Packing for two week trip with HAND LUGGAGE only!

I am writing this list in the hopes that you will also find it helpful regardless of your destination unless specialist clothing is required which might be quite bulky. I am lucky enough to be exploring India (yes, India!!!) for two weeks and decided early on that I wanted to pack light, so challenged myself to hand luggage only for the duration of the trip. I know, at first, this sounds quite scary and perhaps, impossible. However, once you get going you will soon become ruthless when packing and hopefully feel rather accomplished, like me. It's the small things...and you get to avoid:

*constantly sitting on your luggage to close
*not having enough room to buy/pack those how-can-i-possibly-live-without items discovered on your travels
*exceeding the maximum hand luggage weight and potential for being fined - you know what some of those airlines are like!
*too many options - sometimes it's a real drag on holiday
*this could well be an exhaustive list...

Having searched the web, I couldn't quite find anything satisfying enough, so here it goes...

Firstly, pack your suitcase/backpack as you normally would and try to roll rather than fold to save space. No time for waste, if you have closed-toe shoes, stuff them with small items such as socks and undies. I would even go as far as to plan your outfit for each day if space is really at a premium. You can still be flexible and switch the days up and it's great for list lovers! Oh and please measure your luggage to ensure it meets your airline's requirements.

1) haircare and skincare - decant into small bottles/containers - 100ml or less in a clear + sealable plastic bag. Sealable being key here or they may make you leave some items behind at security - I can attest to this first-hand! Avoid that awkward moment when it is suggested that you prioritise your hand sanitiser over your conditioner...I mean, really?!

2) headscarf 1 - to protect your curls overnight + even works for looking cute over breakfast when with company!

3) headscarf 2 - express your creativity/cover up for modesty when visiting monuments/be cosy on those AC-filled taxi or bus journeys/use as belt paired with a maxi dress to highlight your waist

4) THE maxi dress

5) beauty maintenance: razor, nail file, flannel/loofah, cotton wool + buds etc

6) swimwear x2 - easy to wash and dries quickly + doubles up as underwear too. I personally like a simple, strapless bikini for taking in the sun as well as a swimsuit - you're guaranteed to look cute even on those bloated days

7) multi-tasking garments: shorts/leggings + kaftan/tunic - love these to complete an outfit/cover-up at the beach

8) underwear: bras x3/4 + socks x3/4 + as many cotton undies as you can fit including thongs for fitted outfits

9) tops x7 (or like me, one for each day). You can always wash as you go, so travel soap is a must which won't eat into your liquids allowance. Failing that, pay to get your laundry done or source a local lavandería (LOVE that word, sounds so much nicer in Spanish, I digress...)

10) pants/skirts x4 - light fabrics - I love cotton, silks + linens...

11) PJs - the smarter the better if you want to get away with them at breakfast/those in-between moments when you need to go to the store etc

12) footwear: trainers (especially if walking a lot), sandals with small heels which can be worn day to night + flats/flipflops. If you're hostelling it additional flipflops for the communal showers

13) airport outfit - just change your top + undies + socks on your flight back

14) your medication + over-the-counter essentials such as painkillers, rehydration salts + antihistamines etc 

15) entertainment: ebook/real book, mobile phone (ditch the extra camera unless essential) + charger. I think audio books + music apps on your phone are great as less things to carry

16) small/medium-sized bag to carry on the plane and to be used throughout the trip - I like to stick to a neutral colour

17) jewellery - less is more for me but whatever works for you. I like to change up my look with earrings and ear cuffs

18) candle - comforting and makes your surroundings smell gorgeous which is lovely especially when sharing a space with others

19) padlock

20) your passport!

Happy travels!

resilience + relaxation

Resilience and relaxation. At first, this may seem a strange combination, impossible even. However, I'm still reaping the benefits from my Sweet Yoga retreat earlier this month and was gifted the space to build on my resilience and relaxation. I say 'gifted' because I truly believe that this experience was an important part of my self-care this year and was a treat for my mind, body and soul. My first time on this retreat was back in 2014, and I feel as though I benefited even more this time around. I was less anxious about the fellow yogis attending - you never know until you get there as I go alone. I trust Justine (who runs the retreat) and more importantly I trust the process. On this occasion, six nights in a picturesque village near Gois in central Portugal, practicing yoga twice a day tailored to our needs, and living in a beautiful villa complete with delicious homemade meals - a vegetarian's dream - well for me at least - and even the meat eaters were satisfied! It was as magical as it sounds! Eating dinner al fresco at night, great conversation and company, and lots of laughter!

