Bold Voyager

Afro-Turks Unite to Distinquish Their Culture

2009-09-26T08:26:00.007-04:00

Some people still don't believe me when I say you can find Black people almost anywhere!

Check out this article about a people who call themselves "Afro-Turks" and are just as Turkish as anyone else, yet have kept unique traditions:

“We are black and we are from here. We are a part of this rich Anatolian culture and we are ready to make an effort to be noticed by the society. I believe that in this way we will be able to contribute to the tolerant culture of this beautiful land.”

I hope people are encouraged to visit regardless of what ethnicities are there. I for one would love to go to their "Dana Bayrami" festival and take it the sights, sounds, smells, and food.

(Special thanks to G. for sending this to me, and to everyone that still checks in!)

New Voyages

2009-05-27T20:16:00.006-04:00

If this page were part of a Twitter/Myspace/Facebook-type site, I guess my status report would read, "Thinking: Where to next?" It's as simple as that.

Okay, well not that simple. Some of my most interesting voyages have NOT involved a heck of a lot of advanced planning at all. In fact, they were pretty last minute (ala "Hey! It's me. I know I haven't called or written in about 5 years, but I heard you move to Antarctica. What? I can come visit any time?....You ain't said nothin' but a word. I'm on then next flight!") So in light of my track record, I sometimes wonder what's the point of racking my brain about specifics of the next journey, when I know history shows that the "divine destination" will be revealed to me in due time.

On top of that, here I am in the midst of writing one of my next articles, on what? Travel planning! I asked a friend if that made me a hypocrite and he said, "No. That makes you spontaneous and interesting." (Don't you just love friends that make you feel less like a geek?)

Anywho, I know this line of thought all comes from the fact that everyone knows summer is a big travel time for me, so peeps have been asking me about it left and right. Well, for now I'll just say I have a lot of options (including work, volunteering, study, and "me" time), but I also have several wonderful projects in the works here at home, so this year I'll have to work around all that. Of course, it's also effecting how often I have time to blog. In the meantime, my next travel diary entry might just be from the road (or plane, cliff, boat, shack, or rain forest ; - )

Swine Flu Update: Spain Has Most Cases in Europe

2009-05-03T10:35:00.003-04:00

I know some of you are tired of hearing about the Swine Flu (or what officials want us to start calling the "H1N1 Virus"), while others feel like the more you know, the safer you'll be. I feel a little bit of both, so I'm sharing this AP article about stats in Europe and some recent precautions governments are taking around the world. Check this out:

"Hong Kong kept 350 people under quarantine in a hotel as a precaution even though no new swine flu infections appeared in Asia, and Egypt's attempt to kill all pigs as a precaution against the disease prompted pig owners to clash with police who were helping to seize their animals for slaughter." (Source: Associated Press)

And here in the U.S. schools are being shut down even for SUSPECTED cases of the flu. Meanwhile, the White House is stating that the virus might not be is bad as we think, and may just run it's course like any other flu. (source: Associated Press)

I don't know. Let's hope this doesn't get out of hand.

The New Zealand Files: Swoop

2009-05-03T06:59:00.020-04:00

(The following post is adapted from the “The New Zealand Files,” which recalls my experience traveling there in 2007 - North American summer, but their winter.)

Pt. 1: Hmmm....While I'm hanging out with the sheep and cows here in New Zealand, let me try this "Swoop" thing. Seems like a kinder, friendlier bungee jump....Plus I've got this cute Maori brotha to hold on to.

Pt 2: Oh, time to pull my own ripcord? Okay.....What the...?!!! Oh sh%t!!! AAAAHHHHHH!!!! (Sound of me plunging towards the ground at 80 miles per hour. That little hook you see at the top was the only thing holding me and this guy up on a crane about 40 meters above some farmland and a stream.)

Pt. 3: ....AAAAHHHHHHH!!!!!!!.......(Why did I do this???? What will my obit say?...."She Was a Stupid Azz American Who Should Have Thought Twice")

Pt. 4: .....AAAAAHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!......(Notice that I'm holding on to dude for dear life....Meanwhile, he's just chillin' in the da cut like "La dee da dee da...")

Pt. 5:.......AAAAAAHHHHHHH!!!!!.....As I was swinging in my potato sack, I didn't have time to notice my companion's cool Maori tatoos. Dude had nice arms, too.....He looks like South Pacific Superman, while I look like some nutty chic he just rescued off a building or something.

(By the way, traditionally those type of tats, or "ta moko," were actually CARVED into the skin. If this guy went the traditional route, he's got even greater nerves of steel than I thought!)

Pt. 6.......AAAAAHHHHHHH!!!!.....This goes on for about about 3 more minutes. Just when I think it's over, the cord pulls us WAAAAYYYY UP high so that I can drop down and feel the entire terrifying experience of plunging towards the earth at break-neck speed all over again. Yippeeee!!!!! (As usual, my face says it all)

The Swine Flu and You....(Travel Paranoia????)

2009-04-29T18:35:00.013-04:00

Know before you go my people.....Here's a New York Times article that addresses some of your concerns about the Swine Flu pandemic and another article on what travelers need to know. It's interesting to note that the latter article implied that it's actually North Americans (that means Canadians, Mexicans...and yes, us too!) that are being looked at suspiciously by border officials of other countries.

I recently had brunch with a dear friend of mine and was shocked to hear that he was going to Mexico. When I express concern about his health and safety considering the outbreak of this swine flu thing, he just kinda "pish-pawed" me as if I was being a paranoid abuelita. And while I understand that some may not want to let mass hysteria dictate their comings and goings, this thing seems to really have taken the world's health experts by surprise. Shoot, when I was in Seoul, I used to think it a bit odd that some folk walked around with those little masks on. Now I'm looking for those joints wholesale! (Holla at me if you have that info. Really.)

