tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-77700833799470495072024-03-13T03:21:43.880-07:00Farsighted Fly GirlFly Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18191335990973494972noreply@blogger.comBlogger502125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7770083379947049507.post-33358328939123226462020-09-29T17:33:00.002-07:002020-09-29T17:33:46.477-07:00Switzerland's Fete Des Vignerons<div class="separator"><div class="separator" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8Rj5w3imcUw/X3POPbYg1EI/AAAAAAAA-NA/b13FcViL0ywdzgMi6khzSbN2KXVt-peaACLcBGAsYHQ/s1042/red%2Bcostumes.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="798" data-original-width="1042" height="306" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8Rj5w3imcUw/X3POPbYg1EI/AAAAAAAA-NA/b13FcViL0ywdzgMi6khzSbN2KXVt-peaACLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h306/red%2Bcostumes.jpg" width="400" /></a></div></div><div class="separator" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">Once every generation, the centuries-old viticultural festival,<a href="https://www.fetedesvignerons.ch/en/about/the-fete/"> Fete des Vignerons,</a> unfolds in Vevey, Switzerland. Watching this spectacle of music, dancing, wine and fanciful costumes, felt like I had been transported to something out of a Dr. Seuss story. With a law that prohibits the fest from taking place more than five times in a century, I felt incredibly lucky to witness this celebration of Swiss wine traditions dating back to the 17th century.</div><div class="separator" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cqqIKV8nvpI/X3OwtNicTEI/AAAAAAAA-Ms/ydAFzQ-qMmU87M1sAE8cI9dw-vzJe9rggCLcBGAsYHQ/s1059/silver%2Bhat.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1059" data-original-width="561" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cqqIKV8nvpI/X3OwtNicTEI/AAAAAAAA-Ms/ydAFzQ-qMmU87M1sAE8cI9dw-vzJe9rggCLcBGAsYHQ/w213-h400/silver%2Bhat.jpg" width="213" /></a></div><div class="separator"><br /></div> Some of the fetes 5,500 performers in costumes strolled the narrow streets of Vevey after a show that featured fairies, bees, royal courts, playing cards and 17th-century wine growers. The performance was in French but the drama transcended language barriers.<br /><div class="separator" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xDHW8H532d8/X3PObamONlI/AAAAAAAA-NE/okW55LDtRvE9Tj74SuUF_-Iz0A38NunDwCLcBGAsYHQ/s1044/can%2Bcan.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1044" data-original-width="646" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xDHW8H532d8/X3PObamONlI/AAAAAAAA-NE/okW55LDtRvE9Tj74SuUF_-Iz0A38NunDwCLcBGAsYHQ/w248-h400/can%2Bcan.jpg" width="248" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>It's a difficult experience to describe but if I had to sum it up, I would explain it as the magic of Cirque Du Soleil combined with the pageantry of the Olympics, topped with the history of folk celebrations. Take a peek at my videos below to view some of the scenes:<br /></div><div class="separator" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/6AdMpnuvVlc" width="320" youtube-src-id="6AdMpnuvVlc"></iframe></div><div class="separator" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/ZagwIuybwoI" width="320" youtube-src-id="ZagwIuybwoI"></iframe></div><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EG6QFu3gfrA/X3OvjEVsicI/AAAAAAAA-Mg/vde8Blbrff8cDTWeqCv1VLqEiickCn3pwCLcBGAsYHQ/s1044/can%2Bcan.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><br /></a></div></div>Fly Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18191335990973494972noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7770083379947049507.post-82129735827355965652020-08-27T14:15:00.000-07:002020-08-27T14:15:39.625-07:00Guadeloupe's Ultimate Street Food<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4Ts4RWwOYIM/X0gZcP0UDDI/AAAAAAAA9ww/7ZIoSSpAMeUTpzkzik5kce6KIgyfjl1TgCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/BokitDelux-17.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4Ts4RWwOYIM/X0gZcP0UDDI/AAAAAAAA9ww/7ZIoSSpAMeUTpzkzik5kce6KIgyfjl1TgCLcBGAsYHQ/s400/BokitDelux-17.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
The island of <a href="https://www.guadeloupe-islands.com/">Guadeloupe </a>offers so much more than a pretty landscape. This French Caribbean beauty is drenched in culture, history and it's no surprise, food. I was familiar with the artful blend of African, French and Indian cuisine from visiting neighboring Martinique but I had never heard of Guadeloupe's famous <i style="font-style: italic;">bokit,</i> until I stepped foot in the island's main city of Pointe-a-Pitre. On every other corner and on food trucks, I glimpsed signs for bokits and long lines of locals eagerly awaiting the chance to bite into the delicacy. So what is a bokit? It's also called a creole burger and it's two pieces of fried dough or johnnycakes, stuffed with everything from lamb, chicken, conch, shrimp and everything in between, plus cheese, salad and sauces. It's basically a portable meal and it generally lasts me two days. It is absolutely essential to try a <span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-style: normal;">bokit</span><span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-style: normal;"> whenever you visit Gwada. I wrote an in-depth exploration of my discovery of bokits for my new column in The Takeout, called "National Treasures." You can check it out here: <a href="https://thetakeout.com/the-crispy-golden-joys-of-guadeloupe-s-bokit-1844574213">The Crispy Golden Joys of Guadeloupe's Bokit.</a></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-style: italic;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-U-NRVaV_q0w/X0gVJgN6qsI/AAAAAAAA9wg/1vXCGc_1XV03OT6VEnm-1e_IzclZ8ZO5ACLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/bokit%2Bfry.jpeg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="266" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-U-NRVaV_q0w/X0gVJgN6qsI/AAAAAAAA9wg/1vXCGc_1XV03OT6VEnm-1e_IzclZ8ZO5ACLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h266/bokit%2Bfry.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div></span></span>Fly Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18191335990973494972noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7770083379947049507.post-40651306382411690002020-07-27T18:13:00.000-07:002020-07-27T18:13:26.463-07:00Scenes From Spain's Ribera Del Duero Wine Region<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VMI_ptt2cX4/Xx9RG-gsDtI/AAAAAAAA9Q4/dm8t0KfMw4QK5QmbU6afCFAjQ4MPgoJ7wCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/DSC_1467.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VMI_ptt2cX4/Xx9RG-gsDtI/AAAAAAAA9Q4/dm8t0KfMw4QK5QmbU6afCFAjQ4MPgoJ7wCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/DSC_1467.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Wine may be the highlight of<a href="https://www.spain.info/en/oenology/wine-route-ribera-duero/"> Spain's Ribera Del Duero</a> wine region but this cultural landmark, which stretches through four provinces, offers many stunning vistas besides vineyards and sloping hills. The <a href="http://www.castillodecuriel.es/files_en/historia.html">Castle of Curiel De Duero</a> perched on the hilltop pictured above was one of the first sites that caught my eye. The ancient fortress overlooks the area's vineyards and wineries and reminds visitors of the area's impressive history that dates back to the 11th century.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PXTxKTq_hLs/Xx9RaV5cVlI/AAAAAAAA9RE/ottS3BaWbXcbkiFMekMN6MF0uJxTTHpJwCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/DSC_1593%2B%25281%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PXTxKTq_hLs/Xx9RaV5cVlI/AAAAAAAA9RE/ottS3BaWbXcbkiFMekMN6MF0uJxTTHpJwCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/DSC_1593%2B%25281%2529.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
