I'm working very hard to put all my pictures and memories in order to post my 5 country 2 continent adventure this summer! I want it to be presented in a way it will inspire you to book a ticket and fly solo!

New Visual Blog Coming Soon.... Travel the world through my lens.....

Since my passion is travel photography along with traveling I decided to feature a photo daily of a place I have traveled either present or past. This will allow my followers to see the world through my eyes and my lens.

I'm sitting in the dinning room of the Ramada Belize City having my breakfast before I leave for my excursion to the barrier islands of Belize. This was my second visit to Belize and after my first visit I knew this small country would be my destination yearly. Belize is very affordable , friendly, authentic and quick to get to. I love the earthiness of Belize. It's not spoiled with touristy resorts so you have a since of the true culture of Belize. Visit Belize soon.
Nicole Hagans

Ramada Belize City

As a born and raised Houstonian I pretty much know all the neighborhoods around my city. My hands down favorite is Montrose! Montrose started out as a community where Houston's gay population could live freely without persecution in the 70's and 80's. Its located between Midtown and River Oaks and it is one of the hottest zip codes in the city! It has everything from shopping to amazing restaurants easy to walk streets and perfect coffee shops. The homes are a mixture of old and new which makes the character of this neighborhood so unique. The one thing I love the most about this area is that it is dripping with artistic flare. Everything from the eclectic mass of the people that live and  visit here to the many art galleries and vintage shops. Montrose is a must stop area when you are in Houston.  

I remember reading a book so eloquently describing the Middle East and I knew one day I would journey there. I didn't think in a million years it would be with a group of almost 200 but I made it there! Dubai is a contradiction of many sorts. It's old and new, rich and poor and conservative and modern all wrapped in a beautiful package. You will walk the streets of the business district in awe of the massive glass structures that light of the skyline and then you will go to the Souk area where the tradition building stand rustic and worn. I can tell you I fell in love with both. I love the new with its smell of progression and growth but the old part of Dubai felt like a warm cup of soup on a very cold winters night....comforting. I know I will be visiting Dubai again very soon and I look forward to digging deep in the culture side of Dubai. 

Most know that my daughter is a club volleyball player so many times we have to travel to go to different tournaments. This tournament was located in Dallas so I took advantage of exploring the unique things I came across as I walked and drove the city. This wont be a wordy blog but more of a visual one. I wanted to capture the city with my I phone so I hope you enjoy....

The beauty of randomness

                                   



I can honestly say I'm addicted to African food. I mean I eat it 3 to 4 times a week. It may be its similarity to the cajun/ creole food I grew up with from my grandparents being from Louisiana or it can just be a genetic pull to African food. Whatever the case may be it was love at first bite. My taste buds demand the spiced filled dishes that I have the pleasure of eating often. I can tell you I'm not married to on particular region of Africa either. I can that my culinary journey from the Northern parts of Africa all the way to South Africa and every region in between. I will write a series of blog post as I eat my way through my cities unique African communities and will also write about my culinary experience as I travel to Africa starting this year.

Since I have a wonderful network of friends that are from various countries in Africa finding African food is not hard for me at all. So lets start with my favorite places I frequent very often.

Lucy's Ethiopian Restaurant and Lounge

I discovered Lucy's Ethiopian Restaurant and Lounge a few years a go with a friend that is of Ethiopian and Somalian decent. I have not stop going ever since and by the large number of people I see when I patronize this lovely establishment I'm not the only one that feels this way. Lucy's boasts very high reviews along with being featured in The Houstonia Magazines 50 best restaurants in Houston list. It is a great place to lounge, eat and enjoy family and friends. I always order the honey wine,sambusa and hummus for an appetizer. At Lucy's you can be a vegetarian or carnivore and we wall will receive food full of flavor and soul. On the weekends they offer Live music so it is a great date spot. They also offer Hookah so you can lounge and drink in a relaxed atmosphere. Lucy's is a must stop place when in the Southwest Houston area.

Me and local poet Ezra Richards Shirt - Eloquii Cut out Neckline Peplum Top Joggers - Ashley Stewart Shoes - Gianni Bini

On my way to another meeting Shades - Dita

I'm always posting about my travels and never highlight all the amazing places in my own backyard. So I decided when I'm not traveling I would take the time to let everyone know about all the amazing things to do in my home city of Houston, Texas. I love my city and you may think I'm a little bias since I'm born and raised here and that may be true however you would fall in love with this city as well if you ever visited. I currently live in the suburbs(not for to much longer) but i play in the city. I prefer an area in our city called "The Inner Loop" which means inside of the 610 loop express way. The inner loop is full of culture, energy,  arts, uniqueness, food and more. In a series of posts I will be highlighting my favorite spots in the loop.

My birthday breakfast at Snooze Outfit: Vintage Black Jacket - Found at a resale shop NYC Dress - Xhilaration by Target Boots - UGG

I was introduced to Snooze by my good friend Phillip (in the above picture) for my birthday breakfast/meeting. The food was absolutely delicious. The service amazing as well. My birthday just so happened to fall on Fat Tuesday this year so I ordered the Mardi Gras pancakes and ended up getting the lucky one! I won a gift certificate and a t-shirt! I think that was a great start to my birthday!

Mardi Gras pancakes were delicious

Graffiti walls speak to me

My niece and I exploring the city together

 One of my favorite finds is Cafeza on Houston Ave. I love the atmosphere, the food and especially the coffee. It has a laid back artsy vibe with outdoor seating so you can enjoy a glass of wine with the backdrop of Houston's historic beauty.

I love the eclectic decor of Cafeza

 Right next door is one of my favorite spots for the past year or so Cafe Brussels. This lovely gem boasts some of the best authentic Belgium food in the city. My favorite is Moules Marinieres (mussels steamed with white wine) and Bouche de Poisson (Puff pastry filled with seafood in a cream sauce). Every time I dine here may it be for brunch or dinner it takes me back to the time I spent in Paris. This is a must go place to eat!

Outfit: Dress - Eloquii Suede Booty - Michael Kors Handbag - Louis Vuitton Sunglasses - Dita

We are excited to have our birthday dinner at this amazing restaurant.

Cafe Brussels

Mussels steamed in white wine

 We ended our day with a treat! Le Crepe Suzette Flambee au Grand Marnier. I can tell you I'm not a big sweets fan but when it comes to crepes I cannot resist. I took one bite and I was transported to Europe!



 The thing I most love about being in the loop is the amount of resale shops you can find on any given corner. I can never resist a deal!



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Nicole Hagans
www.desperatelyseekingtravel.com

Vintage shopping at its best