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Lola Akinmade
  • Photos
  • Books
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    • Blog
    • Latest News
    • Reviews + Partnerships
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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, 2023No Comments

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

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DUE NORTH by Lola A. Åkerström

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  • On October 5, 2024, I was in Dayton, Ohio, on a short weekend trip to be inducted into the inaugural @dayton_rugby Hall of Fame alongside some incredible old boys and my rugby-sister Kristen Pertner @kjpertner ❤️ After finishing college at 19, I moved to Dayton to start working at @_woolpert as a GIS programmer… I was alone with no personal connections or contacts. I knew no one. But after playing varsity rugby at University of Maryland Baltimore County @umbclife @umbcwrugby @umbcalumni, I knew there was one thing I craved… community. So you can say I started the Dayton Area Rugby Women’s team for selfish reasons. I wanted to create my own community and safe space there. I wanted my own family. I remember walking up to the men's pitch during their practice, and their captain Stephen Butler reaching out his hand to introduce himself. In essence, welcoming me to the beginning of my rugby family. That women's team I founded would go on to win the Midwest Championships in our DII division and rank 3rd in the entire country as Cincy-Dayton Women's Rugby. During my rugby career, I also played on the elite Ohio Rugby Union select team representing the state and would later go on to play for a Division I team in Northern Virginia. Now 25 years later, we’ve gone through so much together as a community - I’ve gained sisters and brothers from other mothers through our team. We’ve found love and marriage, the kids we carried on our hips on the rugby pitch are now in college, we’ve gone through divorce, and we’ve lost some members of our rugby family. So, to gather as a community after 50 years for the men's team, and for the women, 25 years, is not only a privilege, but a tremendous blessing. And to know that, no matter where I go in this world, Dayton Rugby will always be one of my homes. It is such a wonderful feeling of belonging. So, thank you Dayton Rugby for being one of my safe spaces. Thank you for this incredible honor. While I often share professional accolades on LinkedIn, this personal one means the world to me.... ...(continued in comments)...
  • There’s nothing more powerful than standing in your own power, and nothing more visible than refusing to be put in a box. #quote #quoteoftheday
  • "If we are always breaking ourselves into parts to be accepted, we will never be enough." #quote #quoteoftheday #youremorethanenough #enough
  • Behind the scenes of my @theafroswede photo project yesterday. Can’t wait to share these photos with you soon 💛🩵 Gear -> @hasselblad 🖤 Featuring @frederick.vaamonde and @i_am_demanda Thank you @makeupbyrobertradoja for the video clips 🫶🏽 #sweden #afroswede #photography #integration #hasselblad #hasselbladheroine #portrait
  • Post-divorce, thoughtful tender gestures such as this note also keep me going on days when I doubt why I was planted here. They are soul reminders and glimpses of God’s plan 🙏🏾 I was recently invited to a beautiful book club and brunch meeting with some incredible women to discuss both @ineverymirror and @notenough.book as well as upcoming @bitterhoneybook. Thank you Winty, Mariama, Isatou, Yassin, Anthia and all you wonderful women for your generosity, the gorgeous potluck brunch spread, and for holding this safe space! ❤️ 📸 @anthiabernice @sona.mariama @i.isatou @iceandjobe @wintxana @jpg.martha @helenghirmazien ========================== “Lola! Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! You’re truly an inspiration, not only to our bookclub, but to each and every one of us as Black women in Sweden and beyond. We’re so excited for what is to come for the “In Every Mirror She’s Black” book series, but also for you personally and professionally. Thank you once again for everything! You are truly enough for us ❤️” - Books n’ Brunch
