MERRY CHRISTMAS | 2020 Poem | Upcoming NEW SERIES: 2020-21 sL Covid Chronicles

The Little Potted Christmas Tree

She was a small tree, cute to see.

She was a unique tree, one of three.

She was covered in faux snow, this tree.

"She's outside the florist's window," she told me.

We walked past the florist; one, two, three.

"We need to get that tree," she said to me.

We walked towards the florist, "Come and see."

We stood and scanned the tree, "I agree."

We had no free hands to carry the tree, 

"Let's come back later," said me.

Later came and went; we kept looking at the tree.

"We need to buy the tree," said she to me.

Rushing, always rushing, when our time was free;

All the while postponing the time to buy the tree.

"I will take these things home with me,

If you can, could you please get the tree?"

"No promises," said me.

I walked and walked, thinking of the tree;

When I was almost near the florist with the tree,

I looked at my hands, then I looked at the tree.

"Oh, what the heck! I'll take it home with me!"

Shopping in one hand and the other held our tree.

The look on my sister's face was filled with pure glee.

"Oh! You got the Christmas tree!"

Only small LED lights were wrapped around the tree.

"I cannot do this, can you please help me?"

So, I untangled the lights operated by battery,

"Ok, leave it up to me."

She stood on a small table between my sister and me.

She stood bright and proud, our little tree.

"And this," said she, "This!

"This is Christmas to me."

- strictlyLeisure (AK)

~ Based on my first Christmas in London ~

BLARNEY CASTLE & GARDENS | IE | Ireland Series Finale

Blarney Castle is home to the famous Blarney Stone that is said to hold magical powers to give traveller a gift: The Gift of the Gab. Legend has it that those who kiss this magical stone will be able to talk anyone's ear off.

Now, you don't have to kiss that stone if you don't want to - and note, you're upside down if you do choose to kiss the stone - but getting in line to kiss the stone is the fastest route through the castle. If stairs are not your thing, don't stress, the Castle's internal courtyard is still a great view point of the magnitude of the castle.

Outside has not one, not two, but twelve different types of gardens that surround the castle. All unique in their own way, the gardens offer both historical information as well as excellent natural scenery. Although I am not a green thumb, I do enjoy a great garden. We saw many castles throughout the tour, Blarney stands out due to it's legendary stone and its beautiful gardens. 

Go see it!

sL xxx

CLIFFS OF MOHER | IE | Ireland Series

Ireland's Wild Atlantic Way is a west-coast trail that stretches from Ireland's north to south. Ireland's best costal views and mountain ranges dazzle along this tourism trail. We started from Donegal's beautiful peninsula and costal town to the iconic Cliffs of Moher then towards Skellig Michael, best known as a Star Wars location.

But I want to focus on the famous cliffs.

The Cliffs of Moher are breath taking and their view of the Atlantic Ocean is just as stunning. I know my photo does not do the site any favours, but it's clear that even on a day that's slightly overcast, these cliffs are still majestic and enigmatic. Standing close to the edge gets your heart racing and the wind reminds you to stay within the fenced areas. Nevertheless, the cliff's edge is one you need to have a selfie on and "with," hahaha! (Disclaimer: If you visit and it's a very windy day, do not be brave, your life is more valuable than your IG story or post.)

The Wild Atlantic Way is another wonder on its own, but you must stop at the Cliffs of Moher. They are a must on any Irish Tours.

Until next time,

sL xxx

INIS MÓR | IE | Ireland Series

Inis Mór, aka. Inishmore, is the largest of the Aran Islands. To get to the Aran Islands you need to catch a ferry from a port just outside of Galway. Inis Mór features beautiful farmlands that retain their ancient stonewalls and house many grazing farm animals. Some locals speak Gaeilic (Irish), but most people closer to the port are friendly and will help if you have any inquiries.

Everyone who visits needs to either hire some bicycles and cycle through the island to see the incredible sites where acres of green meet skies of blue. If physical exercise in not your thing, then there are bus tours that will take you through the entire island. There's also a local Tesco and pub just a few minutes from the port if you want some snacks or a feed before or after your tour.

I highly recommend cycling through the island; let the wind blow through your hair and immerse yourself in the calendar-like scenery. I also recommend having a great picnic with a charcuterie platter! Either way, it's a great break from city walls.

If you're ever in Galway, and if the whether permits it, take a ferry to Inis Mór and spend the day there, a day is really all you need.

Until next time,

sL xxx

GALWAY | IE | Ireland Series

Galway is another city that I enjoyed walking through during my visit to Ireland.

My experience is pretty much summed up with on video:

Minus the dart-throwing escapade and tattoo-getting spontaneity, the pub crawl and street browsing was pretty accurate. It's a lovely city that feels more homey than most other cities. There's a strong sense of community that oozes through the city centre.

It's very easy to walk through and Grafton Street is a must. It's not just a shopaholic's dream, it's also a foodie's haven its smorgasbord of dishes from all over the world. (Note: there is a lot in a small amount of space, so be prepared for heaps of fellow tourists.)

