Bohemian Visions

Category: Bohemian Travels

What You Need to Know & How to Keep yourself Safe from the COVID-19 aka Coronavirus

February 16, 2020
Bohemian Travels

I finally had the time and resources to scratch off a country off my bucket list and to add icing on the cake my best friend was coming along. It was going to be an epic girls’ trip. 

Had the hotel selected the dates locked in, all I needed to do was save enough money to afford a first-class ticket for a 19 plus hour trip. Being an avid traveler I find waiting till closer to my trip date I have been lucky in finding the best deals. Then it hit. News reports a new disease the Corona Virus coming out of China and it was fatal. I paid very close attention to reputable news sources while others were inciting fear. Then travel advisories hit and the disease was spreading. After talking to my closest friends the risk was too high and I could not afford to miss another two weeks of work and being away from my family due to quarantine. So I canceled my trip. 

A little annoyed I did not want to risk coming in contact with a disease I was unfamiliar with and had no knowledge of how it affected the body. Having contracted respiratory infections a handful of times from flying with sick people on long flights. I did not want to risk being a headline on the local news. I wanted to know more about the disease that caused me to put my health and safety first instead of proceeding with my trip. 

What is the Corona Virus?

The Coronavirus everyone is familiar with is actually called COVID-19. It stands for Coronavirus Disease 19.  Coronavirus is actually a classification name. Other coronaviruses are SARS and MERS. It is more common in animals but then becomes zoonotic when the virus transfers from animals to humans. SARs and MERs are also zoonotic diseases.  The virus is a respiratory illness that spreads from person to person in close contact. 

Where did it come from?

According to the Centers for Disease Control COVID-19 originated Wuhan City, Hubei Province, China it is unclear what animal the disease transferred from. Due to China’s lack of transparency with the rest of the world when the disease first broke out it is unclear who patient zero was or the details. The doctor who broke the news died in early February.  

How does it Spread?

According to the CDC, the disease is highly contagious and spreads from person to person within six feet. Close contact with infected persons through respiratory droplets. In laments terms snot and spit from someone coughing or sneezing. surfaces are another known form of transmission. If an infected person has contact with a surface the virus can survive for up to several hours. 

What are the symptoms to observe? 

For confirmed Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) cases, reported illnesses have ranged from mild symptoms to severe illness and death. Symptoms can include:

Fever

Cough

Shortness of breath

CDC believes at this time that symptoms of COVID-19 may appear in as few as 2 days or as long as 14 days after exposure. This is based on what has been seen previously as the incubation period of MERS-CoV viruses another member of the coronavirus family.  So far persons exhibiting signs and symptoms are highly contagious.  

Prevention and Treatment 

(Directly from cdc.gov)

According to the CDC, there is currently no vaccine to prevent coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). The best way to prevent illness is to avoid being exposed to this virus. However, as a reminder, the CDC always recommends everyday preventive actions to help prevent the spread of respiratory diseases, including:

Avoid close contact with people who are sick.

Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.

Stay home when you are sick.

Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.

Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe.

Follow CDC’s recommendations for using a facemask.

CDC does not recommend that people who are well wearing a facemask to protect themselves from respiratory diseases, including COVID-19.

Facemasks should be used by people who show symptoms of COVID-19 to help prevent the spread of the disease to others. The use of facemasks is also crucial for health workers and people who are taking care of someone in close settings (at home or in a health care facility).

Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom; before eating; and after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.

If soap and water are not readily available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol. Always wash hands with soap and water if hands are visibly dirty.

Conclusion 

Little is still known about the pathology of the disease outside of what China has disclosed. While the media always evokes fear and unclear information on the status of the disease. The only valid source of reputable information is the CDC. As information develops the CDC continues to update its website regularly. This is unbiased information. For those who want the information without the fear attached to it.  For more information please refer to https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-nCoV/summary.html

Be safe be vigilant in staying safe don’t let the media try to scare you do your research.

