Leon.Gregori213

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Leon.Gregori213

Leon.Gregori213 4 Years of Full-Time Traveling
📖 Stories, Poetry & Travel Gems
🌍 42 Countries (so far!) Hi I'm Leon. We met in Feb 2019 when I was still in the UK.

I have been active on social media for just over two years and it has changed my life... not just through sharing my words but also through meeting my now fiancé! We have travelled to 13 countries together; I have since moved to Canada and in the next two months we will be heading to Mexico! We are looking to develop our careers as influencers, travellers and digital nomads and I am delighted to n

ow be part of this particular community. I have recently been published (see links below) and have built a solid following on Instagram. I will be developing other media channels over the next year and I am super excited to grow even further! My book 'Out of the Shadows' is a significant volume of 'freestyle creative poetry'. It is written as an autobiographical journey of a boy who believed in love to the man who faced his darkest demons in the midst of heartbreak. This book encompasses over 15 years of personal thoughts, with 287 pages across 7 chapters. Each piece is in chronological order and is my journey from 'darkness to light'. I hope to inspire and support, help and encourage. I have been delighted with the response so far and I am looking forward to even more feedback. A bit about me - I grew up in a deep dark corner of London and was living on the poverty line until I found my career in retail and went on to spend a decade in management. More recently I ran a reclamation and antiques business for 3 years. I have also been a plumber and a real estate agent and currently I am an Operations Manager for a sponge manufacturer. I have a huge passion for history, travelling, long walks and impulsive road trips (I love driving). I have just as big a passion for politics and I am always ready for a good debate! Or just philosophical musings or learning new things. Space and the universe also fascinate me and I am a big fan of Canadian bonfires now after spending two summers here! Give a drink and it would be brandy but rum or beer also works 😋 I have broken my leg in 13 places, my first job was on a fruit and veg stall, I moved home 9 times in 12 years and have worked all over the UK. I have visited 20 countries in total and I love reading on a beach. In fact I could live on an island no doubt 😆
Anyway thanks for reading, just wanted to introduce myself properly. It is great to be heading on this journey with you all 🙏

11/08/2024

PAGE UPDATE: Poetry, Lifestyle & Social Media Blogs: New look, New Blogs

We have a major passion for travel here at Closer Lives (can you tell?!), however our biggest passion stems from writing itself. It is from writing that we met, through our poetry on Instagram, and it is what basically started this whole thing!

While we have focused primarily on documenting our travel excursions and writing Country Guides, we are also just as keen to share our knowledge and experience on Social Media, along with the very poetry that brought us Closer in the first place. We are also steadily building a collection of lifestyle blogs, where we share how we travel, resources we use and alternative living tips. Check it out and let us know what you guys think, or what you want to see us write about next!

Unlock the power of words and a world of poetry, discover tips for an alternative lifestyle, and get social media insights to grow your online presence with full-time travelers Jenn and Leon at Closer Lives.

01/08/2024

NEW GUEST BLOG: Cultural Festivals: Celebrating Diversity Around the World

Cultural festivals are a testament to the rich tapestry of traditions, beliefs, and customs that define humanity. These celebrations not only provide a glimpse into the heritage of different communities but also foster a sense of unity and appreciation for cultural diversity. Check out some of the world's finest 👇

Cultural festivals are a testament to the rich tapestry of traditions, beliefs, and customs that define humanity.

15/07/2024

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Find out more about GigSky here: Find out more awesome reasons to choose GigSky here:

https://www.closerlives.com/blog/post/why-gigsky-esims-are-essential-for-every-traveler

Discover why eSIMs are revolutionizing travel in 2024. Learn the top 10 benefits for seamless, cost-effective and secure global connectivity

04/03/2024

🇯🇵 In case y'all were wondering where my profile pic came from...

🇯🇵 It is .planets in Tokyo, where we visited in Dec 2022, which incredibly made the TOP 5 most popular museums in the world in 2023, according to Google Map searches.

