Category: travel

Posted in Fun, Humanity, Recovery, Relationships, travel, Wisdom

Mr Chillman Chimp

Posted on by Suitcase Cally

On Sunday en route to my holiday accommodation in Lulworth Cove I stopped at Monkey World; an Ape Rescue Centre in Wareham, Dorset. I was going with the flow on my road trip, stopping wherever took my fancy and had plenty of time before I checked in. Feeling free spirited and listening to Spotify tunes I was sensing the joy; as I let go thoughts of work and to do lists.

Having driven past the centre a few months earlier over Easter, I wanted to visit the next time I was in the area. The idea of an ape rescue centre intrigued my curiosity. I’m not one to visit zoos since I was a kid; as I have read and seen some horrific stories of animals abused for selfish pleasure and profit. Some zoos get it right and yet others don’t!

This rescue centre appealed to my heart, as the centre has helped many primates globally recover and rehabilitate in a safe and loving way in an environment that supports their healing. Much like humans who have experienced trauma, neglect or abuse this centre epitomises a wonderful story of how this rehab was intimately started in 1987, and you can read more on the Monkey World Ape Rescue Centre website, the legacy of Jim Cronin and his wife.

Follow Carolyn @suitcasecally on Instagram her book is to be published in 2025

Growing up in multiple countries, loving the diversity of animals and being an animal lover; I’m all for supporting the humane treatment and rights of all animals. There are plenty of animal lovers in the world who have helped protect different species and rescued animals from harmful practices where they were abused or mistreated, or lived in habitats that were cruel to their natural instinct and survival.

I wandered around in awe engaged with exploring the park and learning more about the life journeys of the rescued primates. The centre has been actively involved over the years to bring about change to UK law to stop the abuse and trade of monkeys as pets and primates.

I found observing these ‘new primate’ friends so fascinating in their home. I likened it quite simply as ‘connection’. Humans like apes, chimpanzees, and monkeys thrive in their tribe when loved, feeling safe, validated and connected. The primates I watched were clearly content and happy. As an empath or a sensitive person – I pick up on vibes even in animals.

“Right said Fred”

The chimps (and other primates) too use their faces to express messages with body postures, and gestures alike to human behaviours and connection in their social circles. It’s about body language and sensory awareness as the way we all communicate.

In particular, there were a group of chimps huddled together on one of the high wooden platforms in their enclosure. I had grabbed my camera from the car last minute, so I was guaranteed to capture some shots up close and personal with my zoom lens.

I was delighted to watch their facial expressions and poses, as I was in my own little world; in the present moment and fully engaged.

One particular chimp was clearly besotted with his mate as I watched him send flirtatious signals. Well what I imagined anyway – likening it to ‘courting’ couples, or meeting someone in your circle or network.

Intuitively you both know there’s a connection of some sort as you navigate the social rituals of becoming friends, and exploring other more ‘intimate’ possibilities over time (or not). I named this particular chimp, Mr Chillman! Likened to my preference for making friends and/or ‘courting’ with a mate – cheeky, interesting, calm, curious, funny and sexy!

Leaning in, Mr Chillman chimp caressed her cute chimp face and picked up her hand to examine it in great detail. Up close he proceeded to give her several kisses on her hairy face, and at times she turned her cheek away looking elsewhere, before turning her face back towards him.

I was chuckling to myself as I was thinking back to my own past relationships and getting to know someone; sometimes slowly, or sometimes quickly in other cases. LOL! Now I was really going into dreamscape as I was comparing these chimps’ behaviours with my past ‘major’ intimate love relationships.

Not one myself for online app dating I was thinking these chimps had it right. Be yourself, stay authentic, know your tribe and if it happens organically, great! You attract who you’re meant to meet!

These photos are some of my favourites, and if you’re in the Dorset area be sure to visit. I won’t say anything more as I’m rambling random thoughts after a windy and sunny day out at sea today.

