Beauty Out of Africa

Things to do in Bamako, Mali - The BlaBla

Rahama Wright of Shea Yeleen International took Zainab and I to one of her favorite spots in Mali. Cafe BlaBla is owned by Seba Blabla and is a local hot spot for great food. The grilled chicken with couscous is just incredible. Well seasoned and delicious. BlaBla is located on BlaBla Street at the Hippodrome in Bamako. All the Cab drivers know this spot, so you won't have any trouble getting there

Rahama and some of the great staff

Funlayo and SeBa BlaBla, Owner of BlaBla

Second Night out at BlaBlah with Petra (GTZ), Sonja(Technoserv), John (Terra Global Capital)

Macy's Flower Show - A wonder of the World

We visited the Macy's flower show in Manhattan. Beautiful, exotic fragrant blooms set in dazzling arrays. It was quite a site to behold. The picture below actually has all the continents mapped out in flowers. Can you see Africa?

The presentation above was designed by Preston Bailey

Harlem, Oh Sweet Harlem

Our first stop today was at the New York Sports Club on West 125th in Harlem where I got the workout of my life. We attended the pre-season sports conditioning class. What a butt kicker. This following is a description of the class:

The training programs of professional football, baseball and basketball teams are highlighted in this class. Includes various drills, agility work and polyometrics utilizing equipment such as agility ladders, cones and jump ropes.

I loved the class. It was intense and challenging and worked every muscle in my body. The class lasts about 1.5 ours. I lasted about 1 hour. I expect to be sore tomorrow.

After class we explored the neighborhood. Harlem is a pulsating, lively and vibrant neighborhood. Lots of thriving businesses. Harlem has incredibly beautiful brownstones and there is a lot of revitalization and restoration going on. We stopped by the Studio Museum in Harlem, current exhibit FLOW, focuses on a new generation of international artists from Africa; we stopped by Carols Daughter to sniff and test all her lovely bath and body goodies.

After exploring Harlem we took a long walk through the Columbia University area for brunch at the Kitchinette on Amsterdam and 123rd. It was so worth the walk. We had the best omelette's and pancakes ever. Everything is fresh and made from scratch and the servings are generous without being overwhelming.

"You are met at the door with our abundantly filled pastry cases. The shelves are filled with our homemade layer cakes, flakey pies, iced cupcakes, fruit crisps, and so much more to tempt you on your way to a table" - The Kitchenette

We ended the day at Century 21 Department Store. It is located right across from Ground Zero. First let me say that I didn't come to New York to shop. I came to hang out with my sister and just enjoy some stress free time off. This store is incredible. They have designer home accessories, clothing for everyone in the family at incredible prices. I got some really good unplanned bargains :)

It's been a great day. I love New York. Can't wait to come back again

I'm in the Big Apple

I'm hanging out with my sister, Gbemi for the weekend. I'm hoping to get some much needed R&R. So grateful to my wonderful hubby for letting me escape for a few days without the kids.  Big thanks to Aunty Annie who is being the 'mummy' this weekend.