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Iceland

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Road trip of a life time: 5 days in Iceland

Celebrating our ten year wedding anniversary in Iceland….. lets do it!

The trip that was planned for 2021 but covid happened and baby number two happened. We had booked our trip to Iceland (planned and paid for) in 2021, however, sadly due to covid restrictions, we had to cancel our plans. When we realised that we could no longer explore Iceland, we decided it’s a good time to have baby number two and she arrived in November 2021. After her arrival it took us a few years (3 years) to save and be ready for our Iceland trip. With our ten year wedding anniversary fast approaching, I thought it would be a brilliant time to mark it with a trip to Iceland.

A little bit about Iceland:

Location: A Nordic island nation in the North Atlantic Ocean, just below the Arctic Circle.

Capital: Reykjavík (also the largest city).

Population: About 380,000 people.

Language: Icelandic.

Currency: Icelandic króna (ISK).

Geography: Known for dramatic landscapes—volcanoes, geysers, hot springs, lava fields, glaciers, and black sand beaches.

Tourism Highlights: The Blue Lagoon, Golden Circle, Northern Lights, Vatnajökull Glacier, and countless waterfalls and natural wonders.

Fun Fact: It’s one of the most eco-friendly countries in the world, with almost 100% of its electricity coming from renewable sources.

Day 1

Traveling to Iceland with our two backpacks and one cabin bag was a breeze. We didn’t have to check in any luggage and we were travelling light so going through security and onto the plane was completely hassle free. It was a considerably different to our EDT – Extreme Day Trip to Alicante flight last month (which you can find in another post)!  We watched a beautiful sunrise to kick start our travels. Getting out of the airport was really quick too. Since we knew exactly where we were going, the main agenda was to get our car from the car hire company and get comfy in the car! Once settled in the car, we decided to stop off at the local supermarket to get milk, cereal, fruit and other bits and pieces. We thought this would save us a fortune over the next few days and it totally did.

We went from Reykjavik to golden circle which included Þingvellir National Park (Thingvellir), Gulfoss and Geysir. We then stopped off at Fridheimar where we had the most delicious food, pasta and unlimited tomato soup!

We then did a quick stop off at Kerid before heading over to our accommodation. The accommodation was amazing and included a spotless kitchen, lots of shoe dryers, a sauna/hot tub and ample places to relax and unwind.

Day 2

We started the day bright and yearly and had our cereal/milk that we purchased the day before. We met a lovely family from America who we got chatting to. We discussed how travel changes after having kids and what they got up to. This was the first time I ever stayed in a hostel and i loved the experience of speaking to strangers and chatting about what they have been up to and enjoyed about the country! Definitely something I would consider when travelling in the future.

This was a very wet but wonderful day of admiring waterfalls! We saw the following waterfalls:

Seljalandsfoss/ Glufrabui and Skogafoss / Kvernufoss

After seeing these waterfalls, we headed over to the Plane Wreckage Solheimasandur Crash Site. This involved a 2 hour hike (there and back). We could have got the bus which cost around £15 pp, but since it stopped raining we thought we would get our steps in. I had not seen anything like it before so it was a different kind of experience. It was reassuring to know, no one was hurt or lost their lives when the crash happened.

We then headed over to the infamous Vikurfjara black sand beach and luckily the sun came out just in time! It made the experience so much better as we really got to take in the beautiful surroundings.

We then decided to to a last minute stop to Dyrholaey which really allowed us to absorb our surroundings!

We ended the night in Vik at Black crust pizza which cost us…. £66!! Ps. Iceland is expensive!!

Day 3

My goodness me, my favourite place Fjadrargljufur was also filmed in the series ‘Games of Thrones’! Despite being drenched in rain, the views were spectacular. The start of this journey did break my heart though. We saw a mum hit and shout at her child – we assume that he didn’t take her photo how she desired. I was tempted to get out of the car and say something but they ran to their coach and left.

We then stopped over randomly at this church! In Iceland you will come across lots of little, unusual places that are just beautiful in terms of the landscape and natural beauty.

We then went to Svinafellsjokull where my jaw quite literally hit the ground as I was in awe with what I saw. I had never seen glaciers and this particular moment will stay with me forever. I bumped into a guy who I started chatting to and we both spent ages chatting about how stunning Iceland is. He was travelling with his friends and they were doing a road trip all around Iceland!

By the time we got to the ‘diamond beach’ we were completely wet, head to toe!