This charming spot is part of the terrace for <a href="http://molinodepalacios.com/">Molino de Palacios restaurant </a>in Penafiel, which was converted from a 16th-century flour mill.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-k8gvJw-5TT0/Xx9RuPK-h3I/AAAAAAAA9RM/CXfpvBXM19AmaGyAAawWRmIxrYzO93OeQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/DSC_1734.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-k8gvJw-5TT0/Xx9RuPK-h3I/AAAAAAAA9RM/CXfpvBXM19AmaGyAAawWRmIxrYzO93OeQCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/DSC_1734.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
The spectacle of the <a href="https://www.rivernet.org/douro/welcome.htm">Duero River</a> flowing through the town of Castronuno immediately grabbed my attention. This is the river that fortifies the region's vineyards and it's one of the longest rivers of the Iberian Peninsula.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tOau0W96VzQ/Xx9R9jO_RhI/AAAAAAAA9RU/WGP0e3DdFGsPyTHqOM1qDdNmBSillUiagCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/DSC_1737.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tOau0W96VzQ/Xx9R9jO_RhI/AAAAAAAA9RU/WGP0e3DdFGsPyTHqOM1qDdNmBSillUiagCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/DSC_1737.JPG" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
This monument to the local <i>cantareras,</i> the women who traditionally carried jugs of water from the river to the towns, was my favorite piece of public art. It honors the importance of these women who helped sustain the culture that produced heritage wines.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6xGZ2y8D3qs/Xx9SL_Omr6I/AAAAAAAA9RY/vC7-OZVmct8nA7Xp-VeBOKlkwihIaa87ACLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/DSC_1748.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="996" data-original-width="1600" height="398" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6xGZ2y8D3qs/Xx9SL_Omr6I/AAAAAAAA9RY/vC7-OZVmct8nA7Xp-VeBOKlkwihIaa87ACLcBGAsYHQ/s640/DSC_1748.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
The Romanesque Church of Santa Maria in Castronuno rises above the town and its 12th-century structure lends a sense of intrigue to the surroundings.Fly Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18191335990973494972noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7770083379947049507.post-53620829779405939522020-07-08T12:42:00.000-07:002020-07-08T12:42:17.743-07:00Copper Containers and COVID-19<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-d6qZVaUJtVY/XwTXPOFvtmI/AAAAAAAA820/jesEUIyW83souzGI2B6c0fodXam_EwSgQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/copper2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="662" data-original-width="796" height="532" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-d6qZVaUJtVY/XwTXPOFvtmI/AAAAAAAA820/jesEUIyW83souzGI2B6c0fodXam_EwSgQCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/copper2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="text-align: start;">I ordered a copper water bottle from </span><a href="https://www.copperh2o.com/" style="text-align: start;">Copper H20 </a><span style="text-align: start;">two years ago. Besides being pretty, the bottle makes tap water alkaline, which <a href="https://www.copperh2o.com/blogs/blog/the-health-benefits-of-natural-alkaline-water">neutralizes acidity in the body and boosts immunity.</a> I've also followed the Indian wellness system of<a href="https://www.ayurvedanama.org/what-is-ayurveda"> Ayurveda </a>for years and know the benefits of <a href="https://www.healthline.com/health/heavy-metal-good-for-you-copper">copper on overall health.</a> So I was happy to sip from my copper bottle during yoga class and during hot days at the beach.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CS6T5zLIiZE/XwTW_adtFsI/AAAAAAAA82w/S5tCaeVsdiE7Bsn_zZdGTkNnOxYv-an7gCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/copper.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1064" data-original-width="650" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CS6T5zLIiZE/XwTW_adtFsI/AAAAAAAA82w/S5tCaeVsdiE7Bsn_zZdGTkNnOxYv-an7gCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/copper.jpg" width="388" /></a></div>
<br />
Fast forward to 2020 and the horrors of<a href="https://www.cnn.com/world/live-news/coronavirus-pandemic-07-07-20-intl/index.html"> COVID-19</a>. I hadn't even used my copper bottle because I grab it when I travel or go to yoga class and that is not happening now. So when Jessica from<a href="https://www.copperh2o.com/"> Copper H20 </a>contacted me about reviewing the bottle, I laughed. She didn't realize that I already owned a copper bottle and I had overlooked the benefits of using it during the Coronavirus pandemic. There have been a lot of <a href="https://www.copperh2o.com/blogs/blog">studies about the antiviral properties of copper and how it can help combat coronavirus.</a> Copper was shown to kill 90% of bacteria after repeated exposure during a <a href="https://nepis.epa.gov/Exe/ZyNET.exe/P1003RIK.TXT?ZyActionD=ZyDocument&Client=EPA&Index=2006+Thru+2010&Docs=&Query=&Time=&EndTime=&SearchMethod=1&TocRestrict=n&Toc=&TocEntry=&QField=&QFieldYear=&QFieldMonth=&QFieldDay=&IntQFieldOp=0&ExtQFieldOp=0&XmlQuery=&File=D%3A%5Czyfiles%5CIndex%20Data%5C06thru10%5CTxt%5C00000008%5CP1003RIK.txt&User=ANONYMOUS&Password=anonymous&SortMethod=h%7C-&MaximumDocuments=1&FuzzyDegree=0&ImageQuality=r75g8/r75g8/x150y150g16/i425&Display=hpfr&DefSeekPage=x&SearchBack=ZyActionL&Back=ZyActionS&BackDesc=Results%20page&MaximumPages=1&ZyEntry=1&SeekPage=x&ZyPURL">2008 Environmental Protection Agency study. </a> I hadn't thought about copper's strength in killing bacteria when Covid-19 hit but it all came back to me with a quickness. When I visited villages in<a href="https://rosalindcummingsyeates.blogspot.com/2017/10/the-faces-of-gujarat-india.html"> India</a>, copper bowls and containers were always scattered around houses and courtyards. The vessels were filled with water and stood for hours so that the water would become purified and the contaminants killed. Besides strengthening immunity, copper is also believed to have <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4556990/">positive effects on skin. </a> I did not consider the effects of a large container compared to my 20 oz bottle but I wanted to find out. So Jessica sent me a <a href="https://www.shantiva.com/products/copper-pitcher">copper pitcher</a> from Copper H20's sister site, <a href="https://www.shantiva.com/">Shantiva</a>. The company<a href="https://www.copperh2o.com/pages/good-karma"> donates fifteen percent of profits to non-profit organizations</a> to supply clean drinking water to developing nations. I've been drinking from my copper pitcher and bottle for two months and here's what I discovered:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Mc83eWHwFxs/XwN8buyvbgI/AAAAAAAA82Q/WEdGQ-3MbuUBJXDwpYMmMdw59OLQ_6uHwCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/copepitcher.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="787" data-original-width="636" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Mc83eWHwFxs/XwN8buyvbgI/AAAAAAAA82Q/WEdGQ-3MbuUBJXDwpYMmMdw59OLQ_6uHwCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/copepitcher.jpg" width="516" /></a></div>
<br />
