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Jamaica Retreat
WE WENT RAFTING! I went to Jamaica and ain’t get my groove back!
I was invited to Jamaica by Tinashe Musiyiwa of TinTrips to host a self-love workshop based on my Reinvention Workbook Journal. This was truly a first for me because all my workshops have been virtual since the pandemic started. To see my photo dumps reels click on the links:
I went to Jamaica and did so many things I have never done before! I went horseback riding and my thighs were not ready. We did this on land and in the ocean. The ocean ride was an experience because I was not on a saddle and my horse was done with everybody! The guide tried to get him to go right and he said naw fam I am going back to the beach. It was exhilarating because the horse is such a majestic animal and then you see all that floating shit.
I remember my barber once told me he did something similar on vacation. He said if you ever do it DO NOT BE THE LAST HORSE! On the walking trail, I was the last horse and there was manure everywhere! I made sure not to be last in the water because shit floats. Made sure you stick that little piece of advice in your back pocket for later. You’re welcome.
Yes I have on water shoes and yes I was scared! 
After the horses, we went on the 4 wheelers, something else I had not had the pleasure of doing before. Another word of advice, people who drive like assholes in their cars do the same on the 4 wheelers. The person behind me kept bumping me. She said, “This is how I drive at home. I stay on people bumpers!” I am a cautious and respectful driver so I kept a good distance. I did turn around and give her the evil eye. She just laughed. (insert eye roll)
I really love how my breast look here. You see the bumper chaser behind me! 
THIS IS THE PERPETRATOR! That is how they drive in St.Loius I guess lol The third part of our excursion was the zip line. It truly felt like the harness was assaulting my pelvis and vulva. I was so glad I didn’t end up wearing denim shorts. I would have had the worst wedgie in my life! Climbing the platform was scary. The platform was shaking and we had to walk single file up the steps.
Once I made it to the top the view was so beautiful. I saw the ocean, the trees, the white lady that was taking pictures and videos of us without permission. I watched about 8 people do it before it was my turn. I still was not ready! The instructor told me I had to sit, I refused. Why I have no idea, my brain went into protect mode maybe.
I did make it across and you girl did not scream! Not sure why this is a badge of honor for me, but I’m a take it. When I got to the 2nd to last zip line my voice got super high, probably from the adrenaline rush, and the guide imitated me. That was not my best moment. Other than almost losing my legs on the last one I had a good time!
To round out the entire day we got on a party boat. Now I have been to one of these in DR and it was lit! So I sorta knew what to expect. What I did not expect was for Mother Nature to play us and drop that temperature and the sun go behind the clouds.
We were supposed to go snorkeling and if you know anything about me, I am always cold. So, I declined, even though I really wanted to go. Peer pressure is a beast and the women I was with egged me on. So glad I did it, cold and all. I got to hold a sea urchin and sea slug and to see a small school of fish. It was worth it and the sun came back out when we got on the boat.
Now, this is when the party started. As I said before I have been on a party boat, and you had to walk to the bar to get drinks. On this boat, they brought the pitcher to us. Not only the pitcher but also shots. It was such a nice experience to sip on a drink and watch the waves.
They told him it was birthday and he was singing to me This is something I want every Black womxn to experience a few times in their life. I am currently working on building retreats for 2023 and beyond that take us all across the world. If are interested in being a part of this experience click here.
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Part 3: Boudoir Travels
Mykonos
Hey Beauties now let’s talk about Mykonos! Mykonos is where I was able to empower the women I met on my trip!
In order to get from Santorini to Mykonos I took a Seajet. The price was around $70 and the trip lasted a little over 2 hours. The ride was pretty smooth if you were seated. When I had to use the facilities I felt like I was walking a tightrope because I was swaying from left to right. If you have ever seen the movie World War Z, I felt like I was in that movie as we were disembarking. I have a vivid imagination and I love movies!
