For my second trip of the year, I finally chose New York! It was a long-overdue trip. After visiting so many places, America was next on my list. I’m publishing this a little late because life has been life-ing, and I honestly didn’t have the time to write or sort through all the photos to pick the best ones.
New York is exactly how people described it to me. It is BIG. It never SLEEPS. It is CHAOTIC—and I loved it! Having lived in London for quite some time, though, I wasn’t completely blown away. It felt like London, but on steroids. I guess once I spend more time there, it’ll make even more sense to me (giving you a little clue about my next chapter… wink, wink 😉).
New Yorkers are NUTS, but I loved their energy. It also gave me a sneak peek into how Americans think, and it was interesting to hear their perspectives on the Trump administration, on blackness and on the state of the world.
In terms of budget I was quite surprised as it wasn’t as cheap as some people described it but at the same time my hotel was 10 minutes walking distance from Time Square, I was pretty central so my « cheap » option were limited.
I didn’t plan too much, apart from visiting the main attractions, and I got lucky with the weather. It was agreeable, although a little temperamental: freezing cold one day and then surprisingly hot the next! The end of April was a great time for me to travel—not too crowded with tourists, but warm enough to walk around and enjoy the scenery.
Overall, I really enjoyed my solo trip. As usual, I ended up making new friends and doing plenty of activities with groups. :)
As I was wandering the streets around Dam Square by following the instruction of my apps, I couldn’t stop thinking that everything felt familiar.
Of course, most European cities have a « déjá vu » feeling but still. When was the last time I got lost, like totally lost and needed help? That’s when it hit me: I wasn’t exploring, I was executing a plan, following instructions and ticking boxes.
Talking to my sister, we came to the same conclusion: as a society, we are losing the art of getting lost as our lives become more and more controlled.
We love a checklist and most of us have similar routines:
We wake up and scroll. We follow schedules. We optimise productivity. We measure steps. We track calories. We pre-book tables. We curate travelling moments.
We don’t deviate and for the rare occasion when we do, our smartphones remind us the planned route. And when we travel, we bring that same obsession with control with us.
One of the reasons I enjoy travelling so much is that I can get out of that rhythm for a few days. For a short period, I can finally break away from that controlled system we all live in and let my nervous system adapt naturally.
Travelling made me realise that I am more instinctive in a less rigid environment.
In Amsterdam, at first I went to eat, drink and sleep in the popular restaurants, bars and hotels that tiktok shoved into my throat for the past couple of months. I barely spoke to any local, and have not learned a single word in Dutch.
But because I followed a schedule and not my instinct, I wasn’t able to fully grasp at first how incredible the city is. It was only when I dropped Google Maps and went off route that we found this African restaurant tucked away near Vondelpark that no algorithm had shown me.
Coconut whipped cream, caramelised pineapple and mango sorbet
Getting lost has benefits, it forces us to engage:
A stranger took our picture.
We got slightly lost
A local redirected us.
We mispronounced words.
We laughed.
We say social media enhances travel and sometimes it does but it also scripts it. That’s why all the travel blogs and vlogs sound and look the same. By heavily controlling our travel experience, we outsource our instinct to algorithms and we lose our curiosity in the process.
Getting lost forces humility.
Maybe we avoid getting lost because it reminds us that we are not in control.
But isn’t that the point of travelling? Not to prove we’ve seen it all but to admit we haven’t.
Maybe the next time we book a trip, the real challenge isn’t finding the best-rated restaurant.
Maybe it’s turning off the map and seeing who we are without it.
What I didn’t know was that my last conversation, once back in Seoul, would change my perspective completely. As I mentioned, I came back from Tokyo well rested and well fed. I was proud of myself too. Big girl doing big things—traveling to two countries on her own and not having a single crying moment! Round of applause please!
I was still searching for my answers though. What was next for me as my initial plans failed?
Back in Seoul, I hadn’t planned anything for the last days—just some last-minute shopping and a bit of reading. So for my last accommodation I definitely spoiled myself.
The Mondrian Hotel in Itaewon is above my usual choice of hotels. It was more expensive, but for three days, and with the perks my credit card offered, it worked out great. I loved the design, the rooftop was cool, and the room was nice enough for my late nights selfies. Still, I felt out of place somehow.
On my way to the front desk, there was a lady who complimented me, though I can’t recall on what.
