Kiev blinks at us from behind trees. A little bit shy, somewhat elusive, she has offered just a peep…as if taunting us, ‘wait until you’ve seen me in all my splendor.’ I […]
What’s to love about Kiev? Every single thing..
Day: October 4, 2016
Travelogues of an African Girl
One’s destination is never a place, but a new way of seeing things
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#Lifebeginsat13
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Thirteen years today a little girl clambered out of her world, into mine. My first thoughts as they handed her over to me were, "Eek, she's too light, sure you guys didn't switch babies? Then I noticed she had her dad's toes; and she had my personality...and I stopped hyperventilating. She was a beaute! ❤
Parenting in our times is rad. We have Google on one hand, self-help books on the other. A proliferation of apps at our feet. We consult with friends, with family and with the good doctor.
Then there's democracy. Democracy is the huge elephant that sits in the middle of the room, with her tail outside the door.
It means that we discuss EVERYTHING with our little people. They are allowed freedom of choice, and a dollop of child rights. They can argue your ears off. You punish them by sending them to the naughty corner, to sit their crime out and become better. As they grow older, punishments evolve into them being deprived of the one thing they cannot do without: the phones and laptops that connect them to their friends, to tiktok, to snapchat and Instagram.
But Little Miss Ashley is a cool teen; a wonderful travel companion, very discreet and so friendly and patient with little kids and babies that they trail her, like she's a pied piper playing music only they can understand.
Happy happy 13th Miss Ash..we've come a long way baby!
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#birthdaywishes #teenager #teens #Happybirthday
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Standing outside one of Brussels biggest theatres and mulling about code-switching..(New blog post on migrating to Europe: link is in the bio)..👀🇰🇪✈🇳🇱
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Way before we knew about code-switching; ' the act of altering how you express yourself based on your audience,' we innocently dabbled in it. Growing up in #Kenya, we regularly spoke a form of swahili-English known as #sheng; mostly when relating to matatu touts or bargaining in flea markets like #Gikomba.
When I lived in #Europe, my interactions with different races from various countries necessitated the real need to code-switch.
I spoke #Kiswahili when I met Tanzanians and Kenyans; switched to pidgin English in my discussions with West Africans, along with the melodramatic exclamations and their accompanying hand gestures gotten from binging on #Nollywood.
Finally, in spaces occupied by white folk, whether Dutch or Internationals, my lapsing into a formal accented 'Kenyan-English' like Lupita Nyongo a la Shuga, would get me nods of admiration when they listened with a keenness that made me feel like Socrates dispelling nuggets of wisdom.
Why on earth do we code-switch? Some people said we do it when our 'lazy lizard brain' takes over..others have opined that we switch to better fit in, or be accepted in a specific social group. I think it has worked well for me in my work as a communicator.
Dave Chappelle said it best, and I can apply it here as a diaspora and polyglot, "Every black American is bilingual. All of us. We speak street vernacular and we speak job interview."
Ain't that the truth!
How about you, do you ever code-switch?
#Brussels #iloveBrussels #Brusselicious #codeswitch #language #lexicon #weloveyourgenes #womeninspiringwomen #worldtraveler #globetrotter #girlstravelhub #girlslovetravel #travelgirlsgo #travelingchicas #travelhappy #travelstories #refugees #asylumseekers #visa #studentpermit #visitorvisa #immigration #diaspora #polyglot
If this is how libraries are set up these days, then I was born way too early. I'm reading a book titled " the perils of privilege"..why injustice can't be solved by accusing others of advantage." It's a weird sort of privilege to be lying down in a library.
The funny thing is that if you're a student, gathered with your study buddies, books bundled around you like a shrine, your study notes in close proximity; one of the librarians will dart you a sharp look before shooing you upstairs. Apparently the only folks allowed to lay down are those who are 'just reading'. The "just readers" can even take a power nap if they so wish.
