Travel Challenge: Day 15--Advice to Someone Who's Thinking about Traveling

Go.

Seriously, what are you waiting for? There's no better experience than traveling abroad. There's no better way to truly get to know yourself than to go outside your comfort zone and meet new people. GO! 

Camel ride in Morocco. Check.

Safety is an issue of course, but if you take the proper precautions before you go and once you arrive you will be fine! Trust me, I was in London when the 2005 bombings happened. Of course I was scared, but it was a learning experience on how I handle myself in those situations and I kept traveling afterwards.

Money. Depending on what group you go with it may be expensive, but if you REALLY want to go abroad, you'll find a way. Get off your high horse and take out a loan and take that trip to Russia. Your experience in a different country will pay you back! Do fundraising, work two jobs, save money--whatever it takes! Backpack! That's MUCH cheaper than going with a group. Just buy a plane ticket, and take trains and stay in hostels if you're traveling solo.

Grafton Street in Dublin, Ireland

Don't have expectations.


That's the one thing that makes someone not enjoy their time abroad. EXPECTATIONS. ex. Julie goes to Paris to see the Eiffel Tower with expectations that it will be magnificent only to leave disappointed because her expectations exceeded the actual work of art! Do your research and learn about the history and culture of the place you're going but then stop right there. Do not pass go, do n't collect $200.

Sounds stupid right? Well, I've had the most amazing experiences going to a historical monument that I knew nothing about. After I visited it, my mind was blown that I was standing in a cathedral that was built in the 1500's.

Stonehenge 2010

I always have a pleasant time when I travel by not hesitating, having no expectations of my destination and keeping an open mind. Hopefully this advice will help you! Now GO!

Go Hard, Excellence, No Excuses and Travel Challenge: Day 14--What Did You Learn from Traveling Abroad?

I'm home from Philadelphia and I am pooped!

My apologies for not updating at all this week! We had eight hour + days on deadline, then no WIFI in the hotel room ($10 per day) and even though I could go to the lobby to use the internet, it was FREEZING down there! I suffered through it once and that was enough for me.


The NABJ Student Project was amazing though. I'm incredibly grateful to them for showcasing my reporting abilities and helping me network.

I'll admit that it was extremely stressful and draining at times, but I would do it again in a heartbeat.

The city of Philadelphia in itself was wonderful. My experience was the typical "star-struck small town girl sees a big city" reaction. It's funny because I've traveled to big cities across the pond, but had yet to go to a big city in my home country! Maybe that's why I had stars in my eyes.

Anyway, here are a few pictures of my time in Philly! Also, make sure to read the articles I wrote for NABJ!

Philadelphia!

Arch St

The view from my hotel

Jade, Ariele, Ashley and I on our last day with NABJ

Ashley, Jade and I at the Student Choice Awards

My roommate Ariele and I

The mentors and mentees! (L to R Demorris, me, Michael, Ashley, Jade, Michael and Delano)

The students! Jade, myself, Michael and Ashley. Great times!

Our motto for the 2011 convention: GO HARD, EXCELLENCE, NO EXCUSES!

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Now onto day 14 of the travel challenge! What have I learned from traveling abroad?

Keep an open mind to everything.

Could I have done this close-minded? No!

When I travel, I am a blank book waiting to be filled with new words, different languages and beautiful pictures. I want to take in as much as I can when I travel and the only way to do that is to keep an open mind to EVERYTHING. Whether it's religion, politics or something that I don't necessarily agree with, I keep an open mind to everything when I travel because it ultimately makes me a better person.

Travel Challenge: Day 13--Favorite Travel Quote AND I'm In the City of Brotherly Love!

Before we get to where I am or why I'm here, I have to share with you my ULTIMATE favorite travel quote. Well, it's not really a quote but more of an excerpt from the fabulous book I'm reading (there will be a review of it soon!) A Year in the World by Frances Mayes.