Much love,

Suitcase Cally xxx

Posted in Creativity, Humanity, Recovery, Relationships, travel

Twin flames and creativity

Posted on by Suitcase Cally

Wallaby dinner date

I read a long time ago we are destined to meet our twin flame on our love journey when we are in love with ourselves too. And by that I mean healthy love. A concept I learned along the way. Self care is so important for wellbeing and I had to learn to become friends with myself too.

There are three major loves we experience, young love, the love that gives the lessons, and the one we don’t see coming, true love or twinflame love. I liken it to twin flowers a journey of transformation that prepares us for the one.

Listening to music certainly raises my vibes and I feel happy listening to uplifting songs. Meaning and connection comes through music, sounds, sensations and dancing for me since I was a little girl. My family were big lovers of music as I listened to my parents’ records growing up as I played on my little SuitcaseCally recorder and baby guitar. Music fuels me as I’m a big fan of live concerts too and am looking forward to seeing one of my favourite bands next month followed by another favourite in July from my teen years!

My guitar has been a lifelong passion to learn and lessons are back on the table as I keep stopping for some reason. Progress not perfection!

Recently I explored this hesitation again through the ‘Artist’s Way’ by Julia Cameron’s three month course. I had started this artistic process in Cape Town years ago when I lived there and was working in a Addiction Counselling role. I loved what I created in Cape Town and moving back to London, back on the rat race wheel I forgot to do what I love as I got caught up in working, doing, and learning again. Mental!

This time around so much more was uncovered as I reclaimed creative parts of myself again I had buried, due to limiting beliefs strongly influenced by others projecting their beliefs and comparison to others on me.

A load of BS stories I had made up again. So I made a decision to start again where I am now, there’s no right or wrong way. For me ‘selfie artist dates’ are a norm now in my week. I love the ideas that come flowing through me when I’m in the present moment, and magic happens organically leading me to navigate my life more peacefully and feeling joy.

Attracting like minded friends and souls who have experienced similar experiences and challenges has been a blessing, and I know my twin flame flower is out there soon to be united as friends.

In the meantime I keep singing, moving forward and listening to my SuitcaseCally Twin flames playlist for some great music!

The SuitcaseCally photos below are taken on my ‘selfie artist date’ on Saturday 30 April 2022 enjoying the sculptures by South African artist Anton Smit at Leonardslee Gardens in West Sussex. Well worth a visit to embrace the beauty of nature and art connected in this wonderland tucked away.

Keep creating your best life! The time is now…

Posted in Humanity, travel

Sticky koeksisters and lavender lemonade

Posted on by Suitcase Cally

As I looked into her eyes, I sensed a deep compassion and knew I had found a new friendship, which had started with an exchange of emails booking accommodation for a friend’s wedding. I was due to fly out of London to Cape Town and had been feeling the excitement for months since I’d received the wedding invite.

I was in contact with Karien, the co-owner of the family run Winterberg Mountain Inn in Wolseley. We had a few phone calls a number of months prior to my planned visit, and I sensed a genuine warmth in her voice over the crackly Wi-Fi mobile signal.

Having spent a week in my old home of Cape Town catching up with old friends, I had a feeling of excitement as I drove the romantic Cape Route 62 to Wolesley. A self-drive route through farming towns, vineyards, orchards, and the hairpin bends through the majestic mountains. There are plenty of opportunities to visit local farm stalls, wineries, or eat a sticky koeksister on the way.

Cape open roads

Driving in the heat of a 37C day it was a sense of relief to arrive at the inn tucked under the start of the Michell’s Pass/R46, 10km away from Ceres. Welcomed by the duty manager Laquita I settled into my room at the end of the terrace with old wooden floorboards, high ceilings and a huge bathroom. I felt a sense of home wash over me. 

Keen to find a drink I sat in the shade of the covered porch overlooking the lush green garden by the swimming pool. The flowers were in full bloom and I welcomed the serenity with the mountains staring back at me.