Sidenote, I like that- women’s ability to compliment complete strangers or simply smile at them, almost as if to say “I see you".
Anyway, we started chatting. She was well dressed, with a warm and welcoming smile. I told her I had just come back from Tokyo, so naturally her next question was, “Which country did you prefer?” From there, we talked briefly and then went on our separate ways.
The hotel offered a free drink upon arrival, and because I arrived quite late the night before, I decided to get mine on my last night. I managed to find the courage to go to the bar on my own—and the lady from the previous day was there, also alone. We started talking about life.
She was in her late forties, lived in New York, and was a columnist. It was her third time in Korea this year, as she reviews hotels for a living.
I was internally gagging. This woman had what looked like a dream job to me. She gets paid to travel, stay in beautiful hotels, enjoy every amenity, and write about it? Where do I sign up, please? Of course, she also shared the downsides of the job, but still—I was impressed. She was classy, a go-getter, and a no-bullshit kind of woman. I remember thinking, This is the woman I want to be.
We shared stories and joked about how women like us, unmarried, no kids, and not miserable are often perceived in a society that loves to put us in boxes. We talked about how similar our lives were, despite her being Korean-American and me being African, born and raised in Europe. She felt like a multiverse version of me: different, yet similar.
She was A woman who is free. A woman who loves gathering her friends around a good dinner. A woman who enjoys deep conversations with strangers in foreign countries. A woman who appreciates being part of a village.
That doesn’t mean she isn’t anxious about the future. But it does mean she is also walking a path that is still new for many women who look like her, or like me. And sometimes, it can feel heavy.
This is what I needed—a boost for the rest of my journey. A representation of how good life can be when you are true to yourself and enjoy every step, even the setbacks life throws at you.
She was not who I wanted to be, but who I already was.
I left that conversation a little drunk and smiling like a fool—with an invitation to visit her in New York.
This is why I needed that trip.
I thought about all the people I spoke to during those two weeks, and throughout the year. Every conversation stayed with me. For the past couple of years, I had been so focused on “making it” that I didn’t realize I already made it. I am that woman.
I pushed myself like never before. I made myself stand tall even when I didn’t feel like it. I forced the elevation, I put myself in position. In 2025, I’ve been in rooms, places, and had conversations with people I never thought I would access.
I made it happen. My old dreams, I achieved them, and more. It was time to create new dreams and new goals. I felt lost because I had outgrown my old self and dreams that were never mine to start with.
For the first time in a long time, I stopped running and started cruising. In the middle of that process, I realised that I’ll be alright, wherever I end up.
None of us really have it all figured out—and that’s not a flaw.
Incheon Airport. 7am, I checked in for an early flight to Tokyo. The trip from Seoul is barely three hours, so honestly, how could I resist? I’ve always wanted to visit Tokyo and lately, it felt like everyone had been to Japan except me. The FOMO was real. Was I influenced to go this year because of social media? Probably.
The weather was a little hotter than Seoul and the mosquitoes were on demon time, but as soon as I dropped my luggage at my Shinjuku hotel, I was out the door.
Tokyo is BUSY. My first thought was: why is everybody and their mama outside?! I’m rarely overwhelmed by crowds, but Tokyo is a different beast. Sure, Shinjuku isn’t exactly the quiet part of Tokyo, but still, it was suppose to be low season . This city genuinely does not sleep. The lights, the people, the cars, and the shops blasting music.
Transport
Unlike in Seoul, I got lost so many times I stopped counting. Shibuya Station? Pure chaos—but like… organised chaos. Navigating the metro isn’t easy, and most staff workers don’t speak English nor have the patience to show the directions, so keep Google Translate or Papago on standby.
Activities
I didn’t pack my Tokyo days as tightly as I did in Seoul. I knew the travel fatigue would hit, and I still needed some relaxation time but with only five days, I didn’t want to “waste” time, so I spent most of my days sightseeing and soaking it all in. I mean… I was in JAPAN!I wanted to simply take everything in.
My first stop was Shibuya crossing, and it was smaller than I thought. Then Shibuya Sky , the rooftop where we can see the whole city and Mt Fuji if the weather allows it. I missed the slot for the sunset but it was still nice to see Tokyo at night.
