Year in Review

Best of 2017 | 10 Travel Lessons & Highlights

December 31, 2017 by admin 4 Comments

Best of 2017 - Visiting St Petersburg

Well, here we are, with a few hours left of 2017. I thought I would present my best of 2017 (and worst) in 10 travel lessons and highlights. It’s always interesting looking back on the year. Especially when much of your life is documented in travel pictures. Looking back on where I have been and thinking about where I would like to be in 2018. Yes, there may have been more to my best of 2017 before, like getting a promotion at work then deciding to move to another country in the new year.

That is not listed in the highlights below as its still in the works and all will be revealed soon. But, its been one of the most tiring and exciting years yet. I have learned so much about myself and what I am capable, but yet realise that I still need to build up my confidence and need to believe in myself more. Because, amazing things happen when you believe in yourself, matched with the capability to make things happen, you are on your way to achieving great things.

I guess this time of year is usually a great time to reflect on how the year has been and what I want to change and do in the coming year. Most of all I am super excited for 2018. For those that haven’t noticed, I have also moved my blog to WordPress so I am still ironing out the kinks as and when I see them, so if you find a broken link I have yet to fix please do tell me :D… Without further-a-do. The best of 2017 in travel highlights…

1. Getting detained by Russians at border security in St Petersburg, when I arrived at the port having sailed overnight from Finland.

In a way, having noticed that I was one of 3 black folks on the ship but definitely the only one with an African passport. They looked through my passport and questioned my travel stamps. Before I knew it I everyone off the Ship had gone through passport control and I was the only one left. I was ushered to an office for further questions….For a second I thought I was getting sent back but also confident all will turn out well as I had all the right papers. More on that soon…Well, I managed to get through that and visit St Petersburg. We were having a great time in St Petersburg, that was until…

2. Getting pick-pocketed on a Russian Bus.

Yep, I saw them coming as we got on the bus and these two guys deliberately tried to get between my husband and me. When we got on the bus my senses with heightened. I knew something was up with those two guys so I moved and held my handbag close and high. Then one of them started to talk to my husband and with just nonsense conversation, trying to distract him.

Then they got off the bus. I knew as they got off that something had been taken. The little bastards got off with my husband’s wallet, which had dollars and a few bank cards. Thank goodness I had most of our money in my purse so luckily they didn’t get away with as much as they could have. As one of the guys only searched one trouser pocket, they missed out on a brand new iPhone he had in another pocket. Amatures!

After much cursing, we called his bank and cancelled the cards they took and moved on to consoling ourselves with cream-filled lattes and cake at Starbucks. It was still day-time. Any other time it might have been endless cocktails or Russian Vodkas, neat!…We moved on and enjoyed exploring through Russian’s white nights in St Petersburg.

St Petersburg - The Best of 2017 Travels

St Petersburg - The Best of 2017 Travels - Church of Spilled Blood

3. Booking a solo trip to Portugal.

…Only to find your friend had booked the same trip at the same time so your solo trip turns into a tour of the 3 Musketeers as another friend turns up on the trip. I was in need of some winter sun Europe. We enjoyed Lisbon’s winter sunsets, exploring the hilly streets and cool hangouts in Lisbon. We then got to visit Sintra over a weekend but more on Portugal to come.

Sintra Pena Castle- The Best of 2017 Travels

Bica - The Best of 2017 Travels - Lisbon Sinta Pena Castle - The Best of 2017 Travels

4. Getting abused in the Holy Sepulcher

Of all places on this planet. I was taking pictures of a dome in the church and this guy comes up to me shouting at me to move while I was taking pictures. All this because he wanted to give some VIP treatment to a couple he was giving a tour to in church. Mind you they hadn’t even paid him yet.

He is one of those people standing around hoping a tourist falls for the bait and asks for a tour around the building. I was so stunned at what he had done and didn’t say anything at the time. After a minute I thought no, that was not right so I followed the guy and told him he should be ashamed of himself for behaving that way in the church. The Holy Sepulcher of all places. He apologised profusely and asked for forgiveness. I was in church, so of course, I had to and did.

5. Postponing my honeymoon for two trips with the family.

It’s ok though, I had a whirlwind trip to Russia, Estonia and Finland, right before the wedding. So skipping the honeymoon for a few months for a trip to Dubai and to Israel for winter sun suited me just fine. I have yet to post those trips as they were last month so more on those to come soon.

