Sometimes it's the small "wins"in life that make us feel better :-) It's my first salon visit in 4 months! And I share a bit about my Mom, who I have such a better relationship with now because we both agreed to work on it and make it better.
Big thanks to Vincent at Toni & Guy in KL for talking to Kashif at Toni & Guy in Islamabad about how to deal with my fine, thin hair. Big thanks to Julu for talking me into a slightly different haircut. It was a fun day!
Pakistan Month Three 🌴 May was HARD. Honestly, it was the most stressful month so far. Luckily, as usual, it was also full of amazingly positive moments!
TOP 10 MOMENTS: Month 3
1. GEEKED OUT being interviewed by the Independent UK Urdu about opening up luxury tourism to Balochistan @indyurdu
2. After 3 pitch meetings, finally have the OK from Balochistan’s Jhal Magsi district to let us create 2 & 3-night luxury tours for foreigners
3. Lost 6 clients in Malaysia & Taipei (several part of the same group). I wallowed in self-pity for a week & then started updating my website www.that-wow.com for Pakistan @thatwowofficial
4. Applied for a 1-year business visa via my newly registered PK company. Hopefully, no more visa runs for me!
5. Met again with Farah Azeem Shah, Member Provincial Assembly Balochistan, to learn more about new initiatives for peace, women and marginalised people and how I can be of help @farahazeem01
6. Booked holiday Asia cruise with Mom — the 1st solo trip just the 2 of us have taken for Xmas & NY (sooooo excited)
7. Drank a delicious salty-rimmed margarita & 2 super-sized glasses of wine with dinner during a quickie same-day turnaround visa run to Dubai (was bliss!)
8. Started on a brand new luxury travel website for my biz partner Haris Ali Shah and Adventure Planners Pakistan @adventure.planners
9. Pakistan Tourism Symposium added me to a panel on 11-June, Day 2 in the main auditorium, on building up PK as a tourism destination
10. Hiring my first local employee: a Social Media Manager with luxury & hospitality experience based in Islamabad or Quetta (find job post on my IG for details on how to apply)
My next YouTube video is a review of PC Lahore, coming in next day or two! You’ll find that and all my PAKISTAN VLOGS on my YouTube Channel: angelacarson -- I hope you'll subscribe (link in bio).
🎥 Independent UK Urdu studio | May, 2024
Since moving to Pakistan 90 days ago, I've now setup my own company, have almost signed my first two clients in Balochistan, and my business visa is in progress (something every nomad / expat / immigrant knows removes a lot of stress from life). Things are moving fast!
My company does branding, social media management, and builds websites. I don't work for a travel company as many people currently believe.
But my business partner @Adventureplanners DOES, and we are having daily meetings to completely re-develop his website to look and feel like a global luxury travel website. We're also adding lots of new tours and excursions, including new luxury tours to Balochistan! It's FUN!!
Tonight's dinner was quite a delicious feast at the Italiano at Marriott here in Islamabad. Over the past 3 years, all of my clients in Malaysia had been Italian restaurants (10 of them!) so I'm quite particular but this was honestly the best Italian I've had so far in Islamabad. I do honestly recommend Zigolini.
My only change for next time: ask them to make the pizza a bit thinner and remove the lettuce from atop the beef carpaccio. Other than that, I have no other feedback, honestly.
**New video coming this weekend on YouTube from my PC Lahore review earlier this month, stay tuned!
I’m Hiring a Social Media Manager in Pakistan. Must be experienced with luxury and/or hospitality brands, hold a university degree, and write in perfect English.
