I'm Moving Out of the Country

This couldn’t have come as a surprise to too many people, right? I mean I spend almost half of my time out of the country anyway. I love to travel abroad, take on new adventures, and make traveling accessible to those may not have known how to make it so. It makes absolute sense for me to move out of the country, RIGHT?? This couldn’t be shocking, right? So, who’s the most shocked person to realize they’re moving out of the country? ME.

When I tell people I’m moving out of the United States (and I haven’t told many people), there’s always a list of questions that start as follows:

1. What??? Girl, where you going?

2. Why you leaving?

3. When you leaving/coming back?

4. Why you aint tell noone? Damn!

I’ll attempt to answer these questions here. Bear with me though, it’s currently 4 a.m. and I’m writing this blog post on adrenaline alone. Mostly fear-based adrenaline, but we’ll get there soon enough. *grimaces heavily*

What??? Girl, where you going?

SURPRISE…I’m moving to Malaysia! Where is Malaysia? Hell if I know. I’m just moving there, nothing serious. Malaysia is located in Southeast Asia and is close to countries like Thailand, Singapore, Indonesia, and Vietnam. With a predominately Muslim population, my mom is banking on me coming back with a husband. I think it’s clear she’s SICK OF MY SHIT. LOL! Malaysia is a megadiverse country with a mix of Malay, Chinese, and Indian cultural influences. I already know the food ready to be popping. Let me know if you’re trying to come eat, I’m accepting guests!

Why you leaving?

Well….I WON A FULBRIGHT SCHOLARSHIP! Way to bury the lead, right? LOL I’m going to try to talk about this a little more in-depth, per my friends’ death stares and glances when I say “I just got a scholarship”. HERE I AM CELEBRATING MYSELF Y’ALL…see??? So for those of you who don’t know, a Fulbright is a Cultural Exchange Program funded by the Department of State in efforts to improve intercultural relations, diplomacy, and competence between U.S. citizens and other countries. Some call it ~presitgious~, I don’t know what that means. Either way, I feel very blessed to be part of a chosen few to discover a new country for an extended period of time…on the government’s dime OKUUURT!

When you leaving/coming back?

So…the exchange officially begins in January, but I leave mid-December. I’ll be in Malaysia for about a year. Once I leave, I’m not allowed to come back into the United States per the Fulbright contract. So, I’m really leaving, leaving y’all. For a whole damn year. Wish me luck!

Why you aint tell noone? Damn!

This one is probably the most difficult to answer. I guess I-I’m scared. I didn’t want to believe I was actually leaving, so I’ve ignored it for the past 8 months or so. Now that I’m about a month and a half away from departure, I can’t hide anymore. It must seem weird to you all that I’m nervous about this. Sure, I’ve done my fair share of traveling, so I may be more prepared than the average person, but that doesn’t supersede my fear. Terrified may be the word I’m actually looking for, but I’m trying to be a big girl here. I have never spent more than 2-3 months away from my family at a time, let alone be halfway across the world with a 12 hour time difference between us for a full year.

All of my relationships are going to be long-distance: friends, family, potential boo-thangs. ALLUM. People out here worried about their significant others missing them when they’re in a long-distance relationship and I’m out here concerned that I won’t survive without my lifelines.I know I’m being dramatic here (what’s new), but I think about all the big things I’ll miss and WOOH, the sadness. Has FOMO ever hit harder? Unsure, unclear, unaware.

I’m honestly so thankful that I have this opportunity. I know it’s big. I know it’s good. I know it’ll be worth it. I know! I know that God has been preparing me for this moment. I know this is a part of my calling. I know that this will open doors I hadn’t even dreamed about. I know. I’m so blessed to have a community here that I’ll miss, a family that promises to visit, and friends that swear they’ll keep me laughing thousands of miles away (I don’t doubt it). I’m still scared, terrified, and filled with fear; but more than anything I’m filled with gratitude and faith. I prayed for moments like this. Preparation has met opportunity, and it’s time to step up! Wish me luck my lovely wanderers <3

What scares you? Tell me about an experience where you were scared to take the leap but went anyway! Make me feel better about this move in the comments below!

Happy Wandering…

5 Ways To Give Back While Traveling

As we approach the holidays, many people are in the spirit of giving, volunteering, and helping their community. As such, I figured it would be nice to outline some ways that you can give back while you travel. Whether you are interested in volunteering with an established organization or giving back through a local community effort, there is something on this list for you.

1. PACK EXTRA TOILETRIES

When I went to Cuba I was determined to give back, especially since I was going a month after Hurricane Irma hit. I didn’t know where to start, who to give, or what way I could give back, so I went to the dollar store and picked up some toothpaste, soap, deodorant, etc. and organized ziplock bags to hand out. Once I got there, I was able to give these ziplock bags out to those who needed it most. You can also do this with books, school supplies, and other toiletries and donate the supplies once you get there. This also leaves extra space in your luggage heading home, meaning you can fill it with souvenirs for friends, family, but most importantly… yourself.

2. VOLUNTEER

During my time in Trinidad, I was interested in volunteering, but I didn’t know where to start. I found a list of schools and religious organizations and went around asking if they had any opportunities to help out. The first school I asked needed help, so it didn’t take much searching. If you’re not into searching for an opportunity, there are many organizations you can travel with to go on a service trip. Jelani Women is a great example of that! They are an organization that takes Black women on vacations with a purpose. This experience of their own gives underserved teenage girls the chance to go on an international trip of their own.

3. WWOOF

WWOOF is a worldwide movement linking volunteers with organic farmers and growers to promote cultural and educational experiences. As a volunteer, you live with a host family and help with their daily tasks and experience their life as a farmer. In exchange for your service, you stay with the host family for free. This is also a great way for someone looking to travel who doesn’t have much money or is on a tight budget. Experience the land, experience the life of a local, eat organically grown foods and become part of a sustainable, global community.

4. HIRE LOCALLY

If you’re on that, “listen sis, I’m just tryna go on my nice little Jamaican adventure, I’m not tryna do all that” vibe, I GET IT. It be like that sometimes. For you, my lovely philanthropist wanderer, I would suggesting participating in the local economy. How? Shop at local stores, hire local translators, local tour guides, and go on local excursions. Stay away from the big, corporate shows and figure out how you can support the land you flew hours to get to. Ask what the locals are getting into, what local bars they’re patrons of, and follow them. Trust me, you’ll enjoy yourself and you can feel good about your contribution.

5. FIGURE IT OUT

A lot of times, there is no set path to give back while traveling, so you have to create it on your own. The intention of serving others while abroad is great, but it is not enough. There needs to be more action. So, figure it out. The points above describe my experiences in Cuba and Trinidad. I had the intention, but no directed path, so I created my own path. This is my advice to you. Want to give back, but don’t know how…create a way. People are always looking for assistance, and your intention was the first step, now add just a little more effort and actually change lives. Google shit. Facebook shit. Figure shit out.

Have you ever volunteered while traveling? Where did you volunteer and what was your experience like? Ever wanted to volunteer but didn’t know where to start? Did this help at all? Let me know in the comments below

How I Save Money While Traveling Abroad

Looking to travel the world, see the sights, live your best life, but don’t want your bank account to look at you sideways? Say less. I love traveling, but I'm not trying to have Mr. Wells Fargo, Mrs. Bank of America, Miss Capital One, and Mr. PNC on my back. They’re so annoying! They stay looming in the background. I hear them wherever I go. “Did you really need that?” “That was HOW MUCH?” “Ok, but you haven’t deposited enough money to buy that yet.”

The worst is when they talk to each other. “Y’all see what she did there? HA!” “Who does she think she is?” “Alright, someone needs to stop her.”

