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# Lola Akinmade

Experiencing culture through food, tradition, and lifestyles...

## Sitemaps

- [XML Sitemap](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/sitemap.xml): Contains all public & indexable URLs for this website.

## Posts

- [The first set of ÅFRÖFÍNN images](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/latest-news/the-first-set-of-afrofinn-images/) - In June, I was in Helsinki, Finland, where I was shooting the pilot of ÅFRÖFÍNN...
- [Life post-divorce](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/family-travel/life-post-divorce/) - Divorce is a messy process of grieving what could have been...
- [Sneak peek - The first set of ÅFRÖNỌ̀RSK images](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/latest-news/sneak-peek-the-first-set-of-afronorsk-images/) - I’m still trying to put this weekend’s first ÅFRÖNỌ̀RSK photo session in Oslo, Norway, into proper words…
- [ÅFRÖSWÈ̩DÉ̩ at Photoville 2026](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/latest-news/afroswe̩de̩-at-photoville-2026/) - Just back from a whirlwind trip to New York where my long-term visual storytelling project ÅFRÖSWÈ̩DÉ̩ is being displayed in a prominent way at Photoville in Brooklyn Bridge Park.
- [A wish, an ask, and a testimony](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/latest-news/a-wish-an-ask-and-a-testimony-global-arts-prize/) - I am beyond thrilled to share that my visual storytelling project ÅFRÖSWÈ̩DÉ̩ has been shortlisted for the Global Arts Prize.
- [Thoughts on the most flattering compliment I’ve ever received](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/inspiration/thoughts-on-the-most-flattering-compliment-ive-ever-received/) - Compliments are a complicated thing...
- [Have you paused lately to reflect with gratitude?](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/latest-news/have-you-paused-lately-to-reflect-with-gratitude/) - Notes on gratitude - A recent trip to Barcelona halted me in my tracks...
- [My Focus Word for 2026](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/latest-news/my-focus-word-for-2026/) - Every year, I pick out a focus word. A word that governs various aspects of my life that year in lieu of resolutions...
- [Why the sky is big enough for all birds to fly](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/latest-news/why-the-sky-is-big-enough-for-all-birds-to-fly/) - Admiring someone and sharing space doesn’t take away from my own brilliance.... This is why the sky is big enough for all birds to fly.
- [This is what alignment looks like -> Stockholm Book Club Tour #StockholmBookTour](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/partner-reviews/this-is-what-alignment-looks-like-stockholm-book-club-tour-stockholmbooktour/) - In partnership with XperienceSthlm and Afrosvenskarnas Riksorganisation (ASR), I am beyond thrilled to officially expand literary tourism in Sweden with the official launch of our Stockholm Book Tour Club #StockholmBookTour
- [The synergy between your WHAT, WHY & HOW](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/latest-news/the-synergy-between-your-what-why-how/) - "If you could wake up excited every morning and do the one thing that you love everyday, what would it be?"
- [Reflecting on my year of trust](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/latest-news/reflecting-on-my-year-of-trust/) - For my focus word this year, I picked “TRUST”. When I picked it, I said I was going to start 2024 with a blank slate of trust and flow.
- [My Focus Word for 2025](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/latest-news/my-focus-word-for-2025/) - Thoughts on picking my focus word for 2025... Every year, I pick out a focus word. A word that governs various aspects of my life...
- [LọLá Ákínmádé’s ‘Compelling And Propulsive’ Third Novel, Bitter Honey, Goes To Head Of Zeus](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/latest-news/lola-akinmades-compelling-and-propulsive-third-novel-bitter-honey-goes-to-head-of-zeus/) - LọLá Ákínmádé’s ‘Compelling And Propulsive’ Third Novel, Bitter Honey, Goes To Head Of Zeus
- [ENGLISH VERSION: Dagens Nyheter: Lola Akinmade Åkerström - "Sweden is the most open society run by the most private people"](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/latest-news/english-version-dagens-nyheter-lola-akinmade-akerstrom-sweden-is-the-most-open-society-run-by-the-most-private-people/) - Dagens Nyheter: Lola Akinmade Åkerström - "Sweden is the most open society run by the most private people"
- [My focus word for 2024](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/latest-news/my-focus-word-for-2024/) - Every year, I pick out a focus word. This year, I’ve chosen a focus word for 2024 that will pry off my fingers which have been gripping tightly to control...
- [Reflecting on my year of grace](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/latest-news/reflecting-on-my-year-of-grace/) - When I chose “GRACE” as my word of 2023, there were six aspects of my life I wanted to apply this word in.
- [Collaboration with ASUS](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/partner-reviews/collaboration-with-asus/) - As a professional travel photographer and author always on the road, I look for three things when I’m working with ASUS laptops...
- [Official book tour dates for EVERYTHING IS NOT ENOUGH](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/travel/official-book-tour-dates-for-everything-is-not-enough/) - I'm so excited to finally announce the dates of the official book tour for my upcoming novel EVERYTHING IS NOT ENOUGH.
- [My Parable of the Broken iPhone Screen](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/inspiration/my-parable-of-the-broken-iphone-screen/) - Notes on the brokenness we carry...
- [Travel Narrative - Fijian Rose](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/travel/travel-narrative-fijian-rose/) - Occasionally, I'll be sharing pieces of travel narratives I've written but never found a home publication for.
- [What lesson is life teaching you right now?](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/latest-news/what-lesson-is-life-teaching-you-right-now/) - It’s been awhile since I’ve shared an update because life is currently teaching me some incredible lessons at the moment...
- [Want to be more productive? Kill your To-Do list today](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/latest-news/want-productive-kill-list-today/) - But I want to reinforce this key element in the way I think about lists and how you can start looking at your own To-Do list a little differently...
- [Solo Exhibition - Galleri Mats Bergman - May 2023](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/latest-news/solo-exhibition-galleri-mats-bergman-may-2023/) - Welcome to my solo exhibition in Stockholm...
- [UK Cover Reveal - EVERYTHING IS NOT ENOUGH](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/travel/uk-cover-reveal-everything-is-not-enough/) - Official UK cover reveal for EVERYTHING IS NOT ENOUGH...
- [Head of Zeus snaps up two more novels from Lola Akinmade Åkerström](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/latest-news/head-of-zeus-snaps-up-two-more-novels-from-lola-akinmade-akerstrom/) - Following the success of her debut novel, In Every Mirror She’s Black, Head of Zeus has snapped up two more novels from Lolá Ákínmádé Åkerström.
- [<strong>My focus word for 2023</strong>](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/latest-news/my-focus-word-for-2023/) - Every year, I pick out a focus word. A word that governs various aspects of my life that year in lieu of resolutions...
- [Things to consider as I wrap up 2022](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/latest-news/things-to-consider-as-i-wrap-up-2022/) - 2022 offered up deep emotional and personal challenges I have never had to face up until now...
- [Introducing... GM Photo Experiences](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/phototips/introducing-gm-photo-experiences/) - Many of you have been asking me for years when I'll run my own destination workshops.
- [Author Notes: Modern day quest for love and its insidious levels of fetishization](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/travel/author-notes-modern-day-quest-for-love-and-its-insidious-levels-of-fetishization/) - I will be sharing articles I write inspired by the themes from my books - in this case, IN EVERY MIRROR SHE'S BLACK - to take you behind the scenes and deeper into my writing process...
- [Latest news - A lifetime in two months](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/latest-news/latest-news-a-lifetime-in-two-months/) - I’m not sure what has happened the last two months...
- [Assignment - Shooting REPLATE for Electrolux](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/partner-reviews/assignment-shooting-replate-for-electrolux/) - In addition to travel photography, I also do commercial and brand photography...
- [My focus word for 2022](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/latest-news/my-focus-word-for-2022/) - “In order to scale at what you’re good at, you need to scale back and grow the muscle you need, so you can scale at what you’re good at” - Fredrik Wikholm
- [2022 Hasselblad Heroine](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/partner-reviews/2022-hasselblad-heroine/) - Meet your new 2022 Hasselblad Heroine...
- [2022 Summer Book Tour](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/latest-news/2022-summer-book-tour-in-every-mirror-shes-black/) - See you at my author events in Stockholm, Brussels, DC, Virginia, New York, London, and Brighton!
- [22 lessons I’m taking into 2022](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/latest-news/22-lessons-im-taking-into-2022/) - 2021 was a blur and I moved through it in some form of daze...
- [Out of Office till Jan 10](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/latest-news/out-of-office-till-jan-10/) - Starting Monday, December 20, I will be going off social media until Monday, January 10, 2022...
- [Swedish summer photos from Öland](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/europe/swedish-summer-photos-from-oland/) - Here are some Swedish summer photos from Öland.
- [Literary agent Jessica Craig discusses the journey to publication](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/latest-news/literary-agent-jessica-craig-discusses-the-journey-to-publication/) - A special heartwarming message from amazing literary agent Jessica Craig about the journey to publication for IN EVERY MIRROR SHE’S BLACK...
- [70 rejections and an incredible testimony](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/latest-news/70-rejections-and-an-incredible-testimony/) - My long overdue work update...
- [Head of Zeus is bringing IEMSB to the UK & Commonwealth](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/latest-news/head-of-zeus-is-bringing-iemsb-to-the-uk-commonwealth/) - Head of Zeus is delighted to be publishing Lọlá Ákínmádé Åkerström’s first novel, In Every Mirror She’s Black.
- [Pre-order: In Every Mirror She's Black](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/latest-news/pre-order-in-every-mirror-shes-black/) - I wrote a novel and can't wait for you to meet Kemi, Brittany, Muna, and Jonny...
- [From lightbulb idea to book deal: My publication journey](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/latest-news/from-lightbulb-idea-to-book-deal-my-publication-journey-of-afroswede/) - My debut novel is coming to the world...
- [Latvia Files: Soaking up travel memories in Latvia](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/partner-reviews/latvia-files-soaking-up-travel-memories-in-latvia/) - This is my first destination-related blog post since the pandemic started and I wanted to dedicate it to my memories from Latvia...
- [My focus word for 2021](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/latest-news/my-focus-word-for-2021/) - 2020 was surreal to say the least...
- [On building resilience and filling your reservoir](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/latest-news/on-building-resilience/) - We all know the profound impact 2020 has had on us collectively...
- [In Photos - Exploring the medieval town of Pals](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/europe/in-photos-exploring-the-medieval-town-of-pals/) - There is no shortage of photogenic medieval towns in Costa Brava...
- [Now available... My book on Wellbeing in Costa Brava](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/partner-reviews/now-available-my-book-on-wellbeing-in-costa-brava/) - I'm so excited to finally share that my digital book created in collaboration with Costa Brava Tourism has now been released....
- [Japan for families: Things to do in Nikko](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/partner-reviews/japan-for-families-things-to-do-in-nikko/) - Saying my daughter is fascinated by Japan is quite the understatement...
- [Photos: Istanbul in low light](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/asia/photos-istanbul-in-low-light/) - These night photos of Istanbul truly transport me back.
- [My focus word for 2020](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/latest-news/my-focus-word-for-2020/) - I knew this was going to be it...
- [The power of asking "Why not?"](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/latest-news/the-power-of-asking-why-not/) - In a world that forces us to be one-dimensional, asking “why not” can help us reflect, understand each other better when doors are metaphorically closed to us...
- [Notes on confidence](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/inspiration/how-to-be-confident/) - Do you consider yourself a confident person?
- [100 daily reminders during this pandemic](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/inspiration/100-daily-reminders-during-this-pandemic/) - Thoughts and reflections during these times...
- [How do you cope when your entire industry evaporates overnight?](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/latest-news/how-do-you-cope-when-your-entire-industry-evaporates-overnight/) - What happens now?
- [Introducing Geotraveler Media Academy](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/travel/introducing-geotraveler-media-academy/) - The world is waiting for you to show up...
- [Notes on DUE NORTH](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/latest-news/notes-on-due-north/) - It was that beautiful car that finally did me in...
- [When home morphs into space](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/travel/when-home-morphs-into-space/) - Thoughts on decoupling home from place...
- [I am exhausted](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/latest-news/blacklivesmatter/) - I have nothing else to say...
- [Freedom](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/inspiration/freedom/) - I am grateful that light is being shined brightly into dark corners...
- [The Importance of a Mastermind](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/inspiration/the-importance-of-a-mastermind/) - A mastermind is a holistic investment in your evolution...
- [Joining Antler's 2020 Cohort of Entrepreneurs](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/partner-reviews/joining-antlers-2020-cohort-of-entrepreneurs/) - I am thrilled to be joining like-minded individuals to build something great...
- [Latest news - Surfacing for air](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/latest-news/latest-news-surfacing-for-air/) - I wanted to surface for air and share a quick update before I duck back down again...
- [RIP Toni Morrison](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/latest-news/rip-toni-morrison/) - "You wanna fly, you got to give up the thing that weighs you down."... Toni Morrison
- [25 Northern Lights photos from Swedish Lapland](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/europe/northern-lights-in-swedish-lapland/) - As I was recently sorting through photos, I realized I hadn't shared a full photo essay of Northern Lights in Swedish Lapland here on my blog. The occasional photo here and there but not a full gallery, so here are 25 of my favourites...
- [Photo Gallery: Sami Portraits from Jokkmokk](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/europe/photo-gallery-sami-portraits-from-jokkmokk/) - There are roughly 70,000 indigenous Sami living in areas of Norway, Sweden, Finland, and the Russian Kola peninsula (collectively known as the Sápmi region); 20,000 of which live in Sweden...
- [Excerpt: High Street](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/travel/excerpt-high-street/) - An excerpt from my award-winning travel book DUE NORTH...
- [Spotlight: Documenting Zurich's Energy](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/europe/spotlight-documenting-zurichs-energy/) - Sometimes the best stories aren't told...
- [Wellbeing in Costa Brava: Yoga Experiences](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/europe/wellbeing-in-costa-brava-yoga-experiences/) - Here are some of my favorite yoga experiences in Costa Brava...
- [In Photos + Video: Exploring Aruba in a different way](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/latin-americacarribbean/in-photos-video-exploring-aruba-in-a-different-way/) - Here are some wonderful ways of exploring Aruba...
- [Wellbeing in Costa Brava: Spa and Rejuvenation](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/europe/spa-hotel-wellbeing-costa-brava/) - Make your next trip a rejuvenating one with these spa hotels...
- [Wellbeing in Costa Brava: The Series](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/partner-reviews/wellbeing-in-costa-brava-the-series/) - Over the next couple of days, we'll explore Wellbeing in Costa Brava together...
- [My #LAGOM Book - The Swedish Secret of Living Well](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/latest-news/its-here-my-lagom-book/) - Pick up your copy today...
- [In Photos + Video: Why I fell for Jordan](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/middle-east/in-photos-video-why-i-fell-for-jordan/) - I remember the precise moment I fell in love with Jordan.
- [Irish Files: Exploring Belfast's history through street photography](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/europe/irish-files-exploring-the-streets-of-belfast-through-photography/) - While recently in Belfast, I took a history and political tour with Ken who has been running Harpers Belfast Taxi Tours for decades.
- [Spectacular street art in Aruba – San Nicolas](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/latin-americacarribbean/in-photos-spectacular-street-art-in-aruba-san-nicolas/) - The most colorful post on Aruba...
- [Major news: Announcing my representation by Craig Literary](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/partner-reviews/major-news-announcing-my-representation-by-craig-literary/) - I am beyond ecstatic to announce that I now have a literary agent...
- [Wellbeing in Costa Brava: Macrobiotic gastronomy](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/europe/wellbeing-in-costa-brava-macrobiotic-gastronomy/) - You are most certainly what you eat...
- [Wellbeing in Costa Brava: Mindfulness in nature](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/europe/wellbeing-in-costa-brava-mindfulness-in-nature/) - Mindfulness experiences that reconnect you with yourself and nature...
- [Wellbeing in Costa Brava: Rustic Retreats in Catalonia](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/europe/wellbeing-in-costa-brava-four-rustic-retreats-in-spain/) - Here are some of the best rustic retreats in Catalonia...
- [The Power of Breadcrumbs](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/latest-news/the-power-of-breadcrumbs/) - Notes on leaving a trail of our work...
- [Great portraits: How to photograph people with master photographer Timothy Allen](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/phototips/great-portraits-how-to-photograph-people/) - If you match epicness with intimacy, you become a master...
- [TasteMotion: Exploring Costa Brava through my five senses](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/partner-reviews/tastemotion-exploring-costa-brava-through-my-five-senses/) - As imagery of wild rosemary vines crawled across four large LCD screens which enveloped our table, we began to smell them...
- [#ShowUs - Redefining beauty in partnership with Dove, Getty Images, and Girl Gaze](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/partner-reviews/showus-redefining-beauty-in-partnership-with-dove-getty-images-and-girl-gaze/) - An incredible highlight of my career...
- [From ice-fishing to ice-swimming: 50 photos of winter in Finland](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/europe/from-ice-fishing-to-ice-swimming-50-photos-of-winter-in-finland/) - What does it look and feel like?
- [25 Business Tips, Fun Photos, and Game of Thrones Action! #STSBelfast](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/latest-news/25-business-tips-fun-photos-and-game-of-thrones-action-stsbelfast/) - One of the events I always look forward to every year...
- [20 surreal photos of Nuuk, Greenland](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/europe/capital-greenland/) - When a snowstorm rolls over the capital of Greenland, Nuuk…
- [Notes on creative careers: The most insane thing we’re currently doing](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/latest-news/what-drives-you/) - What drives you? Do you really know?...
- [In Photos: That time I went snowshoeing in Greenland](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/travel/snowshoeing-in-greenland/) - Because adventure is too grand not to share...
- [Resources for writers: The Writer's Roadmap](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/partner-reviews/resources-for-writers-the-writers-roadmap/) - I wish I had this book before starting my career...
- [In search of Bologna’s best gelato](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/europe/gelateria-bologna-best-gelato/) - Even though I spent a solid week immersed in Bologna’s culinary history – from trying my hand at making tortellini from scratch at a traditional cooking school to exploring the surrounding Emilia Romagna region’s gastronomy and its local food producers, coming up with a superlative list of the “best gelato shops in Bologna” all by myself seemed disingenuous to me...
- [110 Everyday Photos of Bologna Italy](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/europe/110-everyday-photos-bologna-italy/) - Here are 110 – yes, 110 - everyday photos of Bologna that take me right back to the moment, the place, the feeling, and the warmth I felt while exploring this Italian city...
- [My Favourite Photos of 2018](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/latest-news/favourite-photos-2018/) - 2018 was a year of stupendous travels...
- [Photos + Video: My Ultimate Serengeti Safari Experience with Four Seasons](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/partner-reviews/serengeti-safari-four-seasons/) - In collaboration with #NordicTBinTanzania...
- [Postcard: Cigarettes and desert wells](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/africa/postcard-cigarettes-and-desert-well/) - This portrait of one of our guides operating a centuries' old well in the Eastern Desert was shot during a jeep safari in Egypt.
- [Work Update: How 2018 went as a freelancer [Pie Chart]](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/latest-news/work-update-how-2018-went-as-a-freelancer-pie-chart/) - Plus a special announcement...
- [My Focus Word for 2019](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/latest-news/my-focus-word-for-2019/) - Every year, I pick out a focus word...
- [Merry Christmas... See you in 2019!](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/latest-news/merry-christmas-see-you-in-2019/) - Thank you for our amazing journey together in 2018...
- [My reflections on 2018](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/latest-news/my-reflections-on-2018/) - I tried writing a long-winded post listing all my achievements but failed...
- [Exploring Munich’s Christmas Markets](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/europe/christmas-market-munich/) - With limited time to explore the city on my return trip, I decided to focus on just exploring Munich’s Christmas Markets which are known worldwide.
- [Latest News – Spain, Sápmi and Slowing Down](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/latest-news/latest-news-spain-sapmi-and-slowing-down/) - From chasing auroras in Sápmi to relaxing for work in Spain...
- [The Curious Tale of Sabbioneta](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/europe/curious-tale-sabbioneta/) - It started with the ringing of the church bells from the historic Chiesa di Santa Maria Assunta church which dates back to 1767. A mixture of classical catholic hymns that then morphed into a more eccentric cacophony of melodies. Ringing unapologetically into an echo chamber that is the sparse town of Sabbioneta, Italy...
- [Why you should explore the Balkans](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/europe/explore-balkans/) - Hopefully these personal snippets show you why I absolutely adore the Balkans...
- [40 Favourite Photos from Malmö, Sweden](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/europe/40-favourite-photos-malmo-sweden/) - Photos from Malmö, Sweden - I was recently on assignment in Sweden’s third largest city, Malmö, to explore its diverse and rapidly growing food scene for Lonely Planet...
- [My visual story from Uzbekistan](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/partner-reviews/uzbekistan-photos-uzbekistan-travel/) - Here is my image bank with several galleries filled with memorable photos of Uzbekistan.
- [Irish Files: 35 favourite photos of Kilkenny, Ireland](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/europe/photos-kilkenny-ireland/) - My time in Kilkenny was short but enough to feel out the city’s overall vibe. Here are some of my favourite photos of Kilkenny including its 12th century castle as well as strolling along the Medieval Mile...
- [Emilia Romagna region's Traditional Textile Artisans](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/europe/textile-artisans-emilia-romagna-region/) - Meet The Braghittonis, one of a handful of traditional textile artisans in Emilia Romagna still keeping the art and tradition alive by hand...
- [72 Nepal Photos + Video: Local Living in Panauti](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/asia/72-photos-video-local-living-in-nepal/) - Because slowing down gets you closer...
- [37 career lessons you can learn from some of the best U2 songs](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/latest-news/37-career-lessons-you-can-learn-from-the-best-u2-songs/) - Because music is life...
- [Mount Pilatus in Photos: How to get there](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/europe/in-photos-mount-pilatus-switzerland/) - Seriously, Switzerland. How is this fair?!
- [Lucerne Switzerland - Is it worth visiting? Here are 50 visual reasons](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/europe/50-reasons-to-visit-lucerne-switzerland/) - Lucerne is one of those cities where, on clear cloudless days when Mount Pilatus shows you its full glory, you stop and sigh and wish you lived there...
- [How to photograph the Northern Lights in Sweden](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/phototips/how-to-photograph-northern-lights/) - Here are my 10 tips on how to photograph the Northern Lights...
- [What does surströmming smell and taste like?](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/europe/the-surstromming-experience/) - It was inevitable. Six pairs of eyes stared back at me in anticipation. My giddy laughter turned to whimpering of fear before a few tears fell as I bit into the foulest smelling dish I’d ever tried. What does surströmming smell and taste like? I introduce you to surstromming (surströmming in Swedish) which is fermented Baltic
- [Inside my #LAGOM collaboration with Mercedes-Benz](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/partner-reviews/inside-my-lagom-collaboration-with-mercedes-benz/) - When opportunity meets preparation...
- [Moving at the speed of slow](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/latest-news/moving-at-the-speed-of-slow/) - Don’t live life as if you’re afraid of being late to your own funeral...
- [The Serengeti in black and white](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/africa/the-serengeti-in-black-and-white/) - Seeing the Serengeti in black and white evoked a whole new set of feelings...
- [Reflections on turning 40](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/latest-news/reflections-on-turning-40/) - Forty is not the new twenty to me...
- [Much needed downtime - Vacation](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/latest-news/much-needed-downtime-vacation/) - It's time to shift gears into parking mode for awhile...
- [Irish Files: Inside Titanic Belfast](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/europe/irish-files-inside-titanic-belfast/) - Launched in 2012, Titanic Belfast is a full-on interactive experience – from life size holograms and projections to fully reconstructed cabins with antiques and artifacts to a chronology of its construction, launch, maiden voyage, and tragic demise – via nine large galleries...
- [Photographing the longest lunar eclipse of our century](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/phototips/photographing-the-longest-lunar-eclipse-of-our-century/) - Because... mind-blown...
- [In Photos: City break to Oslo on a whim](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/partner-reviews/in-photos-city-break-to-oslo-on-a-whim/) - Taking city breaks on a whim with my family is part of our lifestyle...
- [Snapshot: Adina Starke](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/snapshot/snapshot-adina-starke/) - Adina Starke has a love for creativity and is a freelance photographer, graphic designer, and craft maker of handmade bath products Enchantment Essentials.
- [Photo Tip: Change how you shoot horizontal vs. vertical images](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/phototips/photo-tip-change-how-you-shoot-horizontal-vs-vertical-images/) - How do you compose horizontal vs. vertical images in your mind?
- [Flying over the Ngorongoro Crater with Coastal Aviation](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/africa/flying-over-the-ngorongoro-crater-with-coastal-aviation/) - Giving ourselves distance from something makes us revere it more...
- [Post-Production: A closer look at vignetting](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/phototips/post-production-a-closer-look-at-vignetting/) - Most photographers have a love-hate relationship with vignetting.
- [Latest News – Whirlwind before summer calm](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/latest-news/whirlwind-before-summer-calm/) - Here's some latest news on what I've been up to...
- [Postcard - Soaking up Zulu culture in Eshowe](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/latest-news/postcard-soaking-up-zulu-culture-in-eshowe/) - Travel photography - Soaking up Zulu culture in Eshowe, South Africa
- [Celebrating Women: Portraits from around the world](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/latest-news/celebrating-women-portraits-of-women-around-the-world-internationalwomensday/) - Dedicated to all the amazing women I've met on my journeys...
- [Postcard: A stormy day in Hong Kong](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/asia/postcard-a-stormy-day-in-hong-kong/) - On my way to Zurich, I had a long layover in Hong Kong...
- [Balancing Travel and Family Life: 15 Travel Bloggers Speak](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/family-travel/balancing-travel-family-life-15-travel-bloggers-speak/) - I reached out to a few friends as well as other active family travel bloggers to get some insight into how they define “balance” and how they’re executing their own definitions of balance in their lives...
- [The best camera you can ever have](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/phototips/the-best-camera-you-can-ever-have/) - This got me thinking about memorable photos...
- [Snapshot: Brianna Lopez](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/snapshot/snapshot-brianna-lopez/) - Brianna Lopez is a freelance photographer and videographer with a focus in travel and documentary visual media creation.
- [Excerpt: My Little Green Book](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/travel/excerpt-my-little-green-book/) - My little green book opened the world to me...
- [Speaking + Teaching at Stockholm Writers Festival](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/travel/special-news-speaking-teaching-at-stockholm-writers-festival/) - I'm super excited to be part of the first ever English-language Stockholm Writers Festival
- [Photo Tip – Go beyond switching angles](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/phototips/photo-tip-go-beyond-switching-angles/) - What’s the next step beyond switching your angles when photographing everyday scenes?
- [Snapshot: David Adesanya](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/snapshot/snapshot-david-adesanya/) - David Adesanya is the mastermind behind the project, Behind Beijing...
- [In Photos: Why Venice is not overrated](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/europe/in-photos-why-venice-is-not-overrated/) - With Venice, you either hate it or you love it. There are no gray zones.
- [In Photos: Sailing with Icebergs in Greenland](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/europe/in-photos-sailing-with-icebergs-in-greenland/) - One of the most mindblowing travel moments I've ever experienced...
- [This is why you are afraid of photographing people while traveling](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/phototips/this-is-why-you-are-afraid-of-photographing-people-while-traveling/) - Notes on photographing strangers...
- [An Editor's Advice: How to Pitch Travel Stories](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/partner-reviews/an-editors-advice-how-to-pitch-travel-stories/) - A detailed review of "How to Pitch Travel Stories" guaranteed to raise your travel writing game...
- [Latvia Files: Making Crowns and Rekindling Creativity](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/europe/latvia-files-making-crowns-and-rekindling-creativity/) - I didn't anticipate struggling as much as I did making crowns...
- [Latvia Files: Exploring Riga in photos + video](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/europe/latvia-files-exploring-riga-in-photos-video/) - Looking for what to do in Riga, Latvia?
- [Partnership with Adventure magazine](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/partner-reviews/partnership-adventure-com/) - I am thrilled to be on board with a publication where values align...
- [My Focus Word for 2018](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/latest-news/my-focus-word-2018/) - Every year, I pick out a focus word. A word that governs various aspects of my life that year in lieu of resolutions…
- [2018 Travel Photographer of the Year](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/latest-news/2018-travel-photographer-of-the-year/) - Here are the winning images...
- [Excerpt: From Manicures to Machu Picchu](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/travel/excerpt-from-manicures-to-machu-picchu/) - It's been 10 years since I hiked the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu...
