Sidewalks

Tag: Travel

  • Our Beachy Escape to El Nido

    Our Beachy Escape to El Nido

     

     

     

    Picture this: we arrived at Puerto Princessa in the early morning, just in time to catch the sunrise. We booked a van from the airport to El Nido, which meant a four-hour drive ahead of us. We were hyped up, but also felt like we could sleep for a week. I mean, who wouldn’t be excited about the adventure that was about to start? The drive was both exhilarating and exhausting, and the views were stunning. We were basically half asleep for most of the journey, but the excitement kept us going.

     

     

     

     

     

    On our long ride to El-Nido, we decided to stop and freshen up at a local restaurant. As soon as we got there, we were pleasantly surprised to find out that they had fresh buko juice! To top it off, we caught an amazing sunrise that left us in awe. It was a fantastic way to kick off our vacation!

     

     

     

     

    The hotel we had initially booked turned out to be a total nightmare. I mean, everything was just wrong, from the staff to the amenities. It was just a total disaster. But we didn’t let that get us down. We decided to explore the city and check out other hotels, and that’s when we stumbled upon the H Hotel.

    The H Hotel was the complete opposite of our previous hotel nightmare. It was so cool. The best part? It was just a short walk away from all the good stuff – restaurants, bars, the beach, and coffee shops. We knew instantly that this was the perfect spot for us!

    As we patiently waited for our turn at the reception, my cousin and I couldn’t help but notice the stunningly cozy and aesthetic waiting area. It was so inviting that we couldn’t resist taking a few pictures to capture the moment.

     

     

    Unfortunately, we didn’t get the booking we were hoping for. Instead, we scored an amazing apartment just a five-minute walk from there. It was the perfect alternative. The apartment had a cute little pool surrounded by plants. It was so cozy and secluded that it almost felt like we had the whole place to ourselves.

     

     

    …fueling our bike at the station before we heading out to explore the island.

     

    lunch views from Big Bad Thai

     

     

    …mirror selfies for the win >>>

     

     

    …exploring the local clothing and jewellery stores…

     

     

     

     

     

    …taking a quick break on the side of the road to sip on some deliciously refreshing buko (coconut) water, which was the perfect way to cool down from the scorching heat.

     

     

     

    One of the highlights of our trip was driving our scooters to Nacpan Beach!! The drive was really scenic, full of lush greenery on both sides of the road. It felt like we were driving through a jungle! It was definitely one of the coolest things we did on our trip.

     

     

     

     

    …at the Nacpan Beach!

     

     

     

    Watching the sun go down at the beach during the golden hour is one of my absolute favourite things in the world! It’s just so peaceful and beautiful <3

     

     

    Later that night, we found ourselves lost in the beauty of the beach. With our eyes fixed on the starry sky, we were spellbound by the beauty that surrounded us. It was like a scene straight out of a fairytale, and we couldn’t help but feel captivated by the magic of the moment.
    trust me it looks even better in person

     

     

     

    Pasta + Vino = ❤️‍🔥

     

    Oh my gosh, let me tell you about the best meal we had at Gorgonzola Pizza & Pasta! Their Pesto Rosso and Tropicana pizza are absolutely to die for! I couldn’t believe how delicious they were. If you’re looking for a chill spot to grab a tasty meal with your friends, this place is perfect. It’s located right in El Nido town, so you can’t miss it!

     

    We all SREAM for…

     

    Yum! For dessert, we indulged in some delicious ice cream. We couldn’t resist trying the manga, buko-pandan, and double Dutch flavours—they were amazing.  While we were walking around, we explored the cutest little town and savoured every bite of our sweet treat.

     

    Keep Life Simple.

     

    The next day, we were heading to the vanilla beach when…

     

     

     

    one of our bikes broke down… 🙁

     

     

     

     

     

     

    …but  we didn’t let that get to us! We just started joking around and chatting to pass the time. We took some pics to remember the moment because, you know, no vacay is ever perfect.

     

    Juicy Ripe Mango Shake 😀

     

     

    As usual on the phone *eye roll*

     

     

    Just OK Chicken & Waffles

     

    We were famished by the time we reached Vanilla Beach. We wandered through a charming strip of restaurants, bars, and gift shops, taking in the delightful ambiance.  After scouting around, we decided to dine at this amazing beachfront restaurant named Tanaw. The food looked so delicious that we gave in to the temptation of ordering a variety of dishes to try.