JAFFA Tel aviv - The Best of 2017 Travels - Israel

Abra Boat Ride Tour- The Best of 2017 Travels - Dubai

6. Many travel firsts.

I got to visit the country my husband was born in and a country that has been on many lips this year. American presidential elections *cough cough* . I am talking about Russia, of course. Its been on my bucket list since forever and I got to visit with my husband, fiance at the time. I also got to visit, for the first time, Portugal, Finland, Estonia, Florence(been to Italy many times but not Florence), Abu Dhabi(been to UAE before), Russia’s St Petersburg, and most exciting of all was visiting Holy Seculchur and Al Al Aqsa Mosque in Jerusalem.

Al Aqsa Mosque - The Best of 2017 Travels - Jerusalem Israel Al Aqsa Mosque- The Best of 2017 Travels - Jerusalem Israel

7. Living in two cities.

The last year and a half, I have held two apartments one in London and one in Oxford while working on Formula one project. I finished in November and sampled my Airbnb apartments before and after I got the apartment in Oxford. I have road tripped around Oxfordshire back roads to the point of know most like the back on my hand.

8. Realising that I can and should have more solo trips.

After a while of travelling with others, you forget that you can travel on your own. You have done it before. The funny thing is that I travel a lot for work around the UK and when I haven’t had a solo international trip in a while it’s weird how easy you start to believe the hip and start to fear solo travel and all the million things that could go wrong. Those weird thoughts about ‘what ifs’ start to play on your mind. I am happy that I have managed to get over that and just book my trips. So more of that in 2018 please!

Duomo Maria Fiori - The Best of 2017 Travels - Florence Italy

Shangri La Hotel - The Best of 2017 Travels - London Shard

9. Had a luxury birthday baecation staycation at The Shangri La Hotel at The Shard.

That’s a mouthful, isn’t it? Having travelled quite a bit this year. For my birthday my husband booked us an overnight stay at Shangri La filled with a day of pampering, perfect London views from the Shard over the River Thames and fine dining at Aqua Shard. I thought sleeping to that view over the river was a treat, even better was waking up to it. More on that to come soon.

10. Last but not least was a journey of a lifetime!

Getting married to my best friend. We had a somewhat “destination wedding”, without leaving the country that is. I had my wedding near the coast in East Sussex. We had our friends and family arrived on Friday evening and over for the weekend, a bbq and drinks on a Saturday, then got married on Sunday and on Monday we shared brunch before our guests left.

Then on Monday, we had close family join us for dinner and drinks before we left on Tuesday to explore the beautiful Beach Head nearby. We had our wedding at Pekes Manor, a beautiful Tudor Estate. I will try and share more of that in the new year. The wedding was planned myself with help of family and friends, who I cannot thank enough as they seriously came through for me in putting the flowers together, arranging the garden where the ceremony was going to be and sharing the event with us.

So, as we draw a close on 2017, I would like to thank my small army of friends and family for their support and friendship. I would like to thank you, my readers, for sticking around and hope you are as excited about 2018 as I am. Special thanks to my Insta-husband-in-training who has to deal with my baby-sized(minus the rolling on the floor) blog tantrums, because of him I continue to have so many great memories, many of which involve travels you get to read about.

Pekes Manor - The Best of 2017 Travels - The Wedding East Sussex

I wish you all a happy new year and more success in 2018 than you had in 2017. Please comment below and tell me how your year was and what your plans are for 2018. #speaksuccessintoexistance

Sintra Pena Castle- The Best of 2017 Travels - Sintra Day Trip

2016 In Review | One Year – 10 Countries, 19 Cities + A Full-Time Job!

December 29, 2016 by admin 2 Comments

Venice - San Marco Square - Grand Canal - San Marks Square- Gondola - Tower-14

Here we are again! Another year in review. It feels like 2016 has come and gone too fast. We are in that weird and scary part of the year where it feels as if iconic figures are dropping off like flies as fate cherry picks those that won’t make it into the new year. Celebrity deaths of 2016; from the shocking death of Carrie Fisher from a heart attack, then her mother Debbie Reynolds the day after. Also, the death of Wham legend George Michael, then the likes of David Bowie, Ricky Harris, Prince, Gene Wilder.

