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You as a salon owner are in a unique position to augment your clients’ wellbeing and lifestyle comfort. They look to you to enhance their experience of themselves and the world, not only through their hair and skincare but a more complete expression of their self. Consumers are looking for a reason that drives them to buy a fragrance, not necessarily related to the price. Most of them look for products that make them feel gratified while using it. For this reason, we have decided to connect the world of DEPOT® fragrances to the sensory experience that only our brand is able to offer. DEPOT® can help your business benefit from the maturation and changes in consumer behaviour with our new No.902 AMBIENT FRAGRANCE SPRAY and No.903 AMBIENT FRAGRANCE DIFFUSER The World of Fragrances & the Evolution of Consumer Behaviour Escape from reality through fragrances. Fragrances connect to memories and emotions and can help consumers in their search for light-heartedness and daily escape. Fragrance becomes an expression of the self. Recognizing oneself in a fragrance makes the consumer want it as an expression of their individuality, consequently guaranteeing its repurchase over time. The DEPOT® Sensory Experiences are what make us Unique The range of fragrances available will give your clients the opportunity to choose their favourite fragrance to take the DEPOT® experience with them wherever they go. New and fresh fragrance to cater to different tastes Capture potential new clients through new fragrance Take Advantage of the DEPOT Fragrance Experience with DEPOT®’S New & Intriguing Fragrance as The Perfect Gift For Your Clientele As a SPECIAL OFFER FOR YOUR CLIENTS, with the purchase of 1 product, the client will receive 20% off to use immediately on a product from the 900 range. DEPOT® PRESENTS: SARTORIAL SAGE And Now in 2 Ambience Enhancement Forms SARTORIAL SAGE - oriental, aromatic, woody No.902: AMBIENT FRAGRANCE SPRAY No.903: AMBIENT FRAGRANCE DIFFUSER The demand for new fragrances will grow - the return to the pre-pandemic rhythms of life is driving consumers to search for new fragrances to enrich their daily routine. New fragrances for new needs - 45% of American consumers will choose a new fragrance that matches their needs, underlining the strong relationship of this choice with their lifestyle* *Source: Mintel’s Global Consumer, August 2021 Your salon can only benefit by reinforcing your place as the expert and mentor your Clients look to for the full enhancement of their health and lifestyle. Enrich their personal environment with fragrances designed purely for their sense of self and sensorial well-being. Take Note Trading are distributors of DEPOT and Milk_shake in SA Contact details: Email: marku@z-one.co.za or georg@z-one.co.za www.z-oneconcept.com/en | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

Leadership development plays a key role in developing psychological safety in the workplace. Check that each of these skills is addressed in your leadership development plans to strengthen truly inclusive people, managers, and leaders throughout your organisation: Communication Conflict resolution Accountability Vulnerability Empathy Self-reflection 1. Communication skills: practice active listening and curiosity Ask team members to weigh in with their thoughts and expertise. This is especially important to practice at times in which their opinions may challenge your thinking. Dive deep, ask questions, and ask for feedback from other team members too. Don’t assume team members are wrong just because you disagree. Peel the onion and learn from your team as much as they learn from you (if not more). Just as important as curiosity is the role of active listening. Active listening ensures people feel valued and that they can contribute to the team. Ideas to improve listening include: Leave phones at the door (or on the desk) during meetings Show understanding by repeating what was said Encourage people to share more by asking questions If certain individuals rarely speak during meetings, actively ask them for their opinion 2. Conflict resolution skills: promote respect If a team member engages in undermining, shaming, or any behaviour that discourages others from speaking up, don’t condone it. But also, don't ignore this behaviour. Intervene and share how such statements can impede creativity and innovation, including the sharing of concerns, ideas, and questions. 