**DO NOT DM: anyone who DMs will be disqualified (I will not reply to any DMs)
THE ROLE
* Social media manager for luxury, hospitality, and tourism clients
* You’ll be a content creator, writing in various brand voices
* Shoot and edit videos as per each client’s style
* You’ll report directly to me and work in a respectful, fun, and positive environment. You’ll have flexible hours and work from home. Must be based in Islamabad or Quetta
REQUIRED EXPERIENCE & SKILLS
* 2 years' experience managing and scheduling social media accounts for luxury and/or hospitality brands
* Must be able to work autonomously and have a high level of attention to detail (be a perfectionist who is great at proofing your own work)
* Must have worked with international brands
* Perfect written English
* Deep knowledge of branding and/or past experience as a brand manager
REQUIRED EDUCATION
* University Bachelor Degree
* Minimum BSc in marketing, mass communication or advertising
HOW TO APPLY
* DO NOT DM: anyone who DMs will be disqualified
* You must have the required experience & education listed above
* Send your CV or LinkedIn profile (any email without will not be considered) via email to [email protected]
That Wow website: https://that-wow.com/
Thursday’s Solo Female Travel post really stirred up anger for some men who didn’t like one of the benefits we women (young & old) feel: teaching us we don’t “need” a man, which not every girl believes, is taught or gets to learn. Depending on if we’re from the USA, Somalia, Japan or India … sometimes the reasons are cultural, socio-economic or religious.
I’ve been solo travelling since since I was 20. The 1st time was when I dropped out of uni in California and drove south in my Jeep Wrangler to go live on the beach in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico. I only stayed 2 months but it made me feel STRONG and like I could do anything.
The next year, when I was 21, I bought a 1-way ticket to Europe for my next adventure.
DID SOLO TRAVEL = NO FAMILY?
It did not, which a commenter wrongly assumed. He told me I would regret my lifestyle ON MY DEATHBED as I die alone (no joke, some awful person actually wrote that on a post about positivity & female empowerment!).
I married a man I met that following year solo travelling in Spain. Two years later we had a daughter who is the pride and joy of my life. But I slowly learned my ex-husband was not a kind man. He was very controlling and — aside from my daughter & my job — my life became joyless.
When my daughter was 1 year old, I divorced him. I knew I could take care of us because I knew I was strong enough, partly because of what solo travel had taught me. He never paid child support. Never paid uni fees. But that turned out to be a GIFT because I worked harder than anyone to climb the ladder, striving to earn more money because of my ex’s vindictiveness in never helping us.
Solo female travel means something different for all of us but my friend Melisa added a comment on that last post that I will end with today. She shared that to her, solo travel taught us to, “Never limit yourself to what others limit themselves to. Even the people you love can unintentionally limit your growth by placing their fea
Solo travel teaches girls (& women at any age!) that we:
* Most definitely do not need a man (so marriage can be a choice, not a requirement to live)
* Can take care of ourselves and be strong
* Aren’t the centre of the universe as we embrace and explore new cultures, languages, food, and traditions 🐪
GIRLS, TRAVEL & CULTURAL INFLUENCES
As a Californian, I was brought up to believe that girls were equal to boys and that we could do anything they could. My mother never once told me that I was expected to get married or live any particular kind of life … except that I was expected to be able to take care of myself, to NEVER depend on a man for my existence, and to be a good person.
That isn’t something that girls from all countries can say. However, with more and more girls from diverse countries attending university each year, I would like to believe that this is changing. And more and more young women are sharing their bravery every step of the way on social media to inspire a new generation of female solo travellers.
FINAL THOUGHTS
From my 30+ years of experience with solo travel, I’d say that being young at heart is a requisite for being a joyful solo traveller. Certainly, being open to living in the moment, embracing spontaneity, and trusting that everything’s going to be “OK” also helps A LOT!
**Please do remember: keep your personal safety firmly in mind but ... hopefully fear never holds reign over your travels 🌴
❤️ Happy Mother's Day to my sweet Mommy and all the Mums worldwide! I'm sending the biggest kiss and massive hugs to mine from Pakistan xo
🎥 Daily moments from our birthday Med cruise, October 2023
Social Media vs. Reality 🤔 Disclaimer: please know that I realise these are "Champagne problems" (not real problems) when we look at what's happening in the world today but it is my current update....
This Rawal Lake / Islamabad view and the apartment look perfect. But just like life, nothing on social media is ever exactly as it seems. And until about 10 days ago, I considered breaking my lease and moving. Happily, things are sorted now.
