Kirk Atwell holds memories of family time at Somerset Long Bay most dear. “From as long as I can remember, I grew up going to Long Bay Beach in Somerset. I have many fond memories of family picnics there, especially during the Cup Match weekend.”

Having relocated to Toronto, Canada many years ago, Mr Atwell regularly brings his family back home to visit their favourite Bermuda beach: “Horseshoe Bay is a must visit whenever I bring the girls. It’s actually their favourite.”

Families with young children will surely adore Somerset Long Bay. The beach is usually calm, features a plateau that keeps the water shallow for what seems like 100 meters, and offers a clear view for keeping an eye on the little ones at all times.

Krystal McKenzie also names Horseshoe Bay as a family favourite, while also noting John Smith’s Bay, Warwick Long Bay, and Jobson’s Cove. “Not only are they beautiful and easy to get to, but for the most part, they also have facilities that a family might need (i.e., bathrooms, rinsing stations, and food).”

Convenience is absolutely a real consideration when choosing where to take the family for a dip, and many beaches have put concessions and rinsing stations in place for that very purpose. Places like Clearwater Beach and Tobacco Bay also offer similar facilities.

John Smith’s Bay is a definite favourite family beach for Bermudians. Thomas Smith emphasizes the ‘neighbourhood’ feel of the beach, while Jodie Rudo waxes poetic about the ‘perfect’ waves:

“My favourite beach in Bermuda is John’s Smith’s Bay. What I love about this beach is the perfect size of the waves. They are not too big or too small, making it an ideal spot for a day of fun in the water.

“One of my favourite memories at John Smith’s Bay was when my girls and I decided to try boogie boarding and attempted to surf the waves. However, the waves had other plans for us! We were knocked off our boards multiple times and ended up rolling in the waves, laughing, and enjoying every moment of it.”

Here is where I have to mention Turtle Bay. This little gem of a beach is located just South of Clearwater Beach, at the gate to Cooper’s Island Nature Reserve. This is a beach that we didn’t grow up swimming at, because the U.S. base restricted access for Bermudians, but the beach is absolutely delightful!

Jodie Rudo agrees: “Another one of my favourite beaches in Bermuda is Turtle Bay. It’s an incredible spot for camping, especially during the Cupmatch holiday. We had the opportunity to set up our tents right by the beach, and waking up to the sound of the ocean was magical. Before even having breakfast, my family and I would jump into the crystal-clear waters for a refreshing morning swim. It was a fantastic way to start the day and create lasting memories with loved ones.”

I try to take my son to Turtle Bay at least twice a week after school in June and September, and all the time during the summer – it’s our spot!

The last beach that demands to be mentioned is Admiralty House. Once again, Mrs Rudo says it best: “Admiralty House holds a special place in my heart. Some of my most cherished experiences there are Sunday barbequing on the hill, and taking turns jumping off the cliffs into the crystal-clear waters below. The thrill and excitement of the cliff jumps make it an unforgettable experience.”

The post Where the locals make their memories appeared first on RG Magazines.

Summer in Bermuda is truly like no other and as we are in full swing, it’s time to prepare yourself for an extraordinary summer filled with an array of captivating events. From electrifying entertainment to dazzling cultural celebrations, Bermuda has something for everyone. Allow us to present the best of the best for Bermuda’s summer events, promising unforgettable experiences that will leave you enchanted and longing for more. Here are the top ten events happening in Bermuda this summer in no particular order that you absolutely shouldn’t miss.

CUP MATCH CLASSIC

Cup Match is truly Bermuda at its best and easily the most entertaining weekend on the calendar. Cup Match – a celebration of emancipation – is a two-day cricket match held on the last Thursday and Friday of July or the first Thursday and Friday in August. This beloved Bermudian tradition brings the island to life with passionate fans, live music, plenty libations and delicious food. This year, the game will be held at St. George’ Cricket Club on August 3rd and 4th and entry is $20 per day. Immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere and cheer for your favourite team.

