Africa Now! Chatting with Ghanaian-born Entrepreneur & Founder of Bespoke Experiences by M

It fills me with excitement to debut our podcast series, Talking Travel with The Flying Gazelle, where we chat with luminaries in the business doing exciting things and making a difference. Thus, I’m thrilled to present to you, my enlightening conversation with Mo, Entrepreneur and Founder of Bespoke Experiences by M.

It was a delight catching-up with her and learning more about their services and offerings, while shedding light on a region I’m quite keen to delve more into. A quick note of correction, *54 African nations.

Enjoy the show, and should you have any questions, please don't hesitate to get in touch. Plus, please don't forget to like and subscribe for more; and be on the lookout for future feature episodes, and updated content from around the globe. To get in touch with Mo and her team, please visit: Website: bespokeexperiencesgh.com and Instagram: bespoke_experiences_by_m

And for bespoke travel advice and trip planning assistance, please don't hesitate to get in touch. We’re happy to help.

Sardinia, Enchanted Island

It’s a rather chilly and rainy morning at the end of July in Paris. It’s something I wouldn’t have expected; after all, summer’s in full swing. Mother Nature begs to differ, however. I suppose continued negligence of proper care of our surroundings has its repercussions. I’m wholly unprepared having just landed at Charles de Gaulle (CDG) airport on the overnight from JFK. I’m in a t-shirt and shorts while other Parisians we encounter in the terminal have the benefit of knowing, and are dressed more suitably. Thankfully I’ve just a mere couple hours to bear the frigid temps; I’m here on a brief layover, en route to my final destination, the island of Sardinia.

From North America, as of this accounting, there are no direct flights to the island. A few European gateways, such as Paris, and of course major cities on Italy’s mainland, offer straightforward connections to either Olbia in the north, or Cagliari, its capital, in the south. Today, I’m headed to Cagliari where our journey begins. As aforementioned, it’s its capital, and is also its largest city. 

Touch down’s at Cagliari Elmas Airport (CAG), which is roughly a 15 min taxi ride into town. These are easily accessible outside the terminal and are a flat 25 Euros (as of this writing) to most of the central area. Tip: If you happen to be staying within the Marina area, hop on the efficient REG train service to the main train terminal in town. It’s quite fast, roughly 5 mins, and of course at a fraction of the cost. 

So, here we are in Cagliari, the jumping off point for our exploration of the island. It’s a vibrant metropolis with a rich history spanning centuries and an enthusiastic people eager to welcome visitors. The charming B&B, Eleventh Fl. Suites run by its proprietress, the delightful Roberta, is where I’ve chosen to spend the next several days as we find our footing here in the south and explore the region before making our way up north. With a population of under 200k and a relatively contained center, it’s quite easily manageable. Getting around on foot is easy (if quite a bit hilly in parts, so be mindful), and most points of interest arevwithin relative close proximity. 

Cagliari is significant in Italian history, having once been the seat of the Kingdom of Sardinia-Piedmont, serving as its capital for almost 500 years. Elements of this regal past can still be seen today in the city’s hilltop old quarter which is referred to as the Quartiere Castello (or Castello Quarter). In fact, this is where I’d recommend kicking things off. Ascend to the Castello quarter by taking the steps at the portal of the formidable Bastion Saint Remy (named after Baron San Remy, the first Viceroy of Piedmont). You’re then emptied into a grand open plaza where you can take in impressive almost 360 degree views of greater Cagliari below. 

From there, make your way to one of the most important structures in the Castello, within the Piazza Palazzo, the 13th century Cathedral of Santa Maria di Castello, or simply the Cagliari Cathedral. Within the piazza you may also visit the Palazzo Regio, and the modest though impressive Palazzo di Citta. Finally, round out the afternoon by making your way to the nearby 2nd Century Amfiteatro Romano di Cagliari. It’s unique in its construction - parts of it were carved from the hillside where it’s located and the rest of it from limestone. Also, visitors are once again treated to delightful views of the sea from here. 

Lots of excursions are possible from Cagliari. Be sure to catch the adorable pink flamingos at Parco Naturale Molentargius Saline, take some time out for some R&R at the pleasurable city beach at Poetto, and further afield, Spiaggia Su Giudeu, plus, experience the ruins at the ancient 8th Century BC city of Nora. 

