#SASSYFUNKE – Page 15 – Travel – Flight Reviews

November 15, 2016April 7, 2017

THE SEYCHELLES BUCKET LIST

Truth is the Seychelles is one of those destinations where honeymooners ventures on holiday and don’t really do much except stay on their resort, eat and sleep all day. I went to the Seychelles as part of a family holiday and as always, I made sure I kept myself busy (Why would I travel so far to SLEEEP?? No, not me. I can sleep peacefully in Lagos; thats actually debatable). Here are my favourite highlights from my trip to inspire you to visit the Seychelles:

1. VANTAGE POINT FROM VICTORIA, SEYCHELLES

There were many vantage points in the Seychelles but this was one of my favorites.

2. VISIT TO THE TEA FACTORY

Located in Mahe, this tea factory established in 1962 is responsible for growing and manufacturing tea in the seychelles. You can discover here how Seychelles’ tea is made. From the tea factory, one can also enjoy panoramic views of the western slopes of Mahé.

3. CATAMARAN FOR THE DAY

This is no doubt a perfect way to not only relax and get some watersports into your day but its also a perfect way to visit other the many island in the Seychelles.

4. VISIT TO TORTOISE ISLAND

We visited the Praslin island which was home to many many giant tortoises. I particularly enjoy feeding these creatures.

5. VISIT TO THE HINDU TEMPLE

Interesting is that Hinduism is the second largets religion in the Seychelles. The Arulmigu Navasakti Vinayagar Temple is the first and the only Hindu temple in Seychelles. I didn’t visit inside the temple but the exterior of the temple was no doubt stunning.

6. MANGROVE WALK IN PRASLIN ISLAND

Such a great way to see nature at its finest. An unspoilt island with many beautiful plants and animals.

7. VIEW FROM THE RECEPTION OF FOUR SEASONS

8. THE VIEW OF OUR VILLA AT THE FOUR SEASONS (SPOT THE OTHER VILLAS)

9. BATHROOM TO DIE FOR ANYONE? FOUR SEASONS

10. VISIT TO THE MISSON RUINS OF VENN’S TOWN, A UNESCO WORLD HERITAGE SITE

11. SUNSET AT THE FOUR SEASONS

12. THE VIEWS LANDING IN THE SEYCHELLES

To say the Seychelles is stunning is an understatement and one truly has to see it with one’s own eyes to believe it.

Hope I was able to inspire you to visit The Seychelles. If you have any questions re: tips or what to do in the Seychelles, please feel free to ask.

October 1, 2016November 29, 2016

SASSY IN MOROCCO: MY 13 HIGHLIGHTS

I went to Morocco earlier this year to celebrate by birthday. Rather than bore you with an essay on Morocco, I have decided to put together the 12 best of my bests. These 12 highlights were moments/places that were memorable for me and hopefully will inspire you to visit Morocco. Hope you enjoy!

1. MAJORELLE GARDEN

This is a stunning botanical garden in Marrakech. The garden is owned by Yves Saint -Laurant. It contains a lovely cafe which allows you to take your time to soak in the beauty of this garden. This garden is a stunning place and a must for all especially those looking for a great photo opportunity.

2. SHOPPING AT THE MEDINA

You get a chance to step back in time at the medina where you can find alleys that make you think you are in a different era. It can be very hectic in the medina so ensure to mentally prepare yourself and dress appropriately as there will be lots of walking and haggling.

3. SPICE SHOP

If you’re into spices, I ask that you go to a spice shop. You will act like a kid in a candy store and leave with more candy than you prepared for.

4. THE LEATHER TANNERY

If you able to withstand the smell of animal poop then you’re prepared. I spent a few hours watching how leather was produced. I think this is also a must for Morocco.

5. CAMEL RIDING

Why not?

6. LUNCH AT THE ROYAL MANSOUR HOTEL

What an hotel! What a lunch! STUNNING STUNNING AND DELICIOUS!!…please go and spend an afternoon there.

7. TAKING OVER AN OLIVE STALL IN THE MEDINA

You know I had to do this lol

8. VISIT TO THE SPA AT THE ROYAL MANSOUR

In number 6., I already told you to visit this hotel. The hotel spa is worth a visit but you don’t necessarily have to book a treatment as the price may be off putting but if money is no option, by all means book one and let us know how it went.