"When travelling you have the delectable possibility of not understanding a word of what is said to you. Language becomes simply a musical background for watching bicycles zoom along a canal calling for nothing from you. Even better if you speak the language you catch nuances and make more contact with people. Travel releases spontaneity. You become a godlike creature full of choice free to visit the stately pleasure domes make love in the morning sketch a bell tower read a history of Byzantium stare for one hour at the face of Leonardo da Vinci’s Madonna dei fusi. You open as in childhood and – for a time – receive this world. There’s the visceral aspect too – the huntress who is free. Free to go Free to return home bringing memories to lay on the hearth." 


Beautiful.
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In other news, I'm in Philadelphia! I've liked what I've seen so far too. I'm here for a journalism convention with the National Association of Black Journalists Student Multimedia Project (what a mouthful!) and while they are keeping me busy, I'm loving every minute of it.

Travel Challenge: Day 12--Someone Who Influenced You To Travel Abroad

Hmmm....


In all honesty, no one influenced me to travel abroad. My parents lived in Germany for three years, but I never knew the ins and outs of it so I can't really say that they contributed to my wanting to travel.

I think it was engrained in me to travel from birth! Once I began to travel, certain TV shows and books fueled my desire to travel more, but the initial start of my traveling abroad was influenced by no one. Sorry this isn't more interesting!

Travel Challenge: Day 11--Milestones or “Firsts” While Traveling or Living Abroad

It was quite hard for me to think about any milestones or "firsts" I had while abroad, but I finally thought of two good ones.

Doing my "business" in a trashcan.
This may be TMI for some, but it was for a good cause! My first trip out of the country was a missions trip to Saltillo, Mexico when I was 15. I was told that the toilet system at the hotel wasn't up to par and that it'd be best to do my "business" in a trashcan and then take it to the dumpster once I was finished. Of course, I followed the rules, only to find out that there was nothing wrong with the toilets! It was quite embarrassing and a "first" for me on my first trip outside of America, but hey, we were there to help those in need and that's what  was important!


Traveling to Spain alone.
Believe it or not, my most recent trip abroad was actually my first trip alone. I've always traveled with a group and a set itinerary. ALWAYS. This trip was something that I really wanted to do and I did it! As Murphy's Law goes, everything on my first trip alone went horribly wrong. I missed two flights, lost my luggage, couldn't find my apartment among many other things, but I survived! Once I got into the groove of things, I asked myself, "why did I not do this sooner?" It was definitely a milestone to be completely alone in a foreign country, but I loved every minute of it!

My second day in Spain, taken before I went to work.

Travel Challenge: Day 10--A Favorite Foreign Film

Hands down, Ricordati di Mi (Remember Me, My Love).  This is an Italian movie with so much passion, emotion and raw power that at the end you feel like you were a part of the family!

It's about a dysfunctional Italian family. A father who has an affair with an old flame. A mother who is trying to revive her dull life by returning to her first love: acting. A daughter who wants to be a superstar and a brother who doesn't know who he is or what he wants from life.

It may sound like a cliched film, but trust me, the acting makes up for it.

Travel Challenge: Day 9--A Song You Like from Another Country/Language

Anyone who knows me, knows that my taste in music is very eclectic. I don't discriminate against any type of genre of music! I feel like a broken record saying this, but obviously I couldn't just choose ONE song that is my favorite. However, the most recent song that I am LOVING from in another language and from another country is: Cuatro Elementos by La Musicalite. 

This song is on constant repeat! Take a listen below.



Other runner ups for this category: Jai Ho by A R Rahman, Aaj Ki Raat by Don and the ENTIRE Mi Plan album by Nelly Furtado!

Travel Challenge: Day 8--A Favorite Food From Another Country

I'm a fatty and I don't care who knows it.

I love to eat. I love trying foods from different cultures and different countries. It makes me feel more connected to the place that I am visiting, rather than ordering "Americanized" food in a different country.

I've always loved Shepard's Pie. I first tried it at a tea house in, of all places, Kansas. I've been hooked since then, and when I finally went to Ireland and had authentic Shepard's Pie with Guinness, I died. As a birthday present, our bus driver bought me a recipe book of Irish foods. It's been thoroughly abused.

