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I revisited my logs on here. I feel as though I am in such a different place than I was a year ago.

In srq I am settled in a house that I am considering to make a more than temporary home. I have attachments to this place that are borne out of more than poor circumstance. I cook food unique to my culture, clean, and have roommates. When my room is a mess, I care--but not as much as before. I feel like before my living situation was more of a performance than actual living.

All previous posts are from trips to either Jamaica or Atlanta. I was so giddy then. Now I am hesitant to welcome optimism on my travels. Now I know what to expect (to the extent a mere mortal can truly predict anything). The logistics are dizzying right now. So far, these feelings aren’t reflected anywhere on my blog. Until now.

I am going to try to write more honestly. While I have enjoyed my travels thus far (and the ones I have blogged about are not the full extent of where I have been or hope to be), I have pandered to an audience. It’s obvious.

I am launching this process by allowing myself to feel more fully. It’s a habit of mine to feel as though I must always be grateful for the opportunities that present themselves my way. That’s an unrealistic ideal because no one is always one way. We feel a range of emotions, and right now I am feeling critical of myself and stressed regarding my thesis work in JA.

Baggage

I awoke today from a startling dream. I don’t want to go into details, but I was really reminded of how interconnected my emotions are. My happiness is linked with my network’s joy. Likewise, I don’t feel somber when my support system is down.

I wish this weren’t the case. I wish I could enjoy my time without second guessing, without regret. It’s humbling. Recreational travel is a privilege, especially as a Westerner, especially as a young person too. Where I am from, not many ppl to new places just because. There are circumstances involved. There are sick aunts needing care, funerals to attend, relocated cousins. There are bills to be paid, credit card calls to answer, children--that may not even by yours--to watch over.

"My humanity is bound up in yours, for we can only be human together." - Desmond Tutu

#travel #western privilege #class privilege

Megabus Ride

Atlanta is beautiful. Trees crowd the the streets like sidewalks. Weave in exotic colors. Drinks that taste like grape blowheads and Sump’n Fruity drinks that remind me of childhood neglect.

My friend and I met up with out other friend last night around 8:00. After being on the bus for 10+ hours (are trip was delayed for three hours. The good news is we are supposed to be partially refunded) we were exhausted. Not too tired to eat though. Personally, I was ravenous.

Here is a play-by-play of my first experience on the MegaBus:

1. We arrived at the station mad early. Supposedly, not all megabus locations have physical rest-stops. That’s def something to check out on your next trip. We had to weigh our bags. Mine was just under the 50 lb maximum. I was v concerned that my bags would be jacked. They weren’t. When we arrived in ATL our bags were placed one by one on the sidewalk for anyone to claim. There weren’t any procedures in place (at least, none I was aware of) to prevent theft. All the more reason to be vigilant.

2. The bus was mad hot. I brought sandwich stuffers, fruit juices, and a banana. Plus I had breakfast and a few items during our break six hours into the drive. Still, I was ravenous. I am attributing my extreme hunger to my car sickness. At theme parks I eat to relieve myself of nausea. I think sitting on the second floor exacerbated my stomach’s churning.

3. I should have brought a pillow. Those seats are not comfortable at all. I ended up stealing my friends pillow (and blanket lol). But, going forward I will make it a point to pack plushy, comfort items.

Overall, I am glad I chose megabus despite the hold up. Them refunding my ticket is surely influencing my opinion. I wouldn’t book with them the day of an event, however, since we were mad late (2+ hours). Certainly not ideal for professional meetings or conferences, etc. Likewise, I would plan a buffer day for my return.

While we were on the bus for forever, our megabus experience only encompasses a fraction of our ATL travels. I’ll go into more detail in my next post!

#megabus #atl

Hocus Pocus Travel Tips

As a reformed product junkie I know TSA be trying it. There is no way I’m about to have my $11 avocado oil confiscated. Product leakage/spoilage is another threat to be on guard for. Here are some pre-flight tips that have helped me in the past.