- [Inside Maurizio and Rosella’s Terracotta Life](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/europe/inside-maurizio-and-rosellas-terracotta-life/) - In photos - Inside the world of Maurizio and Rosella, Piadina Terracotta clay pan makers of Montetiffi, Emilia Romagna, Italy
- [The Era of Entitlement](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/latest-news/the-era-of-entitlement/) - Where lines between self-worth and entitlement have blurred...
- [Work Update: How 2017 went as a freelancer [Pie Chart]](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/latest-news/work-update-how-2017-went-as-a-freelancer-pie-chart/) - Since 2008, I’ve kept detailed notes on which publications I’ve been pitching to and their responses…
- [Gratitude Giveaway: Signed copies of DUE NORTH + LAGOM](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/latest-news/gratitude-giveaway-signed-copies-of-due-north-lagom/) - What a year of emotions and experiences 2017 has been so far!
- [2017 Reflections: January to December](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/latest-news/reflecting-on-2017-by-month/) - I’m still reeling over the fact that the year is over...
- [Winding down and looking forward to 2018](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/latest-news/winding-down-and-looking-forward-to-2018/) - I'm finally in a mental space where I can breathe...
- [Postcard: Reindeer sledding with Nutti Sámi Siida](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/europe/postcard-reindeer-sledding-with-nutti-sami-siida-swedish-lapland/) - It feels like it was just last month I was in Lapland photographing the Northern Lights with Peter Rosén and reindeer sledding with Nutti Sámi Siida.
- [Photos: Why You Should Explore the Faroe Islands](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/europe/photos-explore-faroe-islands/) - Because the Faroe Islands blew me away...
- [Postcard: View of Panagia Island in Parga #NaPhoPoMo](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/europe/postcard-view-panagia-island-parga-naphopomo/) - One of the things that makes Parga memorable is Panagia Island and the old church located on it
- [NG Adventure Front Page and Other News](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/latest-news/ng-adventure-front-page-and-other-news/) - Some quick news while traveling. [ Photography ] - As part of its Adventure Photo Challenge, National Geographic Adventure featured one of my shots taken in Fiji on its main page. - Was one of five winners of the Pikeo "Moments of Togetherness" competition. [ Writing ] - In the July/August issue of Budget Travel,
- [Lagos In Numbers](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/africa/lagos-in-numbers/) - From power outages to giant African snails, head over to the Matador Network to check out a synopsis of my recent trip to Lagos - in numbers. Currently sorting through the photographs (500+). More soon.
- [Postcard: Hide Or Seek](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/latin-americacarribbean/postcard-hide-or-seek/) - After a couple hours along the Inca Trail, our exhausted group finally flopped down for a break on some rocks. Hiding behind one of the red, dry rocks was a toddler in the most vibrant colors - a blue vest with a stripped shirt and red slacks. They really don't come any cuter.
- [Postcard: Jumbo Cafe](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/latest-news/postcard-jumbo-cafe/) - The Jumbo Hostel in Stockholm has been all over the news recently. Was at the airport two weeks ago to survey the Boeing 747 hostel as well as interview its owner for the Matador Network. As an artist drawn to bold, loud colors, I love his choice of colors in this room - dark blue
- [Postcard: Fatten Up on Semlor](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/europe/postcard-fatten-up-on-semlor/) - There's no better culinary way to celebrate Fat Tuesday than digging into a stuffed semla - a cardamon-spiced wheat bun filled with gooey almond paste and topped off with the heaviest whipped cream in town. This Scandinavian pastry is designed to fatten you up in time for forty (40) days of Lent, and just 3-5
- [Guardian UK - February Photo Selection](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/latest-news/guardian-uk-february-photo-selection/) - Latest from the Guardian UK's Been There Photo selection Phnom Penh, Cambodia: Hopping a ride on a tuk tuk is one of the cheapest and most scenic ways of experiencing [the] city.
- [Guardian UK - Spring is on its way....](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/latest-news/guardian-uk-spring-is-on-its-way/) - Despite the current blanket of snow mixed with dirt and ice, Stockholm residents are counting the days till the first spring flowers sprout and the chilly air gradually warms up again. Check out my latest article for the Guardian UK's Been There Travel Blog.
- [Postcards: The Cold White North](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/europe/postcards-the-cold-white-north/) - Here are a few photos from my recent trip up north to Luleå in Northern Sweden. You can definitely feel the chill through these shots.
- [NGT: Loving Stockholm](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/latest-news/ngt-loving-stockholm/) - As travelers who move through various cities, we set up roots and immerse for awhile until its time to move along to a new place. For me, those cities have been Lagos, Dayton, Alexandria, and more recently, Baltimore and Stockholm. So when IT asked us to write about our cities, choosing which one to chronicle
- [Postcard: My Little Sister](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/asia/postcard-my-little-sister/) - Shot in Krang Yaw, Cambodia, this picture of a villager girl carrying her baby sister tells a deeper story. The older sister struggles under the weight of the smaller one, yet tries to ensure that she's safe, and paid attention to. Camera - Nikon D40
- [Guardian UK: Pack Your Sweet Tooth](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/latest-news/guardian-uk-pack-your-sweet-tooth/) - Crispy buttery crusts filled with gooey, decadent pastes. Sugary marzipan tarts topped with heavy whipped cream. All consumed while sipping black coffee. You’d think we were partaking in Paris’ revered café culture. Who knew Stockholm had such a sweet tooth?! Read the rest of my latest article on the Guardian UK's Been There Travel page.
- [Postcards: Nautica](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/europe/postcards-nautica/) - While I recoup in London and catch up on stories to tell and photos to share, here are just a few fun pics from the Baltic cruise. Supersized Crawfish The Swedish equivalent of N-Sync. Yep. On board as well. Taking a leisure stroll. Waterfront property And of course, some jumping shots!
- [What's in a Smörgåsbord?](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/latest-news/whats-in-a-smorgasbord/) - Find out in my latest photo essay for Matador Life titled Anatomy of a Smörgåsbord.
- [Geotraveler's Niche now on Alltop](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/latest-news/geotravelers-niche-now-on-alltop/) - Alltop is a great aggregation website that brings you the latest news from a variety of top blogs. Currently listed under the Travel category, I'm pretty excited to be among a list of cool personal travel blogs as well as magazines/newspapers such as Travel + Leisure, Conde Nast Traveler, and the Los Angeles Times. Be
- [Postcard: Get On Your Boots](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/africa/postcard-get-on-your-boots/) - So I've been rocking to the latest U2 album, No Line On The Horizon, which I reviewed over at Matador Goods. Their new drop is lyrically solid with their first single "Get On Your Boots" being a sort of empowerment anthem - get up, take charge of your life, and make something of yourself. Shot
- [Travel Photography: Lenses I Carry](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/latest-news/travel-photography-lenses-i-carry/) - Over at Matador Goods, I wrote about three affordable lenses that DSLR camera owners need to carry along with them while traveling. While it might seem like a lot of gear, it really isn't and a small yet sturdy camera bag such as Vituri Brown Bag which I also own, can fit all three including
- [Postcard: Time Marches On](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/latin-americacarribbean/postcard-time-marches-on/) - One of my favorite portraits....this was taken while I sat at a bus stop in St. Georges, Bermuda. An old lady strolled by, walking over to a nearby stop to catch her bus. Fascinated, I observed her as she moved along with a certain air about her. Slowly as expected yet cautiously and constantly aware.
- [Photo of the Day - Smithsonian.com](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/latin-americacarribbean/photo-of-the-day-smithsoniancom/) - Found out a photo submitted into Smithsonian Magazine's annual photo contest was selected as the photo of the day. Feel pretty honored - shortlisted or not.
- [Postcard: Goaaaal!](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/north-america/postcard-goaaaal/) - Any true football (soccer) fan knows that West African teams usually display some pretty cool acrobatics on the field after a goal or two. Last weekend was no different, even though it was a small pick up game played by a group of Nigerian friends who've been playing every Sunday for the last 10 years.
- [Photography News - Fresh M.I.L.K](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/latest-news/photography-news-fresh-milk/) - After pouring through 35,000 entries from 112 countries, the Fresh M.I.L.K competition, one of the most lucrative has announced its $50,000 grand prize winner. While the 50 grand went to Victoria Skirutiene's (from Lithuania) timeless shot, I am happy to report my image above is one of the 150 winning images also awarded prizes along
- [Forbes Traveler: Spiciest Foods](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/latest-news/forbes-traveler-spiciest-foods/) - Grab a glass of water and check out my latest piece for Forbes Traveler - World's Spiciest Foods. It was a fun article to write and the process also helped me through a different style of travel writing - beyond the classic travel narrative - mixing in various elements.
- [Postcard: Perspective](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/europe/postcard-perspective/) - One of my favorite travel portraits, this was captured in Riga, Latvia. I could have easily shot the stunning glass windows and architecture as is, but I waited for at least five minutes, waiting and watching the old Latvian lady as she slowly walked by with her cane. Bringing her into the frame not only
- [Growing up in Nigeria](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/africa/growing-up-in-nigeria/) - Ever wondered what its like to be a child growing up in Africa? Despite all the visions of despair flashed across TVs on a daily basis, there are tiny pockets of hope sprouting everyday and people move about their daily lives. Recently wrote a short article titled My Hometown in 500 Words: Lagos that takes
- [Postcard: Greetings from the Algarve, Portugal](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/europe/postcard-greetings-from-algarve-portugal/) - Currently in Portugal until mid week on some much needed family rest and relaxation getaway. Photo shot with an iPhone
- [Expat life: Notes on finding tastes of home](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/latest-news/expat-life-notes-on-finding-tastes-of-home/) - It took me almost two years of living in Sweden to realize that I wasn't raised on cream-based sauces. Over the last two weeks, I've been feverishly shopping for anything that could be used in a pot of African stew. I've traversed Stockholm hitting some of my pseudo-African/Ethnic joints to pick up yams, ripe plantains,
- [Postcard: Gott Nytt År - Happy New Year from Stockholm](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/europe/postcard-gott-nytt-ar-happy-new-year-from-stockholm/) - View more fireworks photos over on my photoblog on Sweden.se.
- [Postcard: Arrival of Autumn](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/europe/postcard-arrival-of-autumn/)
- [Blog Action Day: Did you know famine is man-made?](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/latest-news/blog-action-day-did-you-know-famine-is-man-made/) - In honor of World Food Day (Oct. 16) and Blog Action Day which is focusing on "Food" this year, I wanted to quickly point you all to two awareness pieces. Interview with Free The Children I recently did an interview with Craig Kielburger, co-founder of the nonprofit Free The Children on what is truly going
- [Postcard: Across The Atlantic](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/africa/postcard-across-the-atlantic/) - One of my dream documentary photography projects is to row across the lagoon with this little girl and see what daily life in one of the waterfront villages is like. Everyday, she along with a couple dozens of students row themselves to the Ebute Lekki side to attend school...
- [Passports With Purpose: Help Us Build A Village In India](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/inspiration/passports-with-purpose-help-us-build-a-village-in-india/) - My ultimate soft spot is and always will be supporting various humanitarian causes, and this year, Passports With Purpose (PWP) will be raising $50,000 to build a village in India.
- [The Weight of Moments](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/latest-news/the-weight-of-moments/) - I didn't take a single photograph over Thanksgiving though I had good intentions. My goal was to play with both fixed lenses - 50mm and 35mm - over the break, shooting everything in sight, but it never happened. The camera never left its bag, and for the first time in a really long time, I didn't care.
- [Postcard: Vinter Är Här](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/europe/postcard-vinter-ar-har/) - Winter is here...
- [Learning Swedish with Celebrities and Assassins](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/europe/learning-swedish-with-celebrities-and-assassins/) - Few experiences in life are more leveling than a language class, where people’s previous identities are mysteriously replaced by characters and coping mechanisms worthy of a Swedish crime drama...
- [Celebrating Easter In Stockholm](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/europe/celebrating-easter-in-stockholm/) - Hope everyone had a wonderful and relaxing Easter with family. This weekend was spent with friends - gorging on egg halves, and various forms of pickled herring and salmon, ushering in church, and remembering what a gracious gift I've been given.
- [In Pictures: Massive Pillow Fight In Stockholm](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/europe/in-pictures-massive-pillow-fight-in-stockholm/) - I heard about International Pillow Fight Day in Stockholm via Facebook about a week ago. So I grabbed my camera and headed down to Sergels torg at 3pm today. I'll be posting a few select photos with captions on my Sweden.se photoblog next week, but in the meantime, here are just a few of my favorites (shot 200+ photos)...
- [Living as a black female expat in Sweden](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/europe/living-as-a-black-female-expat-in-sweden/) - I finally got to meet Nora (Professional Hobo) in person last month. Finally getting a chance to hug her multiple times after knowing each other online since 2007 (maybe even bits of 2006), we got a chance to talk about our journeys...
- [The thing about Swedish breakfasts...](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/europe/the-thing-about-swedish-breakfasts/) - I’m not a picky eater though I probably could benefit physically from being picky once in a while, but I digress. Being naturally muscular, my body tends to gravitate towards protein in all forms. I grew up on large tomato-onion omelettes spiced with curry powder, salt, thyme, red pepper, and white pepper and breakfast remains
- [Learning Swedish: Swimming in an ocean of intermediates](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/europe/learning-swedish-swimming-in-an-ocean-of-intermediates/) - I was shocked when I read the news off my husband’s iPhone...
- [Postcard: Celebrating Baked Goods in Sweden](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/europe/postcard-celebrating-baked-goods-in-sweden/) - Sweden celebrated National Cinnamon Bun Day today and we take it seriously.
- [Postcard: Pretty cool restaurant menu](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/europe/postcard-pretty-cool-restaurant-menu/) - One of my favorite finds in Northern Sweden is a small restaurant close to Storforsen that serves only two items on their menu - reindeer and salmon - and even cooler is the rusty bicycle out front that shows their menu. Having just signed up with Nordic Photos a few days ago, I'm now beginning
- [5 Essential Tips for the Budding Travel Photographer](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/phototips/5-essential-tips-for-the-budding-travel-photographer/) - [Published on The Travelers Notebook] Unless you’re a professional travel photographer on an expedition-style assignment, chances are you’re not dragging boxes of equipment around on your travels. Throwing filters, tripods, remote flash, and other equipment into the mix can be quite daunting for the novice photographer traveling with limited space. For those interested in doing
- [Photo Essay: Welcoming 2011 With The Analogy of The Parade](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/latest-news/photo-essay-welcoming-2011-with-the-analogy-of-the-parade/) - Two reporters were sent to cover a parade; one standing along the crowded sidewalk, the other hovering ahead in a helicopter. As vividly-decorated float after float came parading down the street, the sidewalk reporter kept radioing back up to the reporter in the helicopter, excited...
- [V is for Vogue](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/latest-news/v-is-for-vogue/) - I received the urgent email in November through Matador. She was writing an article on Ankara and had read a blog post I'd written awhile back about this native fabric essential to daily life in Nigeria. They needed photographs ASAP.Skeptical at first, ample research on my part followed. Soon enough, photographs and details were exchanged,
- [Postcard: Church Hunting](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/europe/postcard-church-hunting/) - And thus begins the search for the perfect location. Scurrying briskly in the chilly winter evening, we crisscross the city, gravitating towards every steeple we catch in the distance. Magnificent buildings, subpar surroundings. Excellent surroundings, rather mundane buildings. Until we find her. She is beautiful and reeks of perfection. But this is just our first
- [Depth of Inspiration](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/latest-news/depth-of-inspiration/) - "Ha! War-shing-tone!', she exclaims in heavily accented English. "Obama! I am so happy for you!", her dark eyes gleaming from a face creased with age. While she'd been prepping for a funeral, I'd pulled her aside for questions - this old Swedish church lady well into her sixties. Ten minutes after our questions had been
- [Postcard: Tough Sell](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/asia/postcard-tough-sell/) - Taken in the remote village of Krang Yaw, Cambodia, this picture cracks me up every time. Totally unamused by our balloon animal project, his little face said it all. Camera - Nikon D40
- [Pancake Thursdays and Other Such Traditions](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/latest-news/pancake-thursdays-and-other-such-traditions/) - I watch streams of melted ice-cream race down the sides of warm, thin pancakes...finally pooling around a glob of sweet lingonberry jam. No doubt, this Nordic weekly tradition of pea soup and pancakes I'm gonna love. It got me thinking about other food traditions that have gradually infiltrated my world. Growing up, I remember waiting
- [Conducting Business in French](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/latest-news/conducting-business-in-french/) - Well...technically not in French, but I was contacted last week by the photo editor of a French Magazine for Kids, Science et Vie Découvertes. She'd stumbled across my blog, found a few "delectable" Surströmming photographs, and wanted to use one for an upcoming article in the magazine. I'd never heard of them, but figured anything
- [Photo Essay: A Swedish Winter Day from Noon to 4PM](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/europe/photo-essay-a-swedish-winter-day-from-noon-to-4pm/) - Feeling crisp cold air rushing through my nostrils, breathing heavily trying to regulate the draft, mouth closed, all senses focused; I become fully aware of life happening breath by breath...
- [Christmas Essay: Finding Light -22 degrees below in Swedish Lapland](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/europe/christmas-essay-seeing-light-22-degrees-below-in-swedish-lapland/) - I watched the deep beet red liquid pool around my slice of ham, julskinka, dyeing it with that rich beautiful color. Shaving off a piece of dyed ham, I dipped it into tangy yellow mustard and balanced bits of almond yellow potato on it before my mouthful...
- [With Deepest Gratitude: THANK YOU!](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/latest-news/with-deepest-gratitude-thank-you/) - On December 1, 2010 when Quark Expeditions announced that it was looking for a blogger to follow its 20th anniversary expedition to the North Pole, my entry was the very first one submitted.
- [Thoughts On Investing In Travel](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/latest-news/thoughts-on-investing-in-travel/) - I rarely talk about my husband here. After all, he is a fiercely private man. One of the many qualities I admire about him. A doer. Not an unnecessary talker. A talker only to learn more about you, balancing this by listening to you share your stories.
- [Postcard: Away From The Desk And Blog](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/latest-news/postcard-away-from-the-desk-and-blog/) - Currently traveling at the moment with a crazy backlog of posts, photographs, latest news/publications, and stories in tow.
- [Postcard: Valborg Bonfires in Sweden](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/europe/postcard-valborg-bonfires-in-sweden/) - Swedish flags were lowered and moved out of the way as Skansen’s massive bonfire was lit on Saturday, April 30 around 9:10pm. Spring songs were sung, banishing winter for the next 6 months. Thousands of faces were tainted orange by the fire’s warm glow.
- [Photoblog: Travel Bloggers Unite in Manchester](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/latest-news/photoblog-travel-bloggers-unite-in-manchester/) - Held in Manchester, Travel Bloggers Unite (TBU) brought in travel bloggers from the UK, mainland Europe, as well as a few from North America, all of who I was honored to meet (for the first time or again) outside of their Twitter handles and blogs.
- [Postcard: Butcher's counter at Östermalms Saluhall](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/europe/postcard-butchers-counter-at-ostermalms-saluhall/) - Östermalms Saluhall remains one of my favorite places in Stockholm to photograph. Slabs of raw meat, whole fish and seafood balanced atop each other, fruits and vegetables stacked in pyramids, and other gourmet knick-knacks seem quite photogenic on otherwise boring days. You can view more photos from Östermalms Saluhall over at Sweden.se.
- [In Pictures: Scenes from a garden party](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/europe/in-pictures-scenes-from-a-garden-party/) - I was recently at a garden party-potluck hosted by friends who also happen to be professional musicians in orchestras around town. Needless to say, we were treated to high quality music as we dug into pasta salad and quiche.
- [My current thoughts and prayers](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/latest-news/my-current-thoughts-and-prayers/) - My thoughts and prayers are currently with: - Those suffering from the devastating famine affecting the horn of Africa. - The people of Norway, my geographic neighbor, during these trying times. May God continue to protect us all.
- [Snapshot: Zombies all over Stockholm](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/europe/snapshot-zombies-all-over-stockholm/) - View more photos over at Sweden.se
- [Faceless Voices](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/latest-news/faceless-voices/) - It seemed surreal staring at the cover of the complimentary copy of Faceless Voices that arrived in my mailbox last week. I remember chatting with Temo two years back when it was still being written and finalized. She needed an image for the book. After bouncing a few ideas back and forth, we played around
- [Postcard: Happy New Year](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/latest-news/postcard-happy-new-year/)
- [Walking the Royal Mile](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/europe/walking-the-royal-mile/) - Edinburgh Castle looms over the modern city as a present day reminder of the beauty, power, and depth of history that is Scotland itself.
- [Forgotten In Our Backyard](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/africa/forgotten-in-our-backyard/) - Standing back, watching personalities emerge with glee, I studied each child. Under the humid August summer in Lagos, Nigeria, they were playing a pickup game of soccer in the little dusty yard of the orphanage. I remembered a few faces - older and leaner - and spotted a couple new ones, eagerly trying to fit
- [Postcard: Amidst the Flames](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/europe/postcard-amidst-the-flames/) - We've all taken photos at some point where images and other oddities are "captured" in addition to our subjects. I remember once while alone in a cell in Auschwitz, I was having problems with my flash. Once I finally got it working, I snapped the picture only to develop it and find two "faces" in
- [Postcard: Catch Me If You Want To](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/europe/postcard-catch-me-if-you-want-to/) - Shot during the famous San Fermin festival in Spain - commonly known as the Running of the Bulls, thousands of revelers meant thousands of photo ops at every turn. A clearly drunk reveler backflips off the fountain into the crowd below, hoping they would catch him. And this wasn't the craziest act I witnessed....
- [Postcard: Happy Happy Joy Joy!](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/latin-americacarribbean/postcard-happy-happy-joy-joy/) - You've probably noticed my penchant for jumping - high flying leaps in photos taken from various locations around the globe, spotlighting moments of absolute elation and joy. Taken in Bermuda, this shot couldn't communicate my feelings any clearer today.
- [Transitions Abroad: Africa Issue](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/africa/transitions-abroad-africa-issue/) - Be sure to check out the latest issue of Transitions Abroad's Webzine - Focus: Africa and the Middle East. Besides providing the magazine's cover photograph of the little Nigerian girl with tiro around her eyes, I also wrote the following two articles: - Volunteer Effectively in Nigeria: The Key is Thinking Grassroots - A Glimpse
- [Week 2 Editor's Pick - National Geographic Books](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/latest-news/week-2-editors-pick-national-geographic-books/) - Its always exciting to see one's photo up on National Geographic's site.
- [Postcard: Unwritten Law](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/europe/postcard-unwritten-law/) - Hungary - Taken somewhere in the Buda district in Budapest, I stumbled across this police officer standing in front of a round white and red sign. There were no clear inscriptions on the round sign and I wasn't sure what the officer was looking out for, but it definitely made for an interesting shot.
- [Postcard: I've Got Your Back](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/europe/postcard-ive-got-your-back/) - On a trip to Lisbon, Portugal, I happened upon some sort of celebration. There were hundreds of police officers lined up in an endless sea of blue. But what I found more intriguing was the team of SWAT officers protecting the officers in blue.
- [Postcard: Changing Times](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/europe/postcard-changing-times/) - Two young ladies stroll down the main pedestrian drag in Riga, sporting traditional Latvian attire. This picture left me asking so many questions. Where were they coming from? Were they performers? Were they heading over to McDonalds for a quick bite?
- [Passports With Purpose - Supporting A Great Cause](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/inspiration/passports-with-purpose-supporting-a-great-cause/) - I'd previously written about Passports With Purpose - the brainchild of fellow travel bloggers. Now its time to support this great cause. To participate, Browse through the amazing list of prizes that will be raffled off. Write down the code for the ones you want. Click on the FirstGiving link Buy one or more $10
- [Guardian UK: November Photo Selection](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/latest-news/guardian-uk-november-photo-selection/) - This photo taken in Northern Sweden was selected as part of the Guardian.co.uk’s Been There contest finalists for November 2008. Another photo had previously made the Guardian UK's August 2008 photo selection.
- [Postcard: Plaza Mayor Facelift](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/europe/postcard-plaza-mayor-facelift/) - Wandering through the vibrant Plaza Mayor in Madrid, I came across this construction site. Besides the positioning of the guys along the beam, what struck me was their construction outfits... skin tight shorts (save the one guy below with baggy pants - still topless).
- [Looking Ahead with Gratitude](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/latest-news/looking-ahead-with-gratitude/) - It's getting to that time of the year, when we dust off old resolution lists and transfer the same items to the new list. We regret what we couldn't accomplish and wallow in that familiar place of "[Insert year] just wasn't my year. Next Year!" As we wind down 2008 getting ready for the new
- [Postcard: When in Rome...or Stockholm](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/europe/postcard-when-in-romeor-stockholm/) - I'd previously discussed Lagom - that difficult-to-explain concept that Swedes live by. Extravagant displays of emotion are rare. This photograph was shot at the Stockholm Jazz festival which I'd dispatched from earlier this year. What struck me was the demeanor of the crowd. They were listening to a high energy jazz band.
- [Gearing Up for Winter](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/latest-news/gearing-up-for-winter/) - As unnatural as snow and ice feels to my being, ironically I always find myself in Sweden during deep, dark winters or nippy autumns. Rushing to the embassy with that familiar spring of excitement to my step, I've pretty much nailed down the protocol. Was in and out within minutes. Heading to Sverige for three
- [Shortlist - Travel Photographer of the Year (TPOTY)](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/latest-news/shortlist-travel-photographer-of-the-year-tpoty/) - My photography series on the Alpaca fiber weavers in Ccaccaccollo, Peru was shortlisted under the Life category for the 2008 Travel Photographer of the Year (TPOTY). Be sure to check out the final winners and their amazing photographs.
- [Postcard: The Wedding Guest](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/africa/postcard-the-wedding-guest/) - Attending a friend's wedding in Lagos, Nigeria was a prime spot for people watching. Guests arrived in various , colorful traditional attires. One of my favorites was this little guest wearing a small gele - Yoruba headtie - paired with traditional lace sewn in an English style. Her curious look was very questioning - almost
- [Photo Gallery: Nigeria](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/latin-americacarribbean/photo-gallery-nigeria/) - Sorting through 600+ photos is no easy task, so I picked just a few low resolution shots - 70 - for the online gallery. The high resolution versions require post-processing as they are in their original raw NEF format. About 10 of the 70 shots online were contributed by my trusty partner using my camera.
- [Postcard: Happily Ever After](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/europe/happily-ever-after/) - As a travel photojournalist, I strive to tell stories with every picture I take instead of looking for technically perfect shots.This picture taken in Riga, Latvia is one of my favorites from the collection. People casually stroll by in the park as the groom and maid of honor try to console the bride.There's the look
- [Photo online at Guardian UK](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/latest-news/photo-online-at-guardian-uk/) - This photo was selected as part of the Guardian.co.uk's Been There contest finalists for August 2008. Taken in Cardiff, Wales, the little girl's disposition - total immersion - makes you want to jump right in with her!.
- [Storforsen](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/europe/storforsen/) - I needed some fresh air. A twelve hour ride up to Swedish Lapland along the High Coast had left me with a nasty cold.... after winding down my window close to 50 times to take scenic pictures against the rushing wind!. We drove to the little town of Älvsbyn - the pearl of Norrbotten -
- [Postcard: At Your Service](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/europe/postcard-at-your-service/) - Travelers know getting stone-faced soldiers or guards on duty to smile can be quite the feat. I remember this Czech guard in Prague and his coy smile from behind the gates. One of my favorite travel moments. This shot was taken with an old point-and-shot 35mm film Kodak Advantix. Not sure if they make 'em
- [Postcard: Get Up, Stand Up](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/latin-americacarribbean/postcard-get-up-stand-up/) - This shot was taken in Nicaragua. At first glance, you'd think she'd seen something disturbing in the distance, prompting her to get up. On the contrary, this picture captured those few seconds when our faces contort while we're trying to switch postions - be it getting up, sitting down, kneeling, etc. If you liked this
- [Postcard: Boys Will Be Boys](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/europe/postcard-boys-will-be-boys/) - I happened upon these two little boys while walking towards Mermaid Quay in Cardiff. What reeled me in was their dispositions - The taunting from the brother on the left had been going on for awhile, and in typical kiddie fashion, probably continued after I walked away.