🇯🇵 This places it in league with the likes of the Louvre and the British History Museum. In 2023, it received over 1 million visitors from 182 different countries, and the last time I checked (yesterday) it looked sold out for the next 6 weeks!

🔖 🇯🇵

❓️ Want to see more? I can make a reel with highlights if you like...

27/02/2024

NEW BLOG POST: Imperial Palace East Gardens and Edo Castle ruins in Tokyo

Nestled within the bustling metropolis of Tokyo lies a haven of serenity - the Imperial Palace East Gardens. Offering a captivating blend of historical significance, natural beauty, and peaceful respite, these sprawling gardens are a must-visit for any traveler seeking a unique perspective on the city.

This blog post delves into our exploratory stroll of the Imperial Palace East Gardens, taking you on a journey through its verdant landscapes, remnants of a bygone era, and captivating cultural insights. We'll uncover the gardens' rich history, explore the fascinating legacy of Edo Castle, equip you with essential information for your visit, all from our own personal experience!

Nestled within the bustling metropolis of Tokyo lies a haven of serenity - the Imperial Palace East Gardens. Offering a captivating blend of historical significance, natural beauty, and peaceful respite, these sprawling gardens are a must-visit for any traveler seeking a unique perspective on the ci...

24/02/2024

Step across the threshold into a world divided. Our Klook tour to the DMZ wasn't just sightseeing; it was a deep dive into a region where history unfolds at every turn. We weren't sure what to expect from a DMZ tour. Would it be somber? Tense? Surprisingly, it was both, but also laced with a surpris...

29/01/2024

Yes this is Mexico, not Asia! You probably know I spent all of 2023 in Asia, and if you didn't, just scroll my feed 😆 Jenn and I actually get asked a lot about where we currently are, as we are not always completely up-to-date in terms of sharing our content.

Is this a big deal for ya'll? We know many travel creators are in the same boat, generating huge amounts of content while traveling (especially fast travel). Even just a short 3 day visit somewhere can be hours upon hours of footage that then takes days, sometimes even longer, to turn into a video for YouTube, or content for SM.

TIME is actually like currency for us! Content creation takes plenty of it, and as a result, our posts are not always current / up-to-date. Does this bother you much? I am genuinely interested to know!

The other slight downside to constantly traveling is that we are constantly filling out pot with new content, which means that 'older' stuff, sometimes even just from a month ago, gets pushed further back. It is a constant conundrum that I am sure many of our fellow travelers feel at times.

That all being said, one of the reasons I love BLOGGING is that our posts need not be current, and we can go back 3 years for stuff if we want to. It is one of my favorite things to do as re-living these experiences is frickin awesome. I often 'forget' the places we have been, and I love the refresher.

So today I am sharing San Cristobal in Mexico, a little known highland town that we loved so much we ended up staying there for 3 months, and would have stayed longer if not for that annoying visa thing we all have to deal with.

Mexico in general is a special place for us as it was the very first country we visited on our full time travel adventure. We haven't blogged anywhere near enough about it, but that is all about to change! Starting with, you guessed it, San Cris.

It is not ready yet, but it is on its way and should be out soon. If you want to catch it when it lands feel free to drop your email on our website. Just tap the menu and you will see where to go.

Do you want to know more about San Cris? Let me know 👇

22/01/2024

Check it out...

All you need to know about the largest religious monument on the planet; the jewel in the crown of the ancient Khmer city of Angkor.

13/01/2024

New blog post!! We all see the famous Supertree Grove on social media but there is so much more to Gardens by the Bay than meets the screen eyes. Check out our latest blog post for all you need to know about the park attractions, and bonus ticket deals from Klook!

Discover the enchanting Gardens by the Bay and its mesmerizing light show in Singapore. Find out all you need to know before you go here!

11/01/2024

So who is your favorite character? Yoshi, Peach, Toad or Mario?! Just curious....