3. Accountability: lead by example Anyone in a position of responsibility should set an example for the rest of the company. This is applicable from senior management, down to team leads and managers. If done properly, the set of behaviours should become a norm across the company. Ask for upward feedback Acknowledge your mistakes Be open to opinions that differ from your own Be approachable and encourage reports to ask questions You can't expect team members to perform a certain way or feel safe if you don't lead by example. This means apologising when you make a mistake, demonstrating considerate communication, showing empathy, and asking for help when you need it. 4. Vulnerability: embrace the uncomfortable According to Edmondson, leaders owning their vulnerability and fallibility is a mark of true strength. It shows a willingness to improve, and a recipe for encouraging open and honest feedback. When leaders acknowledge their own fallibility, it allows the team and the organisation to learn and improve. Importantly, it creates space for others to admit their own and models that ownership of mistakes is valued by the company. 5. Empathy: foster an open conversation (with a growth mindset) Pay attention to how teams operate. Is everyone given an opportunity to speak up? Are some more silent than others? Work to foster equal speaking time for everyone. Use ice breakers and calm environments to quickly get over any awkwardness or tension. Consider having company outings or virtual hangouts so team members can feel free to let their guard down and be themselves. This is also a great time to get to know each other on a deeper level. In order to break free of judgment and strengthen the relationship between team members, it’s important to have an open mindset. Often, we look at things from our own lens, but approaching them from a different angle can help bring perspective. In order to develop an open mindset in the workplace: Encourage teams to share feedback with one another Help them learn how to respond to input from others Encourage teams and individuals to see feedback as a way to strengthen and build upon their ideas and processes. 6. Self-reflection: empower others from your place of privilege If you’re someone who isn’t underrepresented in your community, make efforts to leverage your privilege to empower underrepresented colleagues. Examples of this include highlighting team members’ accomplishments among others. Creating an environment of psychological safety takes self-awareness and a commitment to learning new behaviours. But the trade-off is more than worth it — and necessary. Beyond the obvious advantages of avoiding groupthink and creating an efficient team, dedicated resources will help. This helps to establish the behaviours that lend themselves to psychological safety. Long-term, your entire organisation will benefit. For any further information or enquiries please contact the EOHCB representative in your area by clicking HERE. EOHCB Contact Details Web: www.eohcb.co.za | YouTube: www.youtube.com/eohcbsa/ Facebook: www.facebook.com/eohcb | Twitter: twitter.com/eohcbsa Instagram: www.instagram.com/eohcbsa

Reuzel (roo-'zul) spelled with a Z, pronounced with a middle finger. 1. (n) A term originating from the Dutch language, meaning lard. 2. (n) The finest, world-renowned brand of styling products known for unbeatable quality, performance, and swagger. No lard included. Flashback The story kicks off in Rotterdam, Netherlands, more than 40 years gone, during a time of rock-n-roll grit and punk rebellion. Traditional, old-school barbers by trade, and provocateurs by character, Leen and Bertus began their journey to create perfect pomades for the counterculture they were so deeply ingrained in. Through trial and error and countless reformulations, the early versions of Red and Green pomades came to be – now celebrated as the world's finest in hair care. Flash Forward Inspired by the success of their pioneering Red and Green pomades, Leen and Bertus set out to expand and create the perfect product line for the good people of Rotterdam, and someday, the world. Today, Reuzel has evolved into a complete line-up that includes care, styling, beard, and body products and most recently, tattoo care. The Original Pomade Recipe Prior to the late 1700’s, barbers were also surgeons. In surgery, they attempted to use pig fat to heal open wounds, but quickly learned that this caused infection. They decided to use it for barbering instead and discovered that it was perfect for greasing back hair, only it didn’t smell very gentlemen-like. The French added apples (pommes) to the mix to make the smell more appealing, thus pomade was born. No Pigs Were Harmed in the Making of Reuzel Products Reuzel has left out the pig fat. It’s beloved pig mascot celebrates both the history of pomades and animals being free from harm, because Reuzel loves animals! With the exception of a few products that contain beeswax*, Reuzel never tests on animals, is 100% vegan, and proud to be certified by Leaping Bunny as a cruelty free company. Stock Reuzel in your barbershop Place an order with your Modern Hair & Beauty sales rep or call MHB Telesales on 0860 104 109. The Reuzel Line-Up Reuzel Pomades: Available in various holds and finishes for achieving different styles. The pomades offer