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Discovering the charm of Chipata

Chipata is a city and administrative centre of the Eastern part of Zambia.The city, unlike in older years, has undergone some economic and infrastructure growth, leading up to city status. It is still a work-in-progress though. Do not hesitate to add it to places you can visit for not only the laid-back life but to see the parks which have game and wild animals. When I visited Chipata for the second time, I was happy to see lots of change. Last time I visited, I didn’t know how to share my journey with the world like I do now. I loved Chipata town for simple things like:

Those mangoes!

There are many places in Zambia I have on my bucket list. I have them because of the fruits I have heard are found there. Mwinilunga has pineapples and Mazabuka,  sugarcane. When I visited Chipata recently, I couldn’t help but appreciate the mangoes found in this part of the country. The season to enjoy mangoes is from late October to late January. The beauty is they are cheaper in Chipata than in other towns like Lusaka. It was mango parties everyday! I found a reason to use mangoes in things like my desserts. My favourite was custard fruit salad!

Animals at your doorstep

Whenever we want to see certain creatures, we quickly have to be the ones to make the first move to where we can find them. Of course, I don’t mean the wild animals. It was such a great moment to walk out of the house and appreciate the birds that frequently flew by or perched. I usually don’t get to see the S-necked and long-legged kind of birds where I live. It was a super cool experience to get frequent visits from this species of bird.

Because of the wet season, we also had frequent visits from crab-like creatures. I want to think those were real crabs. At least something close to mud crabs. I don’t have my facts rights yet. If they are were crabs, we have delicacy on the loose!

I was in an area called Moth in Chipata and that’s were I spent most of my time. This was pretty much in the centre of Chipata. Whenever I saw creatures I was not able to see where I came from, I made sure to take a shot. The one creature I saw the most but failed to take even one shot was one in the family of ferrets. Again, I am not sure these were ferrets but they were furry and looked like guinea pig cousins. I just noticed, they don’t stay put. I tried placing some nuts in strategic places so when they pay a visit, I could take a shot but things didn’t go as planned. I found the nuts gone.

Lovely landscapes, lovely sunsets

Not that I am not a fan of mountain climbing, but in some places like Tanzania ( Mount Kilimanjaro), doing it will cost me an arm and a leg. Chipata has so many hills I could try climbing before doing a legendary mountain climb.

My first attempt goofing around on these hills was with my nieces. This didn’t do the trick but it was good enough for some memorable views. I didn’t have to climb up these hills all the time to enjoy incredible views. Sometimes, I just sat or walked around in the neighborhood enjoying the views I don’t see where I am living. Everyone living where the land is flat knows this feeling when you find elevated lands. I enjoyed my early morning or evening walks because of this.

Sunsets could have been perfect if not for the distracting hills but then again, I was in the eastern part of the country. The sun rises from the east, so says geography. This means sunrises here, should be more enjoyable than sunsets. The hills would be distracting nonetheless.

Bike city touring

Last I checked, especially in developed countries, if you wanna know a city, you have to use a tour bus. This is not the kind of stuff you are gonna find here. I loved seeing more places on motorbikes. This is one thing that has changed over the years. There were no motorbikes used for public transport some time back. This has now become the popular means of transport in this part of the country. In other parts of the country, they are used for deliveries. Here, it’s public transport. Since it’s cheaper than getting on a vehicle, it was easy to see most of Chipata. I even found hidden gems that you should try finding on your own when you tour this laid-back city.

14

All I ask from my dining moments….

We are all different and these differences are seen in many areas including food. What do you look for in dining moments? Some of us are masters at recognizing the mix of flavors and aromas in our food.

Others are particular about the ambiance and would want some comfortable seating, appropriate music, and charming decor. What do you ask for in your dining moments?

Different diners will have that one thing that tickles their fancy. That one thing could be the reason to frequent that spot! Ever been to that one diner where you feel they get you? They do things how you would love them. An eatery will offer you something you will like. Another one will do things differently and you will still like something about that place. Of course, I am not talking about those places we didn’t enjoy dining from.