9. DINNER AT THE JAD MAHAL

Ok I loved this place that I went twice, maybe thrice in a space of a week. In the evening, you get the works from belly dances to fire dances. The food is also stunning. Please book here in advance as the restaurant can get full very quickly. Did I mention that it turns into a mini nightclub after dinner?

10. DAY TRIP TO ESSAOUIRA

What a perfect day out. I booked this trip with my hotel and oh my, it was a perfect seaside day.

11. WALKS IN THE MAIN SQUARE

Walks in the main square were eventful especially at night when the snake charmers were in operation. So many unique entertaining sites to see.

12. VISITING A WOMEN’S CO-OP WHERE ARAGAN OIL IS MADE

It was nice watching the production of aragan oil which is a highly seeked oil across the world.

13. SIGHTING GOATS STANDING ON TREES

On my tour bus to Essaouira, I thought I was going crazy when I say about 15 goats on top of one tree. Apparently they feed off the tree. This is worth checking out.

To be honest I had many more bests but I guess with these things, you can over do it. Are there other bests that you feel I have missed? Let me know if you have any questions for me!!

August 30, 2016April 7, 2017

CHECKING IN: Four Seasons Resort Seychelles

To date, this is probably one of my favourite holiday destinations and it wasn’t even for my honeymoon (not that I have had one to date anyways). I spent 6 nights at the Four Seasons Resort in the Seychelles and it was divine. From the rooms to the scenery to the service, I could not fault much or could I? hmmm read more and enjoy the Four Season’s through my eyes:

ACCOMODATION

The beautiful villa (above). The whole resort was a combination of villas and private homes each hidden between trees. The villa I stayed in above was the standard villa. The entire villa had an built sound system which was impressive.

Another view of this gorgeous living space. Daily, the resort delivered treats specially made by the chef for complimentary consumption.

The bathroom was everything (with a view our private pool in sight). I connected with nature 🙂

VIEW FROM THE SPA

The view from the Spa located at the top of the resort which ensured that the best view of the resort was from the Spa. I had a spa treatment and I was impressed by the level of service personnel but the quality of the treatment itself was debatable.

THE RESORT’S PRIVATE BEACH

Trust me to engage in a photoshoot at the hotel’s private beach. The resort has vast complimentary watersports which I also engaged in. Snokerling was certainly the best activity I embarked on and I was amazed by the many species I encountered.

MAIN POOL & BAR AREA

Pooltime any anyone??

FOOD

Food is the one thing that I believe was certainly over-priced at the resort; The reason being that most food on the island was actually imported and very few products were manufactured on the island.

What I loved: The accommodation i.e. Villas were simply amazing. I could not fault the rooms. From the amazing sound systems to the stunning pool.

What could be better: The food. I am a foodie so naturally critical of food. The food wasn’t bad but if you’re like me in that when you indulge in food, you want it to be super worth it then you may be a bit disappointed. Also, food at the resort was very expensive as I mentioned earlier.

Would I go back: It’s certainly an ideal resort for a honeymoon or even a girl’s retreat so as long as my bank account is happy, it is certainly a possibility.

What is the most important thing you value when you spend time at a luxury hotel? I mean the one thing if you didn’t have, you would feel you wasted your money. Is it the service or the food quality or something else? Share your thoughts below!

August 28, 2016November 29, 2016

Hanoi – A Visual Diary

Hanoi is the capital of Vietnam and known for its centuries-old architecture and a rich culture with Southeast Asian, Chinese and French influences. I was in Hanoi for 2 nights and here is my visual diary (because sometimes words aren’t just enough):

THE STREETS

Typical street in buzzing Hanoi. This picture was taken at 7am in the morning before the hustle and bustle began.

Some yummy sugar-filled street food anyone?

THE ACCOMODATION

We stayed at the Essence Hanoi Hotel & Spa an incredible hotel. I was impressed by how nice this hotel was in terms of the little details, the decor of the rooms and the service. At times unknown name brands are the way to go #DontBeASnobIfItsNotAFourSeasons

CULTURE VISITS

With the crew visiting the famous Temple of the Jade Mountain which is on the beautiful Ho Hoan Kiem lake.

