After several years of posting very little and being immersed in new mom and pandemic life, I am back to share with you in a new way. I am re-creating the experience of this site to share information tailored to decades of childcare and nannying experience, along with years of intuitive travel and adventure, coupled with all the knowledge I’ve experientially gained in the health and healing, wellness and meditation, farm to table cooking arenas. My goal is to be posting more with practical guidance and tips.
My intention is to also feature other writers in the mom, mindfulness, travel and adventure, health and parenting realm, so feel free to reach out to me with articles.
As promised on my Instagram, which for whatever reason is not linking to this site, @nicole_astara I am here with travel tips with little ones.
I have flown with my 2.5 year old son 18 times to date, most of them have been just he and I flying. I’ve found flying, for the most part, has been smooth and effortless, besides our most recent flight where he vomited all over me. It is important to have a checklist either in your mind or written out of what needs to take place.
Here are tips that I have found to be extremely helpful:
1. If it’s an afternoon flight, keep the child or baby up so they’re tired for the flight and nap on the plane.
2. Have them drink from a bottle, sippy cup, pacifier or nurse going up and coming down to help their ears pop and adjust.
3. Bring books, snacks and simple activities or a device to plug headphones into for music or movies in flight.
4. If there is a long layover or delay before the flight takes off, have them run around and burn energy at the airport so they are not as restless on the plane.
5. If you need quiet space to decompress with your little one, nursing pods are a great option along with chapels or contemplation rooms which most airports have.
6. Bring a stroller and check it at the gate at each airport, I find it so helpful to cruise around in it, if we are in a hurry, for eating and if he’s walked a lot. It’s also great to put the carryons in the bottom.
7. If you’re traveling alone with a child use the skycap if available for departures, and for baggage claim, get a cart and stack the baggage and you can put the car seat on top.
Hope these help and feel free to ask any more questions regarding traveling with children.
As a child I had an intense fascination with all things Egyptian. Eternal life and traversing the afterlife through mummification was an obsession to my 8-year-old mind. The mythology bespoke of eternal life, gods and goddesses that held ancient secrets to a way of life. Needless to say, that fascination has stayed with me through the decades.
I had many opportunities to go to Egypt throughout the years, but all of them fell through and didn’t feel right. This all women’s pilgrimage through the mythological, spiritual and ancient sites almost fell in my lap, it was as though the universe aligned opportunities to prompt me to take this life altering journey.
And so it began.
CAIRO
Arriving to Cairo after a 21 hour flight, including the layover had me excited for this group trip, there were 9 of us all together. My inclination other than my trip with my beloved last year is to travel alone, so being in group was a completely new experience for me. I have been part of many women circles over the past ten years, I was looking forward to this new experience. The trip was led by the embodied Goddesses and brilliant astrologer Divine Harmony divineharmony.com and powerful somatic healer Sarah Grace, both of whom I resonated deeply with before choosing to go. I could feel there was a profound activation of energy that would occur.
Photo by Divine Harmony
We stayed at the Le Meridian Pyramid with a stunning view of the pyramids outside in the massive pool area. It was amazing and the busiest hotel I’ve ever been to. After we all met one another, we started our adventure. Our first days in Egypt were mind blowing, integrating into Egyptian culture, astounded by what our experiences entailed.
We were taught esoteric and Goddess mythology teachings from an extremely knowledgeable and charismatic woman named Katy, originally from London who now lives in Cairo. Her home and family were a place of good energy, community, love with a backdrop of the pyramids. We felt taken care of from a local standpoint in her space and the homemade food we had there was out of this world~ scrumptious, mouth-watering amazingness. At Katy’s we delved deep into the Egyptian mysteries with her before venturing into the desert by camel and horseback to visit the pyramids to cross our threshold of what the trip held for each of us individually.
As we came through the desert by camel, seeing the pyramids in the distance was breathtaking, it felt surreal and other worldly, I couldn’t help staring in complete astonishment. We went to sacred ancient temples in the desert by horseback and learned more about the ancient ways of Egypt. Much of what we did was so sacred that I am glazing over how deep, transformative and life-changing it was because sometimes there are no words.
On our last night in Cairo, before leaving to Luxor, we had a private in the middle pyramid for two hours. Meaning it was just us in there, exploring the inner chambers and sitting in sacred space. We were in meditation and the energy inside was ethereal. The meditations and ceremonies we did in there were so sacred, again no words can encapsulate the power of what was derived. I will leave you with the notion that anyone can tune into these energy frequencies and heightened awareness with the right intention and guidance. I now feel more connected to the divine feminine, carrying the energy forward into my life.
LUXOR
We took a quick flight to Luxor where we were told it was much quieter than busy Cairo, and it was the perfect juxtaposition. It looked and felt more tropical and lush as we drove along the nourishing Nile. It’s flowing, freeing and purifying waters spoke of the fluidity of the healing process we were all within, it almost seemed to whisper “wash away all that no longer serves to step into your new place, new life, re-birthed within the lands of Kemet (ancient name for Egypt).”
