Conversational Music

“I need you,” newfound friend Javi asserts.

“Why do you need me?” I demand.

Javi: “Para cuidarte, amarte y estar a tu lado” — to take care of you, love you and be by your side.  His words sound lovely but remarkably familiar. They come directly from music lyrics.

Tinged with sexism, many of my conversations with Dominican males took a — romantic turn.  Out of nowhere, men love me, need me and miss me. One suggested that I make him “feel brand new” — straight from a 1973 Stylistics hit song. We listen to merengue and bachata music, traveling to daily excursions on our chartered bus. Sometimes, the lyrics are in English, unmistakable. Hence, I know the source of Javi’s quixotic lines.

Music profoundly impacts Dominican discourse.

Cordillera Centra: Montañas de la Gente

Listen. If a branch falls in the forest and no one is there to hear it, yes, the branch has fallen; just ask the twigs crunching noisily beneath my boots. A cacophony reaches my ears while nature’s beauty informs my eyes — the forest has its own language.  The central mountain range near Bonoa, Dominican Republic speaks a distinct, mellifluous dialect.

Rio Blanco Ecotourism Complex is a 2-hour drive from our hotel in Zona Colonia. A day spent learning about local agricultural issues and the intricacies of coffee production and communing with the environment during free time overwhelms my heart with a sense of privilege, social responsibility and appreciation for the Cordillera Centra.

Soy Americana

I know what the stereotypical American looks like. The country of my birth identifies me as African-American.  My own country misconstrues my national identity. However, a passage in my passport “requests all whom may be concerned to permit the citizen/national of the United States named herein to pass without delay or hindrance and in case of need to give all lawful aid and protection.”

This is especially contemplative, considering how people of color are treated in the U.S. Traveling abroad, I am no longer a suspicious, hyphenated or sub-American —  I become a fully embodied U.S. citizen.

First Impressions of Madrid

No Pinterest article or advice from a friend can actually prepare you for moving across the world by yourself. It is both thrilling and terrifying knowing that you are about to begin a journey that will most definitely change your life in ways yet unknown. But what is the point in living if we don’t let life change us?

VIDEO: A Walking Tour of Sydney’s Beaches

I made the hike from Bondi Beach for about three miles all they way to Coogee Beach. Along the way, you pass about six different amazing places to swim and play. Come join!

A Farewell Climb in China

Stairs and stairs and stairs and stairs, and just when you think you reach the stop, you’re staring at another 3 mile long staircase. Once I finished up my school program at Tsinghua University, I eagerly took the earliest train out of Beijing and headed toward west Xi’an.

Gaining the acceptance of China’s ‘loving youth’

Like an outsider entering a tribe, I have spoken with them, shared stories with them – and in return I have been invited to join them.

Getting the Celebrity Treatment

Mosquitos. Everything and everyone is covered in mosquitos here, ha. Perhaps that’s an exaggeration, but certainly something that I took note of the second that I entered my dorm.

A First Taste of China

You would think that a total of 17 hours traveling to Beijing China by plane would be exhausting afterward, but surprisingly … yes, yes it is, ha.

Whatever You Do – Do It For You!

Hi Folks! I am now writing you from the very last stop on my trip. I just got to Budapest, Hungary yesterday, and wow is it beautiful. Since my last post I have been in two other amazing cities, first Munich and then Prague. Both cities brought new and exciting adventures on this trip – and both have really taught me the importance of doing things for yourself.