Travel Anecdotes: NJWA

NJWA

Text & Image by NJWA

I am a recording artiste and songwriter based in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. I have a Bachelor’s Degree in Music from Berklee College of Music, Boston. I lived in Melbourne, Australia and New York for a couple of years. I have been blessed to be able to travel to different countries to spread my music for instance Japan, Thailand, Hong Kong and Indonesia. I’m currently working on my album and I plan to tour again next year!

Njwa on travels

. My favourite destination(s): Paris, France; Bangkok, Thailand; Chefchaouen and Marrakesh, Morocco; Istanbul, Turkey

. My dream destination(s): Reykjavik, Iceland

. My must-have(s) in the carryon: Lip balm - the air is always dry on the plane, so I always have a lip balm with me to keep my lips moisturised; Gaviscon - I have gastric problems so I never leave home without it; Lavender essential oil - I’m a nervous flyer so this helps to calm me down before and during the flight

. My worst nightmare during travel: bad turbulence!

. My favourite Malaysian spot(s): my husband took me to Pulau Perhentian Kecil for our third anniversary and the water was absolutely beautiful; Penang is another favourite destination of mine - food is always great!

. My best meal taken in Malaysia: I’ve had so many amazing meals here, it’s impossible to pick only one. Assam Laksa in Penang is always a winner. Banana Leaf from Acha Curry House in PJ has never let me down because its sambal ikan bilis adds a nice crunchy element to every bite and just the right amount of kick.

. Malaysia is special because… we are multicultural, so you can learn about so many diverse cultures and traditions, including food! . Solo or group travel? I always travel with my family, so we’re a big group. It’s a lot of fun and a great way to bond. My husband is also a great travel companion so at least once a year we will travel somewhere just the two of us. . Aisle or window seat? Aisle seat . See it all or take it easy? Take it easy! I love just walking around and exploring a city without knowing exactly where we’re going. I always discover little gems this way. . I travel for…widening my views of the world, learning about different cultures and marvelling in the beauty that God has created.

Njwa in 30 seconds

. Night owl or early-riser? Night owl

. Back to nature or city slicker? Both

. One book everyone should read? I’m not much of a reader although this is something I’m trying to change.

. What is the last thing you Googled? Reykjavik

. What’s on your playlist right now? Pink Sweat$, H.E.R., ROSALIA, Khruangbin

. What is the moment you’re most proud? Every time I complete something, for instance my degree, my album or my songs.

. What’s your biggest pet peeve? Tardiness

. Whose brain would you like to have had? I’m honestly happy with mine

. Life is too short to... not see the beauty God has created, so travel and see the world!