Category Archives: Trendy

New Opportunities & Beginnings, New Orleans & Baton Rouge Louisiana (Travel log 6 – 6)

I have to point out that at the age of about 15 I had made a “pact” with my best friend Sarah that we would travel to New Orleans, Louisiana (NOLA) together once we were done with school. Our “plan” was to go to NOLA, live there for a few months before University and (because we “knew” we would love it) we’d return after University. Teenagers have such imaginations and no concept of money! It turned out that we finished school Sarah ended up going to the United Kingdom for University and I headed to Switzerland but took off a few months to live in France then did an internship before starting University. In short I never made it to NOLA. Sarah did though after Uni and she kept telling me I really needed to go. When I knew I would be making the trip the USA I knew that it would be impossible for me go without visiting the place. Even though I couldn’t have known for certain that I would really love it as a teenager, it is like I was meant to be there and my gut wasn’t wrong!

So, that is the little introduction: please be warned I spent a week in Louisiana so there’s a lot to share.

31st November – I flew out from Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport and as always arrived early so I wouldn’t be stressed out while travelling alone. It was supposed to be a 5 hour flight (total) with 1 transit and I was over the moon excited, I mean really, really excited. When I finally got on my first plane I was seated next to larger than life gentleman who, very pleased with himself announced that our flight would be delayed due to bad weather. I didn’t do a good job in hiding the fact that I was unable to share in his delight and prayed he would be wrong, he wasn’t. The pilot announced that we would be a little delayed until we got the all clear to fly into Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport. Mr. larger than life at was also very “thirsty” (vodka tonics) and had roughly 5 drinks in the 45 minutes that we were grounded. He kept asking me questions, was intrigued that I was travelling by my self and planned to visit NOLA on my own.

Because I had a connecting flight I got a little nervous if I would make it at all with the 45 minute delay. When we landed I legged it across the airport, politely asked people to move and found out that I had to not only run across airport but had to jump on one of those connecting trains to get to the other end. In the end I made it. I was one of the last people to board the plane, out of breath, sweating and annoyed but I made it! The delay and short connection time meant that…*drum roll please*….my luggage didn’t make it with me! Yup, my bag were still in Atlanta when I arrived and I was told that if possible they would try get it on one of the other flights coming arriving that night, but in all likelihood it would only arrive the following day. So I jumped in a taxi and headed to my hotel, sans bags. After a smooth check-in I got to my room, ordered some food, inhaled everything and then went to sleep.

The following morning I got my first taste of delicious Louisiana biscuits (I became obsessed with this over the next 6 days). I kept checking with the airline about the status of my bags because I had initially wanted to go and explore but had to be around to pick up my luggage from the lobby. I ended up losing that first day because of my bag but I was pleased it arrived in the end. Later that night I had randomly met two Germans guys that were in the hotel overnight and were fantastically friendly. We had a few drinks together at the bar before I had an early night.

My next few days were filled with taking in touristy spots, eating and drinking (more than I should have), basking in the culture and friendliness of the south! I have never come across people as friendly as I did while in Louisiana! From the bus ticket lady, the driver of the bus, the guy renovating the hotel and random people that would come up and talk to me. Funny story: while on the Greyhound Bus (destination French Quarter) I was waiting for people to disembark so I stayed seated (super smiles and all because I couldn’t wait). A guy that was seated behind me stood by my seat and said something to me which I didn’t understand (this happened several times). I sheepishly said “Sorry” and he repeated whatever it was he was trying to tell me, again nope didn’t get it, “sorry I didn’t get you”. He proceeded to point at my face smiling and said “You have a pretty face” over emphasizing each word loudly so I could understand him. I wanted to disappear because it seemed like I was trying to get him to repeat it on purpose and make everyone else on the bus hear LOL. Poor guy just smiled after I again sheepishly said “Ohhh Thank You!”

So the French Quarter was of course visited and a ton of photos were taken. I apparently wasn’t supposed to take photos of things inside the stores (I am sneaky and managed to do so anyways). Souvenirs were bought for everyone back home including a T-shirt I bought for myself (I LOVE it)! Music was listened to and gumbo was consumed. I can not stress enough how much I loved my time in NOLA. As I said before I had this “instinct” prior to even having stepped foot in in the State that I would love the art, culture, food, people, atmosphere, everything and I was not disappointed.