Serenity

Scanning the menu of old South African favourites; Cape Malay curries, malva pudding, homemade bread and corn fritters I was starting to feel hungry.

I asked the waiter chuckling ‘What’s the best drink?’ and Tiri responded smiling with a sparkle in his eyes, ‘The lavender lemonade. I make it myself.’

Served in a glass jar, a paper straw, sprigs of mint, lavender, and slices of lemon I felt fulfilled taking that thirst-quenching sip. Drinking in the oasis of blooming roses and purple flowers with the sparkling blue pool in view, I was so happy I had followed my gut instinct to find this gem.

The Harvest Table Bistro Restaurant at the inn is well known on this route and is popular for drinks, breakfast, lunch or dinner. Food is sourced locally and the menu has something for everyone. I enjoyed the simple, fresh home cooked flavours at every meal I had during my stay. The vetkoek with breakfast was mouthwatering!

Farmhouse breakfast with vetkoek

When I met the owner Karien and looked into her eyes I felt like I had known her before.  We had daily conversations during my stay, and the small decorative touches she weaved through the inn, home cooked food, and gentle ways her staff interacted with me, I knew this was a special close knit family. 

Nothing was too much trouble from offering to do my laundry even with drought water restrictions still in place, and on the day of the wedding Karien messaged me ‘do you need your dress ironing?’. It was these thoughtful gestures that counted.

Dressed up for love

Sharing wedding stories with the manager Laquita and Karien the following morning, it was time to say goodbye to this lovely family. 

Karien looked me in the eyes after we hugged saying ‘I feel like we always have known each other, and I hope you will be back soon.’ I felt that and left with a warm fuzzy feeling onwards to the game reserve for my safari adventure.

Sunset game drive

Back in London we exchanged a few emails and she responded with ‘You will always be remembered dearly by us all, Love Karien’.

Likewise Karien, your family inn, and the staff are forever in my heart for the excellent, welcoming and friendly service from the initial enquiries making my booking through to checking out and saying ‘totsiens vir nou’.

Posted in Humanity, Inspiration, Relationships, travel, What's on my mind?, Wisdom

Dear Human

Posted on by Suitcase Cally
Reflections in Nature’s Valley, Garden Route, South Africa

Many lifetimes, many lessons and many places. Put me near water and I’m in my true essence of love and connection to our Mother Earth. Beaches, oceans, rivers, streams, lakes and waterfalls make my heart sing. Water connects me to my true higher self and my most intuitive reflections arise. I’ve often been called a water baby! What’s your true element?

As I reflect on 9/11 and remember what I was doing in the moments the news hit our trading floor in London and the traders called our back office. The hit to the heart and stomach I can still sense. Shock! Followed by crisis management in the global financial markets. An event much bigger than anyone was prepped for. Being called into my boss’s office as we got on the speaker phone to start our incident response with other leaders in the financial communities. The unknown in our faces, a tipping point we all got through that made me realise at the time what’s really important. Not money, not the next task – but people. The rest is just a bonus. The moments and days that unfolded as we all pulled together to support our friends and colleagues in New York is a time that is always etched in my heart and mind.

Today reminds me of all the stories that unfolded, and are still being revealed years later; that today is all that matters and who we love. Truth and love go hand in hand. May truth always reveal itself because that to me is loving despite it’s messiness at times. Nothing needs fixing, we are not broken.

I wanted to share these beautiful words of love by Courtney A. Walsh in memory of every family and person impacted by the events of 9/11. They were sent to me years ago and I often read them as a reminder – we are all love, we are one 🌍❤️.

