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Trip to Europe part 3: Bruges

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On our third day we wanted to explore more of Belgium so we decided to spend the day in Bruges. It’s only an hour and half from Brussels so we got there in good time.

We went to Markt square where there are museums and a cathedral. You can also get rides on horse drawn carriages. The buildings were gothic looking and dramatic but quite beautiful I thought.

We decided to go on a canal boat ride after looking around. It was nice to hear some history of the town and feel the breeze and relax. I heard about Bruges from the film In Bruges that came out a few years ago. The brown wooden front building is featured in the film, which was cool to see. The Belfry of Bruges with it’s tall viewing tower is not too far either.

After our boat ride we looked around some shops on the main street before heading home. I really enjoyed our day trip, there were lots of shops, beautiful buildings and it looked well kept. Would certainly recommend a visit.

Trip to Europe part 2: Luxemburg City

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It’s really great how you can drive to from one country to another in a few hours in Europe. On our second day of our Europe trip we drove to Luxemburg City (only 2.5 hours from Brussels) and had a look around.

One of the first things we spotted was the Adolphe bridge surrounded by greenery. I thought the gardens nearby was also pretty. Close to the garden was a gilded statue on a towering obelisk called the Golden Lady.
There were lots of viewpoints around the city to look out from, the district aptly named ‘High City’.

The best viewpoint that I liked was from the Sky lift. The end of the walkway has a glass panel around so you can get a panoramic view. There’s a lift that takes you down to the ground too where there is a play area and some fun statues.

Later on we looked around the city square shops and had lunch and then went to the funfair that the city holds every summer. Transport is free so you can take the tram to the location. We had a ride on the huge Ferris wheel and brought some tasty snacks. I really liked the grand looking buildings which seemed to shine in the sun.

I enjoyed my day trip to Luxemburg, not really having any expectations. It was an affluent city and well looked after and it felt safe which is always good too.

Trip to Europe part 1: Brussels

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I don’t get to travel abroad very much and haven’t for most of my life, but I recently joined a trip with my sister and her family to Europe. I say ‘Europe’ as we decided to visit different countries. We drove to Dover and took the ferry to Calais before making our way to the Belgium capital Brussels where we were staying.

We looked around Brussels and the typical tourist locations such as manneken pis and Grand Place but we also managed to find some quirky activities like a flea market that had everything from African style masks to jewellery and paintings.

One of the activities I really enjoyed was the Comic strip trail, where there are scenes in comic book style dotted around the city for you to find. There was also lots of other street art and murals that decorated the city that I enjoyed. And there was also, of course, lots of waffle and chocolate shops that we went into to try some samples.

In the evening we visited the Atomium, we didn’t go inside but the structure itself was quite surreal (centrepiece of the 1958 Brussels World’s Fair).

huge structure in the shape of a body-centered cubic iron crystal

We also looked around some shops, and got some souvenirs. There was also museums in the city but we didn’t go into any.

Colourful Bride

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I was asked to take photos at a mendhi at the weekend. A mendhi or henna party is a South Asian custom where brides get their henna done before the wedding day and is celebrated by family and friends.

Bride in colourful outfit and green ourse

The bride to be hasn’t had her henna done on her hands yet but I liked the colours of her outfit and the embroidery and flowers that give extra detail. May the bride to be have a lovely wedding and a happy future.

London Central Mosque

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On the edge of Regent’s Park is the London Central Mosque. I have glimpsed the golden dome many times from the park but I never ventured in, until recently that is.

Mosque with pillars and a golden dome

The interior of the mosque was beautiful as many mosques are. I loved the colour of the blue carpet and the intricate detail of the Arabic scripture written around the base of the dome.

A blue carpet with worshippers and a golden chandelier

The mosque is open to everyone, regardless of faith and I found a diverse range of people taking in the building and the prayers. It was a very peaceful visit I hope to come back to again soon.

Eid-ul-Adha 2024/1445

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Eid mubarak written in colourful balloons and colourful flowers in front

Happy Eid to Muslims around the world. It’s another tough Eid for so many; facing wars, oppression and loss of loved ones. As we cherish times with our families and friends during this special time let us think of and pray for those that need reprieve, safety and happiness the most.

Eid Mubarak. Taqabbal Allahu Minna Wa Minkum (May Allah accept it from you and us).

Colours of Spring

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I love walking around and seeing all the flowers that awaken in Spring. All the different colours and shapes are beautiful in their own unique way. I came across these bushes with wonderful, vibrant colours and just had to take a closer look.

pink yellow and orange flowers in bushes

I love how the flowers have an ombre effect and have touches of difffernt colours.

pink and orange flowers

Seeing all the bright colours makes my walk in the park all the more relaxing and enjoyable I find.

Eid-al-Fitr 2024/1445: Eid Mubarak

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Eid Mubarak everyone. The month of Ramadan seems to have gone by quicker than expected and while challenging it has also been rewarding God willing. It was a tough month seeing so many Muslims around the world facing war and harsh conditions, may Allah make it easy for them. It makes me and I’m sure many others grateful for everything we have. I hope everyone has a lovely day with family and friends and remembers those that can’t be part of our celebrations this year and those that are less fortunate.

Asian sweets in various colours and shapes

Ramadan Mubarak 2024/1445

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Ramadan the holiest month in the Muslim calendar started today. Millions of Muslims around the world will fast from sunrise to sunset. We abstain from all food and drink, using this month to reconnect with God, our faith and each other. This year is especially poignant as so many Muslims are facing war and difficult times. I pray that we use this time to ask God to have mercy upon those that need it most and to help them in their time of need. Ramadan Mubarak.

Mosque at night illuminated in yellow light