For more from our adventures in Japan check out our blog!

https://www.closerlives.com/jennandleontravelblog-destinations (DM for link)

10/01/2024

Our first NEW BLOG POST of 2024! And we are kicking it off with an epic full on Asia tour, packed with our recap of 12 countries we traveled to in 2023. We have included all sorts of goodies, with our highlights and insights from each country, special Klook offers, links to our blog posts, and details on our comprehensive country guides. If you are heading to Asia, you've got to check this out!

Recapping an unforgettable year with our highlights from 12 countries in Asia! Also with handy all-you-need-to-know guides for each country!

06/01/2024

My first post of 2024! And I am going way back into 2023 with this a
fascinating spot that can be found on the main road back from Pai to Chiang Mai in Thailand.

Just happened across it while looking at photos for the blog for the land of smiles. It is a drink stop open all year round, not just for Halloween apparently. Did you spot Canada amongst the stickers?

In other news it has been an awesome holiday, actually back here in Canada and spending quality time with the fam jam. It really is so good to be home! Even if it is damn cold lol. Not exactly the balmy heat of Thailand! Hope you all had a great break too.

We are slowly getting back to work, I have just put a fresh update on the blog situation over on my broadcast channel. I would put the link below the post like usual but for some reason I can't do it from Meta Business Suite. So you are gonna have to catch it on my profile if you want it.

Soon we will be working on our Asia content with some vigour, with a ton of stuff coming from places like Taiwan, South Korea and Thailand itself as we recap what was an incredible 2023 for us. Hope you are coming along for the ride witches!!!!

19/12/2023

The Sanctuary of Truth is a marvel of intricate wooden architecture that left us totally awestruck. A feat of engineering that has no rival!

09/12/2023

And with that our India Series on Jenn & Leon Travel Blog is complete! We are signing off on India from the incredible Wagah Border, where we saw the aptly named Beating Retreat Ceremony.

This is people coming together - thousands of people - every day, in sweltering temperatures, to showcase their nationality and allegience to their country. Be it India or Pakistan, it's all in good faith, jest and harmony. It is an exceptional event that has prompted this very blog, alongside a rising litany of videos and other blogs elsewhere in the ether. It has made its name for a reason. It demonstrates a value of co-operation, a value that splinters from the narrative given by politicians. A value that we can only hope the leaders that refuse to relinquish their differences may yet embrace!

We hope you have a chance to check it out. We also include our final thoughts and a recap on our time in India as a whole. Many thanks in advance if you do!

https://www.closerlives.com/blog/post/wagah-border-ceremony-amritsar-visitor-guide-all-you-need-to-know

🇮🇳 🇮🇳

07/12/2023

NEW BLOG POST: The 4 star Pribson Hotel in Amritsar - near to the Golden Temple and Wagah Border

In what was to be our last accommodation in India, we stay at the Pribson Hotel in Amritsar, conveniently located just 15 minutes away from the famous Golden Temple. We had a great stay here and enjoyed the food, ambience and hospitality. This hotel is fairly new and offers great sized rooms along with excellent service and good food.

Check out our full review, and why we think you should stay here if you are planning a trip to Amritsar 👇

https://www.closerlives.com/blog/post/the-4-star-pribson-hotel-in-amritsar-near-to-the-golden-temple-and-wagah-border

We review the Pribson Hotel in Amritsar. Close to the Golden Temple and Wagah Border, we see if this hotel lives up to its 4-star billing.

06/12/2023

NEW YOUTUBE VIDEO: In our new Hong Kong Travel vlog we start with a quick shop through in the Ladies' Market while walking to Mong Kok Station to use the MTR system on our way to the the Wine & Dine Festival.

The event highlights food and wine and showcases latest trends in Chinese wines that are getting noticed on a global front. With delicious food, an epic lineup of entertainers and interesting workshops, this festival has a lot to keep you busy over the 4 days!