Product Availability:

I know good and well there is not a Trader Joe’s or Whole Foods Market in St. Mary, Jamaica. Hell, where I stay currently they are hardly accessible #HoodAdjacentProblems. Luckily, I have a great, big mouth and even greater friends. Knowing what is available abroad helps avoid future disappointments. My friend recently gifted me two bottles of Trader Joe’s Tea Tree Tingle Conditioner. I was considering purchasing other name brand staples (gel, deep conditioner, clarifying shampoo, etc.). But I think I am going to experiment Naptural85′s flax seed gel recipe and protein-sensitive deep conditioner recipes instead. I am not sure what the flaxseed situation like is over there, so I will phone a friend to find out.

Climate:

It is important to make relevant adjustments in your skin-care routine bearing in mind type of weather you’ll experience. I am traveling to Jamaica soon. Being from the southeast the climate is similar. One huge difference is that I won’t have access to air conditioning 24/7. (Although if you’re Haitian American this ain’t much of a stretch because Haitian Parents be crabbing about turning the AC on #HaitiansBeLike). In warmer climates oils derived from grape seed, sweet almond, coconut oil, and avocado oil are ideal because they absorb quickly into the skin.

Tea tree oil, lemon eucalyptus oil, and citronella are great add-ons if you’re headed to the tropics, since they help to ward mosquitoes. These oils should not be applied directly to the skin. They require carrier oils, which is great because essential oils are generally more expensive anyhow. Speaking personally, there were so many mosquitoes in Jamaica reapplying bug repellents felt useless at times. The eucalyptus oil alleviated the burning sensation the most. Although tea tree oil has a wide array of uses and shouldn’t be slept on either. Soothing solutions such as aloevera and calamine lotion felt like God sends after a long day of being bit.

Comparatively, when I was in Durham, North Carolina in the winter I made sure to pack my shea butter. In the winter it’s less pliable. Therefore I whip it using a hand-mixer I purchased from Family Dollar and olive oil.

Zip Lock Baggying:

Zip lock bags are great for containing open products. It’s assuring to know my conditioner won’t stain a good blouse. I haven’t decided if I am getting my hair braided in Atlanta. From what I’ve gathered from Craigslist it is the Mecca of Black Hair Care. I am packing a few already opened products just in case. I have about 50/11 moisturizers. I don’t need that many and certainly not for a single hairstyle. I am packing 1 moisturizer, 1 detangling agent, and 1 sealant (for me that’s propolis).

My strategy is to avoid packing liquids in my carry on because the container requirement is never sufficient for even one hair style. But if you’re about that life here are updated TSA regulations on liquids aborad a plane: http://www.tsa.gov/traveler-information/3-1-1-liquids-rule

Update y’all soon!

#travelnoir #flying #naptural85 #kinky hair #travel abroad #gif

Bananas over hot cocoa: fruit experiences abroad

Have you ever had your favorite food as it is prepared in another country? As a USian the difference is sometimes awakening. My first travel abroad experience is an absolute cliche.

I was led by Agape to the bottom cabin where I’d be staying for a few nights. And as I creeped down the property the smell of June plums and fruit nearly splashed me right out of my haze. I am p sure I crashed first.

When I finally was able to taste one, I instantly became a fan. Later I developed a faithful affinity towards the banana bunches which hung from the ceilings. In America I eat bananas out of convenience and bc they are (relatively) carb dense. In Jamaica they actually taste good. When I tell you I had the sweetest bananas ever in my whole life, I am not exaggerating. The bananas were significantly smaller. Truthfully, I did not mind at all because they tasted so great. Except for when I reached out for an unripe banana. The fuzzy, chalky taste is one I won’t soon forget.

Right now I am drinking hot chocolate my little sister made on the stove. The chocolate is imported fresh from Haiti (as in it was purchased from a Haitian market in Haiti a few days ago). She then adds ginger, carnation milk, and sugar. Wow. The dark chocolate has such a bold profile. I never expected to be this excited over dark chocolate, truly. By far I think this recipe is Top 2 of my hot chocolate experiences. It taste much nuttier. The flavor is less uniform. I am not suffering from saccharine overdose. A1! All I am missing is the bread.