Back to my resilience building. One of the activities we engaged in was using a tennis ball to help alleviate tension in our bodies, some points were particularly tender and uncomfortable, but we were encouraged to breathe through the discomfort and even now when packed on the tube like a sardine on my new commute to London, I think about these positive moments tinged with discomfort and it puts me back on track and helps me to keep focused. Admittedly, during my tennis ball practice I had moments of 'what on earth am I doing???' However, it was all worth it! Another action that I am able to practice since the retreat, is feeling grounded through my feet. Simple things like spreading your toes to feel rooted and steady! These are the little things that I have taken away with me and can hold on to. I'm so grateful. Relaxation wise, away from London and work, I was able to chill out, gaze out at the beautiful scenery, simply spend some time with nature, breathe in fresh air, hang out at the local river beach and not have to worry about my next task or email! When I chill, I really chill! It just so happened that I had some major life events to follow and the timing was perfect in terms of having this time to myself. Yes, some 'me' time!

For me yoga is not so much about fitness, but about connecting my emotions with my body and taking the time to meditate, think, and switch off and not feel guilty about it. I also like what it does for my core and posture, and my sense of being. I guess the common thread here is self-awareness. The more I think about it, the more I am convinced that it is important to write about such experiences to remind myself that I should continue to make a commitment to doing things that inspire and nurture me.Whatever 'it' is that works for you, do it!

It's been a while...

...it's time

I have decided to return to blogging and continue to use this space as a creative outlet alongside my visual diary. Only moving forward, I will reflect on various interests, which are not necessarily about Haiti, but express my passion for wellbeing, travel, people and making a difference nonetheless. I've been meaning to write for a while now, but needed this push to self-motivate. Sometimes you need to state your intentions to make them happen or something like that...you know what I mean, right?!  

Colombia

Two years on and I am ready to start writing and sharing again…

I recently got back from an exciting and inspiring trip to Colombia with my mum and feel compelled to let others know about my positive experience despite the negative stereotypes and stories that we are often bombarded with. No, not volunteering or trying to "save the world!" I simply enjoyed the adventure of visiting such an interesting country and engaging with the locals whilst making great efforts to convey my passion for learning Spanish and understanding their culture and history. Look beyond the negative portrayal of Colombia and one will find natural beauty in abundance across a range of terrains and within the people. The altitude is often high and so were our spirits whilst exploring the country. We've only obtained a glimpse of each place that we visited but fell in love with each one for different reasons: Bogotá, Villa de Leyva, San Gil, Tayrona National Park, Santa Marta and Cartagena. And of course, this means we have a great reason to return and delve deeper into the places that we felt particularly connected to as well as visit new areas. Travelling on a group tour was great as most things were arranged for us by the tour leader and luckily our fellow travellers were warm and friendly; we laughed HARD day and night! And don’t think it was a lazy trip, we were active visiting weird and wonderful sites, horse riding and wandering around the different towns. We even tested our endurance during the hike inside Tayrona with the treat of staying by the ocean a great incentive to climb the rocky path in the sweltering heat. However, nothing could have prepared us for two nights sleeping in hammocks under a thatched roof exposed to the elements — an experience that we will never forget! This was certainly adventure style travel. I'm delighted that I was able to share this experience with my mum and we often reflected on what we had seen and learnt during our trip and continue to do so now that we are home. 

What really stood out for us is how alert our senses were over there: the smells, sights, sounds and tastes... We thoroughly enjoyed sampling the tasty Colombian dishes, particularly fresh fish the closer we were to the coast as well as choosing between the plethora of local eateries for the incredibly value-for-money, ‘menu del dia,' providing soups, main meals, desserts and freshly squeezed juices. Oooh I can almost taste the pineapples, papayas and coconuts now :-). Lest I forget the eggs (anyway you like), fresh fruit, juice and coffee served every morning regardless of how humble our dwellings were - whether guest houses or hostels. Boy do we miss those breakfasts now that we are back in London. We ate like queens for sure! 

