The Joy Journal | Vol. 4
Your monthly dose of joy | The best souvenirs in any City
Our world has been changing so much that oftentimes it feels like we are losing sight of what is really important – the people in our lives. I recently came across a post from a very dear friend of mine living in Rwanda and it made me realize how lucky I am to have the friends that I do. Throughout my years of travel, I have made so many friends along the way and these friendships have brought so much joy to my life. I have found these friendships to be richer and deeper for so many reasons. They are rooted in shared experiences – new cultures, new foods, laughing together, facing fears, being grateful that we have each other to rely on, and being in awe of the new discoveries in an unknown land. The friendships I have made with locals are also special. I am often amazed that, although our cultures and countries are so different, we are fundamentally the same. I appreciate that our conversations cause me to see the world through a different lens. But what I cherish the most is that these friends are no longer just friends, they have become my family.
My sisterhood circle has grown, I have brothers I never thought I would have, and nieces and nephews that love me as if I was their own blood. The community that we experience when we travel is something that can only exist when you are out exploring the world. And, although we are miles apart, social media allows us to keep these friendships alive. I find myself missing these people and looking for ways to get back to seeing each other.
When life takes you down a negative path, take a moment to think about the people you have met while discovering the world. Perhaps it was someone who sat next to you on the plane or someone who was at the local coffee shop you visited while in Zanzibar, or even your tour guide on a safari. I hope the uniqueness of these encounters, and perhaps lifelong friendships will bring a smile to your face. Celebrate how lucky you are that you can say, I met this friend while I was traveling!
Joyously Yours,
Adele
Baggage Claim
With the arrival of summer (and summer travel), we can’t forget the essentials! Everyone knows it’s important to SPF up when facing a day full of sun, but our options are limited. You either get the oily-white-residue face sunscreen OR the barely-protecting fancy face lotion. Neither have landed with us in terms of healthy, clean, non-sunburnt skin…
Never fear – Glossier has graced us with the best of both worlds! Their Invisible Shield daily sunscreen is SPF35 to combat the sunniest vacations and blends into your skin while also hydrating it.
PLUS at 1 oz/bottle, it’s TSA-friendly!
Photo from Glossier
Partners & Places
This month's partner spotlight is the Singita Lebombo Lodge in South Africa’s Kruger National Park. Between family game drives or guided walks, stargazing, coffee on the balcony, cooking classes, yoga, and swimming – there’s something for everyone at this beautiful, secluded oasis! Singita Lebombo is a world-class lodge for those looking to meet the Big Five and relax in simple yet elegant luxury.
Photo from Singita Lebombo Lodge