Basically, I’ve compiled a list of ways you can save on almost all aspects of your trip so that you don’t have to deal with those annoying banks. Incorporate some of these tips into your next trip and I promise Mr. Wells Fargo (my arch nemesis) will leave you alone.

HOUSING

Skip the hotel. You don’t have that kind of coin. Stay in a hostel, Airbnb, guesthouse, or go couchsurfing! Hostels are a great way to meet other travelers, they usually have great recommendations for places to check out in the area, and they are going to be your cheapest option. Downsides include sharing a room with about 6-12 other people, sleeping on a bunkbed, and possibly hearing your top-bunk neighbor have sex (true story). Most of you are familiar with Airbnb’s, and I love them if I’m staying somewhere for a while, but on a quick trip I find they can be isolating. Also, you never know what you’re going to get (check this out to see what I mean).

Guesthouses give you the chance to “live” with a local family (get that local experience) and they’re about as cheap as a hostel, but some guesthouses have rules that you must abide by (ex. no guests after 9pm; no loud noise after 10pm). Lastly, COUCHSURFING, my fave. If you don’t know what it is, click here. This is the cheapest option of all, because it’s usually free, but not all couches are created equally.

FOOD

My favorite pasttime! Let’s cut this short. DO NOT EAT AT TOURIST LOCATIONS. Stay far away from those traps. Eat at local restaurants, go further away from the city, try street carts (stop being bougie sis, it’s clean, and be adventurous for once). A nice trick I have when abroad is to look for the restaurants that are packed with locals. If the locals are eating there, then so am I. I love to google translate “where do you like to eat?” and ask locals. If you just ask for recommendations, they’ll give you places they think you’ll like, which will more than likely lead you back into touristy locations. Ask about their preferences and follow their lead!

TRANSPORTATION

Sure, Uber is nice (although it’s not available everywhere) and taxis can be convenient, but we’re not talking convenience, we’re talking KEEP MR. WELLS FARGO OFF YOUR LINE, so listen up. Take public transit! In Milan, the above-ground trains are free. FREE, BISH…FREE! Get on that tuk-tuk (unless they’re only where the tourists are), hop on that bus and carry your tail to the metro. You’ll save a fortune. Also, if you find yourself absolutely dying and needing to hail a taxi, please make sure you are far, and I mean far from the touristy locations. If you’re pressed to get the taxi at least save some coin and walk a minute or two up the block so the prices aren’t jacked up!

ADVENTURES

Alright, this is the most difficult to try to save money on. I always flick off Mr. Wells Fargo when it comes to activities, but I’ve found some things to do in almost every city that didn’t break the bank. Most museums have at least one free day, or are free everyday (shoutout Smithsonian); find that free day and put it on your list of things to do! Also, if there is a popping museum, make sure you get there well ahead of time and plan for crowds…you’re not the only one trying to get this steal!

I also love to explore cities by going on walking tours! Get that exercise in, feel that breeze, explore the streets. I’ve also joined a walking tour that I haven’t paid for by lollygagging in the back, but I wouldn’t necessarily recommend that. Honestly I totally recommend it, I learned so much about the town lol but I felt bad for jipping the nice tour guide. Lastly, if/when you go shopping then make sure you haggle! Nothing is as it is listed. I don’t care where you go. Make a deal. Find a deal. Secure the deal and the bag, sis. Secure the MF’n bag.

AIRLINES

Last on this list is how to save money with airlines. I want to start off by saying FLY BUDGET AIRLINES! I’m sick of y’all. You can’t be broke and bougie baby, pick one! I promise I wish I could be bougie too, but that’s not the case here. So, since we’ve all decided we’re flying budget airlines (shoutout WOW, RyanAir, Spirit * ooh that one hurt to give props to *) The key with these airlines is to pack light. If you do , there are rarely any fees attached, and you’ll be saving those coins you barely have (don’t mind me, I’m really dragging myself here). Also, when it comes to airlines, make sure that you’re flying to your destination during the offseason. You can’t expect to go to Carnival in Trinidad and find a $200 flight. It aint happening sis. Fly during the offseason and swerve on those price hikes!

I hope these helped y’all avoid Mr. Wells Fargo, Mrs. Bank of America, Miss Capital One, and Mr. PNC! You don’t need them on your back and I don’t want them on mine either. What tips do you have for saving money when you’re traveling? Let me know below! Hip me sis, HIP ME! I’m ready to save the coins!

Happy Wandering…

You Deserve A Vacation, Here's Why

You work hard. You break your back for the man. (Now sis, if you’re breaking your back for your man, you might need to find a new man, ok? But if your man is breaking your back...nevermind, I’ve derailed the conversation already) * Clears Throat *

YOU WORK HARD. You break your back for the man. You are on the job day in and day out. You give your all, smile when required, possibly even hold yourself back from snapping on your coworker because this job is paying your bills, and you can’t afford to not pay your bills. You compose yourself and “woosah” for the sake of keeping your apartment. You carry on.

Most people I know don’t get any paid vacation, but they do get unpaid vacation. What the f*** is that? How can I enjoy myself knowing my next check is going to be short? How will I make ends meet? All valid questions. The reality of the fact is that those with paid vacation rarely take it because they fear they will be seen as less hardworking by their employers. My response to that….BITCH WHERE? BITCH HOW? BITCH HUH?

Did yall know that Austria has required 22 days of paid vacation time and 13 paid holidays? France requires 30 paid vacation days and 1 paid holiday. New Zealand requires 20 vacation days and 10 paid holidays. This is government mandated. Here, in the US, we have ZERO. None. No required paid holidays. No required paid vacation days. I’m honestly thinking it’s time to move.

Stress and burnout cost the U.S. economy over $300 billion each year. Men who do not take regular vacation are 32% more likely to die of a heart attack. Women who do not take regular vacations are 50% more at-risk of a heart attack. Y’all can have that. I’m not ready to die breaking my back for the man. I’m taking my damn vacation time.

It honestly benefits employers when they encourage their employees to take vacations. Employees who regularly go on vacations have increased production rate, increased morale and motivation. They stay longer with the organization and their productivity skyrockets which improves long-term profits for the employer. WHY AREN’T WE GETTING MORE VACATION DAYS?

How many vacation days do you get? Do you get any? Let me know in the comments below.

Happy Wandering…

10 Things I Learned From Heartbreak

Here is the official list:

1. Shits tough bruh. It just is.

2. You are stronger than you think. Consider that you are no longer bawling your eyes out in fetal position.

3. Patiences is a motherfucker. I know I prayed for it, but damn I gotta be tested everyday?

4. Allow the people you love to be there for you. You don’t have to be the strong friend everyday. Let them help you carry this load.

5. Healing is a process; never an overnight fix.

6. You will grow regardless of how broken your heart is. Your light will reach the darkest of corners.

7. Sometimes people are shitty. That’s ok, forgive them anyways. Forgiveness is for you, never for them.

8. Never tie your worth to anyone except yourself. You are worthy because you deem yourself worthy.

9. This is a rollercoaster ride! Some days you’re on top of the world and the next day you’re crying on the verse mic. The duplicitous nature of humans I guess.

10. As long as you are the holder of all the love you require, you will never search for it in anyone else. Your love journey starts with you. Your love journey ends with you. Your love journey is just that, a journey, so be kind to yourself along the way.

7 Things Travel Taught Me About Love

1. Love is universal. It transcends barriers, cultures, kingdoms, even religions. Everyone experiences love. Everyone experiences the loss of love. Your experience is unique to you, but not to the world of love. People have hurt the same, maybe even worse. People have loved just as much, maybe even more.
   

