Lifestyle – Page 2

28th July 2017 — No Comments

Cinque Terre, Italy

Italy is a country that's always full of surprises so when Mike Knowles suggested a 5 day road trip it was an offer I couldn't refuse. We spent our days visiting seaside villages around Cinque Terre and the Amalfi Coast as well as historic cities such as Siena, Naples and Florence. The long drives were helped by the warm mediterranean climate, great coffee, even better food and unforgettable views. If you wish to jump directly to any of the locations please use the links below.

CINQUE TERRE // FLORENCE & SIENA // NAPLES // AMALFI COAST

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Cinque Terre

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The week started in La Spezia, a town located midway between Genoa and Pisa on the Ligurian Sea. With its long military history, La Spezia is one of the more developed cities along the Italian coast and serves as a hub to the five hamlets of Cinque Terre (Monterosso, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola and Riomaggiore). You can visit each town by train but I would recommend buying a pass for the ferry which allows you to explore at your own pace. The surrounding area is affectionately known as 'The Gulf of Poets' as for centuries its idyllic seascapes and beaches have attracted writers and artists from all over the world.

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Manarola

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Perched on a rock outcrop are the medieval hamlets of Manarola (a name that derives from dead souls temple 'Manium Arula'). Its harbour is formed by a terraced promenade and boats hanging at the foot of the city walls. The rocky cove is popular with swimmers and divers alike who flock here in the scorching summer months. On the hills above you'll find terraces with vines growing on them. These are the vines of the 'Cinque Terre', a dry white wine that's sold in each village and most restaurants along the coast. The wine is purchased directly from the winemaker so make sure to grab a glass with your meal to enjoy the real taste of Italy.

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Vernazza

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A small ferry ride later we arrived in Vernazza, a town straight out of a postcard. Vernazza has a long history as a fishing village and is the quaintest (and steepest) of the five villages on the Cinque Terre coast. Famous for its web of narrow lanes and steep stairways, Vernazza is full of little cafes as well as cosy trattorias that are open until late in the evening. Laws state that cars cannot enter the village which ensures a quiet and relaxing atmosphere for the locals and tourists alike.

The faded pastel buildings provide the perfect backdrop for a spot of people watching. In Vernazza there's a whole generation that didn't grow up with television and so spend time posted at their windows or going for long strolls around the village. As the sun sets everything is illuminated by windows and street lights and the entire village takes on a unique aesthetic. If the weather is nice I would recommend grabbing a glass of wine, a gelato (ice-cream) or some local seafood to complete the Vernazza experience.

With its pastel coloured houses and stunning sea views at every turn it's easy to see why UNESCO turned the area of Cinque Terre into a National Park. If you're looking for a relaxing getaway I could not think of anywhere better.

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Lerici

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The Italian Riviera is littered with beautiful towns, only problem you're going to have is deciding which ones to miss! On our drive up to Siena we had breakfast in Lerici, and although it was a Tuesday morning the locals were out in full force sunbathing on rocks and generally making the most of this hidden gem of a town. The most interesting part of Lerici is the historical quarter around the Via del Ghetto between Piazza Garibaldi and the castle, and the stroll along the picturesque waterfront promenade - including of course a pause in one of the many cafes and restaurants.

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Published by antondee in Creative Blog, DVSN Updates, Lifestyle, Photography, Travel

23rd July 2017 — No Comments

Getting Cultural in Berlin, Germany

Following my Eastern European adventures I was invited to spend a few days in Berlin and seeing as I've never been to Germany before I thought this was a great opportunity to learn about the Deutsche culture. Berlin was also the first destination on my month-long European trip which gave me time to practice flying the new DJI drone and capturing places in a whole new way. Crazy to think that a decade ago these kinds of shots were left to professionals and now I can buy a £500 drone that follows you around like some sort of digital pet. The future is now and I'm loving every second of it.