During my stay I met a completely insane girl at the hotel that was still drunk when she came for breakfast and accidentally sat at my table while I was getting my plate. She wore bright bright bright pink tracksuits every morning, not that she needed any extra attention with her crazy ways and her antics had me in stitches, we quickly got along. She actually announced to anyone wanting to buy us drinks that we would take the drinks but they shouldn’t get any funny ideas, “we aren’t here to get picked up by you” was the line she would use time and again LOL!

One evening after my new friend had checked out I was at the hotel bar with my book and phone, chatting to a couple that had been staying in the hotel since August (after the storm) when a guy decided to park himself right beside me. He too was apparently a local and decided to check himself into a hotel to “take a break from everything”. He was polite enough and small talk was made, After about an hour or so I had stepped out of the bar and upon my return found out he had paid for the last drink. I wasn’t too keen on this since I like buying/paying for my own drinks in general, especially If I don’t know you AND I am on my own. Regardless, it was done so I thanked him. Now here is the kicker ladies, he informed me that he was headed back to his room so I put my hand out to shake his and say goodbye. He used the opportunity to pull me into a hug and then whispers “Walk me to my room”. NOW in all my life, I have NEVER EVER had a guy ask me to walk him anywhere LOL. Correct me if I am wrong, it usually is the other way around, and I have no clue what made him think even that would have happen. I polity said I was perfectly happy sitting in my chair and quickly made a beeline to my room when two other guys walked in the bar and yelled” Hey ma’am, how are you, I am thirsty today”.

On my second to last day I did a bit of shopping (of course) in yet again another HUGE shopping mall. I went a little overboard with shopping during my entire trip (this became obvious when my bags exceeded the limit on the day I was leaving). Anyways so shopping was done while in Louisiana as well.

I also met a friend that is a Baton Rouge local. Drinks and a movie were had as part of my last night in Louisiana before I made the 24 trip back home.

Now, having explained how I had this “feeling” I would enjoy a trip to NOLA I have a feeling that a repeat is on the way soon. I have a tourist visa and the possibility to take a trip again for a little while. I didn’t feel like I got to see enough, do enough, experience enough so a longer stay is planned. My parents actually asked me if I planned to move there since they too knew NOLA was a “I will live there one day” spot. Who knows, anything is possible if you have the desire and opportunity right?

That brings my “travel log” to an end and all I can say is I had an overall fantastic time in the US. I had a feeling I would like it but had no idea how much I would enjoy myself. My friends and the people I got to meet made all the difference. I have had this “I need something new” feeling for a little while and when I got back home it seems like that feeling has only gotten stronger. Like I said, who knows, a move might be in the works…

Maicurls

Whirlwind Washington DC Day Trip (Travel log 5-6)

2 Replies

29th November 2016 – was the day I decided to be a super tourist and ventured off to Washington DC for a few hours of strolling and photo taking.

dsc04732-2

Qais kept reinforcing that I couldn’t be so close to Washington and not visit it, he had a point. He wanted to join but had classes, so after getting ready in the morning I called my taxi guy. It was the same taxi man that I had been using for the last few days so he of course did the whole “what to look out for” speech, gave me advice on how to “hide my money” from pickpockets and went on about how much he despises Washington DC LOL.

I caught the Blue Line train and settled down for the 40 minute ride before I switched trains to continue my journey to Union Station. I had mapped everything out on my phone, made note of places I wanted to see and knew which train I would take back. I arrived without a hitch and was feeling all kinds of proud of myself. Washington DC here is Mai!

The first sight I was greeted by was the Liberty Bell replica in front of Union Station which, made me go into “tourist mode” and out came the camera. Just down the road (a few good meters away) I spotted Capital Building (you really can’t miss it), so onward I went.

To my surprise I saw a squirrel! I was super pleased to see the little furry fellow and again out came the camera. I wanted to get close but was worried I would scare him/her away. To my surprise the squirrel started heading in my direction! Now I was sure I would get attacked or something but I took photos nonetheless. I quickly realized that there were tons of squirrels everywhere so the novelty wore off after a while. I actually had one follow me while I was marching back to the station! (Squirrels like me :D) .