Pub-crawls are a must here. Don't fret, all the pubs are close to each other, so it's a safe trip from one pub to the next. Like all good pub-crawls, you have a guide who will buy your shots for you and get you from one pub to the next. If drinking is not your thing then just go for the music. Each pub offers a variety of live performances from local artists and you will always have a unique experience.

I'm definitely going to visit Galway again.

sL xxx

DUBLIN | IE | Ireland Series Pilot

Now for those of you who follow me on Instagram you would have joined me across my 5-day tour of Ireland. I wish I had done the 7-day tour, but alas life got in the way...as per usual.

Enjoying my trip around Ireland is an understatement. I LOVED IT. The scenery was something out of a book and the history is so rich you're practically walking in and amongst it. But I'm getting ahead of myself. Let's start at the heart of Ireland: Dublin.

Dublin is the Capital City of Ireland. Much like many cities, it is filled with commercial buildings, some skyscrapers and shopping districts. In true European fashion, its authentic architectures wrap around museums, pubs and - of course - churches. Writers like Oscar Wilde and James Joyce have been immortalised through plaques, marble bust or sculptures in local parks and gardens. 

I visited two museums while I was in Dublin:

• The Little Museum of Dublin - one thing you must know is that the Irish are proud of all of their accomplishments no matter how big or small - and so they should! This Museum houses many fun-facts and trivia-worthy items. I recommend going as a fun starting point to get your head around the modern history of Ireland.
• Leprechaun Museum - if you're more into folklore, this museum is up your ally. Kids will love this interactive museum. The staff are very energetic and full of stories that will entertain you for days. 

For literary nerds, must sees are:

• Trinity College - there are guided tours available when you visit.
• Oscar Wilde's sculpture and house - they're literally across the street from each other.
• James Joyce's marble bust - it is missable so keep your eyes peeled!
• Dublinia - a museum that showcases Dublin during the Viking and Medieval era.
• Literary Museum - it's opening this year!
• There are regular literary pub-crawls too!

In all honesty, all you need to do is walk around and you'll find picturesque buildings and beautiful parks. There are walking tours that you can book if you want to acquaint yourself with the city before you roam around on your own.  I loved spending extra time just browsing through the city. It felt like home away from home.

Until next time,

sL xxx 

Dubai | UAE | Stopover Musings

Alright, let's have a chat about my three-day stopover in Dubai.

Dubai is one big giant theme park. Think Vegas, but on steroids (and we all know how I felt about Vegas). I heard so many good things and bad things about Dubai. To be fair, what I heard was bias for each side of the argument. Majority of the positives came from seasoned travellers who truly suck on the marrow of life wherever they go and rave about each experience when asked. The negatives come from immigrants who suffer from political choices. Nevertheless, my personal experience is one that sits on the fence. I sit in the nonchalant centre because I was only there for three days and I don't live in the UAE, so I'm not widely affected by the political choices. I will say, my review-blog is more for the female solo traveller. I bolded the identifier because being a female in general is hard, but being a female in a country that is culturally and spiritually patriotic, it is helpful to keep in mind that as Western tourists, we still need to be respectful if their practices in their spaces. As a woman, there were some spaces where I felt unsafe and needed a male presence. 

As efficient and proper as all staff were from the entry point to the main tourist areas, I would not recommend doing too many independent trips outside the colossal man-made-theme-park-city. These are the safest parts for inexperienced travellers, solo female travellers and young families. For a short stopover like mine, there are so many activities that family and friends can do: beaches, theme parks, a trip to the Dubai Mall Zoo and Aquarium or, the ultimate activity, shopping. Dubai houses more malls than I can count or even remember. There are so many hop-on-hop-off tours that take you from mall to mall. But if you want a more authentic experience, as a female solo traveller, I have some tips:

• Budget to pay for or have an escort to and through the Souks. Although the hop-on-hop-off buses will take you there, they will not guide you through these markets. Essentially, book a guided tour rather than taking one of these self-guided tour buses. They're good for the site seeing, not for the authentic shopping experience. Remember the aim of these market places is authentic-advertising, that is, ALL of the store owners will confidently come up to you like a stand-alone-stall sales person in a shopping centre.
• If you're wanting to do outside-of-Dubai overnight tours, book tours that require numbers. Remember: power in numbers. This is not about sucking the fun out your trip with fear, it's about thinking logically and to get more out of your experience. The key is to make friends. Usually a "surrogate mother" will appear on these trips, believe me they can be a God-send when you're feeling unsafe.

My last tip is just a general one, it's for travellers who just want a taste rather than the full experience: stay in the city proper. There are lots of people minding their own business in the main tourist areas, you will always feel safe in these areas. These are the three main things I wish someone told me when I was travelling. If you have family in Dubai this won't be an issue at all.

I hope that was helpful, apologies for the less light hearted post. I thought it was essential to share this for my fellow solo travellers.

