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Lola Akinmade
  • Photos
  • Books
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    • Blog
    • Latest News
    • Reviews + Partnerships
    • Travel Narratives
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    • Asia
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    • Latin America + Caribbean
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Category: Oceania + Pacific

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.

Travel Narrative – Fijian Rose

by Lola AkinmadeOceania + Pacific, Travel NarrativesPosted on December 5, 2013July 27, 2023Comments are Disabled

Occasionally, I’ll be sharing pieces of travel narratives I’ve written but never found a home publication for.

My Travel Book

DUE NORTH by Lola A. Åkerström

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  • ”My city is an overtly sensory one. It can be defined in the steady drones of ferries cutting the dark waters of the Baltic Sea, and the plinking of bicycle bells warning it’s time to step aside. In summer there’s swimming in skin-tinglingly cool lakes and bays (swimsuit optional), tearing off sourdough and dipping it into saffron-fragrant seafood stews, slurping juices from blush-pink langoustines and singing folk songs off-key at backyard kräftskivor parties...” Excited to share my @condenasttraveller feature on Stockholm and summer around the archipelago in the May/June 2025 issue. Sharing contributor space with actress @jennifercoolidge wasn’t on my bingo card. She is the epitome of making a major comeback later in life and I fully receive this message. Special thanks to @ntobyskinner for the assignment, Richard Jordan for the fab edits, and @jennyzarins for the lovely photos. Be sure to pick up the May/June 2025 issue - https://www.cntraveller.com/subscribe #stockholm #visitstockholm #archipelago #travelwriting #sweden #womenintravel #travel
  • Happy Easter. He is risen 🙏🏾❤️ I remember taking this photo on a stormy evening in Latvia’s oldest town, Ludza. Every year, it serves as a reminder of the price that was paid for the grace I enjoy today 🙏🏾 #easter #jesus #heisrisenindeed #grace #christian
  • The best mail 💙🧡 Thank you @williammorrowbooks for the advance reader copies of the US/North America edition of @bitterhoneybook out Nov 4! #bitterhoney #bitterhoneybook #bookstagram #bookmail #lolaakinmade #lolaakinmadeakerstrom
  • Weekly live… Counting down to the release of BITTER HONEY on May 17 from @headofzeus! 💙🧡 Please pre-order your copy! 🙏🏾 - LINK IN PROFILE —- #books #bookstagram #bitterhoney #bitterhoneybook #lolaakinmade
  • As you know, I'm a big advocate for taking care of yourself holistically, especially mentally and emotionally. @Talathrive is an incredible platform that connects you with culturally competent therapists, executive coaches, and life coaches. I recently booked a session with an executive coach because I've been in this transition point career-wise, figuring out my next steps, and in under 45 minutes, got the clarity I needed that I've been spending months to get. Because I love the experience so much, they are giving a 50% discount to early testers of the system because we need to get your feedback. Here is the code to use at www.talathrive.com -> LOLAFANDF50 For a limited time offer, book your session and please give us more feedback on the platform. This was just an incredible opportunity to talk with an executive coach and get the clarity I needed on different dimensions - from age, culture, and just all levels. @Talathrive would love your feedback so book using this code at www.talathrive.com -> LOLAFANDF50 🧡 #mentalhealth #lifecoach #executivecoach #therapy #thrivenotjustsurvive #wellbeing #selfcare #growthmindset
  • What a whirlwind daytrip to Uppsala to speak at the Uppsala International Literature Festival. This year’s theme focused on Nigerian Literature 🇳🇬. I would have loved to attend all the events and lovely panels, but alas, life had other priorities this week. Thank you to everyone who came to my talk about Black bodies in a white world and so much more covering @ineverymirror, @notenough.book, and upcoming @bitterhoneybook. Thanks to esteemed journalist @mikaelalsafandi for such a dynamic conversation. Thank you @saghirkholod and the entire team behind @uppsalalittfest and @bibliotekuppsala for being such wonderful hosts and creating a safe space. Thanks to @bookshop_se for having my books for sale. Pre-order @bitterhoneybook through them if you’re based in Sweden. #Grateful #Always #literaryfestival #literature #uppsala #authortalk