The students are told they have to sit upstairs on the hard chairs and relax their elbows on the stiff tables, because a great study environment of course involves great posture..you feel less tired and the information you're studying can sink in faster.
It gives me that feel of age privilege..I'm long done with school. The only school I attend currently is the school of hard knocks aka life. You can't drop out of that school, you can't play truant, and there's no age limit. As long as you have air in your lungs, you keep on learning something new each day.
Whatchu reading currently? and what did you learn today?👀📚📖👓
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#Brussels #Bruxelles #IloveBrussels #Belgiumtravel #travelogues #schoolofhardknocks #melaninqueens #blackgirlhairstyles #allyoucanread #blackrockingit #bibliophile #weloveyourgenes #chocqueen #citizenfemme #ootdgoals #travelblogger #travelhappy #travelingislife #hairguru #ilovemyedges #discovertheglobe #seetheworldwithme #bestplacestogo
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#TBT
#HappyNewYear🙏🏽🎉🎊
#travelstories
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NEW BLOG POST: How does grief in time of travel feel?
It feels sad, a scary lonely place you wouldn’t wish on anyone. There’s panic and the feeling that your life will never be the same again, but you will pick yourself up and life will go on.
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So many travelers wonder what to do when they receive news about the impending demise of a loved one. Do I travel to say goodbye or do I continue my travels, remembering them with good thoughts?🤔🤔🤔 I've done a write up on this, link is in the bio.
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Meanwhile, the pic is a throwback of that summer we enjoyed in Montenegro.
Happy New Year! Hope this one is better than last year!🎉🎊
#NewYear2020 #travelwithme
#traveltales #CNNGo #grief #loss #melaninqueens #blackisbeautiful #natgeo #lonelyplanet #Montenegro #ig_Kotor #travelcommunity
#globewanderer #travelwithme #backpackersintheworld #ootdgoals #thewanderingtourist #citizenfemme
#travelingchicas #travelhappy
#damestravel#passportcollective
#travelgirlsgo
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#noel
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In the period between 26th December to 2nd January a few things may take place; firstly, you don't know who you are, secondly you don't know what day of the week it is and thirdly, you have no clue of what you're doing.
So today, I decided to take a hike, and ooh and aah about how cool this tree looked, like it sprung out of a fairytale. All on a blistering cold winter's day..
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Tervuren means "to the fire" in vlaams/dutch. .
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How's life on your side and whatchu doing? .
#afterChristmas #NewYear2020 #VisitBelgium #travelgirlsgo #travelingchicas #ig_tervuren #melaninqueens #natgeo #CNNGo #wintervibes #almostnewyear #tistheseason
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. #noel
#Heisthereasonforthisseason
#joytotheworld
#ohholynight
#colourmyworld
#justforfun
. ....Guess who?...
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"What if Christmas, doesn't come from a store? What if Christmas means so much more?..." - Grinch
🎁🎄🎉🎊🤔🤔🤔🤔
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The Grinch make up: @thequeendebs
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A couple of weeks ago, I partnered with @ocean_florida to do a write up of up how Christmas is celebrated in my country Kenya. (Link is in the bio, scroll down to the interactive map and read how different countries celebrate Christmas.)
Though I planned to be in Kenya with family this season, I had to abruptly return to Europe because of some unexpected circumstances. In the process of adulting..you choose gifts such as health and a sound mind, over material gifts.
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Regardless of how you choose to spend this season, I wish for you and yours; happy days, health, wealth and bountiful blessings intertwined.❤🙏🏽
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How was your Christmas and how do you celebrate this season in your country?
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#Brussels #Bruxelles #iloveBelgium #Europetravel #kenyanholidays #ChristmasFun #christmasishere #Christmassy #Christmasmakeup #Grinchmakeup #grinchgown #travellist #travelinspo #vacationfun #bestplacestogo #travelhappy #travelingislife #discovertheglobe #seetheworldwithme #bestplacestogo #christmasfashion #backpackersintheworld #hoodie #melanintravel #blackvoyageurs
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#noel
#justforfun
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When you stop buying Christmas trees but can't help admire every tree you come across..🎄🎄🎄🤔🤔🤔.