Exploring artefacts at the temple

The tourist in me here visiting St. Joseph’s cathedral in Hanoi

THE FOOD

Some interesting and extremely cheap street food in Hanoi slushed down with some Hanoi beer. I felt food in Hanoi was very fresh and tasted somewhat healthy compared to food in the west.

Downtime at the beautiful (I mean STUNNING) Sofitel Legend Metropole Hotel, Hanoi #PureLuxury and the drinks and service here was simply DIVINE. Did I mention that the hotel is an award-winning colonial and neo-classical luxury hotel?

Drinks at the Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi #Yummmmm

I forgot to mention that one of my highlights in Hanoi was actually the nightlife. There were many little bars and clubs, some very well hidden, all with influences from the west with regard to music.

What did I love about Hanoi: The culture, the food and how affordable things were. The people were also super warm. Not sure Hanoi receives many dark coloured sisters so I got stares but warm stares at that.

What did I hate: Not staying longer. You know that feeling when you get a dose of something great and in a flash its gone…yes that feeling.

Would I go back: Hell YES!!!

Have you been to Vietnam before? If so, what did you love about it the most? Share with us other Sassy adventurous readers 🙂

August 27, 2016November 29, 2016

Single but still went to the Maldives

Maldives is certainly a destination known for honeymooners but given I was in Singapore studying my Masters for a few months and flights were not expensive, I thought why not? Maybe it would be a great way to scout whether or not I wanted to spend my future honeymoon here. Scroll down for what I got up to and my decision on whether I would come here for my future honeymoon:

Watching the sunset was a definite must.

We stayed at the luxury resort Adaaran Hudhuran Fushi, Maldives. There were options to stay in these beautiful villas or lands huts at the resort. Truth is my bank account could only afford huts lol #NeedToWinTheLottery #WithExpensiveTastesLikeMine

Explored nature on the island. How amazing is this tree formation??!!

With another sassy soul #MissAdela Did I mention we took a weekend break from classes in Singapore for a weekend in the Maldives? We still had to hand in our assignments by Monday!! #Multitaskers

Of course, no beach holiday is complete without water sports. From Kayaking to Surfing to Jet skiing, there were a lot of activities to do at the resort.

What I loved: The views (To die for), The little sharks i saw

What I didn’t like so much: The food (I am a foodie and really picky, the buffet selection was fresh but nothing mind blowing)

Would I go back: Well not necessarily unless I was on my honeymoon. I feel the allure of the Maldives is for couples on their honeymoons. I was a bit bored after 2 days. I would want to try somewhere else like Bora Bora. Why go somewhere twice when you have the whole world to explore 🙂

Have you been to the Maldives before and what did you love the most about it?

July 30, 2016November 29, 2016

How to haggle in Marrakech

Marrakech is a major city in Morocco here in our beautiful continent of Africa. I went to Marrakech and I realized that everyone that visits Marrakech leaves with a degree “A Phd in Bargaining”. Moroccans make Nigerians look like they only got taught bargaining at primary school. Here are my top tips on how to haggle/bargain in Marrakech.

1. Vendors Price

Pay zero attention to the First price the vendor calls out. You can laugh as a sign of acknowledgement to let him know that that price was certainly a joke…an expensive but very funny joke. To let let this price anchor you or affect your final price.

2. Ask for the Vendor’s final price

As in (1) above, pay zero attention and laugh

3. Your Offer

Your next offer has nothing to do with the first offer by the vendor. On average your offer should be between 5-10% of offer in (2)

4. Digress

Start paying attention to another product in the vendor stall and start pricing that instead

5. Leave

Tell the vendor how much you like the products but too expensive but you will be back tomorrow.

6. Shop post 6pm

Try and make purchases in the evening when vendors are worn out from all the haggling degrees they gave out during the day.

7. Say You’re African

Tell the vendor you are also African hence family so he/she shouldn’t give you the price for foreigners as we all know the deal.

Perhaps you have also been to Marrakech and have some bargaining tips to offer, Do share xx

May 1, 2016November 24, 2016

Why I am AWED by Tiwa Savage and why YOU should be too!

I am not sure which rock you have been hiding under if you haven’t heard about the Tiwa Savage saga (I am addressing my African people here but possibly my international people too since Tiwa Savage is one of Nigeria’s biggest stars). Tiwa has been trending on Twitter for the past few days. I will try and sum up why here.

