The Invaluable Life Lessons We Learnt During Our Travels

Here, life comes to a complete standstill daily as stores and restaurants shut their doors between 12 and 2 p.m. for some rest time – yep, even tourist places. Around
5 p.m. families and groups of friends start emerging to either dine at restaurants or indulge in some volleyball or soccer at the beach. I found this aspect of Valencian life particularly inspiring. It felt well-rounded life – work is balanced alongside social aspects of life. The widely spoken about siesta, otherwise known as ‘a midday or afternoon nap’ is a big part of Valencian culture – no compromises here!

I recommend soaking in the sun at your leisure at one of the many beaches scattered around town. Definitely worth visiting is the City of Arts & Sciences, voted one of The Twelve Treasures of Spain. If time isn’t on your side and you’re unable to explore its aquarium, interactive science museum and planetarium, I suggest sitting outside to marvel at the breathtaking architecture. The nearby park makes for the perfect reading and relaxation spot. I was studying for exams while in Valencia so, in many ways, the city allowed me to easily focus on that.

 Immerse yourself in the town’s rich and vibrant history – preferably via bicycle tour, which is one of the best ways to explore Valencia. And be sure to check out Mercado Central, hailed as one of the world’s greatest markets by National Geographic. My mornings were spent learning Spanish – courtesy of a friend who offered to teach me.

 Back at home in my deadline-riddled world, I’m not quite there yet with tipping the balance scale. However, I now try to make time on weeknights for those things that light up my soul, instead of leaving them to the weekend or when I take leave. I also try to be more still at home and take breaks at work. That way, I stay fuelled to do other things. Valencia taught me how to slow down. Now, to fully find my balance amidst the rat race here at home. Phew!”

So, I took the four-hour flight to Nairobi, and a shorter flight to Manda airstrip, and an even shorter ferry on a boat named Lady Gaga to Shela village. Somehow, the ferry captain sensed that I needed this break and shared with me the unofficial motto of the town: Pole Pole (slowly, in Swahili). 

I was collected by one of the Jua Hotel staff members at the Shela dock and he walked me to the 7-bedroom bed and breakfast that I would call home for the week. There are no cars allowed in Shela or neighbouring Lamu Old Town, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The preferred modes of transport are walk, bike, or donkey. The sound of absolutely no traffic? Perfection. I had no expectations for my trip to Shela, I packed my bags, booked my flights, and just went, but to say it exceeded everything I wanted and needed would be an understatement. Anyone looking for a high-octane or glamorous beach holiday should look elsewhere. Shela is smaller than most suburbs in Johannesburg and besides dining, swimming, dhow trips, snorkelling and yoga, there isn’t much else to do. This, obviously, makes it the perfect getaway for someone looking to get all the way away. 

I woke up every morning to the call to prayer, I ate the beautifully prepared breakfast at Jua Hotel, I walked the length of the town and stopped in local spots for lunch, I read, I took afternoon naps, I sat by the water, I ate, I cried, I tried every cocktail on the menu at the more upmarket hotels and restaurants, and I luxuriated in the absolute stillness. Because it wasn’t just the silence – no traffic, no rush, no cell service outside of my hotel’s WIFI – it was the absolute stillness that my noisy mind needed most. Pole Pole, indeed. 

Secluded from the rest of the world, Corona Island (created by beloved beer brand Corona) taught me the importance of disconnecting from life and reconnecting with myself. It’s a tiny luxurious, eco-friendly island that accommodates only 20 people at a time allowing you to spend quality time with your nearest and dearest and enjoy activities that will thrill every type of vacationer. 

There’s something for everyone as you mix and match the activities in a “Choose Your Own Adventure” kind of way. Active folk, listen up, there’s no shortage of sweat-inducing stuff. We laid yoga mats in a circle and nailed those sun salutations with sunrise yoga, enjoying the meditative music of ocean waves lapping at the shore (not a Spotify playlist, mind you, the real deal!). You can also see the island from a different POV by kayaking and SUPing to your heart rate’s desire. And don’t forget about beach volleyball either!

For the ones looking for a “Soft Life” and an even softer vacay, the multitude of interactive Colombian cooking lessons are a must-try (with a Corona in hand, obvs). Your afternoons can be spent hanging in a hammock and making use of the beach library where you can check out books left behind by previous islanders.

The do-gooders haven’t been forgotten either. There are incredible eco-friendly initiatives like coral reef snorkelling and mangrove planting (two highlights of the trip). In fact, the entire island is built to be as environmentally friendly as possible.

Of course, you can do all of this and then retire, satisfied and sandy-toed, to your lush bungalows with their own private hot tubs built to ensure a sunset view.

The biggest blessing was the stable wifi connection… or lack thereof. It’s as reliable as what you would expect from an island in the middle of the ocean. Phones were rendered unnecessary accessories, save for a few photo ops.

Like kids, we threw ourselves into activities with as much enthusiasm as we threw ourselves into the calm, warm ocean water where islanders spent hours talking about everything and nothing at the same time. After a few days of an island-style rinse and repeat, we left lighter, less burned out and more tanned.