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#Heisthereasonforthisseason #joytotheworld #Emmanuel #ChristmasFun #christmasdecor🎄 #Christmasstyle #ChristmasTree #Christmasvibes #wonderfultimeoftheyear #christmasishere #ChristmasCountDown #christmasevetraditions #melanin #iloveBrussels #Brusselicious #VisitBelgium #travelgirlsgo #travelingchicas #manicurednails #kenyan #TisTheSeason #picoftheday #kenyanjewellery
#noel
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. "It's the most wonderful time in the year!"🎶🎵🎄🎄🎄
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How is everyone doing?
First we had Christmas trees every December, then we ditched that but compensated by wearing colourful outfits..now we go round enjoying the Christmas decor and mood of everyone.
Hope everyone is doing well, however you choose to celebrate.
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#christmascheer #Christmas #christmasdecor🎄 #Brussels #iloveBrussels #VisitBelgium #belgium #bruxelles #girlsnightinandout #belgique #friends #travelling #travelogues #travelcommunity #thewanderingtourist #melaninqueens #blackgirlstraveltoo #explorepage #gofurther #loveyourtimetogether #familytraveler
#exploringfamilies #Christmasfashion #christmasvibes #winter #christmasspirit #christmasloading #christmasmagic #christmasiscoming
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NEW BLOG POST: One thing I'll never do again is to remove starfish and sea urchins from their natural habitat. A friend informed me it's better to observe them underwater and I promised I would do so the following time.
The new blog post has nothing to do with marine creatures, rather it is a cursory look at the differences between living in Kenya and in the Netherlands. Can you guess what I covered apart from food, traffic, tribalism vs racism, classicism, egalitarianism and so forth?
Link is in the bio.
#Kenya #Netherlands #VisitKenya #TembeaKenya #MagicalKenya #ThisisAfrica #africanamazing #marineanimals #Europe #dutchcheese #tribalism #travelgirlsgo #travelogues #CNNGo #culinaryjourney #natgeo #melanindripping #Nairobae #womeninspiringwomen #worldtraveller #whywewander #justgo #getaway #keeptraveling #seemore #blackgirlmagic #blackfamiliestraveltoo #destinations #travelinggram #traveldeeper
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#camouflagedlikeachameleon
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Some days you blend into the background, other days you stand out.
The coast of Kenya stands out when it comes to it's culinary speciality. You'll be spoilt to bits by the variety; pilau, chicken biryani, chicken tikka, bhajias and so forth. The second plate was a savoury dish of Chicken biryani washed down with tamarind juice.😛😛😛😛
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If you love to eat, you'll love the Coast of Kenya. Have you been? What is your favourite coastal food?
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#culinaryjourney #foodie #allyoucaneat #africanamazing #africanqueen #africanfashion #melaninqueens #blackisbeautiful #natgeo #lonelyplanet #Mombasa #TembeaKenya #MagicalKenya #citizenfemme #blackhairflair #afrobeads #melanindripping ##blackgirlhairstyles #blackbombshells
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"Never ask a starfish for directions."
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None of these beautiful marine creatures were harmed in this shot. We tossed them right back into the sea. How have you guys been?
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#mombasaraha😂 #mombasa #animalplanet #marinelife #seaurchins #starfish #blackgirlmagic #ebonyqueens #citizenfemme #blackhairflair #ig_mombasa #vacation #MagicalKenya #TembeaKenya #ThisisAfrica #africanamazing #africanqueen #blackisbeautiful #CNNGo #culinaryjourney #melaninqueens #blackgirlhairstyles #weloveyourgenes #lonelyplanet #natgeo #melanindripping #intrepidescape #travelgirlsgo #africanjewellery #africanbeads #animalplanet
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#Rongailiving
#Kajiadocounty .