Tiwa did an exclusive with Pulse TV dishing out pretty much everything about her marriage from her hubby stepping out on her to her essentially holding the house down whilst he borrowing money she had to paid back (to him stealing her money and using drugs whilst paying zero for their kid’s diapers). Honestly just watch the youtube link at the end of my post for some serious talk from our star Tiwa (as my friend mentioned, you need to sit down quietly with some tea to take this one in. Did I mention he tried to commit suicide before this interview (but his celebrity friend just happened to be at the bridge at the same time to save him?)

The point of my post today is not to dive into she issues highlighted in her interview but to tell you why am awed by her, why I respect her, why she is one of a kind. Yes, ONE OF A KIND

1. Tiwa seemed to be the provider in the family and held in down for her and her hubby whilst he didn’t have much (and whilst he also put her in debt). Honestly, it takes a one-of-a-kind Nigerian woman to be holding it down in this day and age (actually maybe I am naiive here, maybe many naija women are like Tiwa and simply never spill they are the breadwinner in their homes). Some will say she was stupid but I will say she was committed to making those she loved better (and what wouldn’t we ALL do for those we truly love?)

2. She stood by him through atrocities. Ok, this one needs expanding. I have noticed that my Nigerian men believe it is ok for them to cheat (I mean serious cheating) and that it is part and part of the parcel. I remember a guy friend telling me that women can’t have it all. In his words “If he’s rich and taking care of you, it’s not big deal if he cheats – at least he is taking care of you” #IHaveDied50Times #ThisMenAreSmokingSomething. I hail her for understanding the meaning of commitment and remaining committed (in her marriage) #AssumingItsAllTrue.

3. A lot of people have bashed her on social media for doing this 45min interview (FYI Nigerian critics are the worst critics to ever come across #TheyWillSlaughterYou – like seriously! you will think you did something personal to them – BUT they are also the most entertaining ones) spilling the beans on her relationship. I personally hail her. It takes guts, serious guts to get on TV and admit I made a crazy crazy mistake for choosing this man, for tolerating his BS and admit she was done. Like some serious balls (This is Nigeria, a country where people like suffering in silence and keeping their things on the DL all to keep perception that they are living the good life). #AsLongAsThisIsntSomeTwistedPRStunt

Honestly, I am in awe of her for keeping it real. I am in awe of her for choosing love, for remaining committed to love, for protecting love and for having the courage to say she wants to let go when she couldn’t handle it anymore.

Tiwa, I am in AWE of you for admitting you are HUMAN.

Too many of us are too weak to admit this. Being human is OK and REAL (I am sure many women relate to Tiwa and she has in some way has spoken out on behalf of thousands if not millions of women and because of that, she has my respect.)

What do you think about the whole #TiwaSavage situation? Was she wrong for doing the interview? For sharing her truth? I would love to hear your thoughts

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O22u_FUkmu8

“Some people believe holding on and hanging in there are signs of great strength. However, there are times when it takes much more strength to know when to let go and then do it.” || Ann Landers

April 18, 2016February 3, 2019

A GUIDE TO VISITING POP BEACH CLUB

On a beautiful Saturday weeks ago, myself alongside my fellow blogger Bidemi (www.bidsingraceland.com) and her friends took a jetty boat from the Lagos boat club in Ikoyi to venture on a 25min bumpy ride to Ilashe. Ilashe is located along badagry creek. This was my second time in Ilashe. The first time, I had come to celebrate a private birthday at a private beach house (which was a blast btw, anything that gets me away from the hustle and bustle of Lagos has my vote – Great company and positive vibes is all you need to have a great time in the crazy city). This time my experience was as great as the first but certainly had a different kinda vibe.

Arriving at the dock with “Akin” the owner of the beach club, we took a 5 minute walk to the club. I was met with a basketball court, a ping pong table, colorful art work and a cool hippy vibe. Pop beach club is an exclusive sports club in Ilashe. It has that unpretentious vibe that most clubs I have been to across the world seem to lack. This vibe seemed to just allow people to be who they are and have a good time. It also seemed to encourages individual mixing out of their groups (something I notice Nigerians don’t seem to do much of – “If I didn’t come out with you, why am I talking to you?”)