Are y’all feeling me? Does my story remind you of any of your fave fruits/veggies?

#travelnoir #chocolate #haiti #travel #bananas #jamaica

Preparing for my trip to Hotlanta

On Sunday my friend and I are taking the megabus from Orlando to Atlanta to visit a mutual friend. I am so stoked. What I am less enthusiastic about is packing. A little bit of back story: currently, all of my possessions are cramped in a corner in the room I share with my sister. Most of it is clothes. I own a few electronics as well. And I have a suitcase with books. Whenever I fly I always tell myself that this time I’ll be packed well in advance. Somehow that never happens (last January my friends and I visited Animal Kingdom the evening before my 5:00am flight!).

I have never been on a 10 hour road trip however. Maybe things will be different this go around.

Here are some things I’ve done differently to prepare.

- Organizing Food Budget -

I am a foodie! Eating out is one of my fave activities. It’s tempting to throw my coins at every local eatery, using the need for new experiences as an excuse. But as I’ve learned in the past -- I’ll kick myself in the butt for it later. That is why I am calculating a grocery budget (breakfast and lunch) and going out budget (dinner and drinks). This gives me something to look forward to the days that I’m out there. Being realistic is key. I know myself. And I know how easily I cave when it comes to spending money on food--especially at airports! By having a nice breakfast before my flight (details on where and when to come soon!), I won’t give into overpriced fries from Checkers before boarding the plane.

- Actively Avoid Impulse Buying Before the Trip -

On Monday my friends and I went out for soft serve and window shopped after. I’ve been telling myself not to give into temptation and buy all the vibrant one-piece jumpers I can get my hands on. Thankfully, my friends have got my back. I tried on some things, sure. But, ultimately I walked away only spending on my new septum ring -- which I’ve been planning to purchase for weeks. Same applies to eating out. I think I’ll skip out on my fave salad place Greens and Grille this week. At 10 bucks an order for one meal compared to 12 bucks for corn, bagels, avocados, yogurt, and sweet plantains I can prepare for myself at home -- the answer is clear: save and spend later or splurge, splurge, splurge and watch everyone have fun in hotlanta. Financial worries are taxing and really don’t allow room to relax. Having friends to keep me accountable has helped tremendously!

- Packing Electronics -

I purchased a new laptop! I needed one anyhow since mine has been broken since just about November. This semester I utilized the school’s library to compensate. I am officially in thesis mode. Meaning a reliable PC is being prioritized. I was able to score the Asus Eeebook X205TA 11.6-inch Laptop on Amazon for a reasonable price. Of course I researched before buying. What won me over is the long battery life, unlikeliness to overheat (despite lacking a fan), and portability. Lugging around a heavy laptop was a definite struggle for me before. I am really enjoying it so far. Other things to consider are cameras, tablets, and cell phones. If you are already in the market for a new electronic device and expect to be travel recreationally, have you thought of how suitable it is for traveling? A phone with a nice camera is precious and not just for selfies. More than likely, you’ll want to capture moments. If you’re a photographer on the other hand, investing in a professional camera makes sense. Do you work on the go? Or are you a student like me who mostly uses her pc to type up papers and marathon youtube series?

That’s all I have to contribute for now. Do y’all have any tips for me?

#travelnoir #hotlanta #atlanta #megabus #traveling #gif

#jamaica

How Does It Feel To Have a Hunk of Metal In Your Nose

Welp, since you asked, I'll let you know!

I have had my septum pierced since late October. In the States septum piercing are p common. Heidi, the other intern, happened to have her septum pierced too. Because of this, a lot of ppl thought we had known each other before arriving in Jamaica. Here it is not so common. I've received a mix of reactions from hard stares to scrunch up faces to someone ogling at me and pointing at their nose. Jamaicans are not shy when it comes to voicing their opinions. Yesterday as I was walking to buy a juicy patty (which might I add was absolutely the best Jamaican patty I've ever had!!) three ladies in a hair salon beckoned me over and asked about my piercing. I happily told them all about it. I've had other ppl stop me telling me they "like my style". The negative reactions are equally as fun as the positive ones to be honest. I usually laugh them off.