  • Doctor: “It will hurt, but you’ll be fine. You’re strong.” Me: That was the moment I cancelled all future appointments. I didn’t feel safe with him. Lesson? Black women hurt too. We’re not impervious to pain. On the contrary, the world hurts us every single day, so we must manage our pain. But dear God, do we hurt. #lessonoftheday #health #advocacy #blackwomen #blackwomenquotes
  • “Baby slow down…The end is not as fun as the start…Please stay a child somewhere in your heart.” - @u2, “Original of the Species” ——————————————— August was supposed to be my month completely offline. Let’s just say I failed miserably at that. I was about 60% offline. Granted, I got lots of sleep, road-tripped with my kids, celebrated my birthday, and traveled to both Lagos and London for lots of family parties, but I wasn’t as disconnected as I would have loved. Several “time sensitive” emails and work opportunities derailed me. I kept pushing forward on an exciting venture. I only read one book when I was planning on four. But if there’s one thing my month off has taught me, it’s that I need to keep slowing down even more, while keeping my child-like optimism about the world, friendships, and relationships. Living every single moment without stressing about the next. So my wish for the rest of the year is to get better at completely disconnecting every single week 🙏🏾💖 How was your own summer? Were you able to disconnect? #offline #slowdown #selfcare
  • This is 46. My name => God moves in mysterious ways @u2 / God’s ways are wondrous Child of God. Flower Child. Virgo. Free. Grateful. 💄 @glowbydemz #birthday #aug24
  • Digging this photo back up today because…yes…so proud 🙌🏾💙 A moment I will never forget. Thank you @michelleobama for the light you are. Thank you, thank you, thank you 🇺🇸 #michelleobama #harris2024 #dnc #dnc2024
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@lolaakinmade
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On October 5, 2024, I was in Dayton, Ohio, on a short weekend trip to be inducted into the inaugural @dayton_rugby Hall of Fame alongside some incredible old boys and my rugby-sister Kristen Pertner @kjpertner ❤️ After finishing college at 19, I moved to Dayton to start working at @_woolpert as a GIS programmer… I was alone with no personal connections or contacts. I knew no one. But after playing varsity rugby at University of Maryland Baltimore County @umbclife @umbcwrugby @umbcalumni, I knew there was one thing I craved… community. So you can say I started the Dayton Area Rugby Women’s team for selfish reasons. I wanted to create my own community and safe space there. I wanted my own family. I remember walking up to the men's pitch during their practice, and their captain Stephen Butler reaching out his hand to introduce himself. In essence, welcoming me to the beginning of my rugby family. That women's team I founded would go on to win the Midwest Championships in our DII division and rank 3rd in the entire country as Cincy-Dayton Women's Rugby. During my rugby career, I also played on the elite Ohio Rugby Union select team representing the state and would later go on to play for a Division I team in Northern Virginia. Now 25 years later, we’ve gone through so much together as a community - I’ve gained sisters and brothers from other mothers through our team. We’ve found love and marriage, the kids we carried on our hips on the rugby pitch are now in college, we’ve gone through divorce, and we’ve lost some members of our rugby family. So, to gather as a community after 50 years for the men's team, and for the women, 25 years, is not only a privilege, but a tremendous blessing. And to know that, no matter where I go in this world, Dayton Rugby will always be one of my homes. It is such a wonderful feeling of belonging. So, thank you Dayton Rugby for being one of my safe spaces. Thank you for this incredible honor. While I often share professional accolades on LinkedIn, this personal one means the world to me.... ...(continued in comments)...