We stayed at Ville Jolie which was on an island along the Nile, a piece of paradise. It was a luscious reprise where a cacophony of nature sounds enticed me to stay on the grass, hang out with the trees, swim in the infinity pool, follow my heart and do what it pleased.
In Luxor we visited many ancient temples. The first was Mut, which was quiet and we wandered and ground into the energy. Statues lined the temple of Mut, who is the mother Goddess. The waters were so sacred surrounding the temple. I saw so many faces of the statues bashed in from when the Christians came during the empirical rule and defaced the statues, it was sad and disturbing how many temples were desecrated in the name of God. It’s hypocritical that death and destruction happen because of the religious superiority we’ve seen played out for so many millennia.
Karnak is the largest temple in the world at 61 acres and even after 4,000 years its massive pillars and statues are astounding, with colors still on some hieroglyphs. I could spend days exploring the nuanced intricacies. Once can only surmise what happened within the ancient temple, which boggles the mind. We walked around and visited many places dedicated to different Egyptian dieties.
We visited Abydos, the oldest temple in Egypt that was said to hold Osiris’ heart in the Osirion. This temple was dedicated to healing and there were healing chambers in it where the energy was powerful and felt all-pervasive.
Dendera was also massively impressive. A temple built to honor Hathor, the goddess of love. Again it was sad to see all the faces bashed in, but walking around in the ancient crypts and spaces was outstanding. How? was a question I constantly found myself asking in awe, looking at the hieroglyphs and perfect symmetry.
Valley of The Queens and Kings
We first visited Nefertari’s tomb, which was in the Valley of the Queen’s. As Ramses’ wife, she was one of the most revered queens throughout Egyptian history. Inside it was a preserved menagerie of beautiful paintings and hieroglyphs depicting various scenes of beautiful queen and goddesses for her journey into the afterlife. The colors were so vivid even after 5,000 years. The energy was intensely heart based, like waves of love emanated from her tomb.
We then went to the much busier side to The Valley of the Kings where there were many tombs for the pharaohs. The King’s tombs were ornate and some when deep into the mountainside, we visited three tombs as a group and my roomie who I has such a deep affinity for and I visited King tut’s tomb.
A nice treat to our time in Luxor was going on a hot air balloon ride. It was a floaty, dreamy time and beautiful watching the sunrise. It was such a lovely experience landing in the fertile lands of the farmlands along the Nile.
ASWAN
We took a bus to Aswan, which had a completely different feel to it. It felt like a vortex of energy. I decided to go on the optional trip to Abu Simbel which took 3 hours to get there and seeing the sunrise in the desert was remarkable. There were four of us on this trip and once there it became apparent that Abu Simbel was very touristy. We had been spoiled in seeing ancient places that we were able to explore without the hustle of a lot of tourists so this was a bit overwhelming for me.
Abu Simbel was great, I’m glad I went but I found it to be too touristy. Especially the first temple dedicated to Ramses. The other one dedicated to Nefertari seemed much less busy, again, like the Valleys. More to our enjoyment.
On our last day in Aswan before heading back to Cairo we visited the Temple of Philae. This temple was moved when the dam was built, yet still carried so much beauty walking amongst it. It held such rapture along the waters. We meditated around the holiest of holies and visited the different areas. There was much that came to me there about the suppression, domination and control of the feminine and how harmful it has been to all of us humans over the millenia.
I stand in knowing that the feminine is coming back into power and that we as a race will rise back into honoring her and her many forms. Tears flowed down my cheeks for the suffering so many have endured and are enduring. I felt the pain of so many women who have walked before me who had no voice to object mistreatment, urging me to step into my power as so many women are right now. We as women, we as humans, we as beings on this planet persist and the shift is taking place for us to step up again and not allow the mistreatment of our race, creatures and planet any longer.
Love overcomes all is what I kept hearing.
CAIRO
Our last day in Cairo we visited the great pyramid and again had a two hour private where we were able to hold space in the chambers. The pyramids felt like energetic portals to other times, dimensions, worlds and galaxies. We were exceptionally fortunate to have privates in both pyramids. I’d say it was divinely guided. We held sacred space in the chambers and afterwards watched the sunrise while sitting on the pyramids. I went through a death of self into reweaving, rebirth and reclaiming the power that resides within and the strength to use it for the highest good.
Us SiStar women had bonded so much on the trip, it felt like a reunion and recognition from the different lives we lead. Each one of us adding our essence of self. Leaving was sad yet we were all so grateful to have experienced the profundity of what we did. Grateful for the teachings from our incredible facilitators, that were so well versed, divine and planned out. There was so much knowledge and teachings we embodied with our classes sight seeings and outings and I’m still integrating the power of what was uncovered with shifts in my perception of who I am in relation to this planet.