It’s always sad when you lose people that you have grown up listening to and watching from a young age. It’s also a lesson that we must all live the lives we were intended to live, not living according to anyone else’s forced dreams or expectations of us. Live a life that is fearless, where we take charge of our own happiness. Both in our professional and personal lives. “So many people make that mistake and allow others fears and insecurities to change the trajectory of their lives.” If you need inspiration for pursuing your dreams and living a life without fear check out an interview with Natasha Rock on her move to live and teach in Saudi Arabia.

So how has 2016 treated you? For me, it feels weird that I haven’t really taken the time to really reflect on how things have gone. I have been travelling so much for both work and leisure that it feels like I have been coasting through the months without really looking back. I had a conversation with my new career advisor in my last week at work before the Christmas holidays, who reminded me just how important it is to take stock of things very regularly. I am now planning on looking through my goals for 2017 every quarter and assessing if they are on track and looking to re-adjust them continuously through the year.

We all have goals, whether personal or professional and I think sometimes fear gets in the way rather than an inability to actually achieve the goal. What if we do succeed. What will people think, how will they treat you, and all kinds of questions pop up, not as important, mind you! The fact of the matter is that we are usually the ones in the way of our own success. If you need a dose of inspiration for 2017, get a dose of Lisa Nichols. I have had her book for a long time now but hadn’t actually read it. I then came across a YouTube video of her, let’s just say that book is wide open now.

This year has actually been filled with many adventures that I am still stunned at how much travel I have had this year. Even though its 2 countries down from 2015. In 2015 I managed to travel to 12 countries and 21 cities. This year, I have travelled to 10 countries and 19 cities. In recent years I have enjoyed planning and taking on road trips as you saw in last years road trips through Zambia, Botswana and Namibia. This year has seen road trips in Iceland, Norway and Australia. Most of which I have yet to document but bear with me, they will publish soon.

Part of my yearly reviews is also to make sure that my travels are true to me as well as showcasing them in the hope to inspire you to get out there and see the world. Also, ensuring I am not travelling for likes, not travelling just to showcase to the Instagram world. It feels like the world has shifted down that path. People now posting uninspired shots because they saw someone else do it or because it draws in likes from the masses. Stop that! The yearly reviews also act as a way for me to review where I have been and what I have learned about myself through my travels. I love social media and the aspects of showcasing what is out there and inspire people to see the world.

I travel according to my budget, my needs, my interests. This is one of the reasons why I always find it difficult when bloggers are somewhat asked to put themselves into a niche category. We are complicated people with many facets to us. There are times that I want to travel even though the balance it’s acting against me, so you will find some budget trips posted on the blog. There are times I feel adventurous and catch a case of wonder woman where I want to scale mountain tops and camp out, or those times when I want to treat myself to a luxury hotel with killer views. Yes, I can do all that because this blog is about showcasing the possibilities out there if cast out fears for what people will think.

All of the sudden people are wondering which little box or niche you fit in, whether you are a budget, luxury, adventure blogger. I could easily fit in any of those boxes I am not jumping into any of those boxes! I am a travel blogger end of. I love adventure, I love luxury and those budget and cheap travels too. My blog is proof that one does not need to quit their job to travel, nor do you have to bee rich. Exploring just has to be a priority among your interests in life. So without further a’do. Travels from 2016…

10 COUNTRIES, 19 CITIES PLUS A FULL-TIME JOB!

1. CAMBODIA	Ushering in 2016 in true style in Siem Reap’s famous Pub Street. I got a lot more than I expected from Cambodia. I would go back in a heartbeat. Mainly for the super cheap but all-so-amazing massages. At $5-6 dollars you soon become addicted to them and want them every day. Sometimes twice a day. If you have not been to Cambodia. Go! You will not be disappointed. From beautiful(sometimes crowded) to the very quiet and serene temples that make you wonder just how amazing some of the temples looked in their heydey, considering most are in ruins today.
A city that one can never get enough of. I spent a couple of beautiful weekends in the city of lights with my fiancé. Each visit is different and nothing like the previous. I always seem to discover something new. The last visit had us stay on one of the avenues on Champs Elysees with an amazing view of the Arc de Triomphe as well as a view of the Eiffel Tower. There are a couple of posts on the blog to inspire your wonder when visiting Paris.	2. FRANCE
3. POLAND	I have been wanting to visit Poland’s colourful cities for far too long now. I have seen so many beautiful pictures of Gdansk, Wroclaw, Krakow. I stumbled on some great flights to Warsaw via RyanAir and was soon booking our stay in the city and planning what to see and do in Warsaw. If you haven’t seen it I made a travel video from our explorations of Warsaw
Always up for a little tropical weather and Malaysia doesn’t disappoint. Although this year’s visit of Malaysia’s Kuala Lumpur was short. You can check out some blog post on Kuala Lumpur right here on the blog with many more posts and videos to come.	4. MALAYSIA
5. AUSTRALIA	Australia much like the USA has been on a weird travel ban list for me. I have issues with Australia’s treatment of refugees on the island of Nauru or USA’s denial in acknowledging there is a problem when it comes to the justice system towards black people. Refusing to acknowledge a problem doesn’t make it go away. As I have friends and family means that live in these countries means I still travel to these countries. I can only hope that 2017 see better years for both causes to a more just resolution. My visit to Australia saw me exploring Sydney, Melbourne and taking on road trips on the Great Ocean Road, Yarra Valley and seeing many of Melbourne’s beautiful and less touristy beaches.