<i> THE BENEFITS OF DRINKING FROM COPPER CONTAINERS</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
I've always thought that water from my copper water bottle tasted smoother and fresher, sort of like spring water. I usually sip the contents from my bottle quickly so having a pitcher makes a difference in the amount of water I drink. I typically drink two 2.1 liters from the pitcher, as opposed to one or two servings from the 20-ounce bottle. (I also drink several liters of tea per day) Copper H20 recommends storing the water in the pitcher for eight hours to make sure that the water becomes alkaline. I have a Britta water filtration pitcher and water from my copper pitcher tastes sweeter to me. Another part of the appeal is the sheer beauty of the pitcher. It's handcrafted by artisans from a single piece of copper and hammered so there are bright textured grooves that glow when it catches the light. (Those grooves increase the surface area that touches the water.) It really qualifies as a piece of functional art.<br />
<br />
As far as the physical effects of drinking from my copper vessels, my <a href="https://chopra.com/article/understanding-vata-minimize-stress-and-feed-your-creativity">ayurvedic dosha is vata, </a>which means I have a sensitive digestive system and dry skin and hair. It's probably because I'm drinking an increased amount of water but my digestive system has been more balanced and my skin less dry. Even after constantly washing my hands, they are not as dry as they were before I started using the copper containers. The most important reason that I'm using these is for immune protection. I believe that the anti-viral and antioxidant benefits make my COVID -19 immunity regime even stronger. In addition to sipping the copper-infused water all day, I pour room temperature water from my pitcher to drink with all my supplements. I used to buy alkaline water for the <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5676322/">more effective hydration and mineral benefits </a> but having a copper pitcher means I don't have to. I think tha<a href="https://www.copperh2o.com/">t Copper H20 </a>water bottles and <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5676322/">Shantiva's</a> copper pitchers are high-quality products worth checking out, regardless of whether you follow Ayurveda or not. I bought my mom the copper bottle and <a href="https://www.copperh2o.com/collections/all-products/products/copper-tongue-cleaner">tongue cleaner</a> to encourage her to drink more water and get rid of buildup on her tongue and it really helps. The company has also just introduced self-sterilizing <a href="https://www.copperh2o.com/collections/all-products/products/copper-infused-mask">copper masks</a>. Have you ever used a copper vessel?<br />
<br />Fly Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18191335990973494972noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7770083379947049507.post-40103435896976826032020-07-02T10:41:00.002-07:002020-07-02T11:32:01.870-07:00Black Lives Are Not A Passing Trend<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zDN8iAYxLbs/XvzCISKJdkI/AAAAAAAA8qs/To10jwsBtSQ6xjU-9lfzDBBMIc8StjKPQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/crowd.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="739" data-original-width="1024" height="459" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zDN8iAYxLbs/XvzCISKJdkI/AAAAAAAA8qs/To10jwsBtSQ6xjU-9lfzDBBMIc8StjKPQCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/crowd.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Some people think of this time as a major inconvenience. The protests, the petitions, the painful hashtags. I see the averted eyes when marches stream through neighborhoods filled with comfort and gentrification. I notice the glazed expressions when accounts of microaggressions and blatant racism are detailed. I recognize the lip service for humane treatment, fair opportunities and cultural awareness. But I have not seen any real action. There have been lots of posting, friending and sharing of outrage on social media. I am sure it helps some people feel better. But I don't feel better. This is not a passing phase for Black people. We are fighting for our lives. Lives that have never been valued in this country and still aren't. It appears that a lot of people are just waiting for all of this to magically go away. It is not going away, we are just getting started.<br />
<br />
So if you're waiting for things to go back to the way they were, you are in for major disappointments. We are not going back. We can only go forward and the change this brings is not typically a comfortable process. Black people are accustomed to living with the discomfort of racism so do not expect comfort as its evils are finally addressed. If you can not protest, if you can not donate, I suggest you find some way to volunteer your skills to the <a href="https://blacklivesmatter.com/">Black Lives Matter</a> movement. and the <a href="https://colorofchange.org/">organizations pushing for change.</a><br />
<br />
Most importantly, e<a href="https://www.cnet.com/news/black-lives-matter-movies-tv-shows-and-books-on-systemic-racism/">ducate yourself with this thoughtful list</a> of books, movies and TV shows that address the systematic racism that has plagued this country since its inception. We are in the midst of a revolution and this country will never be the same. It does not matter if you accept or approve of it or not. But it would be helpful if we were all on the same page.<br />
<br />Fly Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18191335990973494972noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7770083379947049507.post-38627945546421825112020-05-06T19:11:00.001-07:002020-05-06T19:11:55.630-07:00Organic Wine Tasting in Spain's Ribera Wine Region<span style="background-color: white; color: #1d2228; font-size: 12pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LxnoUpEurms/XrM-3JeV3NI/AAAAAAAA7N4/_R8VkhSGX9kAElqDXLEV4-xT0UMXPoOhgCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/DSC_1641%2B%25281%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="425" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LxnoUpEurms/XrM-3JeV3NI/AAAAAAAA7N4/_R8VkhSGX9kAElqDXLEV4-xT0UMXPoOhgCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/DSC_1641%2B%25281%2529.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<span id="docs-internal-guid-1a9017e0-7fff-e84e-2222-8dcdc9c9c5b5"><span style="font-size: 12pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="background-color: white;">Surrounded by a pine forest and the Duero River, <a href="http://www.villacreces.com/en">Finca Villacreces</a> winery offers a bucolic vision of traditional Spanish winemaking. Founded in the 13th century by Franciscan monks, I explored the estates 171 acres of vineyards that supply Tempranillo, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot grapes. As the region’s biggest organic winery, Villacreces doesn’t use sulfates and it employs butterflies, ladybugs and birds to eat insects instead of insecticides. </span></span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #1d2228; font-size: 12pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wQI9YxsaS9o/XrM_hJiyJFI/AAAAAAAA7OA/03u5AKj1jjkbCmsNSW4PfX24XvCteOKfACLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/DSC_1649%2B%25281%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wQI9YxsaS9o/XrM_hJiyJFI/AAAAAAAA7OA/03u5AKj1jjkbCmsNSW4PfX24XvCteOKfACLcBGAsYHQ/s640/DSC_1649%2B%25281%2529.