Monday 19 March 2018

A-Z 2018 - Theme Reveal




Hi folks! Today’s the official pre-party before the real A-Z monthlong party begins. This is when all A-Zers (who have a theme) get together for the theme reveal and yup, I’m joining in (for my 5th year!) and yup, I have a theme.


Last year, my theme ‘Arabiana’ was a tribute and trip down memory lane as I completed two decades in the Arablands. I steered clear of poetry on the blog for one whole month (a greater challenge than the A-Z!) but the results were surprising – I didn’t shrivel up and die, had a fun time in fact, and, if I may say so myself, so did my readers, relieved at not having to read the versification probably :)


Anyhow, this year I thought I’d skip the torture of skipping poetry, and delve a bit deeper into my past. Sadly, I’ve led a pretty boring life so no juicy tidbits... don’t worry, M-i-V will continue to be itself - a totally family-friendly place.


Talking of places – I’ve spent a large chunk of my life in Africa, all but a smidgen of my schoolyears have been spent there. I’ve sent my child to school in Africa as well. Apart from living, I’ve holidayed there, and read about it, and still have many things about it occupying prime positions on the bucket list. Always been fascinated by the continent since age 6, and having spent such life-changing times there, I see no reason to downsize the fascination yet.


The Africa I’ve been privileged to know is not limited to dictatorships and disease, poverty, unemployment; soaked in crime, scams, tribal conflicts and cynicism. I’m not saying some of these aren’t issues for Africa, they certainly are in many places. But there’s so much more to Africa than just the poverty and the problems. The Africa I know has a deep joie-de-vivre that you’ll find nowhere else, a passion for music and dance, the richest of histories and legends and literature, the ability to snatch joys from the sharp jaws of crippling life situations. And my god, it’s gorgeous! – its wildernesses are mesmerising, ask anyone who travels regularly there.


Well, if you haven’t guessed it by now, my theme for this A-Z is….

~ Africana ~



Come with me again as I travel down memory lane to the continent of my childhood and my dreams. Come on a safari of literature and poetry and song and music. Of the deepest history and natural history, more than 3 million years old! - so ancient that the mind can barely grasp it.  Of majestic and varied geography, of stunning wild landscapes - the magical beauty of rolling grasslands and deserts, and lush rainforests. Come tripping on a land of depth and diversity that are beyond breath-taking, to a land where all our origins lie, the grandmotherland of humanity. Come on a safari that’s a feast for the senses and above all, the soul.





Posted for the A-Z Theme Reveal 2018

83 comments:

  1. I am so looking forward to romping down memory lane with you. Learning, marvelling and wondering.

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    1. I've found going down memory lane is always a learning experience - a fresh perspective on the past. Lovely to have you here! Thanks as always for the support.

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  2. Hi Nila - that's brilliant ... I get a dose of real Africa as well as doing the A-Z ... I shall totally enjoy it ... my #WAWTB will be on Africa too ... I think I found something really fascinating. I am so looking forward to your memories ... that's great! Cheers Hilary

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    1. Ya, A-Z is one great route to get to places which I can't get to physically! See you soon.

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  3. I've put on my safari hat, and ready to explore. Sounds wonderful.

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    1. That's great - I'll reserve a window seat for you :)

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  4. I had really enjoyed the trips to Arbalands and its associated trivia that you had shared so generously last year. This year's theme has me excited too and I am looking forward to reading your posts. All the best nilanjana!

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    1. It's always exciting to be back at the A-Z :) and a great way to reconnect too...thanks so much for your wishes!

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  5. Wow! It sounds amazing! I really enjoyed your challenge last year, because you let us see Arab culture a way we seldom see. So I can't wait to read what 'your' Africa looks like :-)

    @JazzFeathers
    The Old Shelter - Theme Reveal - Weimar Germany

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    1. Africa is just magical! :) See you around the A-Z track...

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  6. Hari OM
    am looking forward to this Nilanjana; have history with Africa also and am fond of poetry... more power to your - er - keyboard!!! YAM xx

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    1. Great to meet you through the A-Z. Always a pleasure meeting people with an African connection. Thanks for your wishes.

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  7. Great choice of theme - I look forward to hearing about your memories and your other gathered knowledge through April.
    Tasha
    Tasha's Theme Reveal

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  8. Having never been on the continent, I am excited to learn about Africa in your words.