For the first 45 days I lived here, I never had a single decent night's sleep. Every morning at 6:15am I'd be woken up by traffic below (and I normally don't go to sleep until around 3am). Finally ... after trying 8 different types and brands of earplugs to block out the traffic noise ... I found one that works. I've never lived on a busy road like this and really have a new sense of empathy for everyone who lives on a busy street or road. Ping me if you want the name of those earplugs!!!
Then, it wasn't until last week when I added a white noise machine to my desk, that I could finally work peacefully and not have to work with music and headphones. It is the best Rs.4,000 / US$14 investment in Pakistan so far! Highly recommend one for anyone -- again -- who lives on a busy street or road.
I'm still planning to do a full apartment tour and building video so stay tuned to my YouTube channel https://www.youtube.com/c/AngelaCarson (link in bio). It'll be out sometime in May.
Women's Power is Growing in Balochistan, Pakistan
Seeing women entrepreneurs shine in Balochistan is a sight that brings me true joy. Women dream, just like men. Women have passions and goals, just like men. So seeing dozens and dozens of female small business owners sharing their artisan skills last month was a gift.
Big THANK YOU to Farah Azeem Shah for inviting me. It was three days of female empowerment, amazingly fun entertainment, and collaboration between powerhouse women.
I hope that next year more women from all across Pakistan will fly in to Balochistan in support of the women of Balochistan.
Direct link to HD video on my YouTube channel: https://youtu.be/PDqPNZ4bq7k
XOXO ~ Angela
// LINKS
YouTube Channel
https://www.youtube.com/c/AngelaCarson
INSTAGRAM
https://instagram.com/angelacarson.xo
Pakistan Month Two 🌴 April was busy and exciting and FILLED WITH POSITIVITY!
I saw more old friends and visited Balochistan 2 more times (that makes 3 visits since arriving 2 months ago), including one weekend to attend a festival created to uplift female small business owners!
I also finally feel like I'm making some real progress so I'm feeling a little less scared of failure in this moment than I did in March.
This weekend I'll be posting a vlog from the women's festival in Quetta 'Emaan Pakistan Eid Mela Festival' and my new review of the Pearl Continental Lahore hotel. You can find my YouTube channel here: �
https://www.youtube.com/c/AngelaCarson
Excited to attend another women-led event this Saturday, May 4th! This time in Islamabad, at the latest edition of The Happiness Bazaar @thehappinessbazaar. There'll be booths and booths of artisan shopping by small businesses all owned by women. Plus, yummy food and fun activities for the kids!
IN THIS VIDEO
- Wind-chime, handmade soap & lip balm | @romana.pk - Romana
- Personalised notecards | @ambereen.zahid - عنبرین زاہد
- Earrings | @justlikejewels - Just Like Jewels
- Rose | @crochet_by_seemab - Crochet By Seemab
- Coaster | @creationsamber - Amber Creations
- Earrings | @the_textile_corner - The Textile Corner by Sarah Daniel
Big thanks to Zaira from The Happiness Bazaar and all the incredible women who shared items for this AMAZING gift hamper (above), I love every single item and am grateful to you ❤️
DETAILS
Saturday, May 4th
4:30 PM - 11:00 PM
📍PNCA, Near Marriott Hotel, F-5/1, Islamabad
#TheHappinessBazaar
My Balochistan Story | Angela Carson
My Balochistan Story 🐪 Has a YouTube channel ever changed your life? Well, 'Balochistan: Land of Beauty' changed mine!! Here's the story of how I found this amazing channel, how it shaped my travels in Pakistan, and how I became friends with creator Saif Ullah Zehri Balochistan: Land Of Beauty 🌴
Travels aside, I've now moved to Pakistan and have partnered with local travel company Adventure Planners Pakistan to bring in foreign inbound tourism to remote locations in districts that have never had the opportunity to grow their economy via inbound foreign tourism.
This is Balochistan's capital city, Quetta ❤️ It's famous for its chai, wonderful bazaars selling gorgeous fabric and local dried fruits, its pretty mosques, and its natural beauty. For me, it's also home to my "tied for 1st" favourite hotel in Pakistan ... Quetta Serena Hotel.