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #1d2228; font-size: 12pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dxZ0MnDgx6k/XrNBV6TdgCI/AAAAAAAA7OU/uVNEImZiRqkiPZ_KbSDoT-eTOQTcEYR_ACLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/bottle.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="810" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dxZ0MnDgx6k/XrNBV6TdgCI/AAAAAAAA7OU/uVNEImZiRqkiPZ_KbSDoT-eTOQTcEYR_ACLcBGAsYHQ/s400/bottle.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #660000;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="background-color: white; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #660000;">The grapes are harvested by hand to preserve the quality. Strolling and biking through the sandy and rocky terrain, I learned about the fermentation process that produces the wineries signature<a href="http://www.villacreces.com/wines/1/pruno/en"> Pruno </a>wine, a deep burgundy, fruity wine created with Tempranillo and Cabernet Sauvignon grapes. I sipped Pruno at the elegant picnic that was laid out for a scenic wine tasting among the twisting vines. Gourmet cheeses, charcuterie and regional dishes blended with the wines to create savory flavors. </span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #1d2228; font-size: 12pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fTylZ00IclY/XrM_6D4qPKI/AAAAAAAA7OI/8K-DZHAI3ZUz7fBqJrEVvsdY7YXkfSGJACLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/DSC_1671.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fTylZ00IclY/XrM_6D4qPKI/AAAAAAAA7OI/8K-DZHAI3ZUz7fBqJrEVvsdY7YXkfSGJACLcBGAsYHQ/s640/DSC_1671.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #1d2228; font-size: 12pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #660000; font-family: inherit;">A visit to the Villacreces chapel, filled with medieval artifacts and paintings, gave the perfect glimpse into how the region’s wine history is connected to the monasteries that originally planted many of the vineyards.Villacreces was one of the most charming wineries I've ever visited. What are some of your favorite wineries?</span></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SS3-M_EP_30/XrNB6-MhQRI/AAAAAAAA7Oc/qLPPCGPrmJgQUxJIxaBiSeYpgVndPhBqgCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/wine%2Bpicnic.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="810" data-original-width="1080" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SS3-M_EP_30/XrNB6-MhQRI/AAAAAAAA7Oc/qLPPCGPrmJgQUxJIxaBiSeYpgVndPhBqgCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/wine%2Bpicnic.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #1d2228; font-size: 12pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span>Fly Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18191335990973494972noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7770083379947049507.post-7387964531427454652019-09-10T08:01:00.001-07:002019-09-10T08:01:40.612-07:00Next Stop: Rueda and Ribera Del Duero, Spain<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VHznAetcPRo/XXe2ybaVkII/AAAAAAAA2G4/2i-4adZDkBMtRe8jbLJvRqkNzOYSJdE8ACLcBGAs/s1600/ribera%2Bdel%2Bduero.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="547" data-original-width="1024" height="340" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VHznAetcPRo/XXe2ybaVkII/AAAAAAAA2G4/2i-4adZDkBMtRe8jbLJvRqkNzOYSJdE8ACLcBGAs/s640/ribera%2Bdel%2Bduero.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Fall represents harvest time in many countries. I'm thrilled to return to <a href="https://www.spain.info/en_US/">Spain </a> this week to witness the famous grape harvests of<a href="https://www.spain.info/en_US/que-quieres/gastronomia/rutas-vino/Valladolid/ruta-del-vino-rueda.html"> Rueda </a>and <a href="https://www.spain.info/en_US/que-quieres/rutas/rutas-culturales/ruta_de_la_ribera_del_duero.html">Ribera Del Duero.</a> I will be hosted by the<a href="https://www.spain.info/en_US/"> Tourism Office of Spain </a>and I'll be exploring the provinces of Burgos and Valladolid and the region of Castile-Leon. My itinerary features vineyards, castles and lots of restaurants! Spanish wine country holds a lot of history and cultural traditions that I will be highlighting so please look out for posts and lots of wine pix!Fly Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18191335990973494972noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7770083379947049507.post-68754756958824201442019-09-08T23:13:00.002-07:002019-09-08T23:13:42.503-07:00Switzerland's Lake Views<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5cE0oGvnalQ/XXXmQzW3XbI/AAAAAAAA15U/GfRKTuZaylQkOlyeABSRhjkNqII1ORqAgCLcBGAs/s1600/mermaid.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="810" data-original-width="1080" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5cE0oGvnalQ/XXXmQzW3XbI/AAAAAAAA15U/GfRKTuZaylQkOlyeABSRhjkNqII1ORqAgCLcBGAs/s640/mermaid.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Images of <a href="https://www.myswitzerland.com/en-us/">Switzerland</a> always seem to involve mountains and alpine scenery, which does make up a lot of the country's distinctive beauty but that's not all you'll see. I was ecstatic to visit the<a href="https://www.myswitzerland.com/en-us/destinations/lake-geneva/"> Lake Geneva region</a>, where I got to revel in the aquatic vistas of Switzerland. Walking along the shoreline in <a href="https://www.myswitzerland.com/en-us/destinations/montreux-riviera/">Montreux</a>, I discovered exactly why it's called the Swiss Riviera. Crystalline blue water framed by mountains served as a stunning backdrop for sidewalk cafes, live concerts and sculptures rising up from the water. The mermaid raiding a seahorse was my absolute favorite, especially with children splashing around it.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ImEOFiCkLlM/XXXnBVc_5lI/AAAAAAAA15c/yZimURdVz7kHzOv6h558GCulA5F_bdtLQCLcBGAs/s1600/abstract.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="772" data-original-width="985" height="500" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ImEOFiCkLlM/XXXnBVc_5lI/AAAAAAAA15c/yZimURdVz7kHzOv6h558GCulA5F_bdtLQCLcBGAs/s640/abstract.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
This abstract piece looks like dolphins diving out of the water. Although the sculpture wasn't actually in the water, it gave the illusion from a distance. The fork sticking up from the lake was the silliest piece to me but it's also the most popular, as you can gather from the chair posted in front of it for the perfect Instagram selfie. These are just a few of the artful lake scenes that I enjoyed in the region. It's easy to glimpse mountains wherever you are in Switzerland, which is why I think the lake views are even more special.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JQ60ljBIjyI/XXXnp--pFQI/AAAAAAAA15k/UrrnkQTVj7kstZshAyoTrgmF-SVKKr7WwCLcBGAs/s1600/fork.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1025" data-original-width="748" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JQ60ljBIjyI/XXXnp--pFQI/AAAAAAAA15k/UrrnkQTVj7kstZshAyoTrgmF-SVKKr7WwCLcBGAs/s640/fork.jpg" width="466" /></a></div>
