Coco Em

Nairobi

It’s a craft fair market place where you can buy stuff made locally in Kenya and I often DJ there with a couple of my friends. If you’re looking for t-shirts, perfume, cards or books, you can find it there and just chill and listen to us DJ for you. It happens every 2 months.

The name ‘Oliech’ is indigenous of Western areas of Kenya. They’re known for fish because they have Lake Victoria there. She sells a lot of fish and plays a lot of Rumba Lingala music too. It’s a crazy vibe because they have live bands there too. It’s really cool.

WLL is an amazing space in Westlands that’s one of my favourite places to hang out. It was started by a DJ/producer, who was really into book swapping. He’d host these big book swap event with people talking about literature and DJs playing. It really is the world's loudest library.

Coco Em: Trippin in Nairobi

Shay Lia

Abidjan

Le Cafe des Jardins is a new, very modern cafe with a western approach and design to it. It has that green, soothing and relaxing set up. There aren’t that many places like that in Abidjan. The food is absolutely delicious. I recommend the fish skewers or the salmon with peanut butter sauce. The desserts are all very delicious too! If you're looking for a young, refreshing restaurant with a European aesthetic and a more elevated dining experience, this is for you.

The Ivorian soil is so abundant. Every direction you look in, you see green. It feels like one big jungle so there are garden centres everywhere in Abidjan. They don’t have a specific name or a registered address (like many places in Africa) but they are definitely worth mentioning. It’s an affordable way to sight-see too! I took this picture at my favourite one, in the neighbourhood I stay in.


Everyone who’s been to Abidjan knows about the CAVA. Translated from French, these four letters stand for “The Crafted Centre of the City of Abidjan”. It is the best place to buy authentic handcrafted gifts. It looks like a small village where all merchants and artists are selling fabric, sculptures, paintings, jewellery and more. It’s such a beautiful, colourful, charming and inspiring place to go. It exhibits the talent and identity of Abidjan so well and is also the perfect place to practise your bargaining skills!


Domaine Bini is the place to disconnect from society. From the city of Abidjan, it will take about half an hour to get there. You’ll be welcomed in full nature by professional guides and a welcoming staff and can go on an educational walk in the woods where you will be introduced to the surrounding ecosystem. It’s a beautiful way to learn about how coconut palms grow; why rubber trees are bent and the cocoa circuit. After the hike you’ll be able to take a bath outside, covered in the natural clay of your choice. Then comes lunch - a selection of delicious traditional meals. They also have bedrooms if you decide to pay for 2 days! It’s a divine place to connect with Mother Nature and educate yourself while spending a good time with friends and family.

The historic town of Grand-Bassam is the first capital of Côte d’Ivoire. It is so well preserved and protected by UNESCO. Being there feels like travelling through time and going back to the late 19th- and early 20th-century. It is an incredibly charming and calm little town where you can spend the day walking around and wondering about the past. Grand-Bassam was the most important port, economic and judicial centre of Côte d’Ivoire when the country was a French colony.

The Equinox Fitness is a Fitness Centre located in Cocody. I love this place! If you want to stay in shape during your stay in Abidjan I highly recommend it. It has a huge, well equipped gym on two floors, a basketball court, a pool and a small spa. The best thing is that it’s never packed, so you don’t have to worry about Covid-19! I love that the coaches are very nice and helpful. It’s also very affordable considering all the services that also include full access to all the classes (afro dance, spinning, boxing, yoga etc.). A very friendly peaceful atmosphere with good music!! It will boost your mood!

Top Spots in Abidjan with Shay Lia

Tainá Vilela

Rio de Janeiro

I would mostly be skeptical about eating two of the most famous Brazilian delicacies together: pao de queijo and acai, but please order both if you go to this place

Every Monday there’s live samba music at Pedra do Sal. The place was originally a Quilombo village, which held houses of freed slaves. Famous Brazilian musicians have played there. Arrive at around 6pm!

Most guides will feature Lenny and Osklen but the best kept secret of cool carioca girls is Haight, a modern minimalist swimwear brand. They also make jumpers and baggy trousers that are everything

Ana Porto does some of the nicest pieces of jewellery in Brazil. They're all handcrafted with local stones and have a modern feel. You can visit her atelier which is right by Haight

If colour blocking is your thing, Wymann is the brand for you. Founded by ex-model Raquel, the brand plays with folds and colours. Ask them how the colours are produced!

If going to bohemian Santa Teresa, grab a roast sandwich or an aubergine pizza if you're veggie. I’d also recommend the batida de coco. The owner's a bit serious, but you can always try get her to crack a smile. Take cash cause they don’t accept cards!

This house belongs to the Moreira Salles family (bankers, cinematographers and publishers). It’s a classic example of great 50s architectural work. It now serves as a cultural centre dedicated mostly to photography, music, literature and iconography exhibits and events

An old chocolate factory that now holds space for artists ateliers, rising fashion brands (check out the accessories of Atelier Tarsila and say hello to Cla, the owner) and a very charming bookshop (Felipe, the owner, is always there and can help you with art and Sufism books, but also pro food tips). Every first Saturday of the month people flock there to shop, drink and see the sunset. Def go to the rooftop for some live music and a cold beer

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