Until next time,

sL xxx

PS. Here are some highly recommended guided tours: https://www.viator.com/en-GB/Dubai-attractions/Dubai-Gold-Souk/d828-a1623

HANEDA (Airport) | JAPAN | Japan Series Finale

What is a finale without a great ending?

In the words of Albus Dumbledore, or J.K. Rowling, I open at the close.

Why not end with one of the entry points to this beautiful country. Haneda Airport is one of the most picturesque airports when you're in transit. There are so many lovely tourist stores to pick-up last minute souvenirs and gifts for friends and family. If you don't want to shop then there are many artworks for you to breeze through while you wait for your gate to open or your flight to be announced.

It's also accessible by train, which is great when you're going to and from the airport. I enjoyed my last few moments here and had a blast soaking-in the Japanese culture that I fell in love with. I am constantly planning a trip back to see other places I was not able to see. Still on my list:

• Osaka - properly
• Kyoto
• Hiroshima

I'll keep you posted,

sL xxx

OSAKA | JAPAN | Japan Series

I will have to disappoint you in this blog.

I will be honest and say that I spent most of my day in line to take a tour of the Hogwarts Castle and redeem myself on the internal ride - I passed out in Orlando. In saying that, I love the Wizarding World, so I wasn't actually mad about it hahaha!

Universal Studios is not the highlight of Osaka, but it is unique in its own way. Much like Ginza is nostalgic, Universal is for the family. Lots of Minions, Snoppy Dogs and other cartoon-esque feels. If you're looking for some family fun while you're in Japan, Universal is definitely the place to go.

I didn't go to Disneyland, Japan but I'm sure it's much like Orlando or Los Angeles where either theme park is fun for everyone. Lines are long, but patience is key.

Until next time,

sL xxx

HARAJUKU | JAPAN | Japan Series

Disclaimer: When I visited the Harajuku Culture was not "in season" in terms of practice. This will be more about their New Year rituals.

Yogi Park is one of the largest parks that showcases natural beauty and spiritual traditions. We stumbled through the park as we went looking for other iconic places. It was a great stumble, even though we didn't know the language, the park had incredible spots to show tourists how to they practice their culture to welcome the new year. Visits to the shrines, drinking from sacred fountains and iconic street foods.

Yogi Park is another chilled place to relax and observe the history where past, present and future collide. In the spring time it also hosts the beautiful cherry blossoms that all tourism packets display. I highly recommend it regardless of the season.

Until next time,

sL xxx

SHIBUYA | JAPAN | Japan Series

HAPPY BIRTHDAY striclyLeisure!!!

What better way to celebrate than with one of the better known places in Japan! Unfortunately I only had a video of the crossing, but this snapshot is the entrance to the fashion centre os Shibuya.

If there's one thing you need to know about the Japanese population it is that they're not only polite, they are very fashion forward. Every store in Shibuya was a boutique with it's own unique style. If there was any place you wanted to get a wardrobe update, it's Shibuya.

I loved just walking around this city. The hustle and bustle brought an energy that I felt from my head to my toes. It was a great city to just see and be.

Shibuya is not only highly recommended by Lonely Planet, TripAdviser and Google, it's highly recommended by every person who has visited. It is a fun little place to site-see and shop.

Until next time,

sL xxx

GINZA | JAPAN | Japan Series Pilot

Hello Kitty is an icon and is a fitting image to start this series, nay the year, alas the decade! 

Whenever we think of Japan we think of iconic cartoon-anime-like images. There's a hint of nostalgia as we're often transported to a time in our childhood where these icons were once our companions. This is what Sanrioworld, Ginza was like for my mother. 

Hello Kitty was too expensive for my mum and her family growing up, so when she and I visited Sanrioworld she was excited to be able to buy her inner child something she did not have growing up. Unfortunately, Hello Kitty is still as iconic, if not more, so she was only able to buy herself a keychain. She sacrificed the big stuffed toys, cute hair-clip accessories and the notepads that she so dearly wanted when she was younger. Instead, she thought of others, children that she loved back home, my nieces and nephews. She said, "Let's buy this for them." And we did.

For me, Ginza was my mother's nostalgia and generosity.

As we start a new year, I urge you to continue the same spirit of giving that we carry at the end of each year. Think of others this decade and I promise, it will make the world just a little less difficult. 

Love always,

sL xxx

HAPPY NEW DECADE!

COMING UP

JAN - #JapanSeries Pilot: GINZA

FEB - #JapanSeries: SHIBUYA

MAR - #JapanSeries: HARAJUKU

APR - #JapanSeries: OSAKA

MAY - #JapanSeries Finale: HANEDA (Airport)

JUN - DUBAI

JUL - #IrelandSeries Pilot: DUBLIN

AUG - #IrelandSeries: GALWAY

SEP - #IrelandSeries: INIS MÓR

OCT - #IrelandSeries: CLIFFS OF MOHER

NOV - #IrelandSeries Finale: BLARNEY CASTLE AND GARDENS

DEC - Annual Christmas Poem