<br />Fly Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18191335990973494972noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7770083379947049507.post-1360698586332740572019-07-25T09:48:00.000-07:002019-07-25T09:48:14.294-07:00Next Stop: Switzerland<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UwfnnneQeGg/XTnR45m1C7I/AAAAAAAA0X0/0H66dVQzxXsI2sT3UEfUZE2xhONY_WBvwCLcBGAs/s1600/lausanne-lt_www_diapo_28409.webp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="440" data-original-width="663" height="424" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UwfnnneQeGg/XTnR45m1C7I/AAAAAAAA0X0/0H66dVQzxXsI2sT3UEfUZE2xhONY_WBvwCLcBGAs/s640/lausanne-lt_www_diapo_28409.webp" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<a href="https://www.myswitzerland.com/en-us/">Switzerland i</a>s one of those places that everyone loves. When I visited <a href="https://www.myswitzerland.com/en-us/destinations/lucerne/">Lucerne </a>years ago, I was astounded that the mountains and lakes, the medieval squares, were as charming and pristine as all the photos that show Switzerland as this kind of outdoor paradise. Even the Swiss cows, responsible for that life essential, Swiss chocolate, looked pretty as they delicately munched impossibly green grass. So it goes without saying that I'm excited to return to Switzerland, courtesy of <a href="https://www.myswitzerland.com/en-us/">Swiss Tourism</a>, this time to the famous<a href="https://www.myswitzerland.com/en-us/destinations/lake-geneva-region-vaud/"> Lake Geneva region.</a> I'll be visiting Mt. Santis, and the folkloric village of <a href="https://www.myswitzerland.com/en-us/destinations/appenzell/">Appenzell </a>, the textile center of <a href="https://www.myswitzerland.com/en-us/destinations/stgallen/">St. Gallen </a>and lovely <a href="https://www.myswitzerland.com/en-us/destinations/lausanne/">Lausanne</a>. But what I'm really stirred up about is attending the<a href="https://www.fetedesvignerons.ch/en/about/the-fete/"> Fete des Vignerons.</a> Never heard of it you say? That's because this viticultural celebration of the regions wine making traditions happens only once in a generation. There's even a rule that it can not take place more than five times in a century! It's the first living Swiss tradition recognized by UNESCO and I'll witness a performance commemorating the history of winegrowers as well as the coronation of the winegrowers. Of course, I might also sample a bottle of wine or two. Please look out for posts, photos and videos!<br />
<br />
<br />Fly Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18191335990973494972noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7770083379947049507.post-870614318536579762019-07-22T09:06:00.000-07:002019-07-22T09:06:01.378-07:00Grenada Waterfalls<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-B-B4wM35pi4/XTI9EfNqBvI/AAAAAAAA0RI/lNoDU5arJW0NTjEppCJib-spNsF4wyDaQCLcBGAs/s1600/DSC_0905.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-B-B4wM35pi4/XTI9EfNqBvI/AAAAAAAA0RI/lNoDU5arJW0NTjEppCJib-spNsF4wyDaQCLcBGAs/s640/DSC_0905.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
The natural beauty of <a href="http://www.grenadagrenadines.com/">Grenada </a>extends well beyond lovely beaches, lush rain forests and verdant mountains, this small island is also dotted with waterfalls! Grenada hosts dozens of waterfalls to explore and I was lucky to visit two of them. Rolling along the island's hills, you will discover a waterfall for every taste.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-R6keQ9bH9HY/XTI-pK4D1QI/AAAAAAAA0R4/FNvgqr47K8sv2EwgmXUrYyc1Rq6xyE_xgCLcBGAs/s1600/DSC_0908.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-R6keQ9bH9HY/XTI-pK4D1QI/AAAAAAAA0R4/FNvgqr47K8sv2EwgmXUrYyc1Rq6xyE_xgCLcBGAs/s640/DSC_0908.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
The most accessible waterfall is <a href="http://caribya.com/grenada/annandale.waterfalls/">Annandale Falls</a>, located just outside the capital of<a href="https://www.britannica.com/place/Saint-Georges"> St. George. </a>Surrounded by a garden of ferns and trees, you just walk down a clear path and you're rewarded with a cascade of water ending in a small pool. It's a great spot for a dip on a hot day although the water was icy cold from the recent rainfall when I visited.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QA_qnLgkOyM/XTI_MWar-rI/AAAAAAAA0SA/FRu7yqqvNzssUipYRA9BpIL5eixkJJNJwCLcBGAs/s1600/DSC_0878.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QA_qnLgkOyM/XTI_MWar-rI/AAAAAAAA0SA/FRu7yqqvNzssUipYRA9BpIL5eixkJJNJwCLcBGAs/s640/DSC_0878.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<a href="http://caribya.com/grenada/concord.waterfall/">Concorde Waterfalls </a>requires a little more effort to reach. Sitting on the edge of a rain forest on the western side of the island, these falls stretch high over a mountain. This region of Grenada is filled with wildlife, I saw monkeys, lizards, rabbits and a few posing cats. There are actually three waterfalls located in this area and they are all striking, with crystalline water pouring over rocks and ferns. Local men jump off the falls for fun and if you offer a small tip, they''ll perform flips and spins. Check out my video of a thrilling Concorde Waterfall leap below.<br />
<br />
<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/6UdrclS3u1w" width="560"></iframe>Fly Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18191335990973494972noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7770083379947049507.post-53719994048133871382019-07-09T19:39:00.003-07:002019-07-09T19:39:55.673-07:00Next Stop: Grenada<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9VBVCmMv0JY/XSVFYW3hIAI/AAAAAAAAzqk/TqJm3fjiwrk89qudzKBpMhx0xdcFi6-OgCLcBGAs/s1600/seven_sister_falls.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="196" data-original-width="323" height="385" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9VBVCmMv0JY/XSVFYW3hIAI/AAAAAAAAzqk/TqJm3fjiwrk89qudzKBpMhx0xdcFi6-OgCLcBGAs/s640/seven_sister_falls.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
The beauty and culture of the storied Spice Isle also known as <a href="http://www.grenadagrenadines.com/about-the-islands">Grenada </a>has been on my radar for years. This Southern Caribbean paradise is famous for lush topography, including beaches and waterfalls, as well as the production of nutmeg and mace, supplying some of the largest exports of these spices in the world. I will be exploring the natural beauty of Grenada this week, hopping on a dune buggy tour, a waterfall walk (Seven Sisters Waterfall is shown above) and a river tubing experience. I'll of course, also take in the island's history and notable foodie culture with a visit to St. George's spice market and <a href="https://www.houseofchocolategnd.com/"> House of Chocolate.</a> I'm especially excited to discover the history of revolutionary and Caribbean hero <a href="https://blavity.com/who-is-maurice-bishop-and-why-is-he-a-caribbean-hero">Maurice Bishop</a>, who was the second prime minister of Grenada and was able to transform an oppressed society with a mass literacy program and developing the island's infrastructure and agricultural programs for self- sufficiency. Please stay tuned for posts and videos!<br />
<br />Fly Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18191335990973494972noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7770083379947049507.post-9343837968522899332019-06-30T21:46:00.000-07:002019-06-30T21:46:23.575-07:00The Good and The Guavaberry in St. Maarten<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gJRIDDs06Oo/XRmE-oPlnbI/AAAAAAAAzkE/8hQCDevY4HsBNhWwFfW2YT_g7lpMSO26ACLcBGAs/s1600/DSC_0832.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gJRIDDs06Oo/XRmE-oPlnbI/AAAAAAAAzkE/8hQCDevY4HsBNhWwFfW2YT_g7lpMSO26ACLcBGAs/s640/DSC_0832.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
