Tag: travel

Guide To Better Living · Health · Humor - Bellyful of laughter

Finding my new balance.

jacquelineobyikocha2 Comments

I stumbled across an old photo taken on a holiday trip to Strasbourg in 2000 and did a double take. Me. Younger of course. More energetic and much slimmer without putting in any effort. Twenty plus odd years ago, I never thought I would have to fight middle-age spread with gusto, come to think of it, in my teens and twenties, I truly never gave much thought to what older adulting entailed. I just lived life as it was, somewhat through rose-colored spectacles and very high expectations from life. Oh well!

Fast forward to present. I have hit the older lady age and it’s been a struggle to maintain a healthier body weight and lifestyle. Doing so is absolutely important, as it helps to keep many ailments at bay. The quest to lose the excess pounds has been an uphill task for me especially as it appears that just passing the confectionary aisle whilst shopping causes my scale to wince from extra pounds gained just by looking at cakes and cookies, coupled with the fact that some body parts are no longer as efficient as before.

To my surprise, keeping my balance has surreptitiously become a concern. It seems like I have unlocked a new fear; the fear of falling down and breaking something. This phenomenon started after my bout with plantar fasciitis 2 years ago, which thankfully, I’ve defeated through various lifestyle changes and losing over 10kg. However, one of the outcomes of this experience is that nowadays, I always think carefully about footwears that I purchase and how to pair them with my outfit before stepping out of the house.

Although I fancy thinking of myself as a fashionable lady, when it comes to my shoes, I truly have to consider not only what is suitable for the occasion but also its comfortability. At this point in time, as much as I admire those strutting around in heels and would love to do same every given moment, there’s no sense in me perching on stilettos and then hobbling back home with broken toes.

One thing I can say for sure, as a fashion enthusiast, I am never ever going to let myself fall to bits. No matter how old and wrinkly I grow, so long as I have my faculties ticking along, I will always do my best to look well put together. The teens and twenties were surely wonderful, but there’s a whole lot of magical years ahead and I will move with the times, creating my own rhythm and new balance.

Travel

Which Way?

jacquelineobyikocha6 Comments

 

Travel

All these are on my travel wish list except Dubai – since I live here. A girl can always hope for great things 😉

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Lifestyle · Travel

Sprawling Cities That You Need To Visit

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Sao Paulo, Brazil, Skyline, Travel
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The mind-boggling skyline of São Paulo stretches further than the eye can see.

As a traveller, you’re always looking for new experiences. You might be used to hopping from destination to destination, so you want to find a place to explore that’s a little more substantial. Well, rather than navigating your way through the winding maze of some beautiful jungle, maybe you should navigate your way through a manmade jungle instead. In this article, we’re going to talk about some of the world’s biggest and most exciting cities. You won’t run out of things to see and do in these destinations.

São Paulo, Brazil

As the picture above clearly shows, the city of São Paulo is ginormous. And packed into this sprawling city is a lot of culture and fantastic pieces of architecture. If you’re completely blown away by the picture of this spectacular skyline then you should book accommodation at the Marriott Executive Apartments in São Paulo so that you’re able to stay in a luxurious hotel that provides brilliant views of the city.

Additionally, you want to be within walking distance of the fantastic restaurants and other sights in the area. You should visit the São Paulo Museum of Art, first of all. Not only is it a stunning building in its own right, but there are lots of wonderful galleries to admire within this huge building. You should also check out the Monument to the Bandeiras; it’s not only a fantastic sculpture but a celebration of the explorers known as bandeiras who settled in the heart of Brazil centuries ago.

Los Angeles, U.S.

When it comes to sprawling cities, L.A. is one of the best destinations to put on your bucket list. It’s one of the most popular tourist destinations in America for a good reason. For starters, you should explore Hollywood. Whilst it’s a very different place behind the scenes, that’s part of what makes it so fascinating. And if you head up the Hollywood Hills on a mini-expedition then you’ll be able to admire the entirety of L.A.’s beautiful skyline from a great height.