Am I being over cautious about my friend? I don't know. It also makes me think about one of my sisters who took an international trip just a week after 9/11. I was like "Are you buggin?" Yet one of the things politicians told us New Yorkers at the time was to go out there and resume normal activity - shopping, work, school....but did that mean vacation travel, too? Under the stressful circumstances, maybe a little get away to some far off beach was exactly what some people needed. Bump the red alert security status!

At what point is one's travel concerns paranoia, or their wanderlust just plain foolhardy?

For now, the Centers for Disease Control recommends that Americans forgo all nonessential travel to Mexico (source), while the World Health Organization is not recommending a formal ban on travel to Mexico at this time (source). Decide for yourself. But if I were ya'll, I'd check both W.H.O. and Centers for Disease Control websites regularly. In fact, just because I care, I will provide the links permanently on my side bar. Don't say I never did anything for ya!

Peace.

Travel Reads for Children

2009-04-29T06:46:00.000-04:00

I actually read this CNN.com article a few months ago and wasn't sure if it would be of interest to anyone that visits this site, since it seems that so many people who take "bold voyages" are childless and go solo. But when I had to refuse baby-sitting duty for a friend trying to plan a romantic get-away with her husband, I began to realize how frustrating it must be for parents to find ways to occupy children when they travel. I mean, I just can't imagine what it would be like to do the things I've done with a youngster in tow (on a cliffside hiking trail in Oahu..."Ok honey, mommy's gonna strap you to her back so I can jump over this fissure. Ready? One, two,...THREE!)

In any case, the article discusses a few books that a child might enjoy, which may spare them from boredom. It's funny because some of these books are of interest to me, too (and I'm far from 12 years-old).

They Won't Budge: Africans in Europe Film Series

2009-04-27T22:45:00.009-04:00

Event: They Won't Budge: Africans in Europe Film Series

Date: May 9, 16, 30

Place: The Schomburg Center For Research in Black Culture, New York City

Although I'm known for my spur of the moment travel decisions, I'm also a big advocate of doing as much research as you possible can before you go. While many people tend to consult travel guides, websites, and the perspective of fellow travelers, films (particularly those produced by, for, and about people from a specific culture or nationality) can also offer tremendous insight. Plus there are all those great visuals!

People of African descent interested in living or working in Europe may want to check out The Schomburg Center's film series They Won't Budge: Africans In Europe, a companion to their exhibition of the same name. They state that "The series will cover the African Diaspora in Europe. Screenings will be held on Saturdays starting at 4 p.m. Films will be followed by Q&As with Dr. Maboula Soumahoro, professor of Black European Studies, Barnard and Columbia. Free Admission. First come, first served. Limited seats."

May 9, 4p.m. Black Dju & Otomo

May 16, 4p.m. Waalo Fendo & Names live Nowhere

May 30, 4p.m. The Glass Ceiling & Boma-Tervuren, The Voyage

Go to Schomburg Center.org for film details and to confirm dates and times.

The 64th Prague Spring Music Festival

2009-04-24T18:28:00.037-04:00

Event: The 64th Prague Spring Music Festival
Place: Prague, Czech Republic
Date: May 12 to June 3, 2009

Prague is one of those cities on my list of "the ones that got away." I became intrigued with it years ago when I was told by fellow travelers about it's artsy, bohemian flava. Hey, I considered myself both artsy, kinda bohemian, and then some! So I figured I'd fit right in - take in some galleries, sip some highly-caffeinated drink with an interesting new acquaintance at an outdoor cafe, and share my brand of Harlem-style poetry amongst a vibrant, young ex-pat community. Yes, I was in Rome and all set to make Prague one of the next stops on what was turning out to be an amazing European sojourn when.....well, I'll just say it had to do with a dude who broke some promises, a bad cold, and a rather charming and persuasive Roman gentleman, and I'll leave it at that (ya'll don't need to be in my business like that....yet). Bottom line, I didn't end up going.

In any case, now is now and Prague is still just as intriguing to thousands of revelers who will come together for this year's Prague Spring International Music Festival. Sometimes referred to simply as "Prague Spring," it features some of the world's finest composers, soloists, singers, symphony orchestras and chamber music ensembles.

Now, to be quite honest with you, I'm not a huge fan of this genre of music, but it seems the organizers have mixed it up a bit with a variety of related events including their long-running international music competition that showcases up-and-coming musicians; a concert in affiliation with a marathon; the opening of a museum exhibition; and a "musicological" conference - all at famous venues throughout the city.

So despite getting side-tracked years ago, festivities like these remind me that I still want to visit the Czech Republic - plus it's supposed to be lovely in the springtime!

Links:
- For more info on the festival, visit their website here.

- For varied perspectives on U.S./Czech relations, particularly in light of President Obama's recent visit there, you might want to read these Prague Post opinion articles (I don't know how I feel about that caricature at the top, though....).

- Want to know what life is like for American ex-pats in Prague? Click here.

- To find out more about Tonya Graves, a successful African-American singer living in Prague, click here (this sista's sound is bad, ya'll!).

Now till May 31: Some Online Travel Agencies Are Waiving Booking Fees

2009-04-22T17:06:00.003-04:00

President Obama Eases Travel Restrictions on Cuba

2009-04-13T16:41:00.003-04:00

Rabin Quoted on Rolf Pott's "World Hum"

2009-04-06T20:24:00.010-04:00

FYI, I'm quoted in Rolf Pott's "World Hum" (part of the Travel Channel.com's family of websites). You can read my take on "traveling-while-Black" in Latin America. I would love to hear your feedback here, or feel free to post comments directly on his site. Enjoy!

(For those readers who saw the article before I did, thanks for the shout out!)

Life of a Multi-Tasker

2009-03-06T16:54:00.003-05:00

Hi All! I know it's been a while since I've posted, but some of you know I've been working on my writing and will have an exciting announcement later this spring.