The park along the way stretched on for ages, the trees were so beautiful (even those without any leaves) then while I was walking it started to rain! I of course did not have an umbrella or raincoat (actually do not own one) so there I was marching in the cold wet weather, determined to explore and take photos. After getting sick of walking in the drizzle I made my way to a little food shack. Hot chocolate was had (at first) and then I decided I was hungry so Nachos accompanied it.

Once the rain/drizzle stopped I continued. My useless phone I bought while in the States had a shady battery so I quickly realized I was running out of juice and never like that kind of situation when I am away from places and people I know. I decided that I would save my battery and “wing it”, follow signs, ask people and “make note” of roads to find my way back. I knew I had to see the White House so I just kept going…in the wrong direction LOL.

I of course saw a lot the other tourist attractions during my walk: the Library of Congress, The Supreme Court, the Smithsonian Institution Building, the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History, Washington Monument.

Eventually I sheepishly asked a friendly looking gentleman if I was going the right direction; “no, but I can show you”. So off we went while making small talk. Frank lived/worked in DC and he told me all about his job and life. He walked with me for about 15 minutes before stopping to ask if I was married and if I wanted to go for coffee…(friendly looking Frank was a bit of a flirt). I politely declined, pointing to my camera to indicate I was keen on taking a photo of the White House before heading back. He pointed down the road and said it would be on my right, no more than 5 minutes away.

There must have been some kind of event going on or something because there was a LARGE group of people dressed to kill! It wasn’t raining at the time but for whatever reason they ALL had their umbrellas out and occupied half of the street… literally around 60 – 80 people with umbrellas opened and dressed like they were attending a wedding or something. I wanted to take a photo but felt I would probably get yelled at so I opted not to. Anyways, 5 minutes later Frank was right, I spotted the White House!

Now, my focus was to try and get as close as possible to the White House to take my tourist photo, I didn’t notice there was a police block ahead (of course). I kept walking, looking around (like a silly fascinated tourist), not noticing I actually walked around a barrier intended to stop me from continuing until I was a stone throws away from two policemen. I must have a knack for giving this “ops silly me” look because both of the police guys smiled and gave me the thumbs up as I shrugged and said sorryyyyyy (holding my camera in my hand) trying to excuse myself as being a “stupid tourist”.

It was only then that I noticed no one else was walking on the road I was on, everyone had walked behind another barrier to the left of the road and all the other tourists were packed together to take photos of the White House. We were not close but still, I could see it! I was asked to take a photo of two ladies and then one of them returned the favor to take mine, mission accomplished and it was time to march back.

Now, because I was busy chitchatting with Frank I forgot that I was supposed to “make note” of the roads I took. Long story short I ended up power walking back! I had to make it back in time so I could meet Qais for drinks and dinner. I managed to make my train and still had a little juice left on my phone to call my taxi man. Instead of heading back to the hotel Qais told me to meet him at the mall and he picked me up from there.

I had been craving for some real Italian Pizza and Qais being the wonderful man that he is took me to get some along with my favorite dessert wine. We decided to go for a walk after dinner to “help digest the food” and to spend my last evening since I would be flying down to Louisiana the following day.

Louisiana was the last leg of my trip and shall be continued in my next post….

Blissfully Basking in Baltimore, Maryland (Travel log 4 – 6)

2 Replies

27th November 2016 – I woke up at 7:00am, finally the day had arrived when I would meet my friend (K). We connected through (Napturallycurly.com) and our friendship grew after bonding over the experience of having lost our pet dogs. We had discussed for ages about how amazing it would be if we ever met and that day was the 27th November!

I made my way to the tiny Amtrack Station in Woodbridge, Virginia by way of taxi. My Taxi driver ended up not only coming from Nigeria but had lived in Germany (I am German/Nigerian) so he very quickly became friendly and handed me his card so I could call him in the evening when I was coming back from my trip. During the drive he gave me all kinds of advice and warned me about pickpockets and “rough” neighborhoods, he actually freaked me out a little but I knew I was going to be in the company of a local so I was ready.