BERMUDA TRIPLE CROWN BILLFISH CHAMPIONSHIP

Fishing enthusiasts, this one’s for you! The Bermuda Triple Crown Billfish Championship is a thrilling tournament held from July to August, attracting anglers from around the world. Watch as skilled fishermen compete to catch the biggest billfish and experience the excitement firsthand. Here are the key dates:

• Bermuda Billfish Blast July 3 – 7
• Bermuda Billfish Release Cup July 9-11
• Bermuda Big Game Classic July 13-17
• Sea Horse Anglers Club Billfish Tournament July 20-24
• For more information, visit www.bermudatriplecrown.com

NON-MARINERS RACE

While this event does happen during the Cup Match weekend, it’s completely separate. The Non-Mariners race features unique, homemade boats participating in a fun race on the water. The “boats” rarely float, which adds to the humour of the non-race. There will be colourful costumes, creative boat designs and lots of fun. Non-Mariners is held the Sunday of Cup Match weekend (August 6 this year) at Mangrove Bay. The best way to attend is by boat.

BERMUDA SANDCASTLE COMPETITION

Held at one of the most beautiful beaches in the world, the Bermuda Sandcastle Competition features gorgeous creations by masterful sculptors. The event will be held on September 2 this year at Horseshoe Bay Beach. You can either get in on the action and enter or enjoy the beautiful intricate designs. The Bermuda Sandcastle Competition is great fun for the whole family.

HARBOUR NIGHTS

Family fun is on offer every single Wednesday in the City of Hamilton thanks to Harbour Nights. The popular street festival is held from 7pm to 10pm weekly throughout the summer and showcases local dancers, musicians, artisans, food vendors, a kids zone and much more. Harbour NIghts gives residents and visitors the opportunity to sample local delicacies, purchase Bermudian crafts, enjoy traditional dancing and much more.

DESTINATION DOCKYARD

Head west this summer for Destination Dockyard with four monthly events happening during the season on the North Lawn. Destination Dockyard is a fun-filled event for the whole family featuring an array of local vendors, artists, and talented entertainers. The perfect way to spend a mid-week, family evening. The children can enjoy fun castles and a bite to eat, while the adults bask in the local entertainment and shopping. The remaining dates for Destination Dockyard are July 20 and August 24 for the “big bang” finale.

EASTERN COUNTY CRICKET GAMES

Eastern County Cricket is similar to Cup Match but at the same time, very different. The Eastern County Cricket Association (ECCA) comprises four county cricket clubs – Flatts Victoria (FVCC), Cleveland (CCCC), Bailey’s Bay (BBCC) and St. David’s (SDCCC). There are three games – the first held two weeks before Cup Match, the second game two weeks after Cup Match and the last game is two weeks after the second. Eastern County has been played since 1904 and is played at Lords at SDCCC or Sea Breeze Oval at BBCC on a year’s schedule. The atmosphere is vibrant and fun with great local food, Crown and Anchor and endless entertainment.

ST. GEORGE’S SEAFOOD FESTIVAL

This event was launched last summer and it was insanely successful! Popular vendors quickly ran out of fresh seafood and the entertainment was top notch. The event is held on Ordnance Island in St. George’s and celebrates Bermuda’s rich seafood culture. From fresh fried fish to shrimp to mussel pies to conch fritters, you’ll find it all here at this fantastic event. There will also be top notch Bermudian singers and DJs, bars serving up great cocktails and so much more. St. George’s Seafood Festival will be held on September 16 from 12 noon to 7pm.

BACCHANAL RUN

If you missed Carnival in Bermuda in June, Bacchanal Run delivers the J’ouvert vibes for a fraction of the cost. Bacchanal Run is organized by Party People and is one of the best parties over the Cup Match weekend. Hundreds of revellers head to Bernard Park for a warm up and then follow the big music truck around Pembroke for a lively, colourful party on the road with paint, powder and sprays of water. The party loops back to Bernard Park for more enjoyment with Bermuda;s top DJs and entertainers. Bacchanal Run will be held on August 5.

BERMUDA PRIDE HOMECOMING

Bermuda celebrates Pride in August and Bermuda Pride will host a number of events this year including a takeover of Harbour Nights, Open Mic Night, Pride Prom, Pride Parade and Drag Brunch. This year’s events are focused on “homecoming” and the committee invites those in the LGBTQ+ community who have left the island to return home to celebrate how far Bermuda has come and to recognize how much more work there is to do. The events will be held from August 23 to 27 in the City of Hamilton. For more info, visit www.pride.bm.

And there you have it, ten fantastic events happening in Bermuda this summer. From cultural celebrations to sporting events and food festivals, there’s something for everyone. Add these events to your calendar and enjoy the rest of the summer.

The post Bermuda Bliss appeared first on RG Magazines.