In the meantime, you might want to check out some of the blogs that I'm following (when I have time to read!) and let me know what you think. I've been stateside for a while, but there are so many other "voyagers" that have great stories to tell. Enjoy!

2009-01-01T15:26:00.001-05:00

Technorati Profile

U.S.A. Travel: African Burial Ground in New York City

2008-12-28T08:15:00.004-05:00

If your travels have brought you to New York City for the holidays, then you already know that there are several festivities to choose from and some beautiful sites to see. However, if you are looking to add some unique historical and cultural significance to your visit, then you may want to attend the National Park Service’s Kwanzaa celebration at the African Burial Ground National Monument this Tuesday, December 30.

The day’s activities include several workshops on cloth-making, African dance and drumming, writing, and one entitled “Uncovering the Story of the African Burial Ground through
Archeology.” There will also be a musical performance in the evening.

“Kwanzaa is a week long African American holiday observed from December 26 through January 1. The name Kwanzaa is derived from the phrase, “matunda ya kwana” which means, “first fruits” in Swahili. The African Burial Ground National Monument will celebrate the fifth principle of Kwanzaa which is Nia (Purpose).” (from National Park Service flyer)

Whether you celebrate Kwanzaa or not, a visit to the African Burial Ground is not to be missed.

“From the 1690s until the 1790s, both free and enslaved Africans were buried in a 6.6 acre burial ground in Lower Manhattan, outside the boundaries of the settlement of New Amsterdam, later known as New York. Lost to history due to landfill and development, the grounds were rediscovered in 1991 as a consequence of the planned construction of a Federal office building.” (from the National Park Service Website)

Its discovery over a decade ago (which included the remains of over 400 men, women, and children) caused controversy in the academic and business world. On one hand, here was a discovery that shed light on some little known historical and cultural facts - that there was slavery in New York; that although far from there ancestral lands, enslaved Africans were still able to transfer rituals and artifacts from their culture to the U.S.; that Africans played a significant role in building downtown Manhattan, particularly the wall for which “Wall Street” is named – yet at the same time there was a multi-million dollar building set to go up that could have disturbed or destroyed this archeological find.

You can find out more at the visitor center and monument that eventually was built on the site, and is now in the National Park Service’s care. You may also visit the National Park Service website, where you can find directions to the site and download a PDF flyer and schedule for the Kwanzaa event.

Best International New Year's Parties

2008-12-17T05:15:00.015-05:00

Although I wish articles like this were published a bit earlier (like in September or October so budget travelers could save and plan for these excursions), I was intrigued by this CNN.com article on the "World's Best New Year's Parties," which highlights 10 international cities where they will ring in 2009 in a unique way. Which made the list? Well here they are, in no apparent order...

- Bangkok
- Berlin
- Cape Town
- Edinburgh
- Hong Kong
- Las Vegas
- New Orleans
- Reykjavik
- Rio de Janeiro
- Sydney

Some thoughts: I was happy to see at least two U.S. cities, which may make it easier for those not willing or able to spend money to go abroad (or who are still going about getting their passports). And while I've always wanted to visit South Africa, I have to admit the whole idea of the "minstrels" parading down the street gave me pause. Would I be offended, or would it turn out to be an interesting "cross-cultural encounter of the awkward kind" like when I first met Black Pete. As I've recommended to others in the past, I did a little pre-travel research and found out this about their "Tweede Nuwe Jaar" or "Second New Year":

"The Cape Minstrel Carnival or Coon Carnival has its roots in the 18th century, when slaves in the Cape were allowed their one and only day off on January 1st. They picked up the 'art'of this style of entertaining from the minstrel entertainers who stopped by Cape Town on American ocean liners. These entertainers (who were white) painted their faces black in their acts. The 'coloured 'or 'black' locals adapted their style to the method of these entertainers but painted their faces white in their acts.

The Minstrel street parade on the first weekend starts in District Six and there are plenty of South African wares and mouth-watering local delicacies on sale along the route, attracting crowds of over 80,000. Former President Nelson Mandela endorsed the minstrel event in '96 and is now a patron of the Cape Town Minstrel Carnival Association." (From Cape Town Magazine.com)

On the one hand, anything that used to called the "Coon Carnival" is a bit suspect. On the other hand, I figure if Nelson Mandela of all people is okay with it, then maybe I should be, too. And does it make a difference that it's Black people who are performing in white-face? There is a context for everything, so I don't want to rush to judgment about another culture's traditions. As always, the best way to find out is to go and see for oneself and ask the locals. I know I'm not going to hop on a plane in two weeks to go there (although all of you out there who know me have seen me do stuff like that many a time), so I guess I have a whole year to ponder it.

The Obama Effect in Brazil

2008-12-11T17:25:00.012-05:00

Brazil has the largest Black population outside of Africa. Yet most of the political power and wealth is in the hands of its white minority. Some may see this as no surprise, as history shows that Brazil was the very last country in the Americas to abolish slavery. Furthermore, many a traveler has been struck by how many dark faces they see when they get to Brazil, considering the vast majority of people featured in Brazilian-produced tourism ads and telenovellas look more Austrian than African. Yet Brazil continues to maintain that, unlike the United States, there is no racism there.

Now, according to an article by Associated Press writer Bradley Brooks, Barack Obama's election has caused Brazilians, particularly Black Brazilians, to reexamine race and the often unspoken pain that it has caused in their country.

"I can't believe those two little girls with hair like mine will be in the White House," said 31-year-old Carolina Iootty Dias, putting her hand to her head, tears in her eyes as she watched the screen.

Although Brooks is quoting a Black Brazilian women, some African-American readers of this blog may say "Well heck, I've thought the same thing." However, imagine the effect Obama's election would have on you if you'd rarely seen an elected official of influence who looked like you. If you didn't have Ebony, Jet, Essence or some other type of magazine that featured beautiful Black models. What if you never saw television shows that featured people like you as anything other than servants or clownish side-kicks to white characters? Yes, many Black Americans can say that they never thought they'd see the day we elected a Black president, but for Black Brazilians that may have been an even bigger stretch of the imagination.