- [Baltimore Beyond Crabs](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/latest-news/baltimore-beyond-crabs/) - Life does have a tendency to come full circle. Leaving Baltimore ten years ago eager to don the "career woman" hat, I find myself moving boxes back to that familiar place. Those years were all about making my flamboyant career hat fit perfectly. Unlike earlier doe-eyed days, the hat comes off more readily now. In
- [Article on GoNOMAD: Bonfires of Valborg](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/latest-news/article-on-gonomad-bonfires-of-valborg/) - Check out my latest article for GoNOMAD titled Bonfires of Valborg: The Fiery Heart of Sweden. One of my favorite pieces, it chronicles how Swedes welcome the arrival of spring with massive bonfires lighting up the landscape.
- [Postcard: Honey?](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/europe/postcard-honey/) - Observing animals can be quite as interesting as humans - from smiling alpacas and synchronized guinea fowls to monkeys guzzling down soda. Taken in Norrbotten (Sweden) over the summer, I kept wondering what these cows must have been thinking or saying to themselves. My caption - Honey? What on earth is she wearing?! Any ideas
- [Postcard: Tranquil](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/latin-americacarribbean/postcard-tranquil/) - During an outreach program in Nicaragua, our Spanish translator Freddy takes a quick nap while leaning on a tree - his strong facial profile against the backdrop of volcanoes in the distance instantly transports you to Latin America, giving you a sense of place.
- [More Photos from Saturday](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/latest-news/more-photos-from-saturday/) - As promised, I've picked just a few photos from over 300 I took on Saturday - View Gallery. As a travel photographer who tries to capture true-to-life portraits of people exhibiting various forms of elation, I infused that vivid style of photography into this fashion shoot that shows off various ways of wearing African fabric.
- [Latest Photography Article - Matador Goods](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/latest-news/latest-photography-article-matador-goods/) - Be sure to check out my latest article on Matador Goods - 5 Items to Set Off Your Obsession with Digital Photography - View Article.
- [Travel Essay on Wanderlust and Lipstick](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/asia/travel-essay-on-wanderlust-and-lipstick/) - Last year, I was blessed to have traveled as a volunteer photojournalist with an anti-sex trafficking team to Cambodia. I visited a handful of shelters where I got to meet some of the most resilient individuals walking the face of this earth. Read the short narrative here.
- [Postcard: With This Ring](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/north-america/postcard-with-this-ring/) - Wedding cakes teem with creativity - from lavish multilayer masterpieces to the most bizarre accessories and trimmings. This simple, two layered white cake served at a friend's wedding in Virginia spotted a fun little miniature with the bride dragging the groom along. I hardly ever see cakes with miniature brides and grooms anymore. Though cliche,
- [Photography in Pology Magazine](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/latest-news/photography-in-pology-magazine/) - Be sure to check out Pology's November 2008 Issue. I've got some photography in there under "In Pictures", and "Nigeria".
- [Postcard: Timeless](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/europe/postcard-timeless/) - While I'm traveling for two weeks, here are a couple favorite shots for the postcard series. Years ago while roaming the cobbled streets of Krakow, Poland, I ran into a couple nuns who seemed to be having so much fun as they shared ice-cream and laughter. There was a certain timelessness and purity about the
- [Postcard: Teacher's Pet](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/latin-americacarribbean/postcard-teachers-pet/) - While I'm traveling for two weeks, here are a couple favorite shots for the postcard series. While volunteering in Nicaragua, we instantly bonded with the teachers we were training. One of them brought along her adorable daughter who instantly became our little pet. This shot was taken on the last day of training as they
- [Postcard: Mercy](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/africa/postcard-mercy/) - One of the kids at Mercy Home who've stolen my heart. Spent some time (not enough!) catching up with them, bringing some supplies, and playing a little bit of soccer. Currently working on more writeups and hope to post a photo gallery from Nigeria tomorrow.
- [Photo on National Geographic](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/latest-news/photo-on-national-geographic/) - Quite excited to find out that one of my photos made the "August - Week 2" selection in the International Photo Contest. Check it out. It's the first one in the group. One of my previous shots had made National Geographic's "Your Shot" selection before.
- [Latest News & Updates](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/latest-news/latest-news-updates/) - Photo above is from a gorgeous seaside property here in Stockholm I'm currently reviewing on assignment... Voila! Here are the reasons I haven't been quite regular with my blog updates. Been working on modifying my existing WordPress template to support larger-format photos as well as separating my official portfolio from my musings. The links above
- [10 Reasons Why I Want To Go To The North Pole](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/latest-news/10-reasons-why-i-want-to-go-to-the-north-pole/) - When I found out Quark Expeditions was looking for a blogger/writer to document their June 2011 Arctic expedition to the North Pole, I typed in an entry faster than I could refresh the contest page...
- [In Pictures: Notes from TBEX Europe](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/latest-news/in-pictures-notes-from-tbex-europe/) - If you've been following the #TBEX hashtag on Twitter over the last few days, you've probably noticed tons of sentiments flying around.
- [My TBEX Presentation - A to Z of Pitching Outlets](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/latest-news/my-tbex-presentation-a-to-z-of-pitching-outlets/) - Just back from a very memorable TBEX in Copenhagen, and I'm currently decompressing; sorting through photographs, experiences, and notes so I'll definitely be doing a follow-up post. But in the meantime in the spirit of sharing and support, I wanted to publish my presentation online so fellow freelancer writers and photographers can have quick access to it.
- [Heading to TBEX In Copenhagen](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/latest-news/heading-to-tbex-in-copenhagen/) - Super stoked to be heading back to Copenhagen this week to participate in the first ever TBEX on European soil. The first "official" conference was in New York earlier this year, and was more than anything, a chance to hug people I've known for years behind avatars.
- [Special Edition: Matador Network](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/latest-news/special-edition-matador-network/) - Some exciting news hit the travel community last week.
- [Postcard from Cong, County Mayo, Ireland](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/europe/postcard-from-cong-county-mayo-ireland/) - Will be back next week with photography from Malta and Ireland as well as some random musings.
- [Photo Gallery: The Sicilian Countryside](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/europe/photo-gallery-the-sicilian-countryside/) - Arriving around 8pm at night, we boogied to some 80s tracks at a random happy-hour event we stumbled into before getting out of Palermo the very next day. This trip certainly wasn't about museums, sightseeing, hitting Sicily's famous beaches, or gluttonously gorging on pizza. It also wasn't about getting off the "beaten path" so to say with a preplanned itinerary of activities in hand...
- [Working Smarter, Not Harder…A Myth?](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/latest-news/working-smarter-not-hardera-myth/) - "Anxiety is the dizziness of freedom"....Kierkegaard. I read those self-diagnosing words in a recent article over at Brave new Traveler.
- [Postcard from Gratteri, Sicily](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/europe/postcard-from-gratteri-sicily/) - Gratteri, Sicily - Lola Akinmade Currently traveling around Sicily, the Aeolian Islands, and Malta. Will be back with updates, pictures, latest news, and more the week of August 23.
- [Postcard: Seeing Red](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/europe/postcard-seeing-red/) - I've started volunteering with the Swedish Red Cross as a photojournalist, and will be sharing highlights from projects and assignments once in a while.
- [Twirling In The Rain](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/europe/twirling-in-the-rain/) - "Where is everyone?" Inez asks the bespectacled old man standing at the makeshift entrance…
- [Highlights from Latitude 66° 33′ 44″ and places beyond](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/europe/photographs-and-highlights-latitude-66-33-44-and-places-beyond/) - Neatly plowed green fields roll past us. I’ve always wondered what shade of green those fields are.
- [BBC - In Pictures - Rowing To School](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/latest-news/bbc-in-pictures-rowing-to-school/) - Returned today from Northern Sweden with my parents where we took what I'm now dubbing our "Arctic Road Trip". Activities enjoyed included jumping at the Arctic circle, taking a moose farm detour, visiting the summer stuga (cottage), riding in a dinghy, eating surströmming, hiking, checking out Storforsen, trying all forms of lax (salmon), floating (yes!) in a Falu red cottage in the middle of a pristine lake, and lots more.
- [Postcard: Newly Born](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/europe/postcard-newly-born/) - The raw feelings that wash over me at the sight of a newborn baby are indescribable...
- [In Pictures: Travel Blog Exchange (TBEX) 2010](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/latest-news/in-pictures-travel-blog-exchange-tbex-2010/) - This past weekend, I flew into New York (well, Newark) for the 1st annual Travel Blog Exchange (TBEX) conference...
- [Latest News: Travel Writing and Photojournalism](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/latest-news/latest-news-travel-writing-and-photojournalism/) - The last few weeks have been quite busy on many fronts....ramping up on my Swedish, immersing fully in a new culture, trying to work smarter, not harder...
- [Postcard: Tasting Stockholm](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/europe/postcard-tasting-stockholm/) - Quintessential Stockholm fashionistas in their recognizable attire…overflowing tops, leggings, flat shoes....at the annual Smaka på Stockholm festival.
- [Exploring Diversity in Vienna](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/latest-news/exploring-diversity-in-vienna/) - When I first found out about the World Diversity Leadership Summit (WDLS) that was held in Vienna in March, I knew I wanted to be involved anyway I could for many reasons...
- [Weekend In Pictures: Baking Kanelbullar](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/europe/weekend-in-pictures-baking-kanelbullar/) - Over this past weekend, I learned how to bake a classic Swedish staple - kanelbullar (cinnamon buns). These are not your grapefruit-sized, icing coated Cinnabons, but rather, a modestly sweet version that fills up your apartment with the spicy scent of raw cinnamon.
- [Dreaming Someone Else’s Dream](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/latest-news/dreaming-someone-elses-dream/) - Came across this tweet by Live Unchained this morning...
- [Photo Gallery: Egypt](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/africa/photo-gallery-egypt/) - A collection of travel photography from around Egypt shot by photographer Lola Akinmade.
- [Dispatch II: Good Morning, Cairo (Cont'd)](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/travel/dispatch-ii-good-morning-cairo-contd/) - I stumble upon what appears to be security once I cross into the domestic travel side of the airport...
- [Dispatch I: Good Morning, Cairo](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/travel/dispatch-i-good-morning-cairo/) - My Portuguese seatmate, a small framed man with sunken cheeks and blond highlights streaked through thinning black hair asks me a question 15 minutes before touchdown...
- [Update: All About The Photos](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/latest-news/update-all-about-the-photos/) - Finally back from a whirlwind trip to Egypt that saw us crisscrossing the desert by bike and jeep as well as sailing the Red Sea and cruising the Nile...
- [Photo Essay: Schoolyard Tossles](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/africa/photo-essay-schoolyard-tossles/) - While in the village of Ibeju-Lekki (Nigeria) doing some outreach work, I stumbled upon the scene below of two little boys scuffling in a school yard...
- [Postcard: Gone to Egypt](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/africa/postcard-gone-to-egypt/) - Currently typing aboard a classic wooden sailboat called La Vela anchored within open waters in the Red Sea.
- [Living Through Lagos Traffic and Latest Pieces](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/latest-news/living-through-lagos-traffic-and-latest-pieces/) - Through loudspeakers connected to a van, a heavily synthesized voice belts out “Back to Sender, O! Back to Sender!”...
- [Postcard: Spring Is In The Air](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/north-america/postcard-spring-is-in-the-air/) - Shot with Nikon D300 at Ladew Gardens, Maryland
- [Breaking Down The Staredown](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/latest-news/breaking-down-the-staredown/) - As an avid traveler, I get asked often how I deal with, you know, "stares", when I travel in regions where not a lot of black people travel.
- [Photo Gallery: Nigeria and Her People](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/africa/photo-gallery-nigeria-and-her-people/) - I've uploaded a couple more photographs (under Set II) for you to check out.
- [On Outreach and Nigeria Photos - Set I](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/africa/on-outreach-and-nigeria-photos-1/) - I felt uncomfortable watching her writhe in pain, wailing. Other village women tried consoling her, but her screams were deafening. From what I could gather, she'd lost a loved one and her wails were a mixture of grief and regret. Regret that she'd failed them in so many ways. My heart was breaking...
- [Postcard: Prized Possession](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/africa/postcard-prized-possession/) - Lagos, Nigeria - One of the vivacious women that sell fish in Lekki village along the lagoon shows off her newly caught Nile monitor lizard
- [Shifting Priorities and Latest Pieces](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/latest-news/shifting-priorities-and-latest-pieces/) - Had to cancel my upcoming trip to Istanbul to cover ASTA's International Destination Expo. While the traveler in me viciously fought the decision, my true priorities won.
- [Postcard: Palm Fronds and Psalms](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/africa/postcard-palm-fronds-and-psalms/) - Now begins the most important week for Christians...
- [Quick Dispatch from the Coastline](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/latest-news/quick-dispatch-from-the-coastline/) - A heavy and dry Harmattan haze has been hanging over the Lagos skyline totally freaking out the populous. They fear acid rain as text messages have been sent around telling people to avoid the rain when it comes...
- [Photo Gallery: Budapest Night & Day](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/europe/photo-gallery-budapest-night-day/) - Finally sorted through a ton of photos and picked 115 of my favorite shots...
- [Feeling Out A City By Night](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/latest-news/feeling-out-a-city-by-night/) - When I first visited Budapest years ago with my Kodak Advantix film camera in tow, I knew I had to be back with a stronger camera and tripod to capture as best as I could, the city’s beauty...
- [Postcard: Under An Ink Blue Sky](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/europe/postcard-under-an-ink-blue-sky/) - Will be traveling the next few weeks (starting with a return to Budapest) and plan on posting a few postcards and mini dispatches.
- [Snapshots of Luxury and Latest News](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/latest-news/snapshots-of-luxury-and-latest-news/) - While attending the festival in London last weekend, I also hopped into the 5-star luxury boutique hotel, The Milestone* to do a review for an online publication...
- [London Gallery: The Mundane](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/europe/london-gallery-the-mundane/) - My photography challenge last weekend was to shoot London through new eyes...
- [Postcard: Just You Wait, Henry Higgins](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/europe/postcard-just-you-wait-henry-higgins/) - Currently collecting my thoughts and impressions from the festival, including reviewing a boutique hotel for an online outlet.
- [London Beckons](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/latest-news/london-beckons/) - Looking forward to the Travellers' Tales Festival in London this week; an excellent opportunity to network with fellow travel writers and photographers.
- [Raw Food Photography and Last Minute Assignments](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/latest-news/raw-food-photography-and-last-minute-assignments/) - Besides a couple shots of delicious meals and desserts consumed and neatly arranged market produce encountered during my travels, I usually don't take many food photographs...
- [Postcards: Nor'easter Snow Day](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/latest-news/postcards-noreaster-snow-day/) - Postcard: Nor'easter Snow Day
- [The Sweetest Thing...Be](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/latest-news/the-sweetest-thing-be/) - He strolled in well-dressed, brown coat slung across one arm, a worn out briefcase in the other. He clearly didn't want to be there. In his past life, it seemed, he'd been used to so much more...
- [On Gaining Quicker Access Into a Culture](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/africa/on-gaining-quicker-access-into-a-culture/) - Isn't it ironic that learning a culture's pseudo-language can get you ingrained faster than fluency in its native language?
- [Postcards: Ambiance](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/europe/postcards-ambiance/) - A few shots from a handful of hotels I'm researching in Stockholm.
- [Travel Updates and Projects](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/latest-news/travel-updates-and-projects/) - Back in from a brisk, cold walk around the icy block, underneath the snow-crusted bridge, along railroad tracks...alone with my thoughts.
- [Helping Haiti and Quantifying Help](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/latest-news/helping-haiti-and-quantifying-help/) - "Have you been watching the news?", my brother-in-law asks. The same news of helplessness we've all been watching over the last three days...
- [Postcard: Backseat Driver](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/north-america/postcard-backseat-driver/) - Life truly is all about survival, relevance, and that never-ending quest to make some kind of mark others can relate to. Forging ahead in an attempt to stay one step ahead when, in actuality, everyone's life path is different. Stay your life's course and once in a while, taking the backseat and helping others succeed can be much more fulfilling in so many ways.
- [Postcard Series: Balcony View of 2010](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/europe/postcard-series-balcony-view-of-2010/) - Fireworks photography from my balcony
- [Photo Essay: Snow, 23 Below, and Christmas Tidings](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/europe/photo-essay-snow-23-below-and-christmas-tidings/) - The snow-coated landscape looked eerily post-apocalyptic with wind whistling as we both trudged through knee-deep white powder. We’d occasionally catch swaying tree branches from the corner of our eyes. Like apparitions...
- [Postcard: The Best Breakfast](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/north-america/postcard-the-best-breakfast/) - The best breakfasts are usually not found on the exclusive Sunday brunch menu at a fancy restaurant or even at that neighborhood hole-in-the-wall joint you swear by...
- [Travel Secrets in 3..2..1](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/latest-news/travel-secrets-in-3-2-1/) - As part of the growing Tripbase travel tag-a-thon, I recently got an email from Audrey Scott, half of the dynamic, multi-talented duo that make up Uncornered Market and Ekua Impraim, a fellow adventurer and kindred spirit.
- [Love Abroad in Heart & Soul](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/latest-news/love-abroad-in-heart-soul/) - Just back from Cleveland where a relaxing weekend with dear friends was just what we needed. Besides a Cavaliers vs. Bulls game that took us out into frigid weather (more later), most of our time was spent reminiscing, eating, sleeping in, watching movies, and sorting through wedding photos from both sides.
- [Postcard: A Rocking Road Trip](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/north-america/postcard-a-rocking-road-trip/) - Heading out on a road trip at the crack of dawn to Cleveland. A nice getaway to relax with good friends, enjoy a weekend of gorging yet again, and to keep my nose to the ground for stories and photo opportunities.
- [Photo Essays and Travel Photography](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/latest-news/photo-essays-and-travel-photography/) - Over at Matador Life, I recently published a photo essay that takes readers behind the scenes of tunnbröd.
- [Counting Blessings at a Food Bank](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/north-america/counting-blessings-at-a-food-bank/) - The first thing we did upon our late-night arrival into Houston was go to the Houston Food Bank the very next morning.
- [Photo Essay: To Infinity And Beyond](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/north-america/photo-essay-to-infinity-and-beyond/) - In addition to our dining expedition in Houston, Texas, a trip to the Space Center was in order. Well, mostly because the Urb wanted to. As a traveler, hitting up popular attractions once in a while doesn't make your travel experiences any less authentic unless you let it by letting those attractions become the single
- [Texas Dining in Pictures](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/north-america/texas-dining-in-pictures/) - A quick weekend getaway to Houston to see family also meant indulging in the finest local grub Texas had to offer.
- [Travel Update and Latest Articles](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/latest-news/travel-update-and-latest-articles/) - Just returned from a super-sized trip to Houston that had me gorging like there was no tomorrow on juicy steaks, BBQ, Tex-Mex, and everything else in between. While I sort through impressions for a photo essay, here are a couple articles published last week.
- [First Things First....Know Thyself](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/latest-news/first-things-first-know-thyself/) - It's been a rough two weeks in the world of travel writing and travel photography.
- [Yellow Springs in National Geographic Traveler](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/latest-news/yellow-springs-in-national-geographic-traveler/) - Super excited to find three copies of the November/December issue of National Geographic Traveler in my mailbox on Wednesday. One from my annual subscription, and two extra thrown in from the Society. Under the "Long Weekends" department, I wrote about Yellow Springs, Ohio - a wonderful, tiny town of about 4,000 people, known for its
- [Irish Photo Files III: 780 Years And Counting](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/europe/irish-photo-files-iii-780-years-and-counting/) - I shy away from really old buildings (as in 50 years or older, talk less of 780+ years old) for many reasons. Mostly because I'd rather not share my room with previous residents from generations past.
- [Postcard: Wooly Neighbors In Connemara](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/europe/postcard-wooly-neighbors-in-connermara/) - It's amazing how sheep in a foreign land take on more significance while one is traveling.
- [Blog Action Day - Water, Water, Everywhere](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/inspiration/blog-action-day-water-water-everywhere/) - There's a water shortage. Again. Across the whole campus. We know what this means - trekking down to the nearby village along the shores of the lagoon with our gray metal pails and plastic buckets...
- [In Pictures: Hanging With Moose](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/europe/in-pictures-hanging-with-moose/) - "Can you see them?" whispers Anna-Carin as we make our way through tall blades of yellowish green grass. We wonder what she's looking at. All we see is grass. Instinctively, she knows where to look for the three-month old twin calves, Klara and Märta...
- [Irish Photo Files II: A Detour In Dublin](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/europe/irish-photo-files-ii-a-detour-in-dublin/) - I ran into Dracula on my way to the Writers' Museum...
- [Latest News And Shout Outs](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/latest-news/latest-news-and-shout-outs/) - Got upcoming work in AFAR, Heart & Soul, & on Fodors.com. Currently working a couple publication leads too. Will share more as they get closer to fruition.
- [Irish Photo Files I: Staying Where Bono Stays](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/partner-reviews/irish-photo-files-i-staying-where-bono-stays/) - "I've met Bono many times here," Sarah shares as we dig into a lavish dinner of succulent braised pork, crispy fish and chips, "perfectly" poached salmon, and other fancy-named goodies.
- [Summer Noshing In Sweden](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/europe/summer-noshing-in-sweden/) - Inspired by fellow writer and native gal Anna Brones' recent Swedish Autumn blog post and long gone summer days, thought I'd share a few foodie shots of some of my favorite typical Swedish fare.
- [Postcard: Acme Grub](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/north-america/postcard-acme-grub/) - I took only three shots while in New York last week....
- [Fall Foliage and Reflecting on Fall](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/latest-news/fall-foliage-and-reflecting-on-fall/) - So this past weekend, I picked up the camera, drove out to a local park, and wiled away time snapping the reds, oranges, and yellows of autumn.
- [Postcard: New York, New York](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/north-america/postcard-new-york-new-york/) - Currently in NYC for the Restless Legs Reading Series. Color Photography Tip - Always look for patterns.
- [Latest Articles and Musings](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/latest-news/latest-articles-and-musings/) - Latest articles on Fodor's and Forbes Traveler
- [The Scarcity of Breath](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/latest-news/the-scarcity-of-breath/) - oday is 2009 Blog Action Day- Climate Change. Take Action. Even if it starts with just heightening your awareness of the world around you.
- [Why We Travel](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/latest-news/why-we-travel/) - While typing up answers for an upcoming interview for Live Unchained, I came across this question: Do you think that what a traveler stands to gain or contribute varies in different settings? Got me really thinking way past the question. The act of travel in itself is so subjective. It touches and transforms us all
- [Photo Essay: Scenes from a Rugby Wedding](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/north-america/photo-essay-scenes-from-a-rugby-wedding/) - You know you're at a rugby wedding when a line-out is formed to catch the tossed bouquet. Flew out to Dayton this past weekend to celebrate with dear friends. Here are a few shots of the sexy ambiance.
- [Covering Stockholm for Hemispheres](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/europe/covering-stockholm-for-hemispheres/) - For its "One City, Five Hours" department, I wrote a Whirlwind Stockholm piece that takes you through Sweden's cosmopolitan capital city in just five hours: crisscrossing iconic locations, digging into scrumptious Swedish cuisine, and partaking in fika like a local.
- [Postcard: For the Love of Cupcakes](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/north-america/postcard-for-the-love-of-cupcakes/) - Haaa. Cupcakes. Those decadent miniatures of goodness that can draw out a smile from even the grouchiest of us all. Just wrapped up a yummy article for a major travel site that had me researching these perfect portions of bliss. As part of the assignment, I visited a local bakery which has gained quite some popularity...including a spot on a recent American Express commercial.
- [Finding Your Voice at MatadorU](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/latest-news/finding-your-voice-at-matadoru/) - Hands down the coolest travel community on earth, Matador Network recently launched its MatadorU, a twelve-week program guaranteed to help you launch your travel writing career, but more importantly, help you find and hone your true voice. The program was put together by most of the Matador founders and editorial team (myself included). Like Senior
- [Notes on Poland and Final Notices](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/europe/notes-on-poland-and-final-notices/) - As part of its popular Notes from the Road series, I recently wrote a piece, Notes on My Polish Informant, for the Traveler's Notebook about the very beginning of my love affair with Poland. A country that blew away all my expectations with the warmest of souls. Souls that suffered so much and know what
- [Collaborating to Battle](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/latest-news/collaborating-to-battle/) - The Matador community has some of the most vibrant personalities on earth and one such individual is N. Chrystine Olson. We first connected through our mutual love of travel, writing, and...rugby. We'd toyed with various opportunities to collaborate on subjects we both love. We finally found one - American Football vs. Rugby: Which is Tougher?
- [Postcard: Land of Opportunity](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/north-america/postcard-land-of-opportunity/) - Seeing him appear on the screen addressing collective hopes and fears in a coherent fashion provides a daily dose of inspiration, and speaks to what we can achieve if we only believe. The next month is one of transition... a major one. Photo shot at Ladew Gardens, Maryland.
- [Dreaming of Tibet](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/latest-news/dreaming-of-tibet/) - Been dreaming of Tibet for awhile now. Catching a marathon session of the BBC's evocatively beautiful Wild China on Travel Channel did nothing to quell the lust. After reviewing Idealist.org's Handbook, that familiar fire has been burning again. While travel for the next few months till December will be confined to stateside exploits, no doubt,
- [Where Were You on 9/11?](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/latest-news/where-were-you-on-911/) - Photo courtesy of Tom Gates We all remember so vividly that sometimes we just wish we didn't. This powerful piece written by Tom Gates for The Traveler's Notebook will literally stop your breath for a second or two.
- [Indulging in Pad Thai over at NGT Intelligent Travel](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/latest-news/indulging-in-pad-thai-over-at-ngt-intelligent-travel/) - Photo by WordRidden I'm a sucker for Thai food. And I've chronicled my favorite dish over at National Geographic Traveler's Intelligent Travel blog.
- [Postcard: The Rest of Your Life](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/europe/postcard-the-rest-of-your-life/) - PS: Updated this post to include a front shot of the dress...
- [The Crawfish Experience](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/europe/the-crawfish-experience/) - Out in the lush green backyard, old wooden tables are strewn together and covered with white linen well worn from use. Cozy wool blankets, some frayed with age, line wooden benches. Glass plates from various collections are laid out and topped with white paper napkins. The warm glow from lanterns and candles flicker against red
- [Fodors.com: Taking Landscape Photographs](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/latest-news/fodors-com-taking-landscape-photographs/) - Over at Fodors.com, I offer up 5 tips for shooting landscapes like a professional: from trying vertical shots to dabbling in black and white photography like Ansel Adams.
- [Bermuda in Sept/Oct Issue of ISLANDS Magazine](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/latest-news/bermuda-in-septoct-issue-of-islands-magazine/) - Be sure to check out the latest issue of ISLANDS Magazine. I've got a piece in there under its Discover: Go Now section about Bermuda celebrating its 400th birthday titled "400 Years in the Making." Here's a link to the article on Bermuda. And yes! I did use the word turquoise in there. A no-no
- [Postcard: Lazy Days](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/europe/postcard-lazy-days/) - This was how I spent my fourth of July holiday - Sailing with some new friends. Today was spent splayed out on the sands of one of 28,000 islands in Stockholm's archipelago. An island I also call home. Spending an entire day doing nothing can be quite refreshing......Wait! why am I online posting this?
- [Writing and Other Summertime Musings](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/latest-news/writing-and-other-summertime-musings/) - This summer has been nothing short of a whirlwind of activity. While I was relatively anchored down (only traveling to Sweden and Nigeria), it's been one of huge transitions: planning an intercontinental wedding, working on new assignments that came flooding in as well as burning the oil on the day job. Early last year, I'd
- [Presenting Ccaccaccollo on World Hum](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/latest-news/presenting-ccaccaccollo-on-world-hum/) - Head over to Travel Channel's World Hum to check out my latest photo essay - The Alpaca Weavers of Ccaccaccollo. Visited this tiny community last year while in Peru. A lot of our porters live in Ccaccaccollo and their wives weave some of the most stunningly vibrant cloaks out of alpaca fibers.