2. You can find love in the tiniest of corners, the gloomiest of days, the darkest of holes. You just have to look for it. The smiling stranger on the subway, that “text me when you’re home” message, your jumping dog greeting you, the sound of laughter, a home cooked meal. Love surrounds you. You can see it if you’re looking in the right places.
   

3. As long as you are the holder of all the love you require, you will never search for it in anyone else. Your love journey starts with you. Your love journey ends with you. Your love journey is just that, a journey; so be kind to yourself along the way.
   

4. Love is patience and kindness and tenderness and sacrifice. Love is understanding and communicating and trusting and devoting. Love is romantic and sweet and passionate and affectionate. Love is friendship and laughter and kisses and hugs. Love is enduring  and strong and unwavering and shameless. Still there are not enough words to describe it.
   

5. In order to appreciate sweetness, you must endure bitterness. To bask in sunshine, you must weather the storm. But love does not require pain. You may feel pain during your love journey, but it is not required to feel love. Enduring pain is not a measure of your ability to love or someone's ability to love you. Pain is not a symptom of love, it is a possible side effect. When the side effect becomes the symptom it is time to leave.
   

6. Your heart can never break. Heartbreak will not break your heart. Your heart is miraculous in that way; even when language instructed a downfall, it resisted. Your heart can hurt, and oftentimes it may, but your miraculous heart can also heal. Your heart knows how to heal. It is your miraculous heart.
   

7. You determine your worth. You determine your value. You and solely you. Do not leave this job up to anyone else. You are too precious, and the job is too big. Treat yourself how you expect to be treated. Deem yourself worthy of respect, then demand it. Deem yourself worthy of grace, then demand it. Deem yourself worthy of love, then demand it.
   

   
   Feature Photo: Samia Minnicks Photography
   Makeup Artist: Regan Wolfrey

What have you learned about love? Hip your girl to some gems below! I WANT TO KNOW!

5 Ways to Beat Post Vacation Depression

You’re on a warm beach somewhere in the Caribbean, you see the waiter bringing you a fresh Mai Tai and you haven’t even finished the one in your hand. Damn Jean-Claude knows me so well, you say to yourself. You’re basking in the sunlight, the melanin is PAWPIN, and you fall asleep reading some trashy romantic novel you secretly love. The sea-breeze hits your nostrils ever so slightly, you smell the freshness. On this day you’re feeling that drink, goofishly smiling, cackling with your girls. Days later, you’re being slapped by reality.

Welcome to Post-Vacation Depression folks! That feeling when you have to leave paradise and Jean-Claude behind, damn, he was so good at his job though, and bring your raggedy tail back to the real world. You know the one; where your boss is asking about how far along you’ve come on the project, where Rae-Rae and all his badass kids are asking to stay with you, where your ex is trying to pop back up in your life. YIKES. Welcome my friends!

Okay, so maybe it isn’t that bad. It’s possible I’m being dramatic, but Post-Vacation Depression (PVD) is real. I may or may not be going through this as we speak (read as: I AM GOING THROUGH THIS), but I’m also a survivor of PVD. I’ve escaped reality enough times to know that coming back from adventure is the hardest part. Lucky for y’all I’ve come up with 5 ways to overcome PVD.

1. ADJUST YOUR SLEEP SCHEDULE

You were either in a different timezone, partying until the wee hours of the morning, or had the longest journey of your life (here’s mine). Maybe all of these are true, in which case, you’re more than likely going to crash the minute you see your bed. I advise that actually. Sleep. GO TO BED. Fall in love with your mattress and your comforter all over again. Just consider the time. When I come back from traveling, I usually force myself to either sleep or stay up depending on the time. If I get home at 3pm, I try to wait until at least 8pm before I go to sleep, so I start the next day fresh! On the other hand, if I get home at 3am, I’m going straight to sleep. Immediately. I will not pass go. I will not collect $200.

Do what suits you best, but make sure you are able to ease back into your regular sleep schedule as soon as possible. The sooner your sleep schedule is on track, the sooner the lethargic feeling goes away, the quicker you can go back to being yourself, and the sooner your mood swings stop. It’s inconclusive whether my mood swings ever stop, but that’s a story for a different post. The point is to get back into a healthy sleeping schedule, because Lord knows we can’t function without it.

2. TIME TO DETOX

Let’s be honest, you went on a binge. You worked your ass off to get your beach body. You were in the gym, eating healthy, drinking water, then got to the beach and said “to hell with it, I’m here! This is the body the beach got!” I STAN A CONFIDENT QWEEN. You were vacationing and living your best life, consuming all the Mai Tai’s, the oxtails, the pastries. You walked to the bar in the resort, that counts as exercise, right?

LOL sis, I feel you. If you’re trying to beat your Post-Vacation Depression you’re going to have to start by changing that trash diet of yours (I’m not judging, I’m y’all. Y’all are me. We are one.) You have to eat better to feel better. Start up on that workout routine you ditched, try adding some veggies to your meals, maybe a fruit or two. The better your body feels, the better you’ll feel about being back!

3. MENTALLY PREPARE

The worst part of coming back to reality is not knowing what you’re coming back to. Did Rae-Rae and his badass kids tear the house up? Do I have the most projects waiting for me at work? Are there bills that I’ve neglected? Will the damn lights even be on when I get home? Alright loves, if you’re unsure about your lights...and you were just traveling... you gotta work out your priorities. If you’re worried about the work awaiting you, I feel you. I find that it’s easiest to get back into the swing of things when I mentally prepare myself for what’s to come.

I initially try to come to terms with the fact that I am going to have an adjustment period. I go back knowing that things are not going to be butterflies and rainbows. I go back thinking realistically, considering what work I might have and how I’ll get it done. Post-Vacation Depression can be stopped if you prepare for it! Get ahead of PVD so PVD doesn't get ahead of you! (Did that sound like an STD infomercial to anyone? Just me? Ok, great.)

4.  GRATITUDE

Consider the time you had, the people you met, the things you saw, the experience, the lessons, the undeniable joy and laughter that filled you. Carry that around with you upon return. Make it a point to feel that Jamaican sunlight no matter where you are. I’m not crazy, (debatable), I know you can’t feel the damn Jamaican sun in the dead of winter in New York. I’m asking that you carry the feeling of the Jamaican sun glazing your melanated ass skin. Carry the feeling of being surrounded by your favorite people. Carry the feeling of waking up to a sea-breeze around with you. Call it your happy place. When things get rough, remember that feeling. Remember that place. Go there often.

Rae-rae and his badass kids getting on your nerves? SSKKKKRRRTTT. Reclaim your joy. I’m not saying it’s going to be easy or fun to do all the time, but it’ll be a way to stay grateful. Remember to thank your Higher Power, your Universe, your God for showing you its creations.  PVD is hard to manage, but holding that piece of light inside you makes dealing with the real world that much more bearable.

5. PLAN YOUR ESCAPE

I know you’re grateful and all my love, but uhhhh when we leaving? Yeah, we need to get on that next! Your best best for escaping reality while still engaging in said reality, is to plan your escape! Where are you going? Who are you going with? If you went with a big group last vacation consider going solo on the next one, and vice-versa. Figure out your travel style (here’s a guide). Your PVD doesn’t stand a chance against the thrill of deciding where you’re heading to next! Leave the country once and you’re well equipped to go time and time again.

There’s nothing that eases the mind more than knowing that your escape is just around the corner. Don’t worry about not having the money yet, you’ll collect it, you have time. Don’t worry about not having the full plan yet, you’ll figure it out, you have time. Once you take the first couple of steps to figuring out where you’re going next, PVD is out the door making room for curiosity and excitement about the next adventure.

Ever experienced Post-Vacation Depression?

What did you do to get back into the swing of things?

Let me know in the comments below!