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Museum Island

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Berlin has something to offer all age groups so before you go crazy in one of its famous nightclubs I suggest spending a few hours in one of its equally famous museums. Make sure to visit Museumsinsel (literally Museum Island) that is home to a number of internationally significant museums such as the Altes Museum (Old Museum) which was completed on the orders of Karl Friedrich Schinkel in 1830 or the Neues Museum (New Museum) finished in 1859 according to plans by Friedrich August Stüler, a student of Schinkel. The Alte Nationalgalerie (Old National Gallery) hosts a collection of 19th-century art while the Bode Museum hosts sculpture collections and late Antique and Byzantine art. There's something here for everyone so if you're strapped for time make sure to do your research beforehand otherwise buy a museum pass and enjoy them at your own pace.

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Alte Nationalgalerie

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Alte Nationalgalerie

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Alte Nationalgalerie

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My absolute favourite place was the Alte Nationalgalerie whose holdings include Romantic and Impressionist masterpieces as well as a world-class collection of works by Adolph Menzel. The museum’s collection dates back to a gift from the banker Johann Heinrich Wilhelm Wagener to the Prussian state in 1861. The Alte Nationalgalerie owns approximately 1800 paintings and 1500 sculptures (among them Johann Gottfried Schadow’s famous "Princesses Luise and Friederike"). Today, the collection of the Alte Nationalgalerie is a historical one, and is only expanded under exceptional circumstances.

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Karl Friedrich Schinkel

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Do you ever scroll through Instagram and find an account that blows you away? I got the same feeling when I saw the works of Karl Friedrich Schinkel displayed at the Alte Nationalgalerie. From a distance you would not be able to tell the difference between his paintings and a photograph. Each brush stroke is so meticulous and necessary that it makes you wonder how people like that see the world. On top of his paintings Karl Friedrich Schinkel was also a stage builder, city planner and architect which says to me that he had an incessant wish to create his own reality using his imagination. To this day his most famous buildings can be found in and around Berlin including the Altes Museum which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

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Don't Forget The Youth

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Older people know what it's like to be young, but we don't know what it's like to be old. There is a certain generational overlap we all go through but thinking that we have to live like our parents / grandparents (or comparing ourselves to them) is redundant. Millennials have figured out that freedom of choice (partner, location, job etc.) is out there, you just have to find the time and determination to get what you want.

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It's been a year since the UK voted to leave the EU. While everyone was busy being outraged the younger generation with transferrable skills moved to Berlin and achieved unprecedented growth. The rat race doesn't seem to exist, rent is reasonable and there is plenty to spend your money on without damaging your bank balance. If you're under 30 with no kids or a mortgage I honestly don't see why you wouldn't take the risk and move to a European city this year.

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From a personal experience I liked Berlin but I didn't fall in love with it. I enjoyed its laid back nature, focus on youth, amazing street art and of course the people but for some reason it didn't feel like a capital. It didn't have a 'personality' so to speak but maybe that's what makes Berlin so unique. It doesn't steer you in any particular direction. There are millions of interesting things to do and it's up to you to shape your own adventure.

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Published by antondee in Art & Design, DVSN Updates, Lifestyle, Photography, Travel

7th July 2017 — No Comments

Carpathian Mountains, Ukraine 02

It's crazy how a change of scenery can influence your thinking and become a catalyst for new ideas. Waking up every morning, surrounded by nature, without any professional obligations is a situation many people dream of and yet I found myself completely lost. There's an old saying that goes "Be careful what you wish you, you might just get it". I pondered this quote during my long walks around the Carpathian Mountains and realised that in the long run, wishful thinking can only lead to negative consequences and living in the moment is the only true recourse.

PART 1 // PART 2

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Thinking About Thinking

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Allow me to elaborate. Wishful thinking is different to future planning (although there is some overlap). Wishful thinking is looking to the future with rose tinted glasses and desiring something to be true without prior research and analysis. Wishful thinking can skew evidence and cause one to evaluate it very differently based on the desired outcome. This bias can be seen in all walks of life whenever one has to make a long term decision (changing jobs, romantic partners, university courses etc.).

In ones mind a situation will unfold how they believe it will but due to factors beyond their control the reality is wildly different. This leads to a cognitive dissonance between expectations and reality even if a situation is one that an individual set in motion and was looking forward to experiencing. This leads me back to the classic advice of living in the moment. For years I didn't really understand what people were talking about. I mean I knew in principle but could never put it into action. I kept wondering, 'Do you just force yourself to have fun?'. I'm a logical thinker so all it took was following my train of thought and deconstructing the sentence to its core.