6 days ago
View on Instagram |
1/9
There’s nothing more powerful than standing in your own power, and nothing more visible than refusing to be put in a box. #quote #quoteoftheday
@lolaakinmade
@lolaakinmade
•
Follow
There’s nothing more powerful than standing in your own power, and nothing more visible than refusing to be put in a box. #quote #quoteoftheday
2 weeks ago
View on Instagram |
2/9
"If we are always breaking ourselves into parts to be accepted, we will never be enough." #quote #quoteoftheday #youremorethanenough #enough
@lolaakinmade
@lolaakinmade
•
Follow
"If we are always breaking ourselves into parts to be accepted, we will never be enough." #quote #quoteoftheday #youremorethanenough #enough
4 weeks ago
View on Instagram |
3/9
@lolaakinmade
@lolaakinmade
•
Follow
Behind the scenes of my @theafroswede photo project yesterday. Can’t wait to share these photos with you soon 💛🩵 Gear -> @hasselblad 🖤 Featuring @frederick.vaamonde and @i_am_demanda Thank you @makeupbyrobertradoja for the video clips 🫶🏽 #sweden #afroswede #photography #integration #hasselblad #hasselbladheroine #portrait
4 weeks ago
View on Instagram |
4/9
Post-divorce, thoughtful tender gestures such as this note also keep me going on days when I doubt why I was planted here. They are soul reminders and glimpses of God’s plan 🙏🏾 I was recently invited to a beautiful book club and brunch meeting with some incredible women to discuss both @ineverymirror and @notenough.book as well as upcoming @bitterhoneybook. Thank you Winty, Mariama, Isatou, Yassin, Anthia and all you wonderful women for your generosity, the gorgeous potluck brunch spread, and for holding this safe space! ❤️ 📸 @anthiabernice @sona.mariama @i.isatou @iceandjobe @wintxana @jpg.martha @helenghirmazien ========================== “Lola! Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! You’re truly an inspiration, not only to our bookclub, but to each and every one of us as Black women in Sweden and beyond. We’re so excited for what is to come for the “In Every Mirror She’s Black” book series, but also for you personally and professionally. Thank you once again for everything! You are truly enough for us ❤️” - Books n’ Brunch
Post-divorce, thoughtful tender gestures such as this note also keep me going on days when I doubt why I was planted here. They are soul reminders and glimpses of God’s plan 🙏🏾 I was recently invited to a beautiful book club and brunch meeting with some incredible women to discuss both @ineverymirror and @notenough.book as well as upcoming @bitterhoneybook. Thank you Winty, Mariama, Isatou, Yassin, Anthia and all you wonderful women for your generosity, the gorgeous potluck brunch spread, and for holding this safe space! ❤️ 📸 @anthiabernice @sona.mariama @i.isatou @iceandjobe @wintxana @jpg.martha @helenghirmazien ========================== “Lola! Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! You’re truly an inspiration, not only to our bookclub, but to each and every one of us as Black women in Sweden and beyond. We’re so excited for what is to come for the “In Every Mirror She’s Black” book series, but also for you personally and professionally. Thank you once again for everything! You are truly enough for us ❤️” - Books n’ Brunch
Post-divorce, thoughtful tender gestures such as this note also keep me going on days when I doubt why I was planted here. They are soul reminders and glimpses of God’s plan 🙏🏾 I was recently invited to a beautiful book club and brunch meeting with some incredible women to discuss both @ineverymirror and @notenough.book as well as upcoming @bitterhoneybook. Thank you Winty, Mariama, Isatou, Yassin, Anthia and all you wonderful women for your generosity, the gorgeous potluck brunch spread, and for holding this safe space! ❤️ 📸 @anthiabernice @sona.mariama @i.isatou @iceandjobe @wintxana @jpg.martha @helenghirmazien ========================== “Lola! Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! You’re truly an inspiration, not only to our bookclub, but to each and every one of us as Black women in Sweden and beyond. We’re so excited for what is to come for the “In Every Mirror She’s Black” book series, but also for you personally and professionally. Thank you once again for everything! You are truly enough for us ❤️” - Books n’ Brunch