excellent hold and control, providing the ability to shape, sculpt, and restyle hair throughout the day. Reuzel Styling Products: In addition to pomades, Reuzel offers a range of styling products including clays, gels, and sprays for all hair types and styles. Reuzel Shampoos and Conditioners: Designed to cleanse, nourish, and condition the hair and scalp. These products are formulated to promote healthy hair and provide a fresh, clean feeling. Reuzel Beard Care: Beard serums, beard balms, beard foams and beard washes help nourish the beard to keep it soft and manageable, while providing a well-groomed appearance. Reuzel Hair Tonics: Versatile tonics add volume, texture and shine to the hair while providing a light hold. Can be used as a pre-styling treatment or as a refreshing spray throughout the day. RR Skincare & Body: Reuzel skincare products come with a total lack of nonsense. Refresh and Restore cruelty-free, vegan men’s skincare products are free of sulfates, parabens and phthalates. Included in the line-up is a men’s fragrance with natural citrus notes, hydrating moisturizer for a healthy glow, men’s face wash and smoothing eye cream. Reuzel Tattoo Aftercare Treatment: Advanced and innovative TAT products keep inks fresh, healthy, and bright, make colours pop and keep lines crisp. For healed tattoos. Free from gluten, sulfates, parabens, silicon, toxins, and synthetic fragrances. *Contains beeswax: Green Pomade Grease, Pink Pomade Grease, Extreme Hold Matte Pomade, Concrete Hold Matte Pomade, Clay Matte Pomade, Fiber Pomade, Beard Balm, “The Stache” Mustache Wax, Grooming Cream, and Matte Styling Paste. Instagram Facebook

A incredible unicorn colour transformation for this client, done by Sasha-Lee De Vries from Pasquale Hairstylist. Click the image below to see the Instagram post. Process I started by cleaning here ends with Schwarzkopf blonde me 7 vol with shampoo and hot water all equal parts rinsed after my canvas was clean. I then did my regrowth application with Schwarzkopf blonde me 20 vol re-applied after 20 min and left on for 45 min there after I rinsed. I then mixed Goldwell Elumen 3 bowls 1.vv@all 2.pk@all 3.tq@all and bl@all. I dried the hair off completely and sections the front out from the back. I started at the back bottom and did section by section taking 2cm wide pieces and using different colour on each section and using a brick layer method all the way up and did the same on the sides. And I do a face frame a solid colour depending on what she wants. It develops for 45 min I rinse using the Elumen shampoo lock and treatment I style her hair using GHD body guard rehab cream comb through I blowave with my GHD Helios and GHD CERAMIC BRUSH. And then finish off with my GHD platinum+ styler. Stylist: Sasha-Lee de vries Products: Schwarzkopf Professional, Goldwell, ghd Salon: Pasquale Hairstylists Follow Sasha-Lee on Instagram @sashie_pasqualehairstylist We'd love to feature your work! To get your styles, looks or colour formulas featured in Hairnews, send them either to brad@hairnews.co.za or DM them directly to our Hairnews Instagram page.

We are looking for stylists to join our Bedfordview salon! Become part of Gary Rom Hairdressing Bedfordview and join the team in our beautiful and spacious salon in the well-known Bedford Centre! The Gary Rom brand has been a leading luxurious brand in South Africa for many years. We believe in quality over quantity and excellent personalised client services where every client feels that their “hair needs” are being catered for. We ensure you receive the best training and education the industry has to offer with competitive earning opportunities. We strive to educate our stylists and staff to be the best of the best in the industry. We are looking for creative, well driven, dynamic, professional and hard-working hair professionals to become a star stylist. We can’t wait to meet you! Lezanri and Charice. Join our Team and email your CV to: Lezanri@GaryRom.co.za

Welcome to the Next Level Take your Professional Styling to the Next Level and Contact Mycro-Keratin Now. Email: mk@mycro-keratin.com Instagram: @moyoko_professional Facebook: @moyokoprofessional TikTok: @moyoko_professional