- [Postcard: Lighten Up, Buddy!](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/europe/postcard-lighten-up-buddy/) - Shot in Warsaw, till this day, I wonder what the Polish officer on the right was thinking when his face took on that irritated look. Plain disgust at me [the pesky traveler] that I'd dare pull out my camera in front of him? Something much deeper? He wasn't having any of it, but what makes
- [Walkway to Nowhere](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/latest-news/walkway-to-nowhere/) - “You this idiot man!” Seyi yells at Samson. “Why are you listening to Fashola?” Samson is leaning in close to a parked car, listening to the governor’s latest decree about motorcycle taxis called okadas. The governor’s voice blasts from the radio through the driver’s open window, the driver himself fast asleep on his reclined car
- [Postcard: Fresh Fruit](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/africa/postcard-fresh-fruit/) - Ha. Succulent Nigerian oranges. Stacked on trays and peeled on the spot just for you. Those of you who have traveled around Africa (or even South America and Asia) would recognize this familiar sight. Fruit vendors walk through markets and other public spaces balancing trays of fruit on their heads. I think her heartwarming smile
- [Stinkiest Foods on Fodor's and Other Musings](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/latest-news/stinkiest-foods-on-fodors-and-other-musings/) - Recently rounded up the stinkiest, smelliest foods on earth for Fodors.com. It was a fun piece to put together, and it took me from Southeast Asia - a prime breeding ground for retching foods - to the UK and South Pacific - for some foul smelling cheeses and fruits. Here's an excerpt: Along with the
- [Photo Gallery: Nigeria 2009](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/africa/photo-gallery-nigeria-2009/) - 900+ photographs later, here are just a few - about 120 photos for online viewing (low resolution versions). Choosing favorites was quite difficult as there are so many photo essays and stories in there that I'm still compiling - View 2009 Nigeria Gallery. I haven't added captions at the moment but do let me know
- [Heart & Soul: From Manicures to Machu Picchu](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/latin-americacarribbean/heart-soul-from-manicures-to-machu-picchu/) - Totally excited to see the double page article spread in the June/July 2009 issue of Heart & Soul magazine, which recounts my trek to Machu Picchu. It was a once in a lifetime trip and I felt blessed to have shared the experience with some amazing ladies as well. Excerpt - We lay sprawled along
- [Latest Article on Fodor's and more](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/latest-news/latest-article-on-fodors-and-more/) - Right on the heels of my spiciest foods piece for Forbes Traveler is The World's Hottest Peppers—And Where to Eat Them which I penned for Fodors.com. I'd initially written the hottest peppers piece for Forbes, but it didn't fit the magazine's style so I was able to find a home for it on Fodor's and
- [Haaaaa. London.](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/latest-news/haaaaa-london/) - A quick three-day stopover in London made me realize just how much I've missed this city. Over the years, it's been reduced to just a transit hub en route to Europe or Africa. In true fashion, she welcomed us with overcast skies and dreary weather, but this time around, it felt quite refreshing. First order
- [Sail Away With Me](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/latest-news/sail-away-with-me/) - Heading out on a small cruise this weekend to Åbo, Finland. While the intrepid part of me may dread the confinement of cruise ships, the logical part of me could care less. Right now, I need nothing more than to stare at the vast Baltic Sea for hours, completely devoid of thought, and gorge on
- [The Power of Photo Editing](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/latest-news/the-power-of-photo-editing/) - Last month, I'd written about a French Magazine that had gotten in touch with me regarding using a photograph for an upcoming spread. Well, I finally got a copy of the edition, and here's the result: This is what the original photograph looked like. Very cool. UPDATE: Tanya from the fabulous, all-things-French blog, Parisian Spring has
- [Wanderlust at the Adventures in Travel Expo](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/north-america/wanderlust-at-the-adventures-in-travel-expo/) - If you'll be in the DC area this weekend, be sure to stop by the Adventures in Travel Expo. Totally bummed that I would be missing it this year, but I did hit the expo last year and mused about it on Matador Travel under a post titled Adventure comes to town. Beth Whitman, author
- [When Language Isn't There Yet](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/latest-news/when-language-isnt-there-yet/) - For those transitioning into life in a new city, there's that period. You know. The one wedged squarely between mere traveler and bona fide local. Between a few basic phrases and a couple insider jokes. That ongoing period called immersion. No doubt, the key to getting beneath a culture is to learn its language, but
- [Postcard: Sunbathing at Kalmar Castle](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/europe/postcard-sunbathing-at-kalmar-castle/) - Sunbathing at Kalmar Castle in Sweden
- [Expat life: Battling cultural paranoia and other updates](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/europe/expat-life-battling-cultural-paranoia-and-other-updates/) - I recently dug up a piece on traveling with an open mind I’d written in 2008 and one of the statements I quoted that really resonated with me is this...
- [Travel Photography - Those Little Details](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/europe/travel-photography-those-little-details/) - October was busy with lots of writing, photography and new leads underway. In a sense, it also involved re-evaluating on what level of detail I needed to work on due to deadlines and workload. Sorting through my portfolio of travel photography, I stumbled across this picture of an old Quechua woman - one of my
- [Photography in CITY Magazine](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/latest-news/photography-in-city-magazine/) - Recently found out the photo below shot in Bermuda received an honorable mention and was published in CITY Magazine's Issue 59. Here's an extract of the page. Be sure to visit CITY Magazine and subscribe!.
- [Gadling: Busker on a Windy Day](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/latest-news/gadling-busker-on-a-windy-day/) - Another one of my photos made Gadling's Photo of the Day. Shot in Pamplona during the Running of the Bulls, this busker definitely reeled me in with his fresh style - strolling on a windy day. This is my third photographic appearance on Gadling. Check out previous photos - a smiling alpaca and a monkey
- [Postcard: Worlds Collide](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/latest-news/postcard-worlds-collide/) - On a weekend jaunt from Stockholm to Latvia, we spent the day exploring Riga. There was a photography exhibition right in the heart of Doma Laukums (Main Square). We spent the next half hour studying the exhibition. As we rounded a corner, there was a photograph depicting young adults at some sort of rave or
- [Notes on Joanna, Tété-Michel, and Visions Pointing North](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/latest-news/notes-on-joanna-tete-michel-and-visions-pointing-north/) - Joanna leaned towards Professor Hansen who'd been explaining solar particles colliding with earth's gases to her. She was holding a book, a children's book. She quickly flipped open to a specific page she had seen for decades. She pointed to the penguin on that page...
- [Pie-charts: The Realities of Freelancing and Latest News](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/latest-news/pie-charts-the-realities-of-freelancing-and-latest-news/) - I've been wanting to put together this post for a long time. Freelancing as a writer or photographer is a tough job that requires persistence, resilience, thick skin, and above all, passion for what you're doing. This post may also validate the reasons why many writers and photographers focus on growing and building their own
- [Balancing expat life with writing about travel](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/latest-news/balancing-expat-life-with-writing-about-travel/) - While recently chatting with my sister, she casually asked if I’d been traveling at all. You know, as a travel writer, aren’t you supposed to be constantly traveling? At first, I wasn’t sure why she was asking, but I completely understood why she had to ask. Most of the content I’ve been creating and publishing
- [Postcard: The Beginning](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/africa/postcard-the-beginning/) - One traditional engagement in Lagos down, one white wedding in Sweden to go. The last 9-10 days have been surreal with such a rush of activity. Lots of stories. Lots of photos. Once I get back to Stockholm next week, I'll definitely be writing a lot!
- [Postcard: Rotund Oxford](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/europe/postcard-rotund-oxford/) - I kind of miss my detachable $40 (yup!) fisheye lens used with the old Nikon 40. It attaches itself to the end of another lens, and distorts the view. Shot during a trip to Oxford for a wonderful wedding, the rotund shape of Radcliffe Camera lends itself nicely to the convex view from a fisheye
- [Travel Photography: Connecting with people](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/latest-news/travel-photography-connecting-with-people/) - Be sure to check out my guest post on the excellent travel resource - Nomadic Matt. I discuss ways of connecting with people to get some natural portraits during your travels.
- [Postcard: Making Connections](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/europe/postcard-making-connections/) - I always love it when the royal guards break and make eye contact. A few more pictures from today over at Sweden.se's photo blog - http://blogs.sweden.se/photo
- [Postcard: Girl In White](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/africa/postcard-girl-in-white/) - A young Muslim girl wearing a white hijab with white powder and Yòrubá tribal marks on her face
- [Photo Gallery: Tasting Vanilla-Nectarine Marmalade and Scenes from Jokkmokk Market](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/europe/photo-gallery-tasting-vanilla-nectarine-marmalade-and-scenes-from-jokkmokk-market/) - Scenes and photography from 400+ year old Jokkmokk market in subarctic Sweden.
- [Postcard: Going the Husky Route](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/europe/postcard-going-the-husky-route/) - Currently away from the desk doing this and other work-related assignments in Swedish Lapland
- [#PrayForJapan And How You Can Help](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/inspiration/prayforjapan-and-how-you-can-help/) - This morning, I received a text message from my husband while sitting in Swedish class: "Massive news, 8.9 earthquake in Japan, devastating tsunamis in the whole pacific. Unbelievable images of tsunami, never seen anything like it. Just horrible."
- [Poverty Around Us](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/africa/poverty-around-us/) - This is a scene along Victoria Island, considered to be one of Lagos' high end suburbs in Nigeria. Nested between million dollar homes are wooden shacks and dwindling infrastructure which never fail to break one's heart on each trip back home. Children hawk goods while their parents struggle to make ends meet. They live day
- [The ol' catchup game](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/europe/the-ol-catchup-game/) - After two weeks traveling, its back to the daily grind - catching up on hundreds of email (junk already excluded). The last couple days saw me in Nigeria, as well as a few days spent way up in Norrbotten. As I sort through a ton of photographs and stories, here are a few highlights (in
- [Postcard: Aquatic Therapy](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/latin-americacarribbean/postcard-aquatic-therapy/) - While I'm traveling for two weeks, here are a couple favorite shots for the postcard series. While in Bermuda earlier this year, we went to watch a dolphin show. I watched as the trainers gave the dolphins massages preparing them for the show.
- [Postcard: 6 Underground](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/europe/postcard-6-underground/) - While I'm traveling for two weeks, here are a couple favorite shots for the postcard series. Well, if only it looked like this. This shot is an underground hall of the Wieliczka Salt Mines in Poland.
- [Postcard: Supermodel](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/latin-americacarribbean/postcard-supermodel/) - While I'm traveling for two weeks, here are a couple favorite shots for the postcard series. I love this shot of my friend Pauline, taken while we were in Cusco, Peru. Cusco is a quaint little city with a wonderful 360 degree panoramic view.
- [Finding my voice again](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/latest-news/finding-my-voice-again/) - I had a sign-out sheet with a backlog of students waiting in line to borrow one of my books. The year was 1993 and I was in a tough boarding school back in Africa. By 14, I'd written about 25 stories that filled 50+ large notebooks. I'd cut out pictures from glossy magazines, glue them
- [Postcard: I Pledge Allegiance](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/north-america/postcard-i-pledge-allegiance/) - The presiding officer begins the ceremony. He introduces himself. He is very Polish. He’d probably been in this hall before, glaring up at his own presiding officer in eager anticipation. His speech is cookie-cutter and he is running through the motions, but the glint in his eyes is undeniable. He understands what they had all
- [My Favourite Photos from Latvia](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/europe/my-favourite-photos-from-latvia/) - So here are some of my personal favourite photos from Latvia...
- [Snapshot: Brianna Mills](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/snapshot/snapshot-brianna-mills/) - Born and raised in the Midwest, Brianna Mills' love for art and all things visual became apparent at an early age.
- [Reflecting on 2012 and why I don’t want to be superwoman in 2013](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/latest-news/reflecting-on-2012-and-why-i-dont-want-to-be-superwoman-in-2013/) - I’d rather leave being superwoman to others and here's why.
- [Regarding travel, my least favorite phrase in the world](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/latest-news/regarding-travel-my-least-favorite-phrase-in-the-world/) - I've often written about how, as someone who writes about travel and place, I never want to glamorize the actual act of traveling in a way that makes people feel like their own natural path in life isn't sufficient.
- [Notes on making peace with bananas in my future](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/family-travel/notes-on-making-peace-with-bananas-in-my-future/) - I’m not a fan of bananas. Their smell, taste, and texture.
- [Supporting other people’s dreams](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/latest-news/supporting-other-peoples-dreams/) - I remember when I was bidding for a spot to go to the North Pole - a lifelong dream of mine. The amazing show of support from friends, family, and strangers was humbling to say the least. People left notes to commiserate with me on the experience, many wishing they’d done more, which to me was already more than enough.
- [Things I'm learning on the fly](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/family-travel/things-im-learning-on-the-fly/) - I thought I'd packed everything possible. I mean, I come from a family of condense packers. The frequency at which we shuttle between Nigeria, the US, and Europe requires skillful packing.
- [Dare I say it...the traveler's greatest fear](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/latest-news/dare-i-say-it-the-travelers-greatest-fear/) - When I was younger (think early twenties), I was on a breakneck speed to conquer the world. The perpetual traveler. To soak in everything I could in a short amount of time before finally settling down. The concept of "settling down" to me meant getting married and having kids, and obviously that meant giving up my life of solo travel. That fear of not fitting everything I wanted to see in a certain self-allotted time span within my life was overwhelming sometimes.
- [Travellers' Tales - So You Want to Explore, Heh?](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/europe/so-you-want-to-explore-heh/) - I do admire explorers on many levels. That inherent inquisitive need to uncover what’s around the corner and the courage to face it whatever it may be...
- [Pure Passion - All You Truly Need?](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/latest-news/pure-passion-all-you-truly-need/) - The chattering of kids grew louder. Feet stomping quickly through the tunnel. Wheels from luggage being dragged. Noises bouncing off the walls, making the narrow half mile tunnel seem like it was slowly getting narrower...
- [The Reader in 26A](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/travel/the-reader-in-26a/) - The Reader Beady eyes stared back at me from the window seat as I switched seats after takeoff en route to Amsterdam. Our flight was barely full and there was a large, sweaty man causing a scene, yelling at the flight attendant for not letting him take the seat he wanted. I watched my petite
- [Mission for 2009 - Focus](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/latest-news/mission-for-2009/) - Yes, it's a single mission, and it's called "Focus".
- [Photo Spotlight: Everyday Scenes from Bern, Switzerland](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/europe/photo-spotlight-everyday-scenes-from-bern-switzerland/) - If you love history and time travel, you’ll love Switzerland’s capital city...
- [Latvia Files: Culinary Tastes of Latgale](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/europe/latvia-files-culinary-tastes-of-latgale/) - Culinary moments from my time exploring Latgale...
- [Latvia Files: Sauna, soup, and solace at Rukisi](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/europe/latvia-files-sauna-soup-and-solace-at-rukisi/) - Exploring tranquility in Latvia...
- [Racing on Thin Ice](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/travel/racing-on-thin-ice/) - An obvious glutton for frigid temperatures, I once again find myself adventuring through Lapland not far from the Arctic Circle...
- [Spotlight on Duara Travels: Staying with Locals](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/partner-reviews/spotlight-on-duara-travels-staying-with-locals/) - For me, travel is about being an open-minded sponge...
- [Five Places I've Never Been (And Why I Want To Go)](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/travel/five-places-ive-never-been-and-why-i-want-to-go/) - Here are just five places I want to explore and get beneath.
- [The danger of believing your own press](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/latest-news/danger-believing-press/) - This is where the danger of believing your own press starts to creep in because you see, confidence…true confidence in yourself…doesn’t always feel the need to seek out affirmation from others.
- [Thoughts on being snatched from boarding school #BringBackOurGirls](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/inspiration/thoughts-snatched-boarding-school-bringbackourgirls/) - I was afraid of Madam Koi Koi. Afraid that she’d peek under my mosquito net as well and look at my face in the dead of night...
- [Why Scotland is my crush country](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/europe/why-scotland-is-my-crush-country/) - I’ve already waxed poetic about my favourite city, Edinburgh, and I'm going to tell you why Scotland is my crush country...
- [When a travel photographer shoots a wedding](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/latest-news/when-a-travel-photographer-shoots-a-wedding/) - I was recently in stunning Matera, Italy...
- [Raising Active Kids: Tips for Busy Parents #Millionhoursofjoy](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/partner-reviews/raising-active-kids-reima-5-tips-for-busy-parents-millionhoursofjoy/) - Reima is challenging us to get kids moving...
- [Postcard: Slice of beauty in Matera, Italy](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/europe/postcard-slice-beauty-matera-italy/) - Quick reminder to pause and see beauty around you...
- [Latvia Files: A Cultural Tour through Latgale](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/europe/latvia-files-a-cultural-tour-through-latgale/) - To explore Latgale is to step back in time...
- [Win a trip for two to Flanders, Belgium! #ShortbreakInFlanders](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/partner-reviews/win-a-trip-for-two-to-flanders-belgium-shortbreakinflanders/) - In collaboration with NordicTB, Visit Flanders, and Brussels Airlines.
- [Latvia Files: Preserving culture in Ludza](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/europe/latvia-files-preserving-culture-in-ludza/) - Exploring one of the Baltics' oldest traditions...
- [Workshop: How to become a Master Travel Writer](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/travel/workshop-how-to-become-a-master-travel-writer/) - This course will show you how...
- [Video: Culture route through Latgale #LatviaRoadtrip](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/partner-reviews/video-the-culture-route-through-latgale-latviaroadtrip/) - Explore Latvia's remote Latgale region with me...
- [Postcard: Learning from Elders](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/asia/postcard-learning-elders/) - View more photos in my image bank...
- [Postcard: The Lady and Her Chicken](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/asia/postcard-lady-chicken/) - View more photos in my image bank...
- [Postcard: The Man in the Window](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/asia/postcard-man-window/) - View more in my image bank...
- [Postcard: Thrangu Tashi Yangtse Monastery](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/asia/postcard-thrangu-tashi-yangtse-monastery/) - View more in my image bank...
- [Postcard: Crow at the Monkey Temple](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/asia/postcard-crow-monkey-temple/) - View more in my image bank...
- [Postcard: Rice paddies in low light](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/asia/postcard-rice-paddies-low-light/) - View more in my image bank...
- [Video: Driving the Faroe Islands](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/europe/video-driving-the-faroe-islands/) - Follow me to this surreal place...
- [Exploring Doha in style](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/partner-reviews/exploring-doha-style/) - A stopover to relax and recharge...
- [Preview: A Taste of Four Seasons Lisbon, Portugal](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/partner-reviews/preview-taste-four-seasons-lisbon-portugal/) - I'm currently editing photos which will go on Four Seasons' Taste blog as a photo essay focusing on the dish with more kitchen shots.
- [In Photos: Our Whirlwind Trip through Lisbon and Four Seasons](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/partner-reviews/photos-whirlwind-trip-lisbon-four-seasons/) - Lisbon is one of my favorite cities in terms of ambiance and culture, and no one needed to twist my arm to return,
- [Photos - Inside the Kitchen at Four Seasons Baltimore](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/partner-reviews/photos-inside-kitchen-four-seasons-baltimore/) - I love hanging out in professional kitchens...
- [Excerpt: My Polish Informant](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/travel/excerpt-my-polish-informant/) - "It's a passport!"...
- [The transition we travelers rarely talk about](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/latest-news/transition-travelers-rarely-talk/) - Notes and thoughts on life transitions that we travelers never fully address...
- [Video: Exploring Greenland](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/europe/video-exploring-greenland/) - Journey due north with me...
- [Nepal for Lonely Planet + G Adventures](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/partner-reviews/on-assignment-nepal-for-lonely-planet-g-adventures/) - Off to Nepal on assignment...
- [Photos: Raising pioneers in Iceland](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/europe/photos-pioneers-in-iceland/) - I thought I was an adventurous mom...
- [Postcard: Gearing up for Washington, D.C.](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/north-america/postcard-gearing-up-for-washington-dc/) - January starts off with a trip to National Geographic (the mothership, I call it) in Washington, D.C. for our annual business meetings as well as the annual National Geographic Magazine Photo Seminar - one of the most inspirational events I attend every year.
- [An ode to traveling mothers](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/family-travel/ode-traveling-mothers/) - Because we’ve chosen paths judged more harshly than fathers...
- [Postcard from Wadi Rum, Jordan](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/middle-east/postcard-from-jordan/) - Soft terracotta-red sands. Dwindling warmth of a setting sun...
- [Kwang Yaw, Cambodia](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/travel/kwang-yaw-cambodia/) - A sharp turn off the main road leads to discovery...
- [Notes on Travel Ban, Politics, and Human Geography](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/latest-news/travel-politics-and-human-geography/) - The current travel ban by the new US administration has opened up a lot of old wounds.
- [Postcard: Meet Ahmed, Shisha waiter in Egypt #Traveltastic](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/africa/postcard-meet-ahmed-shisha-waiter-in-egypt-traveltastic/) - Today's theme is "Culture" and here's Ahmed, a Shisha waiter I met in Hurghada, Egypt. His job is to mix Shisha (Egyptian Hookah) waterpipe ingredients - tobacco, spices, and herbs - and serve to guests.
- [Postcard: Lounging in the Eastern Desert](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/africa/postcard-lounging-in-the-eastern-desert/) - This photo was shot during a jeep safari through the Eastern Desert in Egypt.
- [Postcard: Biking through the desert](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/africa/postcard-biking-through-the-desert/) - Shot of the amazing Ann Lombardi of The Trip Chicks making a quick stop as we rode through the desert towards Al Qusayr.
- [Verbatim: Journal entries from Luxor, Egypt + Photos](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/africa/verbatim-journal-entries-luxor-egypt-photos/) - I always travel with a journal. Most writers do, to quickly pen down notes, observations, experiences, and such. I usually write my notes in an outlined bulleted form as I go through the day. Time permitting at the end of the day, I often try to piece those bulleted notes into a longer form narrative in my journal. Notes from my journal and photos from Luxor, Egypt...
- [Creating Global Citizens through the Passport Party Project](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/inspiration/creating-global-citizens-through-the-passport-party-project/) - The Passport Party Project (PPP) helps young girls secure their first passports and involves them in the process of discovery through activities and trips...
- [New Age of Adventure - Three Female Explorers You Should Know](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/latest-news/new-age-of-adventure-three-female-explorers-you-should-know/) - Meet three female explorers who will put you to shame...
- [In Photos: Breakfast with Bedouin nomads](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/africa/in-photos-breakfast-with-bedouin-nomads-in-egypt/) - Photos from my time having breakfast with Bedouin nomads in Egypt...
- [Video + Photos: Slow Food in Finland](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/europe/video-photos-slow-food-in-finland/) - Exploring slow food in Finland through photos and a video...
- [Gothenburg Files - Dorsia The Queen of Boutiques](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/partner-reviews/gothenburg-files-dorsia-the-queen-of-boutiques/) - It took Dorsia's owner two months to decide if the hairdryers in each room should be white or silver.
- [Winding down 2013: Embracing the Christmas spirit](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/latest-news/winding-embracing-christmas-spirit/) - My year end Christmas wrap up post.
- [Planning baby's first international trip](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/family-travel/planning-babys-first-international-trip/) - I took the easy way out on this one. While I still have Croatia and Montenegro on my radar for July and big dreams (well, plans) of dragging Emelie all over Asia, Africa, and South America before she turns two, our first trip will be somewhere I consider a fourth home (1st - Lagos, 2nd - Maryland, 3rd - Stockholm, 4th - London).
- [Traveling with baby: Four things I'm glad I packed onboard](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/family-travel/traveling-with-baby-four-things-im-glad-i-packed-onboard/) - We took our first test flight with baby on Monday. Granted, it was just a little over an hour long but yes! she ended up being "that" screaming baby onboard.
- [Packing for baby travel: The best car seat and stroller travel bag in my opinion](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/family-travel/packing-for-baby-travel-the-best-car-seat-and-stroller-travel-bag-in-my-opinion/) - After spending 1-2 hours researching various baby stroller travel bags online including getting a few recommendations and reading other bag reviews online, I had a vision of what I wanted my travel bag to look like -> Clean, simple, non-awkward-looking, stylish, with some type of fragile logo I could place on it.
- [Traveling with baby: Crazy turbulence and smooth check-in](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/family-travel/traveling-with-baby-crazy-turbulence-and-smooth-check-in/) - Our pilot was direct with us from the start. Cloudy weather in London with gusty winds. Prepare for heavy turbulence upon landing...
- [Traveling with baby: Items to consider when renting vacation apartments](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/family-travel/traveling-with-baby-items-to-consider-when-renting-vacation-apartments/) - So if you're considering renting a vacation apartment as an alternative to hotels when traveling, here are questions and items you need to look into beyond pretty looking digs and base amenities.
- [Photos + Notes: My crush on Edinburgh, Scotland](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/family-travel/photo-notes-edinburgh-scotland/) - I've always had a crush on Edinburgh. One that turns me into a gushing teenager whenever I talk about the city to my husband.
- [Traveling with baby: Things I probably won’t do on my next long flight](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/family-travel/traveling-with-baby-things-i-probably-wont-do-on-the-next-long-flight/) - I’m currently gearing up to head back to Stockholm after a short stint with my six month old to the States. This was my first time traveling solo with her...
- [Traveling with baby: Practical tips for exploring Marrakech with infants](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/family-travel/traveling-with-baby-practical-tips-for-exploring-marrakech-with-infants/) - Practical tips for enjoying Marrakech while towing your infant along with you.
- [Finding my 2013 focus word in a local Moroccan hammam](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/family-travel/finding-my-2013-focus-word-in-a-local-moroccan-hammam/) - Since 2009, I’d stopped doing resolutions and often chose a symbolic focus word to encapsulate what I’d like to accomplish in all facets of my life during that year. My previous words have been focus, discipline, growth, and nurture.
- [Martinhal: Notes on possibly the best beach in Portugal](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/family-travel/martinhal-notes-possibly-best-beach-portugal/) - I was in Europe's southwestern-most point at Martinhal Resort located right next to the sleepy seaside town of Sagres in the least developed part of Portugal's Algarve region.
- [Letting go of past lives](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/latest-news/letting-go-of-past-lives/) - I recently had a conversation with a good friend of mine. We were catching up on our lives, work, progress, families; the usual. I told him that while I was in a good place now in terms of truly following what makes me come alive creatively, that I was still scared of losing all those skills that fed me for 12+ years in the world of GIS and programming...
- [Snapshot: Eurila Cave](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/snapshot/snapshot-eurila-cave/) - Eurila Cave is a photographer, videographer, and editor. Eurila's work has appeared in numerous global internet media publications including Examiner.com, Huffington Post, Forbes.com, Vibe Vixen,Bella Naija. Black Enterprise and NY Daily News . Her work once appeared as full-size bus stop ad in Brooklyn...
- [Snapshot: Shaquay Peacock](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/snapshot/snapshot-shaquay-peacock/) - Photographer Shaquay Peacock has always had a love for traveling dating back to her first international trip to Anguilla, British Virgin Islands...
- [Snapshot: Erin Douglas](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/snapshot/snapshot-erin-douglas/) - Erin Douglas took her first photography class in high school, but after studying finance in college, she took on the corporate world in NYC...
- [Snapshot: Matthias Hauser](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/snapshot/snapshot-matthias-hauser/) - Matthias Hauser is a UK based adventure traveler but grew up in Germany. His first camera was a Canon 550D that he bought in 2010 to document his travels through South East Asia during university...
- [Snapshot:  Kambua Chema](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/snapshot/snapshot-kambua-chema/) - For travel photographer Kambua Chema, Chicago is her home away from home. She was born and raised in Nairobi, Kenya. Travelling to a new place makes her heart dance, and any time she sees a plane go by, she secretly wishes she was on it...
- [Introducing my book… DUE NORTH](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/latest-news/introducing-my-travel-book-due-north/) - This is a book I’ve been wanting to put out there for years and it’s finally here...
- [Video + Photos: Why I Love Winter in Stockholm](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/europe/video-photos-why-winter-in-stockholm-is-stunning/) - One of my goals this year is to incorporate more travel video into my work in what I’ll be calling “Travel Snapshots”...
- [Video + Photos: Finnish Sauna + Ice swimming in Lahti, Finland](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/europe/video-photos-a-finnish-sauna-ice-swimming-in-lahti-finland/) - If you can brave the biting cold, winter is absolutely the best time to visit Finland. During this season, deep-seated traditions bubble up to the surface, including ice swimming...
- [Irish Files: Chasing Ghosts around Ireland’s Ancient East](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/europe/irish-files-chasing-ghosts-around-irelands-ancient-east/) - When I found out I was going to be tracing 5,000 years of history in the oldest region of Ireland, I knew I was going to be chasing ghosts in Ireland...
- [Latest News + Video: The Stockholm Edition](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/latest-news/latest-news-video-stockholm-edition/) - I wanted to share a few work updates - mostly Stockholm-related - from this end.
- [Video: What is your passion - Sharing mine on TV in Thailand](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/latest-news/video-what-is-your-passion-tv-thailand/) - What is Your Passion? - Last July, I was contacted by Fah Daengdej, host of the Thai travel show “The Passion” to do an interview while they were in town during TBEX Stockholm...
- [Video + Photos: Husky Sledding in Finland](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/europe/video-photos-husky-sledding-in-finland/) - Experience what it feels like to go husky sledding in Finland in my latest short travel video above.