I went to the Imperial Palace for an history walking tour. The attention to detail there is unreal—every tree, flower, and garden patch is perfectly harmonised with the city around it.
I also went to TeamLab Tokyo, which was a first for me. Really fun, but honestly, if you miss it, there are so many other attractions you can do instead.
Looking back, I should’ve booked a spa day, a sake tasting, or a matcha-making class.
Food
As a solo traveler, I’m usually more cautious with food—being sick alone is not cute. But in Japan? No restrictions. My taste buds came back to life during this trip. Every place I went slapped but special mention for Grill Bon, in Ginza, where I had the best wagyu sandwich ever.
Tokyo is food heaven. No extra seasoning, no extra sauce—everything is cooked to the perfection and you can eat well for relatively cheap.
Then I went to Sushi Yoshikawa Shinjuku. A 19 courses omakase booked month in advance. I am not new to solo dinning but I was sceptical, as my Japanese is non existent, I was not sure if I would enjoy the experience alone . My worries left as soon as I took the first bite. Everything that touched my mouth was immaculate (pause). Their famous Yoshikawa futomaki completely ruined all other sushi for me. The service was top notch as it only serves a limited number of people for the 2 evenings services. I left there with a full belly and a smile on my face. The best meal I ever had. I haven’t been able to look at regular sushi in the eye since, as I’m still recovering emotionally.
Also, all the convenience stores:7-Eleven, Lawson and Family Mart absolutely deserve every bit of hype especially with a limited budget. The egg sandwich? Hits every time. That coolish ice cream thing? Divine.
Shopping
Tokyo streetwear is edgier than Seoul. Tokyo fashion is avant-garde—Comme des Garçons and Issey Miyake are literally starter pack level there. Fashion feels like an art form, and as a Congolese woman, I was feeling right at home.
I like to call myself a fashion girl. And as a fashion girly, I feel like I didn’t do my due diligence correctly. I knew about the vintage shops in Tokyo, but I didn’t realise how affordable or shall I say accessible some luxury pieces could be. However, ten thousand Korean won is NOT ten thousand Yen—I learned that the hard way.
I can also confirm: you will need an extra luggage if you are planning to shop in Tokyo. Travelling from Seoul, I was already on my last kilos so it was inevitable as I did some damage. The highlight? Finding a vintage Celine Phantom *my dream bag*. I gasped, snatched my card, and didn’t think twice. The price was half of what I’ve seen on eBay; it was a no-brainer.
Now…Don Quijote in Shibuya… yeah, I didn’t even make it past floor two. That Don Quijote theme song alone is an experience—it’s a full sensory takeover. The overstimulation defeated me. I just grabbed the few things within arm’s reach—face mask, eye patches, strawberry KitKats—and escaped.
Note, the yen was low, but not that low. High end luxury is still luxury. TikTok doesn’t lie about the deals, but remember: good deals in yen hit differently depending on your home currency.
Overall
My five days in Tokyo flew by, and I’m glad I experienced as much as I could before heading back to Seoul. However, I might sound like a hater but I wasn’t that impressed.
Hear me out – TikTok is ruining the vibe.
Don’t get me wrong, Tokyo is absolutely that girl: futuristic yet traditional, stunning architecture, insane attention to detail, unmatched hospitality, elite street fashion, and top-tier food. Tokyo is worth the splurge.
Social media makes it incredibly easy to figure out where to eat, shop, or “chill” and take the perfect Instagram photo—especially in a country that isn’t exactly English-friendly. In exchange, we hand over our decision-making to strangers online and let their reviews dictate where we go.
The problem is that social media tells you exactly what you’re going to see, so the element of surprise is gone. Even grabbing a simple matcha at a new spot now means showing up before opening, lining up at dawn to get a ticket, then coming back at opening time… to line up again. All because one video went viral and suddenly everyone needs to experience it.
So why am I waking up at 6 a.m. on holiday for a pair of Onitsukas? I get the whole exclusivity thing, but when you really think about it, are the shoes actually that great—or is it just hype because everyone else is wearing them? Yes, they’re cheaper in Tokyo than in the UK, but do we honestly all need to spend hours queuing outside the Ginza store?
TikTok is killing the element of surprise. You don’t get to discover anything anymore.