Staff seem to have a mental block when it comes to upselling to their clients. Maybe they think their services are already too expensive, are not confident about their own knowledge and expertise, or maybe they are just not motivated enough! Either way, they are selling their clients short. Could you imagine visiting a medical expert (doctor) and not being prescribed a solution for your problem or being told to use a generic, over-the-counter remedy but still having to pay the doctor's professional fee? You are the Hair Doctor- your clients need your expertise The difference between the 'medical doctor' and the 'hair doctor' is the way each of them see themselves. Doctors make their living selling their expertise based on years of knowledge and experience and they are not shy to charge for their services. But even doctors need the services of their hairdresser to look the part (they also need to dress for success). Is the knowledge and experience of a hairstylist any less than that of a doctor when it comes to satisfying their clients’ problems, needs and desires? Of course not! So wake-up haircare professionals and smell the coffee! Change the way you think, market yourself as an expert in your field, look for and expect to find opportunities to satisfy those problems, needs and desires and see your business grow. - Terry Miles, MD of MySalon Software Email: info@mysalonsoftware.co.za Web: mysalonsoftware.co.za

The Effective, Natural Solution for your Clients for Hair Thinning and Hair Care. Specially designed and formulated for the South African market, HFY Hair For You Hairline Repairer and Growth Tonic is the latest in retail care for your clients who need help with hair thinning and loss. The HFY Hair Growth Range is an effective and natural solution that salons and stylists can use to offer their clients a premium hair care experience. The range is perfect for salons that want to offer their clients an effective and all-natural solution to hair loss and promote healthy hair growth at an affordable price. Stock it as your go-to answer to the age-old concerns! Our own clients have found they can see results in 6 weeks when they use correctly. The HFY Hair for You hair growth range is designed to stop hair loss and promote hair growth: • 35 active ingredients that work together to nourish the scalp, strengthen hair follicles, and encourage strong hair growth. • All active ingredients are all natural and locally sourced and designed for our South African climate. • A range suitable for all hair types and can be used as a standalone treatment or as a part of a larger hair care routine. • Affordable price for you the salon-owner and one that you can pass on to your clients. The HFY Hair for You growth range: • Shampoo - designed to cleanse the scalp and hair while providing essential nutrients and vitamins to promote hair growth and reenergise the hair follicles • Enriching Conditioner - works to strengthen hair follicles and prevent breakage • Hair Growth Tonic Repairing Treatment - contains active ingredients that penetrate the scalp to promote hair growth, scalp health and strong hair • Detangling Refresh Cleaning Spray for natural hair, wigs or weaves • Pure Hair Oil - feeds hair follicles with key ingredients, stimulating growth, preventing hair loss, and adding moisture. All provide pure essential oils free from silicones, that can be used together to promote healthy hair growth. This range does not contain Placenta and can be used cross culturally • • • • • • • • • • • • • Carol’s Story Covid Hair Loss Easily Solved and Reversed “I Caught COVID last year June, when I was discharged from hospital my hair started falling out by the handful. When I would blow wave my hair, my bed would be covered with my hair. My husband went onto the internet and that's how I was introduced to HFY Growth Tonic, Thickening Shampoo and Enriching Conditioner. I saw results in just a week! By the end of two weeks all hair loss was ceased. I am currently using the products and my hair is thicker and healthier. I would recommend HairForYou to anyone suffering from hair loss, thinning hair, thyroids and cancer treatment patients.” - Carol, a client • • • • • • • • • • • • • AN EASY PROCESS TO HEALTHIER SCALP & HAIR STEP 1 – CLEANSE AND CONDITION HFY Thickening Shampoo & Enriching Conditioner This Thickening Shampoo & Enriching conditioner combo contains vital vitamins and minerals that not only cleanse the hair, preventing buildup of product, but re-energises scalp and hair follicles amplifying the results of the Growth Tonic. The product have a luscious feel combined with a beautiful floral signature smell, its formulation consisting mostly of flower and root extracts to give you that fresh and invigorated feel. • Thickens and enriches • Adds Vitamins A , E and C • Strengthens hair follicles • Improves circulation • Regulates sebum • Contains anti-oxidants • Re-energises sluggish hair follicles to stimulate growth. STEP 2 – REPAIR & STIMULATE GROWTH HFY Hairline Repairer & Growth Tonic A completely natural and organic product containing no animal or hormonal by-products, and is heavily saturated with minerals and key proteins for strengthening hair. The Growth Tonic prolongs the phases of hair growth and minimises shedding, thus resulting in thicker, stronger hair. Should be used daily and continuously for at least 3 months for the best results. HFY Repairing Treatment Used in conjunction with the Growth Tonic, the HFY Repairing Treatment reintroduces moisture to the hair. With its unique blend of Argan and Jojoba oil, it moisturises and protects the hair