Sardinia, though the second largest island in the Mediterranean, is fairly manageable to explore. Renting a car is highly recommended and is quite straightforward. From Cagliari, we made our way up north to the glitzy Costa Smeralda though making pitstops along the way. Cala Ganone on the island’s east coast is an easy detour en route. Stop by for lunch and a leisure afternoon or, better yet, spend the night should time permit. The waterfront property of Hotel Cala Luna is perfectly situated, offering spectacular views of the sea. From there, the city of Olbia is a relatively short drive away. Here we camped out for our exploration of the northern part of the island. Olbia is easily accessible to Porto Cervo, Palau, La Maddalena, etc., to name a few points of interest. Island hop sailing tours are also possible via multiple tour operators from the town of Palau for instance. This region has a lot of beautiful islands to explore, so make it a point to include on your itinerary. And if you don’t particularly care for a full package tour, then popping over to Palau and taking a ferry (operators run a frequent schedule) to the island of La Maddalena is highly recommended. The journey is smooth and pleasant; plus the island (as with most things in Sardinia) is a stunner. 

Switching gears to the west coast, located to the northwest of the island, roughly about a two hour drive from Olbia, is the unique and charming mediaeval city of Alghero. Unique in the sense that due to its geography and historical context (having once been under the Aragonese crown) Catalan is recognized as a minority language and some of its residents still speak it today. The cobblestoned old town, marina, and impressive fortifications of the old fort are sights not to be missed. 

Overall, a most fascinating and remarkable island. With its rich history, food, nature, stunning beaches, delightful people, etc., Sardinia enchants the visitor. One need only visit with an open mind. 

For bespoke itineraries to Sardinia, do not hesitate to get in touch. We’re happy to help.

Down By The Brighton & Hove Seaside

The charming seaside resort town of Brighton - or more aptly, Brighton and Hove, having expanded to incorporate the nearby Hove into the larger area in the late ‘90s, sits just outside London at around 50 or so miles south. It’s an easy day trip via reliable rail services or, better yet, pack the suitcase, head down, and stay a while.

Accommodations are plentiful offering a good variety and at decent price ranges. Several line the main promenade along Kings Road, on the seafront, offering spectacular views of the (English) Channel. The iconic The Grand Brighton maintains a rich history having opened its doors in the mid-nineteenth century, and played host to many dignitaries over the centuries. Architectural elements such as the exposed grand staircase with the flush of light via the domed skylight, especially from the vantage point of higher floors, is really quite beautiful.

Enjoy a casual stroll along the promenade or pop by one of the many eateries for some fish and chips (certainly don’t miss an opportunity to sample local fruits of the sea here - being on the coast, it isn’t surprising that the catch oftentimes is quite fresh).
Carrying on, If you’re a thrill seeker then you wouldn’t need to venture too far to get an adrenalin fix. Soar to more than 500 ft. high above the city and sea, on the Brighton i360, just mere steps away.

Back on ground, make your way to the charming corridor, the Lanes, where you’ll find lots cafes, shops, restaurants, etc. It’s easy to spend a bit of time here - I returned multiple times for some very tasty meals. And finally, just off the Lanes, checkout the unique looking Royal Pavilion built for King George IV - you can’t miss the distinctive architectural style once you’re in the area. Within the same grounds you may also visit the Brighton Museum and Art Gallery.

Overall quite charming and very easily accessible from London, so make it a stop on your visit to the area.
For assistance planning bespoke trips to the UK or other destinations, do not hesitate to get in touch. We’re happy to be of service.

Enjoying the afternoon at New Steine Gardens

Oaxaca’s Magical Charm

It’s been referred to as magical and perhaps for good reason. Oaxaca, a state in southwestern Mexico, and at its core, the vibrant city of Oaxaca de Juarez (the Juarez, a nod to former first indigenous President of Mexico who was born in Oaxaca) or simply, Oaxaca, its capital.  It’s a sensorial metropolis pulsating with all manner of vibration - sights, sounds, smells, intricate flavors that assault the tastebuds (in an en exciting, euphoric way!), and all around, the bountifulness of nature that envelops one. Oaxaca had been one of those places that held a certain fascination for me and thus, naturally, it’d occupied a permanent spot on my ever growing list of places I desire to see. 

