Today, for some very weird and sentimental reason, I found myself staring at my children, marveling at how beautifully big they’ve grown. Time feels like it’s flown by, but the memories of their births remain vivid, etched deeply in my heart. Let me share their stories with you, moments that changed my life forever.

Trust is a tricky thing. For as long as I can remember, I’ve always been the kind of person who offers a clean slate when I meet someone new. I like to give everyone the benefit of the doubt, just as I’d hope they’d do for me. It’s my way of being open, of allowing people the freedom to show me who they truly are, without the shadows of past experiences clouding my perception.

It's been a while since I sat down with my computer to write, to truly pour out my heart. Writing has always been one of my greatest forms of stress relief. There’s something about putting words on a page that brings me a sense of calm. Once I start, it feels like the spirit within me takes over, guiding my thoughts and emotions, letting me release everything I hold inside.

To me, every river or ocean holds a presence, and I feel a deep connection, almost like they’re allies in some way. I’ve come to trust that each water body I encounter offers guidance and protection. It’s a belief that calls for a bit of reverence and a lot of faith, adding a spiritual dimension to each journey across the water. I carry that grounding respect, a connection to my roots and the hope that the water will always watch over me.

My evening at Haxenhaus in Cologne was nothing short of memorable. From the moment we arrived, we were welcomed by Freddy, the charming and hospitable owner, who treated us like old friends.

The Cube Houses, or Kubuswoningen, in Rotterdam are one of the city’s most iconic architectural landmarks. Designed by Dutch architect Piet Blom in the 1970s, these tilted, cube-shaped houses sit atop hexagonal pylons and are angled at 45 degrees, creating a surreal visual effect that’s both eye-catching and imaginative.

The Netherlands! It was everything I hoped for and then some. We arrived late in Rotterdam, but that didn’t stop us from diving right into the vibe of the city. First stop? Food! We found ourselves at Vapiano, where we had what might just be the best Bolognese I’ve ever tasted. Seriously, it was like eating pure heaven on a plate comforting, rich, and flavourful. If there’s a way to begin a trip on a high note, Vapiano’s Bolognese definitely delivered.

On my connecting flight from Turkey to my final destination, I was handed a tub of water. It was a simple gesture, but it instantly transported me back to one of my memorable trips to Dubai with one of my best friends. This was during August, and if you’ve ever visited Dubai during that time of year, you’ll know exactly what I’m talking about the heat!

Touching down in Cologne was hands down the highlight of my month! After a long journey, the first thing on my agenda was to get some rest—and that I did. But there was one delightful surprise that I didn’t expect a robot delivered our drinks! I mean, how cool is that? It felt like a scene out of a futuristic movie, but leave it to Europe to wow me with innovation.

Today’s topic is one that’s both mind-boggling and deeply frustrating—let’s talk about the term “ashawo,” meaning prostitute in Nigeria. Nigerian men seem to have a habit of throwing this word around like confetti, especially when they disagree with a woman’s choices or behavior. I honestly can’t count how many times I’ve been called an “ashawo,” from random men on the street to even an ex.

It’s only day 10 of October, and already, it’s been one for the books. From clashing with a Lady I used to respect so much, to frying eggs with candlesticks, the misunderstandings have been coming at me full force.

This post is one of those bittersweet moments where I’ve decided to leave an old friendship behind. I’ve known this person practically all my life, and it’s hard to even pinpoint when things started to go awry. Looking back, I realize now that sharing my wins never seemed to excite her much, but any story of a setback or loss would light her up in ways that left me unsettled. I’ve reached a point where it’s clear we’ve come to the end of the road, especially in this friendship.