Monday, May 8, 2017

SOLO...But Not Alone

Hello!

Once again, I have abandoned my blog, but I'm back! Since I've been gone, I took my first solo trip! For Spring Break (they don't call it that here), I went to India and Hong Kong. Initially, I was supposed to go with a friend but plans changed which worked out in my favor. I was apprehensive to go alone at first because I read that India is the rape capital but I had already paid for the flights and accommodations so I prayed about it and carried on.

You can't believe everything that you hear because once again, I felt totally safe in a strange land. I kept thinking about Psalm 91...I AM FOREVER COVERED! In India, I stayed at a place called Bloom Rooms in New Delhi. It was so small and cute! Before arriving, I had already booked a tour of the Taj Mahal (this was not smart as it was actually cheaper to do through the hotel...lesson learned). At the hotel, I did book a day tour. I was given a map and I could ask the driver to take me anywhere on it. My driver was awesome and we had local meals together and he took me to places to shop but clearly he went to places where he knew folks so that they could get my money. The Taj was beautiful...even while being cleaned. I booked the tour through Trip Advisor and a private driver picked me up from the hotel, drove me 2 hours to Agra, and then the tour guide met us and was with me the entire day.

 Fresh fruit is the way to my heart!

 Lotus Temple!
 Paneer (cheese) and veggies with my driver!

Hong Kong was so beautiful! Once again, I heard that it was expensive, but I am a penny pincher and lowkey, a HUSTLER. I stayed in my first hostel in HK. I could choose from a female dorm style or a co-ed room. I went with the all female room since I was alone. There were four beds and one woman there when I arrived. I stayed 4 nights and met three different women. I felt completely safe and it was an amazing experience! The hostel was actually a renovated hotel and international basketball players were staying there. I met some of them in the gym. This trip has taught me that a gym is something that is non negotiable when it comes to traveling since I'm going to EAT! Prior to leaving the UAE, I booked a hike on Dragon's Back and it was only $10 USD. The hike was 5 hours and I met many solo travelers! It was well worth it! The food in HK was great! I only had seafood since I haven't been eating meat. I did get a stomach bug but I bought activated charcol and it was cleared right up! I visited Lady Street Market and got some bags, chopsticks, and other gifts for people. There were MK, Coach, etc bags that were said to be fake but I couldn't tell. The metro system in HK can take you anywhere. It is a beautiful place and I heard English the entire time. I encourage you to visit!

 The Big Buddha!

 My hiking team!

 Dragon's Back!

Last week, I went to a White Party in Abu Dhabi and it was too much fun (if there were such a thing)! I went with friends, reunited with old friends, and met some new ones. All is well with the world. All I need to do is keep working out and staying positive and I will continue to FLOURISH. GOD IS GOOD always, all ways.

 Hey, friends!


So...there are three weeks until Ramadan and I'm excited to experience it. Then, I'll be headed back to America. Chile, its been a long time coming but I am ready to return. I need to hug my mom and eat her food. 

:)