Last night I had a really fun rendevous with Kevin, who lives out in Robins Bay. I learned a lot of cool dances, exchanged music preferences, and met a few new faces! He is really a sweetheart and v romantic. My impression of Jamaican men has been colored by a lot of the music i hear and the comments that are made to me. And so far, I have to be honest, these guys are #winning.

Living here means eating fruit. You simply cannot find a way around it (not that I have the desire to).

I've had mangoes right off the tree after a morning of inspecting bees. I've had jellies (a type of coconut) hacked at with a cutlass and have found a love for jelly spoons! Bananas everywhere! I heard Kwao said there are some few hundred banana trees here. His aim is 5,000. (I know right! What?!). Custard apples are a prized novelty that I've yet to bite into. But soursop and sweetsop have both graced my tastebuds. The aroma of june plums was thickly woven into the air when I first arrived. I've had my fair share of june plums. Licorice isn't a fruit. But I've sampled some right off the ground and was welcomed with a sweet taste. i had a really delicious apple the other day. It was pear shaped and a beautiful red. Sooo many oranges and melons from the market. In fact, my first time at the Carnation Market in Kingston, some rando treated Heidi and me to sliced pineapples! It was sweet and delicious.

Jamaica is a fruit lover's paradise.

Edit: I forgot sugarcane! This list isn't even scratching at the surface to be honest.

#jamaica

Shame on me! I have yet to post anything about the amazing food experiences I have had so far. Allow me to fix that!

Beverages: Okay so one of the first "authentic" beverages I had here other than bush tea was eggnog. At the the time, I thought what's more amazing that eggnog available after the holiday season? I quickly learned...everything. The drink wasn't homemade at all. It arrived in a box carton and made Heidi sick the next day. It was not pleasant. It was then that i learned to keep my distance from packaged foods sold at the corner store (though in all fairness, I was warned by Agape and Kwao beforehand).

I think Jelly Water has been my favorite drink so far. It's refreshing and amazing. I level up 10 times whenever I sip into a Jelly. I've also had Fizzy Juice which was made with sugar, sorrel, grated ginger, and yeast (I think...need to receive confirmation not that one). Ours never quite fizzed the way we anticipated. But it was super great on these hot humid days.

I had guinean weed tea. It was better than it smells, so that's a plus. Guinean weed is used when ppl have chick v (sp?) so maybe it was those properties (and tons of good vibes bug repellant) that kept me from meeting that cruel fate.

After our EcoTour through the bush, Lion brought out a "real man's drink": fermented sea grape and sorrel. It was super yummy and tasted a bit like wine.

Fevergrass tea has been another favorite. It's very calming for me and helps me to center myself. I think the act of making tea in itself is therapeutic to be honest. Most recently (this morning) Agape brought a pot of peanut skins and water to a boil. With a little honey added in, peanut tea is absolutely divine! I like it a lot.

Speaking of honey, I had blended up garlic with honey and water the day before to fight my cold. I think it worked. I feel much better. But I felt so gross as it went down. It took a lot of restraint not to spit it all out. It was suggested to me that i try rum with coffee instead (the alcohol in rum has antimicrobial properties that ward off colds). I passed. Funnily enough as I greeted Pompy this morning he was drinking a shot of rum with water. He called it "white coffee"!!

Lastly, while you're here (or anywhere frankly), you can never get enough water!!

#jamaica

Drinking lemon grass tea while reggae music blasts from next door. Crickets chirping, waves crashing, animals tweeting.

How am I supposed to return to the land of school shootings and processed food?

#jamaic

Lunch prepared by Lion at Black Sand Beach.

We had delicious plantains and a callalloo/cabbage/carrot/Irish stirfry seasoned with pimento, bird pepper, garlic, salt and a scotch bonnet. My taste buds were singing. I never would have thought vegan cooking could be so delightful. Lion is quite the chef.

#jamaica

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