Since we're not defined by our past and the future only exists as a concept the only thing we have is the present moment. It doesn't matter how much money you have in the bank because moments happen once, pretending like you are guaranteed a chance to relive everything is a vicious circle. Enjoy the moment for what it is and go along for the ride. A moment doesn't have to be a split second either. The age we're living in is just a moment in time but how many people do you know who wish they were born in the 80s or have a romanticised view of the past?

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"This denial is Golden Age thinking - the erroneous notion that a different time period is better than the one we're living in. Its a flaw in the romantic imagination of those people who find it difficult to cope with the present." - (Midnight in Paris, Woody Allen)

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I Don't Know

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If you're constantly in your head you're thinking about thinking. There is no room in your mind for any new ideas nor do you give your brain a chance to digest any information you've been feeding it. My advice is to practice meditation, spend time surrounded by nature or just go for a run. This allows your subconscious to start making sense of your environment and your subconscious is much smarter than you will ever be. Put your trust in it.

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During my time in the mountains I listened to a lot of Akala - a UK hip hop artist who really has a way with words and the song 'I Don't Know' is filled with literary gems. Ignorance is bliss but a wise man will admit that he still has a lot to learn and his education is never complete:

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"So we chase the questions seeking direction,
Every time we think we’re right get a swift correction".

"Truth you gotta seek it, wherever its hidden,
Or else you’ll find yourself dancing to someone else's rhythm"

"Mental prison is the worst kind,
The mind is like a parachute, it only works when it’s open"

"Everybody knows a rolling stone gathers no moss"

"Face to face with the cold-hearted facts that there are no answers"

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A lot of these lyrics are basically Philosophy 101 but they do leave you thinking. There isn't a 'right' direction in life and you gotta be constantly searching for the personal truth that makes sense to you. Don't take things at face value, question everything, even yourself. It's important to follow your train of thought, not spontaneously agree with everything that pops into your mind. Expand your worldview, read some books and talk to as many people as you can.

The last line is a take on existentialism which is a philosophical belief that our world is apparently meaningless or absurd. That statement can be viewed pessimistically but I believe it's the polar opposite. In a meaningless universe you have to find your own meaning and that journey of self discovery is unique to every individual. What will your story be?

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Thanks for reading my latest article. Give it a share using the links below so others can enjoy it too. For more check out my trip to Malta, Ukraine or some of my latest street photography.

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As always stay classy and if you have a story you wish to share please contact editorial@thestyledivision.com or tag your social posts with #DVSN

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Published by antondee in Creative Blog, DVSN Updates, Health & Wellbeing, Lifestyle, Photography, Travel

4th July 2017 — No Comments

Carpathian Mountains, Ukraine 01

It would be a shame to visit Ukraine and not spend a few days in the natural solitude of the Carpathian Mountains. After a visit to Kiev, Ivano Frankivsk and Lviv I booked myself a cosy little cottage through Airbnb and without prior planning dove into another adventure. Carpathians are the second-longest mountain range in Europe that stretch in an arc across the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Poland, Hungary, Ukraine, Romania and Serbia.

PART 1 // PART 2

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Carpathian National Nature Park

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The Carpathian National Nature Park (CNNP) is the first Ukrainian national park established in 1980 and is located on the north-eastern slope of the Ukrainian Carpathians. Forests within the CNNP are divided into 12 divisions, 2 of which are strictly protected. The Carpathian National Park plays an extensive role in protection of regional natural and cultural values. 600 hectares of spruce and beech primeval forests are protected here. CNNP flora includes over 1100 vascular plant species, 95 of which are red listed in Ukraine. Fauna of the park is represented by 192 vertebre species and 723 invertebrates. The most rare species are brown bear, lynx, wild cat and golden eagle.