Happy Wandering…

2 MUST VISIT Spots in Paris, Besides the Eiffel Tower

Bonjour my loves! Its been a while, hasn’t it? Have no fear, WanderlustWad is back and in action! Recent travels have included Barcelona, Milan, and of course París (pear-eee). Now, as my wanderers know, this wasn’t my first time in the city of love. My first time in Paris was fun, but a bit underwhelming. Now y’all DON’T START. I can already hear y’all, “Oh, so you just been everywhere, can’t even admire Paris for the beauty it truly is.” I never said Paris wasn’t beautiful or that it didn’t have its distinct charm. I’m just saying that after watching movies where men kneeled in front of a twinkling tower to profess their love, and seeing scenes of people holding hands walking down cobblestoned streets, I didn’t expect cramped apartments and smelly subways, ok?

I romanticized Paris, as most of us probably have, and with only 12 hours to explore on my first trip, I didn’t have a chance to truly explore. So on this trip, I made sure that I got a chance to see what the city had to offer, and boy did I find some gems. Besides going to the Eiffel Tower AT NIGHT (do not go during the daytime, it’s just an average triangle building then, but it transforms into this amazing twinkling wonder in the nighttime), here are the two places you have to visit on your Parisian adventure.

Le Comptoire Général

Photo Credit: Yelp

This barn turned bar, hidden behind a block of houses, will blow your mind. If you are into art, African culture, eclectic spaces, good drinks, and a good time, this is the place for you. Walk into a floor-to-ceiling red velvet hallway adorned with paintings of African royalty framed in gold. HOW’S THAT FOR SETTING THE DAMN SCENE? Your girl was floored. This shabby-chic bar has colonial style, stylish chandeliers, and a hipster vibe. No two seating areas are alike, and you’ll be lucky if you even get a seat. This place fills up fast, especially on the weekends. Get ready to dance to some afro-beats, throwback 90s jams, and a couple tunes you’re unsure of while sipping on an African-inspired drink. ♪♪♪Take me there, I wanna go there ♪♪♪
Check out Comptoire Général here.

La Bellevilloise

Photo Credit: La Bellevilloise website

So Google says this place is an “arts & cultural centre for exhibitions, film screenings, concerts & events, with a bright cafe.” I can neither confirm nor deny these allegations. I didn’t go for any sort of art exhibit or film screening, so I can’t speak on that. You know what I can speak on? The perfect jazz brunch hosted at the Halle Aux Oliviers in this beautiful art gallery. The brunch is a full service buffet with a colorful array of fresh food and deliciously fresh squeezed juices in yet another eclectic atmosphere all while you’re serenaded by a lovely jazz band. I imagine this is where one might find a Sugar Daddy. Imagine linen suits, fedoras, pocket squares, beards. The damn beards. Did I mention all the B E A R D S. This is where your suave and sexy gather to munch and brunch. Super trendy with lovely wooden seats, vintage couches, a skylight, and loads of greenery.
Check out La Bellevilloise here.

So while you’re in Paris, or when you finally decide to book that trip, make sure you check out these dope places! If you love an eccentric, eclectic, vintage, hipster place with loads of different people, beard papís, and stylish decorations, these are your MUST VISIT locations.

What cities have you dismissed, but surprised you when you actually explored them? Let me know in the comments below!

Happy Wandering…

Solo Female Travel: Tips, Tricks, and How to Not Die

So you're looking to travel alone, but you're not trying to die? Cool. I literally had the same thoughts before my first solo trip. Was I nervous? YES. Was I on the airplane considering turning around? YES. Did I cry and want to return home? At some point, sure. So why am I promoting it? What's the point? How did I survive? Stay tuned on the next episode of Dragon Ball-Wad. 

I want to make this easy for you to read, so I'll answer some main questions regarding solo-travel. Keep in mind that this is not a comprehensive list. If you have more questions, feel free to ask in the comments below! 

1. WHY IS SOLO TRAVEL MORE FUN THAN GROUP TRAVEL?

Where do I even begin? You are given the freedom to do exactly what you want to do. Museums? Go there! Clubs? Enjoy! Experiment with new delicacies? HELL YES. You have the opportunity to travel as you wish. You are not tied to anyone interjecting with their (undesirable) opinion. You eat when you want to, wake up when you want to, meet people on your accord, and live life on your terms. What could be better? It is a time for self-reflection and an amazing time to learn about yourself as a human being. It challenges you in the best way possible, pushes you outside of your comfort zone, and helps you grow. Want to adult real quick? Travel Solo. You learn to fend for yourself. You learn about the world around you, different cultures, and it makes you more open and susceptible to growth. 

This is not to say that when you travel with a group you don't grow, but you are more prone to fall into routine. More prone to stick to what you know. Less likely to experiment, especially if those you are traveling with are stuck in their ways. Solo travel is a chance for adventure, self-discovery, and has always been a place where I find my inner peace. It is a chance to reacquaint with myself and fall in love with who I am all over again. It is a chance to be proud of myself, a chance to explore what is important to me and ground myself. You can also use it as a chance to get schwasted, go buckwild, and live your best life with no judgement. Whatever works for you.

2. DO YOU EVER GET LONELY?

No. I'm a wanderer. I don't need nobody. Loneliness is for the weak. * EYEEE ROLLLL * Yes, of course I get lonely. There are times where it would be nice to have someone. Overlooking a breathtaking sunset, I wish there was a bae to hold my hand. Seeing something that sparks an inside joke, I yearn for my best-friend. If I start to feel sick I want to reach out for my mama. Loneliness is a normal and natural part of solo travel, but it's also what the whole experience is about. People are great, you love them, you need them, and you want them to experience these wonders with you. But just because you want them there, doesn't mean that you stop being there and it doesn't mean that they won't be there when you get back.

You have to take the good with the bad. In my experience, loneliness white traveling abroad have always been because I've closed myself off to those around me. There are people everywhere, you just have to go meet them. Loneliness is temporary, it fades. The traveling experience is eternal, you keep those memories for a lifetime. 

3. ARE YOU EVER NERVOUS ABOUT BEING TAKEN ADVANTAGE OF?

The simple answer is yes. As a woman, I am in constant fear of being taken advantage of (whether in America or abroad). This is the sad truth of the world we live in. There is a stigma surrounding foreign nations being more dangerous than America. This is something I'll go ahead and debunk. SHITS A LIE. I've been in many places I've felt safer in than I did at home. With that being said, I do usually check the crime levels wherever I go. It helps me feel better comparing the stats to those in the U.S. and understanding what my risk levels are.

All in all though, I suggest taking the same precautions you would at home. Stay cautious, don't get in cars with strangers, and never admit you're traveling alone unless you trust the person or you're in a hostel. I find hostels to be wonderful, welcoming places with seasoned travelers. If I'm looking for people to generally trust, I find those in the area rated highly on Couchsurfing.com and go from there. My best advice is to follow your gut. If something doesn't feel right, DON'T DO IT. Trust your instincts, they rarely steer you wrong.

HAVE MORE QUESTIONS? LET ME KNOW IN THE COMMENTS BELOW!

Family Vacations: The Good, the Bad, and the DONT DO IT!

AAAHHHHHHHHH…..family vacations! What could be better than taking a trip with the people who fed you, burped you, raised you, and annoyed the hell out of you? (I could honestly think of a couple of things, but let’s not go there). For the past couple of years, my family and I have been routinely going on family vacations. Throughout this relaxing and simultaneously stressful time, I’ve come to consider myself an expert at surviving family vacations. As a family vacay connoisseur, I’m here to tell you all about the good, the bad, and the ugly when it comes to dealing with your loved ones.