It was really cold and I got to the train station a little early (as always) to make sure I would be on time. There was no where to sit and wait indoors so I braced myself for the 30 minute wait. For whatever reason you don’t find out which track the train will arrive at until it gets there so I decided to stand with the rest of the people. Of course, upon arriving it was announced that the platform was on the other side which, involved going up three floors, crossing a little “connection bridge” and going back down to the ground floor. There were a lot of elderly travelers, people with luggage etc. all of whom needed to use the elevator. I legged it across and made it, sweaty and all (because I of course was wearing a thick coat since I was cold) but anyways I made it!

I quickly texted K to let her know I was on the way, the excitement was building with every passing minute. After a little while I got a message from K asking if my train was going to be on time because she was informed that it would be arriving 1 hour late! This was news to me! Of course I panicked a little because we didn’t really have a lot of time to spend together and a one hour delay would eat away our time. I checked online and asked the ticket man who reassured me we would be on time and there was no delay. About 1.5 hours later I arrived at the station in Baltimore. Super pumped to meet my twin (we have a lot in common so we call each other twins) I looked around but didn’t see her. After a few minutes I spotted her looking around searching for me. HUGE SMILES, girly giggles and OH MY GOODNESS were exchanged along with a huge hug! Happy day the twins met!

K wanted to take me out to brunch first. Now let me explain my LOVE for all things food! I am literally obsessed with eating LOL. K and I both love talking about food, discussing recipes, sharing recipes, sharing what we plan on eating, what we ate etc. So when she told me we were going to one of her favorite spots for brunch I was more than thrilled. We ate at a place called The Blue Moon Cafe. I HIGHLY recommend a visit if you are ever in Baltimore (they have two locations). The food was mouthwatering and the service was great!

K did the honors of ordering for us and we shared everything selected because (US of A I will never get used to your portion sizes) this cafe had EXTREME portions! I am going to let the photos speak for themselves. And yes I did get to eat some crab (in here smothered with eggs and cheese and everything else) and yes, it was absolutely scrumptious! If I manage to get the names of each dish ordered I will update it here * will have to ask K. (Updated: Top Left – Cinnamon Roll (made with delicious biscuit), Top Right: “Sweet Baby Jesus (yes that is the name – this was the amazing crab dish with yummy cheese goodness) and Bottom: “Captain Crunch French Toast” – French toast coated with Captain Crunch Cereal before being cooked).

So after we ate (both of us had leftovers…HUGE I tell you), K then took me to the harbor district. The sun was out and we initially wanted to walk but figured she would end up getting a ticket if we left the car parked so decided against it. It took us ages to find a parking spot, tried a parking garage but the price for just 2 – 3 hours was ridiculous so we drove around looking for a place.

We actually got threatened by an insane man in his car! He thought K had attempted to “steal” his parking spot even though she didn’t notice he was parked a few good meters away (he was far away enough that it didn’t look like he intended to take the spot in he first place). Mad man drove up beside us and yelled like a loon, “Didn’t you see me parked there waiting…yaddayaddayadda”. K attempted to explain that she hadn’t noticed him and asked him POLITELY to remain calm; to which he responded with “Go ahead and park there and see what will happen to your car when you come back”. I was so shocked (and have a big mouth) so I yelled “Excuse me?!? What did you say?!?” He was clear, “you heard me”! Normally if I were at home I would have gone off but I was a visiting tourist and my mother warned me to keep my mouth shut unless I wanted to be an arrested visiting tourist on my first trip the US so I left it at that (with a lot of shock and anger pent up)! We waited for him to drive off before looking for another spot, didn’t want to take the risk!

Anyways after that little incident we found and spot and walked around the harbor which was stunning! K pointed out little spots, places she likes to go to, places we would visit again upon my return, I even picked up some accessories.

Now I wouldn’t be me if something else didn’t happen…my freaking boot heel broke! Now given it broke when I was in Miami (a new pair of never before worn shoes)! I tried using gorilla glue and even zip tied the heels to let the glue set while in Miami, but oh no it felt like breaking while I was away from my hotel and mid walking around! H&M came to the rescue with a pair of ballerinas LOL.