  • Thank you all for the love and to everyone who sat for the project so far. This is for all of us 🙏🏾🫶🏽🩵💛 New photos coming soon! #Fotosalongen2025 #HasselbladFoundation #PhotographyExhibition #evadahlgren #paulinebenthede #paulhansen #draganavujanovicöstlind #hasselblad #lolaakinmade #afroswede #photography #socialimpact #womenintravel #culture #sweden #blackwomenphotographers #womenphotograph #africa
  • Over 5,000 submitted images Over 1,300 photographers Only 40 selected 1 grateful Nigerian-American-Swede ÅFRÖSWÈ̩DÉ̩ 💙 💛 My heart is full. Thank you @hasselbladfoundation! 🙏🏾 ------------------------------------------- From the Foundation - 🎉 ANNOUNCEMENT! We’re thrilled to reveal the 40 photographers selected for Sweden’s largest photography salon – Fotosalongen 2025 at Hasselblad Center! Out of more than 1,300 applicants and over 5,000 submitted images, the jury has handpicked a group of photographers whose works are powerful, moving, and full of story. 🗓️ Opens May 23 – through September 28 📍 Hasselblad Center, Gothenburg Jury 2025: Pauline Benthede – Global Vice President of Exhibitions, @fotografiska Eva Dahlgren @evgud – artist and passionate photographer Paul Hansen @paul_hansen64 – award-winning photojournalist at @dagens_nyheter Dragana Vujanović Östlind @dragana.vujanovic.ostlind – Chief Curator at the @Hasselblad Foundation and Jury Chair Let’s celebrate #photography in all its forms! #Fotosalongen2025 #HasselbladFoundation #PhotographyExhibition #evadahlgren #paulinebenthede #paulhansen #draganavujanovicöstlind #hasselblad #lolaakinmade #afroswede #photography #socialimpact #womenintravel #culture #sweden #blackwomenphotographers #womenphotograph #africa
  • Your voice matters. You matter always. Even if you feel undervalued and unappreciated 🙏🏾🫶🏽 Please support small business owners, myself included. ====================== Dear Lola, I came across your article in @cosmopolitan /@cosmopolitanuk and have to say that it felt like I was the one who wrote it. I am a West African woman, business owner in Sweden and I can not begin to describe how undervalued and unseen I feel in this country while at the same time feeling grateful and happy being here and owning a business. I had to start therapy to be able to cope… Anyways, I just wanted to thank you for saying out loud things no one wants to talk about in this country. Doris @orchideesthlm
View on Instagram
”My city is an overtly sensory one. It can be defined in the steady drones of ferries cutting the dark waters of the Baltic Sea, and the plinking of bicycle bells warning it’s time to step aside. In summer there’s swimming in skin-tinglingly cool lakes and bays (swimsuit optional), tearing off sourdough and dipping it into saffron-fragrant seafood stews, slurping juices from blush-pink langoustines and singing folk songs off-key at backyard kräftskivor parties...” Excited to share my @condenasttraveller feature on Stockholm and summer around the archipelago in the May/June 2025 issue. Sharing contributor space with actress @jennifercoolidge wasn’t on my bingo card. She is the epitome of making a major comeback later in life and I fully receive this message. Special thanks to @ntobyskinner for the assignment, Richard Jordan for the fab edits, and @jennyzarins for the lovely photos. Be sure to pick up the May/June 2025 issue - https://www.cntraveller.com/subscribe #stockholm #visitstockholm #archipelago #travelwriting #sweden #womenintravel #travel
”My city is an overtly sensory one. It can be defined in the steady drones of ferries cutting the dark waters of the Baltic Sea, and the plinking of bicycle bells warning it’s time to step aside. In summer there’s swimming in skin-tinglingly cool lakes and bays (swimsuit optional), tearing off sourdough and dipping it into saffron-fragrant seafood stews, slurping juices from blush-pink langoustines and singing folk songs off-key at backyard kräftskivor parties...” Excited to share my @condenasttraveller feature on Stockholm and summer around the archipelago in the May/June 2025 issue. Sharing contributor space with actress @jennifercoolidge wasn’t on my bingo card. She is the epitome of making a major comeback later in life and I fully receive this message. Special thanks to @ntobyskinner for the assignment, Richard Jordan for the fab edits, and @jennyzarins for the lovely photos. Be sure to pick up the May/June 2025 issue - https://www.cntraveller.com/subscribe #stockholm #visitstockholm #archipelago #travelwriting #sweden #womenintravel #travel