One of the most interesting natural attractions of CNNP is Mt. Hoverla (2061m) which is the highest top of the Ukrainian Carpathians. The Prut river also takes origin here. There are 8 settlements within the park's scope, all of them belong to the Hutsul Land - one of the most famous ethnographic regions of Ukraine. Traditional wooden churches built in XVII - XX centuries are preserved here to this day.

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"Travel is fatal to prejudice, bigotry, and narrow-mindedness, and many of our people need it sorely on these accounts. Broad, wholesome, charitable views of men and things cannot be acquired by vegetating in one little corner of the earth all one's lifetime." - Mark Twain

Huk Waterfall

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One of the most picturesque places I found during my hikes is the Huk Waterfall. It appeared after WWII as a result of severe flooding and local people have named it 'Huk' due to the constant roaring noise. The waterfall is a natural source of negative ions so staying here will have great benefits to your health as well as being a picturesque spot you can impress your Instagram friends with.

Because of the constant moisture caused by water drops, the area around the waterfall is characterised by rich vegetation and lots of slippery rocks so make sure you wear the right footwear and come prepared. A t-shirt won't cut it, wear something warm and waterproof as you will be soaked in seconds and the closest town is a few miles away. If you are looking to explore the wilderness in the coming months I put together some useful tips that you can read below.

Be Prepared

To make your hiking adventure a pleasant experience, seasoned Carpathian hikers recommend you bring the following items:

Comfortable, closed-toe shoes. Sandals and flip-flops are not suitable for mountains and not recommended on the trails
Be ready for the highland sun: even if it's not sunny right now, you better bring your hat, sunscreen and sunglasses
Healthy, energy rich snacks such as granola / chocolate bars, bananas, apples and small sandwiches
Fresh water, at least 1 litre per person
A fully charged, reliable cell phone with account credit
A good map of the area (hard copy) that indicates marked hiking trails and includes emergency contacts
A sweatshirt, a windstopper / raincoat and a flashlight in case of drastic weather changes
Hiking poles are recommended although not mandatory

National Park's administration and non-governmental organisations that maintain the park and its sustainability outline the following rules:

Stick to the trail. Please do not stray from the marked hiking and cycling paths. Fields and meadows within the cultivation zone are not to be walked on.
Take your trash home. Rubbish in the national park is not just an eyesore; items such as cans and plastic packaging can also be deadly for wild animals.
Only camp and make fire in designated camp sites. Making new campsites or fire rings is not allowed.
Do not destroy the vegetation. All the plants in the national park are protected. This means that it is forbidden to pick flowers or rip off tree branches.
Kill nothing but time. All the creatures that live in the national park are protected and may not be caught or killed. Do not damage their habitats.
Respect all living species. Keep your voice calm and avoid shouting; when you see an animal, neither try to touch or chase it.

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Thanks for reading my latest article. Give it a share using the links below and for more check out my trip to Malta or some of my latest street photography.

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As always stay classy and if you have a story you wish to share please contact editorial@thestyledivision.com or tag your social posts with #DVSN

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Published by antondee in DVSN Updates, Lifestyle, Photography, Travel

3rd July 2017 — No Comments

The Hidden World of Urban Exploration

Urban exploration (aka. urbex, UE, bexing, urbexing) is the exploration of man-made structures, roofs, abandoned ruins or not usually seen components of the environment. During my travels around Ukraine I had a chance to meet some amazing people who welcomed me with open arms and took time to show me around their amazing cities. Volodymyr is a musician and photographer from Lviv while Roman is a programmer from Ivano Frankivsk, both of whom share my growing passion for urban exploration.

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Face Your Fears

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What are you afraid of? We all have fears about one thing or another and it takes courage to overcome it. Whether its talking to that girl at the bar, trying something new or travelling somewhere you've never been before - fear is inevitable. Falling in love with those butterflies in your stomach is key, it means you're trying something new and unpredictable and its sure to surprise.

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"Can a man still be brave if he’s afraid? That is the only time a man can be brave" - Ned Stark

You may think its stupid or crazy to climb buildings with no safety equipment or trespassing in places you're not supposed to but I don't see it any different to jumping out of an airplane, cliff diving or rock climbing. Bravery consists in overcoming fear, not in the absence of it. The adrenaline rush you feel cannot be bought or replicated. It's a feeling so unique you will spend hours feeding off it, all the while planning the next excursion.