6. ICELAND

Oh, what can one say one this little island? I have so many more adventures to write about from our explorations of Iceland. This was one of the highlights of the year for me, including Norway. I wasn’t sure what to expect from sleeping and travelling in a camper van. All I know is that I want more and more of that type of travel. In fact, as I write this today I was actually meant to be travelling to Scotland to embark on a similar trip, exploring Scotland’s Outer Hebrides by campervan but cancelled with the hope of rescheduling some time in Spring of 2017. If you are thinking of visiting Iceland, just do it! Your eyes will be in disbelief of what will be before them BUT they will thank you! From ice lagoons, amazing waterfalls, glaciers, beautiful mountain peaks and depending on when you go, from midnight sunsets to northern lights. Iceland is truly magical! Lets we forget the Blue Lagoon?!

7. NORWAY	In my introduction, I stated that I am not keen about being put to be put in a “niche” box. I love an adventure as much as I love a city escape. I love hiking and love mountain views and the fact that half the time it forces you to let go of your attachment gadgets, social media, partly because there is no reception so you forced to experience what is before you without sharing it on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter or Snapchat. It’s for your eyes only – or your camera too if you can’t resist. The fiancé and I embarked on another road trip that saw us explore Bergen before road tripping to Odda before heading to take on a 22km hiking and camping in the mountains to set our sights on Trolltunga. O.M.G the views!!! Posts to come soon, I promise!
I have a somewhat rocky relationship with Israel, partly because of the Israel-Palestinian conflicts over there. Some of you may know from previous trips and posts that my fiancé is Israeli so we discuss what is going on in Israel a lot! Every day! He has family over there so this means that there will be plenty more trips to Israel. I also hope in my lifetime I get to see a two-state solution come to fruition. Like John Kerry said, “the two-state solution is the only way to achieve a just and lasting peace between Israelis and Palestinians.” I truly believe that. Anyway leaving politics behind. We were back in Israel this year because Igal’s mother was hospitalised, so it wasn’t a leisurely trip. It was a fairly short trip, which had me visit for a couple of days, leaving Igal behind as I had to get back to work again. We managed to squeeze in a trip to Jerusalem as well as exploring a few parts of Tel Aviv that I hadn’t seen much of the last trip to Tel Aviv. So more posts to come on Israel. I may even let Igal to a guest post from a local’s perspective.	8. ISRAEL
9. GERMANY	Another repeat trip in Germany. I have shared a couple of posts my visits in Germany. This time I went back to combine a weekend getaway with wedding celebrations in Dusseldorf. My friend was tying the knot in November and went to bear witness of their love and wish them well on this beautiful adventure of a lifetime.
Oh, Venice! The last time I was there was with my younger sister. Two excited explorers in the heat of the summer of 2011. A totally different experience to visiting with a lover. Experiencing Venice when it’s wrapped in a fog, adds a sense of mystery to an already charming and magical city. Hearing the gondoliers singing before appearing from out of the thick fog. Waking up from slumber from your very own apartment(well it was ours for the weekend!). I was amazed at how I was still able to explore some of the alleyways from memory of my Venice visit in 2011. Let’s just my lover and I will be putting Venice on repeat for 2017. Before that, I will be sharing pictures from our explorations as soon as I finish editing them.	10. ITALY

Exploring and Visiting The UK

Travelling doesn’t just mean seeing international cities. Travel can and should include your backyard. So, that means more explorations of London. This year’s backyard explorations included Liverpool for one my friend’s 30th birthdays. Exploring Swindon and Oxford because of work. We also ventured out to Durdle Doord for a little hiking and camping. You have to add Dorset’s Jurassic Coast to your travel list for 2017, it is absolutely stunning! I shared a couple of pictures earlier this year, with a few more to come.