Image courtesy of Ilio Maris Hotel. This was my exact hotel room! The hotel , Ilio Maris, was a 5 to 7 minute drive from the port for 5 Euros ( $5.59). I stayed from April 13 – 15 for $219. I booked through booking.com. I would suggest you book directly through the hotel to get free transportation to and from the airport. The hotel is a boutique hotel which I loved. When I travel I like to stay in hotels or Airbnbs with character. I was so excited because I finally had a tub which I took full advantage of after I finished 4 boudoir experiences in one day! A sista was tired from standing, contorting and posing.
I did not take many pictures in Mykonos because most of my time was spent resting from doing the boudoir acrobatics for the 4 Beauties.
Nice n’ Easy Restaurant
We dined at an amazing restaurant called Nice n Easy. The food was the best I had in Greece! It is a natural organic based restaurant with vegan and gluten free options. The manager was amazing and went above and beyond. This is where I got my first taste of Matiska, a Greek liqueur. Which is now on my all time favorite wine and spirits list! We were able to watch the sunset after dinner by just walking a foot from the our table to the water.
ATHENS:
The Graffti
I wish I had more time to explore Athens. What I loved is I was able to take the train directly from the airport to my Airbnb in Dafni. I bought a 3 day pass for 22 Euros = $24.60. IT WAS WORTH EVERY PENNY! Being an art lover I was blown away by the graffti that was everywhere! It made the city come to life because of the bold use of color and whimsical imagery. I almost fell a few times because I was busy appreciating the art.
My Airbnb
Let me tell y’all about my Airbnb! I stayed from April 15 – 17 paying $136.53 in total. The best part of the entire Airbnb, outside of my host Despina, was this amazing hanging chair. I stayed in that chair for 30 minutes when I got settled. It was so soothing. When I walked in my name was on a mini marque as well. I felt like a celebrity! The location was literally steps away from the metro which made it easy to make it to Monastiraki Square to shop, eat and people watch. I even had a small kitchen.
Image courtesy Airbnb Overall I enjoyed my trip immensely! I did not take many images because this trip was really about much needed rest, relaxation and gratitude. I feel as if I met the goal and I cannot wait to go back and explore again. Check out the videos from my trip on my Instagram.
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Travel Boudoir Part 2: Santorini
If you follow me on Instagram or are apart of my VIP group you saw my video about walking my life away. I was so glad I do not have any respiratory ailments! I thought I was semi- fit and the thug stairs at the Hotel Kavalari said, nah fam and proved me wrong.
Santorini is gorgeous! The views from my hotel had me amazed and in awe. I was so inspired just walking through the town. My hotel was literally in the best location ever. I could walk up the thug stairs and the center of town was right there! I even went to PK Cocktail Bar which was literally less than 5 feet from my hotel. Breakfast was served every morning which consisted of tea, assorted breads, yogurt, fruit and condiments. There was even an option to eat breakfast the patio.
Thug Stairs ( I had 4 flights!) The rate for my stay, April 10 -13, was $235. My room was small: a twin bed, a chair, and fridge. I did a walk through video in the VIP group and was frightened by a cat my first night. It was the perfect location for a solo traveler like myself.
Overall I would definitely go back to Santorini and even stay at Hotel Kavalari because of the access to restaurants, shopping and bars. It was a great value for the money.
Image by www.keadupreephotography.com/ -
Travel Boudoir Part 1: Greece
My name is Olesha and I slay! Y’all like my thrift store dress? I LOVE getting my monies worth and traveling is no exception. Traveling , like boudoir, is for everyone!
I scored a round trip non-stop flight from Newark to Athens on Emirates for under $400. I know crazy right, but it is true! I used the website Airfare Spot to get the deal. Airfare Spot allows you to find flight deals all over the world for affordable prices. You have to be ready with that plastic because the deals once posted go fast!
I started a travel fund, much like the boudie bank, were I set aside a certain amount of money each month into an account. When it reaches a certain amount I am ready to use it. This allows me to have peace of mind when I am booking my flight, hotel and excursions. Travel is something that I value. I am willing to find a deal on airfare, but once I get to my location I don’t want to have to worry about paying for the one thing I value the most, the experience.
Check out my videos in the VIP group and on my Instagram feed!
Image by Kea Dupree Photography