All in all, all I ask from my dining moments is what I have found in these eateries as I traveled around:

Taste (Lusaka, Zambia): This restaurant has outdoor seating. It also has a fireplace and serves great cocktails! Did I mention they have good coffee too? I wanted to experience a magical morning at Taste. There was fresh coffee and a delightful breakfast menu awaiting. Surrounded by beautiful gardens, this is an eatery offering a peaceful escape from our everyday grind.

The experience at this restaurant was as if the staff at Taste knew all I ask from my dining moments is a fresh omelet. Ohhh! For the love of well-done breakfast eggs! I will do this place soon.

Alliance Francaise (Lusaka, Zambia): This is an international organization that aims to promote the French language and francophone culture around the world. Having a branch in Zambia and a desire to learn French just to impress the French, I headed there for entertainment. The eating spot I saw there offered the necessary bites which I enjoyed. All I ask from my dining moments is something to go with those burgers. Some entertainment does make an eating moment memorable.

There is a time to have food in silence but I am imagining this happening in really organized families (or maybe royals). I wanted some entertainment. It was a relaxed evening with presenters in the likes of poets, guitarists, comedians, and ventriloquists. All this, where I could enjoy the evening breeze! That is all I ask from my dining moments.

Dar Lalla (Lusaka, Zambia) Let’s face it, sometimes it’s about the name first. Have you ever thought like, “He must be a handsome dude or pretty girl with that name!” That’s pretty much the theory I had. I loved the name first and that’s what moved me. I didn’t even look it up. Someone just mentioned it. It’s okay to judge an eating spot by its name.

Not to sound spiteful, but coming from Zambia, we have some funny names for companies, especially the small ones. Some small booths providing phone services can have vengeful sounding names like, “God is the judge Phone Dealers.” All I ask from my dining moments is to go to that nice diner with a name as nice as Dar Lalla.

I have enjoyed all my coffees, juices, and bites from this diner. All I ask from my dining moments other than a cute name is a clean environment where I can see how my meals are being prepared.

Sometimes it’s just the fresh air I went to enjoy. Though this place is near a building that looks like a group of companies sharing a space, the eating place is open to everyone.

JCS Food Market (Lusaka, Zambia)

All I ask from my dining moments is to cross borders to other countries using the food ticket. There is no way I will buy a plane ticket to China but I want to have my China moments in the comfort of my zone! JCS Food Market is the place for food enthusiasts. It offered dining options all under one roof! Each restaurant had its unique charm and this made deciding where to dine a wonderful challenge. All I ask from my dining moments is this endless choice of enticing aromas, simmering sauces, and a mix of flavors, and not being limited.

With menu options like I found, everything was enticing but I ultimately settled on a tantalizing combination of chicken and pasta, expertly cooked in the Chinese way. All I ask from my dining moments is large portions! Fancy hotels are culprits when it comes to small portions and we get it sometimes you aren’t just paying for the food but the place too. So when I experienced JCS Food Market, I left the place feeling not only stuffed but with a doggy bag too!

Green Ethiopian Restaurant (Lusaka, Zambia)

All I ask from my dining moments is to know some food I didn’t know because it was so different from what I have in my day-to-day life. If what you ate from an ethnic restaurant didn’t make you inquire more from the restaurant staff about it, it was not ethnic enough. In some restaurants like Chinese restaurants, you may choose to have what you normally have from home but cooked in a Chinese way with some Chinese spice.

The one thing I remember having from this ethnic restaurant was injera. Injera is a sour fermented pancake-like flatbread with a slightly spongy texture, traditionally made of teff flour. In Ethiopia, Eritrea, and some parts of Sudan and Kenya, injera is a staple food. It is central to the dining process, like bread or rice elsewhere. All I ask from my dining moments is to learn something from that ethnic kitchen. It was different from the usual and I am glad when I visit Ethiopia some day, it will be a better experience to appear knowledgeable of what others have for food.