from breakage. Regular use also treats flakiness and itchy scalp, especially in dry South African winters! • No hormones • No animal by- products • Use as a hair mask or daily leave-in treatment And with Winter approaching, for Clean, Revitalised Shiny Hair, introduce your Regular Clients to our featured HFY Pure Hair Oil (silicone-free!) and HFY Detangling Refresh Cleaning Spray for natural hair, wigs or weaves! HFY PURE HAIR OIL This luxurious blend of pure oils works to feed hair follicles with key ingredients, to not only stimulate growth, but also to prevent hair loss, and add moisture. Daily use of this miraculous oil soothes, rejuvenates, and delivers lustrous shine from root to tip. Warmed slightly, the HFY Pure Hair Oil can be used as a hair mask. • Castor Oil • Coconut oil • Olive Oil • Peppermint Oil • Lavender Oil • Tea Tree Oil The HFY Pure Hair oil contains NO silicone. HFY DETANGLING REFRESH CLEANING SPRAY – For Natural Hair, Wigs or Weaves This natural sanitising spray contains Moringa Oil which provides cleansing, anti- inflammatory and anti- oxidant benefits to promote healthy hair and scalp. Great application benefits for those wearing weaves or wigs, as the refresh spray does what the name implies by helping to reduce any inflammation on the scalp, removing any odours that may be present, and revitalising the look of the wig or weave and natural hair. • Cleans, sanitises and refreshes • Adds vitamins A and E • Detangles wigs/weaves leaving scalp fresh and clean. Contact Us Now to Add this Retail Hair Care Solution to your Salon Offerings! All the ingredients are all natural and locally sourced and designed for our climate – South African made and designed. Hair For You Cirrus Healthcare Products, SA WhatsApp: +27 79 366 2553 Web: www.cirrus.shop Email: info@chpsa.com Cirrus Eco Park 23 Escallonia Rd, Montana Pretoria, 0159

milk_shake® no frizz products are formulated to provide moisture and nourishment to the hair, protecting it from the harsh winter weather. Scientifically designed to combat frizz and static, milk_shake® no frizz smooths and protects hair from breakage and split ends, leaving it nourished, strengthened, smooth and easy to style. What are your clients’ special hair needs? milk_shake®’s no frizz can help with each of your clients’ requirements: Help with frizzy hair Frequent use of blow-dryers and straighteners to straighten their hair Reduction in drying time Maintains the effect of their blow-dry for longer, even during high humidity Helps reduce or eliminate volume when desired And for those clients who wish to straighten their hair easily and simply The anti-frizz treatment with GLYOXYLIC ACID that improves the structure of frizzy or damaged hair. Eliminates excess volume from hair Straightens hair that is naturally curly and facilitates straightening of very curly hair Its protein complex guarantees a healthy appearance for damaged hair and improves the quality of the technical services that follow. NO Formaldehyde No Frizz Glistening Milk milk_shake glistening milk eliminates frizz, maintains moisture balance, and protects hair from heat while using drying and styling tools. Give your clients smooth, silky locks with Milkshake No Frizz Glistening Milk. Its nourishing formula controls frizz and flyaways, leaving hair healthy and shiny. No Frizz Glistening Serum This luxurious hair serum smoothens the hair cuticle for an exceptionally glossy look. Contains Date Palm extract and Abyssinian Oil for soft, manageable hair. Eliminates frizz during and after styling and protects hair from heat and styling tools. No Frizz Glistening Spray A divine finishing product to be sprayed lightly over hair for amazing sheen, or to give added impact it can be gently brushed with a small amount into the hair with a makeup brush! Creates lasting shine and light enough for all hair types. All the Benefits your Clients Want in a Hair Treatment Regime: REJUVENATING effect - Counteracts the signs of aging on the hair, guaranteeing smoothness and body. SEALING effect - Creates a protective film around the cuticle and guarantees protection, extreme shine, and eliminates frizz. NO VOLUME effect - Eliminates volume in the hair LUSTER effect - Makes hair shiny and lustrous LONG-LASTING effect - The relaxing service for frizzy, wavy or curly hair is long-lasting MULTI-ACTION effect - Versatile treatments according to the demands on how to manage the hair milk_shake® can Help your Retail Flourish in the Winter Months when Clients Need the Most Hair Control. Be on the lookout this winter for more information on all our milk_shake moisture products and all the great benefits to your clients and you as salon owner who can so easily supply them! Available now from your favourite milk_shake® rep! Contact milk_shake® on: Email: marku@z-one.co.za or georg@z-one.co.za www.z-oneconcept.com/en | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