    Thank you for the theme suggestions you posted on the A-Z Idea Donation Day. I am using one of your suggestions - 26 photos with 26 word descriptions. My theme reveal is an example.

    Emily | My Life In Ecuador | Theme Reveal

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    1. I'm planning on using photos too, with like 5000 word captions :)

      So glad you liked the idea, and very pleased to reconnect through the A-Z.

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  9. After the wonderful A to Z you did last year, I am really looking forward to what you share on Africa.

    http://findingeliza.com/archives/25051

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    1. Africa is rendered a bit more complex because Arablands are all united by language at least...but complexity is fun and beautiful both...thanks for being here.

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  10. So, you mean Africa isn't comprised of the type of countries which the USA's classless president described with an obscene word? What a surprise. And here I was, thinking he always told the truth...

    So, you've "led a pretty boring life?" Somehow, I find that rather hard to believe. In a good way.

    That photo is rather amazing, innit?

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    1. Well, anyone who thinks Nambia is a country in Africa...with all due respect to the office, POTUS's geography is more appalling than mine, and that's saying something...

      And I've been a trailing family member practically all my life, pretty mundane I assure you :)

      The photo is a little miracle! - makes me wish I'd had a chance at the original...sigh

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    2. Heh. I'd forgotten about that "Nambia" thing. He's done so many other stupid things in the last fourteen months, it's hard to remember them all. But what do you expect from someone who only reads short memos that mention his name constantly? There's a not-quite-a-joke that his opponent in the 2016 election, Hillary Clinton, has probably written more books than Donald Trump has ever read.

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    3. Yeah, I guess the latest issue remains TOM and pushes everything else further down...it's a bit saddening and a whole lot panic inducing to see this crisis of political leadership...and I don't mean just where you are...

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    4. Btw, how many books has Hillary Clinton written?? I know of four only...

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    5. Not sure, actually. Amazon lists quite a few, but several are merely different editions, or foreign language editions, etc.

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  11. I'm so looking forward to this journey - it sounds wonderful!

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    1. Africa is spectacular and intense. Beautiful beyond words.

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  12. I'm looking forward to this! I don't know a whole lot about Africa beyond the stories that I have read and my mom used to visit various countries for work.

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  13. Wow! This sounds amazing! I'm definitely looking forward to reading your posts :)
    AtoZ at Kohl Eyed Me
    AtoZ at Something's Cooking

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    1. I hope you'll have as much fun as I am having writing them up! See you on the 1st...

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  14. I love your theme. I lived in Brazil for a time and had a very similar experience--corruption and conflict exist just about everywhere. But there is so much wonder and beauty and kindness wherever you go as well. It always bugs me when people relegate Brazil just a huge jungle filled with primitive people and monkeys. Can't wait to read your poems!

    Rebecca at Sloth Reads
    Reading and Writing Stories and Poetry for Young Readers
    @bezog

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    1. Completely agree that the planet is beautiful wherever you look, and people are kind and hospitable and generally good eggs...happy A-Zing!

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  15. Having recently enjoyed a couple of safaris in Southern Africa I am sure to find your posts doubly interesting!

    My A-Z Challenge 2018 Reveal

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  16. I love Africa although I've never been so it's the Africa in my head, romantic, wild but safe that I love - I can't wait to get to know it better!!

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    1. Ooh Africa is the ultimate romantic destination, and safe unless one takes silly risks, wild animals are kinder to us humans than we are to them, I'm afraid. See you on the 1st.

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  17. I want to visit Malawi some day. I almost took up a job in Gabon few years back, but decided to get married instead :D Good luck for the challenge, Nilanjana. See you around the blog-o-verse.

    L.E.R.T Theme Reveal

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    1. The two are not mutually exclusive :) just pointing out...thanks for you wishes. Best of luck to you too. See you around the track.

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  18. What a fabulous theme, Nilanjana! I am eagerly looking forward to reading your posts! Happy A to Z ing!

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  19. This sounds lovely! I have never been to any part of Africa (yet), so I am looking forward to your posts :)

    The Multicolored Diary: Weird Things in Hungarian Folktales

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    1. Keyword - yet! :) I'm looking forward to learning about HRH.

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  20. Good luck with your A to Z - sounds like a fascinating theme.
    See you in April
    Sophie
    Sophie's Theme Reveal

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    1. Thank you. See you around. have a brilliant April and A-Z.

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  21. Excellent. Being from Africa myself, I will certainly visit to read your posts. All of the best for this challenge!