4

The Joys of a 20km All-Day Cycling Safari (Part 3)

In my last post, I contemplated doing another cycling adventure inspired by this one. Of course with a different map. Part 1 and Part 2 of this safari, I loved it! As I concluded Part 2, I shared how I bumped into some big animals. Elephants, elephants, elephants!

Point 4: Elephants

Just because this is Africa, it doesn’t mean these kinds of animals are everywhere. There are certain places you are guaranteed to find them. The particular route I picked for this safari sometimes has elephants and sometimes doesn’t. So, was I lucky or what?

The beauty of this unplanned stop was that I was alerted by a cyclist coming from the opposite direction. I had no intentions of retreating because if he “survived it”, I would too, so long I followed what he said and what authorities have stated about safety rules like:

Stay Alert: Be aware of your surroundings and listen for any signs of elephants nearby, such as trumpeting or rustling of trees.

Keep a Safe Distance: Maintain a safe distance from elephants. Do not approach them or try to get too close for photos unless you are with a professional or in a safe place to do so.

Avoid Aggressive Behavior: Do not make sudden movements or loud noises that could startle the elephants. Remain calm and move slowly if you need to change your position.

Respect Their Space: If you encounter elephants on the road or path, give them plenty of space to pass. Do not try to block their path or force them to move.

Do Not Startle Them: If you need to alert elephants of your presence, do so calmly and from a distance. Avoid using a loud horn or bell, as this could startle them.

Be Prepared to Retreat: If an elephant shows signs of aggression, such as flapping its ears, trumpeting loudly, or making a mock charge, slowly back away and find a safe place to take cover, such as behind a tree or rock. I remember doing so on the Zambia-Zimbabwe border when we saw a group of elephants appearing agitated.

Follow Local Guidelines: In areas where elephants are present, follow any guidelines or instructions provided by local authorities or wildlife officials to ensure your safety and the well-being of the elephants.

Point 5: By the Zambezi River

I was happy to have had this peaceful encounter with the elephants. I was not the only one at the time standing in awe waiting to take pictures. There were few cars that stopped with owners trying to take shots. The scene was both awe-inspiring and humbling, a reminder of the beauty and power of these majestic creatures in their natural habitat. A Stone throw away was a beautiful place by The Zambezi River, where you could sit and relax or have a picnic.

I continued to cycle on to a village called Mukuni because I heard visitors frequent the place for tourism purposes but along the way, something hit me that I was not that kind of tourist. I already had an idea of what an African village is about. The detour led me to a place where I needed some peace, rest, and good food. The almost 4km of riding made me think of one thing only, food.

Point 6: Avani Hotel

After a workout, we all know we can swallow an elephant! I was starved! The beauty of the place I dined from was that it was a hotel and in the middle of nowhere. It is close to one or two places around but generally, this place is isolated.

The Avani Hotel not only served delicious food but also offered a serene environment that was truly captivating. What made the experience even more extraordinary was the presence of zebras freely roaming around, adding a unique charm to the surroundings. The sight of these majestic animals peacefully coexisting with the hotel’s guests created a tranquil atmosphere. It was a moment of pure bliss and harmony with nature, making the cycling journey to the hotel worth it. The combination of great food, a peaceful ambiance, and the presence of zebras created an unforgettable experience that will be cherished for years to come.

Point 7: Victoria Falls

I left Avani Hotel feeling refreshed. I cycled on about a kilometer or so to the Victoria Falls but there was not gonna be enough time to tour the whole of it or go through all the trails like it’s supposed to be done. I got here still and as I got my ticket, I knew this should be my last stop because it was getting late. Instead of wasting time I just sat near the waters that fall and this should be the Zambezi River. I must say that was an amazing sunset I saw.

After this lovely sunset, all I could think of was the 10km back to point 1 and this trip did not take long because there were no stops made.

