I murmur through my thoughts
Whisper through the winds
My heart felt the rush of joy , of excitement as I would embark a journey within me .
Searching the deepest voice of my soul . Unfolding the face of my heart .
Here I write ,I express my vulnerability ..
Join me as we wonder through my mind
❤
A Celebration of Friendship, Adventures, and Bucket Lists
And just like that, it’s that wonderful time of year again—when friendship takes flight, suitcases are packed, and another chapter of The Mumsies’ Traveling Tales begins!
After a year of planning, saving, dreaming, and countless conversations about where to go, our adventure finally became reality.
This year, Ralla, Jen, and I took our bucket lists seriously: four countries, two continents, and eleven days!
Ambitious? Absolutely!
Exhausting? At times!
Worth every minute? Without a doubt!
When you’re traveling with friends who have become family, even the unexpected becomes part of the adventure.
And so, the Mumsies were off!
Chapter 1: Edinburgh, Scotland — Where Fairy Tales, Whisky, and Friendship Meet
Our first stop was enchanting Edinburgh, home to magnificent castles, cobblestone streets, centuries-old legends, excellent Scotch whisky, and a special connection to Harry Potter.
The city looks straight out of a fairy tale, though beneath its beauty lies a darker history of witch trials and persecution. People accused of witchcraft were imprisoned, tortured, and sometimes executed—many strangled before their bodies were burned. It’s hard to imagine such cruelty taking place in streets so beautiful.
On a more magical note, J.K. Rowling wrote significant portions of the Harry Potter series while living in Edinburgh, making the city a favorite destination for Potter fans.
But what did the Mumsies actually do?
First, we reunited—with warm hugs, excited greetings, endless stories, and conversations that picked up exactly where we had left off. That’s the beauty of old friendship: no matter how much time passes, the connection remains effortless.
Naturally, we tasted Scotland’s famous whisky. After all, when in Scotland, one must appreciate the local culture. Cheers to friendship!
We wandered along the Royal Mile, listened to bagpipes echoing through the streets, admired the architecture, and enjoyed famous pulled-pork rolls at Oink.
The next day, we ventured beyond Edinburgh to explore a Roman fort near the historic Scottish-English border.
And, of course, the weather joined us.
It rained!
Did it stop us? Absolutely not.
Did it dampen our spirits? Not a chance.
Did it stop the selfies?
NEVER!
Wet jackets, windblown hair, and questionable photo angles are simply part of the Mumsies’ travel experience.
We ended our Edinburgh adventure with souvenir hunting and small reminders of a city filled with charm, history, and laughter.
Next stop—a completely different world!
Chapter 2: Egypt — Ancient Wonders, Modern Chaos, and Unforgettable Experiences
EGYPT, HERE WE COME!
The land of pharaohs, ancient temples, mysterious tombs, and the magnificent Great Pyramid of Giza had long been on Ralla’s and Jen’s bucket lists. Finally, we were about to see its wonders for ourselves.
First, a reality check: Egypt is CRAZY!
Beautifully fascinating and historically extraordinary, but sometimes completely overwhelming.
One surprise was dealing with money. In several tourist areas, people preferred US dollars or euros over Egyptian pounds—and not just any notes. They had to be clean, crisp, and preferably unfolded!
Who knew paying for something could become an adventure?
The experience made us so cautious that, even in later countries, we inspected our banknotes.
Let’s call it our little Egyptian money trauma!
Giza was another eye-opener. Compared with parts of Cairo, the areas we visited felt louder, dustier, more chaotic, and marked by visible poverty. Everyone seemed to be hustling for a tip.
Even using the restroom could become a transaction: someone hands you a napkin, and suddenly a tip is expected!
Yet beyond the noise and frustrations, Egypt revealed something extraordinary: its history is breathtaking.
Standing before the Great Pyramid of Giza, the only surviving Wonder of the Ancient World, was pure awe. Imagine looking at a monument that has stood for more than 4,500 years. Empires, civilizations, and generations have come and gone, yet it remains magnificent and timeless.
In Luxor, ancient Egyptian history seemed to come alive. We explored the Valley of the Kings and Valley of the Queens, then marveled at Karnak Temple and Luxor Temple, with their colossal columns, intricate carvings, and stories preserved in stone.