     

    After that, we hit the beach…

     

     

    💋

     

    Smile! You’re on camera 😀

     

    Collecting Shells at the beach <33333333

     

    ….and it was EPIC!!  It was worth all the trouble we faced earlier!

     

    Golden Hour 😍

     

     

    As we were floating in the cool water, we watched the sun slowly melt into the sky. It was one of the best things we did on our trip. The sunset was just so freaking beautiful like always. I can still remember how amazing it all felt, and I know I’ll never forget that moment. It was one of those rare moments when everything felt perfect, and I couldn’t help but feel grateful for being alive.

     

     

    As the sun was setting, we had a special treat booked – a massage at the beach. The soft sound of waves and the vibrant colours of the sunset created an enchanting setting. And as we lay under the starry sky, feeling the tension melt away from our bodies, we knew we were having a once-in-a-lifetime experience that we’d never forget.

     

     

     

    Sheesha night at Pukka Bar.

     

    Sipping on a Gin & Tonic on a Hammock at the roof top bar…

     

    We finished off the night with some yummy pizza and then headed over to this super cool rooftop bar. Wanna know what made it even better? We got to relax on a hammock and enjoy the most amazing drinks ever. And guess what? We ended up sharing the hammock with a couple of tourists from London and had such a great time chatting with them. The bar had such a chill vibe.  It was simply awesome!

     

     

     

    The last day of our trip had arrived, and it felt like time had flown by. Just yesterday, we arrived, and now we were already packing up to leave. We had booked a van to take us back to Puerto Princessa, which was a four-hour drive from El Nido – our final destination. But before we head to the airport, we’re making one final stop at a local eatery to savour some delicious and refreshing coconut water.

    Our faces might look a bit down in this selfie, but it’s only because we didn’t want to say goodbye to paradise just yet. It was tough to leave such a beautiful place behind, but we’re grateful for the memories we made there.

     

    If you need some suggestions, we’ve got a list of all the cool places we think you’d absolutely dig-

    Where to stay: We had the most amazing stay at The Apartments. You’d also enjoy H Hotel, Frendz Hotel (for all you party animals), or this beautiful sea view villa at Nacpan Beach.

     

    Where to eat: we savoured every bite at  Big Bad Thai, Shawarma House (for post-midnight munchies), and Gorgonzola Pizza & Pasta. Since Definitely check out this list for the best food in El Nido, we enjoyed a late night massive falafel wrap that was bursting with flavor at Holly Smoke. 

     

    Where to get a delicious massage:  we treated ourselves to not just one, but two amazing massages at the Organic Spa. It was pure bliss! If you’re looking for a way to unwind and indulge, I highly recommend booking a massage at the Organic Spa.

     

    Where to club/partayyyyy:  Amigos, Frendz hotel

     

     

     

    Thank you for reading, and feel free to ask any questions! And thank you to El Nido for such a wonderful time. xoxoxoxo

     

     

     

     

  • Discover the Magic of Amorgos

    Discover the Magic of Amorgos

     

    Once upon a time, in a land far, far away, there was a magical island named Amorgos. With its breathtaking sunsets, stunning deep blue water beaches, and magnificent views, it really  is heaven on Earth.

    This is the story of our time spent in this magical place…

     

    I had never heard of the place; it was all my friend Reem’s idea. And for that, I have always been grateful for her. Trust me when I say Amorgos should be on everyone’s “must-see” list.

     

     

     

     

    As soon as we got off the ferry, we walked to a restaurant for food since we were famished. We got these delicious chicken skewers with fries and this toasted sweet bread with honey drizzle on the top. We loved it!!

     

     

    We were served warm shots of Raki that were surprisingly sweet and delicious for desserts. Raki is a local alcoholic drink (strong!. This Raki had honey, cinnamon, clove, and caramel, which was so delightful, and if you’re not careful, you might find yourself drunk in no time. Also, how gorgeous is this view in the background?