“Dear Human: You’ve got it all wrong. You didn’t come here to master unconditional love. That is where you came from and where you’ll return. You came here to learn personal love. Universal love. Messy love. Sweaty love. Crazy love. Broken love. Whole love. Infused with divinity. Lived through the grace of stumbling. Demonstrated through the beauty of messing up. Often. You didn’t come here to be perfect. You already are. You came here to be gorgeously human. Flawed and fabulous. And then to rise again into remembering. But unconditional love? Stop telling that story. Love, in truth, doesn’t need any other adjectives. It doesn’t require modifiers. It doesn’t require the condition of perfection. It only asks that you show up. And do your best. That you stay present and feel fully. That you shine and fly and laugh and cry and hurt and heal and fall and get back up and play and work and live and die as YOU. It’s enough. It’s Plenty.” – Courtney A. Walsh

There is only today. Have a beautiful love filled day!

With love SuitCaseCally 💜

Posted in travel

Innocence

Posted on by Suitcase Cally
Love matters

Years ago I was sent an email and it was one I kept as it warmed my heart when I was going through a challenging period of healing from grief and loss.

I don’t know who the original author is as I would give credit to them.

Kids often know the meaning of the word “love” better than adults.

“What Love means to a 4-8 year old…”

A group of professional people posed this question to a group of 4 to 8 year-olds :

‘What does love mean?’

The answers they got were broader and deeper than anyone could have imagined. See what you think:

‘When my grandmother got arthritis, she couldn’t bend over and paint her toenails anymore. So my grandfather does it for her all the time, even when his hands got arthritis too. That’s love.’

Rebecca- age 8

‘When someone loves you, the way they say your name is different. You just know that your name is safe in their mouth.’

Billy – age 4

‘Love is when a girl puts on perfume and a boy puts on shaving cologne and they go out and smell each other.’

Karl – age 5

‘Love is when you go out to eat and give somebody most of your French fries without making them give you any of theirs.’

Chrissy – age 6

‘Love is what makes you smile when you’re tired.’

Terri – age 4

‘Love is when my mommy makes coffee for my daddy and she takes a sip before giving it to him, to make sure the taste is OK.’

Danny – age 7

‘Love is when you kiss all the time. Then when you get tired of kissing, you still want to be together and you talk more. My Mommy and Daddy are like that. They look gross when they kiss.’

Emily – age 8

‘Love is what’s in the room with you at Christmas if you stop opening presents and listen.’

Bobby – age 7 (Wow!)

‘If you want to learn to love better, you should start with a friend who you hate.’

Nikka – age 6

‘Love is when you tell a guy you like his shirt, then he wears it everyday.’

Noelle – age 7

‘Love is like a little old woman and a little old man who are still friends even after they know each other so well.’

Tommy – age 6

‘During my piano recital, I was on a stage and I was scared. I looked at all the people watching me and saw my daddy waving and smiling. He was the only one doing that. I wasn’t scared anymore.’

Cindy – age 8

‘My mommy loves me more than anybody. You don’t see anyone else kissing me to sleep at night.’

Clare – age 6

‘Love is when Mommy gives Daddy the best piece of chicken.’

Elaine-age 5

‘Love is when Mommy sees Daddy smelly and sweaty and still says he is handsomer than Robert Redford.’

Chris – age 7

‘Love is when your puppy licks your face even after you left him alone all day.’

Mary Ann – age 4

‘I know my older sister loves me because she gives me all her old clothes and has to go out and buy new ones.’

Lauren – age 4

‘When you love somebody, your eyelashes go up and down and little stars come out of you.’

Karen – age 7

‘Love is when Mommy sees Daddy on the toilet and she doesn’t think it’s gross.’

Mark – age 6

‘You really shouldn’t say ‘I love you’ unless you mean it. But if you mean it, you should say it a lot. People forget.’

Jessica – age 8

And the final one…

The winner was a four year old child whose next door neighbour was an elderly gentleman who had recently lost his wife. Upon seeing the man cry, the little boy went into the old gentleman’s yard, climbed onto his lap, and just sat there. Whenever his Mother asked what he had said to the neighbour, the little boy said ‘Nothing, I just helped him cry.’

Keep the love vibrations flowing and return to innocence on those days when we are challenged ❤️.