A GUIDE TO VISITING IOS, GREECE

The truth is when the world mentions Greece, most of us think “Santorini” as if to say it was the only island worth visiting. Today is not about Santorini but about another little gem Ios. Ios is an island in cyclades group in the Aegean Sea. Ios is only about 18km long and 10km wide. If there is one thing that the island is known for is that it is a party island. I went to Ios as part of a trip where I visited other islands in the group from Santorini to Mykonos (Stay tuned for my write-up on these other islands). Below is my visual diary of what I got up to on the island #Enjoy

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Arriving by ferry to Ios

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Enroute to our hotel

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A view from the balcony in my stunning hotel (Dionysos Seaside Resort)

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My room at the hotel

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My gem of a hotel – DIONYSOS

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How I spent my day (Relaxing)

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Beach vibes at the Milopotas beach a short walk from my hotel

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Milopotas beach

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My favourite restaurant in Ios (You literally pick the fish you want cooked from the sea) 

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Some of the amazing heavenly food delicacies 


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Me and my travel partners at Drakos

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Almyra by the sea

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One of the many divine seafood meals in Ios

What I loved about Ios: The seafood (especially the restaurant Drakos) was just AMAZING. And our hotel, it was such a little gem that I would love to replicate once I open my own hotel (some day, some day lol)

What I didn’t like: The island was somewhat taken over by children i.e. teenagers who were seeking freedom so was a little bit irritating in some locations on the island.

Would I go back: For the food, 100%

Travel Tip: Book your ferry to the islands in advance to avoid any disappoint as they get very packed especially in the summer months

Getting Around: Some people rent cars but we simply booked cabs given we were only on the island for 2 days. I don’t think it’s necessary to rent a car on the island as least for us as we walked around a lot as we were close to beaches and restaurants.

Hope you enjoyed my write-up on Ios. And hopefully it inspired you somewhat. Do let me know if you have any questions.

7 Kinds of Men Who Do Not Deserve Your Attention

Finding the right potential partner in life is like searching for a needle in a haystack. It is not impossible but I can certainly testify that it can be a difficult, time exhausting and sometimes painful process. It is clear to all of us that perfection does not exist and that there are indeed no perfect people out there. But we can all also testify that there are some men out there that are not worth giving your time of day to (For the men, don’t forget to read my piece on the women to steer clear of). Those are the ones that I am about to enlighten you on. This is my attempt to assist you in saving you some time and of course sanity. Here they are:

1. THE DRUNK

If you are not into this type of guy and you spot him, don’t waste your time thinking you can change him. Filter him out asap. Some of them hide it on the first few dates but that’s just for as long as you can keep a fish out of water alive. When he starts showing you telltale signs of always getting drunk, you need to exit the scene. And like I said, if you are not naturally into the drunk ones – stay away.

2. THE CHEAP FELLOW

A guy does not need to be rich to pay up his bills, he only needs to be responsible. A guy who constantly feels lazy about paying his own bills or even for at least his own portion of the meal at the table should be far away from the potential list. If a guy is really into you, he should naturally want to pay the bills for the date (you may disagree but each to their own). If not because he wants to impress you with his ability to provide for you, he will do it out of manners. I wouldn’t entertain anyone who signals me to pay up for everything when the bill arrives especially without prior notice.

3. THE GHOST

You know next to nothing about this guy. You have zero information about his family, friends and even colleagues (even his google search comes up with “Your search – MYSTERY MAN – did not match any documents). He is a mysterious stranger. Relationships with a man without a past hardly ever ends happily. Moreover why would you want to endanger yourself by getting involved with someone who hides things about himself from you?

4. THE VOLCANO

If you have seen the movie “The perfect Guy”, you would remember how Michael Ealy was the all smooth-talking and charming guy for the first part before his temperament got the better of him. A man’s temper is part of the things to watch in the first few days. A good guy will listen to you and communicate effectively even if you do not agree on the same issues. The volcano guy will bitch and throw tantrums and sooner or later, he may hit you. Save your future self the headache and bruises. You don’t want that guy (I hope so).