By following every TikTok recommendation, you end up spending more time in line than actually exploring the city’s underrated gems. I try to avoid viral spots, but that’s getting harder when social media keeps pointing everyone to the exact same places. Most of the hype is about aesthetics, not substance( there are exceptions, of course). And many of these viral spots are overpriced and barely accessible to locals, which could explain the growing frustration toward tourists.
Is social media the cause of Japan’s over tourism? Probably not. But it’s hard to deny that it plays a role.
What starts out as a useful tool somehow ends up directing everyone to the same places, at the same time, to recreate the same photos we’ve already seen a hundred times.
I ended my Tokyo break with this thought and a visit to the Meiji Jingu Shrine. I went early in the morning to avoid the crowds, and it was so quiet and lovely. I said my little prayers and left feeling rested. I was still searching for answers as my return was getting closer. What I didn’t know was that my last three days in Seoul would finally bring me some direction…
Seoul, My flight was actually one of the smoothest I’ve had in a long time — I knocked out right after dinner, so I didn’t even feel the 14-hour direct flight from London to Seoul. The longest I’ve done so far. And Korean Air did their big one on this too; bibimbap and kimchi were exactly what I needed as an introduction to what would end up being the best 10 days as a solo traveller in SK.
Weather
The temperature in September was between 25 and 30 degrees ,80% of humidity on some days with minimal rain. So yes, be prepared to walk around with your mini fan. No complaints from me — you know I hate London weather, so I was more than happy to sweat.
Google Maps is not optimal in South Korea. Better to use Naver or whatever app TikTok or YouTube recommends. Seoul’s transport system is quite easy to use, but you can still get lost. Thanks to my paper map (I’m definitely a millennial). Seoul is big , and you feet will be defeated! To save my energy, I dedicated one day per area, it made things simpler and also gave me room to wander if I felt like it
Activities
My travel plan is always the same: I need to see (sightseeing), to learn (classes or museums), to eat (local food only), and to spend (local brands if possible). I usually know by day one or two if I’m going to do damage in terms of shopping, so I try to pace myself — a learning moment before a spending moment, just a way to justify my love for overconsumption. In Seoul there is a lot to do and to see!
I booked most of my activities via Klook and GetYourGuide application, but usually hotels or hosts leave you guides for things to do around the area. I visited the Gyeongbokgungpalace, after walking the Seoul wall. The entry fee is free if you wear the hanbok but I didn’t manage to rent the hanbok or visit the Bukchon Hanok Village. To enjoy most of the attractions, you need to get there early in the morning, as it gets crowded rapidly.
I went to the WAR&WOMEN’S HUMAN RIGHTS MUSEUM in Mapo-go. The exhibition covers the history of the Japanese Military Sexual Slavery- a painful past between Korea and Japan. It is an interactive exhibition and hard to watch sometimes, especially the testimonies, but worth the stop.
I also booked a pub tour in Itaewon via the app and the group was a vibe! Clubbing in Seoul was interesting: first because I haven’t been clubbing in ages and I really missed the feeling of being out all night. People my age are usually at home under a nice blanket with some honey tea. Second, the music style of South Korea is interestingly diverse, between US Hip Hop and kpop or EDM, everybody can have fun and I sure did. However, some clubs in Seoul refuse foreigners entry: we were actually stopped at the second club because one girl in our group was « overweight ». I kid you not.
The following day, I went to a baseball match and it was such a great experience. Baseball is so foreign to me, I was surprised to find out how huge it is in Korea (and Japan too). The atmosphere at Jamsil Stadium was out of this world. I was cheering for both teams because the vibe was simply impeccable. Even the Americans in our group were impressed. Incredible.
Did I watch the whole three-hour game, drink beers, sing in Korean and understand the rules? I sure did, when in Rome right ! Now I can rock my Doosan Bears jersey as an actual fan of the team, not just for the aesthetic!
I went to Busan too. I stayed only 24 hours — enough to see Gamcheon Village and hear the southern accent. Loved it. It was slightly rainy and very humid but I still managed to walk along the Gwangnalli beach and try some raw sea food.
Food
If you’re unfamiliar with Korean cuisine, let me tell you: you’re kind of missing out. Korean food offers a wide range of flavours, from the Korean BBQ to the tteokbokki, everything tasted soooo good. And I was finally able to try the makgeolli (wine rice) I was living my KDrama dream! However, one thing for sure: if you follow the most viral TikTok places, you might be disappointed. The best spot are not the Instagrammable places.