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The Joys of a 20km All-Day Cycling Safari (Part 2)

I enjoyed sharing the first part of my cycling safari which I must say I would love to do again. This time using a different route. The first 3km was interesting because of my start point which was a super cool place for a stay.

From the National Art Gallery stop that I made, it took me 1km of riding in a bushy area to get to yet another amazing stopover. The beauty of riding in the countryside is the scenery can be amazing. I must mention that this territory is near a national park so the chances of bumping into a notorious animal were high.

Though not a professional cyclist (wish i was), this trip made me realise that the few advantages of cycling are :

Enjoying those Scenic Views: Enjoying beautiful landscapes and natural surroundings can be refreshing and reduce stress. I enjoyed the countryside and though I feared what sort of animals I would encounter, I didn’t let that take away my moments.

Fresh Air: Breathing in some clean, fresh air does have a positive impact on your mood and overall health. I was away from the congestion and stuffy environment and this did some wonders to my mind.

Exercise: I am a firm believer in the wonders of exercise. Cycling is a great form of exercise that can improve cardiovascular health, muscle strength, and endurance. And I am saving up to get myself a bike though around here, females aren’t big on cycling.

Quiet and Peaceful: The countryside often provides a peaceful environment, free from the noise and bustle of city life. I cycled away from the city noises and into a semi-wild area. I switched my mood to a relaxed and peaceful one.

Exploration: Cycling allows you to explore new areas and discover hidden gems off the beaten path. As I ventured on this safari, it was exploration for me first because women here don’t bike much and secondly, I went looking for places that are hidden.

Connection with Nature: Cycling in the countryside can help you feel more connected to nature and appreciate its beauty.

Point 3: The Crocodile Park

After a kilometer of riding from the art gallery, I got to a crocodile park.

I am glad I didn’t bump into a crocodile on my way to the park. The entrance fee for locals was cheaper than that of non-locals. Nonetheless, it’s still affordable going for $15. This is a fairly sized park with lots of crocodiles and snakes, all of which have names.

As I got inside the park, escorted by one of the staff members, I couldn’t help but notice his bravery. I know this is Africa, the continent where people kiss lions, but please…… this gave me goosebumps! This man got inside the crocodile cages! I could have sworn he used some African charms to dodge these bullets! I asked him if that was the case ( rumour has it this is what game rangers do) and he laughed and didn’t share his little secret. How unfair that I enjoyed these scenes on the safer side of the fence.

I should say that though this cycling safari was one to bring me peace and relaxation, this one felt like an educational tour. I managed to hold a chameleon for the first time and saw lots of crocs enjoying their moment sunbathing. I asked lots of questions which were on what they feed these many crocodiles with. I was told they eat cow meat and chickens. That should be a huge cost. So sad for the animals at the bottom of the food chain.

I learned a lot about both crocodiles and snakes. I don’t think we have many parks like this. If you ever visit Zambia, do pop by this place. As I was heading out, I noticed some good artwork with some truths or maybe half-truths on them.

Some of the things I read got me stretching my mind. This one writing said, “The largest Nile crocodile is 6.1 meters and lived in Burundi and had eaten 300 humans!” Who was counting how many humans this crocodile ate?

As a lover of art, I just loved what was on the wall and didn’t bother much about digging for the truth behind the claims. I left the Croc park and continued to cycle some more km and made a stop I didn’t quite plan for. I met some wild animals. They were big and I will let you know whether I stopped by for a chat or cycled hard for my life.

3

The Joys of a 20km All-Day Cycling Safari (Part 1)

I love taking walks and I have been doing this most of my life. I do lots of walks when familiarising myself with my immediate environment when I travel. I thought this time around a cycling safari would be a great way to see more in a short time.

I don’t own a bike and have only done the stationary gym bike over the years. I wanted to spend the day outdoors and discover what was in this part of the country I visited. I heard of one or two companies hiring out bikes but this other place I inquired about was more costly. What was worse was the hotel helping with connecting me to the bike-hiring company kept changing the prices which appeared unprofessional.