Not Giving Up On A Work-Life Balance

Even though it may seem like I travel a lot, it’s always hard to maintain a great work live balance when work involves staying in a hotel four out of 5 work days a week. Yes, on the outset it may seem lovely and exciting but it is actually tiresome, lonely and boring being away from friends, family and partners. It takes work coordinating diaries so you are both in the same place at the same time as both Igal and I have jobs that involve a lot of travel away from home. It’s funny, but we now have to coordinate the one day in the week we work from home. I am trying not to give up on having some balance. Aside from that, I am currently on an exciting project. I can blab about it because its publicly known that the company I work for is working in partnership with Williams F1.Working at on the Williams F1 project, I have rekindled my love for F1 racing, which I used to watch when I was younger but somehow stopped. I still kept the love for fast cars well intact, though. You may have seen some of my posts in recent months. I have had the pleasure of meeting Bottas, Massa on the open days Williams F1 had, as well as learning all about what goes into these races. If you are an F1 fan, Williams has an amazing museum with all their cars throughout the years of their racing history. Nothing gets your heart racing than the sound of roaring engine. If you haven’t of the amazing projects that Williams has been a part of….dare I mention Bond: Spectre??…Go check them out!

Williams F1 Open Day – Spit Stop Challenge! Change the tyre in under 60-seconds!

Starting A New Chapter – I said YES!!

After four years of practising forever. We have decided to take the plunge…He asked and I said yes! We have yet to set a date yet. All I know is that the knot will be tied sometime next year. More on that in the future.

Here’s To A Prosperous and Fearless 2017!

Like I said above. I plan on reviewing my goals quarterly and tracking progress so I can recalibrate if necessary. There is a lot that I would love to do this year if we can work so together on some of these please feel free to get in touch. I would love to use more of my photography skills, so if you need a photographer for a project then please get in touch. I would love to publish some of my travel articles in a magazine so 2017 will be the year that will happen! Here’s to a successful and prosperous 2017 for all.

So, how was 2016 for you? What are you looking forward to most or want to achieve in 2017? #SpeakYourSuccessIntoExistence

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Best Of Travel In 2015 | A Year In Review

January 9, 2016 by admin 20 Comments

Where on earth did 2015 go? Seems like it flew past in true “Gone With The Wind” style but not without a few enjoyable and memorable moments. For the past 3 years I have enjoyed putting together a year in review post as way to look back on all the places I have been in the previous year. In a way it brings back memories of all the crazy planning and fun moments experienced through the journeys I have taken.

Every year my boyfriend and I take on a one major holiday(in addition to the weekend trips), sometimes it’s multi-country and sometimes is a road trip through one. Last year we road tripped through Zambia, Botswana and Namibia and the year before we took on Israel from North to South. This year has also been exciting, travel-wise, that is.

In 2015 I managed to travel to 12 countries, 21 cities, stayed in 20 hotels, 2 Airbnb stays, 1 hostel, 3 house rentals, took 24 flights, 21 road trips, 2 international train trips and 3 sailing trips. On average I have been away at least once a month. I guess it helps that the first part of the year I was travelling a lot to the northern part of the UK for work, which made the need for ‘a little getaway’ that much more necessary. So without further ado, the travel run down from 2015.

Busy Bee In London

As much as I escape London for quick weekend getaways in Europe and afar, I do love exploring this bustling city. Whether that is with photographer friends, meetups or taking family out on the town when they are visiting from abroad. There have been many a visit to the Sky Garden this year, Brunching on a Vintage a Route Master for English Tea, Exploring East London with Microsoft, shared top 10 things to do in London’s Greenwich Village, visiting Hampton Court Palace, Luxury Boat cruise on the London Thames, Relaxing in London Parks, exploring East London markets and street art, as well as sharing tips on London’s best rooftop bars, and the best places to watch the sunset in London….Yes, as much as I travel I have a soft spot for London.

January – It’s A Family Affair

Germany – Continuing with a 3 year tradition, I seem to be starting each year with a visit to Germany, well at last the past 3 years with a trip to Germany, whether to visit a friend, see family or go on a work trip. Last year was no different as my sister, niece and I travelled to Frankfurt to visit my brother and his girlfriend who had son the year before and had twins end of 2015, so I guess another trip to Germany is in order.