- [Video: Winter Fun in Lahti, Finland](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/europe/video-winter-fun-in-lahti-finland/) - From snow-kiting, snow-shoeing and ice-fishing at Lake Vesijärvi to snowmobiling across Lake Päijänne, here are some fun outdoor activities to try when exploring the Lahti region of Finland.
- [Packing for Greenland](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/latest-news/packing-for-greenland/) - I'm heading to Greenland and my mind is already blown...
- [Moment of Silence](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/latest-news/moment-of-silence-stockholm-attack/) - A moment of silence for victims of the Stockholm terror attack...
- [Pursuing truths and thoughts on permission](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/travel/pursuing-truths-and-thoughts-on-permission/) - A curious thing happened last year. It happened on my birthday no less. A day meant for reflective joy and happiness. And in many ways, it brought much needed reflection and release...
- [Follow Me Behind the White Guide Gala in Gothenburg, Sweden](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/latest-news/follow-me-behind-the-white-guide-gala-in-gothenburg-sweden/) - It's that time of the year in Sweden when we celebrate the very best restaurants, cafes, taverns, and food experiences with the prestigious White Guide Awards and Gala.
- [Latest News: Busy like a bee and grateful for paternity leave](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/latest-news/latest-news-busy-like-a-bee-and-grateful-for-paternity-leave/) - Emelie is currently sleeping across my lap on a pillow as I knock through my deadline list. The last few weeks have brought in a record flood of assignments which I'm grateful to God for; especially in this industry known for its famine and feast periods. Been juggling deadlines while attending to a smart infant who has quickly realized what a laptop is and cries whenever mommy tries to boot it up.
- [Postcard: Holiday spirit surfacing around Stockholm](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/europe/postcard-holiday-spirit-surfacing-around-stockholm/) - Christmas markets are now up around Sweden. Decorations line storefronts. Twinkling stars hang in windows, including mine. You can definitely feel the holiday spirit here in Stockholm, even though snow has delayed its arrival.
- [Work Life: Are you always thinking one step ahead?](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/latest-news/work-life-are-you-always-thinking-one-step-ahead/) - This post isn't about staying one step ahead of your purported "competition" as I personally feel your biggest competition should be yourself and not someone else who is living a totally different calling from yours.
- [Postcard: Nobel Week kicks off in Stockholm](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/europe/postcard-nobel-week-kicks-off-in-stockholm/) - Lots of stuff going on in Stockholm this week; the most high profile being the beginning of Nobel Week. All week long, there'll be a series of concerts, lectures, interviews, conferences, the ceremony itself, and its blinged-out banquet.
- [Travel Narrative - Cracking Shells](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/travel/travel-narrative-cracking-shells/) - Thoughts on crayfish season in Sweden - I remember my first time...
- [Decoding Lagom - What is Lagom?](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/travel/decoding-lagom/) - What is Lagom? I noticed it once while dining with a couple world-class violinists and two bassists.
- [What scares you when travelling?](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/travel/what-scares-you-when-travelling/) - What activity scares you when traveling? I’m scared of deep water. I don’t even blame the movie Jaws for this fear...
- [Irish Files: In Pictures - Craft + Culture in Waterford](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/europe/irish-files-in-pictures-craft-culture-in-waterford/) - Meet John Drohan, a professional master glass cutter with Waterford Crystal in Ireland. John has been working with Waterford Crystal since 1970 when he started out as a 10-year old intern looking over the shoulders of the masters on Mondays after school...
- [Work Update: How 2016 went as a freelancer [Pie Chart]](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/latest-news/work-update-how-2016-went-as-a-freelancer-pie-chart/) - Since 2008, I’ve kept detailed notes on which publications I’ve been pitching to and their responses...
- [Notes on Travel and The Problem with Extremes](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/travel/notes-on-travel-and-the-problem-with-extremes/) - It’s no secret that the "best" travel literature has been missing strong black and other voices of colour for centuries. How can we remedy that?
- [Thoughts On Preparedness From The Swedish Royal Wedding](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/travel/thoughts-on-preparedness-from-the-swedish-royal-wedding/) - From a brute hockey player with tousled brown hair to a "gentleman" with gelled and sleeked-back brown hair, the country watched a personal trainer from supposedly nowhere transform from a spontaneous guy into a primped up robot-like prince-in-waiting...
- [My Focus Word for 2017](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/latest-news/focus-word-2017/) - Every year, I pick out a focus word. A word that governs various aspects of my life that year in lieu of resolutions...
- [My Favourite Photos of 2016](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/latest-news/my-favourite-photos-of-2016/) - Here are some of my favourite photos of 2016 and a few anecdotes about them.
- [Inside the BMW Welt Experience in Munich, Germany](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/europe/inside-the-bmw-welt-experience-in-munich-germany/) - Have you ever heard of the BMW Welt? Did you know it is the most visited attraction in Germany’s Bavaria region? Well, I didn’t and I got a chance to explore this magnificent living gallery on my last trip to Munich, Germany
- [Postcard: Bern, Switzerland](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/europe/postcard-bern-switzerland/) - Travel Back in Time in Bern - From its 1500s clock tower to Albert Einstein's Theory of Relativity and scientific footprints throughout this UNESCO heritage city, if you love history and time travel, you'll love Switzerland's capital city.
- [8 Reasons I’m Extra Grateful this Thanksgiving Season](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/latest-news/reasons-iam-grateful-thanksgiving/) - I believe gratitude should be practiced every single day...
- [Telling me to move on and what it means](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/latest-news/telling-move-means/) - I have finally been able to process my feelings and thoughts after the elections and here they are.
- [On Assignment: Selbu, Norway in Photos](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/europe/assignment-selbu-norway-photos/) - In September, I was sent on assignment for Korean Air's Morning Calm magazine. My job was to hop across the border into Norway and photograph the story behind the iconic Norwegian knitting symbol called the Selbu Rose. I thoroughly enjoyed this particular assignment because I love exploring culture through lifestyle and tradition. Absolutely love documenting people
- [How to be a better storyteller](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/travel/how-to-be-a-better-storyteller/) - There is one man who I’m convinced is an absolute genius when it comes to stringing words together. I remind him of this fact every single time we meet...
- [Latest News - Pausing to reflect - Special Edition](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/latest-news/latest-news-pausing-to-reflect-special-edition/) - When I recently shared on social media (especially Facebook) that the latest National Geographic Traveller Photography Magazine was out, I didn't take an adequate step back to fully reflect on what had transpired. I was certainly grateful for the opportunity to continue being a working travel photographer (a black African woman to boot!) within such a tough industry...
- [VIDEO: My Philosophy on Travel Photography](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/latest-news/video-my-philosophy-on-travel-photography/) - Watch this video by The Parlour where I explain my philosophy on travel photography and creating environmental portraits of people during my travels.
- [Reggio Emilia in 55 Pictures](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/europe/reggio-emilia-in-pictures/) - Here are some of my favourite photos from my short but very sweet time exploring Reggio Emilia.
- [One Fine Swedish Day](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/travel/one-fine-swedish-day/) - The pungent smell of black coffee followed by sweet wafts of cinnamon draw me out of bed and into the kitchen...
- [Speaking at the Social Travel Summit in Scotland #STSInverness](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/latest-news/speaking-at-the-social-travel-summit-in-scotland-stsinverness/) - This time around, I'll be heading further north to the highlands - to Inverness where I'll be participating in The Social Travel Summit #STSInverness...
- [Irish Files: Up Next - Exploring Ireland's Ancient East](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/partner-reviews/irish-files-up-next-exploring-irelands-ancient-east/) - Traveling along both the Viking and Medieval trails, as well as journeying across 5,000 years of history etched across Ireland's Ancient East...
- [Profiles from Morocco: Disarming Saheed the Snake Charmer](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/africa/profiles-from-morocco-disarming-saheed-the-snake-charmer/) - Anyone who's visited Marrakech's Djemaa el Fna square knows to avoid it during daytime because you will get accosted by a snake charmer...
- [Work Update – West Sweden in National Geographic Traveller + More](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/latest-news/latest-news-west-sweden-in-national-geographic-traveller-more/) - In the October/November issue of National Geographic Traveller (UK), I’ve got a nine (9) page photo spread covering West Sweden and its seafood culture including crawfish and oyster safaris, the fish auction in Gothenburg, and Chef Johan Malm of Restaurant Gabriel in Gothenburg...
- [My thoughts on Instagram and travel photography](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/latest-news/my-thoughts-instagram-and-travel-photography/) - Was recently on a panel of travel photographers asked to contribute thoughts in Gadling's article Is Instagram Helping Or Hurting Travel Photography?.
- [11 Questions About My Travels – The Liebster Award](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/latest-news/11-questions-about-my-travels-the-liebster-award/) - Fellow Swedish travel blogger and fantastic photographer Daniela of Discovering The Planet nominated me for the Liebster Award...
- [TBEX Notes + Slides: Backyard Blogging and Case Studies](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/latest-news/tbex-notes-dublin-backyard-blogging-case-studies/) - Humility - This was the overarching sentiment I kept observing around circles during TBEX Dublin...
- [Presentation: Telling Your Stories Through Travel Photography #TBEX](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/latest-news/presentation-telling-your-stories-through-travel-photography-tbex/) - Here's the presentation I gave during my travel photography session at TBEX Toronto 2013. Please share your thoughts below.
- [Slides + Video - Transitions As Opportunities - TBEX Stockholm Keynote](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/latest-news/slides-video-transitions-as-opportunities-tbex-stockholm-keynote/) - Wow, what a privilege it was to take the stage as the closing keynote speaker at TBEX Stockholm in my stunning city...
- [In Pictures: Liechtenstein](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/europe/in-pictures-liechtenstein/) - While heading to Switzerland for a conference, I decided to fly in a day earlier so I could spend some time getting memorable photos of Liechtenstein while exploring the minuscule principality - Europe's most affluent country per capita. At only 25km long by 12km wide, it is one of the tiniest countries in Europe. Yet it sits
- [Irish Files: Dunamase + Cashel – The Rocks That Built Ireland](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/europe/irish-files-dunamase-cashel/) - Under the light of day, in all their splendor, The Rocks of Dunamase and Cashel on which Ireland was carved must be revered in person if you ever find yourself traveling around Ireland’s Ancient East.
- [Irish Files: The Farmer Who Inherited a Medieval Kingdom](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/europe/irish-files-farmer-inherited-medieval-kingdom/) - Farmer Joe O’Connell initially didn’t want Jerpoint Park...
- [Irish Files: Where Irish Studs Hang Out](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/europe/irish-files-irish-studs-hang/) - Deep within the heart of County Kildare is where you’ll find a certain irresistible Irish stud. He is flown first class all over the world and as far as Australia to mate for €120,000 per session and he has a long waiting list of eager females. His name?
- [Say My Name: Thoughts on subconsciously lifting others](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/latest-news/say-name-thoughts-subconsciously-lifting-others/) - It took me six months to write about an incident that has been on my mind since it occurred...
- [Irish Files: Photo Galleries from Ireland's Ancient East](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/europe/irish-files-photo-galleries-irelands-ancient-east/) - I've just finished uploading hundreds of photos from my time exploring Ireland's Ancient East...
- [Meet My Intern - Pauline Christelle Nemb](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/latest-news/meet-my-intern-pauline-nemb/) - I'm excited to introduce you all to my fabulous intern Pauline Christelle Nemb who has been working with me for the last two months now.
- [In Photos: Hanging with Cesenatico’s fishmongers](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/europe/in-photos-fish-market-in-cesenatico/) - I spent the day with fishmongers as well as at the fish market in Cesenatico, Italy. Here was my day in photos...
- [Teaching travel photography in Italy](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/latest-news/teaching-travel-photography-italy/) - I'm back in Italy, specifically the Emilia Romagna region which I've explored extensively through photography - following local food producers in Modena, mosaic artists in Ravenna. textile artisans and fishmongers in Cesenatico, traditional terracotta pan makers in Montetiffi, Italian cooking classes, and searching for the best gelato in Bologna. But this time around, I will be teaching travel photography in Italy...
- [European Wonder – Abisko National Park, Sweden](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/partner-reviews/european-wonder-abisko-national-park-sweden/) - I’ve been fortunate to explore so many corners of Europe that have left me breathless because of their astonishing beauty – vast wilderness and Arctic tundra, rolling mountain ranges, crystal clear lakes and streams, and other phenomenal natural spots that constantly remind us just how gorgeous the continent and its landscapes are...
- [Latest News + Updates: The Speaking Circuit](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/latest-news/latest-news-speaking-circuit/) - A lot going on including travel, publications, projects, speaking gigs and workshops...
- [Essential Baby Steps Towards Living Your Passions](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/latest-news/essential-baby-steps-towards-living-your-passions/) - Remember, life is too short not to start living your passions - your authentic self to its fullest...
- [In Photos: Exploring Italian Renaissance in Mantua](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/europe/photos-of-mantua-italy/) - I want to walk you through some photos of Mantua and its Italian Renaissance history, frescoes, façades, and interiors...
- [38 Favourite Street Photos from Mantua, Italy](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/europe/38-street-photos-mantua-italy/) - Here are some of my personal favourite street photos from Mantua, Italy, and a few special moments during my time in this memorable little city...
- [Culinary Experiences in Mantua Worth Trying](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/europe/culinary-experiences-mantua-worth-trying/) - There were two culinary experiences in Mantua that particularly stuck out for me and I highly recommend them in this post...
- [Gothenburg Files: Inside the Fish Auction in Photos](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/europe/gothenburg-files-inside-fish-auction-photos/) - Gothenburg Fish Auction is the largest in the entire country (Sweden) and it brings together fishermen and fishmongers from across the Nordics and Baltics, including Russia, in a frenzy of bidding wars, selling and buying over 80 tons of seafood...
- [Orphanage Volunteering: Notes on good intentions and disasters left behind](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/inspiration/orphanage-volunteering-notes-good-intentions-disasters-left-behind/) - To raise awareness to stop this type of volunteer work, I’m one of the participating bloggers in a month-long #StopChildTrips campaign to raise awareness that volunteering and visiting orphanages can do more harm than good despite our good intentions. It is organized under the Better Volunteering, Better Care initiative founded by the Better Care Network and Save the Children UK with “the sole purpose of discouraging international ‘orphanage’ volunteering.”...
- [Traveling with baby: My essential gear](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/family-travel/traveling-baby-essential-gear/) - Since most of my travels as a writer and photographer are working trips, these are the main large items I take along for convenience when traveling with baby.
- [Gothenburg Files - Coffee tasting at da Matteo](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/europe/gothenburg-files-coffee-tasting-da-matteo/) - What happens when a tea lover goes coffee tasting at da Matteo...
- [My Favourite Photos of 2015](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/latest-news/my-favourite-photos-of-2015/) - Here are some of my favourite photos of 2015 and a few anecdotes about them...
- [In Photos: Sunday stroll in Blankenese, Germany](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/europe/photos-blankenese-germany/) - On a warm spring Sunday afternoon, I headed out to the waterfront community of Blankenese; barely twenty minutes from Hamburg's city center on the S1 bahn towards Wedel.
- [Postcard: Magnolias and Cherry Blossoms in Blankenese](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/europe/postcard-magnolias-cherry-blossoms-in-blankenese/) - On a warm spring Sunday afternoon while in Hamburg, I headed out to the waterfront community of Blankenese, one of the city's most affluent neighborhoods.
- [Photos: Cherry Blossoms in Kungsträdgården](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/europe/photos-cherry-blossoms-kungstradgarden/) - Grabbing my camera with a wide angle lens on, I headed over to Kungsträdgården - the very best place to see and photograph cherry blossoms in Stockholm...
- [Follow me to Mantua, Italy - #inLombardia365](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/europe/follow-mantua-italy-inlombardia365/) - I am exploring Mantua and the Lombardia region of Italy in collaboration with iambassador and Explora Tourism...
- [Just In: Advisory Board Member for The Passport Party Project](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/partner-reviews/advisor-passport-party-project/) - I wanted to share this bit of news with you all as I'm a huge fan of and believer in the Passport Party Project (PPP), and I'm honored to come on board as an Advisory Board Member for Phase 2 of the project.
- [West Sweden Files - Biking the Göta Canal](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/europe/west-sweden-files-biking-gota-canal/) - One of the largest construction projects in Sweden's history, the Göta Canal happens to be Sweden's third most visited attraction...
- [Help Us Build Libraries in Zambia - Win a Biking Tour with Beyond Boundaries](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/inspiration/help-us-build-libraries-in-zambia-win-a-biking-tour-with-beyound-boundaries/) - This year, Passports with Purpose is teaming up with nonprofit organization Room to Read to raise $80,000 to build two libraries in Zambia, and I've teamed up with Beyond Boundaries Travel to provide an amazing biking tour through Thailand.
- [Joanna is going to Thailand - Thank You for supporting Passports with Purpose](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/inspiration/joanna-is-going-to-thailand-thank-you-for-supporting-passports-with-purpose/) - Thank you. You all truly exemplify what this season of sharing and giving is all about. Happy Holidays!
- [Help Us Build Wells in Haiti - Win $500 travel lodging from @Wimdu](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/inspiration/help-build-wells-in-haiti-win-lodging-from-wimdu/) - This year, I've partnered with Wimdu, a fantastic apartment and bed rental company with a sweet tagline "Travel like a local" to bring you an equally sweet $500 voucher you can use to cover lodging on your next trip.
- [Help Build Schools in Mali - Win $500 lodging from @Wimdu](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/inspiration/help-build-schools-mali-win-500-lodging-wimdu/) - This year, Passports with Purpose is teaming up with nonprofit organization buildOn to raise $115,000 to build schools in Mali.
- [Help Farmers in Honduras - Win $500 Lodging from @Wimdu](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/latest-news/help-farmers-in-honduras-win-500-lodging-from-wimdu/) - This year, Passports with Purpose is teaming up with nonprofit organization Sustainable Harvest International to raise money for farming communities in Central America.
- [Send E-Readers to Kenya #PwP - Win EUR 300 voucher from @Skyscanner](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/inspiration/help-pwp-ereader-kenya-300-voucher-skyscanner/) - This year, Passports with Purpose has teamed up with Worldreader to bring digital e-readers to five libraries in Kenya. The e-readers will provide about 6,250 children, teachers and parents with access to more than 50,000 books...
- [Our $500 @Wimdu Winner - @HeckticTravels - Thanks for supporting Passports with Purpose](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/inspiration/our-500-wimdu-winner-thanks-for-supporting-passports-with-purpose/) - I wanted to take this opportunity to sincerely thank Wimdu for generously donating the $500 voucher to such a worthy cause
- [Christmas + Seasons Greetings from Geotraveler's Niche](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/latest-news/christmas-seasons-greetings-geotravelers-niche/) - Thank you for being a wonderful part of my journey in 2014 and hope you join me for a blessings-filled 2015. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!
- [Merry Christmas and Happy New Year - See you in 2016](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/latest-news/merry-christmas-and-happy-new-year-see-you-in-2016/) - Thank you dear lovely readers for being an integral part of my 2015 and its ebbs and flows. Thank you for your constant support and for being a source of inspiration for me as well. Wishing you all a wonderful Christmas and 2016 filled with so many blessings and reasons to remain grateful every single
- [West Sweden Files – Local food producers around Kvänum](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/europe/west-sweden-files-local-food-producers-around-kvanum/) - While traveling around with the Culinary Academy, I got to spend time with local food producers and brewers around Kvänum to learn about slow food in West Sweden...
- [In Pictures: Local food producers in Emilia Romagna](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/europe/local-food-producers-in-emilia-romagna/) - While I was exploring this Italian region known for its traditional gastronomy, I got to meet local food producers in Emilia Romagna...
- [Shortlisted - 2016 Food Photographer of the Year](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/latest-news/shortlisted-food-photographer-year/) - I'm super excited to share that the two photographs below have been shortlisted in the 2016 Pink Lady Food Photographer of the Year awards...
- [Introducing the West Sweden Files](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/europe/introducing-west-sweden-files/) - I've been writing a lot about West Sweden lately. Mostly because it has the strongest fishing culture in the entire country, and whereever there is solid seafood, I'm there. Plus I'll be heading over to Grebbestad in early May to cover the Nordic Oyster Championships as well. For Travel Channel's Best Culinary Destinations for 2016, I was
- [Latest News + Work Updates: Slow but Steady](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/latest-news/latest-news-work-updates-slow-but-steady/) - I realized I haven't done a latest news post in awhile to update you guys on what has been cooking behind the scenes workwise...
- [Defining my voice as an African travel writer](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/latest-news/defining-voice-african-travel-writer/) - How do you find your voice as an African travel writer? That's the question I attempted to answer at a recent seminar in Birmingham...
- [In Photos - Why San Marino is worth the trip](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/europe/photos-san-marino-worth-trip/) - Figuring out how to get to San Marino was easy. I could already see San Marino from a distance several kilometers away before nearing its border...
- [Presentation 1 - Finding your travel blog's voice](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/latest-news/finding-your-blogs-voice/) - Here's the first of two presentations - Finding your travel blog's voice - I gave at the superbly run inaugural Travel Blogger Elevator conference in Genova, Italy. Will definitely write a follow up blog post.
- [Photos from my solo exhibition - Chasing Light](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/latest-news/photos-solo-exhibition-chasing-light/) - I had my first solo exhibition opening called "Chasing Light" here in Stockholm in partnership with Galleri Duerr and Scandinavian Photo which is the leading retailer of photography and video equipment in the Nordics. Once I saw the official press release which was sent out, reading those words about my background and career, it felt so surreal...
- [Exhibition: Chasing Light at Scandinavian Photo](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/latest-news/exhibition-chasing-light/) - The first series I’m exhibiting is called Chasing Light and it is curated from my travels all over the world and they depict various moments in natural light that have stuck with me.
- [Odense - Denmark's Fairytale Town](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/europe/odense-denmarks-fairytale-town/) - Once upon a time in Odense...Journey into an enchanting Danish city where fantasy and reality co-exist...
- [25 Favourite Photos from the Seychelles](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/africa/favourite-photos-from-the-seychelles/) - We arrived on Mahé Island under the thick cover of night not knowing what to fully expect. We’d just flown in from the island of Mauritius, also located in the Indian Ocean, to explore Seychelles on an assignment for Four Seasons Hotels & Resorts writing several articles and photo essays...
- [First Exhibition in Sweden + Gallery Representation](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/partner-reviews/first-exhibition-in-sweden-gallery-representation/) - I'm super excited about my first exhibition in Sweden and to announce that my fine art photography will be represented by Galleri Duerr in the Nordics...
- [My Photography Wish List for 2016](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/latest-news/my-photography-wish-list-for-2016/) - I’m not a gear head and don’t amass a gazillion expensive gadgets. But secretly, I wish I could afford a ton of photography gadgets just to play around with...
- [Very Short but Sweet: My Experience at #NBEFinland](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/partner-reviews/very-short-but-sweet-my-nbe-experience-in-finland/) - I’d just spent the first two days of my much anticipated return trip to the Nordic Travel Bloggers (NBE) #NBEFinland experience during the MATKA travel fair in Helsinki, Finland...
- [In Photos: Crossing the Bay of Kotor](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/europe/crossing-the-bay-of-kotor-in-photos/) - One of my favourite experiences during a quick jaunt around the Balkans was found in Montenegro...
- [Finland + Estonia for Nordic Bloggers Experience #NBEFinland](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/latest-news/finland-estonia-for-nordic-bloggers-experience-nbefinland/) - I'm super excited to be heading back to Helsinki for the award-winning Nordic Bloggers Experience (NBE) which is organized in partnership with MATKA - the largest and leading travel fair in the Nordics. In addition to representing our fast growing NordicTB collective which brings together top digital travel influencers and content creators, I will also
- [Where would you like to go in 2016? Get started with Skyscanner and Austrian Airlines](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/partner-reviews/where-to-go-in-2016/) - Looking for where to go in 2016? Here's one of the quickest ways to induce wanderlust. Scan through all the destinations an airline flies to on their website. Guaranteed...
- [Cooking Italian Food – Inside a culinary school in Bologna](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/europe/italian-cooking-class-in-bologna-italy/) - While in Bologna, I attended a traditional Italian cooking class at Cultura Italiana Scuola di Cucina Bologna to learn the art of making three types of Italian pasta dishes Emilia Romagna is known for – Tagliatelle al Ragu (meat sauce), tortellini with sage butter, and gnocchi with tomato basil sauce. Needless to say, I came very hungry to class...
- [My focus word for 2016](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/latest-news/my-focus-word-for-2016/) - Every year, I pick out a focus word. A word that governs various aspects of my life that year in lieu of resolutions...
- [Work Update: How 2015 went as a freelancer [Pie Chart]](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/latest-news/work-update-2015-went-freelancer-pie-chart/) - 2015 was an odd year. It felt spastic in terms of work. One minute, I was buried under a ton of deadlines. The next, I was twiddling my thumbs impatiently for the next assignment to come in.
- [Work Update: How 2014 went as a freelancer [Pie Chart]](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/latest-news/work-update-2014-went-freelancer-pie-chart/) - Since 2008, I’ve kept detailed work notes on which publications I’ve been pitching to and their responses...
- [Onboard Tallink Silja - A Swedish Christmas Show](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/europe/inside-a-swedish-christmas-show/) - Tallink Silja, one of the largest cruise lines specializing in the Nordics and Baltics (Sweden, Finland, Latvia, and Estonia) invited several of its business partners for a Julbord (Christmas smörgåsbord) onboard its Silja Serenade cruise ship and an exclusive show with special guest artist, Danny Saucedo...
- [25 Everyday Photos from Bangkok, Thailand](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/asia/25-favorite-photos-from-bangkok-thailand/) - Regarding my photos from a recent trip to Bangkok, Thailand, I've shared my Muay Thai boxing experience and traditional Khon dancers as well as a relaxing afternoon ferry cruise down the Chao Phraya River...
- [Postcard: Christmas markets in Stockholm #NaPhoPoMo](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/europe/postcard-christmas-markets-in-stockholm-naphopomo/) - Here are some of the best Christmas markets in Stockholm over on my editorial site, Slow Travel Stockholm...
- [Modena and Lapland for National Geographic Traveller](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/latest-news/modena-and-lapland-for-national-geographic-traveller/) - I've been contributing for awhile now to National Geographic Traveller (UK) and in the current January/February 2016 issue, I've got two stories.
- [Event Season: From Croatia and Norway to Italy and Czech Republic](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/europe/event-season-croatia-norway-italy-czech-republic/) - It's that time of the year when I start looking forward to possible destinations and cultural themes to explore in 2016. Autumn and winter is also the season when there are a lot more local media events for travel industry insiders, bloggers, and journalists with destination marketing organizations (DMOs) throwing mingles to explore their cultures through food, art, and other traditions...
- [Date Night with Austria and Premiere of James Bond 007 Spectre](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/partner-reviews/date-night-with-austria-and-premiere-of-james-bond-007-spectre/) - I was invited as a guest of several Austrian Tourism boards combined (Ötztal, Tyrol, and Sölden) for a special dinner and movie night to premiere 007 Spectre,
- [Postcard: World's Best Bartender - Dosa Ivanov #NaPhoPoMo](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/europe/postcard-worlds-best-bartender-dosa-ivanov/) - While on a culinary tour around West Sweden in September, I got to meet the newly crowned World Cocktail Champion, Dosa Ivanov, at the Clarion Post Hotel...
- [Latest News + Updates: Gearing up for the holidays](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/latest-news/latest-news-updates-gearing-up-for-holidays/) - I usually try to write a latest news and updates post that summarizes how the last couple of months have been going workwise...
- [My Writing Process: Where I am and where I’d like to be](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/latest-news/writing-process-id-like/) - My Writing Process: Where I am and where I’d like to be...
- [Helsinki in Photos: Exploring food history at Hietalahti Market Hall](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/europe/helsinki-photos-exploring-food-history-hietalahti-market-hall/) - From meat vendors to fruit stalls, here are a few more scenes from Hietalahti Market Hall.
- [Helsinki Files: Blinis, Chocolates, and All Things Organic](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/europe/helsinki-files-blinis-chocolates-things-organic/) - While exploring Helsinki, Finland in January through a food and culture tour with fellow bloggers, I got to sample local delicacies that the city is known for...
- [Finally...a portal for Swedish travel bloggers](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/latest-news/finally-portal-swedish-travel-bloggers/) - I'm so excited to finally discover a new portal for Swedish travel bloggers...