The trip was an honoring of the sacred, the divine, the seekers truth that resides within. An alchemy of spirit with matter, in a group that changed my life. While it’s engrained in our society to look outside of self for sustenance, it is only uncovered within the self, the deep unlayering and unraveling to bring one back to remembering source and all its facets played out in life.
xo,
Nicole
Many of the photos are from Divine Harmony from the trip. You can check out her Instagram @divineharmony and for information on the next Egypt pilgrimage check out her website at divineharmony.com
While London felt like home and Paris was a sweet interlude, Italy topped our trip off and Capri and the Amalfi coast were the favorite parts of our overseas adventure.
CAPRI
We arrived by ferry from Naples. Immediately we noticed the flowing and beautiful Italian language, picking up on words here and there from knowing bits of it. We also noted the bouncy, affable and confident flow to the Italian way. One that suits our personalities, sharing, caring yet assertive.
Our ferry ride to Capri was about an hour, in a storm and choppy waters with rainbows guiding the way. Once in Capri we found it difficult to get a taxi, in torrential downpours we decided to share one with two guys who happened to be going to the same, Hotel San Michel, for a wedding.
The roads up felt precarioulsy close to the edge, like a thrilling adrenaline rush. The driver wound with expertise into Anacapri. It looked surreal with colorful homes dotting the hills. We arrived to our hotel, which was nestled up on a cliff and walked out of our hotel room to a huge patio with this. Needless to say we didn’t want to leave this paradise.
The first night there was an Italian couples’ wedding with about 75 people. After dinner we heard the music up in our room, so we decided to crash the wedding party and went down to see it hopping with a rambuctious crowd that we assimilated into. We were the Americans that were a bit out of place. After about 10-15 minutes of hanging with this party all the lights in the hotel went out. Music stopped and everyone was left mingling about. This is where we took our leave and went walking through Anacapri. For being a small island there were many people out in the squares.
While visiting, we explored Capri by hiking its trails and walking through the main centers of Capri and Anacapri. We ate delicious fresh food sitting outside, enjoying the balmy nights. Feeling serenaded by the magnificent views and tastes of Capri.
We met a couple at our hotel pool and hung with them for the day, having fun sharing travel stories and finding new things to do. We had been up in the air of where to stay next, from Positano, to Amalfi and with the suggestion of our new friends we decided on Maiori.
We visited the Blue Grotto. Which has a line that winds down the mountain. We thought this somewhat pricey tour would at least give us a while in the grotto, but to our surprise we were rowed in, went around a stunning blue cave, sparkling with unreal colors, to be rowed right back out. I’d say it was 4 minutes or less.
AMALFI COAST TO MAIORI
We took the ferry to Positano because of a storm. This added several hours to our trip, but the views of the coast we wouldn’t have seen otherwise given our time there. We took the bus, again winding precariously along the high cliffs that at times felt unnerving.
The fresh ocean air was intoxicating and invigorating, smelling of salt with slippery winds. We drove through Positano and Sorrento into Amalfi. The views were absolutely breathtaking along the coast.
We arrived to Maiori and walking through the square, it felt almost empty, which was a sweet relief from the bustling touristy areas that we had been in. People there did not speak english as much, so we made due with the little Italian I knew.
We had the best food we’ve ever eaten in our lives in Maiori at Mammato dal 1890. An unassuming restaurant that knocked our socks off. While all the food we ate in Italy was out of this world, this place was mouthwatering. We had fish baked in sea salt, mussels and seafood fresh from the sea in pasta dishes that melted in the mouth. Savory, rich and addictive with flavors bursting of simple spices, fresh cream and tomatoes.
We delightfully porked out into a food coma and were so impressed we decided to give our sentiments to the cook. We stopped in the kitchen to find the chef, a little lady, about 70, who we were interpreted to that her restaurant’s recipes had been handed down from her family members for many generations.
We went to the place across the street the next night and were immensely impressed with the food there as well. Ahhh Maiori, you captured our tastebuds fancy.
We spent our last day exploring Amalfi. It just so happened it was the first storm in the area for the past several months. We were not dismayed and still enjoyed our time exploring the shops and cafes of Amalfi.
The next morning we had to jump on a bus to get to the train station in Salerno to make our train to Rome, the last stop on our Italy trip. What we weren’t prepared for was how packed the buses coming from Amalfi were. We waited for two which were already full to then, luckily, share a cab with a lovely woman from Toronto who also lived in Italy. With her angelic help, we made our train just in time.
xo,
Nicole
Apologies for the delay in my travel writing, which happened in September. There has been a bustle of new activity which I’ll share, along with a creative block, which feels like it has (finally) dissolved. I’ll be back with our trip to Rome and Stockholm.
