Surviving America: Music As Therapy
“To be a Negro in this country and to be relatively conscious is to be in a rage almost all the time.” In the 1960s the great American writer and activist James Baldwin wrote these words, words that have been…
#50: A Haitian Beach Vacation
I did not go to Haiti on "mission". No, I did not go for work either. And I wasn’t visiting family. I went to Haiti for vacation, more specifically to visit my 50th country. I wish I could say that…
Tips for Your First Trip to Africa
As you're sitting in your office (or cubicle), staring out of the window, daydreaming of faraway places, followed by looking for cheap flights, may I suggest a jaunt over to the vast wonderful place that is THE CONTINENT. As an avid travel,…
Eating & Drinking Copenhagen
Copenhagen offers some very tasty options when it comes to eating and drinking, in fact, it is home to the world's best restaurant, Noma. While in Copenhagen, I was on a bit of a budget so I did not go…
on being black in america in 2014
i am consumed, struggling to find my way out. i am consumed, inundated with stories of brutality and injustice flung in my face, many i seek out. i am consumed with hearing stories that make me angry, sad, stories that…
Portraits of Copenhagen
A cold country full of warm people, Denmark was one of the friendliest countries that I have ever been to. I am sure that this is some how tied to the fact that it is the happiest country in the…
It Is About Race
One sentiment echoed again and again by some segments of the American population is, "this is not about race." Former NYC Mayor Giuliani recently criticized the current Mayor Bill de Blasio for suggesting that the Eric Garner case had anything…
Ramblings on Ferguson
Today marks the beginning of my fourth month officially living in the United States, following a 6.5 year hiatus during which I called Kusatsu, Japan, London, England, Dassa-Zoume, Benin, and Rome, Italy home. After my initial move abroad in 2008,…
Thanksgiving is for Travel, not Family
For the last seven years I have spent Thanksgiving outside of the US, part of this has been as a consequence of me not living in the country and partly because I made a conscious decision to use the Thanksgiving…
Explore Berlin!
25 years ago today the Berlin wall came down, so I will take this time to urge you all to go to Berlin! I took my first and only trip to Berlin in October 2011 and I have been dreaming…