- [Traveling with Toddlers: How I keep my sanity](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/family-travel/traveling-toddlers-keep-sanity/) - Here are a couple tips I always use when traveling with my toddler...
- [In Swedish: Att välja Sveriges guldkorn](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/latest-news/swedish-att-valja-sveriges-guldkorn/) - Note - The following post is written in Swedish. A couple Swedish bloggers (myself included) were invited to submit tips on some of their favorite places in Sweden.
- [Four awards for photography: Society of American Travel Writers](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/latest-news/four-photo-awards-satw/) - I'm honored and excited to find out that I picked up four category awards in the 2015 Society of American Travel Writers (SATW) Bill Muster Photography Competition...
- [Snapshot: Chanel Brown](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/snapshot/snapshot-chanel-brown/) - Chanel Brown is a photographer and a New York City based travel blogger who is passionate about sharing the foods, people, and cultures of a destination with the world...
- [Snapshot: Jefferine Jean-Jacques Kerr](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/snapshot/snapshot-jefferine-jean-jacques-kerr/) - Jefferine Jean-Jacques Kerr was born and raised in Brooklyn, NY. She now resides in the Bridgeport, CT area...
- [Photo Tip: Before deleting that photo, convert to black and white](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/phototips/photo-tip-delete-photo-convert-black-white/) - I hardly convert my photos into black and white. Not because I'm not a fan of the genre. I am and love how black and white can convey strong emotions... ..
- [Refueling on inspiration and birthing ideas at National Geographic](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/latest-news/refueling-inspiration-birthing-ideas-national-geographic/) - I was at National Geographic for two main reasons – one to attend annual meetings and panels organized for all the photographers represented by National Geographic Creative. The second was to attend the prestigious and invite-only National Geographic Magazine Photo Seminar held the next day...
- [Latest News and Updates - My Photographer Hat](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/latest-news/latest-news-updates-photographer-hat/) - Currently nose-deep in work and lots of projects I'm working on. Most of them revolve around photography right now which means I've been wearing my photographer hat more so than my writer hat the last few weeks...
- [Virtual: Join me at the 2015 New York Travel Festival](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/latest-news/virtual-join-me-at-the-2015-new-york-travel-festival/) - I'll be participating in the New York Travel Festival pre-fest activities next week.
- [Now airing on National Geographic Channel...Through the Lens in South Africa](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/latest-news/now-airing-on-national-geographic-channel-through-the-lens-in-south-africa/) - Remember that vignette I was filming in collaboration with National Geographic Channel and South African Tourism?
- [Product Review: Taking Tilley to the Balkans](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/partner-reviews/product-review-taking-tilley-balkans/) - As a gift for being a speaker at TBEX Toronto, I received a travel dress from Tilley Endurables, a Canadian company that designs smart, functional, and elegant clothes for frequent travelers.
- [Notes, Slides, and Favorite Photos from TBEX Toronto 2013](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/latest-news/notes-slides-and-favorite-photos-from-tbex-toronto-2013/) - My notes, favorite portrait photos, and slide presentation from TBEX Toronto
- [Thoughts and photos from Travel Blogger Elevator in Genova, Italy](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/latest-news/thoughts-and-photos-from-travel-blogger-elevator-in-genova-italy/) - Genova itself is a port city and I arrived with no expectations. What I found was understated beauty and history at every turn...
- [Work Updates: Latest news and slowing down...for real](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/latest-news/work-updates-latest-news/) - I usually post these latest news blurbs and updates. After all, I am running a freelance business and need to show some return on investment.
- [Latest News and Work Updates](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/latest-news/latest-news-and-work-updates/) - I’m long overdue for a latest news and work updates post. Been busy on many fronts but more importantly, I've been prioritizing my workload and inching closer to a more balanced work family time ratio.
- [Quick Update: Bringing travel to Ballymaloe and County Cork](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/latest-news/quick-update-bringing-travel-to-ballymaloe-and-county-cork-ireland/) - What I do want to quickly share is just how much I thoroughly enjoyed my second trip to Ireland especially to 400-acre country estate Ballymaloe House and Ballymaloe Cookery School run by the Allen family which hosted us in Shanagarry, County Cork.
- [Notes On Pending Tasks And Face-Lifts](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/latest-news/notes-on-pending-tasks-and-face-lifts/) - I just looked at my to-do list in Microsoft OneNote*, and it’s ridiculous. Ridiculous because I’m already putting so much strain on myself over things which, in the grand scheme of life, can actually be spaced out without feeling the need to accomplish them all in one sitting.
- [Work Update: How 2011 went as a freelancer [Pie Chart]](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/latest-news/work-update-how-2011-went-as-a-freelancer-pie-chart/) - In early August, I created a post that shed some light on how it really was to be a freelancer (writer, photographer, editor, photojournalist, AND blogger) in this increasingly competitive work climate.
- [The newest travel magazine in town - WildJunket](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/latest-news/the-newest-travel-magazine-in-town-wildjunket/) - I love when dreams come true. I also love visionaries who actively pursue their dreams and paths without being swayed by (in my opinion) unnecessary peripheral noise or static. That's how amazing success stories are born. For fellow travel writer, blogger, and friend, Nellie Huang, it was starting up her own magazine, and what an impressive start it's been. We all waited with bated breath to see just how the new magazine would look and feel when Nellie announced last year that it was indeed in the works, and I couldn't be more excited for her.
- [Updates: Life, Work, Love and Everything in between](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/latest-news/updates-life-work-love-and-everything-in-between/) - It's definitely been awhile since I've updated my blog. Mostly because I've been busy birthing an adorable baby girl earlier this month and settling into some nice mommy routines. I'm still processing it all, moving through various stages of surrealism, floating between reality, dreamlike states, and fully understanding just how my life has changed once again for the better.
- [Notes on racism and trolls coming out to play](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/latest-news/notes-on-racism-and-trolls-coming-out-to-play/) - I grew up in a place where everyone was black like me. The Igbos had a honey-caramel tint to their blackness, the Hausas had an ashy-matte tone to their blackness, and the Yorubas (my tribe) had a chocolaty feel to their blackness. We were all black. Racism meant nothing to me back then.
- [Spotlight: Joel Carillet on photographing female strangers](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/phototips/photo-tip-how-to-photograph-strangers/) - When I was preparing my presentation on how to photograph strangers, I crowdsourced common questions from various communities I'm a part of to answer during my presentation...
- [Nokia Lumia 920 Review: The Phone I’m Willing to Give a Second Chance](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/partner-reviews/nokia-lumia-920-review-the-phone-im-willing-to-give-a-second-chance/) - So when Nokia Connects contacted me out of the blue to see if I’d be willing to test out the camera on their Nokia Lumia 920 with a focus on people and portraits, I was immediately game.
- [Latest News: Culinary Hamburg and Historic Bremen](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/europe/latest-news-culinary-hamburg-and-historic-bremen/) - This will be my first time in northwestern Germany in the port city of Hamburg plus a side trip to Bremen as a guest of the German National Tourism Board as part of its #JoinGermanTradition campaign.
- [10 Business Lessons from STS Hamburg](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/europe/10-business-lessons-from-sts-hamburg/) - Here are just 10 business lessons (out of dozens) I took away from Social Travel Summit (STS Hamburg)...
- [Next: Heading to Emilia Romagna, Italy](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/europe/blogville-heading-to-emilia-romagna-italy/) - I'm heading back to Italy once more next week and specifically the region of Emilia Romagna with BlogVille this time around.
- [Exploring West Sweden through food #CulinarySweden](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/europe/shellfish-journeys-west-sweden-culinarysweden/) - Ever since I found out about the shellfish journeys in West Sweden several years ago, this experience has been on the back of my mind...
- [Quick message on traveling and broken contact form](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/latest-news/quick-message-traveling-broken-contact-form/) - Currently traveling at the moment and will respond to contact form inquiries as soon as I can...
- [Postcard: Inside the Oyster Box](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/africa/postcard-inside-the-oyster-box/) - A snapshot from the über luxurious five star boutique Oyster Box Hotel in Umhlanga, South Africa. No, I didn't stay here but we did film a segment of my Nat Geo Channel vignette, Through the Lens, here.
- [Taking Inventory of Life's Progression in 7 Posts](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/latest-news/taking-inventory-of-lifes-progression-in-7-posts/) - I've been intermittently online the last two weeks for many reasons. Besides focusing on getting a few deadlines out the door (phew!), there have been other exciting offline developments that I'll probably share in due time. Now is as good a time as any to take another mid-year step back, and assess just how things
- [Snapshot: Yetunde Dada](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/snapshot/snapshot-yetunde-dada/) - Yetunde Dada is a mechanical engineer and photographer based in Pretoria, South Africa. In addition to travel photography, she is primarily a music photographer which, according to Dada, is an unusual photography genre for an African woman but she loves the music scene...
- [Postcard: Stekt strömming in Gothenburg #NaPhoPoMo](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/europe/postcard-food-tour-in-gothenburg-naphopomo/) - While on a food tour in Gothenburg with Matvandring, we stopped for lunch at Strömmingsluckan's food truck to try stekt strömming...
- [Postcard: Inside the kitchen at Restaurang Atelier #NaPhoPoMo](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/europe/postcard-inside-the-kitchen-at-restaurang-atelier-naphopomo/) - Observing Chef Johan Ackebo and various sous chefs at work in fine dining restaurant Restaurang Atelier located inside the posh boutique Hotel Pigalle in Gothenburg, Sweden...
- [Postcard: The ultimate base of Swedish Food #NaPhoPoMo](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/europe/postcard-the-ufood-naphopomo/) - When it comes to Swedish food, I often joke that my husband can cook potatoes perfectly in his sleep...
- [Postcard: Walking the walls of Kalmar Castle #NaPhoPoMo](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/europe/postcard-walking-the-walls-kalmar-castle-naphopomo/) - Located in southeast Sweden in the Småland region, the beautiful Kalmar slott (Kalmar Castle) has a history that dates back to about 800 years...
- [Photos: That time I tried Muay Thai Boxing in Bangkok](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/asia/photos-that-time-i-tried-muay-thai-boxing-in-bangkok/) - Training at the gym owned and run by world champion Muay Thai boxer Buakaw Banchamek. He is arguably the most famous boxer in Thailand...
- [Postcard: Strolling through Humlegården #NaPhoPoMo](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/europe/postcard-strolling-through-humlegarden-naphopomo/) - Stockholmers strolling through Humlegården - a popular park in Östermalm - on a brisk autumn day.
- [Postcard: Classic red Swedish cottage in Kvänum, Sweden #NaPhoPoMo](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/europe/postcard-classic-red-swedish-cottage-in-kvanum-sweden-naphopomo/) - A classic red Swedish cottage in Kvänum, West Sweden. That shade of red is called "Falu red" because it was developed in Falun, Sweden, in the 16th century...
- [November 2015 Update - The Intimacy Project](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/latest-news/november-2015-update-the-intimacy-project/) - So I've been having open studios every few months in Stockholm. These are portrait sessions for my Intimacy Project where I invite people to sit for two straight-on shots...
- [Postcard: Bird-like Northern Lights in Lapland #NaPhoPoMo](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/europe/postcard-bird-like-northern-lights-in-lapland-naphopomo/) - Each time I go through my Northern Lights in Lapland archives, I keep finding rare images that need to be uploaded even though I've edited down the set multiple times...
- [Postcard: Fresh mussels at Musselbaren, Ljungskile #NaPhoPoMo](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/europe/postcard-fresh-mussels-at-musselbaren-ljungskile/) - Digging into freshly cooked mussels at the iconic Musselbaren restaurant in Ljungskile, West Sweden...
- [Postcard: Crawfish in Sweden #NaPhoPoMo](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/europe/postcard-crawfish-in-sweden-naphopomo/) - August through September is typically known as crawfish (or crayfish) season here in Sweden where many boats and restaurants run "all you can eat" crawfish menus. The best way to enjoy this experience is by being invited to the home of a local for a kräftskiva - crawfish party.
- [Postcard: Fishermen's cabins in Smögen #NaPhoPoMo](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/europe/postcard-fishermens-cabins-in-smogen-naphopomo/) - The colorful iconic red, yellow, and blue fishermen's cabins in Smögen, West Sweden...
- [Postcard: Autumn in Stockholm #NaPhoPoMo](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/europe/postcard-autumn-in-stockholm-naphopomo/) - This has been the warmest autumn in Stockholm ever recorded so far. The leaves will be gone by the end of the month yet it feels weird to not be bundled up a lot more...
- [Slides from #TBEXAsia: Improving Your Travel Portraits #TBEX](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/asia/tbex-quotes-slides-improving-your-travel-portraits-tbexasia/) - After my talk on telling your travel stories through photography at TBEX Toronto, I was invited back to speak on photography at TBEX Asia in Bangkok. I knew immediately that I wanted to focus on photographing strangers and improving your travel portraits...
- [Postcard: Biking the Göta Canal #NaPhoPoMo](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/europe/postcard-biking-the-gota-canal-naphopomo/) - The Göta Canal was dug and built in the early 19th century to connect both coasts of Sweden (via Gothenburg and Stockholm) for transportation purposes...
- [Postcard: A view of Smögen #NaPhoPoMo](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/europe/postcard-a-view-of-smogen-naphopomo/) - The gorgeous (and tiny) seaside fishing village of Smögen in West Sweden is a popular summer spot among locals, especially for those who are interested in going out to sea and exploring some of the region's seafood culture.
- [In Photos: An afternoon cruise in Bangkok](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/asia/in-photos-an-afternoon-river-cruise-in-bangkok/) - I came to Bangkok with no expectations. Mostly because I was in town for just four nights with all my daytime hours consumed by TBEX Asia and the last thing on my mind was a river cruise in Bangkok...
- [Postcard: Thai Khon dancers in Bangkok, Thailand](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/asia/postcard-thai-khon-dancers-in-bangkok-thailand/) - I wanted to share a close up portrait of a stunning Khon dancer waiting to head up on stage to perform at the TBEX speaker reception held at the historic Suan Pakkad Palace
- [Quick Notes + Favourite Quotes from #TBEXAsia](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/asia/quick-notes-favourite-quotes-from-tbex-tbexasia/) - While absorbing various sessions and keynote speeches, I kept tweeting out some of my favourite quotes, soundbites, and anecdotes so I wanted to also share them here...
- [Postcard: The security guard in Lagos, Nigeria](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/africa/postcard-the-security-guard-in-lagos-nigeria/) - I take a lot of travel portraits. Mostly of strangers and one of my favorites remains this image of a security guard in Lagos, Nigeria...
- [Photo Tip: Take more environmental food portraits](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/phototips/environmental-portraits-of-food/) - We definitely need more environmental portraits of food to tell us the more complete story - more truth - behind our food photos...
- [Notes On Delayed Lunches And Life's March](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/latest-news/notes-on-delayed-lunches-and-lifes-march/) - 12 hours seemed a long drive. He was next to me. I played on his iPhone. We chatted for hours about nothing. Listened to Juanes over and over again. Stretched our legs. Stopped for burgers. Drank coffee from a tin canister. Ate red grapes. Slept. Danced in our seats. Bought semi-fresh pastries from a gas station. Checked out familiar scenery. Acted like it was new scenery. Sat in silence a few times.
- [Rediscovering places in Stockholm](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/europe/rediscovering-places-in-stockholm/) - It really is amazing how easily we can take places for granted after we've lived there for some time. And I feel this sentiment applies more so to locals than travelers or even new expats.
- [Finding Sugar Paradise at Taxinge slott, Sweden](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/europe/finding-sugar-paradise-at-taxinge-slott-sweden/) - I was already at the pastry table when they rounded the corner - a curly-haired woman holding a small point-and-shoot camera, and two kids, no more than 6 or 7, a boy and girl both holding their father's hands, one at each side. I caught their mother's expression first - mouth wide open, eyes twinkling, camera ready. A girl-like giggle escaped her. "This is insane," she must have been thinking. At least that's what I thought when I rounded the same corner.
- [In Pictures: White Caps and Dump Trucks - Celebrating Graduation in Sweden](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/europe/in-pictures-white-caps-and-dump-trucks-celebrating-graduation-in-sweden/) - One of the celebrations I still find peculiar is the way high school students in Sweden celebrate their graduation. Wearing white nautical caps, they pile into dump trucks blasting music with heavy bass, and ride all through town screaming at the top of their lungs. You can hear them coming from at least a mile
- [In Pictures: Sweden celebrates Midsummer](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/europe/in-pictures-sweden-celebrates-midsummer/) - I've been shuttling back and forth to Sweden since 2006 and in those five years, I'd never experienced Midsummer. It was never particularly high on my list due to its historical roots but I'd always remained curious. This year, I headed over to Farsta Gård on a whimsical invitation by a friend, and it couldn't
- [Postcard: Hanging offline with friends](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/latest-news/postcard-hanging-offline-with-friends/) - I've spent the last two weeks offline a lot. On one hand, feverishly writing articles and trying to meet a few back-to-back deadlines before year's end, but on the more important hand, hanging out with friends, trying different restaurants and cafes and fulfilling what I'd set out to do a lot more of this year - spend more quality time offline.
- [Language Learning: Are you overestimating your fluency?](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/latest-news/language-learning-are-you-overestimating-your-fluency/) - I remember a story my mom once told me many years ago. She was sitting at the airport, waiting for her connecting flight when a man walked up to her and asked if she could speak French...
- [My Focus Word for 2012 Is...](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/latest-news/my-focus-word-for-2012-is/) - My plan was to have my focus word all picked out by January 1st and have a post ready, but it didn't happen. The word hadn't reached me yet. I really didn't want to force it. So I waited for it to come organically, and it did.
- [Work Life: Taking time out for cupcakes](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/latest-news/work-life-taking-time-out-for-cupcakes/) - I haven't actively posted for a few days mostly because I've been trying to get those last few articles out the door before the end of the year. But I do hope to change that come 2012. Giving this blog a little more loving, that is. My mind is filled with so many ideas, unwritten stories, photo archives, and work projects, and I'm looking forward to picking that focus word for 2012.
- [Travel Update: How 2011 went as a traveler](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/latest-news/travel-update-how-2011-went-as-a-traveler/) - 2011 started out in my typical wanderlusting style. January and February found me traversing Swedish Lapland on assignment covering indigenous Sami culture, Jokkmokk market, fun outdoor activities like dogsledding, reviewing the TreeHotel (pictured above), as well as hanging with a certain crown princess (here's proof).
- [Postcard: Swedish Julbord for Two](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/europe/postcard-swedish-julbord-for-two/) - Cooking a typical Swedish julbord for two on Julafton (Christmas Eve) which is when we actually celebrate Christmas here in Sweden. Hope you all had a wonderful Christmas day as well. Note - My heart goes out to all those affected by the senseless bombings that took place on Christmas day in my native Nigeria.
- [Photography: Dogsledding in Swedish Lapland](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/europe/photography-dogsledding-in-swedish-lapland/) - While visiting the 406-year old Sámi market in Jokkmokk, I got to tag along with Matti & Stina and their 38 Siberian huskies across frozen Lake Skabram...
- [In Photos: Sweden welcomes its World Junior Hockey Champions](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/europe/in-photos-sweden-welcomes-its-world-junior-hockey-champions/) - Winning their first gold medal since 1981 (in 31 years!), needless to say, Sweden’s national junior hockey team was treated to a hero’s welcome at Kungsträdgården in Stockholm. Picking my favorite photos was difficult as I took well over 150+ of just the team alone.
- [Postcard: Sinning before Lent with semlor](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/europe/postcard-sinning-before-lent-with-semlor/) - Technically, I'm not supposed to be eating this crazy looking pastry (semlor) before the end of the month/early February, but the beau and I dug in anyways.
- [Postcard: Winter in Stockholm's Archipelago](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/europe/postcard-winter-in-stockholms-archipelago/) - Now it truly feels like winter here...
- [Postcard: St. Patrick's Day Shenanigans in Stockholm](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/europe/postcard-st-patricks-day-shenanigans-in-stockholm/) - Irish expats, friends and partners of Irish expats, and lovers of all things Irish paraded through Stockholm yesterday in celebration of St. Patrick's Day.
- [Postcard: Happy Easter](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/europe/postcard-happy-easter/) - Happy Easter everyone. For those of us who believe, what a celebration of mercy and privilege it is to begin anew. I honestly don't know how eggs and bunnies entered that equation.
- [Odd Jobs: Mini-interview with a Luxury Hotel Butler](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/europe/odd-jobs-mini-interview-with-a-luxury-hotel-butler/) - Meet Terry. He’s the Hotel Butler at the 5-stay luxury dig, The Milestone Hotel and Apartments located across from Kensington Palace and The Royal Gardens in London. While reviewing the hotel, I was instantly enveloped by Terry’s feisty enthusiasm and jolly candor.
- [Postcard: Rocks at Storforsen](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/europe/postcard-rocks-at-storforsen/) - One of my favorite places in Northern Sweden. Check out more photos from Storforsen and learn more about it on my photoblog here.
- [Postcard: Subarctic Sweden](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/europe/postcard-subarctic-sweden/) - One of the reasons why I'm loving Northern Sweden more and more each time I'm up there.
- [Postcard: Judging cows in Northern Sweden](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/europe/postcard-judging-cows-in-northern-sweden/) - I've been spending a couple weeks in Northern Sweden and the Lapland region, which means experiencing things that aren't usually on my radar.
- [Postcard: The tulips are coming](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/europe/postcard-the-tulips-are-coming/) - Stockholm is currently awash in vibrant colors and the city couldn't be more beautiful right now. Over 800,000 tulips and daffodils were planted last fall, and I'm glad they did.
- [Postcard: Going underground in Stockholm](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/europe/postcard-going-underground-in-stockholm/) - Just turned in 12 photos to my editor covering Stockholm's underground art. Picking out of 137 photos was tough and the photo above is not part of the submission, but it was super cool to stop and just focus on beautiful work I often pass and - dare I say - take for granted some times.
- [Postcard: Showdown at the market in Lagos, Nigeria](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/africa/postcard-showdown-at-the-market-in-lagos-nigeria/) - While showing the production crew of Globe Trekker's Nigeria episode around Balogun and Jankara markets as a local informant, I snapped this moment between one of their producers and a toddler belonging to a market vendor.
- [Knowing when you need help and welcoming a colleague on-board](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/latest-news/knowing-when-you-need-help-and-welcoming-a-colleague-onboard/) - I’m piss poor at delegating. Delegating means trusting someone else would be invested enough in your vision to do a good job at whatever task they’re handed. And this is something I’ve struggled with a lot in the past. So I usually ended up buried under work for days which I could easily have subcontracted out.
- [Revisiting this year's focus word - Nurture](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/latest-news/revisiting-this-years-focus-word-nurture/) - In January, I wrote about the focus word I'd chosen to help guide my decision making this year. My chosen word - nurture - has already manifested itself in many ways so far...
- [Postcard: Home-cooked English breakfasts away](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/europe/postcard-home-cooked-english-breakfasts-away/) - I love a good hotel breakfast buffet but after about the third day, there are only so many combinations you can try before boredom sets in (I know, first world problem).
- [Postcard: Celebrating Midsummer at Skansen](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/europe/postcard-celebrating-midsummer-skansen/) - Today's weather in Stockholm couldn't have been more perfect for celebrating Sweden's much loved Midsummer weekend.
- [Postcard: Independence Day BBQ in Stockholm](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/europe/postcard-independence-day-bbq-in-stockholm/) - Spent Saturday at a wonderful Fourth of July BBQ party thrown by one of my American friends Scarlet and her family. Check out more photos on my Sweden.se blog.
- [Postcard: Summer slowly slipping away from Stockholm](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/europe/postcard-summer-slowly-slipping-away-stockholm/) - At least that's how it feels nowadays in Stockholm. Finally back from a quick trip to the US and slowly working through the to-do list. Shot from the island of Djurgården looking towards Östermalm.
- [Presentation 2 - Developing lasting relationships with local tourism boards](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/latest-news/presentation-2-developing-lasting-relationships-with-local-tourism-boards/) - Here's the second of two presentations - Developing lasting relationships with your local tourism board - I gave at the superbly run inaugural Travel Blogger Elevator conference in Genova, Italy. Will definitely write a follow up blog post.
- [Gothenburg Files: Meeting legends at Kometen](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/europe/gothenburg-files-meeting-legends-at-kometen/) - She didn't have to tell me that she loved this place. I could read it all over her demeanor. That timelessness that Kometen ("The Comet") has which always invokes nostalgia.
- [Postcard: Winter snow storms Stockholm](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/europe/postcard-winter-snowstorm-hits-stockholm/) - Stockholm is currently buried under piles of snow and most flights were cancelled today.
- [Gothenburg Files - East meets West at Norda](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/europe/gothenburg-files-east-meets-west-at-norda/) - Visiting Norda Bar and Grill was one of the highlights of my trip to Gothenburg while on assignment.
- [Postcard: Honoring departed loved ones on All Saints' Day](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/europe/postcard-honoring-departed-loved-ones-on-all-saints-day/) - Keeping those we've lost personally, during Hurricane Sandy, across the Middle East, and all over the world in our prayers on this All Saints' Day.
- [Postcard: Falling snow and winter details](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/europe/postcard-falling-snow-and-winter-details/) - Paused to take in how snow and ice hug tree branches...
- [Postcard: My panoramic view of Stockholm these days](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/europe/postcard-my-panoramic-view-of-stockholm-these-days/) - We're getting barely five hours of sunlight everyday now and here are just a few shots of how photogenic Stockholm looks in low light.
- [Photos: Fireworks, ice, snow, and polar nights from Northern Sweden](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/europe/photos-fireworks-and-polar-nigh-from-northern-sweden/) - A few shots I took over the holidays from Swedish Lapland - from our neighborhood New Year's Eve fireworks to dark polar nights and ice-coated landscapes.
- [Photos: Chasing light in the souks of Marrakech and my photography goal this year](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/europe/photos-chasing-light-in-the-souks-of-marrakech-and-my-photography-goals/) - I've been chasing light a lot this year. From how light softly bounces off winter landscapes to the atmospheric light within the souks of Marrakech to the Northern Lights in Swedish Lapland...
- [For Entrepreneurs: 21 Inspiring Tips from Start-Up Day Stockholm + Photos](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/latest-news/for-entrepreneurs-20-inspiring-tips-from-start-up-day-stockholm-photos/) - Start-up Day Stockholm is an event which brings together entrepreneurs, investors, creatives, students, digital tech-heads, and start-up companies.
- [Postcard: Boating lifestyle in Bermuda](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/latin-americacarribbean/postcard-boating-lifestyle-in-bermuda/) - Boating lifestyle in Bermuda - View more images from Bermuda in my image bank - http://imagebank.geotravelermedia.com
- [Postcard: Blue sky on blue sea](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/latin-americacarribbean/postcard-blue-sky-blue-se-and-black-rocks-in-bermuda/) - Soaking up warm sun rays on a blue - blue day.
- [Postcard: Two generations crossing the street](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/latin-americacarribbean/postcard-two-generations-crossing-the-street/) - This is one of my personal favorite shots from Bermuda. I love the two different generations represented in the image.
- [Postcard: Lady with the blue eyes](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/latin-americacarribbean/postcard-lady-with-the-blue-eyes/) - I ran into this lady with striking blue eyes in Bermuda and had to take her portrait.
- [Postcard: Red, white, and blue isolation on Bermuda](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/latin-americacarribbean/postcard-red-white-and-blue-isolation-on-bermuda/) - A tip for landscape photography is "isolation", which means isolating or focusing on certain elements of a sweeping landscape...
- [Postcard: Shelter from the rain in Vienna](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/europe/postcard-shelter-from-the-rain-vienna/) - This potato patty and wedges vendor had the best spot on the street on a rainy day in Vienna.
- [Postcard: Bonfires and friends at Valborg](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/europe/postcard-bonfires-and-friends-at-valborg-stockholm/) - Today, Sweden celebrates Valborg...
- [Postcard: Trinkets and souvenirs - Durban, South Africa](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/africa/postcard-trinkets-and-souvenirs-durban-south-africa/) - A vendor lays out her wares along Durban's Golden Mile in South Africa...
- [Notes on marriage, space, and travel from Paco](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/latest-news/notes-on-marriage-space-and-travel-from-paco/) - Notes on marriage and travel from Paco the chaffeur...
- [Postcard: Cherry blossoms in Kungsträdgården](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/europe/postcard-cherry-blossoms-in-kungstradgarden/) - You can click on the photo for more options or view more Cherry blossom photographs over on Slow Travel Stockholm
- [Postcard: When snow melts away](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/europe/postcard-when-snow-melts-away/) - When snow melts away, this is what we get during the summer in Sweden along with 20-22 hours of daylight at its peak.