“You belong to me and all Paris belongs to me and I belong to this notebook and this pencil.” ~ Ernest Hemingway
Our segue to Italy had to be Paris on our overseas adventure. With two nights to spend we arrived at 5 the first evening. Our plan was to do and see as much as we could in the glamorous city.
We took the Eurostar from London to Paris which was efficient, clean, fast and easy. After the tunnel under the english channel, we sped through the French countryside, green and quaint.
Arriving into Paris, an alluring city, all the romantic French cliches rang true. It was mammoth and magnificent. Paris is the birthplace of gothic architecture, which is displayed throughout the city.
Everything we had envisioned Paris to be paled in comparison to the grandeur of it. Under the full moon, we were romanced by the night, the sights, sounds, flavors and people of the city. So completely enfolded in the enchantment that enveloped us in french magnifique.
We had dinner at Louis Phillipe, from a recommendation. It was a cozy and charming spot. We had deliciously rich flavors of burgundy and beef, potatoes and roasted chicken, herbs suited to the meals.
Walking through the city we stopped at several places, meeting other travelers and sharing our stories throughout the evening. Stopping at Notre Dame, which was a few blocks from our cozy, little airbnb and were impressed with it’s magnitude.
The Louvre, overwhelming and breathtaking, doing 360’s and still feeling like unable to take it all in. Unbelievable how mammoth it is. Walking through taking in the art and relics from many millenia, still only seeing a small fraction of the museum’s splendor.
We found Parisians to be extremely friendly, they wanted to show us all their Parisian splendor. Using the few words we knew in French we were able to get by easily, most people spoke English as well, with very little challenges and a lot of French joie de vivre.
We found the perfect excursion for our last night there. It was a boat ride that stopped at most of the sights to see, also feeding us a four course dinner. It was an opportunity to see what we had not seen yet, including the Île aux Cygnes and Eiffel tower, which truly takes the breath away. The tower lit up in spontaneous glittering and we felt imbued in its sparkling display.
Needless to say our two days in Paris became a romantic interlude. Je t’aime Paris, until next time.
To love is the greatest gift we’re imparted with, something that’s impossible to summarize through mere words or pictures. It is a timeless treasure from the universe and bestowed within this precious gift one finds through love a deeper and higher truth of self that can be shared with another.
Love the most grandiose of all adventures.
While my usual propensity for adventuring is going solo, I found the perfect travel companion in said love, his name is Bryan 😉 We found on our overseas excursion that we adventure well together, with calm agility and fun intrigue.
Our fist stop on this journey was London for 3 full days, in all its English glory. A city that is etched in heart and mind as one that feels quite homey. With rich cultural heritage that is preserved from eras bygone, along with cheery people speaking our mother tongue.
We stayed the first two nights outside of London in a perfectly picturesque English country village along the Thames. We stayed with Bryan’s dear friend and his significant other, in their cozy home. They welcomed us warmly, our time there was lovely.
Reuniting with people in London is a favorite way to not only explore the city and places to eat, giving us a taste of local life and flavor, but also cherishing the people we know and love in one of the most fabulous cities in the world. We met with many friends throughout the city, including at Beaufort House in Chelsea and Smokey Tails in Hoxton Square. We also spent quality time with a family dear to me. ❤
Delightful every stop along the way.
Enjoying views of the majestic Buckingham Palace and its stately gardens, we strolled through the city, getting lost to find where we were. We came across Hyde park and Kensington gardens. pleasantly surprised with how beautiful, fresh and expansive they were.
All the sights and beauty of London embraced us in a glorious way. It was admirable to see how families and friends gathered in the afternoon for the traditional Sunday roasts, in homes, restaurants, even pubs. We observed phone-less, enthusiastic conversations and took note.
And that was all a prelude……………….. I’ve been saving the best for last. 😉
We stayed at Blakes hotel in London in a pristine white room, with a four poster bed, tv in the mirror, huge antique bathtub, which felt like a dreamy escape. The concierge were jovial and welcoming. The decorum was modernly decadent with a worldly flair.
Romantically, letting the night take us where it would, we ventured out to an exquisite restaurant for a richly flavored dinner that left our tastebuds singing with flavors. Gallivanting through the city afterwards, everything was quiet, almost empty. We stopped at the Shard for for panoramic views atop London.
Walking over the Westminster bridge, there was a feeling of palpable excitement in the air. In the misty night, with droplets of rain falling ever so gracefully, I was calling into life intentions. The moment overcame us and I saw Bryan get down on his knee. I felt the pitter patter of my heart, feeling breathless as I heard him ask “Will you marry me?”.
My heart was beaming, a shocked giddiness overcame us. The incredulousness of the moment came in an outpouring from the soul. It felt as though time stood still, spiraling through eternity as we gave our exclamations of love and devotion to one another and life. A beloved truth that was a known knowing when we first met.
An emphatic YES resounded not only to the question, but to love’s calling. In all the ways it permeates life, through all the realms of having true love and a best friend. Love being the greatest gift we can give, it’s also in the receiving; Opening, being receptive and hearing when love comes beckoning.