Photo via ifood.tv

Tortilla de patatas. I thought I knew about Spanish food before I traveled to Spain but I was sadly mistaken. Living with a family, I was able to eat typical Spanish meals and the day my host mom made tortilla de patatas, I kissed her. Seriously I did. A few weeks later, my friends and I had a dinner party and we made tortilla de patatas, but it didn't taste the same as it would from a woman who's been making it for years.

Photo via Chicho's Kitchen

 I had this in London and my mouth thanked me for it! I can't remember the name, but as you can see, I had carrots, a huge flaky biscuit/bread type thing, parsnips and beef with Guinness flavored gravy.

 Obviously I thought it was excellent! Now if you'll excuse me, I have to wipe the drool off my keyboard.
 

Travel Challenge: Day 7-- Besides People, What Do You Miss From Home?

Daisy and Storm.

Daisy and Sky (R.I.P.) I don't have a picture of Daisy and Storm yet.

They are my pet birds and I miss them so much! I hate being away from them. They may be small, but they have a LOT of personality and they're so cute!

I've had Daisy (yellow) since my freshman year in college and Storm since last year. I can't wait until I am FINALLY reunited with them. Every time I hear a lovebird or parakeet my heart weeps!

Travel Challenge: Day 6--What Does "Home" Mean To You?

Growing up as an Army brat, you quickly learn that  home is wherever the military sends you. I don't have an exact definition of "home" like some others might.

Home means love. Home isn't a house or a neighborhood or anything to that nature. Home, to me, is the love and support that I receive from my loved ones.

It doesn't matter how far I travel or how spread out my family and friends are. Home is always with me, because I always carry love with me.

Travel Challenge: Day 5--What Do You Bring With You When You Travel?

Aside from the important things like clothes, toiletries and that pesky little passport, there are certain items that I ALWAYS have with me when I travel.

My itty bitty denim purse that I've just decided to name Betsy! On almost every trip I've been on, someone always says don't bring a purse. Sorry. I have to have my purse! Betsy is great because she fits snugly under my underarm and out of the way. I'm usually able to fit, a map,wallet, copy of my passport, chapstick and any brochures that I pick up along the way. She's been through a lot, but always proves durable.

There's Besty!

Of course I'd bring a camera. I recently bought a new one last year that I absolutely love! I wanted to buy a Flipcam for video recording but of course just when I get up on technology they discontinue it. My camera is the basic digital camera, nothing too fancy, but it gets the job done.

photo via Google Product Search

My Bible. Every trip.Never fails. Whenever I need support, my Bible is right by my side.

 My Bible is standing vertically

 Depending on what type of trip it is, I'll bring my laptop. Recently, I found out that I have separation anxiety when it comes to Diamonds, so I bring her everywhere now!

photo via newfreelaptop.com

Last but not least, my diary. Sure I blog about my trips, but nothing beats pen and paper for me.

photo via blackbirdballard.com

Travel Challenge: Day 4--A Picture of You in Another Country

This is me in the Plaza de España in Sevilla, España! This is one of my favorite places to go, but I try not to go so often because of how hot it is! Of course, there's no type of shade unless you walk across the plaza to get to the actual building. It really isn't that far of a walk, but when it's over 100 degrees, you feel like you've given the Devil a piggyback ride! Still, it's gorgeous nonetheless.

Travel Challenge: Day 3--An Adventure or Challenge While Traveling

My trip to Ireland was an adventure in and of itself mostly due to the fact that I hadn't experienced a country as pure as Ireland before and because of the lovely people who were in the group.

I always say that I don't have a comfort zone, but looking back on this particular trip, I can say wholeheartedly that Ireland threw me through a loop.

I've never been too much of a thrill seeker. I like to play it safe. I was content with staying at O'Brien's Tower on the Cliffs and fighting off the tornado winds (on an already cold day) that were coming our way.

However, my friends Laura, Emily and Lauren all suggested that we go to the other side of the Cliffs...and past this sign:

I may have appeared excited, but in reality, I thought I was going to faint. The further and further we walked the less people we saw, which in my book, isn't a good sign.
 