To finish off our trip we picked up some coffee and headed to the station. I was disappointed that I didn’t get more time with her but K had work the following day, our initial plans didn’t work out, everything sort of was rushed planning and there were no later trains I could catch directly back to Woodbridge. No matter, I shall be visiting her again in a few months and more time shall be spent together!

The trip back was uneventful; I caught my train back to Virginia, my taxi guy was there waiting for me, (I realized I forgot my leftovers in K’s car which broke my heart) and I grabbed some dinner before hitting the sack!

My next trip was to Washington DC which will be covered in my next post!

Maicurls

Mashup Madness in Miami, Florida (Travel log 3 – 6)

Leave a reply

22nd November 10:00 am. I was picked up after Qais’s last course and onward we went to the train station, headed to Washington Ronald Reagan National Airport direction MIAMI!!!

Upon checking-in what else was there to do but drink and eat. Now that we both were on holiday it was time to reallllly let loose. I was still suffering from jet lag, time difference, sore arms from lugging around my extremely heavy hand luggage the day before but no matter!

We picked a Japanese restaurant to have lunch and obviously were hungry because A LOT of food was ordered! The next move was onto a bar to have (a few more) drinks after lunch since we had time to kill. After two drinks we went through the security check (I hate airports by the way in case you hadn’t noticed in my two previous posts)!

Fast forward to me sitting on the plane and not next to Qais. Now enter me talking in my sleep AGAIN. I had finally drifted off to sleep and suddenly jolted awake to find the guy sitting next to me looking with this smile/smirk/attempting not to laugh look. I immediately knew buying Christmas presents was not just part of my dream but I had yet again shared…this time with a stranger!!! I apparently went on and on about the gifts I was getting my dad, mum and sister according to random guy (just kill me now)! I apologized and literally pulled up my turtleneck to cover my lips in the hopes that it would keep me quite for the rest of the flight!

After we landed we went to rent a car which was an ordeal and a half with a mix up of credit cards….1.5 hours later we finally got our car and were headed to Brickell, Miami. Now finding our apartment hotel was yet again another ordeal with road construction etc. We eventually found the place and when I say he made an awesome choice I mean he made an AWESOME choice! The apartment was perfect! Clean, nicely decorated, free WiFi, HUGE bedroom with the most amazingly soft huge bed I have EVER slept in, HUGE bathroom, BEAUTIFUL view.

View from the balcony on the night we arrived 22nd Nov

First morning in Miami

View from the balcony on the night we arrived 22nd Nov

First morning in Miami

View from the balcony on the night we arrived 22nd Nov

First morning in Miami

So as you probably can tell, this trip was one of over doing the partying. There is no need to delve too deeply into what we ate and drank since the list would be long (will share a little about it). Qais took me to see “touristy spots”, the beach and A LOT OF BARS and I met some of his old collage mates over the 4 nights in Miami, all of whom were so much fun! I also got to practice my French with the wife of one of his friends (I am so rusty but she was super polite and kept telling me I spoke it “perfectly” and with a French accent). *Buffing my nails* 😉

Aside from being extremely beautiful, Miami is party central, artistic and so diverse in what it offers. We went to a trash bar (trash music). I will say that the bathrooms in that place were trash too….I have never and hope will never see anything like it. As we walked to the entrance one of the women outside yelled “No bathrooms…no bathrooms” we brushed her off as being drunk; I mean how can a bar not have a bathroom right? She was trying to warn us and we quickly understood what she meant. The men’s toilet.was.out.of.this.world (and not in a good way)! Both were one stall each, right next to one another and I wanted to see if their toilet would be cleaner than ours (BIG MISTAKE). Okay I will stop about the state of the toilets but for the life of me I will never understand how certain “things” were splashed/dropped EVERYWHERE!!!

On our third night night we went to a bar decorated as a “beach bar” literally with sand in it (it was not near the beach). I tasted raspberry flavored beer in a Belgium Bar (I am not a beer drinker but this stuff was delicious), and was recommended by the super friendly bar guy. An Irish and English bar was also visited along with a Mexican Restaurant where they prepared fresh guacamole in front of us at the table.