“This collection is bursting with colour. It is an ode to craftsmanship. We're going back to basics. It's all about technique, both in colour and in cutting and styling. I like to be inspired by modern, abstract painting. I love to watch that explosion of colours, that ease and freedom. In this collection I go back to basics, to primary and secondary colours and the structure of the colour star. Colours in their purest form - red, yellow and blue - can be seen in every look. By positioning and stacking them in a certain way, new colours are created and they kind of merge with each other.” Mark van Westerop Hair: Mark van Westerop at Pro Solo, Alkmaar, The Netherlands Colour: Louise Vlaar Make-up: Angelique Stapelbroek Styling: Ed Noijons Products: Keune Hair Cosmetics Photographer: Studio IvodeKok Clothes design: Tula Rose

There can be nothing more depressing than starting the week with an empty appointment book. In fact, very little is more stressing than on a Sunday evening, you have to go back to work to a job you hate or having to start the week with zero business. Fortunately, there are a number of things you can do to make sure this doesn’t happen to your salon or spa. How to Avoid the Dilemma: Pre-Booking The most effective way is to pre-book the next appointment before the client leaves the salon. This strategy satisfies a number of customer service objectives: Clients’ haircare needs are attended to more frequently, leaving them looking good and feeling great all the time. Promote discounted or value-added promotions for the slower parts of the week. Today many more clients are feeling the pinch and, rather than looking for lower priced salons, you can give them the opportunity to enjoy lower prices during your salon's quieter times. Train front-desk managers (receptionists) to 'sell' quieter times of the week. If given the choice, clients always seem to choose the salon's busiest times, leaving those popular times booked up early. If clients are 'steered' towards the non-popular time and days, many will accept the appointment time suggested. If it doesn't suit the client, keep negotiating until you find one that does. Just avoid asking your client "what time would you like". The final suggestion concerns your trading hours. You may have set your trading without considering the demographics of the area you trade in. Consider expanding your trading hours if you live in a residential area where clients might like an appointment either before or after normal trading hours, when they have more free time. Filling an appointment book takes planning and doesn’t happen by itself! - Terry Miles, MD of MySalon Software Email: info@mysalonsoftware.co.za Web: mysalonsoftware.co.za

SA Stylist Mervin Arthur Naidoo Cruises the World - Pt 3 - Oman, Jordan, the Suez and on to Jerusalem. This Month’s Adventures in Real Shipboard Spa Life: Cruising the World Mervin Arthur Naidoo is from Pietermaritzburg, KZN and at 47 years old, has been a qualified hairstylist for 28 years, working in South Africa. He has spent the last year working onboard the magnificent cruise ship ISLAND PRINCESS, on a shipboard spa contract. He is sharing his exciting experiences and photos with us about the onboard life! This contract is a world adventure – starting from Australia aboard the cruise ship ISLAND PRINCESS and making our way through the ports of the world, one by one, experiencing the most exciting sights and cities, people and food! In this Part 3, Mervin sails through the Magic of Oman, Jordan, the Suez Canal and experiences Jerusalem! Click HERE to read Part 1 and click HERE to read Part 2. To start our next exploration, first we get to see Mervin in his element - what does a day in cruise ship salon look like? This what our busy day looked like. Every chair is used in the salon, often 2 guests at a time, all with color. Nails stations busy all day. ISLAND PRINCESS hair and nails. The busiest part of the ship! #worldcruise MUSCAT, OMAN, UAE Muscat, Oman. A beautiful place that is located in the granite mountainside. They have very cleverly built the city in an around the mountains, using it to protect them from the elements as well as a source of major income. The market is friendly and inviting, with lots of treasures to search for. We explore the King’s Palace, The amazing incense burner on top of the hill. A vista of mosques, the Sea side, and the Market. The Palace in Muscat, Oman AQABA, JORDAN - AND PETRA We had an amazing tour through the city of Aqaba, Jordan. Jordan is full of intrigue and wonder. We were there at Ramadaan time, so there were a few restrictions in the town of Aqaba. The town has all the modern shops, with many sights to visit in and around. It is the month of RAMADAN. It’s so amazing to see how they celebrate this auspicious month. All the houses are lit up with colourful lights, the streets are lit from end to end. The city is