🎉🎉 I'll be there this Friday, Saturday & Sunday for the Emaan Pakistan Eid Mela Festival 2024 🎉🎉
This week-long positivity festival takes place in Quetta, Balochistan and includes:
* Artisan clothing, home decor, jewellery & handicrafts
* Live music & dance performances
* Local & international cuisine
* Career advice for women
* Games & activities for children
* Youth sports & coaching
* NGOs
* Makeup & beauty workshops
* Arts & crafts
* Henna & temporary tattoos
* Photo booths
There will be experts on hand to offer counselling TO WOMEN on how to start a career and TO YOUNG GIRLS & BOYS to start planning for their future education and training to uplift Balochistan.
DATES
15-21 April
I will be there 19-21 April
LOCATION
Pretty Liaqat Park, Quetta, Balochistan
I hope to see you there 🤗
This is Balochistan ... ruggedly beautiful and just waiting to be explored 🥰
I'm flying to Balochistan this week, my 3rd trip in 7 weeks. I'll be attending the Emaan Pakistan Eid Mela Festival in QUETTA this coming Friday, Saturday & Sunday.
I'll also be finalising details for the new luxury tours I'm creating together with my business partner Haris Ali Shah who runs the amazing travel company Adventure Planners Pakistan (to some of the amazing places in this Reel!).
I hope to see you at the festival in Quetta 🎉
📢 Balochistan Festival Time 🎉 JOIN ME IN QUETTA from 19 - 21 April for the Emaan Pakistan Eid Mela Festival 2024.
This week-long positivity festival takes place in Quetta, Balochistan and includes:
* Artisan clothing, home decor, jewellery & handicrafts
* Live music & dance performances
* Local & international cuisine
* Career advice for women
* Games & activities for children
* Youth sports & coaching
* NGOs
* Makeup & beauty workshops
* Arts & crafts
* Henna & temporary tattoos
* Photo booths
There will be experts on hand to offer counselling TO WOMEN on how to start a career and TO YOUNG GIRLS & BOYS to start planning for their future education and training to uplift Balochistan.
DATES
15-21 April
I will be there 19-21 April
LOCATION
Pretty Liaqat Park, Quetta, Balochistan
I hope to see you there 🤗
Directorate of Tourism, Balochistan
Pakistan Tourism Development Corporation (PTDC)
If you're feeling depressed or down, I know that feeling. I've just emerged from 2+ years of being truly blue and hard on myself after a family member I love very much ghosted me in January 2022.
It broke me, removing the joy from pretty much all aspects of my life. I gained almost 20 kilos (which I'm happily now losing). I stopped sharing youtube videos, which is my favourite hobby. And I stopped socialising.
No one can pull us out of moments like this in life. Only we can pull ourselves out -- so hang on if you're going through anything right now. It does get better.
For me, it took finally learning WHY the person is ghosting me in early December 2023 (from a different family member). Somehow the "knowing" allowed me to move on.
What helps you move on will be personal to you, too, so please wait for it and try to stay strong.
Today, I am back to the old me aside from losing the remaining 10'ish kilos ;-) Life is a joy every day, and I'm proud to be living with passion and purpose again. Maybe one day soon that family member will be back in my life and life might be almost perfect.
If You Want Life to Be Different, Live Differently ❤️ I just completely turned my life upside down moving to Pakistan and I am SO HAPPY I did.
There is an undeniable thrill that accompanies all forms of opt-in change. A new job, new car, or certainly settling into a new home all have the power to breathe new life and energy back into us. Now … supercharge that change on some crazy bionic level and that is the exhilaration someone feels when settling into a new country as an immigrant or expat.
Here Are 4 Signs That You’re Addicted to Being an Expat or Should Consider Becoming One >>>
#1 – You’re Addicted to Change
The excitement DOES begin with planning and telling friends and family about your new adventure. But the REAL THRILL starts as soon as the plane lands. This is your new home, and that makes the flight different to any other flight!!