My first Thanksgiving was also spent in Miami. Qais and I ended up sharing a “Thanksgiving for two” at a super fancy Italian Restaurant and when I say I was stuffed, I was stuffed! It was a three course meal that of course included super succulent Turkey with Rosti, Brussle Sprouts and a whole heap more as the main course; followed by pumpkin pie for desert. (I don’t know how I forgot to take pictures since I took photos of everything but trust me when I say I was extremely happy)! Again he made a good choice!

On our last night in Miami we bar hopped (surprise surprise). By this time my body was so confused about everything from my first 5 days in the States that I actually feel asleep in the taxi while we were moving from place to place. I am happy to say I did not talk in my sleep however, there is photo evidence that Qais took (has yet to be destroyed…shall never be seen in public EVER)!

Part of our bar-hop-marathon included an outdoors bar/lounge. I LOVED it! It had both indoor and outdoor bar service areas (two outdoors), a huge dance floor, beanbags to chill on, benches and tables to kickback with friends. I really loved it but can not for the life of me remember the name. When I am back in the States and on my next trip to Miami (I foresee a few trips) it shall definitely be revisited!

Our trip back to Woodbridge, Virginia was uneventful; we ate and drank at the airport (again surprise surprise), arrived without a hitch, (I froze again) and got back to the same hotel I first stayed in. Qais took me out for dinner and then I prepared for a train trip to Baltimore, Maryland to meet someone I consider my twin. I can tell you I was exhausted but super excited to finally meet her after what seemed like forever!

To be continued…

A Touch of Grey and Purple for a Rainy Day

Leave a reply

Hi Maicurlies!

Over the last few days it was been a little rainy! (I am doing my happy rain dance because it hardly ever rains here!) So in the spirit of Rain I have put together a few pieces that I think are comfortable, will keep you warm, keep the rain off you but still give you that “fashion” feel. There is no need to have to compromise one (keeping the rain off you) for the other (wearing clothes you feel good in).

A Touch of Grey and Purple for a Rainy Day by maicurlz featuring jessica simpson coats

I have to say the boots, jacket and bag are my favorite!

Thanks!

Maicurls

Desert Trip

Leave a reply

Hey Maicurlies!

So last weekend I was out of town camping with a big group (there were several hundred people) for a desert rock trip. I love being outdoors and I am the kinda girl who likes to wear comfortable clothes while camping.

I do not go “over the top” when I camp because what is the point right? I always wear pedal pushers and take shorts as well. I take an extra top and in case it gets a little nippy (which it can especially in the desert) I take a hoody or sweater.

I love being outdoors what about you?

Desert Trip by maicurlz featuring a leather bracelet

Thanks

Maicurls

A Little Green With Envy

Leave a reply

Happy Weekend Maicurlies!

I have to admit that I have not always been the biggest “fan” of green however this shade seemed to catch my eye! I also like the combination of Green and Purple. I am sure in the “fashion world” my combination will probably not work for the professionals however, in my little world it does. I also had to throw in the white jacket because it was too cute to skip and those shoes!!!

Yes I do love this combination. What do you think?

A Little Green With Envy by maicurlz featuring Naomi Campbell

Thanks

Maicurls

Valentines Day Shindig

2 Replies

Hello Maicurlies,

So in honor of Valentines day (although I have to admit I am not the biggest fan of it) I have put together a little red and black combo. Even if you happen to not be on a date you can still dress up, get your girlies together, have dinner and hit the town.

Relationship or not I hope you have a fantastic day filled with love and laughter!

Valentines Shindig by maicurlz featuring a high heels stilettos

Maicurls

Some Valentines Day Gift Ideas for Him & Her

Leave a reply

Hi Maicurlies,

Valentines Day is slowly creeping up on us and if you happen to be one of those last minute shoppers and do not know what to get your “significant other” here are some ideas.

Some Valentines Day Gift Ideas for Him & Her by maicurlz featuring valentines day mugs

I hope you all have a fantastic Valentines Day and if case you do not have a “significant other” fret not! Celebrate with your single friends…there is always next time 😉

Maicurls

Very Last Minute Gift Ideas

Leave a reply

If you are running out of time for Christmas Gifts here are a few little suggestions for him/her. Ranging from Lipstick, Perfume, Men’s Clothing & Accessories to Books and Book Holders do not stress I am sure you will find something out there!