5. THE DICTATOR

This is the authoritarian. He is the one to tell you the right amount of make-up you need, the jewelry you must not wear and even food to eat. He is usually aggressive and controlling and will tell you “it is for your own good”. If he dictates to you what you need to do at every time, you are dealing with a tyrant. Steer clear.

6. THE DAFFODIL

This is the attention seeker. He always craves attention (i.e admiration), no matter what the company may be. He often interrupts others, sprinkles jokes (not always witty) and sure enough, he is going to be angry if there is no response or laughter from you. The main object of his interest, is not you, but himself.

7. THE ONE WHO IS MARRIED TO HIS JOB

True enough a man needs to be dedicated to his job and most times having a solid career is often his biggest priority. However it is important that he knows the word “balance”. If he finds it hard to balance his work and personal life and he is not willing to learn how to, you may have issues on your hands. He may never be ready. If he wants to be with you, he has to find time for you (if you can survive without attention, you can stay).

 

You might think to yourself that many men hold some of the attributes above but truth is also that many don’t. However the truth is we all compromise in life and the best way to ensure we come out happy is that we evaluate what really matters to us. And not just what matters to us today but what will matter to our future self. Only when we are able to do this can we actually steer clear of danger.

Did I miss out on any men women should steer clear of? Let me know them as am sure you’ve all had experience of them.

Image: Pinterest

Why we all need to stop with the New Year’s Resolutions

It is the first week of the year and many of us have started putting into action all our new year’s resolutions we spent the month of December constructing. From losing weight to spending more time with our families to being more present in our day to day lives, they go on and on. It has been many years since I participated in this yearly ritual that the world refuses to let go of. To be honest, I hate New Year’s resolutions for many reasons but the main reason being that they never truly last. One popular resolution for many is to lose weight in the New Year and YES! Many gyms see their memberships soar high in January but attendance falls drastically from February onwards till pre-summer.

For those that don’t know, I used to be a chubby teenager. I didn’t care much for my appearance until I stepped into university. I remember watching an episode of “The Oprah Winfrey Show” where Oprah showcased a book titled “The Sonoma Diet”. Even though the book was titled with the word “diet”, the book was about lifestyle and mindset change. It revolved around making realistic changes that could actually stand the test of time. Till today, I still do the Sonoma diet and will humbly say, I still look pretty good 🙂

So what is the point of my chubby story? It’s simple. Lasting change I believe occurs when we create personal mindset changes. And this change does not have to start on January 1st of every year. It really should start silently and quietly with you and only you. It should start without a worldly date in mind; it should start when you want and most importantly when you are truly READY for the change.

I can see why the beginning of the year can seem synonymous with new resolutions but bear in mind that the beginning of any week, day, hour or minute can also seem synonymous with new resolutions too. Just because the world is making resolutions on January 1st doesn’t mean you have to follow the herd and feel pressured to do what you may not even be ready for. My words for you this New Year is that you should not wait till any worldly beginnings to decide when to “BEGIN” YOU. And when you do decide to make changes to your life, focus on mindset changes that will change your life not only for the moment or the year but for a lifetime.

What are your thoughts on New Year’s resolutions? Perhaps you disagree with my perspective? Do share your thoughts.

8 things you must do in your 20s if you care about being successful

It has been said that the majority of successful people today had no clue what they wanted to do with their lives at the age of 30. This statement I believe is very misleading as it may lead us to believe that successful people just waltz through 20s not caring and not actively contributing to their future. The truth is the majority of successful people did things (perhaps unconsciously) in their 20s that prepared them for the success they built later on in their lives.

Finding success and enjoying it till you’re old and gray means starting early. Here are 8 things you must achieve in your 20s and if you are past that age, then you should strive to achieve them (as it’s never too late). They are:

1. SET UP A LEMONADE STAND

In our 20s we tend to have many ideas (some ludicrous) that are destined to fail but my point here is that you try and bring these ideas to life anyway. Don’t doubt yourself, instead follow your passion. It is important to know that you will learn more from failure than from success. And the more you fail in more 20s, the likelihood that you will succeed later on.