The best meal I had was in a small restaurant run by an “halmeoni” and her husband near the Dongguk University station. No guest Wi-Fi, minimal words exchanged, me pointing at pictures, but the food? 100 out of 10.
7-Eleven in SK is also elite: the banana milk? A classic, not so great mixed in the coffee and that lemonade though? Liquid diabetes. Use with caution.
Mentioned already on my previous post but the coffee culture is insane. Coffee hopping is my new favourite hobby — Seoul is the perfect city for it.
Shopping
The Korean style is either streetwear with sparkle of grunge/alternative but well put together, or girly with lace and frills. It’s fresh and young and I found good pieces and discovered a few brands like Tomboy Studio. I wish I’d done even more financial damage because the prices in London are pure robbery. Another reason to go back.
Accommodation
Prices varies but from I think it is reasonable compared to some prices in Tokyo. Since I’m in an existential crisis, I thought I might as well indulge in nice accommodations. My Airbnb was a loft in Dongdaemun area, walking distance from the Dongdaemun Design Plazza and Cheonggyecheon, so really central.
The Mondrian Itaewon Hotel deserves a mention here. I chose it for the second part of my Seoul stay. It’s in Itaewon but a bit of a walk from the station, and the service? Chef’s kiss. The rooftop is small but cozy, and the bars (both rooftop and on the first level) have a great vibe. It’s on the pricier side, but I don’t regret the splurge.
Seoul, even almost two months later, is still on my mind. The city is so vibrant! I made so many memories and I really want to go back. Looking at all the photos I took — and every photobooth I could find (they all have my pictures now) — I really enjoyed my time there.
This was my second solo trip, and I reckon it is one of — if not the — best trip I’ve had. I enjoy travelling with my friends and family but I found a new appreciation of solo traveling. The first solo trip felt longer although it was only 4 days, as I had less activities prepared, I felt at some point the weight of travelling solo. This time, things were different because I was intentional about it.
After an average of 25k steps per day and getting dangerously close to the weight limit on my checked baggage, I flew to Tokyo for five incredible days…
I need a change, but I don’t know what kind. Family is fine (we thank God) but we are still on shaky ground, Health is good but could be better, Love Life is inexitent and Work. Well. I thought work would offer me a bit of a break after an emotionally intense 2024 — but alas, that wasn’t the case. I’m going in circles in my career, and to be honest, I don’t even know if I want to keep pushing. The 9-to-5 pays the bills, but there’s nothing exciting about paying bills. Starting my own business? The market seems saturated, and honestly, I wouldn’t even know where to start. I thought by this age i would have this figure it out or i would be [insert all the plan we have in our head] but i am still not there, so i think.
So, what’s next? What comes next when the plan fail ?
It’s another episode of burnout, like I get quite often (it’s cyclical), but unlike previous years, I can’t seem to find a solution this time. I feel stuck, at a dead end. Deep down, I know that the changes I need to make will have to be drastic, because they’ll determine, among other things, my future in London. So yes — no pressure.
I’m craving change, but there aren’t many options in sight. So what do you do in moments like that? To answer that question, I did what I do best: I grabbed my passport and my credit card and booked a round-trip ticket to Seoul and Tokyo. Maybe by being somewhere new, blowing money that I barely have, I’ll finally find some answers to my existential questions.
It’s at the boarding gate in Terminal 4 of Heathrow Airport that it really hits me: I’m going to Seoul!
All those countless hours spent watching my favorite K-dramas have clearly influenced me — they made me want to visit the city. I can’t wait to start my days with cheerful “annyeonghaseyo”s, taste dishes bursting with flavor, get tipsy on soju, and be amazed by the beauty of the scenery.
And then panic sets in: two weeks alone in Asia for the first time, to figure out how to redirect my life — it’s quite the gamble! What if the silence becomes too heavy, like on my first solo trip? What if I can’t step out of my comfort zone?
Anyway, I’ve made sure I won’t have time to feel lonely: on the agenda are museum and palace visits, five-star restaurants, a baseball game, shopping, shopping and sopping, reading, and a bit of rest. The first time I travelled alone, my reflections were about the past and my mistakes — but this time, I have to look toward the future…
So many adventures, so many memories I’d love to share yet somehow, words escape me. I’ve been in the trenches in 2024 and quite frankly, it was not an easy ride. Life has been lifing, as they say, but no matter what, the show must go on.