Recently I had the chance to tick it off the list — spending a glorious 5 days in the city and its environs, and what can I say, I’m quite convinced I was enraptured in its hypnosis. It does bear stating that admittedly, I didn’t get to see the whole state - for instance I didn’t go down to the coast which is certainly a draw for a lot of folks. Suffice it to say, however, there’s plenty to see and do inland and I left quite fully content with what I got to experience. 

Flight arrivals touch down at Aeropuerto de Oaxaca or OAX with (as of this writing) American & United offering direct flights from their respective hubs at Dallas and Houston, respectively. Multiple seamless connections are however possible via the aforementioned and other gateways such as Mexico City. Getting into town is fairly easy and straightforward via shared taxi vans (Collectivos) which are easily booked right as you arrive or can be booked ahead as well. I arrived quite late, closer to 11PM, on one of the last few flights of the night, and had no trouble hopping on one of these vans. Alternatively, if preferred, a lot of hotels can otherwise arrange transfer services which may be more convenient. 

Checking out the scene: Oaxaca has more of a small town feel and can be quite easily managed on foot, at least the Centro area. I would highly recommend settling on accommodations within this vicinity as you’re close to just about every point of interest in the center. As an initial point of orientation for navigation, the Zocalo (or Plaza de la Constitution) - folks who are familiar with Mexico City would know that one exists there, too; this one’s much smaller - is a good starting point. It’s at the core of Centro. A square where the populace gather and all manner of activity occur. Flanked by the Zocalo are eateries, shops, places of worship (for instance the Metropolitan Cathedral of Oaxaca/Catedral Metropolitana de Oaxaca Nuestra Señora de la Asunción and the Basílica de Nuestra Señora de la Soledad, both worth checking out), and the city’s main markets or mercados, Mercado Benito Juarez and Mercado 20 de Noviembre, which may also be of interest. They’re bustling marketplaces full of activity and local eateries within. 

Continue on via the main tourist thoroughfare (closed to automobiles) of Andador Turistico which is lined with more shops, lots of cafes and restaurants, and local vendors selling arts and crafts. It’s a brilliant way to while away the afternoon. Do make time to check out the impressive 16th Century Templo de Santo Domingo de Guzman, also encompassing a former cloister turned museum, Museo de las Culturas de Oaxaca where stunning pre-Hispanic relics from nearby Monte Albán are displayed, amongst others. Do reserve time, perhaps on ensuing days, if you’d had your fill, to explore nearby charming neighborhoods of Barrio de Xochimilco and Barrio de Jalatlaco to the north and east respectively. Jalatlaco, once having been the less desirable part of town has experienced quite the renaissance and is home to lots of artisanal cafes, restaurants, chocolaterias, shops, etc. Both neighborhoods also have beautiful artworks on display - you can’t miss the creative murals that feature through most of the areas. 

Further afield excursions to surrounding communities and points of interests should certainly make every itinerary to the region. The sprawling nature preserve at the ecological park of Hierve el Agua is quite spectacular. Give yourself enough time to explore the bountifulness of nature here and bring comfortable shoes for the hike (fear not, there is a less tedious path). And as a reward post trekking through the trails, take a dip in the inviting springs as you make your way back to the summit. The water’s pleasant and the backdrop, with the hypnotic mountain range, is simply divine.  Another not to be missed point of interest is the ancient mighty complex which used to be the seat of the Zapotecs, Monte Albán. Existing from pre-Hispanic times, roughly five thousand years ago, from 200BC to 600AD, before its eventual decline around 800AD. It really is a sight to behold, so certainly make sure it’s added to your list. 

Permeating this rich culture is the incredibly scrumptious fare and I would be remiss in not punctuating its foremost place in Oaxaca. Not unlike most other cultures, food is at the core of daily life, and there’s a certain reverence I feel Oaxacans have for it. It’s a place where the concept of farm-to-table is more commonplace vs. a trendy phenomenon. It’s fresh, flavorful, and indeed quite inspiring. If you’re one who appreciates a good meal, you’re in for a treat. 

Overall quite a remarkable experience. For assistance planning bespoke trips to Oaxaca or other destinations, do not hesitate to get in touch. We’re happy to be at your service.