We started taking pictures, that I sometimes can't even stomach to look at because of how high up we were and how close to the edge of the CLIFFS OF MOHER we were.

We took pictures of us jumping.

We took pictures of us sitting as close to the edge of the Cliffs we could get.

We took pictures that created the illusion that we were thisclose from being one step away from our doom!

I can successfully say that Ireland gave me my first big adventure while abroad, but don't let the smile in the pictures fool you, these pictures show Naomi the "daredevil," but I was a quivering, teeth chattering, chicken.

Travel Challenge: Day 2-- Where You'd Like to Travel Next

photo via travellounge.com

There are so many beautiful places in the world that I want to see! It doesn't help that I've discovered that I have 21,981 frequent flyer miles What does that mean?

Well according to American Airlines website, with the amount of miles I've accumulated so far (and it doesn't expire until December of next year) I can either go to the Caribbean, Canada, Europe, Central America or South America.

Just knowing, that I have the option to fly to any country I want to, FOR FREE, makes it incredibly hard for me to just pick one place. However, I have narrowed it down.

Greece

I have been dying to travel to Greece ever since I was 15. The actual desire to go to Greece stemmed from Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants! Seeing Lena in gorgeous Santorini only fed my hunger to travel there someday.

photo via wallpaperbase.com

 One of my friends invited me to go for Spring Break but I couldn't because I was already traveling to London and Mexico that summer and we were in a bit of a financial bind. Maybe I should use my frequent flyer miles on Greece....

Egypt

photo via egypttalks.com

My father was in the Army and had to travel to Egypt for four months on business. When he returned, he brought ALL of Egypt back. Seriously. We had silverware (it was gold though) with King Tut on it, we had a disgusting amount of keychains, necklaces with our names in hieroglyphics, pottery, and my favorite: an Alabaster Bust of Nefertiti Lamp.

I'm a history buff and Egypt is my weakness! I vowed at the ripe age of nine that I'd go to Egypt just like my Dad did. All this talk of Egypt makes me want to watch The Mummy....


Buenos Aires

One word: El Ateneo Grand Splendid.


Georgia

I had the opportunity to travel to Georgia to teach English, but turned it down because I wanted to get established in my career before I went to another country for a year. So many of my advisers and peers told me (and still tell me) NOT to go to Georgia but I am longing to travel there. I don't know why, but Georgia has a hold on me and I want to see what it has to offer!

Those are the places that I want to go to next, but as Terri said when she wrote about where she'd like to travel next, sometimes imagining about the places you want to go is more fun.

"Who knows? I may not ever go to any of these places, but I admit that half of the fun is just dreaming about them."

Travel Challenge: Day 1--Favorite Place(s) You've Been To

I saw this travel challenge on my new favorite website Try Anything Once and I'm up for the challenge!

So lets get started shall we?

Italy and Morocco are my absolute favorite places I've been so far. Done. No contest.

Firenze, Italia!

It was hard to choose between the two, so I didn't!

No words can even begin to describe the love that I have for Italia. I love the locals, the history, the culture and of course the gelato. We only spent 5 days in Italy but it was enough for me to fall completely, head over heels in love! Also, we passed through Piedmont region where Nutella was born and anyone who knows me knows my obsession with Nutella. Sure, I gained some weight in Italy, but between gelato, nutella, great food and great company it seemed inevitable and I had no problem with that.

Then there's Morocco, a complete contrast to Italy, but I think that's why it's one of my favorite places. I visited with my language school for the weekend and it was such a humbling experience. We visited the medinas of Tetouan, Tangir and Chefchaouen just to see how locals lived and I enjoyed every second of it, but I could've done without seeing chickens killed.

In Morocco with my tour guide Abdul and Debra

The colors of Morocco are a major reason as to why it's one of my favorite places. The reds and blues and yellows and greens of the different spices, vegetables, shoes were so vibrant and bright that it was almost blinding. The loud noises of chickens squawking and merchants bartering assaulted my ears but I thought it was beautiful.

 If I roll Morocco and Italy together as country then we have a loud colorful Nutella gelato country and I have no problem with that.