Spirited Pursuit

Hi, my name is Lee & I'm in spirited pursuit of travel, adventure, and new cultural experiences. Instagram: @spiritedpursuit

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Has anybody ever told you that you look like Imaan Hammam?

No, but what a compliment - thank you

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HIGHLIGHTS FROM ZANZIBAR WITH SUMMERSALT

Pristine white sand beaches, colorful coral reefs, endless spices, a varied culture and name that commands curiosity - Zanzibar is an East African island full of beautiful contrasts. I first learned about it several years ago (see here and here) when my Mom was planning a visit for a work conference. I flew stand by for over 24 hours from the US just to spend 3 or 4 days on the glorious island and essentially crashed the conference. Though extremely short, the experience left a major impression on me back then and was one of my first inspirations for starting this website. Read full story

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HOTEL EXPERIENCES: AN AFTERNOON AT LA MAMOUNIA, MARRAKECH

Simply put, La Mamounia is a visual experience and the ultimate place for relaxing in Marrakech.

If you've ever wanted to experience what living like a Moroccan royal and experience life in the luxe lane, this is where you can make it happen. Just a stone's throw away from the Medina, this 5 star hotel overflows with decadence and is the perfect oasis to recharge after exploring the intense and chaotic souks. It has it all - glorious architecture, fine dining, a spa and rooms worthy of a king, beautiful lush gardens, exceptional customer service; but it will cost you. As you can image, its price tag is also that worthy of royalty, so instead of breaking the bank, I decided to skip out on staying nightly and visit during the day. My wallet thanked me. Read full story

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A NIGHT IN THE SAHARA: A FEW THINGS TO KNOW

My partner and I's three week Moroccan road trip was filled with stops to Marrakech, Chefchaouen, Aït Benhaddou, Fes and several other small towns in between; taking on it's winding roads and ever changing landscapes. And while there were several highlights, I'd have to say that our stop in Merzouga was what I was most looking forward to. How could it not be, with a promise of spending the night in the desert under the stars? Spending a night in the Sahara desert is something I'm sure every traveller dreams about.

But like everything else in life, there are a few things you should be prepared for to make the most of the experience. Read full story

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5 OF MY FAVORITE PLACES TO PHOTOGRAPH IN DAKAR, SENEGAL

Senegal is among the top 3 African countries I always recommend to both first time visitors of the continent or seasoned travelers looking to experience a modern alternative to the travel possibilities in Africa. I love Dakar in particular because it's such a modern city and is pretty easy to navigate independently (so long as you speak some French). I highly recommend it to all kinds of travelers - from luxury to adventure backpacker. So if you're considering a visit, here's a quick guide of my favorite places to explore throughout Dakar, Senegal to help point you in the right direction. Read full story

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Hey Lee ! You inspire me a lot no lies, and i aim to do what you do, or at least something similar, i love travelling and im also thinking of having my clothing line ect. Do you have any advices, how to get inspiration and where to start ?

Thanks so much, I really appreciate the kind words and support! I wrote about how I started and my advice here, hope it helps x

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What camera do you use for your pictures while you're traveling? Or can you name any good cameras to capture moments while traveling?

Hi! I wrote about what camera and equipment I use here. Hope you’ll find it helpful x

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I first want to say I looove your blog. I also am a huge fan of traveling and experiencing new environments and cultures, it's just too bad that I am still in high school and broke lol. But anyway my question for you is how did you decide this is what you want to do and how did you start? Also how did you make a business out of it?

Hi, thanks for the support! I wrote all about how I got started here. I turned it into a business by first building an audience as well as high quality content that appeals to my sponsors/clients. Hope this helps :)

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Road trip through the South of France, Summer 2017

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one thing i love about your travel blog from others is that you actually take photos of natives and it's not solely centered on your or famous tourist sites. How do you convince or approach people to take their photo, especially younger children. love the blog, keep up the great work! hoping one day to be able to travel like you

Thank you! It’s important to me to share the full experience, so I’m glad you appreciate that. When approaching people, I try to just start a normal conversation that isn’t about me wanting something from them. Ask them questions about their life, where they’re from, etc. It isn’t until after I establish some kind of connection with them that I ask if I can take their portrait. It makes a world of difference and people are typically more inclined to oblige if they don’t feel like they’re being used as props. Hope this helps x

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#SPTURNSONE: A GARDEN SUPPER

Just like that, a year came and went.