I like rum. The smooth, spicy flavor enhances anything it touches, from cakes to cola. Now, I'm not an expert rum connoisseur like my friend <a href="https://www.uncommoncaribbean.com/barbados/rekindling-rum-romance-with-mount-gay-origin-series-vol-1/">Steve at Uncommon Caribbean, </a>but I know my way around most of the Caribbean's rums. So I was surprised that I had never tasted St. Maarten's signature <a href="https://guavaberry.com/history/guavaberry#guavaberry1">guavaberry rum. </a> Wandering into the main Guavaberry emporium in <a href="https://www.google.com/destination?q=philipsburg+st.+maarten&output=search&dest_mid=/m/0dt1st&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwim2OXt7pLjAhVZAZ0JHSC1AJQQ6tEBKAQwAHoECAsQBw#dest_mid=/m/0dt1st&tcfs=EhgKCS9tLzBkdDFzdBILUGhpbGlwc2J1cmc">Philipsburg, </a>I sipped a sample and immediately fell in love with this sweetly potent folk liquor that hold the title of National Liqueur of Dutch and French St. Martin.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cvLyScVf82E/XRmFanTCOZI/AAAAAAAAzkQ/cxViw1LXAccGgviq8dHzpqJS86WxDHeGACLcBGAs/s1600/DSC_0836.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cvLyScVf82E/XRmFanTCOZI/AAAAAAAAzkQ/cxViw1LXAccGgviq8dHzpqJS86WxDHeGACLcBGAs/s640/DSC_0836.JPG" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
<a href="https://www.dcnanature.org/guavaberry-tree/">Guavaberries</a> grow high in the hills of St. Maarten and are related to clove. No, the berries don't taste anything like guavas but when they are aged for the liquor, they taste spicy and woodsy. The Guavaberry company makes lots of flavored rums like passionfruit and lime but I prefer the guavaberry classic, especially in the form of a guavaberry colada.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-amWyEtrDUnw/XRmFu-byrSI/AAAAAAAAzkY/3a2NIN87VdECCPGmbuA_Lj3CuViVoAPOgCLcBGAs/s1600/DSC_0835.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-amWyEtrDUnw/XRmFu-byrSI/AAAAAAAAzkY/3a2NIN87VdECCPGmbuA_Lj3CuViVoAPOgCLcBGAs/s640/DSC_0835.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
If you haven't downed a bottle of Guavaberry rum, you haven't really traveled to St. Maarten. Sipping this smooth libation will warm you like the hot St. Maarten sun and remind you that paradise is only a sip away.Fly Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18191335990973494972noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7770083379947049507.post-65264790691392896882019-06-30T20:39:00.000-07:002019-06-30T20:39:57.163-07:00The Fragrance of the French Caribbean<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Pe5KPadprIM/XRFtQOmtUII/AAAAAAAAzbo/7M_nQZ52m68XQ-kykQytWjHrI7PWZTTgQCLcBGAs/s1600/DSC_0775%2B%25282%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Pe5KPadprIM/XRFtQOmtUII/AAAAAAAAzbo/7M_nQZ52m68XQ-kykQytWjHrI7PWZTTgQCLcBGAs/s640/DSC_0775%2B%25282%2529.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Some of my favorite scents are the lush tropical fruits and flowers of the Caribbean. The smell of fresh coconut, sugar apple, hibiscus and bougainvillea always conjure up beautiful memories. My sensory memory of <a href="http://www.stmartinisland.org/">St. Martin </a>will remain vivid, thanks to the olfactory wonders of <a href="https://www.tijon.com/">Tijon Perfumerie.</a><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rQeod87sPWc/XRFtpQGYBgI/AAAAAAAAzb0/PXl6xXIMjqoXfTP4XjdNDQ9p9cv5nEkUACLcBGAs/s1600/DSC_0778.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rQeod87sPWc/XRFtpQGYBgI/AAAAAAAAzb0/PXl6xXIMjqoXfTP4XjdNDQ9p9cv5nEkUACLcBGAs/s640/DSC_0778.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
The idea of a personalized perfume is really appealing to me because I'm sensitive to loud, synthetic smells. I'm really particular about fragrance and I like natural scents. Stepping into Tijon is like entering a French Caribbean perfume paradise. Hundreds of extracts and essences line the lab and there are also ready made perfumes, colognes scented candles and skin products available. But creating your own perfume with a perfume class is the essential reason to visit Tijon. <a href="https://www.tijon.com/about-us/meet-our-master-perfume/">John, the owner and master perfumer,</a> gave us lab coats and explained the basics of perfume making, which is not as simple as you'd think.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Sfm8uTkPxSU/XRFuAoEWTFI/AAAAAAAAzb8/nKoSTKdQOIMtPEesRL4-Lbd4O0vjbkduACLcBGAs/s1600/DSC_0783.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Sfm8uTkPxSU/XRFuAoEWTFI/AAAAAAAAzb8/nKoSTKdQOIMtPEesRL4-Lbd4O0vjbkduACLcBGAs/s640/DSC_0783.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
I sniffed dozens of extracts and oils, many smelled a lot different in their natural form than the commercial versions. We had to measure several of our favorite scents in test tubes and mix them in preservatives. We even had workbooks to record our scents and measurements so that we can order them again.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cQoNIOuX2PQ/XRFuQjFly_I/AAAAAAAAzcE/hk4l8m5g1Mwdq3vHtGlpdQlmCvFA9HdGwCLcBGAs/s1600/DSC_0786.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cQoNIOuX2PQ/XRFuQjFly_I/AAAAAAAAzcE/hk4l8m5g1Mwdq3vHtGlpdQlmCvFA9HdGwCLcBGAs/s640/DSC_0786.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
After dabbling through a lot of essences, I settled on amber, sunflower and musk. I call my perfume "St. Martin Magic," the light aroma reminds me of the small boutiques that are scattered around Grand Case. Visiting Tijon Perfumerie is an exceptional experience and one of St. Martin's ultimate excursions. Even if you're not into fragrances, creating your own hand-crafted scent will definitely change your mind.<br />
<br />Fly Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18191335990973494972noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7770083379947049507.post-47014098791644933962019-05-31T19:30:00.000-07:002019-05-31T19:30:33.349-07:00Plane Spotting on St. Maarten's Maho Beach<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZP6hvQo8ptU/XPHR1_Xh6BI/AAAAAAAAyc8/Gs-QbJXmQtQFC0CbEQLy4MzTmrfBIR1sQCLcBGAs/s1600/maho%2Bplane%2Blanding.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="721" data-original-width="1080" height="425" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZP6hvQo8ptU/XPHR1_Xh6BI/AAAAAAAAyc8/Gs-QbJXmQtQFC0CbEQLy4MzTmrfBIR1sQCLcBGAs/s640/maho%2Bplane%2Blanding.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Visiting <a href="http://www.vacationstmaarten.com/">St. Maarten</a> beaches supplies a lot of sunny highlights. This 37 square-mile, two nation island boasts 37 beaches for every mile, offering countless chances to sink your toes into soft, pearly sand and turquoise waves. All of the<a href="https://www.st-maarten.com/index.php/all-beaches"> beaches</a> have their own individual charm but only one is known around the globe for something other than sandy beauty.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sYL1RGLhz0A/XPHSFIc2nAI/AAAAAAAAydQ/y-cw6yGD0uwUcdRA80HMCJRXtxej9RVLgCLcBGAs/s1600/maho%2Bplane.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="810" data-original-width="1080" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sYL1RGLhz0A/XPHSFIc2nAI/AAAAAAAAydQ/y-cw6yGD0uwUcdRA80HMCJRXtxej9RVLgCLcBGAs/s640/maho%2Bplane.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<a href="https://www.st-maarten.com/index.php/maho-beach">Maho Beach </a>is the famous beach on the Dutch side of the island where the airplane runway almost meets the sand. I've seen countless photos and videos of planes swooping over the beach (There's even a<a href="https://www.mahobeachcam.com/"> Beach Cam </a>to monitor the landings) and I was excited to grab a firsthand experience. Maho Beach is perched at the end of Maho Bay and the water glistened with crystalline waves when I waded in. Within 10 minutes, the sound of a jet rumbled in the sky and a plane flew over my head as I splashed in the water. It's a crazy experience that adds to the excitement of being on a Caribbean beach. I visited Maho four times while I was on St. Maarten and seeing the planes never got old. What did get old was fumbling for a phone to take a pic if I was on the sand. I never managed to be prepared so these pix don't capture the full drama of a plane flying just a few feet over your head as you lounge on a beach. It's not a tranquil beach, to say the least but it's definitely a bucket list-worthy activity.