Post-divorce, thoughtful tender gestures such as this note also keep me going on days when I doubt why I was planted here. They are soul reminders and glimpses of God’s plan 🙏🏾 I was recently invited to a beautiful book club and brunch meeting with some incredible women to discuss both @ineverymirror and @notenough.book as well as upcoming @bitterhoneybook. Thank you Winty, Mariama, Isatou, Yassin, Anthia and all you wonderful women for your generosity, the gorgeous potluck brunch spread, and for holding this safe space! ❤️ 📸 @anthiabernice @sona.mariama @i.isatou @iceandjobe @wintxana @jpg.martha @helenghirmazien ========================== “Lola! Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! You’re truly an inspiration, not only to our bookclub, but to each and every one of us as Black women in Sweden and beyond. We’re so excited for what is to come for the “In Every Mirror She’s Black” book series, but also for you personally and professionally. Thank you once again for everything! You are truly enough for us ❤️” - Books n’ Brunch
Post-divorce, thoughtful tender gestures such as this note also keep me going on days when I doubt why I was planted here. They are soul reminders and glimpses of God’s plan 🙏🏾 I was recently invited to a beautiful book club and brunch meeting with some incredible women to discuss both @ineverymirror and @notenough.book as well as upcoming @bitterhoneybook. Thank you Winty, Mariama, Isatou, Yassin, Anthia and all you wonderful women for your generosity, the gorgeous potluck brunch spread, and for holding this safe space! ❤️ 📸 @anthiabernice @sona.mariama @i.isatou @iceandjobe @wintxana @jpg.martha @helenghirmazien ========================== “Lola! Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! You’re truly an inspiration, not only to our bookclub, but to each and every one of us as Black women in Sweden and beyond. We’re so excited for what is to come for the “In Every Mirror She’s Black” book series, but also for you personally and professionally. Thank you once again for everything! You are truly enough for us ❤️” - Books n’ Brunch
Post-divorce, thoughtful tender gestures such as this note also keep me going on days when I doubt why I was planted here. They are soul reminders and glimpses of God’s plan 🙏🏾 I was recently invited to a beautiful book club and brunch meeting with some incredible women to discuss both @ineverymirror and @notenough.book as well as upcoming @bitterhoneybook. Thank you Winty, Mariama, Isatou, Yassin, Anthia and all you wonderful women for your generosity, the gorgeous potluck brunch spread, and for holding this safe space! ❤️ 📸 @anthiabernice @sona.mariama @i.isatou @iceandjobe @wintxana @jpg.martha @helenghirmazien ========================== “Lola! Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! You’re truly an inspiration, not only to our bookclub, but to each and every one of us as Black women in Sweden and beyond. We’re so excited for what is to come for the “In Every Mirror She’s Black” book series, but also for you personally and professionally. Thank you once again for everything! You are truly enough for us ❤️” - Books n’ Brunch
Post-divorce, thoughtful tender gestures such as this note also keep me going on days when I doubt why I was planted here. They are soul reminders and glimpses of God’s plan 🙏🏾 I was recently invited to a beautiful book club and brunch meeting with some incredible women to discuss both @ineverymirror and @notenough.book as well as upcoming @bitterhoneybook. Thank you Winty, Mariama, Isatou, Yassin, Anthia and all you wonderful women for your generosity, the gorgeous potluck brunch spread, and for holding this safe space! ❤️ 📸 @anthiabernice @sona.mariama @i.isatou @iceandjobe @wintxana @jpg.martha @helenghirmazien ========================== “Lola! Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! You’re truly an inspiration, not only to our bookclub, but to each and every one of us as Black women in Sweden and beyond. We’re so excited for what is to come for the “In Every Mirror She’s Black” book series, but also for you personally and professionally. Thank you once again for everything! You are truly enough for us ❤️” - Books n’ Brunch
@lolaakinmade
@lolaakinmade
•
Follow
Post-divorce, thoughtful tender gestures such as this note also keep me going on days when I doubt why I was planted here. They are soul reminders and glimpses of God’s plan 🙏🏾 I was recently invited to a beautiful book club and brunch meeting with some incredible women to discuss both @ineverymirror and @notenough.book as well as upcoming @bitterhoneybook. Thank you Winty, Mariama, Isatou, Yassin, Anthia and all you wonderful women for your generosity, the gorgeous potluck brunch spread, and for holding this safe space! ❤️ 📸 @anthiabernice @sona.mariama @i.isatou @iceandjobe @wintxana @jpg.martha @helenghirmazien ========================== “Lola! Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! You’re truly an inspiration, not only to our bookclub, but to each and every one of us as Black women in Sweden and beyond. We’re so excited for what is to come for the “In Every Mirror She’s Black” book series, but also for you personally and professionally. Thank you once again for everything! You are truly enough for us ❤️” - Books n’ Brunch