While waiting for inspiration to find its way back to me,I made a simple resolution for this year: say yes to every opportunity that comes my way. If that means a busy year ahead, so be it.
And what a start it’s been so far explosive, joyful and unforgettable.
Twelve hours on a direct flight from London Heathrow to Galeão International Airport, destination: Rio de Janeiro, to celebrate my birthday! I was joined by my partners in crime my sister and my niece and together we created the kind of memories that linger long after the tan fades. We spent ten sun-soaked days exploring three corners of the city: Centro, Copacabana, and Barra da Tijuca. Ten days of golden beaches, laughter, lazy mornings, and endless caipirinhas , a perfect cocktail of rest and joy.
Of course, ten days barely scratch the surface of a country as vast as Brazil, 8.5 million square kilometers of lush forests, towering mountains, and dreamlike beaches. But for me, ten days were just what I needed: sunshine, serenity, and soul.
If Rio is on your list don’t hesitate, book those tickets!
Just one small caveat: safety in Rio is something you have to keep in mind. If you do your research properly, everyone will warn you about it. And I can confirm, Rio can indeed be a relatively dangerous city for tourists. However, like any trip abroad, just be cautious: avoid flashy jewellery, leave your valuables behind, keep your phone deep in your bag, and no need to carry much cash, cards are accepted everywhere.
We chose not to venture into the favelas, especially since we were traveling with a minor and I’d advise others to use the same common sense. That said, our experience was overwhelmingly positive. In fact, we were treated like royalty throughout our stay.
And here’s something I didn’t expect — being a Black woman in Rio turned out to be a surprising advantage. That’s a deeper topic, one that deserves a post of its own. But for now, I’ll just say: thank you, Rio, for your warmth, your rhythm, and your soul.
To everyone dreaming of visiting: go. Experience it. And above all — stay safe
Mars 2023. Je me réveille au Sofitel de l’aéroport de Gatwick, a une heure de Londres. On est en pleine crise économique, l’essence est a plus de 2 euros et les factures s’empilent mais je m’en fous, je suis en train de siroter mon champagne a 7 heures du matin. L’hiver ne me réussit pas et vivre dans un pays ou il pleut 2 jours sur 3 pendant plus de 6 mois dans l’année, le moral est souvent au plus bas. Ça faisait des années que j’en parlais mais l’idée de faire un solo trip m’effrayait un tout petit peu. C’est très a la mode en ce moment , TikTok et Instragram sont inondé de videos et de pro/con tip ( je les ai toute regardé ! ) mais la réalité est bien différente. Prendre l’avion seule, je l’avais deja fait mais aller dans un pays inconnu…seule ? As a Black Women ? J’ai donc préféré jouer la carte de la sécurité, j’ai choisi un pays que j’ai deja fait: l’Italie.
J’avais besoin d’un tête-à-tête avec moi-même. Un moment d’éteindre toutes mes notifications (ce que je n’ai pas fait malheureusement)et de ne penser qu’a moi. Pas de deadline, pas de factures, pas de crise familiale à résoudre. Moi et ma voix intérieure. Moi et mon Dieu intérieur.
J’avais tout prévu, a la minute près avec les billets de trains, les restaurants ou les monuments a ne pas manquer. 24 heures a Milan puis 48 heures en Florence, puis retour a Milan pour moins de 24 heures! J’avais préparé mes tenues et un tripode pour prendre les meilleurs selfies telle une vraie influenceuse…Au final j’avais trop honte de l’utiliser a l’extérieur ! J’avais prévue quelques activités en avance, merci Trip Advisor et les revues TikTok. J’évite souvent de faire les activités trop « instagrammable » (le fameux spa de Milan QC Termemilano,) et privilégie les » a ne pas manquer » dont le fameux Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II qui est by the way a coupe le souffle! les détails! Les photos ne rendent vraiment pas justice.
Galleria Vittorio Emanuele IIDal MilaneseMilano by night
D’ailleurs. prévoir ces activités en amont d’un voyage permet de ne pas perdre de temps surtout quand le trip est de courte durée. Petit Tip, pour éviter la foule ou vraiment découvrir les coins authentiques, demandez directement à la réception de votre hôtel ou aux conducteurs de taxi, ils ont toujours un plan ou deux qui ne sont pas forcément sur les listes populaires mais en valent le détour. C’est ainsi que j’ai fini au Dal Milanese sur la Viale Premuda, un restaurant réputé pour sa cuisine 100% milanaise.