- [Postcard: The Banana Squad in Stockholm](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/europe/postcard-the-banana-squad-in-stockholm/) - Ran into this lot on Drottninggatan in Stockholm. You can read more of the backstory on Slow Travel Stockholm.
- [Postcard: Soldier in Prague](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/europe/postcard-soldier-in-prague/) - Shot with a film camera way back in the day. You can click the photo for more options or check out my old Prague gallery here. Due for a new trip over to the Czech Republic.
- [Postcard: Getting around with rickshaws in Durban #Traveltastic](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/africa/postcard-getting-around-with-rickshaws-in-durban/) - Today's theme is "Transportation" and a quick way to travel down Durban's Golden Mile is via rickshaw.
- [Photos: Glorious Food at Ballymaloe House & Cookery School, Ireland](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/europe/photos-glorious-food-at-ballymaloe-house-cookery-school-ireland/) - Ballymaloe Cookery School emphasizes the strong connection between farming and cooking by following the entire process from farm to plate in the most organic way possible.
- [Irish Files: Inside St. George's Market, Belfast, Northern Ireland](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/europe/irish-files-life-at-st-georges-market-belfast-ireland/) - Snapshots and notes from inside St. George's Market, Belfast, Northern Ireland
- [Postcard: Geeky humor at Red Bull Flugtag, Stockholm](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/europe/postcard-questionable-inventions-and-geeky-humor-meet-at-red-bull-flugtag-stockholm/) - Check out the full photo gallery to find out what these half-clad Swedes were celebrating in Stockholm two weeks ago.
- [Irish Files: Italian taste with gusto in Dublin, Ireland](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/europe/irish-files-italian-taste-with-gusto-in-dublin-ireland/) - Next time I'm in Dublin, I'll be stocking up on some of their wares...
- [Photos: History and modern style collide at Castlemartyr - Ireland](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/europe/photos-history-and-modern-style-collide-at-castlemartyr/) - While recently in Country Cork Ireland, I got to dine at the impressive Castlemartyr Resort which is a refurbished grand 17th century country manor house located adjacent ruins of an 800-year-old-castle.
- [Postcard: The graveyard - Kalmar, Sweden](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/europe/postcard-the-graveyard-kalmar-sweden/) - Yellow graveyard church in Kalmar, Sweden
- [Postcard: Working the meat station in Öland](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/europe/postcard-working-the-meat-station-in-oland/) - Summer lifestyle on the island of Öland in Sweden.
- [Postcard: Swedish Falu Red cottage and swaying trees](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/europe/postcard-swedish-falu-red-cottage-and-swaying-trees/) - Swedish Falu Red cottage and swaying trees in Kalmar, Sweden
- [Postcard: Guarding the Parliament in Athens, Greece](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/europe/postcard-guarding-parliament-athens-greece/) - I've just started editing photos from Greece and will be sharing a few of my favorites as I edit along the set. Here's one of guards in Athens.
- [Postcard: Maids in waiting at Borgholm Castle](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/europe/postcard-maids-in-waiting-at-borgholm-castle/) - Maids in waiting at Borgholm Castle
- [Postcard: Skipping stones at sunset on Öland](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/europe/postcard-skipping-stones-at-sunset-on-oland/) - Skipping stones across the Baltic Sea in Öland, Sweden
- [Blogging about your backyard at TBEX Dublin](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/latest-news/blogging-backyard-tbex-dublin/) - What I will be talking about is why what I call backyard blogging>" is essential to your brand ...
- [Notes and Snapshots from Athens, Greece](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/europe/notes-snapshots-athens-greece/) - I happened to be in Athens when the Greeks themselves were on vacation. This meant the city was a lot quieter and less busier than it normally is.
- [Postcard: The Man and the Sea, Portugal](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/europe/postcard-man-sea-portugal/) - Ran into this guy while visiting Sagres in Portugal and specifically world famous Cape St. Vincent and the lighthouse, and loved the way he seemed to blend in with the landscape.
- [Postcard: View from Martinhal in Portugal's Algarve](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/europe/postcard-view-martinhal-portugals-algarve/) - I wanted to quickly share a snapshot from the stunning seaside resort Martinhal where we got to spend a few days relaxing and soaking up fresh ocean breeze of the Algarve.
- [Postcard: Panoramic View of Mostar #NaPhoPoMo](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/europe/postcard-panoramic-view-mostar-naphopomo/) - My photo of the day is a panoramic view from Mostar, Bosnia & Herzegovina.
- [Photos: An Interesting Encounter in Albania](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/europe/photos-interesting-encounter-albania/) - What happens when you try to squeeze past a disgruntled old lady on a hot day in Tirana, Albania?
- [Postcard: The Beauty from Belgrade](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/europe/postcard-beauty-belgrade/) - I ran into this lady at the fruit and flea market in Belgrade.
- [Postcard: Quiet moments in Sarajevo #NaPhoPoMo](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/europe/postcard-quiet-moments-sarajevo-naphopomo/) - Locals relaxing and finding their own quiet moments on a hill overlooking Sarajevo.
- [Postcard: Vibrant markets and colorful scarves in Mostar](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/europe/postcard-vibrant-markets-colorful-scarves-mostar-naphopomo/) - My photo of the day is of vibrant and vividly colored scarves for sale in Mostar, Bosnia & Herzegovina.
- [Alma and her postcards in Albania #NaPhoPoMo](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/europe/postcard-alma-postcards-naphopomo/) - Here's a photo of Alma who has being running that souvenir shop in Gjirokastra selling and mailing postcards for roughly 30 years.
- [Postcard: Eating Burek in Albania #NaPhoPoMo](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/europe/postcard-eating-burek-albania-naphopomo/) - I was in the small town of Gjirokastra and had just polished off two flaky meat-filled pastries called...
- [Postcard: Exploring Gjirokastra, Albania #NaPhoPoMo](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/europe/postcard-exploring-gjirokastra-albania-naphopomo/) - A backpacker arrives into the town of Gjirokastra, Albania...
- [Postcard: Remnants in Gjirokastra #NaPhoPhoMo](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/europe/postcard-remnants-gjirokastra-naphophomo/) - Remnants of a communist era plane in the UNESCO Heritage preserved Ottoman town of Gjirokastra in Albania.
- [Postcard: Eating Ćevapi in Bosnia #NaPhoPoMo](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/europe/postcard-eating-cevapi-bosnia-naphopomo/) - My photo of the day - Grilled minced meat kebabs (beef, pork, lamb, or mixed) called Ćevapi which are quite popular in the Balkans and are a lot more delicious and moister than they look.
- [Postcard: State of Zen #NaPhoPoMo](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/europe/postcard-state-zen-naphopomo/) - My photo of the day - My new friend Louise taking flight in a zen-like state in Albania.
- [Postcard: Business over drinks in Sarajevo #NaPhoPoMo](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/europe/postcard-business-drinks-sarajevo-naphopomo/) - This week, I'll be sharing night photos from Sarajevo
- [Postcard: Goats and Bells in Albania #NaPhoPoMo](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/europe/postcard-goats-bells-albania-naphopomo/) - Photo of the day - These goats wearing bells are owned by a guy who converted a military bunker into his makeshift home with a wooden pen for his goats.
- [Postcard: Late night snack in Sarajevo #NaPhoPoMo](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/europe/postcard-late-night-snack-sarajevo-naphopomo/) - Indulging several sweet teeth at an ice-cream stand at night in Sarajevo.
- [Postcard: Ladies' Dinner in Sarajevo #NaPhoPoMo](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/europe/postcard-late-supper-sarajevo-naphopomo/) - One of many restaurants and cafes open until the wee hours of the morning in Sarajevo.
- [Postcard: Night shopping in Sarajevo #NaPhoPoMo](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/europe/postcard-night-shopping-sarajevo-naphopomo/) - Tourists checking out some trinkets and shopping at night in Sarajevo.
- [Postcard: Crashing weddings in Tirana #NaPhoPoMo](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/europe/postcard-crashing-weddings-tirana-naphopomo/) - As part of National Photo Posting Month (#NaPhoPoMo), I'll try to share a daily photo (postcard) for the month of November alongside my regular blog musings.
- [Postcard: Marching band in Belgrade #NaPhoPoMo](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/europe/postcard-marching-band-belgrade-naphopomo/) - While strolling around Belgrade, I ran into a marching band of girls - from toddlers to teenagers.
- [Postcard: Reflecting in St. Sava Orthodox Church #NaPhoPoMo](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/europe/postcard-reflecting-st-sava-orthodox-church-naphopomo/) - Patrons lighting candles and reflecting in St. Sava Orthodox Church in Belgrade, Serbia, which is the largest Orthodox church in the world.
- [Postcard: The Sweetest Boys in Belgrade #NaPhoPoMo](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/europe/postcard-sweetest-boys-belgrade-naphopomo/) - This shot is of two boys I met in a flea market in Belgrade, Serbia.
- [Postcard: Beautiful Dalida in Sarajevo #NaPhoPoMo](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/europe/postcard-beautiful-dalida-sarajevo-naphopomo/) - Meet Dalida, my new friend. She's one of the managers at Motel Seher in Sarajevo .
- [Postcard: Fruit Vendors at Night #NaPhoPoMo](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/europe/postcard-fruit-vendors-night-naphopomo/) - I ran into this couple, fruit vendors, a couple times during my stay in Sarajevo.
- [Postcard: Juggling balls in Tirana #NaPhoPoMo](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/europe/postcard-juggling-balls-tirana-naphopomo/) - One of my favorite portraits from Tirana.
- [Postcard: An Old Soul in Belgrade #NaPhoPoMo](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/europe/postcard-old-soul-belgrade-naphopomo/) - I met this guy, a vendor, at a fruit market in Belgrade.
- [My Focus Word for 2014](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/latest-news/focus-word-2014/) - Every year, I pick a focus word...
- [Work Update: How 2013 went as a freelancer [Pie Chart]](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/latest-news/work-update-2013-went-freelancer-pie-chart/) - Annual pitching charts I share as a freelancer
- [Just Back: Nordic Bloggers Experience in Helsinki, Finland](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/europe/just-back-nordic-bloggers-experience-helsinki-finland/) - Over a week ago, I was invited to be part of the inaugural Nordic Bloggers Experience (NBE) which was held alongside Helsinki's MATKA travel convention.
- [Postcard: Romeo and Juliet in Sarajevo #NaPhoPoMo](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/europe/postcard-romeo-juliet-sarajevo-naphopomo/) - While in Sarajevo, I ran into this couple who were sharing an intimate moment.
- [Postcard: The Young Man and His Friends #NaPhoPoMo](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/europe/postcard-young-man-friends-naphopomo/) - I ran into a group of teenage friends in Sarajevo who were as curious about me as I was of them.
- [Postcard: Exploring Parga, Greece #NaPhoPoMo](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/europe/postcard-exploring-parga-greece-naphopomo/) - I'll be sharing a few photos from the glorious seasside town of Parga in Northern Greece.
- [Postcard: Umbrellas and Blue Seas in Parga #NaPhoPoMo](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/europe/postcard-umbrellas-blue-seas-parga-naphopomo/) - Loved the vibrancy of Parga. Peach-colored umbrellas. Warm blue waters of the Mediterranean. Khaki-colored sand. Lots of stolen kisses.
- [Postcard: Beach Life in Parga #NaPhoPoMo](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/europe/postcard-beach-life-parga-naphopomo/) - Beach photo from Parga, Northern Greece
- [Postcard: Shopping in Parga #NaPhoPoMo](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/europe/postcard-shopping-parga-naphopomo/) - Souvenir shopping in Parga
- [Postcard: Swimming after cruise ships #NaPhoPoMo](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/europe/postcard-swimming-cruise-ships-naphopomo/) - Swimming after cruise ships in Parga, Northern Greece.
- [Are you a travel snob? Digging up the past](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/latest-news/are-you-a-travel-snob-digging-up-the-past/) - I recently stumbled across a piece I contributed to back in 2010 in response to the question: Travel snobbery. Does it exist? If so, how would you define it?...
- [Postcards from Mauritius - Land and Sea](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/africa/postcards-mauritius-land-sea/) - I'll be quiet over the next few days wrapping up some writing and photo essay assignments. So in the meantime, I wanted to share a few landscape and seascape photos from my Mauritius image gallery...
- [Helsinki Files: Photos from MATKA](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/europe/photos-scenes-matka-helsinki/) - From Hungarian pastry chefs whipping up sweet puff pastries to Finns from Rovaniemi teaching us how to make wooden gnomes as ornaments for Christmas trees, here are a few fun snapshots from MATKA in Helsinki, Finland.
- [iPhoneography: Cherry Blossoms in Stockholm](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/europe/iphoneography-cherry-blossoms-stockholm/) - While my cameras and lenses are with Nikon for a thorough spring cleaning and mild repairs, I decided to take just my iPhone with me to Kungsträdgården to capture some cherry blossoms in Stockholm. Here are the results...
- [New beginnings, new priorities, and a monthly challenge](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/latest-news/new-beginnings-new-priorities-monthly-challenge/) - I’ll be participating in an October daily blogging challenge to breathe new life back into my blog – from longer narratives and short thought snippets to photo essays and single photo postcards.
- [Postcard: Off grid exploration in Mauritius](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/africa/postcard-exploration-mauritius/) - Domaine de L’Etoile Reserve pictured above takes adventure travelers deeper into the heart of Mauritius through spectacular panoramic landscapes...
- [Postcard: Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial at dusk](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/north-america/postcard-martin-luther-king-jr-memorial/) - While in Washington DC in January, I went around the city and photographed a lot of its monuments at dusk for a client...
- [Postcard: Plovdiv, Bulgaria](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/europe/postcard-plovdiv-bulgaria/) - The view from a small seafood restaurant under a pedestrian bridge in Plovdiv, Bulgaria...
- [Postcard: Stockholm's Greenest Island - Djurgården](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/europe/postcard-stockholms-greenest-island-djurgarden/) - One of Stockholm’s many islands - Kungliga Djurgården (Royal Game Park) – is where many of the city’s historical museums, palaces, gardens, and lush green parks are located...
- [Best article on productivity I've read in awhile](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/latest-news/best-article-productivity-ive-read-awhile/) - Well today, I woke up to one of the best articles on productivity I've read in a long time ...
- [On losing my voice and articles that spoke for me](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/latest-news/losing-voice-articles-spoke/) - Three articles have touched me over the last few days. Mostly because they seemed to have crawled into my subconscious and pulled out my own voice which has been quiet lately...
- [7 tips for following your passion](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/latest-news/7-tips-following-passion/) - We all have passions. Or, at least one passion. Something we're so drawn to and feel like we were placed on earth to pursue...
- [Please follow along on @Instagram too - @LolaAkinmade](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/latest-news/please-follow-along-instagram-lolaakinmade/) - Just wanted to drop a quick note to let you know that I'm also on Instagram (@LolaAkinmade)...
- [Things I’ve learned as a freelancer with a newborn](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/latest-news/things-ive-learned-freelancer-newborn/) - This isn’t my first child. I already have a two year old with the vocabulary of a six year old and the energy of a skate-boarding teenager. And during the first few months of her life, I tried to balance being a new mom and a freelancer and I struggled quite a bit. So I vowed to do things differently the second time around...
- [Reflecting on autumn](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/latest-news/reflecting-autumn/) - Autumn isn't my favorite season. Spring and what it symbolizes - rejuvenation, rebirth, and second chances - is my favorite...
- [In summary: My HomeAway Experience in London](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/partner-reviews/in-summary-my-homeaway-experience-london/) - Before we checked out of our HomeAway apartment to catch our train to Edinburgh, I asked property manager Mike to show me other properties he had. Mostly because I wanted to see more baby-friendly, accessibility-friendly options
- [In Pictures: Malta](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/europe/in-pictures-malta/) - Here are a few shots from Malta...
- [Photos: Gallery from Montenegro](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/europe/photos-gallery-montenegro/) - I'm currently editing photos from the Balkans and have just finished the set from Montenegro which includes galleries from the Bay of Kotor, the beachside party town of Budva, and both historic Kotor and Sveti Stefan...
- [Photos: Exploring Dubrovnik, Croatia](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/europe/photos-exploring-dubrovnik-croatia/) - I've just edited photos from Dubrovnik, Croatia. Looking through the set, I realized just how truly photogenic its walled old town is. It's probably the most visited site in the entire country, and visitors flock in by the thousands all year round...
- [Photos: Capturing lifestyles in Split, Croatia](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/europe/photos-capturing-lifestyles-split-croatia/) - I squeezed in a few more edits before the end of the year and this set is from Split, Croatia.
- [Slow travel through fish markets](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/europe/slow-travel-through-fish-markets/) - Slow traveling through a city may mean spending a lot of time in a particular district with a particular group of people. Most of the time for me, that means spending a lot of time in local markets with butchers, fruit and vegetable vendors, and fishmongers at various fish markets.
- [Staying productive with three daily tasks](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/latest-news/staying-productive-with-three-daily-tasks/) - Here is what I do to stay productive as a freelancer and balance work with travel and family...
- [Grekland Panorama in Stockholm](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/europe/grekland-panorama-in-stockholm/) - So when Grekland Panorama - a tourism, culture, and gastronomy travel fair dedicated solely to Greece and Cyprus - came to Stockholm in mid February, I carted the family with me and we headed over to Globen to explore the different islands and boards represented...
- [Photo Gallery: Scenes from Plovdiv, Bulgaria](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/europe/photo-gallery-plovdiv-bulgaria/) - I’ve finally gotten around to editing hundreds of photos from the historic city of Plovdiv , Bulgaria...
- [Notes + Photos:  Falling in love with Stockholm again](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/europe/notes-photos-falling-in-love-with-stockholm-again/) - Notes - For a creative slant, I went out in the harshest daylight with only a fixed 50mm lens. This is my city. My Stockholm.
- [Happy Easter from Stockholm](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/europe/happy-easter-from-stockholm/) - Wishing you dear readers a Happy Easter from Stockholm and a blessed and peaceful weekend.
- [Open Studio Calls and The Intimacy Project](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/latest-news/open-studio-calls-and-the-intimacy-project/) - Awhile back, I launched my intimacy portrait project which is a personal project I've been wanting to work on for a long time...
- [Postcard: Strolling around dynamic St. Pauli, Hamburg](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/europe/postcard-strolling-around-dynamic-st-pauli-hamburg/) - Just back from a food tour around the edgy neighborhood of St Pauli in Hamburg where I got to sample locally-produced mustard and other condiments, vegan fast food, chocolate, currywurst, and herring sandwiches called Fischbrötchen. While I gather and sort through photos and notes to bring you more, I'll be sharing some quick postcards from my time exploring the city as part of the #JoinGermanTradition campaign...
- [Postcard: Reverence within St. Petri Dom, Bremen](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/europe/postcard-reverence-within-st-petri-dom-bremen/) - Over 700 years old, St. Petri Dom in Bremen stands as a stark reminder that the universe has never revolved around us...
- [Photo journey through food in St. Pauli, Hamburg](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/europe/photo-journey-through-food-in-st-pauli-hamburg/) - Exploring the vibrant dichotomy which is the district of St. Pauli in Hamburg through food and photography. I set no expectations for Hamburg. Mostly because when I travel, beyond reviewing any cultural nuances and customs to be aware of, I usually go with a very rough plan so I can organically soak up the place...
- [Waking up with fishmongers in Hamburg](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/europe/photos-hamburg-fish-market/) - I wasn’t expecting that smell. Of grease and batter frying in hot oil. Oh, I did appreciate it but it certainly wasn’t the briny overpowering seafood smell I expected right away from a fish market...
- [Just back: Chasing fairytales in Odense, Denmark](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/europe/just-back-chasing-fairytales-in-odense-denmark/) - Once upon a time in Odense – Less than two hours from Copenhagen by train, you’ll arrive on the island of Funen and its capital, Odense, which inspired the fairytale world of profilic 19th century Danish author Hans Christian Andersen...
- [Postcard: Inside Hans Christian Andersen's Tinderbox](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/europe/postcard-inside-odense-tinderbox/) - Just got back from Odense, Denmark, where I was on assignment. Will share more about it later but I wanted to post a little photo card from The Tinderbox, a cultural center for children dedicated to his fairytales...
- [Postcard: Slow food intro to Emilia Romagna](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/europe/postcard-slow-food-intro-to-emilia-romagna/) - While I'm exploring the traditions and slow food in Emilia Romagna, I'll be sharing some quick postcards and snippets to bring you along with me. You can take a sneak peek at my itinerary here over the next few days.
- [Body and Mind: Cinnamon Spa at Four Seasons Seychelles](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/africa/body-and-mind-cinnamon-spa-at-four-seasons-seychelles/) - Upon arrival at the rejuvenating spa at Four Seasons Seychelles, guests are offered a relaxing cinnamon iced tea which is made with fresh cinnamon leaves that grow all over the resort...
- [Launching the Nordic Travel Bloggers collective](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/partner-reviews/launching-the-nordic-travel-bloggers-collective/) - The Nordic Travel Bloggers Collective is the central point of contact for brands, destinations, and fellow collectives who are looking for specific Nordic travel bloggers and digital influencers to tell their stories to wide audiences in the Nordic region...
- [My thoughts in remembrance of the Charleston 9](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/latest-news/my-thoughts-in-remembrance-of-the-charleston-9/) - On June 17, 2015 in Charleston, South Carolina, nine black/African American people were senselessly gunned down for one simple reason...
- [Postcard: Mosaics in Ravenna, Italy](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/europe/postcard-mosaics-in-ravenna-italy/) - The impressive mosaics in Ravenna date back hundreds of centuries and adorn its basilicas and monuments...
- [Postcard: Summoning pigeons in Piazza Maggiore](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/europe/postcard-summoning-pigeons-in-piazza-maggiore/) - The sun was setting and casting golden light all across Bologna's main square Piazza Maggiore and its historic buildings...
- [Postcard: 25+ year old balsamic vinegar in Modena](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/europe/postcard-25-year-old-balsamic-vinegar-in-modena/) - I visited two traditional balsamic vinegar producers- Acetaia Malpighi and Acetaia Giusti - to learn about the slow and patient process of aging vinegar.
- [Postcard: A holy procession in Bologna](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/europe/postcard-a-holy-procession-in-bologna/) - A crowd had gathered and there was a seemingly endless procession of priests, nuns, bishops, and other clergy from Basilica di San Petronio...
- [Postcard: The lady and the tramp](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/europe/postcard-walking-a-dog-in-bologna/) - I ran into this lady along Via Luigi Carlo Farini who was attempting to walk her adorable Jack Russell terrier. The dog was hell-bent on grabbing its own leash and walking itself, which made for a nice slice-of-life shot of Bologna...
- [Postcard: Colorful Cesenatico, Italy](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/europe/postcard-colorful-cesenatico/) - Cesenatico is a colorful seaside community and port town along the Adriatic Coast with a strong fishing culture that has thrived for centuries...
- [Photos: Checking into 25Hours HafenCity, Hamburg](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/europe/photos-checking-into-25hours-hafencity-hamburg/) - While recently in Hamburg for the Social Travel Summit as well as the #JoinGermanTradition campaign, I stayed at 25Hours hotel in the revitalized neighborhood of HafenCity...
- [In Pictures: Exploring Ravenna and its UNESCO mosaics](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/europe/photos-unesco-mosaics-in-ravenna/) - I couldn't wait to witness these UNESCO mosaics in Ravenna myself so while recently exploring the region of Emilia Romagna, I took a day trip from Bologna out to Ravenna to soak up its essense block by block...
- [Meet the coolest mosaic artist in Ravenna, Italy](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/europe/meet-the-coolest-mosaic-artist-in-ravenna-italy/) - Meet Luca Barberini, arguably the coolest mosaic artist in Ravenna. He is taking an old medium and transforming it into fresh and modern art...
- [Postcard: Biker priest in Modena, Italy](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/europe/postcard-biker-priest-in-modena-italy/) - I ran into this wonderful priest in Modena, Italy, in a helmet about to hop on his bike and whizz off while still in his robe...
- [Postcard: Storefront with personality in Cesenatico](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/europe/postcard-storefront-with-personality-in-cesenatico/) - While roaming around the seaside community of Cesenatico, I ran into this vibrant storeowner chatting away with a local customer...
- [Postcard: Hietalahti Market Hall in Helsinki, Finland](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/europe/postcard-hietalahti-market-hall-helsinki-finland/) - Opened in 1903, the The Hietalahti Market Hall in Helsinki, Finland, has 116 wooden shops which were designed by architect Selim A. Lindqvist...
- [Öland: Why Swedes don’t leave Sweden during summer](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/europe/oland-why-swedes-dont-leave-sweden-during-summer/) - If you’ve ever wondered: What is summer like in Sweden?... Well, here are some photos from Öland...
- [A Day in Bremen](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/europe/day-trip-to-bremen/) - While spending time in the city of Hamburg, I took a day trip to Bremen. Here are my thoughts and photos...
- [Postcard: Feskekörka in Gothenburg #CulinarySweden](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/europe/fish-market-in-gothenburg/) - A historic landmark and market since 1874, Feskekörka (“Fish Church”) is an iconic fish market in Gothenburg where you'll find fishmongers peddling whole salmon, giant chunks of tuna, cod fillets, langoustines, crawfish, fresh crabs, pickled herring, and anything else that once swam or scurried across the ocean floor in an old church building...
- [Postcard: Horseback riding at Bar Beach, Lagos](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/africa/postcard-horseback-riding-at-bar-beach-lagos/) - Located along Victoria Island on Ahmadu Bellow Way, Bar Beach is the most famous beach in Lagos, Nigeria...
- [Postcard: Ankara vendors at Balogun Market, Lagos](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/africa/postcard-ankara-vendors-at-balogun-market-lagos/) - You can earn major bragging rights by navigating this see-it-to-believe it maze of an open market called Balogun in the heart of Lagos...
- [Postcard: Selling sculptures at Lekki Market, Lagos](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/africa/postcard-selling-sculptures-at-lekki-market-lagos/) - Locally called “Jakande” market after slum buildings in the area, here in this small tucked-away market are stalls upon stalls of artisans selling beads, textiles, handmade crafts, paintings, masks, woodcarvings, and other cultural artifacts...
- [Postcard: Palm trees at sunset in Lagos](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/africa/postcard-palm-trees-at-sunset-in-lagos/) - This is one of my personal favorite sunsets in Lagos taken along the Lekki Peninsular...
- [20 interior landscape photos of Mauritius](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/africa/landscape-photos-of-mauritius/) - I wanted to share about 20 landscape photos of Mauritius, especially its interior rolling hills and lush greenery. The cloudy day added a lot of drama to each landscape shot and the fields of sugarcane and pineapple...
- [Postcard: Offline on Öland](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/latest-news/postcard-offline-on-oland/) - Currently offline on Öland...
- [Latest News – A New Beginning](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/latest-news/latest-news-new-beginning/) - Spending time away from my desk with my loved ones is always that quick realignment I need to refocus on what’s important and what really isn’t. Like I'm beginning anew...
- [Just back: The fisherman's life #CulinarySweden](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/europe/fishing-in-west-sweden/) - My introduction to fishing in West Sweden. It's been awhile since I've felt the cool chill of ocean spray splash across my face, drenching me with saltwater...
- [Snapshot: Omar McKenzie](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/snapshot/snapshot-omar-mckenzie/) - After being laid off in 2009, Omar McKenzie and a friend began a nightlife marketing website in which technical and photography abilities were required...
- [Notes on Zainab and finding talent in corners](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/africa/shopping-in-lagos-nigeria/) - It was during my quest for traditional artwork that I stumbled across Zainab’s store. In a small corner of Lekki Market (also known as Jakande Market) where you can go shopping in Lagos, Nigeria...
- [Snapshot: Nolan W. McCants](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/snapshot/snapshot-nolan-w-mccants/) - Nolan W. McCants, an award winning photographer, had his initial encounter with photography in his 6th grade dark room class.
- [Exploring Stockholm for free](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/europe/exploring-stockholm-for-free/) - Head over to my editorial site, Slow Travel Stockholm, for the full list of museums, tours, concerts, events, and more including insider tips, for exploring Stockholm on the cheap...
- [Snapshot: Fidel Che Hart](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/snapshot/snapshot-fidel-che-hart/) - Photographer Fidel Che Hart grew up primarily in Columbus, Ohio. In 2007, while working as a mortgage loan officer in Southern California, he decided to recapture his adolescent love of photography and thus purchased a Nikon D80 prior to a trip to Sedona, Arizona...