March – Visiting The Happiest Capital In The World

Denmark – In a bid to have a quick weekend getaway, I managed to score a deal that saw my boyfriend and I have a weekend in Copenhagen without breaking the bank. Thank God for RyanAir and their super cheap flights. Our 2 return flights were only £40. As much as people say Denmark is expensive, there are plenty of things to do that are either free or inexpensive. Check out my posts on Copenhagen for more details.

April – Discovering The English Coastal Towns

Thorpeness – Those charming little coastal towns that just ooze English Countryside charm but with the beautiful and quiet beaches thrown in. If you are lucky and visit when the sun is out then you are in for some fun times. If you have not been or heard of Thorpeness then get you butt over there now. I am keen to continue this tradition of exploring more of the beautiful places we have in the UK. The UK is not just about London, so I can’t wait to showcase more towns this year. Stay tuned!

May – In Search Of The Love Story At Taj Mahal

India – Both my boyfriend and I travel for work, though most of our travel is within the UK. In 2015 he was based in India for a month. When he asked if I could tag along. You should seen the speed I managed to sort out my visa and flight. I was out of the country within 3 days from being asked. Opportunities like that don’t come often so when they do, grab a bag and go! In my 5 days in India, I managed to see Gurgoan, New Delhi and Agra where you can find the famous Taj Mahal. I will be sharing pictures of Taj Mahal soon in the mean time all posts on India are here.

June – Girls Just Wanna Have Fun

Greece – My young sister and her friend were visiting from the USA so we combined their visit with a well planned, multi-city trip to Greece during the Greek crisis no less. We explored Athens before road tripping around the island of Santorini. If you are ever on the island make sure you also sail around it, by far the best way to beach hop some of Santorini’s best beaches. Some of the beaches can only be accessed by boat. I have post some pictures with more pictures to come on my explorations of Oia in my next post.

August – A View To Thrill

Wales – One of the best road trips yet. We drove to Wales for my boyfriend’s birthday, which falls over the August Bank Holiday. The perfect time to get away with friends and hike around one of the UK’s most beautiful and popular national parks. If you love nature and a good hike then do not sleep on Snowdonia. Snowdonia packs some of the most amazing views I have laid eyes on, it’s just breathtaking. My post on this also includes tips on walking trails as well as tips on what to pack when going hiking.

England – Eastbourne is another beautiful town on the coast of East Sussex. This was part of a challenge to prove that you can get away for the weekend without spending a lot of money. My boyfriend and I managed to get away for the weekend with £100 budget for food, accommodation and entertainment. You can read the post and guide on exploring East Sussex and its coastal towns.

September – Taking On El Caminito Del Rey

#Legsfordays with a serious case of #thatfridayfeeling… Here’s to a beautiful weekend wherever you are on the map ?#Malaga

A photo posted by Bianca Malata(Bee ?) (@itsallbee) on Oct 23, 2015 at 5:43am PDT

Spain – This was a surprise trip my boyfriend arranged. Usually I plan and book all the trips but this one he planned and booked everything. All I had to do was pack a bag. It’s not often I travel without having some input into the coordination of the trip. I must say I rather enjoyed just kicking back and enjoying myself without thinking about the itinerary. We managed to drive from Malaga to explore small towns in Andalusia. Basing ourselves in Ardales which is simply a place you should add to your travel list. The main reason for basing ourselves here was also to take on El Caminito Del Rey, at one point one of the most dangerous paths in the world. I can’t wait to share pictures from that trip soon.

Can someone say #friendshipgoals! My boyfriend and I were walking by and spotted these two ladies in a state of giggles. I couldn’t leave without capturing it… I wonder what the joke was or just the pure joy of enjoying the beautiful views by the lake. ? #liveauthentic .

A photo posted by Bianca Malata(Bee ?) (@itsallbee) on Sep 24, 2015 at 7:15am PDT

November – Paris Is Always A Good Idea

France – You really do get a different feel for the city when you return as a photographer rather than a tourist/traveller. A few photographer friends and I embarked on a weekend in Paris. Taking to Trocadero for a sunrise shoot and Moulin Rouge for some post sunset shots. As my trip to Paris for new years was foiled I am returning to Paris next month, because as they say; Paris is always a good idea!

December – The Month of Luxury Travel

Early morning walks on the beach… ?