When we got to the hotel, I was desperate to see the Northern Lights. I am happy to report, I saw a tiny glimpse! However, I must say, I now understand when they say ‘they are not that visible with a naked eye’.

Day 4

Ice cave tour and Snowmobiling on a glacier: A day of adrenaline and adventure! We paid a fortune for this trip but feel like it was totally worth it as it was everything and more. As we arrived, the guy greeted us with ‘Asalam Alaikum’ and explained that he has visited lots of Muslim countries and noticed me in my Hijab. I thought it was really sweet of him to greet us with that. This trip was truly fantastic from start to finish and definitely one to remember. We felt so lucky to be there and to experience it together.

There was a family of five with us on the snowmobile tour and we were surprised to see a 7 year old doing the snowmobiling tour. As we headed down, the organisers announced that the 7 year old had come out of the snowmobile! Fortunately he was okay and not injured, however, understandably he was too scared to get back on.

Following our adventures, we came across another unusual waterfall which required us to hike for around 30 minutes there and 30 minutes back. However, I really struggled due to being exhausted! This would have been a beautiful hike, but one that I do regret slightly.

Luckily we made it just in time back to Vik to taste some delicious soup and pasta! Following our full bellies, we continued driving towards Reykjavík.

Day 5

We woke up to an amazing hot shower and a house smelling of fresh waffles! The host makes waffles every day and serves them fresh to all the visitors. There’s a range or syrups, honey and chocolate sauce as well as home made rhubarb jam.

We went straight to explore Reykjavík and wandered around drinking coffees, eating pastries and exploring all the incredible murals and street art. Street art is probably one of my favourite things to do in cities. We even saw a huge mural dedicated to Palestine. It was amazing to see that so much space, time and effort was given to this incredibly important cause. As we were starting to get hungry, we came across a Palestinain restaurant that served halal chicken. We knew we had to eat here and ended up ordering our lunch.

We then headed straight over to Blue Lagoon which exceeded our expectations. The journey there was out of this world. I know there had been a volcanic eruption recently and the roads still had smoke coming out of it!! Despite being super busy, it was really well organised and managed. We opted to purchase the package where we had 3 face masks and two free drinks. This was great fun as we enjoyed how interactive it was. We could have stayed here all day as it was incredibly beautiful and serene. However, we wanted to leave in good time to catch our flight.

Landed at 10.30, arrived home for 11.15pm

Tips

Take a flask and tea bags

Pre- book any excursions and plan your itinerary around it

Stop at a supermarket to get snacks/breakfast

Take an extra rain coat

You don’t need change unless you want to tip people.

Summary

Walked 90,000

Drove 842 miles 

Cost breakdown

Flights £210.62

Accommodation £563

Ice cave/snowmobiling £733

Car hire/car insurance £550

Petrol £173.61

Spending , food etc) £300+

Parking £50.35

Total £2,600 (might have spent a bit more here and there including taxi etc)

If you made it this far, thank you! I hope you found this blogpost useful. If you want to know where we stayed, which car rental place we used or who we booked the excursions with, I am happy for you to contact me! I have lots more photos and a reel on Instagram if you want to check it out!

Paris, France

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Recently there was a trend called #metmyyoungerselfforcoffee, of course I couldn’t resist and jumped right on it. The process made me reflect on my past and the older version of me. I realised how spontaneous, carefree and adventurous I used to be in my younger days. Somewhere along the way, I naturally lost parts of me. Only to find a new version of myself, which I realised was still spontaneous but perhaps a little more risk averse, but a whole lot more resilient and appreciative. I guess that happens when you become a mother, it happens when you’re faced with anxiety and other life responsibilities. I digress, the point being that this little trend reminded me of that young woman full of life, hopes and dreams. I’m pleased to see that 10 years later I still hold onto those parts of me.

We’re getting there, don’t worry. Just before the new year, I was chatting to my friend about the prospect of doing a “Day trip” abroad. Of course she was completely up for it and we wasted no time before booking a cheap £50 return flight from Manchester to Paris. All we needed now was to get our husbands to have the children so we didn’t need to worry about arranging childcare. Now to me, this is pretty spontaneous and I love that neither of us hesitated to make the most of this opportunity.

I can’t quite believe I am saying this, but we had zero plans! This was a first for me as I usually always go with an itinerary but on this trip, I was just really looking forward to having no plans and no pressure. All we knew was that we wanted to see the Eiffel Tower and eat pastry.