”My city is an overtly sensory one. It can be defined in the steady drones of ferries cutting the dark waters of the Baltic Sea, and the plinking of bicycle bells warning it’s time to step aside. In summer there’s swimming in skin-tinglingly cool lakes and bays (swimsuit optional), tearing off sourdough and dipping it into saffron-fragrant seafood stews, slurping juices from blush-pink langoustines and singing folk songs off-key at backyard kräftskivor parties...” Excited to share my @condenasttraveller feature on Stockholm and summer around the archipelago in the May/June 2025 issue. Sharing contributor space with actress @jennifercoolidge wasn’t on my bingo card. She is the epitome of making a major comeback later in life and I fully receive this message. Special thanks to @ntobyskinner for the assignment, Richard Jordan for the fab edits, and @jennyzarins for the lovely photos. Be sure to pick up the May/June 2025 issue - https://www.cntraveller.com/subscribe #stockholm #visitstockholm #archipelago #travelwriting #sweden #womenintravel #travel
”My city is an overtly sensory one. It can be defined in the steady drones of ferries cutting the dark waters of the Baltic Sea, and the plinking of bicycle bells warning it’s time to step aside. In summer there’s swimming in skin-tinglingly cool lakes and bays (swimsuit optional), tearing off sourdough and dipping it into saffron-fragrant seafood stews, slurping juices from blush-pink langoustines and singing folk songs off-key at backyard kräftskivor parties...” Excited to share my @condenasttraveller feature on Stockholm and summer around the archipelago in the May/June 2025 issue. Sharing contributor space with actress @jennifercoolidge wasn’t on my bingo card. She is the epitome of making a major comeback later in life and I fully receive this message. Special thanks to @ntobyskinner for the assignment, Richard Jordan for the fab edits, and @jennyzarins for the lovely photos. Be sure to pick up the May/June 2025 issue - https://www.cntraveller.com/subscribe #stockholm #visitstockholm #archipelago #travelwriting #sweden #womenintravel #travel
@lolaakinmade
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•
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”My city is an overtly sensory one. It can be defined in the steady drones of ferries cutting the dark waters of the Baltic Sea, and the plinking of bicycle bells warning it’s time to step aside. In summer there’s swimming in skin-tinglingly cool lakes and bays (swimsuit optional), tearing off sourdough and dipping it into saffron-fragrant seafood stews, slurping juices from blush-pink langoustines and singing folk songs off-key at backyard kräftskivor parties...” Excited to share my @condenasttraveller feature on Stockholm and summer around the archipelago in the May/June 2025 issue. Sharing contributor space with actress @jennifercoolidge wasn’t on my bingo card. She is the epitome of making a major comeback later in life and I fully receive this message. Special thanks to @ntobyskinner for the assignment, Richard Jordan for the fab edits, and @jennyzarins for the lovely photos. Be sure to pick up the May/June 2025 issue - https://www.cntraveller.com/subscribe #stockholm #visitstockholm #archipelago #travelwriting #sweden #womenintravel #travel
3 days ago
View on Instagram |
1/9
Happy Easter. He is risen 🙏🏾❤️ I remember taking this photo on a stormy evening in Latvia’s oldest town, Ludza. Every year, it serves as a reminder of the price that was paid for the grace I enjoy today 🙏🏾 #easter #jesus #heisrisenindeed #grace #christian
@lolaakinmade
@lolaakinmade
•
Follow
Happy Easter. He is risen 🙏🏾❤️ I remember taking this photo on a stormy evening in Latvia’s oldest town, Ludza. Every year, it serves as a reminder of the price that was paid for the grace I enjoy today 🙏🏾 #easter #jesus #heisrisenindeed #grace #christian
1 week ago
View on Instagram |
2/9
The best mail 💙🧡 Thank you @williammorrowbooks for the advance reader copies of the US/North America edition of @bitterhoneybook out Nov 4! #bitterhoney #bitterhoneybook #bookstagram #bookmail #lolaakinmade #lolaakinmadeakerstrom
The best mail 💙🧡 Thank you @williammorrowbooks for the advance reader copies of the US/North America edition of @bitterhoneybook out Nov 4! #bitterhoney #bitterhoneybook #bookstagram #bookmail #lolaakinmade #lolaakinmadeakerstrom
@lolaakinmade
@lolaakinmade
•
Follow
The best mail 💙🧡 Thank you @williammorrowbooks for the advance reader copies of the US/North America edition of @bitterhoneybook out Nov 4! #bitterhoney #bitterhoneybook #bookstagram #bookmail #lolaakinmade #lolaakinmadeakerstrom
2 weeks ago