A photo posted by Bianca Malata(Bee ?) (@itsallbee) on Dec 27, 2015 at 10:16pm PST

Asian Tour – Leaving the best for last, my boyfriend and I packed our bags in search for a little RnR in the Asian sun. Our first stop was in Hungarian city of Budapest for a little European break before take off. We then flew to China, Cambodia, Thailand and Malaysia. We were meant to finish our trip in Paris but managed to miss one of our flights and ended up ringing in the new year in Cambodia. From temple runs in Cambodian ruins to Palatial visits in Bangkok, before relaxing in private beachfront villas in Phuket, then before taking to hotel views that come with Petronas towers as morning neighbours. It was certainly a whirlwind with daily Thai massages thrown in. I cannot wait to share pictures and tales from our trip.

An active day island hopping some of Thailand’s southern islands. This is the famous and rather popular #mayabay, made famous by movie The Beach with Leonardo DiCaprio.

A photo posted by Bianca Malata(Bee ?) (@itsallbee) on Dec 27, 2015 at 8:24am PST

So thats all my travels in 2015, where did you manage to travel to last year and do you have a favorite? Comment below.

A Year Of Travel | 2014 In Review

December 27, 2014 by admin 39 Comments

How this year has gone by so quickly! The year has been a bit of a whirlwind with many ups and downs, but thankfully more ups than downs. We only have a few days left of the year, as we wave goodbye to 2014 and head into the new year with a brand new attitude, I thought I would review some of what I got up to this year. I am so excited for the new year, which always brings the usual excitements and new plans for you too I hope. This year also saw me collaborate with so many other bloggers, from meeting at blogger events to guest posts and features on other blogs to publishing my travel adventures on Travel Noire (global community for black travellers). I cant wait to share plans for the coming year. Without further ado…

January Travels

The very start of the year saw me head to Germany for a work related trip but that didnt stop me leaving on a Friday evening to explore a few towns before my training started on the following Monday. I met up with my friend who lives in Dusseldorffor a weekend of exploring. He showed me around his city and made time to have a road trip to Cologne. Living Monday morning to head to for a solo trip to Frankfurt before exploring Kronberg where my training was taking place.

April Fools

This year had two major family trips fun and scary at the same time, where both my boyfriend and I were going to be meeting each other’s extended families back home. With his extended family based both in Russia and Israel, this year we thought we could only manage to comfortably travel to one of the countries to also have time to explore surrounding areas. So April saw us travel to Israel, while meeting family and friends, we also managed to explore the country from North to South, touching down in Shlomi, Nahariya, Haifa, Western Wall in Jerusalem, Tel Aviv, Akko and the floating in the Dead Sea before leaving Israel. The whole country is so beautiful and so much history where ever you turn that its’ sad that there is so much to conflict there. When we travelled at no point did I feel in danger, that was also before the major fighting we have all seen on TV throughout this summer.

Shlomi | A Sanctuary Overlooking Lebanese Mountains

Haifa | Peace and Harmony in the Ba'hai Gardens

Local Travel

I always give anyone the side eye that says “Oh I cant travel because I can’t afford it”. You dont need to win the lottery to explore. Starting with your backyard can be just as much fun and cost little to nothing. What I also find is travelling around the UK is more expensive sometimes than travelling to Europe, which absolutely DOES NOT make any sense to me. I guess that’s maybe where the term “rip-off Britain” comes from as we always seem to be suckered into paying more than we should for many things, but I digress.

Exploring your own backyard allows you to appreciate great spots that you mostly likely take for granted because they are so close…like living next door to Tower of London for 20 years and not once stepped in it until the London Poppies installation was placed – Yep that was the first time going inside! I also took off to explore Edinburgh and found a little gem for all of you to check out on your next visit. Glamping in the beautiful English countryside for some much needed RnR with friends.

Also managed to squeeze in some time for a man-made island to partake in a romantic date on the Spitbank Fort with AAAMAZING views surrounding the fort. Lets also not leave out exploring the creative part of London that is East London

Spitbank Fort | Secrets of The Solent

No Place Like Home – An African Adventure

Remember how I mentioned that this year was going to be one for two major family trips? Well this is that other part. My boyfriend met most of my family in London but I also have many more relatives living back home in Zambia and Botswana so what better reason for planning an African adventure around a family reunion. I am sure you have seen some of my pictures from our exploration of Zambia, where we explored the capital before heading to Livingstone for Tongabeziand diving into the Devils pool as well as Lunch on the beautiful Victoria Falls.