Bermudian Duane Jones is a lot of things – entrepreneur, information manager, father, philanthropist. But at his core exists a depth of creativity waiting to be explored, and he’s just starting to scratch the surface. 

“I grew up doing art, but it wasn’t my first career choice. Basically, I said, ‘Yeah, you’re failing out of everything else, so what are you good at?” he explained. 

Mr Jones moved to Halifax from Bermuda in 2000 to attend the Nova Scotia College of Art and Design and today runs the lifestyle brand and podcast Art Pays Me. The project began with a simple t-shirt label that married his love of design with streetwear in a self-professed attempt to reinvent himself. 

Art Pays Me has now significantly outgrown its original parameters, likely due to what seems an inherent ability to connect the right dots. And good thing, too, because, “Now, I’m 40 years old. If people don’t like me, I don’t care at this point, I’m over it,” he laughed. 

In that respect, Mr Jones has nothing to worry about. Art Pays Me has provided him a platform to amplify his message, that creativity and success are not mutually exclusive. 

His work has been recognized by both Bermudian and Canadian media outlets. His podcast, of the same name, has developed a dedicated following. He’s regularly invited to speak at community and corporate events, and in 2021, was named one of the most inspiring immigrants in the Maritime provinces by the Halifax publication My East Coast Experience. 

“I want to lean a lot further into being a fine artist and expressing ideas that aren’t necessarily commercial or acceptable without having to worry about, ‘Will people buy this? Will it sell? I just want to be able to say, something told me to make this thing and I made it.” 

In his own words, Mr Jones has “stopped running away from the scary stuff ”, and has pivoted his pet project into a vehicle to share his sometimes controversial works to a broader audience, while still enjoying financial success. 

There’s no five-year plan for Art Pays Me, but the trajectory seeks to continue expanding on the idea that this is more than a clothing label. 

“Having multiple ways to monetize my creativity seems like a smarter way, so now I just have to figure out how to do that without burning myself out.” 

In addition to his day job, he dedicates much of his time to supporting the community he lives in, particularly in sports. Not to mention keeping up with his own children, both of whom have shown a tendency towards creativity (following closely in the footsteps of her father, his oldest daughter has a website showcasing her artwork). 

Mr Jones has walked a circuitous path, facing insecurities and doubt, but in characteristic style, he never gave up. 

“I think that’s my real brand,” he mused. “I’ve outlasted a lot of other people who started clothing brands at the same time as I did. It’s not easy, it’s not fun. It’s not as cool as you think it’s going to be, and it’s expensive. But I just keep pushing. 

“If I hadn’t taken that path, I wouldn’t be where I am right now. I don’t regret any of it.” 

The post Bermudian Abroad: Art For A Living appeared first on RG Magazines.

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In search of balance, Bermudian Jessica Cabral left her job as a Human Resources Manager in the insurance industry to live and work in the Asia and Oceania continents. Most recently, she called a private island in Fiji her home.

What led you to start travelling?
Ever since I can remember, I had two pretty strong desires in life – to help people and travel the world. Spoiler alert; turns out I needed to help myself first! My big wakeup call came in the form of a panic attack. It was scary, but helped me realise I needed to make some changes in my life. Soon after, I watched a documentary called ‘Minimalism’ (on Netflix), and that’s when it hit me: I was living my life by Western society’s prescribed formula for happiness ‘The American Dream’. I did everything I thought I was supposed to do to be happy, but in reality, I was working in a job I didn’t particularly love, to make money to buy things I didn’t particularly want. There was a big disconnect between the lifestyle I was living and the lifestyle my heart truly desired.

Why did you decide to finally take the leap?
It was a really difficult decision to make and took months to finally gain the courage to do it. Thankfully there were a few signs along the way that helped. At the time, I was practising yoga twice a week and noticed the only time I felt any resemblance of peace was immediately after yoga. It felt so good that I wanted to understand the mechanics behind what was happening and why it helped calm the anxiety I was feeling. One day, I spoke to my yoga teacher, and she planted the idea of doing a yoga teacher training. I was so excited and could already picture myself in Bali, but was overwhelmed with hundreds of options that I couldn’t decide which one to do. The final sign came in the form of an emergency dentist visit. Turns out the hygienist had completed her yoga teacher training in Bali! She lit up as she told me how amazing it was and how it changed her life. I ended up booking the very same course and never looked back.

