As part of our Travel Series, we ask women in our community to share a glimpse into how they lived, felt and experienced a place while they were away.
This edition takes us to Rio de Janeiro, Brazil with Nieema.
What did a day there look like?
A day in Brazil, I would say I couldn't even describe what one day looked like because every day was different and I loved it.
There could be a day where you're just having a chill one. You're relaxing, you're enjoying life on the beach, you're drinking coconut water, you're getting dashed by the waves.
Or you could have a day where you're super active. You decide to go for a walk or a cycle or a hike. You get to see really beautiful views and just take in the world around you and the country around you.
How did being there make you feel?
Honestly, I don't think I have the words for it.
I feel like unless you've been to Brazil, and unless you've been to Rio, you won't understand the feeling of just pure, unfiltered joy.
Even when you're doing nothing, even if you're just sat reading a book or having to catch up on some work, just the atmosphere around you, the feeling.
I felt settled. I felt calm. I felt at peace.
So yeah, I would say to sum it up, being there made me feel joyful, peaceful and content.
What did you enjoy the most?
Because I am somebody who loves to shake a leg, it's really hard because I actually enjoyed everything.
I enjoyed my slow days, but I definitely enjoyed partying.
I definitely enjoyed going to different parties in the favelas, like Santa Amaro, going to bailes and just enjoying the funk music, drinking caipirinhas, meeting new people and connecting with new people.
That was really cool.
What felt different about how you lived there?
I think it's hard because obviously I was only there for about two weeks, so it's easy to look at living there with the best perspective because it was a short while.
But I would say the biggest difference for me is the weather and also the access to just being near a beach, being near enjoyment.
It feels like you can enjoy life in the smallest moments.
But again, I was on holiday.
I just think — the weather and the beaches. How can you not love life if you're next to a beach in the sun?
What did you take back with you from this trip?
I brought back some great souvenirs, tote bags, jewellery and crochet clothes. I really went shopping.
But I think most importantly, I brought back a new perspective.
Living in a city where you're constantly thinking about work and what's next made me realise I'd lost touch with a younger version of myself over the last few years.
When I was younger, travelling was so important to me. I remember wanting to travel for six months at one point, but then I got caught up in work and that just never happened.
Somewhere along the way, I became so focused on work and what was next that I stopped making space for the things that made me feel most alive.
Coming back from Brazil, it's made me realise I want more of that feeling in my everyday life.
More joy. More peace. More living.
Anything else you'd like to share?
I think the people are amazing.
One of the best things about travelling is obviously getting to see different destinations, but also meeting different people from different walks of life.
The people also made the trip.
I feel like going there, I've actually made friends for life.
And I know that anytime that I go back, I'll probably meet new friends for life and just amazing souls and beautiful people.