#ciaomilan

Ciao Crystal Springs, Mpumalanga

The Covid-19 pandemic has been an emotional ride for me, causing plenty of anxiety, stress and loss, but also tons of self-reflection. It’s only been recently that I can say that I feel a sense of comfort and hope as I learn to let go of the past and welcome the new. With a deep need to disconnect from being “online”, my family and I did a local holiday to the mountains.

Crystal Springs is a beautiful lodge nestled high in the mountains in Mpumalanga. Surrounded by mountains, forests and wildlife, it was the perfect backdrop to disconnect, reconnect and re-energise! Days were spent hiking, eating and having sundowners whilst watching nature take its course.

It was here that I realized that you can’t control everything in life and when you not only learn to go with the flow but to trust the flow, that you actually set yourself free. That life is easier, and the feeling of being happy is possible.

It’s important to take time out to be grateful for what you have, who you have in you life, how far you have come and continue to welcome the flow.

Three things to do in the mountains:

1. Hiking

2. Board games with the family

3. Long drives on the windy mountain roads with some good music

Ciao Valencia,

The world needs love right now. The world needs positive stories. Stories that remind us about the beauty of the world. So this story is a throwback to my travels to Valencia and why I fell in love with this city.

Valencia is a perfect mix of old town vibes, modern architecture, a rich culture and history that is evident in every corner of the city. I love the simplicity of the city, the friendly locals, the old town architecture and the beautiful ocean and sea breeze.

It was a Sunday afternoon and after settling into our quaint hotel, we decided to head to the beach for some Sunday sundowners. It was a short bus ride to the beach, where we began walking in the direction of where we thought the beach bar was. As we walked, we came across a beautiful market. The market had an array of food stalls, hippy clothes and beach-style jewellery. We bought the most delicious wood oven pizza and chocolate crepes and sat on a bench sharing our food, feeling a slight drizzle of rain on our skins and the cool sea breeze (which was much needed from the day’s humidity). It was such a magical moment in time, a simple moment which I can reflect on and have all five senses stimulated again - the moment I fell in love with Valencia.

My top three places to visit whilst in Valencia:

- Marina Beach Club - definitely a place to visit if you are chasing ocean views and sunsets.

- Science Museum Park (the architecture of these modern buildings are a must).

- El Miguelete, Valencia’s famous bell tower with breath-taking city views.