Where have your travels taken you so far?
I’ve spent time living in Ubud, Bali; Koh Phangan, Thailand; Weligama, Sri Lanka – and now Turtle Island, a private island in Fiji. I’ve also travelled around and explored the Philippines, Laos, Myanmar and Malaysia. And visited friends and family in Europe, Singapore and Australia.

You are currently in Fiji, what are you doing now?
I’m very lucky to have landed my dream job as the Yoga Teacher on Turtle Island. It’s such a magical place that we’ve just been named Travel and Leisure’s #1 resort in the South Pacific and #12 in the World! Get this, a year ago I did a manifestation exercise where I wrote out what “my average perfect day” would look and feel like and it’s pretty darn close to my life here on Turtle Island.

What has travelling taught you?
Travelling has taught me to become much more open-minded and accepting of everyone’s differences; including my own! I’ve learned that so much of our external world is a direct reflection of the internal thoughts and beliefs we hold about ourselves. The great news is that we can change our thoughts to change our life.

What moments stand out most for you on this trip?
Feeling what it feels like to be madly in love with life. Imagine 100+ people completely sober yet totally high on life dancing their hearts out. The energy is amazing! It’s called Ecstatic Dance, and these gatherings happen all the time in places like Bali and Thailand. I’ve had so many memorable moments celebrating life in this way. My favourite is sunrise on Friday mornings at Zest in Ubud. Hands down, the best way to start the day. Other highlights of my travels include: everyone cheering as we helped a paralysed man surf again for the first time again since his accident; sleeping in a treehouse; celebrating a traditional ‘Hmong’ New Year with a local family in a remote village in Laos; and having dinner with the Prime Minister of Australia and his lovely wife, Jenny.

How would you say your life is more balanced now?
For starters, I spend a lot less time using technology and admit my life got a lot better after deleting Instagram. Freeing up more time to learn new things, enjoy nature and to explore more meaningful and authentic connections. I also meditate just a few minutes a day. It was uncomfortable at first and confronting to come face to face with my thoughts, but overtime I realised how important it was to take time to just “be”. After all we’re human beings, not human doings.

Do you have any regrets about leaving the corporate world?
I may not have the security of a pay cheque every month, but I have the freedom to live life on my own terms, which, for me right now is priceless. It hasn’t always been easy. Extended travel combined with personal growth work can be really challenging sometimes, but I definitely don’t regret it.

Where will your adventure take you next?
I’m heading back to Gibraltar (near Spain) to be a Nanny for my four-year-old nephew. He’s such a little sweetheart and a constant reminder that it’s in our nature to play, to be creative, a little messy and to get excited, over and over again, about the little things in life. I’m not sure where my journey will take me after that. I’m working on living more in the present moment this year so let’s see!

What would be your advice to anyone not happy with their current work/ life balance, someone who’s feeling there has to be more to life than what they’re currently experiencing?
Listen to that feeling – that is your intuition guiding you to a life more in alignment with your own personal values and goals. You are responsible for your life. If there’s something you’re not happy with stop complaining, playing victim and making excuses and start empowering yourself and taking steps to change it. Believe that your dream life is available to you. Trust yourself and don’t let fear get in the way.

This article was originally published in the Fall 2019 edition of RG Magazine. 

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Best way to get lost

Turn off Google Maps. Get on a bike and ride around the city for a day.

Best place to fall in love

Leave Amsterdam. Head to the Amsterdam Centraal and take the 3-hour train ride to Paris.

Best restaurant

Bakers and Roasters at Eerste Jacob van Campenstraat

for Brunch –– homemade baked goods and specialty coffee.

Best spot for shopping

Kalverstraat, right behind Dam Square.

A place off the beaten path

The Bijlmer, and neighborhood in South East Amsterdam where most immigrants and refugees settled in the 1970s.  It’s now turned into a vibrant area with lots of cultures, shops, and restaurants.

Something that reminds you of Bermuda

being surrounded by water, I love sitting by the canals and watching the boats go by.  Also, seeing tourists on my way to work everyday reminds me of walking through front street

The people are…

Great at letting you be completely yourself.

The post 24 hours in Amsterdam… appeared first on RG Magazines.

It was a few days before Christmas 2016 and I was in the city on a sort of reconnaissance mission. My fiancé and I were thinking about making a move from Sweden and considering an Italian city.

Mario, having been born and raised in a coastal Tuscan town, had lived in Pisa, Florence, Rome and Milan. I had been a tourist in all of them, and had a strong preference for Milan, but he suggested I check out Torino. Not as much of a tourist attraction as the others and a lower cost of living, he reasoned.