I’m beyond grateful for sharing this dream life adventure.
xo,
Nicole
I’ll be back with our travels through France, Italy and Sweden.
It was as though time pulled me into itself. Standing still in such mud-filled, salt floating wonder I beseechingly asked the question. “Aware of awareness, where does it arise from, how is it we consciously experience this finite existence?
The hot dry emptiness and sun’s bright gaze burning away all shadows of doubt. My spirit strengthened as I eclipsed certain parts of myself while wandering. Walking through Masada I questioned how it was such a place was built.
Ein Gedi’s waterfalls enlivening what felt to be joyful liberation and tranquility. Finding a hidden spot to relish the freshness of the waterfalls I felt the ease of the environment soak into me. Such exquisiteness.
I chose Abraham tours for this day of sightseeing. The drive down to the Dead Sea winds with the pressure of going lower and lower and a quiet awe took over everyone on our bus. The dead sea comes into sight it’s cerulean blue amidst the sandy mountain terrain. A place of grandiose beauty filled me with awe struck wonder as the bus went lower. Surreal, it felt like another world, with caves dotting the mountains that hid many secrets.
Sinkholes made the roads impassable at certain points, detouring to new roads that were made. We were duly informed by our fabulous tour guide, that over the past 20 years, due to global warming, the Dead Sea has been drying up 3 meters a year. Spas built 15 years ago are now far away from what once was the shore.
My DIATRIBE:
Such a stunning sea while floating in it, the health benefits from the sulphur to salt to mud are numerous. Yet 100 years from now, will it still be here? It put global warming into a very real perspective.
Because it’s drying up, at the beach I was at, plastics and non biodegradeble materials were stuck in the mud. I went around plucking them up and filling the garbage can, to help in the way I could, to preserve the gorgeousness of the sea.
My mind started reeling. What is happening to the dead sea reinforced the notion that we are not prioritizing for 100-200 years from now, or our next 7 generations. How is it we have allowed the plundering of our resources to such a damaging effect on our planet?
We are polluting our air, soil and water, due to our reliance on fossil fuels and chemicals with no real solutions being offered.
What will happen to our resources? How is it they’ve become privatized and corporatized? Our reliance on fossil fuels is the biggest detriment to our environment and future, yet big money still wages itself in it. There are many more sustainable and green measures we as a race could and should be taking with our current environmental problems.
Hoping we could move into a more sustainable future in the upcoming years, to preserve the beauty of our gorgeous planet.
“You’re not scared to be in Israel based on what they say in the news about the conflict?” I was asked many times. My answer “No, not at all.” My heart felt at home in Jerusalem, a feeling that felt like a deep surge of ancient wisdom. Knowing is hard to explain. Trusting it even more of a challenge. Explaining it can become nonsensical. This journey became a reclamation.
Old City Walls
Old City:
The roots in Jerusalem go deep, winding throughout history with many ideas originated there still circulating throughout our world. Quite an unbelievable place given it’s the epicenter of Abrahamic religions.
Within the old city walls, there are quarters; Jewish, Christian, Muslim and Armenian. A representation of everyone living and working amongst each other within the ancient walls.
I am not religious, but honor the core spiritual tenets religions encompass. I’ve questioned throughout my life what I believe in, which is constantly evolving as I do. Many of the prophets which are at the heart of religions have similar messages: To be a good human.
I felt a release in my heart as I walked by a church singing prayers in Aramaic, such a beautiful sound, it rang like a song. Seeing some of the stations of the cross, feeling the intensity, I was lead to the Western Wall. I didn’t plan to go, it called me to it. Here there were deep prayers happening and some singing, before Shabbat started Friday night.
Touching the wall, leaving my note, I prayed for peace and the thought came to me:
What does peace look like? Honoring traditions and still collectively moving beyond mindsets that separate and cause wars for our future generations to have a healthy existence. Including the mindset of greed that perpetuates the corporate stronghold on our planet which is destroying our natural resources.
I felt a reclamation of unity and what has been lost and fought in the name of religions. I know in my heart there is a peaceful way for us all to live in harmony and many things are collectively dismantling so we can see what the solutions will be.
I found a spot that had wine and cheese, people were gathered outside at tables. Here I met a group of Palestinians. While talking I asked them about the conflict, which from a perspective in the west seems extremely tense. I was told “We’re like cousins, we work together, live together, we come here every day from Bethlehem, the sensationalism in your news is not the way it is over here.” I was invited to go to Bethlehem, next time I visit I most certainly will.
I heard from local Israelis as well a resounding “We all just want to live our lives, hopefully in peace.”
The Holocaust Museum:
The building itself is ingeniously designed, leading from one room to another in a zig zagging way. Inside, the videos, pictures and remnants are intense, sad, horrendous yet important to be seen. Honoring the past and victims, so as history never repeats itself in that way.