View on Instagram |
3/9
@lolaakinmade
@lolaakinmade
•
Follow
Weekly live… Counting down to the release of BITTER HONEY on May 17 from @headofzeus! 💙🧡 Please pre-order your copy! 🙏🏾 - LINK IN PROFILE —- #books #bookstagram #bitterhoney #bitterhoneybook #lolaakinmade
3 weeks ago
View on Instagram |
4/9
@lolaakinmade
@lolaakinmade
•
Follow
As you know, I'm a big advocate for taking care of yourself holistically, especially mentally and emotionally. @Talathrive is an incredible platform that connects you with culturally competent therapists, executive coaches, and life coaches. I recently booked a session with an executive coach because I've been in this transition point career-wise, figuring out my next steps, and in under 45 minutes, got the clarity I needed that I've been spending months to get. Because I love the experience so much, they are giving a 50% discount to early testers of the system because we need to get your feedback. Here is the code to use at www.talathrive.com -> LOLAFANDF50 For a limited time offer, book your session and please give us more feedback on the platform. This was just an incredible opportunity to talk with an executive coach and get the clarity I needed on different dimensions - from age, culture, and just all levels. @Talathrive would love your feedback so book using this code at www.talathrive.com -> LOLAFANDF50 🧡 #mentalhealth #lifecoach #executivecoach #therapy #thrivenotjustsurvive #wellbeing #selfcare #growthmindset
3 weeks ago
View on Instagram |
5/9
What a whirlwind daytrip to Uppsala to speak at the Uppsala International Literature Festival. This year’s theme focused on Nigerian Literature 🇳🇬. I would have loved to attend all the events and lovely panels, but alas, life had other priorities this week. Thank you to everyone who came to my talk about Black bodies in a white world and so much more covering @ineverymirror, @notenough.book, and upcoming @bitterhoneybook. Thanks to esteemed journalist @mikaelalsafandi for such a dynamic conversation. Thank you @saghirkholod and the entire team behind @uppsalalittfest and @bibliotekuppsala for being such wonderful hosts and creating a safe space. Thanks to @bookshop_se for having my books for sale. Pre-order @bitterhoneybook through them if you’re based in Sweden. #Grateful #Always #literaryfestival #literature #uppsala #authortalk
@lolaakinmade
@lolaakinmade
•
Follow
What a whirlwind daytrip to Uppsala to speak at the Uppsala International Literature Festival. This year’s theme focused on Nigerian Literature 🇳🇬. I would have loved to attend all the events and lovely panels, but alas, life had other priorities this week. Thank you to everyone who came to my talk about Black bodies in a white world and so much more covering @ineverymirror, @notenough.book, and upcoming @bitterhoneybook. Thanks to esteemed journalist @mikaelalsafandi for such a dynamic conversation. Thank you @saghirkholod and the entire team behind @uppsalalittfest and @bibliotekuppsala for being such wonderful hosts and creating a safe space. Thanks to @bookshop_se for having my books for sale. Pre-order @bitterhoneybook through them if you’re based in Sweden. #Grateful #Always #literaryfestival #literature #uppsala #authortalk
4 weeks ago
View on Instagram |
6/9
@lolaakinmade
@lolaakinmade
•
Follow
Thank you all for the love and to everyone who sat for the project so far. This is for all of us 🙏🏾🫶🏽🩵💛 New photos coming soon! #Fotosalongen2025 #HasselbladFoundation #PhotographyExhibition #evadahlgren #paulinebenthede #paulhansen #draganavujanovicöstlind #hasselblad #lolaakinmade #afroswede #photography #socialimpact #womenintravel #culture #sweden #blackwomenphotographers #womenphotograph #africa
1 month ago
View on Instagram |
7/9
Over 5,000 submitted images Over 1,300 photographers Only 40 selected 1 grateful Nigerian-American-Swede ÅFRÖSWÈ̩DÉ̩ 💙 💛 My heart is full. Thank you @hasselbladfoundation! 🙏🏾 ------------------------------------------- From the Foundation - 🎉 ANNOUNCEMENT! We’re thrilled to reveal the 40 photographers selected for Sweden’s largest photography salon – Fotosalongen 2025 at Hasselblad Center! Out of more than 1,300 applicants and over 5,000 submitted images, the jury has handpicked a group of photographers whose works are powerful, moving, and full of story. 🗓️ Opens May 23 – through September 28 📍 Hasselblad Center, Gothenburg Jury 2025: Pauline Benthede – Global Vice President of Exhibitions, @fotografiska Eva Dahlgren @evgud – artist and passionate photographer Paul Hansen @paul_hansen64 – award-winning photojournalist at @dagens_nyheter Dragana Vujanović Östlind @dragana.vujanovic.ostlind – Chief Curator at the @Hasselblad Foundation and Jury Chair Let’s celebrate #photography in all its forms! #Fotosalongen2025 #HasselbladFoundation #PhotographyExhibition #evadahlgren #paulinebenthede #paulhansen #draganavujanovicöstlind #hasselblad #lolaakinmade #afroswede #photography #socialimpact #womenintravel #culture #sweden #blackwomenphotographers #womenphotograph #africa