THE GOOD

It’s a momentous time to create memories with those you love most! You get to explore new places, bicker about what to eat, and compromise on things noone is really happy about. Oh, right, I’m supposed to leave “the bad” for the next section..right, right...moving on… Honestly, there is a lot of good that comes from spending a substantial amount of time with family. You break away from the daily stress of life and remove yourself from the “rat race” for a while. You also happen to be surrounded by people you care deeply about (no matter how often they get on your nerves). Through the hustle and bustle of life, it’s not often you get to sit down with your siblings or parents to ask how they’re doing. I’m not talking about the surface-level talks you get into during your weekly catch-ups, I’m talking about sitting down and asking “How are you?” on a deep and personal level. I’m not sure if you get to do that often, but I don’t, and family vacations give me a real opportunity to really connect. I’m forever grateful for that.

THE BAD

So this is the section where I can rant about the shxt we already know….there are some parts of family vacations that SUCK. It can be unbearable, but you make it through just like you made it through years of living with these people. There will be bickering, a possible fight or two (or eight), and there is almost a guarantee that your privacy will be violated. It’s basically like being a kid all over again, except instead of time-out (or a beating) you get the silent treatment and side-eyes and instead of wishing you could go outside and play, you wish you could go to a bar and drink yourself to oblivion. Outside...bar….same thing, right? Then there is the whole living in close quarters thing, smelling your brothers farts and dealing with their mess...not so fun. Hey, you’re going to argue with your family no matter where you are, so I’d much rather go back and forth on an island than at home, so I’m here for an argument, as long as we're in Jamaica!

THE UGLY

What could the ugly possibly be? I mean, we’ve already been through the bad. Well, for me the ugly was seeing my mom in a bathing suit. WHO AM I KIDDING? THAT WOMAN IS A BAD MAMMAJAMMA! Truly and honestly, the ugly was coming to the realization that as we get older, finding time for one another is going to be harder and harder. It’s understanding that my parents are getting older, my little brothers aren’t so “little” anymore, and we’re each embarking on journeys of our own. The ugliest part of family vacations is the overwhelming vulnerability you migh feel (I certainly did) while you’re surrounded by people who may know you better than you know yourself. The ugly is that there is good, there is bad, but you have to take it all in because it won’t always be possible or available. Life is short, and family vacations are a great time to cherish those you love most. So no matter how bad it gets, remember that these people are your family, and that means unconditional love and support, no matter how annoying and ignorant everyone is. Except for you.  

HAVE YOU EVER BEEN ON A FAMILY VACATION? WHERE DID YOU GO AND WHAT DID YOU DEAL WITH? Let me know in the comments below!

Professor Finesser: A HoodRat Tale

They dubbed me Professor Finesser. Professor because I’m well versed and finesser because I will finesse till the day I die. What is finesse? It’s figuring out how to bend the rules to your liking. I’m the master of bending rules to my liking. It’s a bit of my disdain of authority and a bit of my need to be rebellious. Now, I’d like to preface this story by saying that I am not the same person. I have grown. I have changed. I am transforming.  I’m also lying like hell. I do this stuff all the time. I’m pretty much filled with shenanigans. Now follow along.

The infamous hoodrat

It was a lovely day in Capetown, and me and the girls were out on the town exploring. We headed out in the afternoon and spent all day wandering through the streets. We headed back to our hotel room to change into warmer clothes-it was getting a little chilly. The girls took it upon themselves to sprucen up. Not I. I lounged. Picked up my leather jacket and was ready for our next adventure. They all looked so presentable. Lovely skirts and tops, jewelry, and even some light make-up. Me? Ha! Well, I had on flip-flops and a leather jacket. Casual stunt.
 

We ate, we explored some more, and as the sun escaped us we found ourselves on a randomly popping street. Bars everywhere, clubs everywhere, people everywhere. How did we end up here? I have no idea. Walking through the streets, one of the girls noticed a sign and claimed, “someone told me this place was popping! They have Afro-beats and Caribbean vibes, let’s go in!” I mean, all I had to hear was “Afro-beats and Caribbean vibes” and I was totally game! Now I’m yelling at them, “Come on y’all! The Afro-beats are waiting!”
 

Walking up to the place, we notice a long line forming. I mean it was long. Like long enough to force our group to stop and contemplate whether it was worth it. Now, I would like to say that I am not an avid club-goer, but when I do decide to grace a place with my presence, I refuse to stand in some line. And more than anything, I refuse to pay. I left that in my freshman year of college (before I knew any better). This sounds hella bougie, but this is real life. I’m not pressed enough to wait in line for a club--sorry.
 

So I look at the line, Afro-beats popping on the other side, I look at the excitement slowly draining from my girls’ faces, and I decide to take action. “Have my back and follow me”, I casually said. As I walked past the people in line, the dirty looks I got were comical. I had no idea what I was doing, but what could go wrong? When I reached the front of the line, I casually told the gatekeeper that we were on the list. He checked and didn’t find our names. Duh.
 

I insisted. Gatekeeper insisted. We were shortly transferred to the woman who collects money at the door. Now we all know that it is much easier to finesse a man in these situations than a woman. She gave no fucks. Told us we would have to pay $20 each. To our outrage she graciously changed the price to $15 a person. I wasn’t having it. The girls wanted to pay, I refused. As luck would have it, the club owner came down at this point in time.
 

He asked about the issue and I casually explained that we were on the list and had talked to a promoter earlier in the day. “Who was the promoter?” FAHHKKK  I don’t know! What am I supposed to say? Damn this is going to be so embarrassing. “I forgot, but I think it starts with an J….maybe Jayson?” I said confidently. He thought about it and said “You talking about Jamal?” An olive branch! Dear Lord! Yessssss “Yeah, that sounds right!” He checked Jamal’s list and didn’t find our names. Duh.
 

He looks at his security guard and says “go get Jamal”. I’m shook. Jamal is about to embarrass the hell out of me and I’m standing there just as casual as ever. I turn to my girls and they are all looking at me like I’m bat-shit crazy. And I can’t blame them...I AM. Who the hell does this? I sat there patiently waiting for Jamal to come down and blow my cover.
 

Jamal comes down…
 

The boss looks at him and says, “You know these girls, they said you put them on your list.” Jamal looks at us and I wave to him, “Hey! Remember we met you earlier on this street and you said you’d put us on your list.” He looks at me, looks at his boss, then looks back at me, then looks back his boss. Say something Jamal! SAY SOMETHING!  “Yeah, my bad, I forgot to put them on there”. WWWHHHHAAAAAAATTTTTTTTT. Did this random man just have my back??? What the hell is happening?
 

The boss looks at Jamal and tells him he needs to tighten up. Jamal acknowledges and heads back towards the Afro-beats. Before the boss grants us admission, the gatekeeper says, “they’re not even in dress code”. I look around at the beautiful women in heels and cut-out dresses staring at me in my flip-flops and leather jacket. Damn. I look at the boss and say, “really, after all you just put us through?” He looks at the gatekeeper and says, “I said let them in!”
 

BOSSS UPP!!!!!! He just sonned the gatekeeper on my behalf!
 

My girls looked at me in disbelief. Bitch how? I had no answer for them. I still don’t know. They dubbed me Professor Finesser. I wore the title with pride. We made our way to the Afro-beats and Carribbean vibes only for me to find Jamal hosting! I thanked him profusely and he let me on the mic for .2 seconds. He realized how wack I am and cut my mic. Regardless, we were granted entry. We made it to the Afro-beats! Can’t nothing keep me away from my Afro-beats. Believe me.
 

When was the last time you finessed? Let me know in the comments below!

To check out all my photos from South Africa, check out the Gallery tab

Happy Wandering...