One favorite was the Mortuary Temple of Hatshepsut, honoring one of ancient Egypt’s most powerful female pharaohs. Her story and temple remain inspiring reminders of leadership, determination, and legacy.
There were quieter moments, too, like sitting aboard a traditional felucca and watching the Nile drift by. After days of magnificent monuments, those simple moments touched us most.
We felt grateful to witness history that had survived thousands of years, walk through places we had only seen in books and documentaries, and share it all together.
A special thank-you to our wonderful guides: Amir, who accompanied us to the Grand Egyptian Museum, the Sphinx, and the Great Pyramid; and Mahmoued and Essam, our main men in Luxor, who made our visits to the Valleys of the Kings and Queens comfortable and memorable.
Egypt is not always easy to travel through, but it is impossible to forget.
It challenges your patience, awakens your curiosity, and rewards you with some of the most extraordinary sights on Earth.
Chapter 3: Jordan — A Beautiful Surprise and a Dream Called Petra
With regional tensions dominating the headlines, we jokingly gave this part of our adventure a slogan:
“Jordan—Only for the Brave!”
When we arrived at the eerily quiet airport, we wondered what awaited us.
Jordan surprised us in the best possible way.
Amman felt completely different from the busy areas of Giza. The streets were cleaner and calmer, and the people were warm, welcoming, and genuinely kind. It was a reminder that the news does not always tell the whole story of everyday life.
We enjoyed a walking tour through Amman’s lively streets, sampling local delicacies and soaking up the atmosphere: delicious knafeh, sweet corn, and Turkish coffee prepared in hot sand.
Children played, shops bustled, and life carried on with warmth and vibrancy.
Then came the moment I had dreamed about for years.
PETRA!
The famous Rose City, carved into sandstone cliffs, had been on my bucket list for as long as I could remember.
This was also where Barbie was supposed to join the Mumsies, but unfortunately, she couldn’t make it.
We missed you, Barbs!
Don’t worry—another adventure will be waiting for you.
Walking through Petra’s narrow Siq, surrounded by towering rock walls, was unforgettable. But nothing prepares you for the first glimpse of the Treasury between the cliffs.
You stop.
You stare.
And you realize that something you’ve dreamed about is finally standing before you.
Petra, an ancient Nabataean city and UNESCO World Heritage Site, is also one of the New Seven Wonders of the World—and it deserves the recognition. Its rock-cut architecture, rich history, and breathtaking surroundings exceeded our expectations.
Then came Wadi Rum, another UNESCO World Heritage Site, with dramatic sandstone mountains, vast desert landscapes, and striking red sand. A picturesque sunset painted the desert orange, gold, and crimson.
It was magical.
The journey through Petra and Wadi Rum made for a long day, but every step, bumpy ride, and tired muscle was worth it.
A heartfelt thank-you to our wonderful guides, Loay, our main man in Jordan, and Hassam, our Petra and Wadi Rum expert, for making this part of our adventure so special.
Jordan taught us that sometimes the places that surprise us most leave the deepest impression.
Chapter 4: Türkiye — Between Two Continents and Up Among the Clouds
Our final destination was Türkiye!
By then, our energy was running low, but our enthusiasm remained strong. The Mumsies don’t give up that easily!
Our stay was short and our itinerary ambitious. We traveled between Istanbul and Cappadocia, determined to experience as much as possible.
Cappadocia was all about one dream: a magical hot-air balloon ride. The region is famous for its fairy chimneys, extraordinary rock formations, and colorful balloons filling the skies at sunrise when weather permits.
What a setting for another unforgettable adventure!
Back in Istanbul, we enjoyed a dinner cruise along the Bosphorus, the waterway separating the city’s European and Asian sides. Being in a city spanning two continents felt especially fitting as we admired the illuminated bridge and skyline.
We also explored historic Istanbul, including magnificent Hagia Sophia. With its enormous dome, extraordinary architecture, and layers of Byzantine and Ottoman history, it forms part of Istanbul’s UNESCO-listed Historic Areas.
Once a Byzantine church, later an Ottoman mosque, then a museum, and now a mosque again, Hagia Sophia stands as a remarkable witness to centuries of cultural change.