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  22. It'll be great to see something of the real Africa. I have one post about it - for I - but it's the Africa of the 1930s. The world was different then.
    Good luck!
    Jemima's writing inspirations for AtoZ2018

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    1. We've all come a long way from the 30's, Africa certainly has. Thank you for your wishes and best of luck to you too.

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  23. Sounds like a good one. It's always interesting to learn about different cultures and countries
    Debbie

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    1. Yup, agree! I am always fascinated by other cultures and their history.

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  24. Hey Nila, sounds awesome! I'm so looking forward to reading your perspective of Africa - how there’s so much more to Africa than just the poverty and the problems. I'll be coming by as much as possible.

    Denise

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    1. Hi Denise! African art and handicraft and textiles and leather goods are beyond marvellous. Smartphone penetration is growing at a dizzying pace. So is entrepreneurship. They've had many award winning musicians and music all through the 20th century right upto now. Nigeria produces a huge body of films annually, their entire film industry has grown from nothing to huge in the last 30-odd years.

      World class sportspeople come out of Africa. Their writers and poets are making serious waves. There are massive new discoveries in archaeology. They have a history that makes my head spin. In the best possible way :)

      Not saying there are no problems, there are - huge challenges. But the other side is a reality too.

      Thanks as always for your support! Look forward to your visits in April, and the interactions that happen for the A-Z and WEP.

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  25. Looking forward to reading your posts, after a year.

    Click Here to see what Mrs. Dash Says

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  26. Yes, Africa surely has much to offer especially as the continent is said to be the cradle where humans first developed. Looking forward to visiting this region with you in all of April!

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  27. Wow! This theme is a unique and interesting. Looking forward to travelling through Africa this summer

    NamySaysSo

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    1. Look forward to going on the safari together :) all the best for the challenge!

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  28. Sounds fascinating! Can't wait to see what cultural info you provide. I love that stuff.

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    1. More a thumbnail than a full portrait...see you at the A-z!

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  29. I’ve never been so I’m in your hands. Looking forward to a most pleasurable , exciting and informative trip

    Melissa @
    Sugar Crime Scene

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    1. Africa is always exciting even in tiny doses...not that mine are tiny or anything...See you in April.

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  30. What a wonderful idea! I know very little about that part of the world and can't wait to read your posts!
    Visiting from the 2018 A to Z Challenge.

    Marquessa @simplymarquessa from The Next Chapter

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  31. Such a great theme for A-Z, from Afrikaans to Zimbabwe :-) We'll have some interlocking going on, you'll see why when I post my letter C!

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    1. Ooh intrigued! Will keep eyes peeled for your C... :)

      Africa is great whichever way you work it into the theme...pure magic

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    2. "Magic" that is *exactly* how I perceive Africa! See you tomorrow!

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  32. I'm really looking forward to your theme! I did African studies in grad school.

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  33. Fantastic choice of theme! I am going to follow each one.

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  34. I "met" you last year, and look forward to your theme. One of my cousins is in the American Foreign Service; she lives in Europe now but has spent a lot of her life in several African countries. She loves Africa! I'll perhaps get to see why.

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    1. I hope I can show it to you! Looking forward to reconnect at the A-Z.

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  35. ooh I lurve Africa although I don't know much about it. Looking forward to this :-)

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    1. Hard not to love Africa whatever one's level of knowledge... see you in April!

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  36. I'm looking forward to your posts. I know so little about Africa. I've only been to Ethiopia.

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    1. Wow! Ethiopia is an uber-fantastic country to have visited. On my bucket list!

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  37. I love your theme! I've always been really interested in African culture, although I've never been there. I'm following on Feedly and look forward to visiting in April.

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    1. Hope you'll have fun visiting. Just two more to go! Best of luck with your A-Z. See you in April.

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  38. Good luck with the A to Z challenge!

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    1. Thank you and the very best to you too! Have a magnificent April and A-Z!

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  39. Hello, Nila! It took me a while to find your blog this year. I'm not participating in the challenge, as I haven't time enough (maybe next year...). But I hope I will enjoy reading some blogs. Living in Africa myself, I think I'm going to love your posts. I wish a goo challenge time!

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    1. Hi Eva! Thanks for your wishes - so pleased to hear from you! Ya, a lot of bloggers who were there last year aren't participating this time - I am missing your posts. See you around sometime. Great to reconnect!

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