Green City

I have traveled extensively over the last several years and have lived in many different cities. In a way, I have been searching for the perfect place. That perfect place which meets all my expectations and lives up to my loftiest ideals. Though I have yet to find one city that has everything, I have discovered many wonderful places whose offerings for the natural, green and pure loving denizen have captivated me. Let’s take a virtual journey now to find the Green in all the cities I’ve been blessed to visit, live in and explore. I will take you on a trip to the most ecological and sustainable earth healthy venues, in even the most unexpected towns. Take Lagos, Nigeria, for instance. Where do you go to find organic vegetables, all natural fruit smoothies, recycled and dare I say beauty and tranquility. Well, this is a question I asked myself when I found myself there for a long-term stay and so set out to find the answer. Here are my discoveries. 

For exquisite natural beauty and unparalleled serenity, I love Agaja Beach. This beach is awesome. It is sublime. A well kept secret of well-heeled Lagosians. Most of the inhabitants of this little slice of paradise are Ghanaians, however. For a small fee, they will pick coconuts for you right from the tree and graciously cut a small hole for you to drink the pure waters from. There are artisans from as far away as Senegal, selling beautiful dresses, handmade shoes and straw baskets.

To stock up on healthy food before this half hour jaunt which must be made by boat, I like to stop into La Pointe on Victoria Island; a quaint little shop stocked with organic fruits, vegetables, grains and other packaged goods. Along with healthy food, the healing waters, sand and palm, you can also experience great Yoga in Lagos.

At Da Yoga studio, also on Victoria Island, all manner of classes are offered and the café serves up healthy smoothies and traditional Nigerian dishes. And for dessert Chocolate Royale scores an honorable mention for it's allure as a  local community gathering spot for both families and singles, locals and expats.

On the other side of the world, in a tiny village in southern Baja the offerings are just as pure. El Pescadero is so sleepy and slow that on Sundays, the local Tienda will leave fresh food in bins on the patio for you to purchase on the honor system. There is also a wonderful organic farmer in town named “Kale” who grows the most delicious collard, mustard, basil and of course, kale greens and you’re free to pick your fill any time and pay when you see him.

There is a wonderful organic market in the neighboring town of Todos Santos and a delicious Helado tienda that sells the most exquisite homemade ice cream in a rainbow of natural flavors.

And I love Folly Beach, SC for its wonderful waterways, along with its abundant beaches.

You can enjoy a stroll along the marshes or a run on its warm sands. A great place for a beach wedding, perhaps…

Schoonmaker beach in Sausalito, CA is a bit more eclectic with children running about and all manner of people over from foggy San Francisco trying to catch some sun.

 

For stunning views of the natural wonders of the Bay Area, I adore Pointe Reyes. The lighthouse is breathtaking if you can brave the high winds coming off the water.

In Jamaica, a sweet place to stay and be served fresh lobster just caught, is Tryall.

They will even brew for you a homemade roots tonic made from local herbs and spices. Roots tonic is the best kept secret of the Jamaican community. If you can get your hands on some, please do. It will knock your socks off with its all natural, heady blend of sassafras, ginger, yohimbe, sarsparilla, chaney root, woodroot and many more secret, potent, herbal ingredients...

And best of all, my favorite place in the whole world - Palma de Mallorca, where you can simply enjoy the delights of a casa on the sea. The water is crystal clear, warm and fairly shallow for many meters out.