Richmond Silent Party is it Worth the Hype? Is it Here to Stay?

December 31, 2019
Bohemian Travels

It’s been years since I attended a night club. I guess you can say, I outgrew the loud overly crowded establishments where the music is a hit or miss, unable to move, unwanted advancements from drunk men and having drinks spilled on my stilettos from silly girls with fake IDs. In addition, I feel like I am a chaperone versus a patron now that everyone is faking it for the Gram. When I do manage to leave my house. I prefer a more laid back, grown and sexy chill vibe of a bar or lounge. I can sit down and look cute and spare my feet the painful walk back to my car while navigating the crowd in the parking lot.

via GIPHY

via GIPHY

While going through the Event Brite app looking for an event or function to attend I came across a Silent Party
So what exactly is a Silent Party and is it worth the hype? I’ve actually heard of a silent party, ironically it was while I was watching a tv show one lazy night, several months prior. I was quite surprised it was an actual thing. I figure sure why not. Let me try something new. When you Google Silent Party, you find links, for rentals and an article about one writer’s experience. According to the promoter, this trend been around for years. I didn’t question it since I don’t really go to clubs, so I felt pretty late.

Wanting to experience something different I set a reminder in my calendar, and told a friend about is and asked for her to come. This wasn’t your traditional club layout. I walked up to the door, paid my cover, and handed a set of wireless headphones. I was instructed by the promoter the color-coded channels, where the volume button was located, and I was on my way.

via GIPHY


The theme of the event was Trap vs. R&B, the Red channel was R&B, the Green Channel was Trap, and the Blue Channel was nothing. Since I got there early, it was pretty empty what little people were there did the same thing I did found a place to sit and switched between Trap and R&B and just scrolled on my phone.

Jamming to some songs, it can make a person feel pretty awkward or silly. Since the venue was quiet, you would be conditioned to think this is lame even a few people were yelling how lame it was. You can practically scream across the room. The scene was like a traditional club. Various lights dancing your typical blue, red, yellow, and green strobe lights, multiple televisions mounted to the walls with game highlights on. A fully stocked bar. Without the headphones, it just looked like a dead birthday party or reception. One or two people are singing and raping way off-key to a tune and dancing along. The magic begins when you put your headphones back on, and the energy comes alive. Since two different songs were playing at the same time, the color codes are the only indication of what the majority of the crowd was listening to.

via GIPHY

By midnight the crowd began to fill the establishment. Few people were singing and dancing along to the song the DJs were playing since there was another club downstairs the bass from those speakers were loud to hear only if you took your headphones off. I placed my headphones above my ears. I could still hear the music, but I could also listen to what was happening around me. I couldn’t help but smile overhearing a young woman belting off the lyrics to Plies. Or a couple was grinding on each other to Silk. Two Parties in one venue occupying the same space in harmony.


The coolest thing about the whole vibe is I am not having to scream over the music, the bass from the speakers isn’t triggering my migraines, if I want to talk to someone or flirt with a cute guy, I simply lift my headphones and have a conversation at a normal tone.


What I appreciate the most about this concept is people who are sensitive to loud noise can enjoy the club vibe without the migraine-inducing noise. from what I researched you can rent the equipment and throw your own private Silent Party. This is especially useful if you live in a restrictive neighborhood or apartment, a popping party without the police being called on you.

via GIPHY

I’ve attended the venue a couple more times and brought other friends. By then the popularity has grown the crowd increases. It’s fun, edgy and new, it’s a different way of having a great time without going deaf and losing your voice yelling over the music. I definitely look forward to attending another event like this with friends who’s never heard of a Silent Party. So if you want to try something new and out the box, I highly recommend attending a Silent Party it’s worth the Hype.