I went to the reception of the place I lodged which I will call Point 1.

Point 1: Fawlty Towers

Booking bike safaris from Fawlty Towers reception was so straightforward. As a starting point for my bike safari, I must say it was a joy. For starters, I love movies specifically, comedy. If you love comedy and are old-fashioned like I am, a comedy called Fawlty Towers should be something that rings a bell.

Google image

This comedy has cracked me up many times! To find a place like this in this part of my country made it top of my accommodation list options. The theme of this place was similar to the accommodation in this sitcom.

I loved the fact that it had a wide range of accommodation from dormitories to deluxe doubles. There was a fireplace set up in the evenings for guests to come together (if they wanted). This indeed brought us together especially that among the guests were talented ukulele players, autistic guests, storytellers, and party lovers. I was the “karaoke lady” guest and this led to evening sing-alongs. The place was both entertaining and peaceful with just the perfect amount of drama. It was just like replaying the sitcom except the staff were more well behaved than the ones in the comedy.

Other than the lovely theme of the place and entertainment that I loved, I appreciated the clean environment, its lovely gardens, and the comfy sofas I frequented.

The pictures below are what added the touch of what is in the sitcom. I loved that the art on the wall was done creatively photoshopping the actors of the sitcom in African-themed photos. There is always that one character that makes a show interesting. Mr Basil Fawlty just did it for me in this show. He was such a highly-strung man. The cafe at these premises is named after him. I love that free coffee and waffles are served at Basil Cafe from about 8 am to 3 pm.

After checking what sort of bike safaris were at my disposal, I settled for an unguided tour because I was doing it in my home country. Had this been another country, having a guide was gonna make some sense. The receptionist recommended Cowboy Bike Tours. Unlike the company I tried to hire a bike from previously, this one was reliable. Cowboy Bike Tours has both guided and unguided tour options. I think it’s s so much fun doing their guided tours as they are usually group trips but not to limit solo travelers. Everyone is catered for. I was only charged $15 for this safari. The bike was dropped off at the reception for me to use the following day for the whole day. How far I would go with it, was no one’s baby except mine. I had all sorts of maps in my head. I had to settle for one by morning.

The following morning, I got ready and collected my bike from the reception, and enjoyed a pavement ride along the main road called Mosi-o-Tunya Road. I must say it was a quiet day with not as much traffic. I don’t think I was going to pull off riding on a busy road. I was also glad this is a small town. I kept enjoying the morning breeze and detoured from the main road to the right side. This was about 3 km from Fawlty Towers. I decided to stop here for some time to enjoy what was there.

Point 2: The National Art Gallery

You gotta love art. I love art and have appreciated it in some of my blog posts. I had inquired the day before about this art gallery and its operating hours. It was interesting to find out it was free entry for both locals and non Zambians. I must say the location is something I didn’t expect. It was in the middle of nowhere, or at least I thought. What I loved is I managed to get here.

Many artists have contributed to the fine art I found in this gallery. I parked my bike and got in. A quiet atmosphere it was. It was clean and a helpful lady shared information about the work there.

This gallery had African fabric on display and a game called ‘isolo’ at the entrance. This game has a surface with many depressions of a certain pattern. These depressions have some pebbles. What I don’t understand is what you do with the pebbles from here. I have seen it played but don’t know the rules.

My favorite painting that left me in awe was a 3D painting of our local lager called Mosi. This name was taken partly from the main street I used to cycle to this gallery. It has its history and is a story for another day. I want to appreciate the person behind this piece because the cracked glass looked exactly it, cracked glass.

For once I felt like pretending to be one of those rich folks that get such paintings from auctions for exorbitant prices. The gallery also houses paintings of African animals in the likes of gorillas (which are not found in Zambia), lions, elephants, and giraffes.

I had to be mindful of how long I was gonna have this bike. As I headed out I saw what I should say was the funniest painting in this gallery! Fully pregnant woman in extremely tight clothing sipping on our Mosi lager appearing to be in dance mode! I was already picturing what African beats made her appear this way! Lol!