busy and bustling with people late into the night. Of course, we had to stop to get the local cuisine. We followed this with an absolutely magical journey down the winding path, between the mountains, to PETRA. It’s amazing to walk down the same path that the founders took and to get to the end and see the truly magnificent sight of Petra - One of the Seven Wonders of the World. An incredible creation, carved out of the solid rock of the cliffs. A land of full of amazing ancient ruins that are mindblowing to see and think of how they carved out these stunning monuments, from solid rock - not easily done at a time when there were no modern tools! Walking through the long passageway that leads up to the first sight, the Treasury, one can only imagine how the very first people who walked through, had felt, and knowing that you are walking in their footsteps. After all these adventures we made it back to the ship in the nick of time, with 2 mins to spare! Had some worried managers, coz we were the last crew members left to get onboard! Lol. An afternoon well spent. Touring with friends though Aqaba Touring AQABA - PETRA – THE ANCIENT CITY Amazing cliffs of Petra, in the footsteps of the ancients and to the feet of the ancient city itself…. AND THROUGH THE SUEZ CANAL Going through the Suez Canal, I did not know what to expect. It is nothing like the Panama Canal. There are no locks to lift and lower the ships. This is a canal that is running through Egypt, giving a passageway through instead of around. There is a lot of construction being done on both sides, that will help them to connect with each other easier. Will be great to go back to see the end results! Waiting our turn to go through the Canal Going through the Suez Canal – one side…. and the other side FINALLY - TO JERUSALEM - JOURNEY TO THE HOLY LAND Jerusalem takes you back to the very ancient times. Seeing the walled city in the middle of this modern city makes you understand exactly how the people of that time had lived. The walls are extremely high and built solidly. Inside the walled city however, there is chaos. Way too many vendors in one place, takes away the essence of the holy place. If they had left the walled city to be as it was 2500 or so years ago, we would be able to see exactly how it was back then, when Jesus walked the earth. We had the most amazing exploration of the Tomb of Jesus, the Jerusalem Market, and the Church of The Holy Sepulchre. A true blessing to be there and experience. Walking the Marketplace of Jerusalem The Old City – 2500 years old Inside the Tomb and the Church of the Holy Sepulchre What an amazing overhead shot Mervin’s thoughts on the City of Jerusalem and the Sepulchre I have been so blessed to travel to countries around the world, and to see the sights and wonders they have to offer. The chance to go to Jerusalem was a true blessing indeed. After talking to many of our guests/ passengers on the cruise ship, I feel I had to share my thoughts. When I first got to the city if Jerusalem, I was so excited to be there, walking through the streets and seeing all those shops around. Then we got to go inside the church where Jesus was laid after they took Him off the cross, and where He lay in the tomb. A magnificent sight indeed. However, I felt that the importance of the place was ruined by all the vendors there. Every direction you look there are vendors, selling trinkets. Jewellery, bags, shawls, hats and more - shop after shop. So many shops selling the same thing, it leaves you in a total disarray, constantly having to say no to the shopkeepers, that it’s so easy to get lost in the walled city. Going to such a holy place, to walk in the footsteps of Jesus, the whole feeling is lost and it just becomes so commercialised. The story goes that Jesus himself was so angry when he saw the people selling things in the temple, that he started to chase them out, because it was wrong of them to sell things in His father's house. Now they are using Jesus name and doing the same thing. It just felt so wrong. Many of the guests felt the same way as me. We had no peace after seeing that. It didn't feel right. I hope this does not upset anyone that has already visited or those who want to visit in the future. It’s just how I and many others that have been there feel about it. Thank you all. God bless Stay tuned for our next instalment where we explore the Mediterranean with awesome port calls in Turkiye, Sparta, Italy, Malta and beyond! If you want the experience of a lifetime that will expand your horizons to the limits and make you a sought-after stylist in top salons all over the world, sign up now for your confidential interview with London Wellness Academy and explore the world while making an awesome salary and jumpstarting your career as a stylist! Sign up HERE and set yourself on a career path that will change your life! Web: www.londonwellnessacademy.com