Oaxaca
Dear Hive,
I’ve been flying in a blur of colours, songs and dance for the past
week! The Guelaguetza festivities are taking place here in Oaxaca, and the
streets of the colonial town are filled with the joyful chatter of friends and
families celebrating together. Dancers twirl in their bright pink skirts,
flower baskets balanced on their ribbon-decorated heads and long rosaries
around their necks. It’s impossible not to get caught up in their thrilling
rhythm. I wish I could take this elated feeling home to share with all of you.
From Oaxaca with love,
🐝Bee
Cairo
Dear Hive,
Have you ever had an instant feeling of belonging when you visit a
place for the first time? It happened to me in Cairo. The ancient and the
modern both thrive in this city of a thousand sounds and smells –saffron,
cinnamon, myrrh, honey– and as I take it all in, I can’t help but feel I might
have been here in a past life. I’m fascinated by the city’s rich history, by
how the Nile brings green, lush life into this sprawling metropolis, creating
an oasis in the middle of the Sahara Desert. I hope we get to visit Cairo
together someday –maybe in another life?
From Cairo with love,
🐝Bee
Portofino
Dear Hive,
Serenity, comfort, unparalleled views – Portofino is giving me all
this and more. At dawn I look down from the hillside towards the harbour that’s
only just coming alive. A couple is sipping coffee on the private terrace of a
luxurious hotel, and the slightly bitter scent makes me feel warm. Below, the
sea sparkles under the sun, a crisp and clear turquoise colour I’ve never seen
before. White and blue umbrellas are being opened now on the beach, and the
first swimmers brave the waters. Can my words carry this sweet tranquillity all
the way to you? I sincerely hope so.
From Portofino with love,
🐝Bee
Chefchaouen
Dear Hive,
Morocco had always enticed my imagination. Now that I’m here I can only say that the country’s colours, landscapes and aromas are like nothing I’ve experienced before. The hillside town of Chefchaouen is especially charming with its striking royal blue buildings and steep, cobblestone streets. There’s an aura of cheerful serenity in this magical place – I take it with me as I make my way back to you.
From Chefchaouen with love,
🐝Bee
CAPRI
Dear Hive,
I made it to the rocky shores of Capri! I came through the bustling port of Naples, where families chattering in Italian waited to board the traghetto that would ferry them across. But it wasn’t the deep blue shimmer of the Mediterranean that caught my attention and senses – it was the zesty smell of the island’s lemon trees and native flowers. Below me, a cheerful group is enjoying spaghetti al limone and fresh pomodorini. I hope the salty breeze carries their laughter and joy all the way to you.
From Capri with love,
🐝Bee
Provence
Dear Hive,
Life seems like a dream in the endless lavender fields of Provence Valensole. The French countryside is possibly the most romantic place in the world: I see couples on their first date, holding hands and humming Charles Aznavour songs. Time slows down as the heat of summer brings people out to the fields, where they share glasses of wine over a picnic blanket. Can you smell the sweet floral scent of fresh lavender?
From Provence with love,
🐝Bee
Sedona
Dear Hive,
I’m finally living my dream of visiting the Grand Canyon. On my way there I passed through Sedona, a lovely desert town surrounded by red rock buttes, steep canyon walls and pine forests. The colours here are fascinating: a mix of red and orange sprinkled with green and pink from the flowering cacti. I hope my words can convey the beautiful duality of this desert landscape – seemingly arid yet bursting with life.
From Sedona with love,
🐝Bee
Cartagena
Dear Hive,
I truly think that in another life I was Colombian. The culture, the music, the people, the fashion… it’s all so me. I’m in the Walled City of Cartagena, a place alive with history, where tropical rhythms burst into the streets and women carry fruit on their heads. I fly from balcony to balcony of the colourful colonial homes during the day, and at night I ride the warm Caribbean breeze. I wish I could share the alegría of this vibrant, joyful city with you.
From Cartagena with love,
🐝Bee
Mykonos
Dear Hive,
I saw the sun rise today in Mykonos. Droplets of early morning dew refreshed the faces of those who were still out dancing: shoes long gone, smiles wide and bright as the newly lit horizon. I tour the narrow streets flanked by bright blue houses and end up on a terrace overlooking the Aegean Sea: I find friends sharing food and memories. With my little heart full, I gather these good vibes and send them your way.
From Mykonos with love,
🐝Bee