Nana The Poet!

This post is brought to you by who what some of you might know as Aunty Nana!  Happy to say you will enjoy many a chat with her to talk about everything and everything as she has led a most interesting life thus far :) Happy to say that I have spent so many wonderful times with her as a friend, niece, and sister - so much fun, so much life, so much beauty!

For those that know me, you will not be surprised that I chose to stray from the norm,

And create this blog in a unique way – or, in a poetic form.

I am the youngest of five,

After 4 children, SUPRISE…I arrive.

I am one of gods very blessed creatures,

To have grown up with 4 amazing teachers.

While I have been told I have my mother’s heart of gold,

I have also been told I am equally as bold.

Unlike my father I am not often quiet,

In fact I definitely enjoy a good riot!

For 12 amazing months I travelled the earth,

Gained exposure that helped me experience a re-birth.

I developed a passion I never thought I could,

I am now a director for a company called Starwood.

I spend several dollars and several moons,

Enjoying another passion – live tunes.

My pup Luka is my largest distraction,

I love him more than you could possibly imagine.

I look forward to spending time with you all,

I have no doubt we will have a ball.

Pardhan the Interruption!

This week's post is brought to you by some of our newest members of the reunion!  So happy to announce that the Mahedi Pardhan family and Shanaz Vellani are joining us for this epic occasion!

We are the Pardhans! Mahedi (my dad) is brother to Fatmabai, Natasha’s maternal grandmother (Nanima).Our unit is comprised of him, my mom, Farida, my cousin/aunt Shanaz along with me, Anar.

We live in Toronto and bring a variety of experiences, stories, journeys, etc. with us, many of which involve many more of the people who are going to be here with us in Playa del Carmen.  For example, the Romanian wedding many of you must have heard about was my “baby” cousin Aly’s nuptials. We had an incredible time for the duration of that trip and it’s something our family holds very dear (especially with a baby Pardhan on the way over there now!).

Our foursome has some extensive travel mileage between us and is looking forward to sharing and comparing travel notes, so come one, come all and enjoy a conversation or 2 as we enjoy the wonderful beaches and resort Natasha has made available to us.

And as for me, you might recognize my hair from various hair commercials I am in. Maybe I'm born with it, maybe it's Pantene Pro V.

Til then!

Who's the Boss?

Today's post is brought to you by the Lins.  They need little introduction, but I will add that the two little munchkins that they are bringing will be a highlight of the trip!  And we are never short of laughs when we hang out with this family :) See you at the beach! 

Let me introduce the Lins.  There's Salima (the "boss"), Spencer (the "other boss"....so he thinks....), Sophia (the princess) and Courtney (the "boy" I never had).  And you guessed right, it's me, Salima, writing this.  I asked Spencer about 20 times...maybe 25 times... and figured if I didn't do it, Natasha would somehow stick us in a hotel room next to the elevator or laundry machine!  

So, let me give you a brief summary of the four of us.

Let me start with my husband, who I refer to as "baby"...Spencer. He's a Chinese-born American.  But unlike the Chinese, he's a good driver.....in fact, so impatient with incompetent drivers that I have to wonder...is he really Chinese??  My girls are in a Chinese immersion program at school and I actually think I am learning and know more Chinese than Spencer does!!  Spencer loves clothes and actually has more shoes then me.  So, if you decide to wear something that doesn't match or wear a fabric that is not appropriate for summer, you bet Spencer will notice!!  And I will hear about it in the hotel room :>.  Spencer is a great father (when he's not on his ipad), incredibly smart (went to Princeton, graduated as a Chemical Engineer...and then to Kellogg for his MBA), and is a HUGE sports fan - - Loves Carolina basketball, Vikings football, and the Blackhawks.  And if you are a Lions fan, or a Kentucky basketball fan, steer clear of Spencer!!

Let me now talk about what I care most about in the world, my girls.  

Sophia is the ultimate "girl's girl".  It's interesting because she really reminds me of all my sisters.  She has an uncanny resemblance with my sister Shaida.  Both have beautiful olive skin, always smiling and so goofy.  In fact, if you knew Shaida's Sophia as a toddler, she and my Sophia look like sisters.  Like my sister Nevin, Sophia can be "preachy".  She loves to teach, to demonstrate a better way of doing things and is so organized.  Just the other day, Courtney was having a meltdown.  Sophia said to her "Courtney, just breathe, and count slowly to 10".  She then proceeds to count for Courtney...1...2....3...4....5.  By 5, Courtney's screams get louder, and so Sophia says "This isn't working.  Let me put soothing music on for you".  Seriously, doesn't that sound like Nevin!!  And like my sister Nadia, she has a heart of gold!  A fantastic swimmer...just check out her "guns"... she was the only 8 year old in Illinois who made Swimming Regionals for the 10 and under category in an individual event this last February.



Then there's Courtney.  You will never meet anyone with such a big personality!  She is very competitive, loves soccer  (the next "Messi") , and like my brother Imtiaz, thinks she's always right! Hah!  She is incredibly witty and like my nephew Kareem Pirani, comes up with the funniest and completely false comebacks.  You have to shake your head and ask - - is she really 8??!!  So, if there is a crash of dishes all of a sudden by the pool, you'll see me hiding, because Courtney will most likely be in the middle of it saying "i didn't do it...the dishes just fell all by themselves"



It's amazing how difficult it is for me to talk about myself.  Most people would tell you that it should be really easy to talk about myself.  But there's so much to say....seriously, there is :>  I love milk chocolate...have to have one a day.  I can never eat enough cheese, but it must be cheddar.  I love products for the skin - - obsessed with them.  I also love work-out clothing....I could open my own store.  I am passionate about learning and education...I get that from my mom's devotion to me getting the best out of education... and I hope to instill that same passion for learning with my daughters. 