     

    We arrived at our hotel feeling shockingly refreshed and energized, considering our rocky ferry ride and endless partying and sleepless nights in Mykonos. The hotel had a lovely garden where I loved spending time. It had these lovely trinkets and these cute dolls (pictured above) hanging near the sitting area. It was so calm and peaceful.

    The hotel is centrally located near the harbour. It was close to all amenities, restaurants and bars, making going to places easier. We rented a  cozy and comfortable studio with everything you might need (a little stove, sink, fridge), and we also liked having a little balcony.

    If you want to splurge, you can stay at this breathtaking hotel with a panoramic view of the mountains, a sparkling bay, and a relaxing yoga studio. Need I say more??

     

     

     

    We wasted no time after checking in. Since our stay stay in Amorgos was only for two fleeting days we wanted to make the most of our time there. So, we decided to hike up a hill to catch the sunset. Even though the hike was long and tiring (especially since I forgot to pack my sneakers for the trip haha), watching the sun melt into the purple sky made it all worth it.

     

     

     

     

    The next morning, we woke up well-rested and feeling fresh. So, we took a loooong walk along the narrow streets of Amorgos. Taking this walk was a treat because every corner we turned had something cute, beautiful, and old-world simplicity. How cute is this laundry service place? You would never want to put off doing your laundry at such a vibey little spot.

     

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    Since we had only a couple of days planned on the island, we had a jam-packed itinerary ahead of us. So, we wasted no time to check off the first place on our list, the spectacular The Monastery of Hozoviotissa. The climb to the monastery is 300 stairs uphill, which is very challenging especially in the scorching heat (don’t forget to pack your sunscreen), but unwinding while enjoying the sea view is priceless.

    Carved on a hill with stunning ocean views, I couldn’t help but think “why here?”. Then again, why not? Who wouldn’t live a life in complete gratitude in such a location? And I am genuinely grateful to have seen this place.

    Important Note: The dress code is modest and strict. No shorts, no miniskirts, no bare shoulders and no women in trousers. No exceptions. However, you’ll find pants and foulards free of use.

    The feeling that I felt at this place is hard to explain. You can feel the divinity of this place, which is evident from the moment you set foot on this holy ground. A visit to Amorgos is incomplete without a visit to this spiritual haven.

     

     

     

     

     

     

    After leaving the monastery, we headed over to  relax and hang out at the Agia Anna beach.  Without a doubt its one of my favourite beaches I have ever been to! It is small and quiet; the blue water is just magic, and the view is stunning, with a lovely church next to the beach.

     

     

     

     

     

    Next, in our cute, tiny rental car, we decided to wander off to the island and explore as much as possible. Looking out the car window, mesmerized by the timeless beauty, I gasped every second, “Omg, Reem, look at that. It’s so beautiful!!!” At one point, we were surrounded by sheep on the road with shepherds with huge smiles.

    After driving around for quite some time in the scorching heat, we stopped by a little village for lunch, which I did not take any pictures of…because some things are just meant to be enjoyed in the moment, like our delicious meal (we left no crumbs, haha).

     

     

    After lunch, we decided to take a stroll in the village tucked into the folds of the valley. We marvelled at the beautiful homes during our stroll when we stumbled upon the Agios Ioannis church. It seemed like the chapel was floating in the clouds. The view was so mesmerizing, like something out of a movie.

     

     

     

    Then, we drove to the island’s most iconic location, The Amorgos Shipwreck. We parked our tiny little car on the main road alongside other cars. From the main road, there is a dirt path to the cove. We walked for about 15 minutes before we saw the shipwreck still half-submerged in the bay. You can’t swim in the water due to the debris from the shipwreck, but it’s still an excellent spot to take some pictures.

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    After visiting the famous shipwreck, we drove up the little hill village of Tholaria to look at some ancient ruins Reem wanted to visit. After looking at the ruins, we strolled around the narrow valleys of the picturesque village surrounded by mountains, white-washed homes, and beautiful flowers when we stumbled upon a magical hidden gem called Seladi Cafe Bar, overlooking the mountains of Amorgos and the amazing Aegiali Bay.

    We ordered two cups of Greek coffee and a ham sandwich at the cafe and ate a delicious chocolate cake while enjoying the view.