Do you, Be you, Love you
Bohemian Life

Indulging in Authentic Afghan Cuisine... The Mantu, My Initial Review

June 28, 2019
Bohemian Travels
Dinner Selection at Mantu

I discovered this cute Afghan Restaurant called the Mantu in Richmond, Virginia. The establishment has only been opened for a few weeks. I was pretty excited since I spent some time in Afghanistan, and I was fortunate to indulge in their local cuisine there. My expectations were pretty high, my memory of the local dishes was still new, and I will say I approached my dinner with scrutiny. (Disclaimer I was not paid, I paid for my drinks and dinner with my own money)

I was a little skeptical when I saw the establishment had a cocktail list. While I was in Afghanistan, I couldn’t drink so seeing a cocktail list threw me off a little bit, yet I was looking forward to trying them out. I love unique signature drinks I can enjoy with friends during the weekend.

I started my course with a cocktail called Fire Water, now don’t be intimated with this purely on the name. This spicy concoction is not something you chug down, oh no it is something you take in with small sips. If you don’t like spicy flavors don’t order this. I was feeling adventurous and went for it. When I took the first sip, it automatically reminded me of a dirty martini but spicy. Rimmed with sugar and garnished with jalapeños the flavor notes were a combination of sweet, bitter and spicy. It took me longer than usual to finish.

The Appetizer followed; next, Beef Mantu or Afghan Dumplings, these were a lot bigger than the dumplings I had in Afghanistan. I was blown away by the flavor, aside from the fact it’s delicious, it tasted exactly the same as the dish I had in Afghanistan.

The main dish, Beef Tikka Kebab, I loved how this dish was served beef perfectly seasoned and cooked medium-rare, what was impressive was how tender the morsels were. The bites laid on a bed of sauteed vegetables and a side of spicy pickled sauce. The plating of the meal is artistic, chic, and elegant.

My second drink, the Mantu, was a perfect pairing, crisp refreshing reminded me of an unsweetened Mojito. The flavor notes were light citrus and mint. It’s the right drink to finish off an exotic meal.

Overall the entire experience was enjoyable, relaxing, and social. The price point is at the mid-range not too pricey but will add up real quick, especially with the cocktails. If you want someplace classy, that’s quiet, exotic, and enjoy excellent Middle Eastern Food. It’s a great location for a date night go check it out.

https://www.themanturva.com

Do you, Be you, Love you
Bohemian Life

New 90s Nostalgia while getting Lost in Wonderland “Switch”

June 5, 2019
Bohemian Travels

A new Pop up Bar called Switch opened up on 13th W. Broad Street. Inside the establishment, you are met with a mural painting of Cheshire Cat and Alice from Alice in Wonderland soundly sleeping in the corner. Everything from the teacup light fixtures to the cocktails on the menu has names of characters and themes from the story. But it gets better. Head down the “Rabbit hole”, you are met with 1993 nostalgia from OG 90s Hip Hop music playing in the background to murals of the Late Notorious BIG, the great Madonna, Axle Rose, and late Kurt Cobane talk about a moment of going down memory lane. It even has OG video game machines in the middle of the bar. I will admit I was in awe from seeing both floors and thought about where I was during that time period of my life.


Each floor has its own unique signature cocktails named to fit the theme. After a second trip, it’s still hard to determine which is my favorite. I will admit I love both for their unique quirks and personality everything just vibed within their perspective floors. The cool aspect of Switch is the fact every couple of months, the entire layout will change into another unannounced theme. I couldn’t help experience the welcoming atmosphere that gives the feeling to relax unwind after a long day. Similar to the TV show Cheers. The staff is very friendly and wicked with their knowledge of the drink menus, which I will say wasn’t your usual mixed cocktails. It is quite impressive. I would highly recommend getting a designated driver or car service the drinks are so delicious you would be tempted to try every single one on both menus.

Cocktails at Switch RVA


So if you are in the downtown Richmond area check out Switch have a cocktail, take in the atmosphere and enjoy the scene. Depending on when you go the theme will change and so will the drinks but you will not be disappointed.

Be You, Do You, Love you.
Bohemian Life

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