Istanbul was the perfect final chapter—a place where East meets West, history meets modern life, and our eleven-day journey began drawing to a close.
The Best Part of the Journey Was Never Just the Destination
Four countries.
Two continents.
Eleven days.
Ancient wonders, magical cities, desert sunsets, historic streets, and countless photographs.
But what stays with me most isn’t just where we went. It’s who I shared it with.
It’s Ralla, Jen, and me laughing over the smallest things, remembering past adventures, teasing one another, and creating stories we’ll retell for years.
It’s the warm hugs, the excitement of seeing bucket-list destinations, the travel frustrations, and the moments when we were so tired that everything became funny.
Friendship isn’t only about sharing easy, beautiful moments. It’s navigating unfamiliar places, adjusting to surprises, being patient, and finding reasons to laugh when plans go awry.
As the years pass, we realize that time is one of the greatest gifts we can give each other. We may live in different places with different responsibilities, but somehow, we always come together.
We plan. We save. We dream.
Then, once again, we go.
Not simply to tick destinations off a list, but to celebrate the friendship that has carried us through so many chapters of life.
The world is beautiful, and there is still so much to discover. Having friends who share your sense of adventure makes every journey more meaningful.
One day, we may forget how many steps we walked, temples we visited, or money we spent. But we will never forget how much we laughed, how we felt, and how wonderful it was to experience it together.
So here’s to us—to friendship that grows stronger with time, memories that become treasured stories, and adventures still waiting beyond the horizon.
The bucket list may be getting shorter, but our memories keep growing.
The Mumsies’ Traveling Tales will continue…
Because the adventures may end, the suitcases may be unpacked, and we may return to our separate lives…
But the friendship? That’s a journey with no final destination. ❤️
Until our next adventure, Mumsies!
Third country in 11 days… and perhaps our most unexpected surprise yet!
With all the news about the ongoing conflict and safety concerns in the region, I must admit that visiting Jordan came with a little anxiety. We had been closely monitoring the situation and even had a backup plan in case things took a turn for the worse.
On our way to the airport in Cairo, we couldn’t help joking, “Only the brave would do this!” 😂
Looking around the departure lounge, we noticed that we were among the very few tourists. Most of our fellow passengers were Jordanians or people from neighboring countries heading home or visiting for the weekend.
When we landed in Amman, the airport was unusually quiet. Almost eerily so. For a moment, I wondered what we had gotten ourselves into!
But little did we know… Jordan was about to surprise us in the most wonderful way.
Meet Loay — Our Guide, Driver, and Fellow Food Lover!
Now, this is where the story gets interesting!
Loay and I actually connected earlier this year through GetYourGuide, but let’s just say we didn’t exactly get off to a flying start! Somewhere along the way, the tour I had booked with him was cancelled, leaving me rather irritated.
But after my irritation subsided (as it eventually does! 😂), I decided to contact him again.
And I’m so glad I did!
Loay became our MAIN MAN in Amman, and what started as a slightly rocky introduction turned into one of the most enjoyable experiences of our Jordan adventure.
He is kind, funny, easygoing, and genuinely passionate about his city.
But here’s what makes him an especially fantastic guide for exploring Old Amman…
THE MAN LOVES TO EAT! 😂🍽️
And believe me, when you’re doing a walking tour that involves discovering authentic local street food, there is no better person to show you around than someone who truly LOVES food!
)
Loay doesn’t just know the streets of Old Amman. He knows where the good food is!
He took us through the lively streets, introducing us to little local food spots, traditional treats, and delicious flavors that we probably would never have discovered on our own.
One of the highlights was the heavenly knafeh, along with a warm, delightfully chewy local treat whose name I can no longer remember! 😂 And the sweetest part? Loay treated us to these goodies himself.
His enthusiasm for food is contagious. You can tell that he genuinely enjoys sharing his favorite places, and that makes the whole experience feel less like a formal guided tour and more like exploring the city with a local friend who knows exactly where to eat!
Another big plus? Loay understands and appreciates Asian, particularly Filipino, culture. That made the conversations, humor, and overall experience even more comfortable and enjoyable.
So, if you’re planning a trip to Amman, I would happily recommend checking him out, especially if you love discovering a city through its food!