1 month ago
View on Instagram |
5/9
Doctor: “It will hurt, but you’ll be fine. You’re strong.” Me: That was the moment I cancelled all future appointments. I didn’t feel safe with him. Lesson? Black women hurt too. We’re not impervious to pain. On the contrary, the world hurts us every single day, so we must manage our pain. But dear God, do we hurt. #lessonoftheday #health #advocacy #blackwomen #blackwomenquotes
@lolaakinmade
@lolaakinmade
•
Follow
Doctor: “It will hurt, but you’ll be fine. You’re strong.” Me: That was the moment I cancelled all future appointments. I didn’t feel safe with him. Lesson? Black women hurt too. We’re not impervious to pain. On the contrary, the world hurts us every single day, so we must manage our pain. But dear God, do we hurt. #lessonoftheday #health #advocacy #blackwomen #blackwomenquotes
1 month ago
View on Instagram |
6/9
“Baby slow down…The end is not as fun as the start…Please stay a child somewhere in your heart.” - @u2, “Original of the Species” ——————————————— August was supposed to be my month completely offline. Let’s just say I failed miserably at that. I was about 60% offline. Granted, I got lots of sleep, road-tripped with my kids, celebrated my birthday, and traveled to both Lagos and London for lots of family parties, but I wasn’t as disconnected as I would have loved. Several “time sensitive” emails and work opportunities derailed me. I kept pushing forward on an exciting venture. I only read one book when I was planning on four. But if there’s one thing my month off has taught me, it’s that I need to keep slowing down even more, while keeping my child-like optimism about the world, friendships, and relationships. Living every single moment without stressing about the next. So my wish for the rest of the year is to get better at completely disconnecting every single week 🙏🏾💖 How was your own summer? Were you able to disconnect? #offline #slowdown #selfcare
@lolaakinmade
@lolaakinmade
•
Follow
“Baby slow down…The end is not as fun as the start…Please stay a child somewhere in your heart.” - @u2, “Original of the Species” ——————————————— August was supposed to be my month completely offline. Let’s just say I failed miserably at that. I was about 60% offline. Granted, I got lots of sleep, road-tripped with my kids, celebrated my birthday, and traveled to both Lagos and London for lots of family parties, but I wasn’t as disconnected as I would have loved. Several “time sensitive” emails and work opportunities derailed me. I kept pushing forward on an exciting venture. I only read one book when I was planning on four. But if there’s one thing my month off has taught me, it’s that I need to keep slowing down even more, while keeping my child-like optimism about the world, friendships, and relationships. Living every single moment without stressing about the next. So my wish for the rest of the year is to get better at completely disconnecting every single week 🙏🏾💖 How was your own summer? Were you able to disconnect? #offline #slowdown #selfcare
1 month ago
View on Instagram |
7/9
This is 46. My name => God moves in mysterious ways @u2 / God’s ways are wondrous Child of God. Flower Child. Virgo. Free. Grateful. 💄 @glowbydemz #birthday #aug24
This is 46. My name => God moves in mysterious ways @u2 / God’s ways are wondrous Child of God. Flower Child. Virgo. Free. Grateful. 💄 @glowbydemz #birthday #aug24
This is 46. My name => God moves in mysterious ways @u2 / God’s ways are wondrous Child of God. Flower Child. Virgo. Free. Grateful. 💄 @glowbydemz #birthday #aug24
This is 46. My name => God moves in mysterious ways @u2 / God’s ways are wondrous Child of God. Flower Child. Virgo. Free. Grateful. 💄 @glowbydemz #birthday #aug24
@lolaakinmade
@lolaakinmade
•
Follow
This is 46. My name => God moves in mysterious ways @u2 / God’s ways are wondrous Child of God. Flower Child. Virgo. Free. Grateful. 💄 @glowbydemz #birthday #aug24
2 months ago
View on Instagram |
8/9
Digging this photo back up today because…yes…so proud 🙌🏾💙 A moment I will never forget. Thank you @michelleobama for the light you are. Thank you, thank you, thank you 🇺🇸 #michelleobama #harris2024 #dnc #dnc2024
Digging this photo back up today because…yes…so proud 🙌🏾💙 A moment I will never forget. Thank you @michelleobama for the light you are. Thank you, thank you, thank you 🇺🇸 #michelleobama #harris2024 #dnc #dnc2024
@lolaakinmade
@lolaakinmade
•
Follow
Digging this photo back up today because…yes…so proud 🙌🏾💙 A moment I will never forget. Thank you @michelleobama for the light you are. Thank you, thank you, thank you 🇺🇸 #michelleobama #harris2024 #dnc #dnc2024
2 months ago
View on Instagram |
9/9
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