Lauren Simone Blogs — travel noire

For summer 2025, I embarked on an unforgettable journey across Europe and Asia, exploring seven countries in just ten days—each offering a unique mix of history, culture, and contrast. Having already visited much of Western Europe, I focused this time on Central and Eastern Europe, plus a brief adventure into Asia. From the artistic elegance of Vienna to the natural wonder of Albania’s Blue Eye, every stop had its own story.

Budapest, Hungary was vibrant but marred by the strong scent of urine, visible homelessness, and graffiti. Vienna, Austria, by contrast, was immaculate, walkable, and full of delightful dining. Croatia proved to be a favorite—clean, beautiful, and safe—with stays in Cavtat and Dubrovnik, the latter preferred for its walkable access to historic city walls and Adriatic views. In Albania, I stayed at the MK Hotel and took a day tour to Ksamil, Sarandë, and the Blue Eye, a scenic but slightly overrated natural spring. Still, the “Hand of Ksamil” installation was a fun photo op.

This whirlwind tour not only expanded my country count to 35, but also deepened my appreciation for the contrasts in infrastructure, cleanliness, and culture across regions. Whether reflecting on the cobbled streets of Dubrovnik or the serene beaches of Ksamil, each destination left a distinct impression—making this Euro-Asia trip one for the books.

Rose-Anne Uwague dispels myths, disrupts inefficient systems, and dismisses old thoughts that no longer serve us. She helps women make impact while maintaining harmony.  Passionate about igniting purpose to help women identify and achieve their goals, Rose-Anne has been nicknamed “The Igniter”. She challenges women through accountability and introspection to set milestones, tackle their vices and operate in their power by accomplishing their mission. As a Life Strategist, she distinguishes her coaching by helping her clients pursue harmony, employ grace and strategy rather than hustling, grinding and struggling.  As a Consultant, she helps companies streamline and improve their business processes. Rose-Anne believes that every encounter and every experience is intended to benefit someone else and she teaches as she learns. 

Sunday was a laid back day. I was exhausted. I overslept and missed breakfast and a chance to attend church on the beach. By the time I finally got up I joined my husband to help with the laundry. He wanted to make the most of our penultimate day and I wanted to listen to my body which was shouting "relax!" Since I wasn't going to pay anyone to give me a massage, I just slept! He went on a tour of China town.  I figured I'd stay in for the morning and do a luau at night until I...