An idea evolved into a journey of storytelling, cultivating, and curating. A year spent navigating the winding roads of a terribly exciting and unfamiliar new world. No map in hand, no local guide, and no real destination. Who knew it would all pass so quickly?

An adventure filled with passion, sacrifice, and relentless hard work; three hundred and sixty five days have never felt so fulfilling. read more

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Today makes 2 years since my supper celebration. How grateful I am to continue to be on this journey. x

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SP WANDER GUIDE: CHEFCHAOUEN, MOROCCO

“The medina was a maze of miniature. Secret alleys and doll-like doors, painted in brown or blue, grommeted with brass. Every corner held a wondrous surprise of colour and texture and echoing laughter from the children playing ball, ricocheting giggles and kicks off the slender walls. Perfectly groomed green plants sat on doorstops, contrasted against ochre and blue, and colourful laundry was strewn across windows and side streets, adding to the rainbow. In every direction, the shadows of someone hunched over a cane, hood pulled up to protect against the wind. And the most reminiscent of all, the sound of jalabas whispering against the cobblestones as men walked to prayer, leather babouches rhythmically scraping against the sides of the stairs with a slow climb to the top.” Read more

Buy my dress here or here

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INTRODUCING MARCHÉ SPIRITED PURSUIT

A continuation of the global message and ethos defined by Lee Litumbe of @spiritedpursuit, Marché is a digital concept store providing locally sourced goods that are 100% handcrafted - from the custom effortless clothing inspired by Lee's travels to the global market items she discovers along the way. Although the idea behind Marché was first developed after Lee received numerous inquiries from readers asking where they could find the clothing, accessories, and lifestyle items pictured on her Instagram account, the vision for Marché now goes beyond aesthetics. Visit our store

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Hi I'm traveling to Morocco next summer and I have the same skin tone as you. I wanted to know if you encountered any racism or anything. Or if you have anything to recommend to black girls who want to travel there

Yes! Read some of my guides here and here :)

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I'm planning a trip to Dakur in February because of you and your journey and I'm so excited. Any places you recommend seeing

Not sure if you’ve already had your trip, but I just released a detailed guide (find it here) that has all the info I would recommend to visitors. Cheers!x

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What do you love the most about Dakar / Senegal?

It has all the components I look for in one place. Beautiful landscapes, traditionally African yet incredibly modern, great food, lovely people, and amazing culture.

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A DETAILED GUIDE TO EXPLORING DAKAR, SENEGAL

After my major leap of faith in May 2016, my first stop was Dakar, Senegal. Looking back, it's crazy that I had never actually visited nor did I know anyone personally that was there prior to my arrival. Thankfully, my risk paid off and it all worked out perfectly - Senegal completely changed my life. When I first arrived, I simply wanted to start my travels through Africa there, but ended up falling in love with the people, culture, and overall vibe of the country and decided to make it my base instead. It remains THE trip that has had the biggest impact on my journey to rediscover Africa through a modern lens and is the perfect mix of modern living and traditional culture. From the art scene to its beautiful natural landscapes, I was (and remain) captivated.

Now that I've had a significant amount of time to learn and absorb the information from my extensive travels throughout Senegal, I've been able to put together a 63 page detailed guide loaded with my tips, recommendations, and exclusive photos showing you how you too can come visit and experience its electrifying spirit. I give you all of my local, insider knowledge to help you get off the beaten path and into my favorite little secret spots. From delicious restaurants, local markets, and neighborhood guides, to beautiful national parks and my recommended list of things to do in Senegal overall. You’ll get the best of the country all in one place that is sure to help you have a comprehensive and immersive experience. Get the guide