And Amman? What a Surprise! 🇯🇴
I honestly didn’t know what to expect.
But instead of the tense, uneasy atmosphere I had imagined, we discovered a city that was modern, vibrant, welcoming, and full of life.
The streets were buzzing, the food was wonderful, and the people were warm and friendly.
All those worries I had before arriving? Thankfully, they turned out to be unnecessary during our visit.
Jordan reminded me that sometimes, the places we approach with the most uncertainty end up giving us the most beautiful surprises.
And sometimes, all it takes is an open mind, a little courage, and a food-loving local guide to turn an unfamiliar city into an unforgettable experience.
And this was only Amman!
Next up: Our adventures in Petra and Wadi Rum… because Jordan had even more surprises waiting for us!
To be
continued…
#JordanAdventures #SurprisesOfJordan #VisitJordan #DiscoverAmman #OldAmman #JordanStreetFood #FoodieTravel #TravelStories #FilipinoTravelers #TravelBeyondExpectations
I breathe
to slow down my thoughts.
Around me,
noises rise and fall—
different levels,
different tones.
I close my eyes
to see my vision,
to remind myself
of who I am
and why I am here.
I stand in the middle
of a spinning universe—
different directions,
different rhythms,
different tones.
And still, I stand.
I breathe.
I close my eyes.
I am the universe within the universe.
I choose my pace.
I choose my path.
I choose my tone.
And I take
one deep breath.
We are like two crazy people, playing with the fire of passion.
There’s this constant tug of war, the teasing whenever time allows, and somehow, in those moments, we live in a world of our own.
The restrictions and the lines are vividly drawn. We know exactly where they are. And yet, within our words and the moments we share, there is a certain freedom.
Maybe it’s simply an acknowledgement and acceptance of what is, what could have been, and what should never be.
Still, here we are—two crazy people, playing with fire.
A month ago, I sat in a cold clinic room, waiting. I had just finished an hour-long EMG test—a grueling experience that felt less like a medical exam and more like a slow form of torture.
When the specialist finally spoke, the news was heavy: Grade 3 Carpal Tunnel Syndrome in my right hand, and Grade 2 in my left.
Usually, Grade 3 is a direct ticket to the operating table. But then, the doctor paused, looking puzzled.
“In most cases, we suggest surgery for Grade 3,” he said. “But in your case, we’re opting for a steroid injection first. You still have full motor function. No muscle wasting, no loss of strength in your thumb. Honestly… we’re wondering what you’ve been doing to protect your hands. Most people at this stage have already lost their grip.”
I answered calmly: “I do strength training. I lift heavy with a coach.”
A Shield, Not a Cure
It is important to be clear: strength training didn’t “cure” my Carpal Tunnel. The sensory damage—the numbness that started last September—is real. It’s right there on the EMG. But what the iron has done is provide a biological shield.
Nineteen months ago, my coach Jonathan started me on a path of strict posture and heavy weights. Back then, it was about my knees—cartilage loss, edema, and cysts that made a simple squat feel impossible. Within a month, the pain was gone.
Now, that same commitment to strength is showing its value in my hands.
The Mystery of the Numbness
When the numbness started in my right hand last September, it didn’t fit the standard “profile” for Carpal Tunnel. My grip was strong. My hands were functional. In fact, I noticed something weird: the numbness actually felt better after I trained.
The EMG finally solved the mystery. While my sensory nerves were showing significant damage (the numbness), my motor nerves—the ones that control movement and power—were almost untouched.
The doctor’s advice was simple: “Continue what you are doing. It is slowing down the progression.”
The Critical Role of the Coach
I couldn’t have done this alone. When you are dealing with nerve damage or “nightmare” knees, you cannot afford to guess. You need a coach like Jonathan—someone who is “scary” about the details because he knows the stakes.
A great coach doesn’t just give you a workout; they provide the technical guardrails that allow you to lift heavy enough to stimulate growth without aggravating your condition. Jonathan’s insistence on perfect form is the reason I can squat with no cartilage and grip a barbell with Grade 3 Carpal Tunnel. He didn’t just teach me to lift; he taught me how to protect my longevity.