     

     

     

    On our way back from the village, we watched the dreamy sunset melt into the mountains that looked straight out of a painting. On the drive back, we stopped when our eyes caught a fig tree. Delighted, we picked some up to enjoy them back in our room. Way a way to end the trip. We were in heaven, and the two days we spent there — felt like a gift.

     

    Thank you so much for reading! I promise I will stop talking about Amorgos lol. Please share your recs below, if you’d like…

     

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    P.S.

    A foodie’s Guide to Calgary & A walk to Vancouver City’s Street Art 

     

  • Vancouver’s Street Art

    Vancouver’s Street Art


    Hello Readers,

    Have you ever wandered on purpose?

    Wandering is walking aimlessly without a goal or direction. It’s one of my favourite things to do – it clears my head, wakes up my senses and invites serendipity. Today I wandered around Vancouver. I was visiting some friends and had one day to myself that I spent wandering around the city on a walk. Here are some things I saw.

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    P.S.

    Best Boutiques in Vancouver

     


  • Thrifty to Luxe: 4 Best Boutiques & Stores in Vancouver

    Thrifty to Luxe: 4 Best Boutiques & Stores in Vancouver


    There’s something about Vancouver that just feels so easy. Maybe it’s their cool art galleries, cinematic theatre experiences, splendid music scene, and the local food. And, don’t even get me started on their shopping scene. They don’t call Vancouver “the Manhattan of Canada” for nothing. 

    The last time I was there, in early September, I was lucky enough to check out some local shopping boutiques in the neighbourhood close to my hotel. 

    From unique vintage thrift stores to luxury boutiques that carry rare archives from iconic designers, here are the four best shopping places I wouldn’t want you to miss in this epic city. 

     

    1) Once More: Luxury for less

    A candy store for the ultimate fashion lover. If you’re short on time and only have the time to visit one store, then let it be this one. 

    What’s so special about this store, you ask? 

    You can find plenty of exciting vintage pieces from legendary fashion houses like Versace, Gucci, Comme des Garcons, Prada, Burberry, etc.  Everything about the store screams luxury at affordable prices, from classic and chic attire to their jaw-dropping shoe collection. I scored a steal deal on practically new red crystal-covered Valentino stiletto heels for half the retail price. 

     Melissa Dhu, the owner and the founder of the boutique, was so kind and welcoming. She took the time to explain the story behind every item in the store, most of which were from Melissa’s personal closet. In speaking with Melissa, I realized that the clothes, shoes, and bags we own have had a life before us, and if we take good care of them, they have a life after us. 

    Sharing with you some pictures that I captured while at the store-

     

     

    2) MINE & YOURS

     Dying for some red-soled little pieces of art or Jimmy Choo in your size? Voted as one of the Best Consignment Stores in Vancouver, keep Mine & Yours on your radar, and I promise you that you won’t leave disappointed. If you LOVE fine-quality things and don’t want to spend a fortune, then this is the store for you. I felt like I was in a fashion museum as some of the things at the store dated back to the 1920s. So cool!!

    As you enter the store, you can feel a high-end boutique’s warm and chic ambiance. The shop is filled with cool pieces from every iconic designer you can think of at affordable prices. Thanks to this iconic boutique, our closets have never looked better!!! <3 Sharing some pictures that I took at the store-

     

    3) Wildlife Thrift Store

    An iconic family-owned & operated, Wildlife Thrift is a breath of fresh air and a cult favourite among the locals. Chic, a picturesque thrift store in the middle of Vancouver, you are guaranteed to find a unique variety of things, including clothes, video games, furniture, books, art, and other trendy finds, at shockingly low prices. I can promise you will find treasures that you might not have expected.

    A brand with a strong philosophy of protecting and preserving mother nature for generations. In describing their brand values, they say, “we believe in one, single, simple concept: by recycling, we are not only able to preserve our environment but are granted the privilege of giving back.” 

    If you’re still not sold on it, they donate to local charities that help those experiencing Homelessness & Mental Health issues. So if you feel bad about spending money on retail therapy, at least you are giving back to people.

    4) Community Thrift and Vintage Frock Shoppe

    Founded in 2011, Community Thrift & Vintage Frock Shoppe is a not-for-profit thrift store based in Vancouver. I loved quietly browsing all the beautiful one-of-a-kind vintage clothing and jewellery, which made it impossible to leave empty-handed. 