Let me not forget our Samy cakes....my dog.  We love him soo much and unfortunately you won't see him. I often think he's a human in a dog's body.  He has such an amazing range of emotions.  He is really the king of this household....plays and sleeps all day, gets home-cooked meals every day, get a head and tummy massage before going to sleep!!





















So, I will end by saying we are really looking forward to Mexico and meeting all of you.  Thank-you Natasha for organizing this - - I know I could never have the patience to do this.  You will not see me doing YOGA on the beach...you will see me sipping Pina Coladas with Nadia at the pool...and occasionally sneaking a few Pina Coladas "veiled as a soft drink" for my mom!

Everyone's Nani and Nanabapa!

This post is from our Nanima and Nanabapa - also known as the Don & Nanabapa :) They are my (Natasha) mother's (Shaida) parents.  

MEXICO!

Oh Boy are we excited - hope you are too! My name is Fatma (but please, call me Nanima) and this is my husband Nizar. We are the maternal grandmother and grandfather to Natasha. I have five children and ten grandchildren and occasionally it’s difficult to remember all their names! (though I love them all the same).

Born and raised in East Africa we are both naturally comfortable in tropical environments so please note that we can be found on the beach, cosmopolitan in hand. We are looking forward to spending time with our growing family and catching up with new friends. 

To tell you a little bit about myself; I’m considered a little bit of a fashionista as my original passion was in clothing - I started my working career as a tailor. My friends know me to scout out all the best shops at Oakridge Mall,  Main Street for suits and saris and my pants are always pressed and proper. After having so many children (it’s a lot of work) it became easier to care for them from home in Toronto and I managed to set myself up as a caregiver for many in and outside of our Ismaili community. I continued my profession even after coming to live in Vancouver. I’m pretty much Nani to everyone you kids (all my grandchildren's friends) know now. Beat that! 

I have always enjoyed traveling and prior to my retirement used to take month-long vacations exploring different parts of the world with my globe-trotting family & friends; we’ve been on camel rides, roller coasters and yachts galore! Alongside these passions is, cooking which I learnt from my ex-mother-in-law and really enjoying the art of creating fine foods. I have gathered a following of family, friends, and strangers who request dishes and beg for seconds. Naturally I love to feed people, if you’ve ever entered my home you would know how difficult it is to leave without eating first.

My husband is a quiet man; he uses not as many words as grunts but always manages to get the message across. He loves to meet new people, but also enjoys time alone relaxing and watching TV (mostly sleeping). A master with a machete, you may find him putting the bartenders to shame extracting fresh coconut juice. His skill is derived from early days as a hunter (hobby) in East Africa and being a butcher in Kenya and then later in Canada (and the finest BBQ artist we know!). He has amazing stories to share about his early days tracking lions and elephants and can talk conventional sports if that’s your thing instead! 

Although our days are a little quieter now, we look forward to opportunities like this (Thank you Natasha & Mukund!) to spend quality time with our amazing extended family and friends. Only a few more weeks to go!

Fatma and Nizar Karmali

Meet you at the Regency!

This post is brought to you by our ever-loving grandmother!  You'll always hear her contagious laughter and see that smile on her face.  She is always happy to spend time, share stories, and cook you a great meal!  If you don't already know what the Regency is, be sure to ask her!

YAM and Hello All,

I am Malek Meghji, Natasha’s Grandmother. Currently residing in London, England, I am here to share a little about myself today; though not too much as what would we have to talk about on the beach if I told you everything now?

As mentioned, I am Natasha’s paternal grandmother, Inayat’s mother. Though currently located in London, my life has taken me on a whirlwind tour of the Globe, starting in East Africa (Uganda and Tanzania), then England, then Canada, and now back in England, all in search of fulfilling dreams. Besides living in many places, I have also been fortunate to be well traveled, and believe that I have visited more cities and countries than likely either my son or his daughter have!

Maybe we can all compare notes over a game of cards in Mexico?

I am exceedingly excited about this trip, the opportunities to spend time with family and friends are always appreciated. That being said, I am always happy to chat in London as well, swing by the Regency and mention my name or give me a call in advance and perhaps we can meet and eat.

See you all soon!

Manji for Life!

This post is about two caring and passionate people who will be joining us on our trip - Shelli and Imtiaz Mama - and their (our) amazing family.  Shelli is a kind, patient, and beautiful woman and I have never seen anything but a smile on her face.  My uncle....no reason for an introduction to my outstanding Uncle...as he does put it very well himself!!!  Can't wait to spend time with them in Mexico...one month away!  Enjoy

I’m Natasha’s oldest and most handsome uncle… :) and the oldest of the siblings.  I’m blessed with 7 powerful women in my life.  Shelli, Fatma, Shaida, Nevin, Salima, Nadia and Lizzy.

My sisters are all amazing, smart and beautiful.  And each one is my favorite – one at a time!

Lizzy, my new daughter (Kaleim’s wife) has blessed my life so much with her wonderful zest for life and knowledge. 

Shelli, my fiancé, is an incredible human being and I’m so blessed to have her in my life!  We live in Scottsdale, AZ and yes my blood has gotten very thin helping me cope with the long hot summers.

We recently adapted 2 gorgeous puppies – Kenya and Winston (Rezwan’s pup). They are liter brothers and love wrestling with each other for hours!  For the first time in my life I understand the love for a pet.  And “in love” I am!

I’m also extremely blessed to work with my 2 sons (Kaleim and Rezwan) and my daughter (Lizzy).  They’re truly amazing people who have devoted their current lives to leading Spear Education.  I am so proud of them!

Shelli and I love to scuba dive, workout, read, dance, watch movies and laugh (a lot!) Life is good!

We look forward to seeing the entire family, extended family and friends very soon.