You should head to the Griffith Observatory whilst you’re up there. It’s a beautiful building that provides a beautiful view of the city (there’s also a fantastic telescope that gives you a view of the stars). Still, this is only the tip of what Los Angeles has to offer. Head to Grand Central Market downtown for some of the best food in the city. Not only are there fantastic dining spots in this sprawling market but there’s often wonderful live music too. The point is that Los Angeles is huge, and there’s a lot to explore in its depths.

Singapore

When it comes to huge cities, Singapore probably wins the challenge out of the destinations on this list. It’s so huge that it’s more than a city, in fact; it’s an island country. But we’re including it on the list anyway, as it is a city of sorts (it’s just an overwhelmingly large city). This multicultural haven is a paradise for any keen traveller.

You should try out the Peranakan cuisine whilst you’re in the city; it’s a delicious combination of Chinese and Malay dishes. The gorgeous Gardens by the Bay are well worth seeing too. This fantastic manmade structure takes you on an elevated walk through some of the stunning waterfront gardens that Singapore has to offer. It’s the very definition of garden artistry.

 

Travel

Use Travel To Inspire Your Inner Writer

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Travel is the perfect way to experience new cultures and will have an impact on all of your senses; making it the perfect way to inspire the writer in you. Traveling can also provide new environments to enjoy what you’re currently reading; so maybe it’s time to book some flights and get out there to experience new parts of the world. The following are some ideas for those with wanderlust and will help eager writers to understand how travel can improve your work.


Travel, Airplane, flight, flying, adventure, sky

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Where To Go

When traveling overseas; think about the destination and how it differs from your current situation. Experiencing anywhere new is a positive thing; however, a contrasting culture and environment to what you’re used to will have a more significant impact on your senses and thoughts, than a similar destination to where you live. Therefore, it’s the perfect time to be adventurous with your travel choices and pick somewhere that you’ve never imagined before.

You might currently reside in the suburbs, or a busy part of a town or city, and these places can be great sources of inspiration for writers; however, they can also busy your mind and cloud it a little making it a challenge for fresh thoughts to come through. Therefore, you might want to consider a natural environment, with breathtaking views to clear your mind and allow a new train of thought to inspire your next (or current) piece. Writer’s block can often be cured by a change of scene and access to new sights, smells, and sounds. You don’t have to get on a plane to get out there and experience the great outdoors either; the US has some awe-inspiring national parks, you can take a look here: http://travel.usnews.com/rankings/best-national-parks-in-the-usa/ for some inspiration on where to head.

Consider traveling north or south of your climate; you could be craving a warm glow on your skin, or perhaps you need some cool, crisp air to refresh you and give you the ideas you need. California and its many coastal areas can provide a space that’s as busy or as peaceful as you need; consider hiring a car there and driving along a coastal route, as you never know who or what you may see along the way. Heading up towards Canada could provide you will the impressive Niagara Falls; the perfect setting for your next thriller, mystery, or romance novel. Or perhaps a lodge in a mountainous region and some forest trees is the kind of peace and quiet you need to get you best ideas.

If you do decide to travel overseas; there are a wealth of places around the world that will enlighten and inspire your next writing project. Asia is a vibrant continent; jam-packed with different cultures, history, terrains, and characters. Think about exploring the overwhelmingly busy areas of India, before contrasting the expedition with a trek in its environments of natural beauty. Southeast areas of Asia with provide you with historical temples, alongside modern architecture and the latest in technology. Do your research, and you’ll be able to find some deals on accommodation and travel expenses; be cautious when it comes to finding cash quickly for travel, and plan your finances accordingly, so you’ll have peace of mind throughout your trip. Ensure that you have enough contingency in your account back home; you never know, you mind end up staying longer than expected if the writing process is a success.