"Barack Obama represents what every black person in the world has been hoping for: that the fight of the dream for racial equality in North America can spread to the entire world..."

If any of you are planning travel to Brazil or have been there in the last few months before or just after the election, please share your thoughts, experiences and observations with us.

Teachers - Study Abroad In Morocco, Uganda, and Costa Rica

2008-12-06T07:44:00.005-05:00

My beloved alma mater, Bank Street College of Education, is offering study abroad opportunities designed to give in-service or pre-service educators (K through 8) insight into educational practices around the world. Participants can opt to take these courses for no credit, continuing education credit (CEU), or for Bank Street College graduate level credits at varying tuition costs. For more information click this link, or attend one of the upcoming open houses.

Spring Break in Morocco
Cultural Explorations in Morocco: Implications for Educators in Multicultural Settings (Grades K - 6)

Course Dates: March 14 - 22, 2009

Space is available. Call Joy Ellebbane at 212/875-4707 or Email studyabroad@bankstreet.edu for more information. (Applications are processed on a first-come, first-served basis.)

Summer in Uganda
Exploring the Art of Teaching: Learning, Reflecting, and Collaborating in Ugandan Classrooms

Course Dates (Tentative):
NY Orientation (participants must attend) Tuesday, July 7 - Thursday, July 9, 2009
Departure for Uganda, Saturday, July 11, 2009
Return to NYC, Sunday, July 26, 2009

Open Houses (Choose one for more information on the course):
Wednesday, December 10, 5 - 8 pm
Friday, December 12, 5 - 8 pm
(Applications will be available at the open house. RSVP to studyabroad@bankstreet.edu or 212/875-4707.)

Summer in the Costa Rican cloud forest
The Delicate Connection of People and the Biology of the Rainforest: Implications for Curriculum (Grades 3 - 8)

Course Dates: August 1 - 16, 2009

Open House: Friday, February 27, 5 pm.
610 West 112th Street, Room 706.
RSVP to studyabroad@bankstreet.edu or 212/875-4707.

Gear: Microfiber Travel Towel

2008-06-29T09:45:00.007-04:00

One of my favorite things to do is to step out of the shower or bath and wrap myself up in a big, plush bath towel. However, when I'm on the road or on a trek, packing and hauling something like that in a backpack can be a huge pain in the butt.

That's one of the reasons I have appreciated these little microfiber travel towels. Over the years I've use them to dry off all over the world, or just for a day trip to the beach here at home. They're small (about the size of a wash cloth) and lightweight, which makes them ultra-easy to carry, and they dry super quickly.

Don't believe me? Anyone who's been to South Korea in the summer time knows just how hot and humid it can get. Add to that the fact that my time there was spent working near swamps and in the forest and you would figure that nothing could possibly get dry in that environment. But sure enough, after my first shower there (which was really me squatting down near a faucet at a trench with a bucket and a bar of soap), I whipped out my little blue travel towel, dried off, and used the handy button tab to secure it to a laundry line. When I checked in the next day it was completely dry, humidity and all.

The only downside to this product is that because it is small, it will take you a while to get it all over your body to dry off, and you can't wrap it around your head to dry your hair. However, the bonus of it not collecting mold, fungus, bacteria or other such critters still makes it well worth it for me.

Please note that although the towel I've used just happens to be by Eagle Creek, I am in no way making a sales pitch for this or any other particular brand. In fact, please write in and let us know if you recommend another comparable, superior, or more affordable product.

Travel Slowdown???

2008-06-29T09:24:00.003-04:00

The past few weeks, I've seen more and more news stories like this one that paint a dismal picture of the current state of the travel industry. Although I'm not too familiar with the Bombay News, I believe it's wise to gather information from as many news sources as you can, particularly the international press.

Of note from this particular report:

- airlines increasing fuel surcharges
- some airlines discontinuing or limited previous routes
- travelers putting off vacations or going shorter distances

I'm wondering about that last part. A few weeks ago a travel expert on the Today show said that despite all the negative trends with gas prices that Americans are still taking their vacations and there's been very little drop.

What do you think? Is any of this effecting your travel plans?

"Where To Go When"

2008-03-01T15:50:00.006-05:00

If you’re like me, when you’re planning your travel you need visuals. You want to actually SEE what you’re getting into before you go. Of course, it’s always helpful to have a traditional travel guide to get practical information about currency, how to get from one place to another, history and culture, etc. However, since many of these guides lack vivid pictures, all of that info often falls flat. As a consequence, I usually end up lugging two books with me on the road – one for the facts, the other for the pictures.

Although you certainly can’t fit this huge 336-page volume into a backpack, Where To Go When from Eyewitness Travel (ISBN: 978-0-7566-3073-7) is a great way to get a visual idea of a potential destination while you’re still at home deciding where you want to go. Each page is chock-full of glossy, vibrant, color photographs of the people, landscapes, transport, and even wild life, to give you a sense of what you’ll see and experience. It is organized by month so that you can, for example, turn to the “March” section and find out the publisher’s top picks for destinations all across the world in a variety of categories such as “Unforgettable Journeys,” “Natural Wonders,” “Festivals and Culture,” “Luxury and Romance,” “Active Adventures,” and “Family Getaways.” Another user-friendly tool is the suggested itinerary offered for each featured destination. So whether you’re looking for “A Week of Pioneer Spirit” in Calgary, “Six Days in the Hills” of Sri Lanka, or “Ten Other-Wordly Days” in Timbuktu, you won’t have to guess at how to make the most of your time.