    Even though prices on some items were high for a thrift store, it’s still worth checking out because you do find special and unique pieces that are hard to find in the malls.

    They employ women in need from the local community to work in the business. And, since all their profits go towards supporting at-risk women in the Downtown Eastside (DTES), shopping here felt so sustainable and fulfilling at the same time. 

     

    Are there any other stores that you would add to the list? Comment below I’d love to know and check them out on my next visit. 

     

    xx

    Yachna

     

     



  • Paris

    Paris

    You don’t meet people by accident. And nothing in life happens by coincidence.

    I met Wisal as soon as I landed in Paris at the railway station. It was late at night. Watching me struggle, she generously offered to help me carry my luggage.

    “Wait, I’ll come to help you.” she declared as she came down the stairs to take my luggage with me.

    That moment was just the beginning of our cosmic sisterhood.

    “What are you doing in Paris?” she asked me after we carried my luggage from the station.

    ” Just travelling,” I replied.

    It was her first day in Paris too.

    She asked me if I was travelling with someone.

    “I am travelling solo,” I replied.

    “ME TOO!!!” she said as her eyes lightened up with excitement.

    As we talked, we found out we were in the same hostel. And then, in the same room.

    It was meant to be. I felt it in my heart.

    Later that night, we bonded over our love for art, fashion, and vintage shopping. What brought us even closer is that we refuse to play by society’s rules.

    It’s sad when people don’t get to follow their dreams because of the pressure from society.

    It’s better to rebel and work hard for your dreams than regret them years later.

    Sometimes it’s hard to be a woman. It’s especially tough if you are a brown woman. There’s are certain subliminal messaging that comes with it. You need to dress a certain way, be married by 30, and have kids.

    We both very strongly rebelled against that and weren’t afraid to speak our minds.

    At 16, Wisal ran away from her parents’ house. Her Moroccan parents never accepted her free artist soul. The culture was oppressed, and there was no room for her dreams.

    “I felt suffocated all the time living in that house. So, I ran away. Living on the streets is better than my parents’ house.” she said.

    While listening to her story, it felt as though we had known each other for a long, long time.

    Imagine meeting a human version of yourself. Looking in a mirror. One soul, two bodies.

    We spent the next eight days falling in love with the magic of Paris.

    No agenda. No planning. No advanced reservations.

    Wake up, and follow your heart.

    We would wake up each day not knowing how our day would end. And, every day was better than the last. A magical dream that I never wanted to end.

    One of the most memorable and favourite moments from that trip was this…

    It was pouring rain. We decided to go out for a night stroll. Sitting next to a river under the moonlight we started to dance in the middle of the street as though no one was watching.

    At that moment, I knew we were going to be part of each other’s lives for a really long time. It brought a smile to my face. Watching her sing and dance in those empty streets.

    That moment is so special to me because as I watched Wisal dance, I looked at her and felt pure love in my heart. I never knew I loved someone this way. I remember feeling so thankful that I met this incredibly remarkable woman.

    I wished for that moment to never end, for the time to stop. Freeze. So I could relive it again and again.

    We would joke that we didn’t need Chanel, Dior, or Gucci to make us happy. We were just grateful to be making such incredible memories together.

    There I was in the most romantic city in the world with the greatest love of my life.

    Of all the roads I travelled, the roads to Paris were the most magical.

    Two rollercoaster girls in Paris.

    xx

    Yachna

  • Welcome To The Yachna Project

    Welcome To The Yachna Project

    Hey there, I am Yachna Atthi!

    The Yachna Project is a lifestyle blog for people working on themselves for themselves.

    I hope this blog will inspire the traveller in you, the artist, the poet and the creator.

    I will be sharing a ton of delicious food, ordinary beauty, stories from people that inspire me and a wanderlust life.

    Cheers to-ladies and gents that inspire change, eating a forkful of the delicious food, finding beauty in the ordinary, joining in on the silliness and living a purposeful life. Cheers to an inspired living. And, soaking it all in with- a big smile, class and a good sense of humour.

    Welcome to the world, Yachna Project (Don’t worry everyone will be kind to you. They know you are just getting started). And, this is just the beginning…

    xx

    Yachna Atthi