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Go Explore

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At first your urbex escapades will be spontaneous. You will hear about a certain place through word of mouth or the mood will strike you as you walk past an unguarded ladder. After a while there has to be a certain element of planning as you dare to push your own boundaries. Staking out places you wish to climb, finding building blueprints and even social hacking are tools that all urban explorers should have in their tool belts.

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In terms of personal development overcoming a fear of heights while ticking an item off my bucket list feels like a great achievement. It put the fear in perspective while showing my why people from all walks of life choose to do this as a hobby. While I'm still young I look forward to taking many more risks and ensuring that the feeling of regret for things I was too afraid to try is a distant memory.

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Thanks for reading my latest article. Give it a share using the links below so others can enjoy it too. For more check out the full article from Lviv, my trip to Malta or some great life advice that you can use today.

As always stay classy and if you have a story you wish to share please contact editorial@thestyledivision.com or tag your social posts with #DVSN

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Published by antondee in DVSN Updates, Health & Wellbeing, Lifestyle, Photography

1st July 2017 — No Comments

Ravaged Beauty of Ukraine – Lviv

My journey through Ukraine took me to Lviv, a city of decadent elegance and a long history stretching back hundreds of years. The city boasts a large Russian, Polish, Austrian, Jewish and even Armenian population which adds to its beautiful diversity and culture. With its culinary delights, romantic courtyards, cobbled streets and cherry wine Lviv really took me by surprise, it was as though I stepped into a living and breathing fairy tale.

PART 1 // PART 2 // PART 3

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Lviv Old Town

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Lviv's Old Town (Ukrainian: Старе Місто Львова, Stare Misto L’vova) is the historic centre of the city of Lviv. Since 1998, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) lists Lviv's historic centre as part of "World Heritage". It actually took me by surprise when someone told me that Lviv is the number 1 tourist destination in Ukraine but after spending several days here it's easy to see why. The atmosphere of the city is difficult to put into words but if I had to it would be easygoing, light and friendly. Something I did not expect to find in Ukraine.

In fact if you dropped me in the middle of Lviv without any prior information I could have easily mistaken it for Vienna or another central European city. The European feel is helped by the numerous feasts that are put on throughout the year. From coffee and chocolate feasts to cheese and wine holidays there's something here for everyone. Over 50 festivals are put on annually that range from jazz music to vintage cars so whatever your interest make sure to grab a glass of cherry wine and enjoy yourself.

Lviv's historic churches, buildings and relics date from the 13th century – 18th century. In recent centuries it was spared some of the invasions and wars that destroyed other Ukrainian cities. Its architecture reflects various European styles and periods. After the fires of 1527 and 1556 Lviv lost most of its gothic-style buildings but it retains many buildings in renaissance, baroque and the classic styles.

Adding to its culture and architectural beauty are the large number of Catholic and Orthodox churches as well as the Lviv National Opera house (emulating the Vienna State Opera house). It was opened in 1842 making it the third largest theatre in Central Europe and acts as the city's unofficial centre to this day. A friend of mine is part of a large group of performers who perform at the opera house on a regular basis. Everything from opera to ballet to Ukrainian music are shown here so I would urge any visitors to check out the schedule in advance.

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Гора Лева // Lion Hill

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lviv ukraine Lusa Gora лиса гора

if you're up for a little trek make sure to visit Гора Лева aka Lion Hill just outside the city centre. It offers spectacular views of the city and its surrounding areas and is not teaming with tourists because of the steep climb. The view makes the sweaty uphill struggle worth your time and is a place that you won't find in many guidebooks. Grab your camera, a bottle of water and a friend and you'll both have an unforgettable experience that will not cost you a penny.

couple Lusa Gora лиса гора

Overall I left Lviv with a great impression and a feeling that I will come back in the future as there is so much more of this town to discover. In 3 days I barely scratched the surface. Because of it's great location Lviv is easy to access from mainland Europe while the airport has also been modernised in recent years. If you're looking for a European city break with a twist I wholeheartedly recommend Lviv, a real gem of Ukraine.