And so I went for three days on my own to scope out the cityscape.Fast forward to press time, and I’ve been living in Turin for just over a year.

What I learned in those first few days has developed into a full-blown affection for the many interesting pockets of what was Italy’s very first capital city.

Luckily we found a coach house in the centre, just a few steps from the River Po and ideal proximity for morning runs into Parco Valentino.

WHERE TO STAY

As our views are normally ground floor, it was refreshing to wake up to a misty fourth floor panorama, which cleared to reveal a picturesque canvas of rooftops with the Alps providing a serene backdrop.

NH Piazza Carlina Hotel (15 Piazza Carlo Emanuele II)  not only has these views, but also the cachet of hosting G7 leaders and, surprisingly, a few nights at won’t break the bank. The 160-room property is centrally located in a quiet piazza, close to museums and convenient for walks along the riverbanks. From the spacious guest rooms and a well-equipped gym, to delicious cocktails and aperitivi at the chic Carlina lounge bar, and the peaceful fourth floor terrace, this hotel hits all the right notes. Recommend staying over the weekend, when Sunday breakfast is available until noon, and you can also take advantage of a super late 3pm checkout.

IN THE CITY CENTRE

One could spend a full day on Via Lagrange, with its range of restaurants and high-end shops, but its Turin’s connection to Egypt that is the highlight. Tombs and ancient treasures are on grand display at Museo Egizio (Via Accademia delle Scienze, 6).

After lunch, it’s only a short walk to Mole Antonelliana Via Montebello, 20). Named after architect Alessandro Antonelli, this landmark isn’t all epic panoramas. Inside you will find the National Cinema Museum  and its current experiential exhibition #Soundframes – a multimedia education in music and movies.

In the evening, Société Lutèce (Piazza Carlo Emanuele II)is a gorgeous French bistro that’s only a skip across the piazza from the hotel. I stumbled on this cozy gem in my early days in the city and still go back for their Salade de Poulet.

Walking south from the hotel on Via Maria Vittoria, you have restaurants on both sides of the street – ranging from Ligurian seafood at Scialuppa (Via Maria Vittoria, 37), to the humble baked potato at Poormanger (Via Maria Vittoria, 36/B)

A few steps further, on Via della Rocca, Il Bastimento (Via della Rocca, 10)is all Italian soul food that comes highly rated and rediscovers the “forgotten flavours of our Pugliese tradition”. Translation: tasty southern Italian dishes featuring lots of seafood.

Other southern savouries can be indulged in at Sicily on Streeat (Via Carlo Alberto, 7/A), which is great for a quick stop on your day tour. Perhaps before or after hitting the Palace Museum (Via Accademia delle Scienze, 5) and having a look at the artifacts documenting the 19th-century Italian unification movement?

Two steps away, in the gorgeous Galleria Subalpina (Piazza Castello, 27), is the decidedly posh Baratti & Milano, where you can enjoy an afternoon espresso or the famed Bicerin.

WANDERING NORTHEAST

If markets are your thing, revel in the morning chaos at Europe’s largest open-air market. A great place to practice Italian, I might add. Behind Mercato Porta Palazzo, along Via Borgo Dora, there’s a colourful alley of antique shops and eclectic bistros leading to a hot air balloon ride that is Turin’s version of the Eye.

Back through the mercato, stop for a sweet cannoli at Il Gusto Giusto (Via Milano 11/b).

(If you’re noticing a Sicilian spin on my food tips, that’s because the best food in Italy is from Sicily.)

Nearby, on via San Domenico, there’s the Mao Museum (Via San Domenico, 11), which offers Italy’s bridge to Asian culture and a peaceful reprieve from the markets.

Walking back into the city centre, down Via Garibaldi, stop for the best gelato at GROM (Via Giuseppe Garibaldi, 11). I love their delicious dairy-free cioccolato extranoir.

And speaking of, be sure to book a chocolate tasting at Gianduja (Via Palazzo di Città, 24) or go in and pick your own a-la-carte.

By dinner you may be feeling peckish for a pizza Napoletana. When in Italy, right? Gennaro Esposito (Via Giuseppe Luigi Passalacqua, 1) has you covered just a short cab ride away. This joint is quite popular so definitely wise to book ahead.

SERENITY IN THE CITY

Italy is famous for it’s thermal waters and you can get this in the middle of Turin at QC Terme Torino (Corso Vittorio Emanuele II, 77). After meandering the grounds, indulge in one or two treatments that’ll make you feel like a king or queen.