Le lendemain après avoir fait le tour du quartier, j’ai fini par suivre un inconnu qui avait l’air de connaitre son chemin. De fil en aiguille je suis tombé sur un parc magnifique, le Giardino Boboli, (entrée payante) ou j’ai admiré le paysage et médité pendant quelques heures. Trouver son chemin a Milan est assez facile les gens sont très aimables et toujours prêt a rendre service.
Mug&Co Coffe shop (Milan) De la, j’ai marché jusqu’à la Gare centrale de Milan, une trentaine de minute.
Firenze
Bref, du soleil, des bons plats, du bon vin, l’Italie est toujours une bonne idée et ce trip a été à la hauteur du rendez-vous. Contrairement a ce que j’ai pu voir en ligne, toutes les fois où j’ai voyagé en Italie j’ai toujours était agréablement bien accueilli. C’est mon expérience et je reconnais que ce n’est pas l’expérience de toute, surtout en tant que femme noire.
Jour 2. Je suis arrivée en Florence en fin d’après midi. Mon appartement, déniché sur Booking.com était a tomber. Littéralement a 10 minutes de Ponte Vecchio , j’ai pu flâné tout le reste de l’après midi dans les musée gratuit de la ville.. Le lendemain, petit déjeuné au Cafe Amerini, the best coffee shop de la ville (selon mon opinion). D’ailleurs gardez du cash sur vous, certain shop ne prenne pas toutes les cartes (les taxi n’ont plus) et c’est une galère de trouver un cash machine. Dans l’après midi, J’ai fait la visite de deux vignobles en Toscane a une heure et demi du centre, ou j’ai passe la journée a manger, boire, découvrir de nouvelle saveur et boire encore; Quelques heures plus tard et grâce a une rencontre inattendue, j’ai fini en boite(!!!) dans la seule soirée afro de la ville (la soirée s’appelle Hakuna Matata, what in the ghetto is this ?!), ou j’ai fini en section VIP eheheh pour terminer la soirée a 5h30 du matin…Bref ma version de la Dolce Vita !
Mais la réalité m’a aussi rattrapé. Ce que les gens ne disent pas forcement sur les solo trip, c’est que quand on éteint toutes les voix extérieures, celles de l’intérieur se font mieux entendre. Seule, j’ai dû faire face à mes peurs, mes joies, mes doutes, Je me suis mise à pleurer comme si on m’avait quitté devant des inconnus en plein centre ville mais je m’en foutais! Apres tout, tous ces gens ne me reverrai plus.. Apres avoir repris mes esprits et surtout dessoûlé, j’ai réalisé qu’au final, on dit solo trip mais je n’ai jamais été réellement seule: merci a cet inconnu qui m’a aidé a retrouver mon chemin quand mes yeux étaient pleins de larmes, un véritable ange…
De retour a Milan, je me suis rendu compte qu’il y’avait encore quelques endroits de ma liste que je n’avais pas fait. C’est aussi ça le solo trip, c’est la possibilité de gérer son itinéraire selon ses envies, sans l’aval de personne. J’ai écouté ma fatigue and call it a night. Le lendemain, j’ai juste eu le temps d’avaler un dernier cappuccino au Cocotte Jolie (black friendly coffee shop) et de manger une dernière Gellato que j’étais déjà en route vers l’aéroport avec un meilleur moral et des souvenir pleins les yeux.
Duomo Di MilanoCocotte Jolie Coffee shopGiardino BoboliFlorence
Si vous n’avez jamais fait de solo trip, je vous le recommande vivement sinon vous ratez une belle occasion de vivre des aventures improbables! Et puis le solo trip c’est la quintessence du « Self Love » pour moi ça s’est avéré thérapeutique. D’ailleurs shout out to Christelle, qui a répondu a mon appel d’urgence, merci pour ta bienveillance !
Pour ma part, c’était le premier de beaucoup « solo trip ».
Sur les hauteurs de MilanDuomo di Firenzela cathédrale de nuit« ah cette vie la… »
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