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-q_kfr_cPnnU/XPHSPbmaIAI/AAAAAAAAydw/Jg9RHMP0lQk3TSgaoyfzEfLKLBovc8_0wCLcBGAs/s1600/maho%2Bbeach.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="810" data-original-width="1080" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-q_kfr_cPnnU/XPHSPbmaIAI/AAAAAAAAydw/Jg9RHMP0lQk3TSgaoyfzEfLKLBovc8_0wCLcBGAs/s640/maho%2Bbeach.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />Fly Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18191335990973494972noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7770083379947049507.post-46485772993666762642019-05-20T20:12:00.000-07:002019-05-20T20:12:07.673-07:00Next Stop: St. Martin/St. Maarten<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-53e_pAYilbI/XONK2fAlbEI/AAAAAAAAx3E/2lxjaN5fYZQNdTVahWzNsU_GMAYJIvGDACLcBGAs/s1600/airplane.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="576" data-original-width="960" height="384" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-53e_pAYilbI/XONK2fAlbEI/AAAAAAAAx3E/2lxjaN5fYZQNdTVahWzNsU_GMAYJIvGDACLcBGAs/s640/airplane.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
This week, I'm off to the bi-cultural island of<a href="https://www.st-martin.org/"> St. Martin/St. Maarten.</a> I'll be attending the <a href="http://shta.com/smart/">St. Martin/St.Maarten Annual Regional Trade Show (SMART)</a> where I'll be meeting with reps and leaning more about the island. St. Martin/St. Maarten is famous fo<a href="http://www.sint-maarten.net/St-Maarten-Beaches/MahoBay.html">r Maho Beach</a>, which is located at the end of Princess Juliana International Airport, shown above, as well as being the smallest parcel of land shared by two counties, France and the Netherlands. I'll be checking out the sand -hovering planes on Maho Beach as well as exploring the<a href="https://www.st-martin.org/"> French sid</a>e and <a href="http://www.visitstmaarten.com/about_st_maarten">Dutch side</a> of the island. Stay tuned!Fly Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18191335990973494972noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7770083379947049507.post-13060891217998759342019-05-19T06:05:00.000-07:002019-05-19T06:05:40.315-07:00South African Music and Dance<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2TBo9A40UvQ/XOAegLU9PNI/AAAAAAAAx1o/khTqt8HInTkdHRukotcUo6N1zTQhzpr_gCLcBGAs/s1600/isistumba.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="714" data-original-width="954" height="476" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2TBo9A40UvQ/XOAegLU9PNI/AAAAAAAAx1o/khTqt8HInTkdHRukotcUo6N1zTQhzpr_gCLcBGAs/s640/isistumba.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<a href="https://www.southafrica.net/gl/en/travel">South Africa</a> is an exciting country. No matter where you are, in a big city like <a href="https://visit.joburg/">Johannesburg</a>, or a rural village, there's always music, dance or art incorporated into the environment, usually all three. African culture does not separate art and culture from everyday living but I was still taken aback by the exuberant sounds and dance I witnessed everywhere I traveled in South Africa. I love African music and dance, it connects on a deeper level than anything I've seen in the West. So experiencing the varied rhythms, movements and emotions of live South African music and dance was a joyful treat. Check out a few of my faves from<a href="https://www.sa-venues.com/attractionskzn/kzn_durban.htm"> Durban</a>, <a href="https://www.toursbylocals.com/ZuluCultural-PrivateTour-SouthAfrica">Isithumba </a>and <a href="https://www.capetown.travel/">Cape Town</a>, in the videos below.<br />
<br />
<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/2OiF_9vRjYE" width="560"></iframe><br />
<br />
These Zulu women mesmerized me with the power of their harmonies and the emotions bursting through the song. I don't understand Zulu but I felt every single verse of this tune.<br />
<br />
<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/k8n-bM7iKbU" width="560"></iframe><br />
<br />
Full of high spirits and excitement, these dancers in Isithumba cultural village called up the power of traditional Zulu dance. They pulled me into it at the end and throwing my leg up that high was not quite as effortless as it looks, lol.<br />
<br />
<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/V3JsiargzC4" width="560"></iframe><br />
<br />
This group supplied high energy singing and dancing on Cape Town's waterfront. It felt like a church revival mixed with a turn up attitude.<br />
<br />Fly Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18191335990973494972noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7770083379947049507.post-8775440564216195452019-04-27T18:40:00.001-07:002019-04-27T18:40:28.283-07:00Next Stop: South Africa!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="425" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AhaMDXn26Pw/XMT6qI8usMI/AAAAAAAAvhw/mTlKq11Fid06h04XlOG_6WssHmVTz4oowCLcBGAs/s640/lina-loos-189519-unsplash.jpg" width="640" /></div>
Photo by Lina Loos<br />
<br />
During the coming weeks, I will be exploring the landscape, people and culture of <a href="https://www.southafrica.net/gl/en/travel">South Africa.</a> I can't even begin to explain the level of excitement I feel for this opportunity to dive into the complex and dynamic history and traditions of South Africa I've been invited by South Africa tourism to attend <a href="https://www.indaba-southafrica.co.za/">Africa's Travel Indaba 2019,</a> which is the continent's largest travel show. I'll learn about tourism initiatives from countries all over the continent (including many sustainable ones) and then visiting <a href="http://visitdurban.travel/">Durban,</a> <a href="https://www.capetown.travel/">Cape Town </a>and <a href="https://visit.joburg/">Johannesburg</a>. My itinerary is packed with too many activities to name them all but highlights include a visit to a Zulu Village, Table Mountain, shown above, Cape Town wineries and a Big 5 safari. I'll also be investigating the conditions and changes of South African citizens <a href="https://www.detroitnews.com/story/news/world/2019/04/27/south-africa-apartheid/39409025/">25 years after the end of apartheid</a>, as well as relief efforts after the <a href="https://www.bbc.com/news/world-africa-48036252">devastating floods in Durban</a> last week. Please stay tuned for photos, videos and posts!Fly Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18191335990973494972noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7770083379947049507.post-37961039662204105772019-04-19T13:11:00.000-07:002019-04-19T13:11:04.942-07:00African American History in Accra<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4VkiV7pGBR8/XLQNZfUlNVI/AAAAAAAAvXw/61OwJHOhYhgxxJq_9U0oXZ02628T7IyWgCLcBGAs/s1600/black%2Bstar.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="810" data-original-width="1080" height="480" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4VkiV7pGBR8/XLQNZfUlNVI/AAAAAAAAvXw/61OwJHOhYhgxxJq_9U0oXZ02628T7IyWgCLcBGAs/s640/black%2Bstar.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