How to Beat Criminals at Their Own Game

My brother recently got robbed in Thailand. He wasn’t hurt or anything, but they took all his money so he was broke. I found a way to save him and all, but if he would have followed some of my advice, he could have saved himself. When you travel, how much money do you take? Is it in cash or card? Where do you store the cash? Where do you store the card? I’ve collected a few of my best tips and input them for you below!

If you missed the blog post mentioned above, CLICK HERE

When I travel, I always carry cash. I don’t mean just a couple twentys in my pocket, I mean I sit down and try to calculate how much money I will need for my whole trip, and I go retrieve that amount from my bank. This might sound risky to some of you, and it quite possibly could be if you’re not careful, but I’ve found this method to work best for me, and here’s why:

1. When you travel, especially to third world countries, credit cards/debit cards are not as widely accepted as they are in places like America. You’ll be hard pressed trying to find someone in a souk with an available chip reader, or even card reader if we’re being honest. These money transfers are normal here, but most people in other countries use cold hard cash.
    

2. Your next thought might be to simply head to an ATM machine while you’re traveling. This way you will not need to carry a large amount of cash, and you’ll still be able to buy things from the supermarkets, souks, and food carts without worrying about whether they have a card reader. Wrong. Most countries, specifically those in the third world, do not have easy access to ATMs. If you’re in a major city, you might have an easier time finding one, but if your location is rural, you might be out of luck. Now you’re stuck with a piece of plastic that isn’t worth more than materials used to create it.
    

3. Cash is a universal language. You can never go wrong with it, and it is always accepted. America is one of the only countries where credit is a thing. Credit is not really a thing in a lot of other countries. If you want something, you’re paying cash. For my family members in Sudan that means paying cash for a car or even a house. These people get really good at saving/hiding/carrying large sums of money.
    

So now that you know that cash is the way to go, how do you protect yourself from things like theft and robbery? The painful truth is that you’re bound to get targeted as a tourist at some point and have something taken from you. Especially you loud Americans! You just draw attention to yourselves, don’t you? (Haha, I’m American too guys, calm down). It will become painstakingly clear in certain countries (China, for example) that you aren’t a native. This makes you more susceptible to robbery and theft because perpetrators know you didn’t travel halfway across the world broke. There are certain things that you can do to protect yourself though, so pay close attention!

The first thing you’ll need is a great hiding place. Consider this  ( hidden pocket underwear) or this (creating a secret pocket in your clothing). If neither appeal to you, as neither appealed to me, then you can try what’s worked well for me so far. I travel lightly, usually with just a carry-on or something like this. This will be considered by “big suitcase”. Inside my big suitcase, I always have a smaller bag for daytrips. I like to bring my trusted Jansport along, or any other bag with tons of zippers. This makes it easy for me to keep track of my things.

So, when I retrieve my big amount of cash from the bank, I usually divide it up into smaller portions. In my big suitcase I will take random pieces of clothing and wrap my money in them. These “money clothes” are scattered all throughout the suitcase. Whenever I’m leaving my hostel/housestay/hotel, I lock my “big suitcase”. My small day bag will have just enough money for that day. Nothing more, nothing less.

This way, if I was targeted for a robbery/theft while I was out, they would only get a small percentage of the money I brought. They would get something, but not everything. Now, if someone considers robbing my big suitcase, and actually figures out a way to break the lock to get in, their first glance will reveal nothing but clothing and toiletries. They would have to take the time to unroll each piece of clothing to find my money. The hope is that once they find a stash in a piece of clothing, they’ll think that’s all the money I’ve got and leave the rest alone. This is why you want to divide the money up. Their theft leaves me short, but not broke.

This is where my brother probably went wrong on his adventure. Traveling with just one backpack makes things lighter and seemingly easier, but it doesn’t allow for this sort of “security”. Now if someone just picks up my whole suitcase and dips then I’m sure I’d be shit out of luck, but I haven’t heard too many of those stories.

It’s all about minimizing the damage. We have to prepare for it, because there is a good chance it could happen to us. The hope is that when it happens, we are prepared. I’m out here trying to outsmart criminals. WHAT’S GOOD!

Let me know what your money security tips are in the comments below!

Happy Wandering...

I'm a Hero/Heroine: It's Really No Big Deal (But It Is)

I'm pretty much a heroine. No, not the drug you ignorant cracks... the female hero kind. Not to brag or anything, but I'm a savior, some might call me a prophet of sorts. I'm humbled, really. My humbleness comes from my hero stature. Did you catch that though? I'M A HERO. Please, save your applause. Any of you would have done it if you were in my position. It was nothing really, I just did what I had to do. Just casually hero-ing out here. No big deal. 

So how exactly am I a hero? Well, as the courageous big sister that I am, I stopped a full-on robbery from happening right before my eyes. Ok, this might be a little dramatic (but not really). Here is how I saved a life on a casual Saturday....

 

Heroines Need Sleep

As the heroine that I am, I needed my beauty rest. If I wasn't rested, I might not have been able to save my brother, so this part is important. I guess it would also be important to mention that about a month ago, my brother went on a solo-trip to Thailand. I told him to go to Indonesia, but he didn't listen to me. You'll soon see what happens when y'all don't listen to me. So he's off in Thailand, and I'm gaining my beauty rest, unaware that I'm about to save the world. It's early Saturday morning, and I get a call from my brother. I see it and ignore it...heroines can do that. I just figured I would call him back once I was up, alert, and aware. I never get to sleep in anymore *whining* I hate adulting.

When this man called me again, my spidey-senses started to tingle. He never calls twice unless its an emergency. I arose from my slumber ready for action, "what's wrong?!" I worriedly asked. As the gracious brother that he is, he apologized for waking me up early, I assured him it's a heroine's job to be there, not on the first, but the second call. He agreed. Formalities aside, I came to understand that my brother had been robbed in Thailand. Concerned, I asked if he was alright to which he claimed he was fine, just broke.

 

Heroines are Understanding

To understand how exactly my brother was robbed, you'll need to understand my brother. He's a wanderer, just like me, so he's adventurous enough. I know I'm on here giving you all tips on how to travel lightly, but this man is the epitome of a minimalist when it comes to travel. I usually venture off with a carry-on, but this man will leave the country with a backpack. Think a Jansport, a NorthFace, you know, the thing you carried throughout your 12 years of schooling. Yeah that. He literally gives no F***s. Inside he might have a pair of shoes, a couple shirts, a couple undergarments, and possibly another pair of pants...possibly. He's just out here living his best life, and I love him for it. 

So I can't necessarily tell you the details of the robbery because it's still under investigation. I'm totally lying; I barely remember the details because I was half asleep when he told me. Here's what I do recall: He was about to go on an excursion of sorts where you leave your bags with an attendant (maybe it was a water sport?). When he came back to grab his backpack (you know, the one with his whole life in it), everything seemed in order. It wasn't until he took a ferry to another island and attempted to rent a motorbike that he realized he had no money. All of his money was gone, although all of his other possessions were still in tact.

The attendants at the excursion had rummaged through his bag and stolen his money. Where was this money? Two zipper pouches deep in the bookbag. You have to unzip two zippers once you open the bookbag to actually find the money. Homies weren't playing no games. Since my brother travels like I do, with a good amount of cash, so as not to use ATM's and endure those annoying fees: he was truly broke. Attempts to use his Credit/Debit cards proved worthless as he didn't inform his bank he was travelling. 

 

Heroines Save the Day

Sensing concern in his voice and sensing my own concern, I jumped into HeroineWad mode. We needed a solution. He wondered whether he should just fly back to the States. He'd honestly had an interesting run on this trip (getting sick upon his arrival, little rest, and now getting robbed). It was a legitimate question, but one only he could answer. He was hungry with about $5 in his pockets. Should he use it for food? How was he going to get money? How long would that take? Where does he go from here?