#2 – You’re Addicted to New Sights, Sounds & Smells
Then there are the sights / sounds / smells. The streets are different, the storefronts, the new and exotic faces. There are the sounds of foreign tongues – either speaking in a new language or with a new accent – as well as the ambient noise that an expat will forever associate to a city.
#3 > You’re Addicted to Living in Holiday Mode
Life becomes an adventure. Instead of focusing on the grind of the week, that grind becomes secondary to soaking in everything that’s new.
#4 > You’re Addicted to the Exotic
My daughter found the right words after moving from India to the UK for uni years ago. We were reminiscing and talking about our old life in India, she said, “I miss living someplace EXOTIC". And that was it! To this day, I crave living someplace exotic.
FINAL THOUGHTS
If you happen to be single (or a single parent like I was), don’t let that hold you back. Choosing to live as an immigrant or expat in Spain, India, China, Hong Kong, Malaysia, Indonesia & now Pakistan remains some of the best life choices I ever made.
PLEASE REMEMBER ..
NEW ON YOUTUBE 🎥 Balochistan's Quetta Serena Hotel @serenahotelsofficial is one of my TOP 2 favourite luxury hotels amongst the 27 properties I've reviewed so far in Pakistan. This 5-star gem is like an oasis in the desert with non-stop pampering that includes the luxury of central heating throughout the hotel and the rooms (in winter). The service is perfection and the food will leave you delighted meal after meal.
I've now stayed over 20+ nights at Quetta Serena and 100% recommend it ❤️
Direct link to FULL REVIEW https://youtu.be/WwuhtpCtiQM (link in bio)
Welcome to Jhal Magsi Balochistan ❤️ This area of Balochistan may not be on your travel radar but it should be. The lands are rugged and breathtaking and Jhal Magsi's historic sites are very pretty. Visit my YouTube channel and search "Jhal Magsi" to find my 2 travel videos from my adventures.
This spot goes by 3 names:
1. Tomb of Moti-Gohram
2. Taj Mahal of Balochistan
3. Khanpur Fort
I flew down to Jhal Magsi 2 weeks ago with the amazing drone pilot Tehsin Razi @thelonetravelller, who shot this and the cover photo for a UK travel magazine at Pir Chattal (a pretty desert oasis). The magazine is graciously giving me space to share a 2,500-word article about Balochistan 🌴 🐪
This is an easy day trip from Sukkur next time you're in the area.
Growing Pakistan Luxury Travel ❤️ I'm in Balochistan for the 2nd time in 2 weeks. This time, meeting with key individuals across diverse areas of government and the private sector who are key to this passion project of opening up luxury tours to Balochistan for foreigners.
And you know what? It's FUN! It also FEELS GOOD. Especially when it comes to the remote districts that have NEVER had tours marketed for them until now.
Just like how everyone who visits Pakistan goes to the North (well, except me), everyone who travels to Balochistan always goes to the same 3 spots.
During my 1st trip to Balochistan in 2021, I was told several times that I was the first foreigner to visit a particular village or landmark in decades. I went mostly to hidden gems only known by locals ... not to the popular touristy spots (although I visited those later in 2021!). Those hidden gems are the places I want to share with travellers.
Yesterday on IG someone asked, "And do these luxury tours in any way contribute back to the indigenous people of Balochistan?"
I'm proud to say YES.
The truth is that I've partnered with an amazing travel company for this venture -- Adventure Planners Pakistan. We decided from the start to give a percentage of each tour to the neighbouring village or community (in donated goods, services, or infrastructure projects agreed on with each village or community). This needs to be a win-win for everyone, especially the locals.
And for anyone wondering WHY I'm doing this. It's honestly because I fell in LOVE at first sight with Balochistan and it owns a piece of my heart. Plus, quite literally NO ONE ELSE is doing it so I say it's about time!
Balochistan is beautiful and misunderstood and full of peaceful, warm people. I hope you'll come along on this ride with me ... I'll keep sharing my journey and hopefully open your eyes to a new destination for your BUCKET LIST 🌴 🐪