Check it out 👇

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jnv2BVQ7nFg

LINK IN BIO

Hong Kong! We had an EPIC evening at the Ladies' Market and The Hong Kong Wine and Dine Festival 2023 at Central Harbourfront, Peir 9 in Central, Hong Kong. ...

05/12/2023

A trip to the mall, our first in India. Because it is always handy to know where to shop right? Plus our India recap of our time here so far

30/11/2023

We are in Rajasthan for the incredible Bagore Ki Haveli Dharohar Folk Dance Show in Udaipur! All you need to know including VIDEO highlights

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Videos

🇬🇪Tskaltubo is a spa resort in Georgia, known for its natural mineral springs. It became a focus for Sanitorium's as the water here has a natural temperature of around 30 degrees (90f), thus requiring minimal to no heating. . There are 19 sanatoriums here and almost all are abandoned and falling into disrepair. At the height of Soviet occupation this town attracted up to 120,000 visitors per year. Now that figure is less than 1000, although it seems there is finally work being done to restore and promote this area. . You are able to visit many of the abandoned structures and it is fascinating to wander and imagine what they were once like in their original grandeur. Conditions vary and we saw many while we were here... this is just one example. We felt safe in the main but there are around 9000 refugees which live in various parts of these huge complexes. Many feld from the conflict in the Abkhazia region in the early nineties and have been housed here ever since. . ℹ️ We will be adding much much more over the coming months from here and in other parts of Georgia on our travel blog at closerlives.com and on YouTube... check the links in our bio to sign up / subscribe! . 🌟 As ever thanks for watching and for your continued support! . 📹 Video taken January 2022 . 💖@_a_broad_perspective 🌍@jennandleontravel . 🔖#georgia🇬🇪 #georgia #tskaltubo #sanitarium #sanatoriums #urbanexplorer #urbex #urbexworld #abandonedplaces #bathhouse #exploregeorgia #travelvideo #historicbuildings #momentintime #oldplaces #abandonedbuilding #abandonedworld #backintime #explore #discovergeorgia

Solar Plexus... . I can let loose But to tell you the truth I’m feeling aloof Crazy with love . I protect you Respect you Feel you inside I nurture you Caress you Insanely on my mind I play my part To find the start To set your heart On a race for time . For when the bell chimes And the senses burn bright I will see you right See you fair I will whisper sweet nothings Run my hands through your hair Kiss your cheek Breathe on your ear . I will feel your rhythm Touch to your rhyme I will explore your body Like you know you are mine I will take time on your spot The one you laid bare The one by your heart The one I do care For that one is wonderful So beautiful and colourful I feel your beat As I share it with mine . And after that I head beyond To make you feel Part of the song The song of love As close as can be Poetry in motion At one with me . For in that moment And all the other ones For all of our life All we have done For all we shall live All we receive WE feel the power With everything to give You are mine And I am yours We are at one This is our score We are together We are the one There is no chance We are as bright as the sun We do not need a prize To know we have won . 💝 Dedicated to the 'jensational' @writings_of_an_ex_mrs . 📽 Video taken at Vallea Lumina, Whistler, Canada . 🌟 𝘼𝙨 𝙚𝙫𝙚𝙧 𝙩𝙝𝙖𝙣𝙠 𝙮𝙤𝙪 𝙛𝙤𝙧 𝙧𝙚𝙖𝙙𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙛𝙤𝙧 𝙮𝙤𝙪𝙧 𝙘𝙤𝙣𝙩𝙞𝙣𝙪𝙚𝙙 𝙨𝙪𝙥𝙥𝙤𝙧𝙩 🌟 . 🔗 𝘾𝙝𝙚𝙘𝙠 𝙤𝙪𝙩 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙡𝙞𝙣𝙠 𝙞𝙣 𝙢𝙮 𝙗𝙞𝙤 𝙛𝙤𝙧 - 📖 𝘔𝘺 𝘣𝘰𝘰𝘬 𝘖𝘶𝘵 𝘰𝘧 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘚𝘩𝘢𝘥𝘰𝘸𝘴 🌎 𝘑𝘦𝘯𝘯 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘓𝘦𝘰𝘯 𝘛𝘳𝘢𝘷𝘦𝘭 (𝘠𝘰𝘶𝘛𝘶𝘣𝘦) 🛍️ 𝘖𝘶𝘳 𝘣𝘳𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘯𝘦𝘸 𝘸𝘦𝘣𝘴𝘪𝘵𝘦 𝘸𝘸𝘸.𝘤𝘭𝘰𝘴𝘦𝘳𝘭𝘪𝘷𝘦