He was riddled with questions and I was riddled with answers. I would send money via Western Union. I'm not sure how long it'll take, but I'll check. He should go to the closest Western Union. While trying to figure out how to use Western Union, my brother told me that he considered selling his clothes for some money. Mind you...the two shirts and possible extra pair of pants that he has packed. I laughed. He was serious. My heart grew in love for him, he's such a soldier! I advised that if push came to shove, he can always ask the hotel for a temporary job...HE ALREADY HAD. I love this guy. 

Meanwhile I began on my journey to understanding the Western Union process. After an hour and a half online and on the phone with customer support, I decided to just go to a brick and mortar location. Walgreens provided Western Union services, so I left my comfy house to embark on this journey. Hero. After reaching the check-out counter, I was informed that I can only use debit or cash. I lost my debit card a week ago. Off to Wells Fargo I went to get a temporary debit card. Hero. An hour later, I walked out to the ATM. Hero. The ATM told me to see a representative inside for the withdrawal, so I walked back in and stood in line. Hero. Shortly after, I made my way back to Walgreens and paid at the check-out counter. Hero. Within minutes, the money was available to my brother. Hero. 

The applause really isn't necessary y'all...I appreciate it though. As we can see, I've saved the day yet again. I don't do this for the fame or the recognition, I just casually enjoy saving my brother when he's in danger. Like I said, any of you (or none) would do the same if you were in my situation. It's been a pleasure to be your HeroineWad. 

When did you save someone? Let me know in the comments below!

Happy Wandering...

    

What are Passport Tattoos Really?

What is a visa? What is a passport? Is a visa a passport? Is a passport a visa? What are those stamps in the passport for? You probably have no idea, but like the idea of a “tatted passport”. Wow. Y’all wild. I’m going to drop some knowledge on y’all today so you can stunt with your stamps and tats. Go ahead and show Instagram what you’re working with, but before you go out there flossing, know what you’re talking about.

A PASSPORT

A passport is a lovely book that your residential government issues that gives you the ability to travel to foreign countries. (Don’t know how to get one? Click here!) There are also passport cards, but those only allow you to re-enter the U.S. from Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Bermuda. Basically not worth it. Stick to the passport book. This book is the U.S. government saying to you “look yo, go ahead and explore, check those other places out”.

This is that small blue book that has all your information on the inside of it. Foreign governments use this book to acknowledge that you belong to a plot of land, aren’t some crazy alien, and to ensure they have a place to send your tail back to should you decide to act up. This book is nonetheless important. You can’t get in or out of a country without it.

Pro Tip: Before travelling overseas, take a picture of the inside of your passport and email it to yourself; that way, if you lose it, you’ll always have some sort of identification.

A VISA

Now, just because you got permission to go doesn’t mean that you have permission to enter. This is where the visa comes into place. A visa is a stamp or a sticker that officials of a foreign country place on your passport that grants you access to their country. You can get this visa from the embassy or consulate of the foreign country within your residential country.

That might have been confusing, so let me break it down:

I am a U.S. citizen and I’m interested in going to India. I have a passport, but I now also need a visa. I take my passport to the Indian embassy (located in the United States) to get a visa. I do this prior to travelling. Now, when I fly to India, I can pass through customs and passport control, because I have been granted access to their country from their embassy in my residential country (the U.S.).

Or….

I was about to skrrt skrrt to Bollywood. Needed a visa, so I handed old boy my passport. Homie was like “YOOOOO, you good bruv”. He gave me the passport tat, and homies didn’t give me no problems at the border.

I hope that helped.

TAKE INTO CONSIDERATION

There are certain things that you should know before taking your passport and visa knowledge into the world:

1. Not all countries require visas to enter, but all countries require a passport of some kind. What countries can Americans enter without a visa? Click here.

2. Certain countries allow for you to obtain visas in the airport so you don’t need to go to a consulate or embassy. What are those countries? Click here.

3. Visas have an expiration date, so make sure that you are in and out of the country before your visa expires. How long will your visa last? Ask Google.

4. Some countries don’t necessarily want Americans tourists. Shock. (I don’t blame them) As such, they’ll give you a hard time getting into the country, so have some patience and all your required documents.

**NOTE: This info is primarily for those with AMERICAN (U.S.A.) passports 

Now that you'r aware of the nature of "passport tats" go ahead and start flexing. I really do want y'all to prosper, but you really have to have the receipts to back up your flossing. FEEL ME?

What's your next "passport tat" going to be? Let me know in the comments below!

Happy Wandering...

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How to Plan a Trip with People Who Suck at Planning

I’m assuming you’ve clicked this link because, like me, you’ve also experienced putting together an excursion with people who aint shit. Don’t get me wrong, we love these people, we want to spend time with these people, and most importantly, we want to travel with these people! You know! Do something unique! Something out of the ordinary for a change! Expose ourselves to adventure! Let these thoughts ruminate. Ahhhhh paradise…

NOW WAKE THE HELL UP! This is not a drill! SOS, 911, all of that. This is a state of emergency, because you are realizing that these lovely people, although babbling about venturing off, have no skills when it comes to putting together the plan that will get y’all there. In a perfect world, I would think that responsibilities are divvied up, tasks assigned, and trips seamlessly booked. In the reality I live in, I’m running around like a chicken with my head cut off trying to make sure that everyone has this (passport), that (visa), and the third (some damn sense).

So, what’s the solution to planning a trip with people who suck at planning? Well….DON’T. It’s really simple. If you’re attempting to go somewhere with people who are not putting forth effort, maybe just don’t go with those people. Maybe find new people. Maybe find new people who will put forth effort. Maybe find new people who will put forth effort and appreciate your effort in the process. Maybe find new people who will put forth effort and appreciate your effort in the process and who won't drive you crazy! Yeaaaahhhhh….maybe that! That’s possible solution number one.

Possible solution number two takes a little more effort. If you’ve come down to read this, more likely than not, you’re pressed to go with these people. Maybe it’s your boyfriend who can’t get his shit together or maybe it’s your best friend who “never has time” to assist in the planning. Well...all yall “aint got my shit together” “aint got time to plan” heauxs, listen up! If you want to go on this trip, then you damn sure aren’t about to have me do all the work. Get your shit together or get lost, find some time because you’re not going to waste mine (aaayyyy that rhyme pattern though.. Trademark of WanderlustWad, All Rights Reserved).

Moving forward, if you’re hell-bent on taking these people, making this trip, and exploring with the “aint shits” as I’ll refer to them from now on, the first thing you’ll need to do is TAKE CHARGE. You’ll have to come to the understanding that the “aint shits” aren’t going to do much without a Commander in Chief! A President! A Leader! They need you. And since it’s become evident that you need them too, go ahead and assume that role. Understand that with great power comes great responsibility, and most of that responsibility is going to be annoying as hell. Hey, you signed up for this, not me.

Once you assume your position, you’ll be the one assigning tasks. “Aint shit number one, you’ll be finding us a place to stay for these dates.” “Aint shit number two, you’ll be researching activities for our stay.” Give them a due date on their assigned work and follow up with them regularly. If that means weekly, daily, hourly...whatever works best for you. Don’t give them too much time to lollygag because you know they will. You have to be on them!

Pro tip: Pick up a burner phone because the aint shits will start to ignore your phone calls and texts

Once you assume your position, assign tasks, and follow up with your aint shits, you’ll be well on your way to planning a trip to people who suck at planning. I mean what’s the worst that could happen? They’ll block you, make excuses for not doing the work, and you’ll end up on this trip alone. They are the “aint shits” after all.

Happy Wandering...

If You Don't Have A Passport CLICK THIS!