Conclusion
Strength training is a tool for preservation, but only if executed with precision. It may not always reverse the clock or erase a diagnosis, but it can significantly slow the descent. By keeping the muscles around my nerves strong and my body active, I have turned a “surgical emergency” into a “manageable situation.”
We lift not just to get better, but to stay capable. If you are facing a “downhill slope” with your health, don’t just wait for the bottom. Find a coach who demands excellence, and build the strength to slow the slide.
Disclaimer :
Not paid just a believer
http://www.eleavatecoaching.be
This war is not ours. It belongs to leaders who failed to respect the sovereignty of a nation—leaders whose greed and pride have overshadowed the suffering of displaced children and broken families.
This war does not belong to the GCC region or to its people. It belongs to those who pursue power and personal gain at the expense of peace.
This war certainly does not belong to the OFWs in the Gulf. They are workers who left their homes only to build a better future for their families—a future their own governments could not provide.
Yet it is these innocent people who now live in fear. Those who had no voice in this conflict are the ones placed in danger, in distress, reduced to collateral damage in a struggle they never chose.
So we must ask: What is the end goal? And where do we go from here?
If peace and a ceasefire remain out of reach, then the cost will continue to be paid not by those who started this war—but by the ordinary people who simply wish to live, work, and return home safely.
And that is the greatest injustice of all.
You must be my longest work colleague ever—we’ve worked together on and off for more than 10 years now. That alone deserves a medal.
In all these years, I’ve learned to admire you.
Pure, sheer admiration.
You’ve been strong even when the whole world around you was collapsing—and you still stood there, fighting your battles. I love how you take care of yourself, whether it’s exercise or food. You proved that a person who exercises really does have stronger bones when you had your accident. That was a big eye-opener for me—and the inspiration I needed to make myself fit. Thank you for that.
Passion at work
At 60-something (😉), your drive and passion for our work are honestly unbelievable. Magnesium intake after work or not, you move like you’re still in your 40s. And that smile of yours—it gives instant assurance.
MC, I think we really will work together until we’re properly old, just like we always say:
“Den oukes is weer aan slag.”
I admire you deeply—and you are my silent (and sometimes very obvious) inspiration.
Last night, I did my progressive test training — the test that almost every one of Jonathan’s ( you can follow him or check his ig profile jonathan_elevatecoaching) clients knows means living on the edge (and questioning life choices).
For the last 18 months, I’ve been grateful to have a coach who pushes me, lets me curse him, believes in me, and somehow still earns my trust that every week I am looking forward of our session
As I powered through those painful supersets, I looked back and realized these 18 months have been a journey of consistency, brutal core exercises, sore muscles, and new gym buddies — the kind you just exchange fist bumps with and keep moving.
Yes, I look good, feel good, and I’m grateful to have a badass coach.
Again and again, I’m a full believer in getting yourself a coach for better guidance and results — or at the very least, keep moving and lift if possible.
So, to me: happy 18 months.
And thank you, coach. 💪🔥
Disclaimer : not paid , simply a believer
“It is not the critic who counts; not the man who points out how the strong man stumbles, or where the doer of deeds could have done them better.
The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood; who strives valiantly; who errs, who comes short again and again—because there is no effort without error and shortcoming—but who does actually strive to do the deeds; who knows great enthusiasms and great devotions; who spends himself in a worthy cause; who, at best, knows in the end the triumph of high achievement, and who, at worst, if he fails, at least fails while daring greatly, so that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who neither know victory nor defeat.”
—Theodore Roosevelt, 1910
Man in the Arena
I love this quote so much. I first encountered it while reading Daring Greatly by Brené Brown, and it has stayed with me ever since.
In a modern society where image often holds more value than authenticity, this quote speaks volumes. It reminds us that what matters most is not the critics—nor those who stand safely on the sidelines, pointing out flaws and offering commentary from a distance.
What matters is you.
You—showing up.
You—stepping into the arena.
You—navigating your journey with courage, imperfection, and authenticity.
You know your story.
You know your passion.
You know your purpose.
So let me say this clearly: you are doing okay.
By showing up.
By facing the struggles.
By surviving the day-to-day hustle.
You matter.
And the small victories matter too.
Let us keep our courage, authenticity, passion, and purpose shining—
even in a world driven by algorithms.
YOU ARE AWESOME ❤️