Afterwards, I recommend a walk up to the Chiesa di Santa Maria del Monte dei Cappuccini for postcard perfect panoramas of Turin. Restaurant Al Monte Dei Cappuccini (Salita al C.A.I. Torino, 12)is waiting with a terrace to sit back and sip a glass of Barbera as the sun sets over the city. Reservations recommended, of course.

Oh, and if you’re curious about the aforementioned magic then you should know thatTurin sits on the axis of white magic with Lyon & Prague, as well as on the axis of black magic with London and San Francisco.
Given this powerful position, Turin is filled with angels and demons; positive and negative energy; the good and the bad.
And, yes, there is a tour for that.

The post My Torino: An expat’s guide to Italy’s royal city appeared first on RG Magazines.

What’s your connection to Senegal

My husband is Senegalese so my first visit in 2015 was one to meet the family. A North American in West Africa will quickly find that “family” over there means your entire network of aunts, uncles, cousins, friends, and the guy who works at the fruit stand across the street. My favourite lesson has been learning that “African Unity” is not just a saying, but a tangible thing — everyone helps everyone. I’ll quote my husband, “no one can go hungry in Senegal,” and it’s true because everyone shares what they have – be it money, food or good vibes. Now, having been there three times, going back always feels like going home.

So, tell me about your recent project to create a school library for the children over there. What inspired that?  

I was the type of child with a strong internal voice, asking lots of questions about the world. This project is five years in the making and is deeply rooted in my childhood memories at the library. In the 90s, the “diverse book” was not a thing, you just read what was on the shelf, what was most accessible for librarians, meaning white characters. About 8 months ago, I started giving interactive workshops that surrounded multicultural children’s books. The goal was, first and foremost, to help kids foster a love of reading, but also encourage self-identity, while building empathy and appreciation for different cultures. I didn’t want to replace the current school curriculum (which tends to focus on local culture) but have them sit parallel, introducing books about geography, peoples, tradition, music, dance, language, etc. that they may not have heard much, if anything, about.

What happened next?

Kind of on a whim, we thought it would be a good idea to bring the reading workshops to Senegal. It quickly turned into a building idea: build a reading culture, a bookshelf, a library for a school that needs it. It was supposed to be straightforward, but it ended up being my most rigorous, but rewarding challenge so far. A lot of the books that I had in mind for this project are expensive – inaccessibly so. I’m talking about the books that matter: with content that makes a child think critically. We didn’t have the money to do it all ourselves. We decided to start a gofundme campaign to raise funds. To our surprise, people came to us from all over the world wanting to donate. We raised close to $2,500 in a month. We also had authors from the UK, indie bookstores in Germany and around North America sending books, money and cards of support through the mail. We were in Senegal from February 1 to 27, 2018 and were able to fill three bookshelves with books, maps and flashcards for a school in Thiès village, three hours outside of Dakar. The school was run by a woman who has devoted the last 40 years of her life to educating neighbourhood children from her home. She recently found a formal space and divided it into three classrooms: this was École Mame Mariema Diouf.

What was it like being able to finally start this library and bring this dream to fruition?

Before this project, the kids had about 10 books to share between the 40 of them. Now there is a corner dedicated to reading. To inaugurate the books, we placed them all on tables and let the kids explore – and they did just that. Cover to cover, they went through, touching and looking closely at the details and asking questions, starting conversations. We were in the presence of discovery, and I was grateful to be a small part of the process of creating a value for reading that might not have been so strong. I don’t think I’ve ever been so present, but afterwards feeling like I wanted to do it again very soon. I’ve worked for a handful of international NGOs, but I’ve never felt like I’ve made such a big difference as when we were standing in that small classroom. This experience really showed me that we can all make a positive impact – and it can be started in the living room.

This article was originally published in the Summer 2018 edition of RG Magazine.

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But don’t just take our word for it — dive into this list yourself. Pack your bags and book a flight to the wonders of an African safari, the gorgeous purple night skies of the Sahara, ancient ruins infused with power, and crystallized waters begging you to dive in. This comprehensive list will transport you from the otherworldly landscapes of Iceland to the sensational views of French Polynesia, Bali, Melbourne, New Zealand, Fiji, Greek Islands, Singapore, South African capes, Oceania, Europe, Asia, Africa, USA, Australia, Caribbean, and everywhere in between.