Coming Back Soon

2008-02-07T11:52:00.000-05:00

Due to some unexpected circumstances, I've had to take a break from the blog for a while. Please check back weekly. In the meantime, feel free to continue to send your travel questions or stories and I will respond as soon as possible. - Thanks.

Support Phylicia's Law: Update

2008-01-19T09:48:00.002-05:00

Thank you to everyone who responded to the post about Phylicia Moore by visiting the website to help support "Phylicia's Law," which aims at better travel safety for youth. I've just received word of a change in their site address. It is now:

http://www.phyliciaslaw.com/

Please post this info to your blogs, send a link to your friends, and sign the petition to help this bill become law.

Black Russians, anyone?....

2008-01-19T06:07:00.001-05:00

Some of you might have noticed that on my profile I list Russian author and poet Alexander Pushkin as one of my interests. Coming from a family that kept me well informed about the African Diaspora, I was fascinated to learn that not only is he considered the father of modern Russian literature, but he just happened to be of African descent. He caught some flack for it, but he was darn proud of it all the same. His writing was unique in that he often wrote in the way that the common Russian people spoke, the vernacular (think Zora Neal Hurston and how she used the real lingo of the folk down South). As a youth, I imagined what it would be like to go to Russia and study his work and visit his old hangouts. The palaces, the villages. Some people I knew at the time (and to this day) thought the idea of going to Russia was both ridiculous and a bit dangerous. I think their concerns stemmed from the idea that, no matter what brotha-man Pushkin had accomplished back in the day, there surely weren't any Black folk hanging around Russia now. And what did Russia have to offer, they said, except ice, cold, left-over communists, and probably a lot of prejudice?

Then I found this book by Yelena Khanga, Soul to Soul: A Black Russian American Family 1865-1992 and it blew my mind, for several reasons. For starters, just look at the title! She's Black and Russian and American. How? Well, the book went into this in detail, starting in the U.S.A. with her African-American grandfather and Polish-Jewish immigrant grandmother. They married, moved to Russia on invitation, and had a daughter. That daughter later on married an African Muslim political leader who just happened to be studying in Russia and they had a daughter - Yelena Khanga. (If you didn't follow all that, even more reason to read the book!)

Imagine what it was like for this Black Polish American Jewish woman growing up in Russia? Now read this book and count how many assumptions of yours fall to the wayside. Don't get me wrong. Just like EVERYWHERE IN THE WORLD, she witnessed ignorance and prejudice, but interestingly, much of it was not directed towards her or anything having to do with her family's African descent. Furthermore, in the course of her Russian upbringing she became a world-class journalist.

I choose to bring this kind of book to your attention because as I mentioned in a previous post, its time we started challenging our own assumptions. Particularly about our place in the world as people of color. In case you didn't know it, Black people are everywhere. So if you were using the "but I'll be the only one...." excuse not to get out there and explore, think about pioneering people like those in Khanga's family and reconsider.

(By the way, I haven't made it there yet, but if there are any of you out there who've been to Russia, please feel free to let me know and share your experience.)

[Want more Pushkin? Click then scroll down.]

For those of you interested in more information on Alexander Pushkin, I’ve provided the following links:

The British Library has some interesting insights into his life and times, as well as that of other notable Black Europeans.

A while back, PBS’s Frontline took an interesting look at Pushkin’s genealogy, his connection to European royal bloodlines, and the concept of “race” in Europe.

As far as links to his actual poetry, I've been told that it is notoriously difficult to translate into English without losing the original "flava." That hasn't stopped me from reading those translations, and if you stop by Amazon much of his verse, including his most famous novel "Eugene Onegin," is readily available for purchase. Don't forget that you can get this for free at the library folks.

It's also worth noting that Pushkin did start to write "The Negro of Peter the Great," based on his African grandfather's life, but it was never completed.

Support Phylicia's Law

2008-01-17T19:26:00.002-05:00

Some of you may have already heard of Phylicia Moore, the New Jersey high school student who died while on a class trip to Ghana to deliver aid to schools and orphanages. As both an educator and avid traveler this case deeply saddened and disturbed me. Like Phylicia, I also went to Ghana as a teen, but was well cared for and supervised by chaperones and Ghanaian program officials alike. In fact, there are several established youth travel programs that have exemplary safety policies. However, the potential for a tragedy such as this one is what makes many parents reluctant to allow their children to travel abroad at all.

Now, with the help of their attorney, her parents have drafted a bill to help promote better safety during student travel. Specifically, the bill proposes that schools provide parents with safety plans for overnight trips, including policies on curfews, room checks, chaperone qualifications, and emergency procedures.

Please visit http://pl.xquizit.com to sign a petition in support of Phylicia's Law.

(Thank you to S. in New Jersey for this info.)

Apply Now for the 2008 Leadership Exchange Program (LEX)

2008-01-13T18:19:00.003-05:00

This a wonderful opportunity for THOSE OF YOU IN THE SAN FRANCISCO BAY AREA.

DEADLINE: January 24, 2008

World Bridges offers international volunteer experiences and training for young adults of color from low-income backgrounds who have not traveled internationally before. LEX combines volunteer work, leadership development and global learning with cultural sensitivity and travel preparedness training. Their program is centered on principles of participatory education with a vision of social justice.

The program runs from February through November 2008. Each month, participants attend 2-3 meetings or events and complete 8 internship hours, all in the SF Bay Area. During the summer, participants travel to another country to volunteer for 2-12 weeks. World Bridges covers 80% of the program costs. [click here for more]

To be eligible for the program, you must:
· Be a US citizen or US Permanent Resident
· Be 18-26 years old
· Be a Bay Area resident through 2009
· Be able to attend every program meeting
· Be able to complete a local internship
· Be able to demonstrate financial need
· Have not traveled abroad on your own before
· Have experience learning about or addressing
social justice issues
· Have a strong desire to learn about different cultures & communities at home & abroad
· Be very self-motivated & reliable
· Demonstrate prior active community involvement and/or peer leadership
· Be willing and able to share your experience with other organizations & individuals

Application Deadline: Thursday, January 24, 2008

Download the application and flyer now.