We also drove from Zambia to Botswana where we did a Safari in the Okavango Delta then drove from Botwana to Namiba where we explored Swakopmund, Walvis Bay and Windheok. There are plenty more posts to come that as I haven’t had the time to post yet. Although you may have seen me post a few pictures from the safari and desert sandboarding on my Facebook and Instagram.

Going Dutch

Ending the year in true form with not only one trip but two in the dutch capital of Netherlands. We went dutch in true romantic style with a Wine Experience at the Dylan in Amsterdam. As if that wasn’t enough we also got to explore Amsterdam via a food tourwith Eating Europe where we explored the city by boat and feasted on the most delicious food. You can also check out my other post on Brunch in Amsterdam...more posts to come on Amsterdam.

So how has 2014 been for you? More importantly what are you most looking forward to in 2015? Travel plans you want to share?

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BLOGLOVIN’

Busy Bee: 2013 In Review

December 21, 2013 by admin 11 Comments

Where has the time gone?! Soon to be celebrating year 2 of my blog. I must say I didn’t think I would keep it up for this long but certainly difficult to keep up-to-date when working full-time. In a way I started it to document my climbing and travels as a way to really just do something not in anyway related to work. Think work/life balance. This year has gone by so fast. As much as I have been slaving away at work, I have also tried to balance this out by dropping everything, picking up my passport and running off in the direction of the nearest airport!

I am so grateful for so many things in 2013. Firstly thank you to all those that stop by and read about my journey; rock climbing, work and travel. Secondly work has been going great! I feel all warm and fuzzy each time I see a few adverts on TV for projects I have been a part of. It feels great to know that applications you have been a part of are used by millions of people around the world. With that in mind I have always believed in giving back, having been inspired by so many people and those that have turned my job into a career.

Those that have mentored me and offered words of wisdom and kindness along the journey this year. So, as I couldn’t thank you/them enough so I thought I could do for someone else what you/they have done for me by launching a mentoring scheme with colleagues at Avanade for students at University of East London. I will also be doing a talk at Bristol university next year, promoting all of the amazing opportunities available to girls within the IT industry. Each day that goes by, I am reminded that we are only limited by our imagination. Hoping to curry that theme over to 2014.

As much as work is fulfilling, I also like to fulfil my insatiable need to explore places, cultures and people! I managed to squeeze in 6 countries this year. From exploring and riding around in USA’s Logan County, Space Needle spotting, measuring wind speed in the Windy City (Chicago), watching the sunset go down on Benton Harbour to dodging sugar laced super size meals while going gaga for the wall to wall isles of shoe warehouse stores. Then came the hiking in the hills of Wales in search of beautiful sea views of Llandundo to climbing in the English Peak District, Cheddar Gorge and Malta. As if that wasn’t enough I not only managed to go back to Italy once this year but twice! Visiting Rome at the beginning of the year then heading to see the leaning tower of Pisa[post to come] taking my two nieces and my older sister as an early Christmas present.

I was also on Gozo Island in May to feast my eyes on the Azure Window before we lose this natural wonder to the seas and celebrate a friend’s birthday. My post also featured on EasyJet. Also squeezed in(as one does) a session of rock climbing on the main Island of Malta. Then in the midst of the Egyptian crisis I ignored all warnings and headed to Egypt for 7 days of blissful sun and diving in the red sea. I was hoping to finish off the year in a festive and true travelista style by jumping on the Eurostar train to Bruges with friends for Christmas markets delights but had to cancel as we had a new addition to the family. Little Adora Bianca. My sister named her after me. Yep! She’s going to be a rock-climbing, gadget-loving traveller too, just like her super nutty aunty Bee.It’s also been a year filled with music too, having managed to watch both Beyonce and Solange Knowles in concert in addition to Mary J Belige, John Legend(drooling) and then chilled out at Sofar Festival to name a few. Also danced around in the rain room before it was moved to NYC.

It’s been an awesome, challenging and delightful year for me, I hope you’ve also had great year too. I am so grateful for the freedom to pursue dreams and goals till my heart is content(seems impossible until you get through it). I have so much to look forward to in the coming year. I wish you all a restful and enjoyable Christmas holiday with family and friends! See you all in 2014!!

Some of the pictures from the trips this year…

Happy Holidays…

xoxo