My friend stayed over at mine and we woke up bright and early (3.30am) to catch our flight at 6.55. Getting through security and to our gate was a breeze. A very short flight to Paris (Beauvais) and we were ready to travel another hour or so into Paris. We headed out straight to the bus stop to catch a bus to the town centre to get the train into Paris. You can be more organised than us and book the train in advance from an app called “Omio”. I can’t write about our journey without mentioning the lovely Jordan. He was waiting to get on the bus and we started chatting about our plans. He reassured us that we were at the right stop as he had done lots of research before coming. Unlike us, his mum told him he can’t leave until he had booked everything and organised all the transport! Jordan explained this was his first solo trip and he was hoping watch a football game in Paris and do a Vlog about it. He kept us company all the way into Paris. Meeting people like Jordan is always one of my favourite part of travelling. He was so polite, considerate and kind. His mama’s raised him well!

The only plan we had was to go to Carrett for their famous hot choc. There are two Carrett branches and we ended up at 25 place des Vosges, which is around an hours walk from Eiffel tower! I am kind of glad we accidentally ended up here as the architecture and setting was just beautiful.  We ordered the famous hot choc and French onion soup, both of which were amazing. 

We decided to get an uber to Eiffel Tower as we didn’t want to spend time walking due to it being a day trip. It was a fabulous decision as we got to see Notre-Dame from the comfort of the car (it was pouring it down outside). We got dropped off right next to Eiffel Tower! We took some photos and bought some Eiffel Tower key rings and carried on walking towards Montmartre. Once we got there, we popped into the local book shop, bought an umbrella from a pharmacy and enjoyed walking around the beautiful streets, full of character. We walked up lots of steps to check out Sacré-Cœur Basilica which has panoramic views of the city.

From there we decided to check out the Louvre and ended up getting another Uber. At this point, it really was chucking it down so we ended up at a café. We spent over an hour drinking tea, eating crepes and reading/sketching. This was probably my favourite part of the day as it was everything I had imagined Paris to be. We were sat watching strangers dance in the rain as the live music was playing next to them.

We got so lost in the moment that we realised that getting an Uber to the airport would be the quickest way. But we couldn’t go back without grabbing some pastries. So we found a cosy little bakery, grabbed some pastries and enjoyed them when we got to the airport!

Sorry no hacks or tips other than; don’t let the rain spoil it for you, uber it if it makes your life easier. Eat the pastry and soak in your surroundings. Dress for comfort not show as Paris is HUGE and you’ll be doing A LOT of walking! 

PS, this is your reminder to be spontaneous and that it is possible to do a ‘day trip to Paris’.

We also made everything mega easy by using just one bank card and used the ‘split’ option on Monzo. That way there was no confusion and we split everything in the middle. If you don’t already have a Monzo account, go get it! It’s honestly been so easy to transfer to friends and split bills. Here’s a referral code which can get you and me some money:

https://join.monzo.com/c/6rv8jl3

Episode 23: Travel talk with my Pal

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Shamila takes us on a journey from Europe to India to the Philippines and so much more. Her love and enthusiasm for travel is inspiring as well as admirable. She has not allowed any barriers or challenges to stop her from exploring the world which is a credit to her. 
We talk about cuisines, man made border, her ethnic identity and so much more. 
A really beautiful and wholesome conversation with one of my favourite humans I am lucky enough to call my friend!


Shamila’s Instagram: 
https://www.instagram.com/shamilaxo?igsh=a25mb2Y3dnNrZ2lk
Please subscribe, comment and share the podcast!

Episode 22: Menopause, you are not going mad!

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An incredibly thought-provoking yet liberating episode recorded with the amazing Zoe Brogan, a menopause coach. Yep, you read that right – she’s a menopause coach who helps women take control and ownership of their bodies and lives. 
Zoe tells us about peri-menopause, menopause and the symptoms we should be looking out for. Her empathetic and caring approach makes menopause (the inevitable) not so scary and debilitating.

You can find Zoe on Instagram in the link below: https://www.instagram.com/your.menopausecoach?igsh=dDkwYmJxZmtra3diPlease if you enjoyed this episode, leave a review, follow and subscribe 🤍

“Oh People of Palestine”

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Oh people of Palestine

I have been thinking of you all for 365 days and I know I’m not alone. So many of us think about you every second of the day.

My heart is heavy, but what an insult that is to your broken heart. You heart that is full of constant pain and anguish. Who am I to ever complain after seeing the heartache you go through, again and again.