2. TRAVEL

There are people in their 40s that have never stepped out of their state of birth. In your 20s, your back can still tolerate hostel beds and you should be fine eating N200 suya for dinner so you can travel on the cheap in ways that elderly people just cannot anymore. Go places and go alone at least once. Traveling will open you up to new experiences, new ideas and new people that can inspire you in ways you never imagined. Seeing beyond your doorstep is a sure step to becoming successful.

3. BUILD YOUR CIRCLE

Building healthy relationships with loved ones is important. Now is the time to spot and drop fair-weather friends and pick ones that will be there through thick and thin. Ensure to support your support system. Make an effort to remember birthdays, holidays, and important events of your loved ones. Whether you like it or not, a time is coming when you would not really have the time to do this as often.

4. READ

You might say what about all the reading you did at school? I am not talking about academics here. Take time to read current news, non-fiction, fiction, career advice, self-help books — anything! This will keep your mind stimulated and open to ideas. Most noteworthy is that reading is a stimulus for growth so start reading!

5. DISCOVER YOURSELF

Your 20s are the period to invest in self knowledge. What makes you happy? Can you identify the causes that motivate you? What do you want to achieve in life? All these and more are questions you need to find answers to in your 20s. Learn who you are and what defines you. Your 20s are useful years for understanding yourself better so invest in that self knowledge.

6. LEARN A TRADE

I know the advice to “follow your passion” can be alluring but it is important to remember the benefits of mastering a set of skills/trade. Whether or not this skill is related to your career is irrelevant. Remember that no knowledge is lost and this skill can lead to new beginnings or an alternative source of income.

7. LEARN TIME AND MONEY MANAGEMENT

If you can master at this early stage “the delicate art form of planning ahead & budgeting your time and financial resources”, you will save yourself considerable stress over the course of your life. This will in turn make you become a better employee, parent, friend and lover in your later years.

8. EAT WELL

The truth is gone are the days when donuts, chips, and soft drinks can pass as a full day’s meal. Even if eating well takes a little more time and effort, your future self will thank you when you find yourself maintaining your energy and healthy body at this early age. Therefore, learn new recipes and treat yourself to healthy meals as often as possible. 

These are my own opinions on things that must be done in one’s 20s to achieve success. Perhaps you disagree, share your thoughts. 

Image: Jumia Travel

The Forbidden Fruit: Office Romance – To take a bite or not

Oh geez, we have all been here (some more often than others). In present times, where most people spend the bulk of their time at work, the temptation to start an office romance is very alluring. You spent most of your days with these people in sight. You go on company retreats, you hang around together after work for a drink (or one too many drinks). It’s easy to get know them on a more intimate basis (You get to kill 2 birds with one stone). These people totally get you and the pressures of your job. So naturally, it is easier to build relationship with them.

With the tinder-world (a world filled with such abyss) upon us, you might say its better dating co-workers because there are a lot of  “creeps” (both men and women) out there in the world; dating and falling for someone you work with is a lot easier and safer than trying to meet a new person in clubs, bars, etc.

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Image: zalora.sg

So you get into an office romance and you think it’s a private affair (Oh, is it really?). You do not want anyone to know just yet but one glance from both of you can give you up and then someone is pointing fingers, yeah who spilled the beans? Can you handle the sometimes ridiculing looks from your colleagues?

One side of your brain should tell you that your romantic involvement will impact your co-workers directly. If you sit together in the company cafeteria, will people now feel they should give you privacy? Will they exclude you from certain conversations, because they don’t know what you’ll tell your new love during your bed-time conversations? Could it actually hinder your career growth?

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Image: yte.educ.ubc.ca

I know you think love conquers all but you need to think it through before diving into it. Have you weighed your pros and cons? Is it worth it? Think of a scenario where you become involved with someone in your department, and you receive a promotion and you’re in a relationship with your subordinate. This opens up the possibility of blackmail, favouritism and the works. And what happens when it comes to conducting reviews and disciplining your new-found honey? I know you may not want to imagine this scenario but trust me this is one of the important things you need to think about before falling for any of your co-workers.