 

Wanderlust, Hiking, Rock climbing, Exercising, Nature, Adventure

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What To Do

Once you’ve landed in your inspirational new destination; it’s time to explore with your notebook, pen, and camera. Try and get off the beaten track; find places to sit and soak in your surroundings and note down what you feel, hear, and see. Think about your genre of writing and how a story, or factual piece, would flow in your current environment and begin to fill out characters and plots.

Talking to the local residents is the perfect chance to get a rounded insight into life there; ask questions about the history and their way of life. Record everything you learn and always be ready to write something down or capture something that you find exciting, or unusual. If you’re captivated by a story or situation; the chances are that someone else would be too, so ensure you take all the information you gather back home with you.

Enjoy any local cuisine and eat where the locals would; you’ll get a better sense of the place if you steer clear of every tourist hotspot and you’ll only enhance your experience. Most of all; travel with your eyes and mind open, don’t put too much pressure or focus on what you produce regarding your writing, and the ideas will start to flow when you least expect it.

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Echos Of My Neighbourhood

Etihad – Echoes of My Neighbourhood

jacquelineobyikocha9 Comments

Roughly translated, Etihad means ‘together, join into one,’ and that’s what the UAE is all about. The United Arab Emirates is made up of 7 Emirates that came to become one Federation, yet each Emirate is autonomous.

The enormous, extraordinary development this region has experienced can only be better appreciated when you see the stark, arid, unforgiving surroundings that it was carved out of.

My foray last week took me to Etihad museum. The museum is located on the same historical site of the Union House, which is where the constitution of the UAE was signed in 1971 to establish its independence.

Etihad is equipped with a library, an education centre, exhibition halls, restaurant/cafe. It offers a series of interactive pavilions, photos, films and more, where visitors can explore the UAE’s history with particular emphasis on the significant period between 1968 and 1974 – through photos, films and more.

It’s always my wish to develop better understanding and appreciation of where ever I am, which is why I haunt museums. Doing so gives one a glimpse into the history and heritage of their surrounding and allows you to see the place through different eyes.

Beautiful photos of fresh snow from Lady Lee’s neighbourhood.

On another hand, after much deliberation, Echoes of my neighbourhood will be evolving a bit. It has run consistently every week for well over a year and I am honestly surprised that I kept up with it. Sometimes, we don’t know how far we can go unless we start.

Going forward, it will evolve into a monthly feature on this blog and no longer weekly. The last Thursday of each month will offer a collage of photographs and post for Echoes. I am in the process of aligning my projects and other interests to create better balance.

You are most welcome to join Echoes of my neighbourhood – last Thursday’s of the month.

 

Dubai · Echos Of My Neighbourhood

Let’s Go Around The World In One Day – Echoes of my neighbourhood

jacquelineobyikocha17 Comments

If only it’s possible to go around the world in one day, yours truly would be the first to hop on that ride. Anyhow, we can simulate it by visiting the Global Village in Dubailand.

The Global Village Dubailand Dubai is a one of it’s kind in the region. It’s the world’s largest leisure, tourism, and entertainment project and receives well over 5 million visitors in a period of 150+ days. Due to the extremely hot weather in the Middle East, it operates only from November to April when the temperature is humane.

So far, the village houses 30 pavilions representing more than 75 countries in the World, from Africa to North America. The fact is that one can’t adequately cover every part of this theme village in a day. It measures 17,200,000 sq ft  / 1,600,000 m2  and there’s so much to see, with cultural shows, concerts, pavilion shows, sales and all manners of entertainment happening at every corner and the huge crowd on all sides.

I managed to catch the close of the village for the year which was last weekend, on the 8th of April. It was worth the visit though I couldn’t cover it all and I went home with sore but happy feet 😉

Lady Lee’s Thursday special is pure eye candy. Do take a peek.

Join me for a wee while as I speedily take you along.

 

 

Featured Blogs

Featured Posts – Share Your Post Links

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Sharing, Blogs, Networking, Growing Readership, Connection, Bloggers, Blog Posts

‘PLEASE SEND IN YOUR LINKS.’ 

