​I forgot to tell you this at the beginning. Please, make sure you get a map and the right information at the tourism and travel service. I'm sure they will be ready to help you with the information you need to know. This can be helpful when you don't know the city. We realized that most of the museums were not far from each other. That made the trip easier. Such a timesaver! ​

Here are some great places you should visit. I've already said that Rossio is a great public space. It's characterized by a typical black and white mosaic pavement. 

In old Lisbon, you can also visit one of the most beautiful squares in Europe, which is called Praça de Commércio. I love this large square because of the view that goes alongside the sea. The commercial place leading to Rossio is also directly connected with the Rua Augusta, one of the most popular shopping streets of Lisbon. When walking the street you will unavoidably walk through the Triumphal Arch. I'm sure you don't want to miss this historic building. 

If you haven't heard about Castelo de São Jorge, chances are high that this National Monument will be your favorite. This is the oldest castle in Lisbon and lies on the highest hill in the city. After the earthquake of 1755, most of the castle was destroyed, and in the early 20th century it was restored. One of the main reasons you should visit the castle is the magnificent view of the city. I was happy that I didn't have my heels on to climb those hills. But, I'm pretty sure you won't be disappointed if you know that you will probably pass by Beco do Maldonado. It's a famous small street where you find graffiti street art of eyes on the wall. Even Madonna took a picture here.

We decided to go to Lisbon Story Center ​after we felt we didn't know a lot about the city. In just two hours, this gallery located at the Praça de Commércio introduced us in a very amusing and interactive way to the history of Lisboa. I still wonder why we didn't do that on the first day. (eyebrows frowning) If you are a little bit familiar with history you know that in 1755 there was an earthquake that changed the whole capital. Even the earthquake is showed in an immersive way. Unfortunately, I couldn't photograph that It wasn't allowed to take images. 

​This one is for my fashionista's. Avenida da Liberdade is a large and prestigious street in Lisbon. The road with very fancy stores, boutiques, offices is also known as the Champs Elysées of Lisbon. Of course, window shopping is allowed! If your credit card is already willing to give up on you, I suggest five minutes from this place, Rua da Glória. The street with very charming yellow trams. We've seen it twice, at night and during the day. So we took some time to shoot great pictures. ​

When in Portugal we were suggested to go to Belém. It's a district and a former fishing village in Lisbon. You will have to take the bus or tram 15 if you go there. It was about 25 minutes away from Rossio on the bus. For Belém, you need the entire day to visit everything. This place is impressive with what it offers historically. 

​Torre de Bélem is the first reason why you should go to this place. The old and iconic masterpiece gives you a view of Lisbon. Be prepared to climb the narrow spiral staircase with 93 steps to get this beautiful view. It's worth the effort. 

I guess Mosteiro dos Jerónimos is one of the most visited places in Lisbon and, I understand why. Once you are inside you are likely tempted to wander through the history of this place. This UNESCO World Heritage Site built as a reminder of Vasco Gama has an authentic vibe you only get once you are there. 

​Jardin Botânico de Ajuda is the oldest botanic garden of Portugal. The beautiful fountain and plants gave us the serenity we were looking for. 

​The imposing Palacio Nacional Da Ajuda, which was constructed for the Royal family after the earthquake of 1755, is the monument you won't regret seeing. The significant palace was also the last official living place of the Portuguese Royal family. Unfortunately, it is not finished at the outside. 

​Something we wanted to see, was the MAAT or Museum of Art, Architecture, and Technology. Sadly, this is closed till March 27, therefore, we couldn't see a lot except admiring the beautiful San Francisco view. De Ponte 25 de Abril is an identical copy of the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco. For one minute, I felt like being in America. ​

The day before leaving Lisbon, we've planned to see two galleries. One of them is the National Museum of Ancient Art lied in a surprisingly quiet place of Lisbon. If you love art, then this is for you. We've seen some beautiful representations and designs of Antwerp and Congo. ​

The second one is the breathtaking Oceanário de Lisboa. It's Europe's biggest aquarium. Honestly, I was a little bit reticent about just going to an oceanarium. But I'm glad we did this. The entrance is €19,00 if you have the Lisboa Card. This card gives you here a 15 percent discount, otherwise, it will be a little high in price. You not only get to see fish but, you get informed about climate change, which is more than important at this new decade. ​

Pictures: © Christelle Olivia Zitu

Queenie Kessie the founder of Better Africa Today wrote a poem that will leave you speechless. 

We are one people
​
​We are one people,
at least that’s what they say..,
Yet today they are (still) killing people every single day..
Just because they don't look the same way,
dress the same way,
eat the same way, 
love the same way, 
pray the same way , 
and so on and so on, trust me i can go on all day.

So tell me, are WE really ONE ?
Hmmm, If only our ancestors were to be alive to see what the world has become...
I am sure they would be so disappointed and regret all the sweat, blood & lives they lost just for us so we could even “think” of becoming one.

There was a time where blacks & whites had everything separated,
now we may do everything together but there is still one thing separating us and that’s hate.

The funny thing is that we are all expecting the leaders to fix the problem, 
but I believe it's our task to solve it & not them.
We are the ones destroying the system.
If every individual would find a way to finally love their neighbour as themselves,
then I really believe that most of our problems will fix itself ! 
There would be no more fighting for black people’s rights, gay rights, Muslims right,..
As humans the only rights we will ever need is the “Human rights” = All human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights.