ABOUT WORLD BRIDGES
World Bridges fosters international cooperation between young people of color from low-income backgrounds, and provides them with opportunities to gain global perspectives on the social justice issues that impact their lives. Through participatory training and community-based projects in both the U.S. and abroad, we engage emerging leaders in diverse strategies for effecting social change.

Learn more at www.world-bridges.org.

Pass The Peas.....

2008-01-12T20:34:00.000-05:00

Happy New Year, everyone! I know it’s been a long time and January is already in full swing, but I hope you had a wonderful 2007 and are ready to make the most out of 2008. I greatly appreciate the e-mail feedback, especially considering many of you were on holiday.....

Speaking of which, I brought in good tidings for the New Year by cooking up some black-eyed peas. Since so many of my Black friends and colleagues over the years have done the same (some prepare the peas as “hop-n-john” or with cornbread, collard greens or rice on the side), I had taken for granted that most Black people understood what this was all about……

That is, until I spoke with a Black friend of mine who had no idea what they were or that this was actually a tradition practiced by more than one person other than myself. At first, I thought he was being coy. I mean, come on – EVERYBODY knows about the black-eyed peas, right? What I didn't take into consideration was the fact that although he was raised here in the States, he happens to be of Caribbean descent, and therefore, might have grown-up with different traditions within his household.

That fact might seem really obvious at first, but just think for a moment about all of the assumptions we make about what people should and shouldn't know about our culture based on their color, perceived ethnic background, socio-economic class, or how similar or different they seem from ourselves. [click here for more]

My friend and I ended up having and interesting conversation where we compared and contrasted other traditional food from our respective cultures, such grits, okra, and something he grew up with called “souse.” Ultimately, I was able to channel my initial surprise into something of a learning experience, but he and I are just one example of how this manifests between two American friends. How do these types of assumptions affect the way in which we interact with strangers when we travel abroad? I’d like to hope that all of us could replicate the type of positive and constructive discourse that my friend and I ended up having, but I know it also takes a degree of patience with others and a willingness to share knowledge about our culture, even when things seem obvious or exasperating.

With this in mind, in 2008 I’d like to re-dedicate myself and "BOLD VOYAGER" to providing not only snippets from my life as an international traveler, but some perspective on how to manage these “cross-cultural encounters of the awkward kind.” I know that many of you feel that when you travel you shouldn’t feel obligated to play the role of “ambassador” of your culture, and that’s valid. But do understand that in the absence of other people like yourself around, you’ll probably end up with that role anyway.

Whether or not you decide to see a little more of the world in 2008 is up to you, and I look forward to providing more tips and resources in regards to financing, safety, and programming that might help make this type of travel more feasible for you. But if you do decide to be a Bold Voyager, all that I’d hope you consider is to pass along a little bit of the culture to those you meet as you go. Whether it be our cuisine, values, point of view, lifestyles, anything. Contrary to popular belief, (and despite the current bad rap against Americans abroad in general) over the past few years I have still seen that the majority of the time people are ready, willing, and downright EAGER to take in all the beauty that our culture has to offer if they ever get the rare opportunity to actually meet us in the flesh.

Teaching In Africa: IFESH

2007-12-20T21:31:00.002-05:00

I just received word from one of our readers (thanks, C!) about an opportunity to teach in Africa through an organization called IFESH (International Foundation for Education and Self-Help). The application deadline is in February 2008. Although I can't endorse this program from personal experience, you can find out more information for yourself at www.ifesh.org. If anyone has experience going to Africa through IFESH, please let me know.

THE EURO FILES: Black Pete and Me....

2007-12-14T23:18:00.006-05:00

(Seasons Greetings!.....and now, a holiday tale from Switzerland)

He took me by surprise....Our first encounter was on a cold winter evening in the mountains of Switzerland. It was only a day or so into my stay with the Swiss Family Rossini,* who were not only gracious enough to practically take me in off the street, but then take me to this annual Saint Nicholas parade. Unlike our Christmas back home in the States, their festivities started in early December. I stood shoulder to shoulder with the Rossinis along the parade route as we eagerly awaited the appearance of their son, Michael, who was participating in the parade dressed as a schmutzli.

Schmutzli had been described to me earlier as the Saint’s helpers, sort of like Santa’s elves. Except that parents warned their children that if they were bad, they wouldn’t get any presents AND the schmutzli would come and beat their little behinds with a switch. Some members of the order or brotherhood that put on the parade, such as Michael, got to portray schmutzli with the hopes of one day earning the honor to portray the Saint.

It was one of the most unusual parades I’d ever witnessed. For starters, it was at nighttime. Men walked along cracking long whips that sparked and snapped like Fourth of July fireworks. The clang of huge cowbells could be heard all around. And then there were the men passing by, dressed in dark, hooded robes like the “Omen.” These were the schmutzli. They could have come off as really creepy except that from what I could see in the darkness, the schmutzli seemed to be quite friendly towards the children, occasionally stepping to the side of the parade route to greet them and give fruit and treats.

Despite being terribly underdressed, I actually started getting into the holiday spirit, mimicking what the folk around me where doing, clapping my hands and cheering, especially when the headliner, a man dressed as Saint Nicholas himself appeared, riding atop a tall horse, then all of the sudden….

“Look, look!” mama Rossini called out. “Eet ist Michael!” They jumped, called, and waved to get him to come over. As he got closer, I started to see that the young man I had met the day before, with sandy blond hair and pale skin, was now sporting a long black beard – and a black face to match! [click here for full post]

It looked as if he had rubbed tar all over his face and the only features I could make out distinctly were the pink rims of his eyes.

