Auckland's Best Bites

One of the few silver linings of 2020 and the pandemic was the fact that I was stranded abroad in New Zealand for 6 entire months. Based in Auckland, I had the incredible fortune of wandering about once lockdown was lifted and enjoying the many fabulous restaurants the city has in store. Entrusted with a sacred list of must-eat-at venues from trusted F&B connoisseur friend Martin and former wanderer Fergus, resident Kiwis, I was absolutely bedazzled with the culinary scene in Auckland and variety of options. Here are all my favorites.

Giapo Ice Cream

Wander with me into the wonderful world of Giapo Ice Cream in Auckland, New Zealand. It's where you go to indulge your sweet tooth in a world sprinkled with sugar and pure imagination. Expect absolute art, deliciousness, and brain freeze.

Incredible Walking and Hiking Trails in New Zealand's North Island

That I was able to wander to New Zealand’s most beautiful hidden corners during a global pandemic and while stranded abroad, is something I’ll never take for granted. I can still hardly believe that this place exists in real life, and better yet, with some views only a stone’s throw away from home. It’s been an absolute dream and one that I can only wish will happen again (minus the pandemic part). Here are a few of the incredible walking and hiking trails I wandered to in the North Island. I’ll be back South Island. Very soon.

Stranded Abroad in New Zealand

New Zealand 💙, I can’t even begin to express how happy and grateful I am to have been ‘stuck’ here for the past 6 months. Considering the place, I would hardly call this being stuck. If anything, it’s pretty darn lucky. It’s been an emotional rollercoaster 🎢 filled with absolute joy, laughter, tears, and way more honeycomb kitkats 🍫 than I’ll care to admit 🙄. Leaving what I would probably describe as the most gorgeous place I’ve seen yet and the kindest people is no easy thing to do 🥺. I’ll be back NZ 💙.

TravelNada BadranSeptember 7, 2020Travel Guide, Coronavirus, Stay Home, Dubai, Auckland, New Zealand, Hiking, Stuck abroad, COVID-19, UAEComment

How to Keep Sane When in Lockdown

Worldwide, we’ve all been affected in different ways from this insidious virus. It’s been devastating to witness the impact a single thing can have on people’s well-being. It’s also been heartening to see the many acts of kindness, courage, humanity, and love. In times like these, it’s important to remember that the coronavirus is not the only thing that’s contagious. Hope is as well. While there are things that we can’t control at the moment, it’s important to remember that we are all one and must actively take care of ourselves and those around. Not just physically, but mentally as well. Here are 7 things I hope you can keep in mind

TravelNada BadranApril 10, 2020Travel Guide, Coronavirus, Stay Home, Dubai, AucklandComment