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Thanks for reading my latest article. Give it a share using the links below so others can enjoy it too. For more check out the other parts of my Ukrainian adventure and feel free to message me on my social channels if you have any questions or need any recommendations.

PART 1 // PART 2 // PART 3

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Published by antondee in DVSN Updates, Lifestyle, Photography, Travel

7th June 2017 — No Comments

Ravaged Beauty of Ukraine – Frankivsk

Continuing on from PART 1 of my Eastern European journey I found myself in Western Ukraine. After a sweaty but comfortable 24 hour train ride a whole new part of the country was open for exploration. I visited Lviv, Kalush and my birthplace Ivano-Frankivsk to see just how much I remember from those innocent childhood years. I tried to document the personal journey using the arsenal of gear I brought with me but of course a photo or a video will never paint the complete picture.

PART 1 // PART 2 // PART 3

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Ivano Frankivsk, Ukraine

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Built in the mid 17th century as a private fortress of the Polish Potocki family, Ivano-Frankivsk (formerly known as Stanislav) was part of several historic empires. It also served a strategic purpose during World War I and World War II due to its prominent position at the foothills of the Carpathian Mountains. It was one of the key cities of the Austro Hungarian Empire, the essence of which can be felt through the city to this day.

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I was overcome by a strong sense of nostalgia and melancholy as I strolled through the streets and parks of Ivano-Frankivsk. When you're a kid a city seems so grand and imposing and full of possibilities. Now, 17 years later I come back as a new person with new experiences and fears and ideas. It's not the city that changed, it was me. Now I was projecting myself onto a city I once knew, I waved to it and the city waved back.

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"At the end of all our exploring we will arrive where we started, and know the place for the first time" - T.S. Elliot

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Seeing a big city from above is always a humbling experience. Like one big organism, a city continues to function year after year and most of its inhabitants are merely observers to the complex machinery of nature. I would recommend everyone see their city from above. Climb onto a roof if you have to but if you've never seen your city from a unique viewpoint you owe it to yourself to do so.

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Kalush, Ukraine

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Kalush is a city set in the foothills of the Carpathian Mountains, in the Ivano-Frankivsk province of western Ukraine. Most of my childhood was spent here, running around with friends from sunrise to sunset, climbing trees, riding bikes and getting up to all sorts of hijinks without a care in the world. The general aesthetic of the city remains the same but there is a slight sense of hopelessness in the air. People are getting by in any way they can while the economic and political situation is not making things easy for them.

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But life happens. My old friends are now grown up and married with children. My old playgrounds are overgrown as children are glued to TV screens and have no time to go outside and play. The city is filled with more shops while the living wage has hardly increased which makes the whole situation unsustainable in the long run. As much as I enjoyed going back home it was a sombering experience and put a lot of my own troubles in perspective. It confirmed my belief that problems are inescapable, it's how you deal with them that matters. You can either give up and try and shift the blame or grab the situation with both hands and fight, fight like your life depends on it. You will regret it if you don't.

"I realize five years went by and I'm older,
Memories smoulder winters colder,
But that same piano loops over and over and over" - Mike Skinner

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I never edit these articles, if anything it's a stream of consciousness that is bursting to get out. A picture is worth a thousand words so please enjoy the images even if you can't relate to the text and remember to be nice and sympathise with everyone. We're all in this together ✌️

PART 1 // PART 2 // PART 3

As always stay classy and if you have a story you wish to share please contact editorial@thestyledivision.com or tag your social posts with #DVSN

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Published by antondee in Creative Blog, DVSN Updates, Lifestyle, Photography, Travel

6th June 2017 — No Comments

Ravaged Beauty of Ukraine – Kiev

When most people think of a relaxing holiday they envision a hot climate, a cocktail and maybe a hammock by the beach. I decided to do a complete 180 and visit Ukraine, a place that is undergoing major growing pains since their independence while a bloody civil war that is dividing the nation. As a country of my birth Ukraine holds a dear place in my heart and although I haven't been back in over a decade this month long trip was an eye opening experience.

