Black in Baku

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How does it feel to be Black in Baku?  The experience was unlike anywhere else I’ve traveled thus far. Every Black traveler who has more than a smattering of stamps in their passport has a story of being Black and abroad. Sometimes you receive special treatment just for the color of your skin. But be equally… Read more

Just Not Black in Jordan

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To state the obvious, visiting Petra in Jordan is amazing.  It is breathtaking, mind-expanding, magnificent and unforgettable in a way that only a few other places are in this world.  And while nothing can take away from your time spent there, I found a few hurtful words can overshadow that experience if you let them. On… Read more

Notting Hill Carnival for First Timers

Posted in Culture| England| London
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In my years of travel, I have attended my share of big street festivals.  Three visits to Mardi Gras in New Orleans, three Oktoberfests in Munich, and two Carnaval celebrations in Brazil, are ones that quickly come to mind. Yet I had never been to a Caribbean based carnival.  That was about to change, even though… Read more

A Day Trip to Denmark’s Louisiana

Posted in Art| Culture| Denmark
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A trip to Louisiana that does not involve crayfish, bayous, voodoo, Mardi Gras beads and drinks in a hurricane glass? Yes, it is possible. But you may have to leave the good ole U.S. of A. to make that happen. Earlier this summer I visited my friend Menna in her new home city of Copenhagen. I had… Read more

Mexico City's Ballet Foclorico

Posted in Culture| Dance| Mexico

In Mexico City and looking for something to do after the sun sets? Not that you’d ever run out of restaurants, bars and music venues to check out, but I can also highly recommend an buying tickets to the city’s Ballet Foclorico.  They have performances on Wednesday and Sunday nights in the beautiful theater in the… Read more

A First Time for Everything

Posted in Australia| Culture| France| Japan

As a travel writer, I naturally write about my experiences as a foreigner in a foreign land.  My adventures (and sometimes misadventures) trying new foods, visiting new locations. learning new customs, puzzling through new languages.  I am always the wide-eyed, protagonist learning new things as I go along. But if I think about it, it is… Read more

Culture Close to Home: DanceBrazil

Posted in Brazil| Capoeira| Culture| Dance

With no international trips on the immediate horizon, I have to find cultural activities closer to home to keep me going.  It may be as simple as going to see a foreign film or trying out a new restaurant serving a particular international cuisine, but those types of experiences rarely last much longer than the time… Read more

5 Ways to Immerse Yourself in Local Culture

Posted in Cafe| Culture| language| lost

Have you ever traveled to a foreign city spent a few hurried days, got back on a plane and headed home only to feel like you never really experienced the city at all? I sure have.Usually its when I travel on a business trip. I spend more time in sterile offices, eating box lunches and looking… Read more

My Love-Hate Relationship With Beirut Cabs

Posted in Beirut| Culture| Lebanon

OK – I think I may be obsessed. While I should be blown over by the ruins, beautiful architecture and natural wonders of Beirut, instead I’m secretly enthralled about the whole taxi game here.  Maybe its because I hail from Los Angeles where I probably take a taxi about twice a month at best. It is… Read more

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