I had my last laugh as I looked at some questionable sculptures on my exit which am sure others appreciate because art is not limited right?

I thanked the lady in charge and got my bike to ride to the next point. I must say my first 3km of this bike safari was worth it so far. If you are ever in this part of Africa, I would encourage you to do it solo if you fit in the adventurous bracket or as a group with a local guide. Please don’t miss my next post on where I headed after the art gallery.

6

Sushi Waves and Crocodile Charms

Sushi is not the kind of meal to have daily. And so having it brings with it lasting memories to dwell on. This Japanese delicacy is prepared in a few restaurants in the part of the country I was in. I also had the opportunity to try out crocodile cuisines in the same area. And I must add that the delicious taste of crocodile delicacy should be celebrated independently of the animal’s behavior. It is natural to associate the behavior of crocodiles with consuming their meat. This will cause you to miss out on that unique taste crocodile has.

If you desire good sushi, Sea Spice Restaurant is the perfect place and I must say it did it for me. Eating ordinary is cheaper of course. But life is not meant to always be ordinary. Special moments come with special meals and celebrating a birthday is a good enough reason to have some sushi.

I tagged along on this sushi adventure. Sea Spice Restaurant offers diversity on its menu including sushi. I have only come to learn that I had Uramaki, Maki, and Rainbow roll sushi types. These are not the only types of sushi we ordered but that is what was at our disposal that I know by name.

I must admit there was some skill in the preparation of the sushi. The ingredients tasted fresh and I could see the innovation in the rolls. My absolute favorite was the Maki sushi. I feel I need lessons to use the chopsticks because I just can’t wrap my head around how to use them. My love for food has also taught me that one should never feel embarrassed to use eating tools the wrong way. Confession, I used a fork.

Having sushi goes hand in hand with a cozy environment. Sea Spice once called Ocean Basket experienced a transition in terms of ownership of business yet one thing is true about this place: I have had mouth-watering seafood in the same space.

I loved the simple design of this restaurant. Nothing too fancy. The walls were talking. The design was that of sea creatures which am sure were intended to match the theme of the restaurant. The restaurant is not just a sushi bar but one could enjoy samosas, prawns, oysters, mussels, calamari, and the like. You are at liberty to enjoy indoors or better still, outdoor meals.

This restaurant had attentive staff and this enhanced the experience.The food’s appearance and flavour exceeded all expectations, taking the dining experience to a new level of pleasure. It was clear that each ingredient had been carefully chosen and cooked, making for a delicious experience that remained long after the dinner was over.

Expect to spend about 20 dollars for both plates.

What a treat this was! I loved having what I usually don’t have. I couldn’t help but compare sushi to crocodile to see what tops my list.

I do recommend trying good crocodile dishes from Zest, Zambezi Cafe, and Avani Hotel. My first experience having well prepared crocodile was at Zambezi Cafe. These were crocodile spare ribs. This inspired me to give it a second shot at Zest and Avani Hotel.

Zest Restaurant is a small place that offers crocodile meat and has a bar.

As I mentioned earlier, there’s a common misconception that those with delicate taste buds or sensitive stomachs may prejudge crocodile meat based on the reputation of the creature itself. However, being someone who relishes culinary adventures, I decided to challenge any preconceived notions and embarked on a dining experience at Zest. With an open mind and an appetite for exploration, I opted for the intriguing choice of crocodile meat.

When the crocodile dish arrived, the presentation was impeccable — a testament to the chef’s skill and attention to detail. The aroma wafting from the plate hinted at the culinary journey about to unfold.

Savoring the crocodile meat, I was pleasantly surprised by the tender texture and subtle flavors. It was a revelation, challenging any preconceived notions I might have had. I loved sushi as well but my favourite dish from these two restaurants happens to be crocodile. If one critically thinks about what a crocodile eats, it would be a reason to never try it. I looked past all that and discovered a meal I will add to my list when I have an extra 15 to 20 dollars to spare on food not cooked from home! You must try it out too.