PART 1 // PART 2 // PART 3

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Kiev, Ukraine

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Last time I visited Kiev I was 11 years old and having never been to a big city before I remember feeling overwhelmed and excited in equal measure. The metro, the busy streets, the constant hustle and bustle was intoxicating. Thinking back not much has changed except the streets are busier and louder, there are far more beggars and street performers and everyone under the age of 30 is glued to their mobile phones. Roadworks and preparations were underway to get the city ready for Eurovision but in typical Ukrainian fashion they were barely done even though the event was just a few days away.

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As a city Kiev was completely destroyed during the Mongol invasion in 1240 and has had a long road towards the recovery we see today. In the pages of history Ukraine is a relatively new country having gained their independence in the wake of the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1990. This transition has had an impact on the values and culture of the city which will not lie down for anyone and is prepared to fight for what it believes in. The 2014 Protests and The Orange Revolution are some recent examples of this attitude that has tragically lead to the death and injury of thousands of Ukrainian citizens.

ukraine kiev independence monument

Unfortunately I only had a few hours to spend in Kiev before travelling south to meet my family but I was overwhelmed by an immense sense of pride in my country and what its currently fighting for. Kiev is well on its way to becoming a major European city and a must visit for any fans of history and architecture. Don't be dissuaded by horror stories and mainstream media, as long as you keep your wits about you, Kiev as a whole will be an enchanting experience.

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Melitopol, Ukraine

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When wars start the people who are likely to profit from a specific conflict tend to use old tactics to reach their ends. The 'us vs them' mentality is tried and tested and used to this day for one reason - it works. My family is currently bang in the middle of such a conflict as Ukraine is split www.americansleepmedicine.com/ambien-insomnia-treatment/ politically into the West (pro Ukraine) and East (pro Russia) sides. The truth is no one is completely right as there are far too many variables to paint a black and white picture. Confirmation bias from both sides also makes the whole situation impossible to decipher.

Not to diminish the impact of the conflict but 99% of people I talked to during my trip disagree with it but have no way of changing things. The majority of politicians are corrupt and are usually in it for themselves (or corporate interests), while the people have no way of migrating even if they wanted to. The average salary is $100 a month and a full time job is considered lucky. There is no such thing as fixed hour contracts or holiday leave. Everything has to be negotiated.

ukraine melitopol fishing

The majority of population just wants to get by. They have little time for Kim Kardashian's latest drama or getting upset because their football team didn't win a match. Shakhtar Donetsk FC actually had to move to a different part of the country because their stadium got destroyed during a bombing raid. There's a sentence I didn't think I'd write in 2017. If history has taught us anything its that the causes and repercussions of this conflict will be studied for decades to come.

Despite all this the country is as beautiful as ever. We managed to go fishing, travel to the seaside and put on a barbecue for the family despite the overarching sense of dread. One night we took a walk through the countryside and look at the milky way (as there was minimal light pollution). During our walk I heard fireworks going off in the distance, I asked "What are people celebrating?" The reply was "That's not fireworks, that's gunfire". This moment will stay with me for a long time, it's almost surreal to think how quickly people get used to these things and go on as normal because they have no other choice.

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War is when the young and stupid are tricked by the old and bitter into killing each other.

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ukraine melitopol fishing

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PART 1 // PART 2 // PART 3

As always stay classy and if you have a story you wish to share please contact editorial@thestyledivision.com or tag your social posts with #DVSN

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Published by antondee in DVSN Updates, Lifestyle, Travel

25th May 2017 — No Comments

London Wanders // Journal 92

If you're stuck in a creative rut or just want to clear your head make sure to go for a wander. If your head is filled with thoughts then you're thinking about thinking. No fresh ideas can ever manifest in this state. During my travels I've been fortunate to meet people from all walks of life so the key is to give your brain time to process all the information you've been feeding it. You never know when a great idea for a project or an article might strike.

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Look Up London

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Get lost around your city. I can guarantee there are areas of it you've never been to that are full of surprises. Pretend you're a tourist and look at everyday landmarks with a fresh pair of eyes. Is there something in them you've never noticed before? Even though I spent 3 years in London I find new and interesting places every time I return.