Over 5,000 submitted images Over 1,300 photographers Only 40 selected 1 grateful Nigerian-American-Swede ÅFRÖSWÈ̩DÉ̩ 💙 💛 My heart is full. Thank you @hasselbladfoundation! 🙏🏾 ------------------------------------------- From the Foundation - 🎉 ANNOUNCEMENT! We’re thrilled to reveal the 40 photographers selected for Sweden’s largest photography salon – Fotosalongen 2025 at Hasselblad Center! Out of more than 1,300 applicants and over 5,000 submitted images, the jury has handpicked a group of photographers whose works are powerful, moving, and full of story. 🗓️ Opens May 23 – through September 28 📍 Hasselblad Center, Gothenburg Jury 2025: Pauline Benthede – Global Vice President of Exhibitions, @fotografiska Eva Dahlgren @evgud – artist and passionate photographer Paul Hansen @paul_hansen64 – award-winning photojournalist at @dagens_nyheter Dragana Vujanović Östlind @dragana.vujanovic.ostlind – Chief Curator at the @Hasselblad Foundation and Jury Chair Let’s celebrate #photography in all its forms! #Fotosalongen2025 #HasselbladFoundation #PhotographyExhibition #evadahlgren #paulinebenthede #paulhansen #draganavujanovicöstlind #hasselblad #lolaakinmade #afroswede #photography #socialimpact #womenintravel #culture #sweden #blackwomenphotographers #womenphotograph #africa
@lolaakinmade
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•
Follow
Over 5,000 submitted images Over 1,300 photographers Only 40 selected 1 grateful Nigerian-American-Swede ÅFRÖSWÈ̩DÉ̩ 💙 💛 My heart is full. Thank you @hasselbladfoundation! 🙏🏾 ------------------------------------------- From the Foundation - 🎉 ANNOUNCEMENT! We’re thrilled to reveal the 40 photographers selected for Sweden’s largest photography salon – Fotosalongen 2025 at Hasselblad Center! Out of more than 1,300 applicants and over 5,000 submitted images, the jury has handpicked a group of photographers whose works are powerful, moving, and full of story. 🗓️ Opens May 23 – through September 28 📍 Hasselblad Center, Gothenburg Jury 2025: Pauline Benthede – Global Vice President of Exhibitions, @fotografiska Eva Dahlgren @evgud – artist and passionate photographer Paul Hansen @paul_hansen64 – award-winning photojournalist at @dagens_nyheter Dragana Vujanović Östlind @dragana.vujanovic.ostlind – Chief Curator at the @Hasselblad Foundation and Jury Chair Let’s celebrate #photography in all its forms! #Fotosalongen2025 #HasselbladFoundation #PhotographyExhibition #evadahlgren #paulinebenthede #paulhansen #draganavujanovicöstlind #hasselblad #lolaakinmade #afroswede #photography #socialimpact #womenintravel #culture #sweden #blackwomenphotographers #womenphotograph #africa
1 month ago
View on Instagram |
8/9
Your voice matters. You matter always. Even if you feel undervalued and unappreciated 🙏🏾🫶🏽 Please support small business owners, myself included. ====================== Dear Lola, I came across your article in @cosmopolitan /@cosmopolitanuk and have to say that it felt like I was the one who wrote it. I am a West African woman, business owner in Sweden and I can not begin to describe how undervalued and unseen I feel in this country while at the same time feeling grateful and happy being here and owning a business. I had to start therapy to be able to cope… Anyways, I just wanted to thank you for saying out loud things no one wants to talk about in this country. Doris @orchideesthlm
@lolaakinmade
@lolaakinmade
•
Follow
Your voice matters. You matter always. Even if you feel undervalued and unappreciated 🙏🏾🫶🏽 Please support small business owners, myself included. ====================== Dear Lola, I came across your article in @cosmopolitan /@cosmopolitanuk and have to say that it felt like I was the one who wrote it. I am a West African woman, business owner in Sweden and I can not begin to describe how undervalued and unseen I feel in this country while at the same time feeling grateful and happy being here and owning a business. I had to start therapy to be able to cope… Anyways, I just wanted to thank you for saying out loud things no one wants to talk about in this country. Doris @orchideesthlm
1 month ago
View on Instagram |
9/9
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