13

Escape to Tranquillity: Azure Boutique Resort Getaway (Review)

I arrived excitedly at Azure Boutique Resort after embarking on a coach and plane journey. This not-so-hidden gem provided a special refuge from the everyday grind. The moment I stepped into the resort’s oasis, I felt refreshed by the atmorsphere. This experience was relaxing and made me think of all the things I want when on a solo trip like this one.

On a solo getaway:

1) I want to go far from my comfort zone

I set out on this solitary retreat. I just love the disconnection from my daily life and stepping beyond the comfortable boundaries of home. I looked forward to experiencing a different culture, enjoying the rush of exploring unexplored ground and the independence that comes with being far from home on this journey beyond the familiar. When you see me with this blue bag, I mean business. I did a 15hr drive and 2 hour flight to get to this place. On such a long trip, reading a book from my collection came in handy.

2) Getting to enjoy the country side scenery

Tanzania is home to beautiful landscapes. It has picturesque scenes and travelling by road is the greatest way to fully appreciate these landscapes. I was captivated by the stunning view of Tanzania’s natural beauty as I sat comfortably by the window. I was able to appreciate the landscape, from plains to hills. Road travel enabled this connection with the environment and fostered an appreciation for the country’s scenic treasures.

3) Having a big bed to myself

Azure Boutique Resort was just the right place for me to unwind. I especially loved the comfy double bed that offered me the rest I needed. The luxurious bedding enveloped me. It was a place of relaxation as well as of recovery. The worries and cares of my everyday life seemed to vanish. The simple but beautiful facilities and the thoughtfulness with which the room was furnished enhanced the whole experience and produced the ideal atmosphere for relaxing. With its focus on comfort and peace, the resort became my haven.

4) I want to enjoy delicious meals with a view

Beautiful scenery has a special power to calm tired minds. A wonderful dining experience was created by the combination of the beauty of the surroundings, the rhythm of the waves, and the close proximity to the Indian Ocean. The spotless beach was a perfect place for unwinding. It provided a peaceful haven to enjoy my delicious plate of food. Public beaches have their magic but I just wanted to enjoy peace and my ”own” place for a moment. I shared my food with the birds that could not just let me rest until they had a taste of the chef’s special. For all the foodies out there, Azure Boutique Resort offers so much at breakfast time that you will eat your fill. Never walk out with food packed. Not allowed.

5) Burn those holiday calories

According to my theory, being healthy is more than just eating right; it’s also about the interaction between our energy intake and our activities. Although I personally dislike dieting, I firmly believe that everyone should engage in regular exercise. My experience at Azure Boutique Resort was enlightening and perfectly matched my wellness philosophies. The resort offered an atmosphere that not only promoted physical activity but also blended it into the experience.

6) Owning that beach

Part of unwinding process for certain individuals requires some level of silence from our immediate environment. Azure Boutique Resort offers a private beach. I woke up as early as 5am, to enjoy the morning breeze at the beach and all the times I was there, I was amazed at its beauty. Afternoons at the beach were times when the ocean would “go away” but this was equally amazing as this is something I have not experienced coming from a landlocked country.

7) What I didn’t like:

Since not all goes our way all the time, there was something I didn’t quite like. There was a drainage problem in the shower that caused me movements from one room to another upon request.Hopefully, this has been dealt with as not all customers will end at just a small critique on their blog. All-in-all, this place should be given a 3.5 out of 5 for being a place that is suitable for a getaway.

4

A Day-Tripper’s Tale in Walvis Bay

It’s worthwhile to visit Namibia if Walvis Bay is on your bucket list. It is nestled between the cool waters of the Atlantic Ocean and the dunes of the Namib Desert. It’s a seaside city with plenty to see and do. Its location makes any trip you take more enjoyable.