🔎Link is in my profile or search CloserLivesEmporium (no spaces) on the Etsy App or Site

So proud and humbled by such kind and warm reviews for my book. Really appreciate the support guys! Have you published yours?? 😉☺️

Just a small glimpse into a Canadian winter and the beauty of its snow 🌨️ ❄️ . ~ 'My love' mentioned in the video is the one and only Jenn aka @writings_of_an_ex_mrs 🥰 ~ Music provided by Viva Video - 'Snow Memory' by 'unknown' . #snow #canada #winter #nature #photography #cold #love #landscape #beautiful #winterwonderland #wanderlust #ice #ontario #outdoors #igtv

Written for the live prompt on @closerlivespoetry . I do not usually write to prompts but this inspired me so much. Yet to publish this but my good brother @chrislouiswrites read this so brilliantly on the live I just had to share it with y'all. Thank you to Chris & @danny_boy_poetry for your wonderful words after too. You guys are amazing 👊🖤🥀 . Check out our live prompts every Thursday at 6pm EST to participate and have your work read! #closerlivespoetry 🖤🥀 . And on a final note seasons greetings and best wishes to you all 🌟🎄🎅🎄🌟 . 🖤 ʟɪᴋᴇ ~ ᴄᴏᴍᴍᴇɴᴛ ~ sʜᴀʀᴇ ~ sᴜᴘᴘᴏʀᴛ 🖤 . 🎲📚ᴄʜᴇᴄᴋ ᴏᴜᴛ ʟɪɴᴋᴛʀᴇᴇ ɪɴ ᴍʏ ʙɪᴏ ғᴏʀ Oᴜᴛ ᴏғ ᴛʜᴇ Sʜᴀᴅᴏᴡꜱ ᴀɴᴅ ᴍʏ ᴏᴛʜᴇʀ ᴍᴇᴅɪᴀ ᴘʟᴀᴛғᴏʀᴍꜱ📚🎲 . #friends #poetsofig #writersnetwork #spilledink #highlights #replay #creativewriting #poets #writings #poetsofinstagram #writerscommunity #poetssupportingpoets #poetry #liveprompt #liverreading #poetrysociety #differentlynormal #closerlivespoetry #writers #beneaththemask

Epidermis by @leoras_beautiful_chaos_poetry [pick a page part 3] ... . After Robin picked no 77 from my book I went for 7 up from the bottom of her feed. And I'm sure y'all will agree this is a magnificent piece! A true pleasure to read it but I do apologise for the stumble 🙈 Too much pressure Robin haha à😉 . For those of you who don't know Robin she is a stunning poet and person. She is also a live host and teammate at @closerlivespoetry 🖤🥀 What a true pleasure and honour of mine to be able to share her exquisite words, please do head over to her page and show her some love and support! 🌟 🎲 🌟 . 🎲📚ᴄʜᴇᴄᴋ ᴏᴜᴛ ʟɪɴᴋᴛʀᴇᴇ ɪɴ ᴍʏ ʙɪᴏ ғᴏʀ 📖Oᴜᴛ ᴏғ ᴛʜᴇ Sʜᴀᴅᴏᴡꜱ📖 ᴀɴᴅ ᴍʏ ᴏᴛʜᴇʀ ᴍᴇᴅɪᴀ ᴘʟᴀᴛғᴏʀᴍꜱ📚🎲 . #feelings #epidermis #poets #spokenword #wordsmith #poetsofinstagram #writerscommunity #poetssupportingpoets #poetry #pickapage #word #spoken #poetrysociety #poetrygram #closerlivespoetry #writers