I think about your burning flesh but the fire in your belly to stay alive.

I think of your decaying bodies, but your faith that guides you and gives you strength.

I think about your starving bellies, but your yearn for life that keeps you going.

I think about your missing limbs, yet a heart so whole, a soul so pure.

I think about you every day.

I see faces of the children who lost their lives. Oh Hind, how they took away your life in the most merciless, inhumane and barbaric way. This world didn’t deserve you. I’m sorry we let you down.

The image of the mother wearing a white hijab, holding her child’s body and mourning quietly. That image haunts me when I close my eyes.

The mother who struggled with infertility and celebrated with joy when giving birth to twins babies, only to lose them to this evil genocide.

The grandfather, looking at his granddaughters vacant eyes, searching for her soul. His own eyes, still full of hope.

The father carrying his childrens limbs in carrier bags.

The child’s body hanging callously on a wall where there were once photo frames of loved ones.

The baby girl with a pierced ear, wearing a yellow outfit and her mutilated face.

I think about all the children who were given beautiful names on their birth. Only to lose their identity, their family history and their all as their loved ones were snatched away from them. Children who no longer have names, nor identities.

I think about you all every day.

After witnessing your pain, your death and the wreckage around you. I cannot help but question the people on this Earth. Why do I live for a world that is so cruel, so corrupt.

I want to thank you, thank you for igniting the love for faith within me. For I know there may never be justice in this world, but there will be justice in the hereafter. Justice for all those living in oppression, dying slowly and watching their loved ones being murdered.

Oh people of Palestine, please know, you will get justice. Until then, we think of you and we pray for you.

Episode 13: Zainib from Race Across the World!

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In today’s episode, I was joined by the wonderful Zainib from Race Across the World. I slid into her DMs on Instagram and, to my surprise, she agreed to have a chinwag with me! I’m forever grateful to Zainib for agreeing to join me – talk about getting a self esteem boost! 
We had such a natural, wholesome and unedited conversation. We discussed
a range of topics, including her experience on Race Across the World, infertility, her love for Gabor Maté, (me oversharing as per usual), self-care and Zainib’s job as a Consultant within the Mental Health sector. 
I hope you enjoy listening to it!

Episode 11: My Papa

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A super wholesome conversation with my dad (papa) who sacrificed his entire life and identity for me by moving from Kashmir to the UK. We talk about all kind of things but the message he wanted to share was “forget your past, enjoy the present and look forward to the future”.

Episode 9: My Mama and her unconditional love

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An emotional conversation with my mum – aka LOZZA – on the pod. She took me on a journey through her childhood in Leicester in the 60s, to spending her teens in Pakistan in the 70s. We speak about her experience of being dual heritage, raising an only child in an Asian culture and returning to the UK with nothing else but two suitcases. It’s raw, it’s honest but it’s beautiful 🎙️

Riots, Rogues and Racists

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I have so many lingering thoughts, so many painful memories. Memories that had been disolved and diluted over time as I was caressed with kindness and love. But the hatred, the divide, the terror, it has brought it all back to surface. It’s making me scared, angry and confused.

The constant fear of being “othered”. Othered for the colour of my skin, the roots of my ancestors, the religion I love. Racism, a little current and other times, it’s hate filled tidal waves.

Neither here, nor there. Where do we go? Where is home?

Time and time again, I can’t help but question, over what? The media, the politicians, those heartless beasts creating a rhetoric that’s raising hatred and pain. Causing divide and no long able to control the reign.

Living in a state of freeze or flight and wondering whether the people of colour around me are feeling the same? Are they petrified of what is yet to come. Tensions higher than ever before, making me crave a sense of belonging even more.

Worried about stepping outside of my door. Afraid of the possible risk and anger at the core. This side, that side, our side or their side. The only side I want to belong to is a side of love, nurture and inclusivity.

I may not be good with words, but I am good with feelings that I know. Sharing my emotions knowing that many of you, regardless of the skin of your colour are able to relate to a thing or two.

It’s so triggering for many of us, we are on a journey to find and lose our identities. Time and time again questioning our belonging. Where do we go? Where do we call ‘home’?

Episode 8: Inspiring the youth at 13

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Chatting to my 13 year old baby cousin (at her request). She talks about her accomplishments since starting secondary school less than 2 years ago. We talked about bullying, identity and much more. Super proud of the young person she is becoming!
Her Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/bakingwithmomna?igsh=MWE0eGh6emxrdDhrZw==