Now ya’ll know what I was thinking, right? WTF!??!!! I mean, I didn’t say this out loud of course, but in my head I’m wondering “What kinda Al Jolsen/minstrel/Sambo sh%t is this???” And then a strange thing happened. It was like someone had just turned the lights on and only now was I seeing the dozens of tarred-up faces beneath the hoods that were drifting down the road. But here’s the truly surreal part – while I’m standing up here speechless and shell-shocked, trying to figure out if this is what I think it is (and realizing that no matter WHAT it was, ain’t no escaping it because where was I gonna run to? Further into the mountains?), not one person there thought any of this was strange at all. Michael had come over, said a couple of words to mom and pop dukes, gave some kids some treats, looked at me and smiled, and then was on his merry way. I turned to one of the Rossini ladies, their daughter-in-law, who was just a clapping and cheering away. It struck just how oblivious she and everyone else was to my discomfort. I hesitated at first, trying to think of the best way to express myself.

“Uhm, excuse me, but um…why are they black?” I asked.

She looked at me like I had two heads and said, “Why? Vat doo you mean, ‘why’?”

“I mean, well…..their faces….”

“He ist Schwartze Pete!.....Und Schwartze Pete ist black!”

She held my gaze just a moment more, as if to make sure it sunk into my thick skull, and then, she turned and went right back to cheering the parade.

Oh, right. Of course! He’s Black Pete. And of course, Black Pete is black. Duh???

I didn’t say anything more at first…but I guess that response wasn’t good enough for me. After all, to my knowledge Black folk were not exactly indigenous to this land, yet here were a European people who for generations have made a black-faced character a part of their cultural tradition. And it was becoming apparent that for whatever negativity he conjured up in my mind, he represented something else to them. Who was he? How did he come to be? It seemed as if the only one perplexed about this was me, and as much as I didn’t want to come across as a nag, I just had to know.

“So….how is Schwartze Pete black?”

This time, I could sense just a touch of irritation from her, but before she could put me on blast, papa Rosini, who must have managed to hear us over the bells clanging and the whips cracking, broke it down for me.

“He ist black because he ist a Moor,” he said. He went on to recount how during the time that the Moors, an African people, occupied Europe, Saint Nicholas met and befriended Pete somewhere along the way. Pete later decides to accompany him on his travels and assist in doing good deeds with him all over the land.

Furthermore, Black Pete gets around. I would encounter him again in the Netherlands and come to find out that he is also part of the folklore and holiday traditions of many parts of Germany as well. Depending on where you go, he’ll take on different forms, roles, and origins. For example, Moorish ancestry isn’t the only explanation for his color. Some say he’s black with soot due to the fact that he climbs down the chimney to give presents to the good children. During the holiday festivities in Amsterdam, I saw Pete with an entirely different wardrobe – a huge multi-colored applejack beret with a feather sticking out, afro, puffy sleeved blouse, some knee-high trousers, stockings, a pair of “joker man” shoes that curled up at the toes (kind of like “court jester” attire). There, you could see Pete casually walking down the street in daylight, and again, nobody thought anything of it.

My experience with Black Pete and the people who adore him made me think about how so much of our views on race and culture are shaped by the color-prejudice we experience in our home country. Regardless of Pete’s true origin and everyone’s good intentions, I had every reason to react the way I did initially. After all, I come from a land where white people putting on blackface was (and still is) an insulting act aimed at belittling, ridiculing and dehumanizing people of African descent. So why wouldn’t I assume that this is what was taking place at the parade? Even if he wasn’t the same thing as Sambo, why was he the one that beat the children when they were bad? Why did he have to hoof it on his own two feet while Saint Nicholas got a ride? Maybe he was Sambo’s brother from another mother. Or maybe not….. And what must the rest of these town-folk think when they see me, if their only experience with anything Black is Pete? Papa Rossini’s explanation was plausible based on my knowledge of European history, but at that moment, I wasn’t sure it made the whole blackface thing seem any less odd.

The one thing I was sure of, was the fact that I was living with a kind and generous family who had given this lonely traveler a comfortable bed to sleep in, home-cooked meals, and were proud to show me their town and have me spend time with their friends and relatives. They had given me no reason to believe they would do anything to intentionally offend me. When I was with them, even at the parade, I had this warm feeling of gemutlich that endeared this family to me, and for the time-being, helped me give Black Pete the benefit of the doubt.

*Some names have been changed to protect privacy.

THE GUATEMALA FILES: Bushwacked!

2007-12-01T07:54:00.005-05:00

(The following post is adapted from the “The Guatemala Files” which recalls my experience traveling there to study Spanish in the summer of 2006. This particular episode comes from a personal correspondence I sent to friends and family shortly after I arrived.)

Hey Gringos,

So the fact that I can sit here and write to you via the internet should already tell you a lot. Although I do not have many creature comforts living here, it seems like no matter where you go in the world these days, you are gonna find the internet. Anywho, the day I arrived.....

I had a pleasant conversation with a young man sitting next to me on the plane. He was only 14 and was returning from visiting the US during his school vacation. Although I was a bit nervous initially, the fact that he was so open to converse put me at ease. He was from Guatemala City, the capital, which other people had told me was very dangerous, but he felt it was alright. This conversation was also good because it was entirely in Spanish, which helped me to start practicing.

So I’m all relaxed, looking forward to being met upon my arrival by a man from the language school named “Ignacio,”* who would then travel with me to the school, which is on the edge of this world renown lake in the Western Highlands. But first I had to get my bags. So I’m at the kiosk waiting…..And waiting…..And waiting… while a bunch of other people grab their stuff. After about 20 minutes, and when the conveyor belt stopped going around and around, I knew I was screwed. My luggage was lost.

I speak to a staff person and say, “Hola. Buscando por mi bolsa” (Hi, I’m looking for my bag”). She says,

“dljañfkjalgjñalg dfajd;fkj dk dklf”……..