Today’s featured blogs posts are:

Do step in and show some love.

Patterns of fabric mixed with love. What beautiful handicrafts woven over time with an equally beautiful story of love and tenderness linked into the threads of its history.

3 sisters abroad Get over to the blog,  3 sisters abroad. You’ll find an interesting mix of posts on travel, tips & hints, cruises, Chronic ailments, Romance Germany, Netherlands, Ghent, Paris…

Rolling blogger A blog that I enjoy visiting. There are lots to inspire you. Pop in and say hello to The Rolling Blogger.

Oddball Are you really the person your dog thinks you are? This one had me smiling 🙂

Are you a carrot or a pea? I understand Martha’s view that grocery can be vexing. I don’t mind it some days, but most of the time, it’s a necessary chore that I partake in weekly.

Do you want more eyes on your words?’

Well then, add your LINK INTO THIS LOOP.

Comments are disabled here to keep the loop tidy. Any comments or link you want to send can be added through the link in the post.

Thank you for your understanding and regards.

‘We create a cohesive community when we come together.

Jacqueline

Echos Of My Neighbourhood

Mixed Glimpse of My Neighbourhood. Lagos & Dubai

jacquelineobyikocha17 Comments

I went visiting home – Naija several days ago. It was a trip of mixed feelings. I was happy to see home and family but not too happy with the slow progression of things back home. The government just hasn’t served its people well.

Well, all is well that ends well. It was a good trip and I traveled back to base in Dubai, jumping right back into the bus(y)ness of life.

Lady Lee’s all set off to the Philippines – another country on my list. I know she’ll bring back loads to see 🙂

If you would like to show us your neighbourhood, the challenge is quite simple and you can find out more about it through this link.

 

 

Echos Of My Neighbourhood

Glimpses of Lagos – Echoes of my Neighbourhood

jacquelineobyikocha23 Comments

This week found me in Lagos, Nigeria. Life has been on the fly and fun as well. Below are some photos that were taken on the go.

There’s no place quite like Lagos. Love or hate it, it seeps under your skin and leaves deep impressions that will always stay with you.

It’s a boisterous city filled with the poor and the extremely wealthy, shanties and mansions, the good, the bad and the downright ugly sides of society.

Lagos is Lagos and well-deserving of a full post that I will explore sometime soon.

Catalonia presented by Lady Lee looks like a lovely place to explore. Don’t you just love the fact that there are so many places on Earth to visit? My travel list is ever so long 😉

If you would like to participate, the challenge is quite simple and you can find out more about it through this link.

Gratitude

Tomorrow is Pregnant…

jacquelineobyikocha30 Comments

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Trying to blog on my phone is a trying affair, to say the least. I haven’t sat down for more than a few minutes since I got to Lagos because I’ve got a lot to cover in just a few days. Lots of family and friends to see, laughter and gossip to catch up on.

I can’t believe how the days are flying past. I just boarded the plane how many hours ago on Sunday and now it’s Wednesday with only two more days to spend here.

I feel happy that I came and yet sad at the same time. Lagos is still my Lasgidi, though it seems as if things have been at a stand still with the poor government that has done its’ best to keep its people in poverty.

The wonderful thing about this place is the resilience of its’ people. The larger than life attitude towards life that they possess.

I am thankful for this opportunity to visit home once again. For family and good friends. For an epileptic light and internet service, bumpy, dusty roads 😉 it’s all good.

It is said that no one knows what tomorrow will bring and according to my people, we say that ‘tomorrow is pregnant and also backing a baby.’

Therefore, be wholly thankful for today that you have with you. There’s always something to be thankful for.

Jacqueline

If you wish to participate in a gratitude challenge, there are several gratitude/thankful platforms in the blogosphere that you can tune into and get your ithankful going on. I can’t express in words the enormity of Joy and fulfillment that comes from having a heart of gratitude. Please check out Maria’s blog, Colline’s blog and Bernadette’s for thankful/gratitude challenges.