I saw this quote, which has been circulating recently, bringing tears to my eyes:
“First they came for the Socialists, and I did not speak out—
Because I was not a Socialist. Then they came for the Trade Unionists, and I did not speak out— Because I was not a Trade Unionist. Then they came for the Jews, and I did not speak out— Because I was not a Jew. Then they came for me—and there was no one left to speak for me.”
~ Martin Niemöller
Perfuniq:
I had my own custom made perfume at Perfuniq, which my flatmate from my airbnb, whom I’ll call Mariella who is so sweet, warm and hospitable, brought me to. Here I met the owner who makes all the scents and his wife, both incredibly nice. It took about an hour, tailored for me to what I liked and my preferences, based on my answers. A proper scent-sation. Such a brilliant place, I loooove my perfume, we decided the name is “The Painted Veil”
Local Jerusalem:
On Saturday to honor Shabbat many places are closed. I went to a local place that was open, meaning not Kosher. I had a delicious dinner and met another American. Our discussion ranging from biology to dark matter, to the quantum enigma and more. Mind blown would be an understatement, my mind was righteously bent after conversing.
Local Jerusalem life felt like home. If you’re ever in Jerusalem I highly recommend staying at Mariella’s place, contact me if so. At this Airbnb, I was invited to eat homemade food with friends and family members of Mariella’s and learned new Israeli recipes which were so scrumptious. Like Israeli salad with cucumbers, tomatoes, onions, olive oil and lemon, so refreshing and tasty. Pita sandwiches with flavorful tahini, pickles and tuna with eggs, veggies and fresh herbs. Pasta that was so fresh tasting, most of the ingredients from the local market with a bit of spiciness that lingered in the garlic sauce.
Sai Baba.
From experience, I understood that family is important to Israeli culture. People have migrated there from all over the world. There is a merging of cultures with similar values; cherishing family, community and tradition.
I talked love, relationships, dating, the world, culture, customs and the process of coming into self-love as a woman in our modern age, with Mariella. Even though we live thousands of miles away, our ideas were of a similar nature. Love in a relationship coming from a healthy place, being patient for the right “him’ to come along. Even if not, being happy with self no matter what. When self care is honored, it means caring for others at full capacity. Reciprocity.
I left at the beginning of Rosh Hashanah, with a sendoff of beautiful wishes and a fresh pomegranate. My intentions were to release all the ways I blundered the past year and welcome with an open heart what will enter for the new year.
Toda Raba
xo,
Nicole
I’ll be posting soon about the Dead Sea and Eilat. Much more of what I experienced will be highlighted in my memoir.
In getting lost, I tend to find more of myself. It’s beyond wandering, it’s a soul calling. Leaving Morocco on an energized note, I had a fabulous, culture-drenched time in such a unique country. The flight to Tel Aviv, I struck up conversation with the person sitting next to me, he was great and gave me a list of local and touristy things to see and do in Tel Aviv. Taking the train into Tel Aviv from the airport was clean, quick and affordable.
I immediately felt an ease being in Tel Aviv. I found my favorite coffee spot, City Cafe which I frequented every morning. Sipping the rich, strong flavor of Israeli coffee one morning, to iced latte the next. The fantastic people there got to know me by name. My vagabond nature grounding in to the habitual aspect of every day living. Sometimes being thousands of miles from home, makes me realize that ultimately home is within.
I had many plans of places to go, yet my spirit needed the sea. The beach had a calming strength to it, one that called me to it day after day. It felt warm and nourishing floating and swimming in the softly rolling waves as the salt, sun and air soaked into me. I had lunches at spots on the coast, watching kids learn how to surf and people enjoying their time. Everyone was super nice and loved showing me what they could about the city, and inviting me along with what they were doing.
On my way to the beach I visited Camel Market, wandering through stands offering gifts, jewelry, fresh foods, juices, olives, cheeses, souvenirs and the likes. Each stand having a unique vibe, playing different music that perks the ears up. Stopping at some to buy fresh foods or little trinkets.
Value was noticeably placed on fresh, seasonal foods, herbs and spices. The freshness and quality of the food blew my mind. I ate at so many phenomenal restaurants. The flavor profiles were fresh, rich, spicy or sweet, with herbs and spices that left lingering taste sensations. There were so many amazing places I stopped at, to go through them all would take up pages. I’ll highlight a few:
North Abraxas: Usually you have to make reservations to eat here, luckily there was one spot at the bar in which I shared conversation and appetizers with those around me. The ambience was perfect, the fish so succulent and moist, freshly caught in a tomato sauce with melted cheese and veggies and scrumptiously spicy. Dipping oven baked bread into the sauce, it was so delicious I couldn’t get enough. I relinquished my normal eating habits of gluten and dairy free while traveling, it was so worthwhile.