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Try and go for a wander at different times of the day. Early morning when the sun is rising a city can be very eerie and silent. Later during the day as the sun is setting it can take on a wonderful orange glow and fill you with energy and pride that you get to live in such a wonderful and diverse place.

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Moments Like These

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There are those rare times when you get to walk through areas you know like the back of your hand but spot something new for the first time. It's handy to have a camera with you as those moments are fleeting but can remind you just how random this concrete organism can be.

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You shouldn't feel bad if there's an exhibition or a pop up shop you didn't get to see. Take that feeling of disappointment and remember it next time you're feeling lazy and think 'Meh, it'll be there next week'. Life can change very fast so appreciate the little things, you never know where they may lead.

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Thanks for reading my latest article. Give it a share using the links below so others can enjoy it too. For more check out my latest style advice, my trip to Malta or my photography project - Humans of London.

As always stay classy and if you have a story you wish to share please contact editorial@thestyledivision.com or tag your social posts with #DVSN

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Published by antondee in Creative Blog, Creative Showcase, DVSN Updates, Lifestyle, Photography

25th May 2017 — No Comments

Best Advice You’ll Read Today

Life is a beautiful adventure and it would be a shame to waste it on things of little importance. If you're finding yourself surrounded by drama, negative people or useless information, you need to cut that out of your life. It's harsh advice and will not be comfortable but it must be done for your own long term benefit. You can only take in so much information in a given day. So if you WhatsApp 20 people the minute you wake up, get worked up about political issues in another country before scrolling mindlessly through Facebook, guess how productive you're going to be over the course of a month?

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Be The Hero

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To get my attention and productivity back from the claws of procrastination I developed a little role playing game. I imagine my life as a movie in which I'm the main protagonist. It's easy to trick yourself into thinking this. Everything you see and do everyday is already from your point of view and all your friends and family are secondary actors (who are living lives just as rich and vivid as your own).

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Now we all love a film in which the hero overcomes adversity. It would be a very short movie if our hero is presented with a challenge and deals with it right away. There has to be a learning process, something to get our hero out of their comfort zone. The first steps are the most difficult but slowly and surely our hero adapts to the situation and overcomes the obstacle. The fun is in seeing how the problem resolves itself but taking that first step must be down to you and you alone.

This doesn't just translate into creative work but exercise, relationships and everything else life throws at you can be seen as a challenge that must be overcome. Taking the first step without worrying about step 20 is key. And when finally you're at step 20 and can jog for miles without running out of breath or are in a happy relationship you'll wonder why you didn't take that first step sooner. Challenge your comfort zone and you'll be surprised at what you can achieve.

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Information Diet

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As I mentioned above it's very important to cultivate information you take in on a daily basis. You may think its important to read newspapers every day, have alerts set up on your phone so you know about that crisis in Venezuela the second it happens but trust me, these are all distractions from the main objective - improving yourself. I have not watched the news in years and have managed to travel the world, run a small business and learn numerous skills that are helping me in new ways every day. Getting angry about something Donald Trump did which will have zero impact on your life is a monumental waste of energy.

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"If you're not progressing, you're regressing - Elon Musk 2017"

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Buddha Wisdom

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I have been dabbling in Buddhism recently and it has ways of teaching you lessons using little stories and analogies that are easy to understand and apply to your own life. Instead of fighting everything try going with the flow. Imagine yourself as a piece of wood that's been thrown into a stream. Do you try and fight and go against the current or relax and trust that the stream will take you somewhere better? The journey is long and worrying about something / someone you're probably not going to remember in a few years is also a waste of personal time and energy.

I wrote this post because I'm finally seeing the fruits of my labour even though the seeds were planted a long time ago. When I took the first step I had no idea this is where it was going to take me but I'm grateful that I did. I paid a heavy price for changing my ways but now with the power of context I can look back over my decisions and realise that I should continue to trust my judgement and continue to challenge myself and others.

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As always stay classy and if you have a story you wish to share please contact editorial@thestyledivision.com or tag your social posts with #DVSN

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Published by antondee in DVSN Updates, Health & Wellbeing, Lifestyle, Photography

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