In other words, I ain’t understand a word she said. So I respond,

“Lo siento, mi espanol is muy mal” (“Sorry, my Spanish is very bad”)...

And she says in a Brooklyn accent,

“So try English.”

Now ain’t that a blip? So she says to go to some baggage claim counter and make a report. I’m pissed like I don’t know what. Not at her, but the situation. I mean, I’m standing in some foreign country (well, of course I AM the foreigner now) where I know absolutely no one, in the middle of a dimly lit, gray airport that looks to me like the old dilapidated Albee Square Mall before the renovations – in other words, bleak and broke down. My luggage could be in Jamaica for all I know! [click here for full post]

So I’m standing on line, upset, but glad that I packed essentials in my carry-on bag. I’m just about to make the front of the line when I hear someone call out from somewhere behind me….

“Rah-BEEN!!!”

I turn and see some staff person in a suit jacket and slacks - with my bag!

“ME, ME, ME! Es miyo!” I yell, and go get my stuff from him. After thanking him, I ask how to get to the street to meet Ignacio and he says,

“dlfjaldgllfkgñ....”

Again, in one ear and out the other. But no matter, because the bottom line is that despite the language barrier, he’s apparently decided to help me find that area (God bless him!).

So we go on out and there is this crowd of people waiting curbside and behind low barriers, many con cartels, holding signs with people’s names on them, or names of hotels. It is then that I realize that stuff like the Ramada, Holiday Inn, and other hotel chains are here in Guatemala, too. The people holding these signs are dressed in suits or at least dress shirts. By the way, despite all the colorful traditional attire I’d seen in my guidebook, everyone so far at the airport and waiting outside was dressed like what you would see in Manhattan or Fulton Street in Brooklyn. So me and this staff person look. And look. And look. After about 15 minutes more we realize....

My person ain’t there. I’ve apparently been abandoned. Staff Guy says maybe we should wait some more, and he asks some dudes who are holding signs if they’ve seen anyone that fits Ignacio’s description, but they say “no” and then shake their heads as if to say, “Dang, that’s messed up…” when they find out he’s supposed to be coming from the area of Atitlan, which is apparently farther away than I thought. I ask Staff Guy if I can just go there on my own and he’s like “NO! Peligrosa solo” which jarred me. I’m used to being an exceptionally capable independent traveler, having navigated my way through several cities around the world and managing to get out of a number of predicaments in the process. And after all, like the song says, I “should know the ropes by now…” cause I’m “a Native New Yorker…” [now, if you don’t know that old school song by “Odyssey,” you better ask somebody]. I mean, if you can make it there, you can make it anywhere, right? But here I was with Staff Guy looking me in the face, his expression a mix of concern and shock that I would consider taking such a dangerous journey. The fact that I was a woman, traveling alone, who barely knew the language probably didn’t boost his confidence in me, either. But what was so dangerous out there? I had no idea. I really couldn’t see anything much further beyond the small airport parking area, other than what appeared to be a thick impenetrable grove of tall trees.

And there you had it. Despite all my New York bravado, I had to admit that this place was essentially a mystery to me. Just a few weeks before I had simply surfed the net, came across a language school, and after a couple of e-mails I was on a plane to Central America with only a vague concept of the lay of the land, and the promises of people I had never met. It was all cool and the gang at the time, but damn, now my actions seemed so stupid. What was I thinking? I glanced back at the path we had taken from inside the airport and it occurred to me that if worse came to worse maybe I could just hop my Black azz back on a plane to the States and relieve myself of this anxiety. Just as I was thinking this, I heard a rumble from above and the already cloudy sky started to darken. Within seconds rain began to fall, but interestingly, the waiting crowd of tan and brown faces barely moved. Neither did I. They looked at me and I looked at them. So what was I gonna do?

*Some names have been changed to protect privacy.

RABIN IN "TRANSITIONS ABROAD"

2007-11-17T22:11:00.004-05:00

Thank you for all of the positive feedback on my recent article in the September/October issue of Transitions Abroad Magazine entitled "Black Under-Representation in Travel: Considerations for African-Americans Going Abroad." I really enjoyed writing it and I'm glad that so many of you could relate!

For those of you who missed it, I used my own diverse (and often humorous) experiences to explore some of the barriers, rewards, and awkward encounters faced by African-Americans who dare to travel to non-traditional destinations. Ultimately, it aims to encourage those who are still unsure to share their culture with the world around them.

Barnes & Noble or Borders/Waldenbooks may still have it in stock. Otherwise, this link will take you to a page where you can read the article as a pdf.

BOLD VOYAGER......

2007-11-06T00:20:00.002-05:00

Paz/P’yonghwa/Frieden/Paix…. Peace Everyone!

Thanks to your support, encouragement, and not so subtle “nudging,” I’m finally launching my travel blog, “BOLD VOYAGER.” Of course, many of you are already familiar with some of my experiences traveling, studying, working, or volunteering around the world from reading “The Korea Files,” “The Guatemala Files” and my other memoirs. Then there are those of you that were inspired to travel from reading my contributions to magazines, newsletters, or other blogs.

Either way, I’d like to offer “BOLD VOYAGER” as yet another way to share my past and present travels to non-traditional destinations - the good, the bad, the ups and downs, the crazy, kooky, hilarious, and mundane. As I'm often asked to offer insights, resources, or travel tips, it will also serve as an efficient way to respond to your questions, ones that many others may have also. In the process, I hope this helps fill a void in the support and resources for African-American travelers in particular who, like me, refuse to limit themselves according to public perception of where we should go or what we should do, and are bold enough to pursue alternative travel experiences.

Some of this will be accomplished by your response to blog entries, participation in (and suggestions for) online discussions, and other involvement. Tell your friends! The more travelers-of-color that read and post, the bigger the wealth of information. Enjoy!

- Rabin
"Bold Voyager"