Supra: I decided to walk Rothschild Blvd and picked a spot that suited my fancy. I walked by Supra, then came back to it. Walking in it was quiet, I sat at the bar chatting with the awesome staff who were setting up for a party. Within an hour of eating a Georgian dish with meat and rice and blends of spices, the place was packed and there were dancers who took over the place. Inviting me to dance up on the bar, which was AMAZING and way out of my norm.They thought I was professional contemporary dancer and kept inviting me to dance with them, for everyone. What a compliment and so fun!
Emilia Romagna: I was strolling by on my way back from the beach and heard music playing, which was a burst of new tracks that were house, soft bass, disco-ey middle eastern sounding. Ears piqued, I had to stop in. Here I ended up watching the chefs work their magic with chopping, mixing, cooking, breads and mediterranean freshness. I had a salad like a Caprese but with a ball of Buratta cheese, fresh tomatoes, basil and sweet yet tangy Balsamic vinaigrette and oils. Mmmmm.
The old city, Jaffa Port, is 4,000 years old. Walking around, soaking in the ancient grounds, feeling the depths of something deep within remembered. How long humans have created ways to connect to other parts of the world, by sea and ground, importing and exporting, to bring gems of different lands. It’s a gorgeous sight on the sea, from the old city to new city.
I felt such a beachy yet edgy ease in Tel Aviv, so much culture and Hebrew sounded melodious and grounded. If I were to compare to America, I found it to be a blend of NYC, Miami and San Francisco totally Israeli style. Most people spoke English making it easy to get around. The music, wow, the music. Everywhere I went, it was so diverse and dynamic sounding, I was told it’s the music capital of the middle east.
Trusting my instincts meant understanding which step to take next through listening to my heart, mind and soul, when they’re in complete alignment it is like a song, or flow. One that has a different hum and tune wherever I am.
My mind whispered “move, go, stop, talk, play, eat, relax, process, take in the sun, or shade. Do what it is your heart is called to as you venture lands unknown yet familiar, for your inner compass always knows where to go, following it will lead you to your calling.”
xo,
Nicole
I’ll be back with more of my travels through Israel…
When traveling, especially alone, I try to let go of expectations to understand where it is I am. This creates the mystery of adventure and the unexpected. Planning as little as possible except for where to go, I like to live in the spontaneity of what presents itself as opportunity.
TANGIER
Even though more liberal and women have more rights than conservative muslim countries, I made sure to have my shoulders covered and wear trousers. As soon as I landed, unsure of where to go I found the people were very nice and helpful and customs was easier than many countries I’ve traveled to. It just so happened that I arrived in Morocco during their holiday, Eid al-Adha. Which I’m told is like Thanksgiving and they slaughter rams to commemorate. Most stores and restaurants are closed for 3-5 days. My taxi driver proceeded to tell me how it is a celebration. Gratitude. Life.
C’est la vie.
I had a taxi tour guide take me out to the Hercules cave the following day, he was very nice and I highly recommend him if you’re in Tangier for an honest tour. The scenic drive winded around the way, stopping at Cap Spartel and seeing where the Atlantic and Mediterraanean oceans meet, across the way is Gibraltar, Spain. The medina in Tangier along the coast is a spectacular spot inside the medina walls, the Casbah is a well known artists spot with winding narrow streets painted in different colors on the coast.
Fez
I took the train from Tangier to Fez which was easy to navigate and went through the beautiful countryside with olive trees and melon farms along the way. I stayed in a restored Riad, which means palace, that was built in the 1300’s in the medina. Fez is one of the largest pedestrian only old cities in the world. I had a tour guide assigned the following day who was incredible and if you’re in Fez I highly recommend him, his name is Med.
I was taken around the outside of the city to see the wall, and structures and views of the medina, along with another of the King’s palace, museums, parks and Jewish quarter. The mosaic work and architecture are astonishing throughout the city. Everything seemed to be moving and bustling, busy and active once the holiday passed. Loving the handmade ceramics and rugs in the markets, one of a kind pieces can be found.
Another of the tour guides assigned to me then took me to a local home. I was given a taste of the celebration of the holiday, eating amazing Tagine with a family of 4, a husband, wife their child and friend and I, completely Moroccan style. Such a cool experience! I fully stuffed myself with the richness of the flavors, saffron and herbs and oil in which the meat has been cooked in for hours and falls right off the bone, with french fries on top. It is a sensory and tactile experience, eating with the hands, using chunks of bread to pick up the dish with. Relishing the moment.
Marrakech
I took a night bus from Fez to Marrakech, arriving at 4am. Even though the girl sitting next to me didn’t speak english, she shared with me her sandwich and help with where to go. Arabic and French are the main languages of Morocco many also speak Spanish, Berber and English. Navigating was easy through the country, especially when I would ask for help.