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Secondly, it feels like we're in the bundus..a walk to the shops earns us curious gazes like we are newbie aliens who've dropped from the skies. My best guess is that these guys are so close-knit, they know every family, any strange face is a stranger.
Thirdly, we always bump into herds of goats and sheep, ambling nonchalantly like they own the roads, heck the boda boda riders just swerve around them..there'll even be donkeys pulling carts of water or frolicking in the dust.
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Have you been to Rongai?
#Rongai #Kajiadocounty #summerbunny #ThisisAfrica #animalplanet #VisitKenya #africanamazing #africanqueen #blackisbeautiful #diasporareturnee #globetrotter #intrepidescape #travelblogger #travelogues #localtourist #iloveKenya #travelwithme #travelblogger #diasporatales #vscoKenya #culturetrip #blackgirlhairstyles #blackgirlfro #braidgang #cornrowstyles #travelingchicas #ebonyqueens #africangirlskillingit #melaninglow #MagicalKenya
I've heard all sorts of things said about Rongai, but never in my wildest dreams did I imagine being domiciled there. Two months on, here we are.
A few things I've noticed.
Firstly, it's hella far, and the traffic jam is the mother of all jams. If afore time we could just nip into CBD, now we cannot. We live we in Kajiado county; it takes a plan, carefully crafted appointments or the promise of a cash payment, for us to go to #Nairobae county.
Have you been to Ongata Rongai?
#Rongai #Kajiadocounty #summerbunny #ThisisAfrica #VisitKenya #africanamazing #africanqueen #blackisbeautiful #diasporareturnee #globetrotter #intrepidescape #travelblogger #travelogues #localtourist #iloveKenya #travelwithme #travelblogger #diasporatales #vscoKenya #culturetrip #blackgirlhairstyles #blackgirlfro #braidgang #cornrowstyles #travelingchicas #ebonyqueens #africangirlskillingit #melaninglow #MagicalKenya #blackhairflair
This weekend has been so hard, so very dark. I've shed many tears, thought many thoughts. I am in shock and disbelief. Every morning I awake, I want to hear different news, that this news is fake news, but I have to come to grips with the fact that you've moved on to the next realm.
@hodantv, you were one of the most beautiful and encouraging souls I have ever worked with. I loved to read your tweets every morning, retweeting many of the refreshing thoughts and anecdotes, funny experiences you had as you explored Kismayo; interacting with the people, showcasing the natural food and the beautiful beaches. You invited me to Mogadishu in 2015, and ensured I had a 5-star media trip. We talked this year and you desired me to come to Kismayo on a second media trip, all expenses paid.
Your passing in a heinous Alshabab attack last Friday is a great and sudden loss. We have been robbed. The dreams and plans you had have been stolen from us your audience.
Go well dear friend, I love and miss you. Rest in peace Hodan Nalayeh.🙏🏽🙏🏽 🙏🏽❤❤❤❤😢😢😢
#Kismayo #Somalia #Somaliasuccess #Somaliapositivity #journalist #HodanNalayeh #travelogues #media #RIP
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.📸: @johnmarkarnold .
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I trust that travel is on your 2019 list?
Unbeknownst to many, the proliferation of apps on their smartphone can assist them to navigate new towns and cities.
Some of my go-to apps are booking, skyscanner, Expedia, Google translate and so forth. What are some of your favorite apps?
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I've written a new blog post on ways your smartphone has revolutionized travel. 📸 📲
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.Peep the link in the bio.
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#travelogues #travelexperiences
#luxurytravelexpert #travelmadfam #travelwithme #travelingchicas #travelapps #facebook #socialmediaapps #snapchat #instagram #intrepidescape #photoapps #navigationapps
#tourmarketplace #tourandtravel #ontaapp #appstore #playstore #dametravel #travelagent #travelmarketplace #tourapps #travelapps #newtourismapps #onlinetravelassistant #ontaapps #newtourismmarketplace #tourleader #downloadnow #touragent