Speaking about black people’s rights,
there would be no such thing as black lives matter in the first place,
if we were wise enough to know that ALL lives matter,  no matter the colour and the race!

We blacks want white people to treat us with respect, 
but the funny thing is that when we blacks come together,
we mostly don’t even respect one another.
One always wants to show that he is better than the other.

Humbleness and unity, 
is what’s really missing in our African community.

Apart from our pride , 
it's also important to put our ego aside.
​
Jealousy.
Jealousy is black men’s poison,
because of jealousy, we kill & destroy people’s hopes and dreams.
Hopes and dreams that we can’t even achieve 
but just because we didn’t dream it ,
doesn't mean that our brother or sister can't accomplish it.

When will we accept that one person can’t do everything 
and even if we could, we wouldn’t be good at everything. 
Why don't we concentrate on our own talents and gifts
and let other individuals do their own thing?

We are always competing with one another, 
we do not want to see our brother or sister do better.
We may be happy when they do good at times, 
but that’s only if their good isn’t better than ours, right ?

We want to be seen equally as the white people, 
but let’s be honest, are we really the same ? 

Look at the difference between their country and ours.
Yes, I know what you will say, they destroyed ours,
but how long have we had our so called independency? 
Osagyefo Dr.Kwame Nkrumah would bemoan to see,
the Africa he fought and lost his life for is not the Africa he hoped it would be.

Complaining about what the whites did so many years ago
won’t solve the problems we are facing today.
Please, let yesterday be yesterday,
we need to find solutions for a brighter tomorrow 
so we can finally bring an end to our sorrows.

We always talk about the white cops killing the blacks abroad, 
but what about us killing ourselves in our own homes, or does it not count?
We murder our brothers and sisters from neighbouring countries
All because they’re not from our mainland!
This is really getting out of hand.

Africa has a lot to do as a continent, 
but it all starts with education. 
The key to world peace is education!
It is also the only key for the development 
of our continent.

The training of our minds is the only cure for poverty.
I know we can do this, for no one can stop us from our destiny,
Not even the leaders no matter how corrupt they may be.
With our great minds and one heart all the bad things will be nothing but history.
And together we shall create new beautiful memories.

O’ My fellow Africans please let us fix ourselves, our country & our continent.
If we can do this, our forefathers will be so proud & content! 

Last Friday the very first edition of Miss Obaasima 2017 took place in Antwerp. This beauty pageant representing all women born and raised in Ghana, but living in Belgium shows everyone that you can achieve your dreams. Even more! Obaasima means strong in Ghanaian.  Ama Wusuwaah is the one who came with the idea to create something different through our society. It all started with her passion and love for the fashion industry which inspired her to give something back to young Ghanaian girls who might not be confident enough to pursue their dreams. Besides the powerful meaning behind this beauty pageant there was a lot of fun, happiness and most important Wusuwaah received wonderful support from her friends, family and team.

After a joyful entrance of the male host Charles and the female host Sister Deborah the show was ready to start. The six finalists came one by one showing different aspects of their regions in Ghana. All of them showed their unique personality. Those girls were so proud to tell the audience who they were. Some of them even revealed their hidden talents. A beautiful way to tell young people that you don’t have to live in a box. You can do It all!

Great artist such as Cool Joe, Fokn Bois and sister Deborah herself came to perform during the show and DJ Brooke was the one who kept the audience in motion all night. She was able to fill the room with an unforgettable atmosphere.

The twenty-year-old Meredith Sarpongmaa Agyin was crowned Miss Obasimaa 2017. She sees a dream come true. Not only is she able to pursue her dream, but she will also serve as a role model for many other young African girls looking to achieve something in their life.

Article: ©Christelle Zitu
Pictures: ©Christelle Zitu & ©Miss Obaasima

1 In order to be a great writer it is important to read a lot. Keep in mind that you can’t only read to know the content. It is also important to take a look at the structure of the text. After that, start asking yourself why the writer of the article put that title or why you should read that article as well. Is It adding something to your life? 

​2 Practice practice and practice. You cannot expect to be the best writer If you are not willing to do It. Put some effort in what you are doing and ask other people to read your article just to make sure there are no mistakes left. But keep in mind that perfection doesn’t exist… You can’t re-write everything otherwise the news would not be actual anymore.

3 The title is critical. Should I say more about that?

4 Do not write something If you don’t understand It. Put yourself in the position of the reader. 

5 Make sure your article makes sense. You are writing to add value to something and not to show that you can write a couple of sentences. 

Thanks to
​Editor-in-chief of Het Niewsblad, Shani Maes, Eden Enta

Recently, I got the chance to visit Greece. It was really nice to stay there. The weather, the culture, the people… It was just perfect. And If you’ve been to Greece you know how sparkling the view can be.

Sofie Albrecht is a Belgian fragrance expert, blogger and freelance journalist. She comes with a new book called “Parfumwijzer” which is a guide that helps people choosing their fragrance more effectively and easily. Sofie gives her tricks and explains how she did to become an expert and what is the next move in her career.