and happens to be the youngest hot air balloon pilot in Morocco…we were wondering if that was a good thing or not? Anyway, he was super charismatic and never short of a joke, as some on board found the whole experience a bit much to comprehend: open air, altitude, just a wicker basket holding us… you can imagine the rest.
The reward was a mind-blowing sunrise in eerie silence, which was quite humbling…until Ya-Ya played the Lion King’s theme song, and we all fell about with laughter. Explaining what all the different ropes were about to manoeuvre the balloon was really interesting, as you can’t ‘fly’ a balloon like a plane. Excellent stuff…before we knew it, the first balloon from our group had already landed, when it was our turn.
The 45 minutes flight, up in the open air, literally flew by. The 4x4s had already driven out into the fields, where we were expected to land. And then, the pilot announced, that he’s going to land the balloon on the trailer for us! We all looked at him in complete disbelief – and yes, the first attempt was aborted, Ya-Ya was not happy with certain aspects of the landing, so he yanked the burner up once more and we took off again. The second time around, he performed a text-book-landing, and we couldn’t believe our eyes and what had just happened. Watch the vid to see for yourself and the start dreaming about where to go on holiday first, once lockdown is over…a total no-brainer, of course!
TA-DAH.TV Go Hot Air Ballooning in Marrakech!
What an amazing trip we had there! Straight from The Oasis Music Festival out to the desert
between Marrakech and the Atlas Mountains for a once in a lifetime adventure: hot air
ballooning to watch the sunrise over the mountains at 1000m altitude…and riding camels!
Not everybody was at ease with it all, as some of our fellow passengers thought this trip
could be quite scary. But the scintillating views and beautiful silence, once up in the air,
soon got us all relaxed, feeling quite chilled actually!
Hot Air Ballooning
We first travelled into the desert just outside of Marrakech, which was located at the feet of
the stunning Atlas Mountains. Once we had all settled down for coffee & croissants or fresh
peppermint tea inside the traditional Berber tents, tensions began to ease and the jokes
started doing their rounds – yep, we were going to be just fine! With the food now warming
our bodies, we were introduced to Morocco’s youngest hot-air balloon pilot; his nickname
being Ya-Ya! Alongside 12 other , by now buzzing, travellers from France, Ireland, Germany,
England, and America, Ya-Ya welcomed us onto his hot-air balloon after the the crew had
checked and prepared the so-called ‘envelopes’, the proper terminology for the actual
balloon. Ours was just one of 10 flights to take off at 6.30AM! We were asked to crouch
down for take-off, which we couldn’t understand at first. But then, this is all open-air, and
whilst standing up sounds cool, it isn’t cool when people start bringing their breakfast back
up, so we all got the drift. As the balloon started to gain height and momentum, we were all
so excited but still slightly nervous at the same time – this was a major first for all of us!
What none of us expected, however, was the eerie silence that was to follow once we were
at 1000m altitude. We were all speechless in sheer admiration of the 360 view we had of
the desert, mountains, and skyline – truly incomparable. And then, to get us back in full
voice, Ya-Ya began to play the Lion King theme song whilst the sun rose, which was just
hilarious! It had us in stitches! As well as providing humour, Ya-Ya then showed us his
talents by landing the balloon perfectly on the trailer at the back of the 4×4. Didn’t quite
work out the first time round, but the second landing was proper text-book stuff. Once back
on solid ground, we were ‘awarded’ our certificate, so it’s official: we all survived…and so
that our friends had proof we weren’t telling them any porkies. With our Western names
written in Arabic, we thought it was quite a cool thing to walk away with, before the 4x4s
took us back to base camp through the gritty fields and rough terrain, being shaken about
from left to right. Ya-Ya’s final contribution: ‘Guys, it’s what we call a perfect Berber
massage!’
Camel Ride
From our base at the Berber tent, we then got taken for another ride – a camel ride, to be
precise. Our next mode of transport was much closer to the ground…and had 4 legs, thank
god. Wondering what would be more frightening: a hot air balloon flight or a camel ride (on
a living thing), we finally arrived at our destination, a lot closer to Marrakesh. My camel was
called Daisy – quite contrary to her mannerisms! We all had a complete laugh bumping up
and down on the camel’s backs whilst they strutted their stuff across the terrain! Although
the camels were extremely well behaved, some of the passengers were quite scared, as this ‘machine’ seemed to have its own mind, although there was absolutely no need to fear.
There’s something rather entertaining about the concept of surrendering your livelihood to
a camel that you’ve just met, it merely adds to the fun and excitement! By the time that we
had to leave, some of us grew quite fond of our camels, realising that after all, they really
are quite good natured ‘beasts’. I ‘kissed’ Daisy good-bye and before we knew it, some of us
had already burnt, as the sun was extremely hot by mid-day – so we advise taking some
factor 50 if you wish to live through this experience unscathed! After all, we really would
recommend a trip like this – it was an adventure of a life time and definitely one to tick off
the bucket list!
So, whilst on extended lockdown, we hope you’re all staying sane and safe through these
unprecedented times. TA-DAH.TV wish you all the best, good health and keep supporting
each other! But above all: start planning your next adventure or holiday trip now, so you’ve
got something to look forward to, once lockdown is over…have fun!
Where To Stay
We’ve got a real secret to reveal to you – a gem, right in the Medina of Morocco’s Old Town! The Riad El Mezouar is utterly charming, beautifully styled and a proper oasis of calm and tranquility you can escape to from all the mayhem and busy-ness in this great, but crazy city!
With just a handful of exquisitely styled room and suites, it’s actually the perfect get-away destination for a private party, should you have reason to celebrate (we always find one)! Romaine Lancaster, the ‘châtelaine’, stops for nothing to make your stay as unique and unforgettable as possible – something one rarely finds anymore. Her personal style can be seen everywhere, and her super friendly team of staff are equally as happy create an unforgettable experience for you, alongside Romaine’s lead.
Private dinners by the plunge pool in the centre of the courtyard are particularly special and the lady chef won’t fail to deliver utterly delicious and authentic cuisine, which you ought to try at least twice during your stay, as once is never enough. Any special dietary request are welcome, and so all that remains is for you to turn up, be ready for a culture trip of the finest…and let life happen to you (riadelmezouar.com)
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