- [Snapshot: Dana Carmel Bell](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/snapshot/snapshot-dana-carmel-bell/) - Dana Carmel Bell is a world traveler and cultural explorer who's passionate about voluntourism and affordable luxury...
- [Photos - Inside the Kitchen at Four Seasons Washington](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/partner-reviews/photos-inside-kitchen-four-seasons-washington/) - I recently worked on a photo essay for Four Seasons' Taste blog where I got to go behind the scenes of their award-winning Bourbon Steak restaurant at Four Seasons Washington, meet the team and get a snapshot into their everyday lives in the kitchen.
- [Latest News: Heading to South Africa with National Geographic Channel](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/latest-news/latest-news-heading-to-south-africa-with-national-geographic-channel/) - I'm beyond stoked, grateful, and honored to share with you all that I'm heading to South Africa with National Geographic Channel to shoot "Through The Lens" ...
- [Summary - My view of South Africa in photos and stories](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/latest-news/summary-my-view-of-south-africa-in-a-few-stories/) - Trying to sum up my experience in South Africa with National Geographic Channel feels impossible.
- [Snapshot: Wonuola Lawal](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/snapshot/snapshot-wonuola-lawal/) - Wonuola Lawal is a photographer born in Lagos, Nigeria. Her love of photography started off as a hobby where she would capture things in her environment for fun but it has progressed overtime to something she takes seriously...
- [Photo Tip: Embrace harsh light with patterns and spotlights](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/phototips/photo-tip-working-with-harsh-light/) - Here are two quick photo tips I use for working with harsh light when photographing during the day.
- [Snapshot: Stace Hamilton](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/snapshot/snapshot-stace-hamilton/) - Stace Hamilton has been a photographer for two years and currently lives in Boston, Massachusetts. She has always been a very creative person and never thought that her creativity as a young girl would transpire into her being a professional photographer...
- [Work Update: My photographs and a certain yellow frame](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/latest-news/work-update-my-photographs-and-a-certain-yellow-frame/) - The photograph above of Siberian Huskies in Swedish Lapland is currently being featured as a double-page "Big Picture" spread in the current Jan/Feb 2012 issue of National Geographic Traveller (see feature), and I almost passed out when the assistant art director sent me my PDF copy.
- [My Focus Word for 2015](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/latest-news/focus-word-2015/) - Every year, I pick out a focus word. A word that governs various aspects of my life that year in lieu of resolutions...
- [Notes on one of my most controversial photos](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/asia/notes-one-controversial-photos/) - So I was traveling through Cambodia as a photojournalist with a nonprofit organization...
- [Photo Gallery: Following natural light in Mauritius](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/latest-news/photo-gallery-following-natural-light-mauritius/) - I've finally edited photos from my recent trip to Mauritius...
- [Photo Tip: Put famous landmarks out of focus](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/phototips/photo-tip-put-famous-landmarks-out-of-focus/) - One of my personal favorite photo tips when traveling around a city known for its famous landmarks is to actually ignore those landmarks...
- [Snapshot: Kemkem Casinelli](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/snapshot/snapshot-kemkem-casinelli/) - Kemkem Casinelli is a travel photographer and lifestyle blogger...
- [Latest News: Migration in Sweden and more articles](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/latest-news/latest-news-migration-in-sweden-and-more-articles/) - So excited to share one of my latest projects with Sweden.se - A huge multimedia project that chronicles migration in Sweden.
- [Snapshot: Jean Luc Dushime](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/snapshot/snapshot-jean-luc-dushime/) - Jean Luc Dushime is a professional photographer and multimedia producer. Born in Rwanda, grew up between the D.R.Congo and the Republic of Congo and now resides in the US.
- [Photo Tip: Photographing children while traveling](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/phototips/photo-tip-photographing-children-while-traveling/) - Being sensitive to how you approach and interact with locals is crucial to photographing children while traveling...
- [Snapshot: Endia Beal](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/snapshot/snapshot-endia-beal/) - Endia Beal is a North Carolina based artist, educator and activist, who is internationally known for her photographic narratives and video testimonies that examine the personal, yet contemporary stories of marginalized communities and individuals...
- [Latest News - Montenegro in National Geographic Traveller](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/latest-news/latest-news-montenegro-in-national-geographic-traveller/) - I currrently have an eight-page photo spread on the towns of Kotor and Budva in Montenegro in the April 2015 issue of National Geographic Traveller (UK Edition) which is currently on newsstands now.
- [Photo Tip: Adding depth with leading lines](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/phototips/photo-tip-adding-depth-with-leading-lines/) - Leading lines within an image create the impression of a third dimension by adding depth visually.
- [Photos: The Intimacy Project](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/latest-news/photos-intimacy-project/) - My personal definition of intimacy means giving your full and undivided attention to a person. And there is something intimate and familiar about a downward glance. It’s a warmer, more inviting look that communicates acknowledgement and attention...
- [Snapshot: Shaikha Al Khayyal](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/snapshot/snapshot-shaikha-al-khayyal/) - Photographer Shaikha Al Khayyal is an Emirati marketeer with over 10 years of experience in events and sponsorship management. She is currently living in Abu Dhabi, and pursuing her graduate studies in Tourism and Cultural Communication...
- [On celebrating career milestones and inching closer to dreams](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/latest-news/on-celebrating-career-milestones-and-inching-closer-to-dreams/) - My dreams scared the daylights out of me when I was about 11 or 12. They scared me because they were wild, idealistic, borderline delusional and as unattainable as dreams could be.
- [Photo Tip: Gauging proximity to capture sense of lifestyle](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/phototips/photo-tip-gauging-proximity-capture-sense-lifestyle/) - What makes a travel portrait different is that it gives viewers a sense of place as well so always try to capture some of the background...
- [Photos: The Solitude Project](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/latest-news/photos-solitude-project/) - So this year, I’ll be working on several personal projects and this is one of them that will be curated from existing and new work...
- [Snapshot: Bel Kambach](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/snapshot/snapshot-bel-kambach/) - Professor and photographer Bel Kambach was born and raised in the Caribbean. Having explored over 100 countries, she developed an early love for the ocean while growing up near the seashore and exploring beaches of the region.
- [Infographic: The World Through a Lens - Photography Tips](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/latest-news/infographic-world-lens-photography-tips/) - Honored to join fellow travel photographers Dave Bouskill of The Planet D and Kirsten Alana of Aviators and a Camera in sharing a few photography tips in partnership with Fairmont Hotels...
- [Photo Tip: Isolate complementary pops of color](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/phototips/photo-tip-isolate-complementary-pops-color/) - The photo above is of Leopold, a Seychellois fisherman, who I spent some time fishing with on assignment. Your eyes are immediately drawn to the yellow-orangeish water jug he is carrying. If that water jug had been a different color - say white or even blue - it won't have popped out a lot more in the photo...
- [Snapshot: Karen Walrond](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/snapshot/snapshot-karen-walrond/) - Karen Walrond is a nationally-recognized author and photographer who inspires others to find and celebrate their own uniqueness, through the power of storytelling...
- [Snapshot: Lebawit Lily Girma](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/snapshot/snapshot-lebawit-lily-girma/) - Lebawit Lily Girma is a travel photographer, writer and author of two Belize titles for Moon Travel Guides...
- [Snapshot: Erick Prince-Heaggans](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/snapshot/snapshot-erick-prince-heaggans/) - Erick Prince-Heaggans is the creative force behind MinorityNomad.com...
- [Photo Tip: How to create depth in landscape photos](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/phototips/photo-tip-create-depth-landscape-photos/) - To successfully capture a memorable landscape photo, you need to study various perspectives and vantage points from which you can shoot a particular outdoor scene...
- [Snapshot: Bessie Akuba](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/snapshot/snapshot-bessie-akuba/) - Bessie A. Winn-Afeku is a wanderlusting photographer, storyteller, and creative consultant.
- [Latest News and Updates - Portraits and Photo Tips](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/latest-news/latest-news-updates-portraits-photo-tips/) - I realize it's been awhile since I've posted what I've been working on the last few weeks. I usually round up latest publications, editorial contributions, and such. One of my latest photo shoots was for Electrolux which is a large multinational company based in Sweden...
- [Photo Composition Tip: How to Capture Sense of Place](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/phototips/photo-tip-capture-sense-of-place/) - With regards to travel photography, everyone talks about "sense of place".
- [Photo Composition Tip: Simplest Explanation of Rule of Thirds](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/phototips/photo-composition-tip-simplest-explanation-of-rule-of-thirds/) - The biggest composition issue I constantly see is poor framing of the subject. One of the simplest yet tricky to grasp concepts of photography is what is called Rule of Thirds.
- [Photo Composition Tip: Get relaxed portraits in seconds](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/phototips/photo-composition-tip-get-relaxed-travel-portraits-seconds/) - Here are two surefire tips that have helped me get decent travel portraits in very little time.
- [Photo Tip: Capturing ordinary moments in travel photography](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/phototips/photo-tip-capturing-ordinary-moments-travel-photography/) - People often feel that to be taken seriously as a travel photographer, they need to scale Mount Everest, camp out on hanging tents off sheer rock faces, deep sea dive with sharks, and go to the extreme in every way to get noticed...
- [Photo Tip: Look for natural light rays…Then wait](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/phototips/photo-composition-tip-look-rays-natural-lightthen-wait/) - Personally, I always use natural light and this means always scouting for sources of light like rays streaming through windows and doorway cracks, sunbeams being reflected off surfaces, low light from oven fires, golden light at sunrise, blue hour light just after sunset…
- [Photo Tip: For night photos, focus on a single light source](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/phototips/photo-tip-night-photos-focus-single-light-source/) - Some of the most enchanting images while traveling can be taken at night yet taking decent night shots remains a constant challenge for most photographers...
- [Snapshot: Ruby Melton](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/snapshot/snapshot-ruby-melton/) - Ruby Melton has a B. S. in Business Management from Delaware State University and is an avid language learner, volunteer, adventure seeker and travel photographer...
- [Snapshot: Felicia Shelton](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/snapshot/snapshot-felicia-shelton/) - Snapshot Interview: Felicia Shelton is a travel and lifestyle photographer who has been featured in Harper's Bazaar and has contributed to Travel and Leisure, Tom Dixon's book The Interior World of Tom Dixon, Shopikon and Caravane.fr...
- [Notes + Photos from Stockholm Travel Massive](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/latest-news/notes-photos-stockholm-travel-massive/) - Stockholm’s second Travel Massive was held on August 29, 2014 at the recently opened HTL Hotels Kungsgatan.
- [Latest News and Updates – Cleaning house on all fronts](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/latest-news/latest-news-updates-cleaning-house-fronts/) - It’s been awhile since I’ve put up an update post. It feels like I’ve been buried under work, but in all honesty, I’ve been cleaning house on all fronts professionally...
- [Photo Gallery: Snapshots from the Seychelles](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/latest-news/photo-gallery-snapshots-seychelles/) - I’ve finally edited photos from my recent trip to the Seychelles and you can find the full gallery in my image bank.
- [Dear Annikki - On celebrating life-long friendships](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/family-travel/dear-annikki-life-long-friendships/) - Did you ever have a penpal? Were you able to reconnect and rekindle your friendship later in life?
- [Travel Narrative - Fake Birds](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/latest-news/travel-narrative-fake-birds/) - This travel piece from Peru was awarded the bronze award in the “Travel and Shopping” category of the 8th Annual Solas Awards for Travel Writing by Travelers Tales.
- [Special Post: Please Help Ify Get Well](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/inspiration/special-post-please-help-ify-get-well/) - Our friend, Ify Ofulue, is currently dealing with several chronic health conditions and the doctors have so far been unable to find the root cause. Please join us in this effort to get her well!
- [Latest News - In Bumblebee Mode](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/latest-news/latest-news-bumblebee-mode/) - Here's some latest news for this last quarter of 2013
- [Dispatch from Stockholm Literature Festival](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/europe/dispatch-stockholm-literature-festival/) - The Stockholm Literature Festival was held over two days – October 26-27 – at Stockholm’s Moderna Museet located on the island of Skeppholmen,
- [Just Back: The Balkans and Latest News](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/latest-news/back-balkans-latest-news/) - Just back from a whirlwind trip through the Balkans...
- [Finding My Release in Morocco](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/africa/finding-my-release-in-morocco/) - You see, Morocco demands multiple trips. It requires you as a traveler to come over and over again, to get beneath its rich culture...
- [Postcard: Fisherman and ripples in a lake - Cambodia](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/asia/postcard-fisherman-on-a-still-lake-in-cambodia/) - View more photos from Cambodia in my image bank
- [Postcard: Mother and child in Cambodia](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/asia/postcard-mother-and-child-in-cambodia/) - View more photos from Cambodia in my image bank
- [Postcard: The Royal Palace in Phnom Penh, Cambodia](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/asia/postcard-the-royal-palace-in-phnom-penh-cambodia/) - View more photographs from Cambodia in my image bank
- [Postcard: The running monk in Cambodia](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/asia/postcard-the-running-monk-in-cambodia/) - I came upon this scene of monks in Phnom Penh, Cambodia and just had to take the photo.
- [Speaking about storytelling through photography at #TBEX](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/latest-news/speaking-about-storytelling-through-photography-at-tbex/) - This session is for any blogger who is serious about taking their travel photography to the next level regardless of equipment and whose willing to consider practical and interesting offbeat tips for photography.
- [Postcard: Cruising the Mekong in Cambodia](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/asia/postcard-cruising-the-mekong-in-cambodia/) - View more photographs from Cambodia in my image bank.
- [Postcard: Speaking beyond words in Cambodia](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/asia/postcard-speaking-beyond-words-in-cambodia/) - This woman and I spoke no common language when I was visiting her village in Krang Yaw, Cambodia. She spent a few minutes explaining what she was doing and how her day was going, and I understood every word.
- [ITB Berlin Files: Focus on Africa](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/latest-news/itb-berlin-files-focus-on-africa/) - As expected, the Africa section of ITB Berlin didn't disappoint with vibrant colors, gyrating dancers, food samples, and wide grins. Clichéd or not, I didn't want to leave the hall.
- [ITB Berlin Files: Focus on Kazakhstan](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/latest-news/itb-berlin-files-focus-on-kazakhstan/) - I've always been interested in Kazakhstan ever since my uncle spent a couple years there living and working for a US agency.
- [ITB Berlin Files: Portraits - All about the people](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/latest-news/itb-berlin-files-portraits-all-about-the-people/) - Here are just a few portraits I took while roaming around the massive space and experience that was ITB Berlin.
- [ITB Berlin Files: The business of travel](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/latest-news/itb-berlin-files-photos-the-business-of-travel/) - I just got back from the "world's largest travel trade show" called ITB Berlin...
- [Postcard: Life around KwaZulu-Natal's rolling hills](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/latest-news/postcard-life-around-kwazulu-natals-rolling-hills/) - Snapshots from life around Eshowe and KwaZulu-Natal's lush rolling hills in South Africa.
- [Postcard: Learning high kicks from Zulu dancers](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/latest-news/postcard-learning-high-kicks-with-zulu-dancers/) - Yes, I attempted high kicks alongside the Zulu dancers. No, I didn't attempt them successfully. And yes, it was all caught on tape and might be in the final video.
- [Work Update: How 2012 went as a freelancer [Pie Chart]](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/latest-news/work-update-how-2012-went-as-a-freelancer-pie-chart/) - This exercise has not only helped me grow as a freelancer by opening my eyes to what primarily works, but has provided a way of being transparent from my end in terms of how life truly is as a freelancer
- [Gothenburg Files - Inside Håkan's kitchen](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/partner-reviews/gothenburg-files-inside-hakans-kitchen/) - I was here reviewing Thörnströms Kök, a highly respected Gothenburg culinary fixture run by Chef Håkan Thörnström. Curiosity led me right behind the scenes into his kitchen.
- [Field Notes - Meeting Durban's surfers at Moyo](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/latest-news/field-notes-meeting-durbans-surfers-at-moyo/) - The sight of surfers waiting patiently at the tip of the pier, scanning for waves forming out at sea.
- [Postcard - To the talented South Africa TTL team...](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/latest-news/postcard-to-the-talented-south-africa-ttl-team/) - I've got about three more South Africa posts planned - surfers in durban, Zulu dancing, and a summary of how South Africa touched me...
- [Profiles: Meet Londy Simelane, South African model](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/latest-news/profiles-meet-londy-south-african-model/) - Meet Londiwe "Londy" Simelane; a South African beauty I got to spend some time with while in Durban...
- [Field Notes - Dennis the Menace and mounds of Indian spices](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/latest-news/field-notes-dennis-the-menace-and-mounds-of-indian-spices/) - That was how Dennis introduced himself as we invaded his aromatic spice stall at the Indian spice market in Durban.
- [Profiles: Meet Walter and Alphous, Rickshaw drivers along Durban's Golden Mile](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/latest-news/postcards-rickshaws-along-the-golden-mile-in-durban/) - Meet Walter and Alphous, rickshaw drivers along Durban's Golden Mile
- [Postcard: Durban beachfront at dusk](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/latest-news/postcard-durban-beachfront-at-dusk/) - Sunset scenes from Durban in South Africa - In partnership with National Geographic
- [Field Notes - Touching down to Rooibos tea in Johannesburg + Tips for Durban](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/latest-news/field-notes-touching-down-to-rooibos-tea-in-johannesburg/) - The warm spicy waft of fresh South African Rooibos red tea was just the jolt I needed.
- [Gothenburg Files - Deconstructing tradition at Familjen](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/partner-reviews/gothenburg-files-deconstructing-tradition-at-familjen/) - This deconstructed updated version gave me a brief insight into Familjen's style of cooking...
- [Snapshot: Playing with Topaz Labs and 60,000+ images](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/partner-reviews/snapshot-playing-with-topaz-labs-and-60000-images/) - I've also been playing around with Topaz Labs' photo editing tools a bit and will share some before and after shots as I start working through the archives.
- [Work Updates: Latest publication news](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/latest-news/work-updates-latest-publication-news/) - Publication roundup of my latest work and published pieces over the last six months.
- [Traveling with baby: Staying with HomeAway in London](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/partner-reviews/traveling-with-baby-staying-with-homeaway-in-london/) - So logically, I started looking into short-term apartments and reached out to HomeAway to review one of the properties listed on their site. HomeAway is one of the largest online marketplaces for vacation rentals with over 700,000 listings in 168 countries. Quite impressive on paper.

## Pages

- [Landing page](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/) - PORTFOLIO THE BLOG
- [Books](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/books/) - Even though I've contributed to several books over the years, welcome to my selection of books which I've authored so far. I would absolutely love you all to pick up a copy in support. Thanks so much and keep your lights shining brightly. JOHAN For fans of IN EVERY MIRROR SHE’S BLACK and EVERYTHING IS
- [About Lola](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/about/) - BEST WAY TO REACH ME: For books, I am represented by Jessica Craig at Craig Literary. For book-related press, publicity, and interviews, email team@geotravelermedia.com For Film/TV rights (represented by WME), please email Jessica Craig at Craig Literary For commissions, speaking requests, or collaborations, email team@geotravelermedia.com Born in Nigeria. Educated in the United States. Based in
- [Work with me](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/contact/) - I would love to hear from you if you'd like to work with me and here are a couple ways to reach out as well as request my latest media kit. BEST WAY TO REACH ME: For books, I am represented by Jessica Craig at Craig Literary. For book-related press, publicity, and interviews, email team@geotravelermedia.com
- [blog](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/blog/) - The first set of ÅFRÖFÍNN images In June, I was in Helsinki, Finland, where I was shooting the pilot of ÅFRÖFÍNN... READ MORE » Life post-divorce Divorce is a messy process of grieving what could have been... READ MORE » Sneak peek – The first set of ÅFRÖNỌ̀RSK images I’m still trying to put this
- [Welcome, Travel Dreams Bundle Friends!](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/travel-dreams-bundle/) - Welcome to my 2018 Lowell Thomas Gold Award Winner for "Best Travel Book" In the 1990s, I had an encounter with a book. A map. In a geography class in Nigeria. My eyes followed lines. Latitudes. Longitudes. The Greenwich Meridian. The Tropics of Cancer and Capricorn. My eyes went north. They rested on a point
- [Image bank from over 70+ countries](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/photos/) - In addition to my photographs which are sold through the exclusive National Geographic Creative image collection, I also maintain an image bank of photographs from 70+ countries which is continually updated with new photos which you can view. Click on the image below to launch my image bank.[fullscreen][/fullscreen]
- [City Personalities](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/city-personalities/) - I often associate human characteristics with cities I visit. Of course, putting aside the fact that they’re chock-full of living human beings who fuel certain stereotypes, I feel out cities through human temperaments. These I call my (very subjective) "city personalities". Edinburgh feels like a moody melancholic gentleman filled with more talent than he can
- [Gear + Wish List](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/gear-list/) - CURRENT GEAR I don't consider myself a gear-head who is always chasing the latest models and versions of electronics because I believe you can compose and create absolutely beautiful photographs with whatever equipment you have. That said, since I do this professionally, I've put together a list of cameras and lenses I currently own. I
- [Publications](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/articles/) - [Special Photo Publications] BBC - July 2010 | June 2010 New York Times - May 2010 Expressen (Swedish Newspaper) - July 2010 British Vogue - February 2009 Smithsonian Journeys - Treasures of Peru CITY Magazine - Issue 59 (Bermuda) Friendship, Family, Love & Laughter - (Fresh M.I.L.K) Indie Travel Podcast Magzine - (Issue One) Pology
- [For travel inspiration: 50 best travel quotes](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/50-best-travel-quotes/) - Here are the 50 best travel quotes to inspire your wanderlust. 1. “Travel is fatal to prejudice, bigotry, and narrow-mindedness.” – Mark Twain 2. “The world is a book and those who do not travel read only one page.” – St. Augustine 3. “There are no foreign lands. It is the traveler only who is
- [Photography](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/photography/) - SPECIAL PROJECTS BBC 2010 Down By The Jetty (Nigeria) 2010 Children of the Lagoon (Nigeria) Swedish Red Cross/IFRC 2010 Skärholmen Environment (Sweden) 2010 Pakistan Hockey Fundraiser (Sweden) 2010 Dementia Caretakers Camp (Sweden) 2010 Stockholm Pride Festival(Sweden) Fire Republic 2008 Fall Fashion Shoot (USA) Personal Projects Sámi Portraits (Swedish Lapland) In search of Ankara (Nigeria) Portraits:
- [Awards](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/notables/) - [ Writing Awards] 2011 Solas Awards - Best in Travel Writing Silver Award - Travel and Food - Sweet Pillows (Portugal) 2010 NATJA - Category 140: Local Lifestyle (Internet) Silver Award - “Back to Sender” - Matador Network North American Travel Journalists Association (NATJA) 2010 NATJA - Category 120: Local Lifestyle (Print) Bronze Award -

## Categories

- [Travel Narratives](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/travel/)
- [Latin America + Caribbean](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/latin-americacarribbean/) - This section spotlights travel experiences, articles, and photography covering places and regions I’ve explored in South America as well as the Caribbean.
- [North America](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/north-america/) - This section spotlights travel experiences, articles, and photography covering places and regions I’ve explored in the United States and Canada.
- [Oceania + Pacific](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/oceaniapacific/) - This section spotlights travel experiences, articles, and photography covering places and regions I’ve explored in Australia, New Zealand, Fiji, and other islands of the South Pacific.
- [Reviews + Partnerships](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/partner-reviews/) - Specific product reviews and brand partnerships are chronicled under this section.
- [Snapshot Interviews](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/snapshot/) - The “Snapshots” series are mini interviews with fellow black travel photographers to inspire others and myself. As I’ve navigated the world of travel photography over the last few years, I’ve found very few fellow photographers of color who are also doing this professionally with a heavy focus on travel documentary. So this inspirational resource of professional travel photographers of color is a way for people to always find us.
- [Photo Tips](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/phototips/) - A collection of interesting photo tips to help you think creatively while composing photographs during your travels.
- [Latest News](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/latest-news/) - This sections includes current news on projects and campaigns I’m working on including notable news like announcements of awards and partnerships with major brands.
- [Inspiration + Giving Back](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/inspiration/) - This section covers volunteer experiences, charity campaigns, and partnerships that revolve around giving back to communities and altruism.
- [Africa](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/africa/) - This section spotlights travel experiences, articles, and photography covering places and regions I’ve explored in Africa.
- [Asia](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/asia/) - This section spotlights travel experiences, articles, and photography covering places and regions I’ve explored in Asia – from Southeast Asia to central Asia and more.
- [Europe](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/europe/) - This section spotlights travel experiences, articles, and photography covering places and regions I’ve explored in all parts of Europe – North, South, East, and West.
- [Family Travel](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/family-travel/) - From tips and tricks for maintaining sanity while traveling with the family to specific travel experiences and reviewing products tailored to family travel.
- [Middle East](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/middle-east/)

## Tags

- [Photography](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/tag/photography/)
- [Freelancing](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/tag/freelancing/)
- [Life Lessons](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/tag/life-lessons/)
- [Food](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/tag/food/)
- [Events](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/tag/events/)
- [Campaigns](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/tag/campaigns/)
- [Projects](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/tag/projects/)
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- [History](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/tag/history/)
- [Adventure](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/tag/adventure/)
- [Thanksgiving](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/tag/thanksgiving/)
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- [Travel](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/tag/travel/)
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- [Ad](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/tag/ad/)
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- [Nicaragua](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/tag/nicaragua/)
- [Wales](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/tag/wales/)
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- [United States](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/tag/united-states/)
- [Spain](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/tag/spain/)
- [Hungary](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/tag/hungary/)
- [Portugal](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/tag/portugal/)
- [Scotland](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/tag/scotland/)
- [France](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/tag/france/)
- [Norway](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/tag/norway/)
- [Africa](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/tag/africa/)
- [Japan](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/tag/japan/)
- [North Pole](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/tag/north-pole/)
- [India](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/tag/india/)
- [Stromboli](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/tag/stromboli/)
- [Giveaway](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/tag/giveaway/)
- [Books](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/tag/books/)
- [Tibet](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/tag/tibet/)
- [Ireland](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/tag/ireland/)
- [Austria](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/tag/austria/)
- [Sicily](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/tag/sicily/)
- [Denmark](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/tag/denmark/)
- [Greece](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/tag/greece/)
- [Hong Kong](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/tag/hong-kong/)
- [Tanzania](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/tag/tanzania/)
- [Collaboration](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/tag/collaboration/)
- [Uzbekistan](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/tag/uzbekistan/)
- [Montenegro](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/tag/montenegro/)
- [Albania](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/tag/albania/)
- [Bosnia-Hercegovina](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/tag/bosnia-hercegovina/)
- [Serbia](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/tag/serbia/)
- [Bulgaria](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/tag/bulgaria/)
- [Germany](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/tag/germany/)
- [Writing](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/tag/writing/)
- [Winter](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/tag/winter/)
- [Northern Ireland](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/tag/northern-ireland/)
- [Belfast](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/tag/belfast/)
- [Career](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/tag/career/)
- [Costa Brava](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/tag/costa-brava/)
- [Wellbeing](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/tag/wellbeing/)
- [Outdoors](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/tag/outdoors/)
- [Nature](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/tag/nature/)
- [Aruba](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/tag/aruba/)
- [Spa](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/tag/spa/)
- [Sailing](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/tag/sailing/)
- [Family](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/tag/family/)
- [Tradition](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/tag/tradition/)
- [Turkey](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/tag/turkey/)
- [Speaking](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/tag/speaking/)
- [TED Talk](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/tag/ted-talk/)
- [Mentorship](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/tag/mentorship/)
- [Women](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/tag/women/)
- [Confidence](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/tag/confidence/)
- [Inspiration](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/tag/inspiration/)
- [Academy](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/tag/academy/)
- [Storytelling](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/tag/storytelling/)
- [Entrepreneurship](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/tag/entrepreneurship/)
- [Business](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/tag/business/)
- [Growth](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/tag/growth/)
- [Publishing](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/tag/publishing/)
- [Reflections](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/tag/reflections/)
- [Purpose](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/tag/purpose/)
- [Focus Word](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/tag/focus-word/)
- [Offline](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/tag/offline/)
- [Partnership](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/tag/partnership/)
- [Hasselblad](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/tag/hasselblad/)
- [Publicity](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/tag/publicity/)
- [Fine Art](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/tag/fine-art/)
- [Exhibition](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/tag/exhibition/)
- [Divorce](https://www.lolaakinmade.com/tag/divorce/)