I spent the day unwinding, munching (at the goodies and snacks we brought from the mainland shore), swimming, reading me some paulo coehlo and having good conversation. At 6pm, we set off back to Ikoyi contented. If you looking from a cool chilled vibe away from home with a few friends, Pop beach club is the one. The owner was a great host, the grilled chicken and fries delicious and the vibe 100%

Pop beach club also has accommodation for night stays so a perfect staycation out of the bustle of Lagos.

I hope I didn’t bore you too much – If I did, I hope the images below compensate. If you have any questions, feel free to ask. And please if you have cool spots you believe I NEED to see, please share.

Much Love

#SassyFunke x

En-route by boat to Ilashe and spotting my future yachts?? possibly 🙂

Accommodation for night stay & Basketball court

I watched, didn’t want my hair to get wet lol

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March 20, 2016November 24, 2016

Why you need to let go of some relationships TODAY.

I was inspired to write this particular post a month ago when I went to church and heard a sermon about “relationship audit”. The title pretty much sums it up…essentially how we need to periodically audit those we are in a relationship (friendships and the likes) with and really discern whether these relationships are opening us to opportunities and growth or ushering us into failure.

I personally constantly reflect on some of the relationships that I have and know I need to nip a few of them in the bud. These relationships seem of convenience (those that are so great when all is well but fall apart when shook-up, you know those ones filled with “happiness” as long as you are in agreement but when you’re not….its another dramatic story). I am not one for these weak selective relationships. Yes, I believe they are weak and I have no energy for weak souls or interations. They need to keep it moving. My friendships need to be able to embrace and deal with storms for them to mean something of substance to me.

So to why YOU (and I) need to let go of these relationships (of convenience and the likes):

Eliminate fakeness: there is always some element of ingenuity and not being able to yourself so as not to offend the other party…aint no one have time for that. Life is too short to be living in pretence to make someone else feel ok.

Exhaustion: Time, emotionally and mentally exhausting – you get the drift

Creating space: We all complain of not having enough time but I have come to realize that the act of stepping back of some relationships gives you more time and mental capacity and space. Space to give more to yourself or to those friendships that breed growth (or even space to sleep longer/better 🙂 )

Your potential: This point is so simple yet the most important for me, some of these relationship will literally limit the potential of who you can become. Some relationship just block you from your destiny (Nigerian church’s are really rubbing off on me lol). Y’all know I love myself too much to let any one outside of myself to limit my potential.

Anyways those are my little two cents on this beautiful Sunday evening in Lagos.

What did you think of the whole concept of “relationship audit” and is it something you engage in from time to time?

“Draw a circle around yourself- invite people in or keep them out. We are the creators of our own social geometry. Calculate your volume.”

|| Rachel Wolchin

March 17, 2016January 22, 2017

How to approach a customs officer at the airport

I have been to numerous airports and it outstands me how many of my fellow Africans get it wrong at the airport. My people, please please realise that you are already black. What do I mean by that, I mean that you stand out from the crowd. And if you are Black and Nigerian, note that you are like a lighthouse at midnight i.e. Everyone sees you! Here are my tips of how to approach a customs officer, tips to hopefully make your humiliation less disturbing.

Tip 1: Dress like a human being

I am sorry but some of you dress like you are going to the market and have never travelled in your life. Dress the way you want to be treated…It’s that simple

Tip 2: Leave that “Ghana must go” at home

I understand that maybe you just managed to scramble money together for a ticket but help your fellow countrymen out by scrambling money together for a decent hand luggage. There is no point looking poor, the officers (especially those ones at Heathrow airport) will assume you have come to their land to drain their resources. #ProveThemWrong

Tip 3: Don’t talk too much

When a customs officer asks a simple question, please give a simple answer. There is no point delivering an essay. It will only get you into trouble.

Tip 4: Don’t look intimidated

I believe customs officers try to intimidate you simply to catch you out. I say “don’t play their game”. You know what you came for, certainly not to entertain this nonsense.

Tip 5: Don’t be chatting to you fellow countrymen in the immigration line

As in when you get off that plane, keep your eye on the prize (i.e. The airport exit). I am sure you know that there are cameras everywhere once you get off the plane. They are watching your every move so don’t let someone else’s drama suddenly become yours. No, Thank you!

To all our travellers out there that have been humiliated at airports across the globe, please share some tips so that we are well equipped for the Airport Saga. Perhaps you have some other tips to share, please share 🙂