Before I leave you, you need to know that having an office romance can also lead to potential legal consequences. For example, if one party wants to end the relationship but the other one does not, a sexual harassment claim may come up. This seems far fetched but it happens more often than not. Please, we both know that is better imagined than experienced.

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One last thing, if it comes down to it can you leave your job for him/her? Think this one through…

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Image: whitehouse.gov1

Okay forgive me, I promise you I am not being a spoil sport and in all sincerity some office romances might actually be the real thing but you need to play your cards right and go with your head. Think about it and do not just get carried away by the warmt and fuzzy feelings. Weigh up the options. Some office romances may build your career whilst others break them down. Choose wisely.

Would you engage in an office romance? If so, why? and if you have any horror or cinderella stories, please share, everyone loves a good story.

7 women every man should avoid

You see, men often get blamed for ruined relationships or having personality traits that make it almost impossible to sustain healthy relationships. But the truth is, men aren’t always the ones to blame for the death of many relationships, women are.

Here I am with a secret list that shows men the type of women they should steer clear of, if they are trying to pursue successful relationships. I can see the ladies rolling their eyes at me already. Instead of rolling your eyes, take this as a help guide to guide you about the traits you should drop at the door before engaging in trying to find Mr Right.

1. MS. RIGHT

 While the portrayal may make you scratch your head, I promise you it is worlds away from what you are thinking because this is Ms. Right = Ms. Always Right or Ms. Has To Be Right. This beautiful lady can have a host of great qualities and characteristics but she has a dogmatic character for being correct that turns off any man and turns any relationship into a disaster. She has to be right about anything and everything to the point that your slightest word had better be in agreement with hers. If you disagree or prove her wrong, there is hell to pay. While her great qualities may make you want to hang in there and overlook her excesses, Ms. Right is one of the types that cannot be changed. Sorry bro but the best you can do is to avoid her if you cannot handle this trait long-term. She is proud, arrogant and uncompromising when it boils down to other people’s views.

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2. THE CONTROL FREAK

Now this lady is just a seat away from the first lady. For this woman, her perfect relationship is less about compatibility and compromise but it is more about having someone that does everything she declares. The only way she can be happy is if she has complete control over situations which wrecks all opportunities for freedom, romantic surprises and, you know, a man to love out of his own free will.

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Image: mydreamcatalyst

3. THE MOTHER GOOSE

If she is always fixing your hair and tucking in your shirt, you’re the victim of a Mother Goose. Although she may have good intentions and be awesome in many other ways, her motherly instincts will eventually drive you up the wall. She may not be a lost cause, as some women can be taught to stop “cosseting” you. However, if you’ve talked to her about it a few times and she still can’t resist the urge to spit on a tissue to remove a spot from your face, you might have to go your separate ways, unless you can handle it, which I doubt.

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Image: mpcshows

4. THE INSECURE/JEALOUS TYPE

We all struggle with some level of insecurities but some people struggle more than others. Yes, I can hear you saying everyone gets jealous but wait, when you are repeatedly hear questions like “you like her?”, “why is edible catering calling you?”, “why doesn’t your Facebook say you are in a relationship?”, “it took you 15 minutes to get home, google map says it takes only 12mins, where were you?”. Ermmmm nuts right? I thought so too.

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5. THE GOLD DIGGER

All men have experienced the effort to bring together their physical, mystical and financial aspects. In the process of courting, you will pay for flowers, go out to the movies, and lay the world out before her. However, while you spend with emotion and desire, make sure your new lady is enjoying you and not just your money. Gold diggers will eventually show their colors when they begin expecting you to pay for all their bills. Do you really want a woman who only sees you as a dollar sign or an ATM? (And maybe you don’t mind?)

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Image: clutchmagonline

 

6. THE PASSIVE AGGRESSOR

This one reeks danger. She is unable to tell you how she feels so she acts out her feelings, which will surely confuse you. When she’s passive, it may seem alluring but that indifference will eventually turn back into violence when she feels she isn’t getting what she wants. Run forest run!