I stayed at Riad Palais des Princesses. The inside had gorgeous detail of Moroccan mosaic and colors and felt luxurious in the comfort of the room there. The people were exceptionally helpful and friendly and the breakfast delicious choices from cheeses to crepes and yogurt to fresh figs and juicy apricots. I had a Hamman and massage while there which was so luxurious and relaxing. The medina in Marrakech square was easy to get to and navigate around. I become a flaneuse while traveling, perusing the markets and strolling the sights.
The way people would come together whenever I would ask a question to help me figure it out, was the epitome of what I feel Moroccan community is. People really work together to help.
Advice: As a solo female traveler, it’s important to know boundaries. My advice is to be aware and smart when out in the medina or anywhere. It takes firmness to walk away and say no thank you.
With a blend of African, European and Arabic cultures which make up Morocco, I found it to be a fantastic, exotic experience. I’m so happy it was part of my grand adventure, I would definitely suggest going there.
I’ll be back with my adventures in Tel Aviv and Jerusalem…..
I left London with a bit of nostalgia, the people of the city were so kind and friendly with their charming English way. Yet I would not let feelings of comfort get in the way of my grand adventure. Onwards to Spain.
I was presented with some difficulties arriving at the airport, flying with Ryan Air. I knew I had to pay for my extra baggage, which I was fully prepared to do. Yet I was charged over 200 euros for both flights for not checking in online and my baggage, twice. I let Ryan Air know that was outrageous and thankfully they reimbursed me for half of it.
I arrived to Barcelona on the extremely affordable Aerobus that goes from airport and back for 5-8 euros. I was dropped off near the Gothic center where I was staying. It was warm and sunny with bustling activity in the square with fountains and throngs of people moving every which way. Walking through the small streets in the Gothic area I felt transported into medieval times with the winding, narrow streets with no cars felt like a maze of antiquity. I loved the location of my airbnb, right in the heart of Gothic center. Sleeping like a baby the first night, I ventured out the following morning.
My first stop was La Familia Sagrada, one of the reasons I chose Barcelona as a destination point, being a lover of Antoni Gaudi’s style of modernista and his ingenuis designs. I found the trains in Barcelona relatively easy to use, the people in Spain were nice and warm once they warmed up, and the Spanish there sounds different to the ear then what I’m used to, I found more ease with situations when speaking Spanish, which I know a bit of. Stepping out of the train stop Familia Sagrada meets you and is beyond mammoth and quite astonishing in large towers with carved, intricacy in the facade. I opted for the inside tour, which was mesmerizing with geometrical colors, fractal lights, carvings and intricate braids in the detail. It almost felt like a magical palace in some fantasy land. Quite unreal.
I went to Guell park, on my way there was charging my phone in a cafe and met sisters from Algeria. We sat talking about our travels while our phones charged. One of the many reasons I love traveling, to meet people from all over the world who have their brilliant stories to share. Quell park had more of Gaudi’s colorful architecture. I walked around to take in nature and the quirky, unique structures.
I decided to test myself that evening and made it a commitment to let go of my quick, expectant, insta-have it and went to dinner at a beautiful place that had an outside terrace, phone-less. In this gorgeous upper area I sat, looking around, feeling a bit awkward at first, I relaxed and took in the whole of the environment, seeing how much everyone was enjoying company and the setting. Myself included. The table sitting next to me and I started up a conversation, two couples visiting from Germany. They were exceptionally gregarious and fun. We kept great company for the remainder of the evening. The food was exceptionally fresh seafood that tasted like it was caught that day, our server was sensational. What a brilliant place, taste and experience.
To the beach I must go, I thought to myself, one outside of Barcelona city. There was a train that went to areas along the sea to Sitges, that took about 30 minutes. This became the first time I had actually missed a stop on the train, I realized after a lady came by asking where I was going. It wasn’t just me, there were two girls from South Korea who also missed the stop. We grouped together determined to get to Sitges and hopped on a train going back that way. We AGAIN missed the stop and ended back up in Barcelona, realizing the first train we took didn’t actually stop in Sitges! Quite the back and forth yet once there it was more than worth it.
Sitges was like out of a mediterranean dream, walking through the Catalonian streets to find the beach, I was taken aback by the beauty along the sea, with the softly rolling waves and sun and restaurants, shops and homes up on the hills. A friend had mentioned to stop in Garaff on my way back. Which I’m so pleased I did. It had smaller beaches with less establishments, just as beautiful with cliffs and little cottages. I stopped at another Gaudi structure called Gaudi Garraf which I walked up and through, this was more like a small castle with interesting structures and design.
I walked through the city that evening, in appreciation, for life, for living, for now, and everything bringing me to it. I had released stress I didn’t realize I was carrying until it dissolved. The stress of doing my best to make my life work, so I am my best for self, life and others. I relaxed into the feeling of contentment with exactly how life is, right now, instead of how I’d like it to be different, or in some future reality. For what is meant to, will be. As someone recently said “Work smarter, not harder”
Purpose and Dream 