Because of Walvis Bay’s natural beauty, visitors are welcome to explore its coastal treasures. The sound of the waves will welcome you as you approach Walvis Bay. What sort of fun can one have in this town without spending a night? One of the advantages of doing day-trips to a different town is that there isn’t much planning needed.

I didn’t do much research on this. I was just advised to try a day trip there. I got up from my bed in a town called Swakopmund and decided to do a day trip. I had my breakfast and set off.

There was a certain element of spontaneity to my journey because I decided not to plan everything out beforehand. Every corner revealed something new.

I was engrossed in the allure of unplanned stops and breathtaking scenery. Although my day started early in Swakopmund, I loved the experiences along the way. This included the weather which was cool.

I was about 40 minutes away from Walvis Bay. I was excited because this was gonna be my first time to this town. The next time I try a day trip to a different town, I should plan a weekend getaway.

It was easy to find transport to Walvis Bay from Swakopmund. I am happy to be among early birds. By this I mean, I don’t struggle to get up early. I owe that to my early nights. Getting up early for this trip was not a problem. In no time, I was in Walvis Bay. I made it before 9 O’Clock.

I wanted to start my day with some coffee and cake. I already had breakfast in Swakopmund but with me, there is always room for cake. I found a prefect place with an ocean view. Protea Hotel.

The smell of freshly brewed coffee welcomed me as soon as I walked in. The smiling staff made me feel very welcome. The soothing sound of the waves in the background added to the interior’s cosy vibe.

I sat at an inside table first, then moved outside to enjoy the tables outside and take in the amazing view of the ocean. My taste buds celebrated the rich flavour of my coffee as I sipped it. This went perfectly with the rich slice of cake.

My morning treat craving was satisfied by Protea Hotel, in Pelican Bay which also offered a peaceful environment, making it an unforgettable beginning to my day.

Before leaving for my next stop, I rested outside the hotel enjoying the Atlantic Ocean. This is the beauty with day trips. They provide flexibility. This enables one to tailor their itinerary to specific interests and preferences. I loved just sitting outside Protea Hotel enjoying the fresh morning breeze. I could have called it a day but decided on something else I was gonna do here.

Because of my love for walks, I did a 30 minute walk to see what was around. I then came back to a spot I could watch pelicans. Watching birds is a relaxing activity. I didn’t come with enough to feed them. They were not all over my case because of that. Besides, had I come with too much fish, they were going to disturb me.

I spent some time feeding the pelicans with the little I carried. Just as well it was almost lunch.It was a peaceful atmosphere of the beach. With a bag of fish in hand, I watched in awe as the pelicans danced with the water. These feeding time created a special bond between us. Every fish I tossed was greeted with happy screams.

The beauty with being in Walvis Bay is that pelicans aren’t the only things to see. After leaving this place I thought getting up close and personal with the Atlantic Ocean was a perfect idea. I went to the Laramon Tours Catamarn Cruise offices and checked what was offered. I loved their cozy looking cruises.

I was immediately drawn in by the inviting atmosphere and the wide selection of cruise options on show. I was drawn to charm right away because it combined the promise of exploration with the ideal amount of comfort. The office’s knowledgeable staff offered insights into the range of activities, which included dolphin encounters and an exploration of the bay’s abundant marine life. I eagerly reserved a cruise, hoping to see the marvels of the coast.

It was nice to see some “visitors” join in and enjoy the cruise with us. I then realized this “visitor” had motives. There was fresh fish on the cruise which was inviting. I hoped this wouldn’t bring his whole family in. Seals are such interesting creatures. As we continued enjoying this cruise I saw a black space on the ocean. Going on further, it so happened that this visitor of ours was heading to its second home or chill spot. This seal was a freeloader. Free food and transport to its destination.

We found loads of them. I wish I could get closer and play with them but this was the furthest we could go. I must say day trips aren’t that bad. I had seen what I didn’t even plan to see. Spontaneity helped here. Unplanned trips can sometimes turn out good. Do consider a day trip or getaway when on this end.

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