             

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7. THE DRAMA MOMMA

She takes minor provocations as personal attacks. She will throw others under the bus (including you) to get what they “deserve”. This woman my friend is the drama momma; It reeks drama everywhere she goes. She always believes she’s been victimized and she ensure you hear very sordid detail. But the drama isn’t necessarily the dangerous side of this kind of woman (And really: A woman isn’t “dramatic” because she’s emotional. Emotions are healthy). Her problem is the underlying belief that it is always everyone else’s fault. This woman is to be avoided because she cannot comprehend the meaning of taking responsibility for her actions. She might even have a clinical condition, just saying.

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Image: daz3d

Keeping all the above in mind, we should all be mindful of the reality we in; that relationships aren’t about finding perfection (experience has thought us all that it doesn’t exist). Relationships are about finding imperfect people who are aware of their flaws and weaknesses, people who are working to become better version of themselves for both parties. Bonne Chance!

Are you in a relationship with any of the listed or even better still, if you’re a lady and you found yourself in the list, do you agree that men should avoid you?

 

The Pros and Cons to dating an expat

Here in Lagos, aside from the likes of the “Dangotes” (aka one of Nigeria’s super wealthy families) who to be honest are not within reach of most, the next best targets for dating are expats. Expats to be honest are within reach for almost any class in Nigeria hence why you sometimes have to do a double take when you see the kinds of women you see on dates with these men (you know exactly what I mean so I won’t spell it out). So lets jump into it, the pros and cons to dating an expat.

PRO 1: Financial Stability

Lets not pretend we don’t all want this. Who wants to slave for the rest of their lives? We know expats receive housing allowance, travel allowance, grocery allowance and even get their salaries probably delivered to their USD or GBP accounts abroad (and this is at a minimum). With the current economic situation in our country, this reason has never been truer.

PRO 2: That passport

  We all love our green naija passport but let us be honest with ourselves. If someone offered you a UK, Italian or American passport, would you say no? I’ll leave that there.

CON 1: When they are hot, they are hot. When cold, cold as ICE

  I feel expats love hard…they live far away from home so when they find a Nigerian partner they vibe with, they love hard but…yes BUT, the moment they fall out of love, that’s IT (there is no changing their mind). So perhaps best to get the most whilst in it because you never know how numbered your days are.

CON 2: Three-way love story

  Most expats had a life before they moved into the country. Some had wives, children, long term girlfriends…some of them decided not to move with them because of various reasons. And here you are falling in love with someone that may still be in love with someone else miles away. Who knows whether you are just a place holder, filling space until….

I have only mentioned a few pros and cons. I am sure some of you lovely readers have dated expats so please show us the way…what were the pros and cons when you sidelined your brothers/sisters and jumped on the expat bandwagon? 🙂

A GUIDE TO VISITING Bwari Pottery Village

Truth is I ventured to Abuja to visit a friend for a long weekend with little expectation. A fellow junkie traveller of mine had mentioned that there was a pottery centre near the Nigerian Law School that was worth visiting. So I dragged my reluctant friend along in an Uber and set on the 35 minute journey to Bwari to see what this pottery village was all about. Here is my journey:

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Quick pit stop to admire the beauty around 

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Approaching the pottery village. The Nigerian Law School in Bwari was a few hundred metres away from the pottery village

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Yay, we arrived but sure that last mile was a bumpy ride.

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The workshop at the village where the owner “Stephen Myha” met with us and gave us a free tour of the village and educated us in the process of pottery 

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My potter gadget 

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Off to the kiln

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Chilling by the Kiln. Its impressive how they use traditional techniques to ascertain the temperature and define where exactly products go.

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Local products used to color products. Stephen explained to us that all raw materials for creating the products are sourced locally (This is what we need in Nigeria)

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Yours truly making her own “Sassy” branded bowl which I have to pick up once processed.

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The gems
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Gems for sale at very reasonable prices

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A shot with my travel companion.

What did I like?: Everything about the village. Such an authentic environment and process. Also the drive from Abuja (not too long).

What I didn’t like?: I didn’t get to see the furnace and painting in operation. But I believe I could have called in advance to find out timings.

Would I go back?: Not necessarily unless my mission was to buy products for my future house. Nevertheless it was a lovely day out and would recommend it to anyone visiting the area.