In Dying Moments part one... . This piece is part of a series that I wavered intensely on putting in the book, but I'm at peace with that now. Have you guys ever second guessed making a piece public? Well I guess we all have? 🤷🏻‍♂️ 🎲 🌟 . 𝙺𝚒𝚗𝚍𝚕𝚢 𝚌𝚑𝚘𝚜𝚎𝚗 𝚋𝚢 @leoras_beautiful_chaos_poetry 🖤🥀 🖤🥀 . 📖ᴄʜᴇᴄᴋ ᴏᴜᴛ ʟɪɴᴋᴛʀᴇᴇ ɪɴ ᴍʏ ʙɪᴏ ғᴏʀ Oᴜᴛ ᴏғ ᴛʜᴇ Sʜᴀᴅᴏᴡꜱ ᴀɴᴅ ᴍʏ ᴏᴛʜᴇʀ ᴍᴇᴅɪᴀ ᴘʟᴀᴛғᴏʀᴍꜱ📖 . #author #poetsofig #writersnetwork #bookpost #spilledink #instapoet #poetryisnotdead #feelings #creativewriting #poets #writings #wordsmith #poetsofinstagram #writerscommunity #poetssupportingpoets #poetry #pickapage #word #books #poetrysociety #poetrygram #closerlivespoetry #writers

Another piece from my upcoming book!! #wordsmith#romantic#avoicefromfaraway#soulfulgroup#poetsofinstagram#spilledink#society#hope#writerscommunity#writersofinstagram#poetry#poetryisnotdead#positivevibes#beingyoubeingtrue#closerlivespoetry#packpoetry#hopelessromantic#hopeless#yourheartbeatsstrong#creativewriting#spokenword#penguinpoetrynyc#packlive#dazzedoutfeatures#mindsightpoetry#madpropslive#-poets-anonymous#graveyardshiftpoetry#silverleafpoetry

So this was the piece that I sent to my publisher @soulfulshobana @soulfulgroup and subsequently got me published! The first piece I wrote after 6 years of writers block...I hope you like it as much as I do 😊 #wordsmith#romantic#avoicefromfaraway#soulfulgroup#poetsofinstagram#spilledink#society#hope#writerscommunity#writersofinstagram#poetry#poetryisnotdead#positivevibes#beingyoubeingtrue#closerlivespoetry#packpoetry#hopelessromantic#hopeless#yourheartbeatsstrong#creativewriting#spokenword#penguinpoetrynyc#packlive#dazzedoutfeatures#mindsightpoetry#madpropslive#-poets-anonymous#graveyardshiftpoetry#silverleafpoetry

Third installment from the book launch readings! #wordsmith#romantic#avoicefromfaraway#soulfulgroup#poetsofinstagram#spilledink#society#hope#writerscommunity#writersofinstagram#poetry#poetryisnotdead#positivevibes#beingyoubeingtrue#closerlivespoetry#packpoetry#hopelessromantic#hopeless#yourheartbeatsstrong#creativewriting#spokenword#penguinpoetrynyc#packlive#dazzedoutfeatures#mindsightpoetry#madpropslive#-poets-anonymous#graveyardshiftpoetry#silverleafpoetry

Second read from the book launch at The Lansdowne in Leicester this past Saturday! #wordsmith#romantic#avoicefromfaraway#soulfulgroup#poetsofinstagram#spilledink#society#hope#writerscommunity#writersofinstagram#poetry#poetryisnotdead#positivevibes#beingyoubeingtrue#closerlivespoetry#packpoetry#hopelessromantic#hopeless#yourheartbeatsstrong#creativewriting#spokenword#penguinpoetrynyc#packlive#dazzedoutfeatures#mindsightpoetry#madpropslive#-poets-anonymous#graveyardshiftpoetry#silverleafpoetry