Moreover, we felt a sense of peace on each stop whether it be in Monserrate overlooking Bogotá; the largest South American plaza of Villa de Leyva; or the unexpected sanctuary of the botanical gardens of Gallineral Park in San Gil despite it being such a bustling and maze-like city. Whilst travelling by bus on various routes and watching the world go by we were WOWed by how vast Colombia is and the greatness and power of nature, and how small we are in comparison. This is extremely humbling. We also felt particularly at ease in Cartagena which is the Caribbean side of the country and we enjoyed a day trip via boat to Playa Blanca - a picture postcard beach - and glimpsed many little islands inhabited by Afro-Colombians en route. Learning about the indigenous cultures and Pre-Columbian history was also an eye opener which deepened our knowledge and opened our hearts and minds to embracing different cultures and ways of life. Furthermore, we remain both fascinated and bewildered by the colonial past and look forward to further opportunities to travel in this way around Latin America in the future. 

I'm still holding a piece of Colombia, which makes me smile…

Vendor in Playa Blanca...Paradise found! 

 Tayrona was well worth the hike!

The Terracotta House...Gaudi meets Dali?! 

Astounding views of Bogotá arriving on Monserrate (mountain) via the funicular

Roadside barbecue. Muy rico!

10 things I miss/love about Haiti

Woahhhhhhhhh! It's been almost 2 years since I was in Haiti, so I thought I'd share a list of things I really miss... In no particular order...of course!

1.Egg sandwiches on the roadside (choice is always limited when you don't eat meat). I reminisce about them bring so tasty and full of flavour. Deee-licious!! The simple things in life...

2. A smile amidst adversity 

3. The nature

4. Stephenson, possibly the cutest kid I've ever met (see below)

5. Hope. It's infectious...

6. Everyone is a walking inspiration 

7. Absence of "woe is me"

8. Visiting Fort Jacques- a reminder of the fight for Haitian independence, an indescribable feeling like I was on top of the world with stunning views of Port au Prince, never seen anything quite like it. Thanks to the hospitality of a local family I was able to visit
9. Learning to love raw tomatoes! I thought this task was insurmountable, but I guess not! 
10. The beautiful friendships that I made...you know who you are

Thinking of you Chris Zahuta...a genuine friend and hard grafter who sadly passed away in Haiti, July 2011, helping to make a difference.

If you remember anything about this post, let it be, don't forget about HAITI.

Haiti's New Dictatorship

Engaging and thought-provoking short article written by Justin Podur that I came across on the Upside Down World website, which is an alternative source of information to the mainstream reporting on activism and politics in the Americas. Well worth a read...Haiti's New Dictatorship concerns international control over the country including Western governments and NGOs and its impact on Haitian's as well as addressing the negative portrayal of Haiti. The article also highlights the often overlooked economic contribution of the Haitian diaspora.

What are your thoughts on the international presence in Haiti?

Haiti Fundraiser - Notting Hill Community Church

It's been a while since I've written a post...The last few months have been crazy busy and I've thought about Haiti many a time and my enriching experiences in other parts of the world as well as in London. I went to a Haiti fundraiser last night, 30 November 2012, at the Notting Hill Community Church with my Ma. Check out their website for more details and about how you might get involved and United Haitians in the UK too. It was our first visit to the church and we were welcomed by all. What a fabulous night! Lots of love and positive energy flowed through the building. The church is raising money to support children's education in Haiti and we were more than happy to be a part of that. It reminded me of my own time in Haiti last year and the importance of working at grassroots level. Every little counts! There efforts help children's lives, their families and the community. A ripple effect. I was sad to hear about the devstation caused by hurricane Sandy, which destroyed many crops in the North. Unfortunately, Haiti and other parts of the Caribbean didn't receive as much attention in mainstream news as other countries. But they will not be forgotten. And lots of people do really care. Yesterday was a perfect example of that.

The beautiful sounds created by the range of performers transported me to the Caribbean, if only for a few moments. Wow! The beat of the drums, and the sounds of the rich voices and percussion merged together beautifully. So striking. It really touched me deeply. Hypnotic. Stirred the soul. A powerful experience and even better that I shared it with my Ma and those around me. Feeling inspired...

I would also like to acknowledge the passing of my loved ones in recent times. R.I.P. Chris, Churchill and Grandad. X