Do you know of other gems like this which are “off the beaten path” that we all should definitely explore either here in Nigeria or abroad?

Check our my video diary here.

How to date in cosmopolitan cities like Lagos

Lagos, Nigeria is a city of Love Love Love….I LIE. Lagos is not for the faint-hearted. This highly populated city will chew innocence out of you and you will look back reminiscing on how dumb you were. Dating in lagos takes skills, skills you better learn quick and hopefully not through experience. That quote about how experience is the best teacher doesn’t work here. Listening to other people’s experience is the best teacher. Learning from the mistakes of others is the best teacher. Here are my own tips to dating in Lagos:

TIP 1: Date silently

Just because you are dating doesn’t mean you need to announce it on a radio station. Are you to first to go on a date??

TIP 2: Date quietly

As much as Lagos has some really well known cool spots to hang out i.e. Maison Farenheit, Eko Hotel, Angel Villa….Please AVOID them all. Look for unknown new spots to explore. You don’t want to be bumping into everyone whilst you are trying to figure out whether this hottie is the real deal or not. You know how Lagosians spread rumours and thrive on GIST aka GOSSIP. Please avoid being on the first page.

TIP 3: Ask blunt/Straight-to-the-point questions on the 1st or 2nd Date (I prefer 1st)

      Questions such as:

  • Are you married or divorced?
  • Do you have kids?
  • Are you currently seeing anyone?
  • Where are you in your life now when it comes to relationships?

You may disagree with me but you are setting yourself up for tears and “whys” if you don’t do yourself a favour and ask ALL the above. We all know that married men are out on the prowl as a norm so please be smart.

TIP 4: Clarify what dating is

Lagos is not the city to make assumptions (#MakeZeroAssumptions). I mean, some people date 10 people at once and see no big deal in doing so. Just enlighten yourself as to what you are getting yourself into.

TIP 5: Don’t be quick to fall in love

This tip is for the childish ones. What do you know about love? You meet him, he spends on you, flies you on a private jet, pays for your mother’s bill and suddenly you are in love. Abeg snap out of it. You might love all these things he does for you but is that love?

TIP 6: Options

Until you are in an exclusive relationship, you are a free agent. I hope you can hear me loud and clear, a FREE AGENT. #KeepYourOptionsOpen. Also keep this fact to yourself.

TIP 7: Live your life

Here I am telling you to not change your full schedule in anticiapation of this guy. Live your life full and proud. Don’t suddenly ditch all your plans to make room for him. Nothing is more attractive than a woman with her own life and vibe.

#SassyKeepingItReal #DateWisely

PLEASE share some tips that have helped or that have perhaps saved you from a lifetime of misery in your dating saga!!

 

A GUIDE TO Visiting a Masai village in Kenya

Visiting a Masai village I believe is top 5 of must-dos in the Masai Mara. Seeing how true locals live was certainly important to me on my trip in Kenya. After a great day looking for lions and watching a lion hunt and kill his prey, we took a long drive far deep into the Masai Mara to visit a village. Below is my visual diary:


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Arriving at the Masai village

 

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Once we arrived at the village, we were introduced to the village chief after which we were taught a chant and dance.

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Watching the men perform a traditional jumping dance.

 

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A home in the village in construction. Women are in charge of the construction of the houses which are made from mud, sticks, grass, cow dung and cow’s urine (Talk about making the most of one’s own resources).

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The finished product: How homes look like upon final construction.

 

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The interior of the home with my smiley self.

 

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The bed and kitchen shelves made of sticks and animal skin.

 

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Shopping in the Masai village….Expensive so prepare your bargaining hat ready.

 

What I loved: In depth, fun tour of the Masai people..just over an hour long

Interesting fact: A lot of tourists have been known to take on Masai men as lovers and taken them back to the US, UK etc leaving some of these men’s wifes as widows. Consequently, other Masai men that remained in the villages have been known to take on additional wives to compensate.

Would I go back?: No but only because I believe its one of those things you tick off the box. Nevertheless I very much enjoyed the tour and would recommend it to others.

 

Have you visited a Masai village before? Were you impressed? I would love to hear your experience