The post The world’s ultimate bucket list appeared first on RG Magazines.

Following his passion for the sport, he attended high school at South Kent School in Connecticut at 14, where his football career was taken to the next level.

He was picked to play Division 1 football at Drexel University, however, Shakhai is more than just an athlete and wanted to focus on studying and travelling — so he retired.

To date, he has travelled to Spain, Prague, Austria, France and more and has worked at a travel agency in Greece for six months, studying the language while earning his bachelor’s degree in international business.

Now, he is living in Dubai, studying towards his master’s degree..

What took you to Dubai?

“Well, I was studying in Philadelphia and I wanted a different experience just to learn more about the world I suppose. So, Dubai was one of my options and I was able to go there and study – I think it was the best option for me personally.”

Where are you studying?

“I am at Hult International Business School – there’s even more than international students there, the entire area of Dubai is international so you go outside and see people of different races, countries, religions. There’s an interesting mix of different people and cultures

Is Dubai as conservative as people make it seem?

“People think that it is more conservative on the outside than it really is. I don’t feel that out of place when I’m here, I don’t feel like I need to not do certain things as much as you would think before actually going. But it is different than Bermuda of course.”

What do you like best about Dubai?

“What I like best is that there’s always something to do, different people to talk to, different cultures, different foods to try. So, there’s a mesh of everything. I like the complexity of it best. There’s many things to learn.

Are you still playing football?

“I play maybe once or twice a month, not often, but I do get together with some friends and kick a ball when can”

What do you do for fun?

“Even though it is a conservative place, most people go out for drinks with friends or eat. On the weekends we have brunches which are delicious. There’s always something to do with beaches close by and different excursions like going into the desert or some of the souks in the traditional shopping areas.”

Plans for the future?

“I’m actually leaving Dubai in May and going to Shanghai next to continue my studies. It’s part of a global rotation programme so eight months in Dubai, two in Shanghai, then two in London before I graduate.

What advice would you give for those looking to study abroad?

“I would say to do it while you can. For me it doesn’t always have to be the upscale or familiar or comfortable places. Immersing yourself in the language and culture sometimes is more learning than you’ll ever get inside a classroom.”

24 hours in Dubai

Home to the world’s tallest building, one of the largest malls in the world, an indoor ski slope, and a stunning resort complex in the form of the Jumeriah Palm there is more to do in Dubai than can possibly be crammed into the space of 24 hours. However, if time is short, here’s what you absolutely have to do.

Souk (Arabic for market)

Go to the heart of old Dubai and spend the morning at the Gold and Spice Souks. This is a great opportunity to better understand what Dubai was like before the city boomed, and to get lots of high quality spices (and gold!) for a great price. Here, visitors also get the opportunity to cross the creek that goes through the city via Abra.

Burj Khalifa

If you want to get a view of Dubai then there is no better place to do so than from the top of the world’s tallest building. Some 160 storeys tall, or 2,722ft, residents include the Armani Hotel Dubai, four swimming pools and two observation decks. You can book tickets via the building’s website www.burjkhalifa.ae.

 Dubai Mall

You could easilyspend more than 24 hours just walking around Dubai Mall, as it’s one of the largest shopping mall in the world! This is a great place to grab lunch, browse some unique Dubai stores as well as international brands and visit the famous Dubai Aquarium. Also check out the mall’s indoor zoo, with a variety of animals from penguins to crocodiles. The shops in the mall vary from luxury to ready-to-wear, tending to every taste, and the restaurants do too.

Sunset at the Dubai Fountains

Dubai has taken the famous fountains at the Bellagio in Las Vegas and made them bigger and better. The world’s largest choreographed fountains, they go off every half hour, between 6pm and 11pm every night. This is one of the best spots in the city to watch the sunset. They are located at the Dubai Mall, so you don’t have to travel very far. The fountains are synchronized to Arabic music, Micheal Jackson hits, and even opera.

Spend the evening at the Jumeirah Palm

This man-made island imitates the shape of a palm tree and has an array of hotels to stay the night. For those looking to spend a little more, Atlantis The Palm is one of Dubai’s landmark five-star hotels, located at the island’s crescent, with a waterpark attached to it, should visitors have some time to kill in the morning before they leave. The hotel also hosts some household restaurants like Nobu and Ossiano for an evening drink. Other hotel options are Fairmont The Palm and Jumeirah Zabeel Saray, massive resorts with their own private beaches.

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