Many of you have kept up with my adventures, but when I ask about your adventures, one too many people have exclaimed that they don’t have a passport yet. When I inquire as to why, they usually say the same thing: “I don’t know how to do all that”, “It just seems like such a long process”, or my personal favorite “Aint nobody got time fo dat”. Well listen up sweetheart, you better make time if you’re considering traveling the world.

So, since y’all all lazy as hell, and need me to do everything for you, and refuse to google “passport”, I’ve arrived with some Primetime, Grade A, Valedictorian-level advice. Ok, it’s really simple as hell, but bear with me as I break down the 3 step process. Yall stay trying to make simple things beyond difficult.

STEP 1: Get An Application

You gotta start somewhere, so why not start with grabbing an application. Don’t know where to find one? Don’t worry, I’ve linked it for you here. I know if you scroll through, you’ll see that there are 6 pages filled with text...daunting. Have no fear, Wad is here! I’ll explain everything to you in a second, and it’ll only take a paragraph or so. Click that link and print it out. Once you do that, you’re almost halfway done with getting your passport! Was that so hard?

STEP 2: Fill It Out

Alright, so you’ve printed it out! I’m so proud of you! Now check out the last two pages and fill that out with your information. I don’t know what your social security or address are so I unfortunately can not do that work for you. This is something you’re going to have to do yourself. You can do it sweetheart, I promise it’s not hard. As you’re filling the application out you’ll see a place where there is a stick figure head. Your picture goes here. No, do not draw a self-portrait here. Go to a CVS, Walgreens, or maybe a Wal-Mart and get a passport picture taken. This should only cost about $10-$15.

To complete this application you’ll also need proof of U.S. citizenship (read: copy of front and back of birth certificate); proof of identity (read: copy of front and back of driver's license); and lastly a fee. You thought it was free? HA! Think again, this is the government we’re talking about. Go ahead and click here to see how much money you’ll need to cough up. Remember that you can only pay via check or money order. Do not...I repeat DO NOT consider cash or a credit/debit card. You will be turned away, denied, exiled, all of the above. Ok, not exiled, but you catch my drift.

 STEP 3: Find A Post Office

At this point you’ve completed the application, gotten a copy of your birth certificate and driver’s license, gotten your passport picture taken, and your check or money order together. All that is left is to go to a post office to turn in the application. There are certain offices that have passport services, and some even require appointments. I was able to find many with walk-in availability in my location. Not sure how to find out which post office near you has these services? Click here. Go with you full application and turn in your documents. You’ll be asked to sign verifying you are the applicant.

Sign that bish and then DIP! You OUT! YOU DONE!

I don’t want to hear any more of you complain about not having a passport. These are step by step instructions. It is easy. It is simple. I have made your life a breeze. Quit your whining. Cough up that $110 (if it’s your first passport and you don’t want it expedited) and call it a day. You literally pay this much to get your hair done. You pay twice this much to purchase shoes. Get yo life and your priorities in order. #thatisall

**NOTE: This info is primarily for those getting AMERICAN (U.S.A.) passports 

Happy Wandering...

Where in the World Am I?

If we're speaking literally, I'm currently sitting at my internship bored out of my mind. Trying to understand Excel, in hopes that learning this skill will one day be of use to me. I hate numbers, I have no idea how I ended up here. Give me some research and I'll finesse my way into understanding what's going on. Give me numbers and I'm stuck looking dazed and confused trying to figure out why Arabs invented Algebra. I'm letting down my people as we speak. 

So this summer, I imagined myself on beaches, on mountain tops and in caves, instead I'm stuck in an office with no walls, and a supervisor hovering over my shoulder. Don't get me wrong, the people here are nice enough, it's just not as I imagined my summer to go. How did I end up here instead of there? Well, you see, I'm in grad school. In some fatal attempt to understand my life, goals, and figure out a path, I willingly signed up for two years of mayhem. Two years that I'll never get back. I've met amazing people along the way, but I can't say that I don't think about quitting just about every other day. I end up not feeling as bad because a good number of my classmates actually feel the same way. They also, in an attempt to figure out life, have signed up two years of their life, in hopes of figuring it out along the way.

I've come to the conclusion that school is just a socially acceptable way to waste time, or postpone adulthood, or if you're lucky like ME, you're doing both at the same time! Want to drink till you're plastered on a Tuesday afternoon? That's unacceptable! You're a drunk! But when you're in school it's completely fine because "you're in college". Want to sleep till noon and ignore your responsibilities? How irresponsible! You're wasting your life! Step into a university and it is the norm. What is this "college" that we're speaking of? Sounds like a Narnia where real rules don't apply. 

Honestly, when we're putting it this way, school sounds really great! You ignore responsibilities, party till you're worn out, and sleep all day! You probably eat a bunch of junk at odd hours and binge watch a lot of television. It really IS Narnia.

Except then you graduate and realize you're tens of thousands of dollars in debt with no real plan because you didn't take the time to utilize career services, and now they're trying to charge you for their services, even though they were just free like a week ago when you were enrolled (or was that a year ago?). Anyways, the bottom line is that there is no bottom line. This is just the reality folks. Can I get myself out of this rat race? Sure, but that means I would have to trust in myself and my abilities...

AND I'M SCARED.  That's just the honest truth. I would love to quit college today, take all my savings that I have and travel the world, but I'm scared out of my mind. Scared of failure, scared of the unknown, scared of everything that might go wrong, scared I'll miss my family and friends, scared that it won't work out and I'll have wasted my life. But then I look around, and I see these people in their suits and briefcases, I see this building that I enter and this desk that I sit at, and it still feels like I'm wasting my life.

I don't know where I'm going, but I'm going to have to leave wherever I am pretty soon. If you feel the same way, stay tuned and maybe we can figure this out together!

Where are you, and where would you like to be? Let me know in the comments below!

Happy Wandering...

The Time I Met God

"When we go out there, put your head on my shoulders!" I looked at him eyes wide, then down at my hands...they were shaking. He gave me a thumbs up. You idiot, what are you doing? Who told you to do this? Trying to hold back vomit, I managed to whisper "ok" and muster a smile. He hooked his harness to mine and began the countdown "4..." Oh pleaseeee God no! "3..." Wait...wait a minute...hold on!! "2...." Just give me a second! I'm not ready!!! "1..." HOOMMAAAHGGAAHHDD!!!!

And just like that I was jumping out of an airplane 10,000 feet in the air. For a second, I forgot to breathe. The stranger latched to my back yelled out "WOOOOOOHHH" just in time for me to realize that I wasn't dreaming, I was really free falling...from 10,00 feet in the air...with nothing attached to me except a white man...sounds legit. 

Once he pulled the parachute, I flailed around a bit before settling into my harness. The view....breathtaking. This is where I met God. Reflecting in his image, I asked all the important questions...you know the ones. The ones you dare not say out loud, but constantly ask yourself. Where should I be right now? What am I doing with my life? Is he the right one? 

Cruising at 7,000 feet in the air gives me some sort of privilege. In a literal sense, I'm closer to God, so I'm sure He can hear me better. On another level though, I also just feel closer to Him. It's something about facing fears that feels enlightening or even spiritual. It's like you came, you looked danger in the face, and you trusted God to have your back. Lo and behold, HE DID! He had my back as I jumped out of that plane, off of that bridge, or into that ocean. It was at these moments that I felt closest to Him.

People always ask me whether I'm crazy, an adrenaline junkie, or searching for death. My response is that I'm searching for God, just on my terms. Because at the face of danger is where I have the best conversations with God, where I find the answers to the hard questions, and where I find perspective. My advice? DO EVERYTHING THAT SCARES YOU!

Want to watch the full video? CLICK HERE

What scary things have you done? Let me know in the comments below!