The year 2019 has ushered in a lot of political and social turmoil for African Americans. The foundation of the U.S. is crumbling and it's revealing the ugly underbelly that has informed many things about how this country operates. Knowing and understanding history is always crucial but especially now. 2019 marks 400 years since the first enslaved Africans left the shores of Ghana and arrived in Jamestown, Virginia. Ghana is commemorating this history with <a href="http://yearofreturn.com/">The Year of Return 2019,</a> a celebration of concerts, performances, symposiums and events to welcome back the Diaspora. I was honored to join the inaugural<a href="https://www.birthrightjourney.com/yearofreturn"> Year of Return journey with The Adinkra Group </a>last August. Besides supplying a tangible re-connection with my heritage, I was able to explore the rich Pan African history of African Americans in Ghana.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6wDR4NerDaM/XLQNsjE4NGI/AAAAAAAAvX4/tWutC063OwMWkVsva27Xqkx-yewf5jwAQCLcBGAs/s1600/dubois.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="810" data-original-width="1080" height="480" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6wDR4NerDaM/XLQNsjE4NGI/AAAAAAAAvX4/tWutC063OwMWkVsva27Xqkx-yewf5jwAQCLcBGAs/s640/dubois.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
The first thing I ever learned about <a href="http://www.padeap.net/the-history-of-pan-africanism">Pan Africanism</a> was that African American scholar and activist W.E.B. Dubois was a leading advocate and was also a <a href="https://www.blackpast.org/global-african-history/perspectives-global-african-history/pan-african-congresses-1900-1945/">delegate at the first Pan African Congress</a> . I knew that he had lived in Ghana but I didn't realize that he spent the last decades of his life in Ghana, writing the <i>Encyclopedia Africana </i>at the invitation of President Kwame Nkrumah. Today, Dubois' Accra home houses the <a href="http://webduboiscentreaccra.ghana-net.com/index.html">W.E.B. DuBois Centre for Pan African Culture.</a> I roamed through the museum, taking in his books, academic robes lined in Kente cloth and photos.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Yed-gN7eyw4/XLQOKrgkK2I/AAAAAAAAvYA/csW2pv5Ivjw4SwXZJseplbbj4-yfngvkACLcBGAs/s1600/portrait.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="810" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Yed-gN7eyw4/XLQOKrgkK2I/AAAAAAAAvYA/csW2pv5Ivjw4SwXZJseplbbj4-yfngvkACLcBGAs/s640/portrait.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
The center also features a guesthouse with rooms named for famous Pan Africanists like Marcus Garvey and Malcolm X. Dubois and his wife Shirley are buried on the grounds, surrounded by a garden. Nearby, the <a href="https://aaaghana.org/index.php">African American Association of Ghana</a> and the <a href="https://www.diasporaafricanforum.org/">Diaspora African Forum </a>hold regular meetings.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-T8lbgn5-KKI/XLQOcKT9PnI/AAAAAAAAvYI/9ar_afld7voCRiuZqseD-rz1E1BNhiwgACLcBGAs/s1600/garvey.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="810" data-original-width="1080" height="480" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-T8lbgn5-KKI/XLQOcKT9PnI/AAAAAAAAvYI/9ar_afld7voCRiuZqseD-rz1E1BNhiwgACLcBGAs/s640/garvey.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Ghana is surrounded by eerie "slave forts," a reminder of the brutal Trans Atlantic Slavery history. One of the most famous is<a href="http://www.ghanamuseums.org/forts/cape-coast-castle.php"> Cape Coast Castle,</a> which thousands passed through to be caged and shipped to the Americas. It is an important pilgrimage for Africans in the Diaspora to return to these places where our ancestors were ripped from their homes. I entered the dungeons and cells of Cape Coast and cried throughout the experience. I walked through the infamous "Door of No Return" but I felt spiritually uplifted when I turned around and went back through. I did return and I felt my ancestors rejoice.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nQbJaHB5VEM/XLQOuaAUA6I/AAAAAAAAvYQ/x2W8k6BD9PYOar_uWZSpo5F34Kf_cPIcACLcBGAs/s1600/castle.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="810" data-original-width="1080" height="480" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nQbJaHB5VEM/XLQOuaAUA6I/AAAAAAAAvYQ/x2W8k6BD9PYOar_uWZSpo5F34Kf_cPIcACLcBGAs/s640/castle.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
On the side of the women's dungeon, a plaque commemorates the visit of President Obama and First Lady Michelle. It felt comforting to know that my fellow Chicagoans had made this important journey as well.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hHNhBxKAVpM/XLQPB-NtMEI/AAAAAAAAvYY/oJX1mHaZ9ggXCfyPU2rFIXg8P-BjBLbIgCLcBGAs/s1600/plaque.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="810" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hHNhBxKAVpM/XLQPB-NtMEI/AAAAAAAAvYY/oJX1mHaZ9ggXCfyPU2rFIXg8P-BjBLbIgCLcBGAs/s640/plaque.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
The door of return opens to the shores of the Atlantic, with traditional fishing boats sitting on the sand. A couple of hundred years ago, there was a different kind of boat waiting.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DMZy6hf2JSY/XLQPXXUsRbI/AAAAAAAAvYg/H7b6IewymTsl3RCM_vEhdjhPSYTyJq-pwCLcBGAs/s1600/door%2Bof%2Breturn.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="810" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DMZy6hf2JSY/XLQPXXUsRbI/AAAAAAAAvYg/H7b6IewymTsl3RCM_vEhdjhPSYTyJq-pwCLcBGAs/s640/door%2Bof%2Breturn.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Another major landmark is <a href="https://allaboutaccra.com/2018/03/20/the-story-of-black-star-square-its-big/">Black Star Square</a>. This stadium hold 30,000 seats and is the largest in Africa. The Black Star references the star on Ghana's flag, which was inspired by Marcus Garvey's<a href="https://www.blackpast.org/african-american-history/black-star-line-1919-1923/"> Black Star Line.</a> The Black Star Line was a steamship corporation that transported goods to members of the African Diaspora. But the line is most famous for transporting African Americans, tired of the racism, violence and inequity of the U.S, back to the Motherland. Over 100 years ago, the idea of returning to Africa was new and appealing. Today, the idea is not so new but the appeal is growing even more. I met dozens of African Americans who have moved to Accra and Kumasi, happy and secure in a country that treats them respectfully and offers lots of economic opportunities. Ghana reminded me why it's important to remember your history and also that we have the power to reject repeating history and to create new experiences.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sqI9JxzKdF8/XLQPiv85ILI/AAAAAAAAvYk/w4lxaGVurZ03IerCiQLwKxNumbK98ZoGQCLcBGAs/s1600/black%2Bstar%2Barena.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="810" data-original-width="1080" height="480" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sqI9JxzKdF8/XLQPiv85ILI/AAAAAAAAvYk/w4lxaGVurZ03IerCiQLwKxNumbK98ZoGQCLcBGAs/s640/black%2Bstar%2Barena.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />Fly Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18191335990973494972noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7770083379947049507.post-41065179178509638092019-03-31T20:44:00.000-07:002019-03-31T20:44:32.969-07:00Live Reggae in Jamaica<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7TXMuWD6dss/XKF5u2W3zVI/AAAAAAAAvNY/gaieiLt9xFAGzNQS8LPvUj7XMjUAKS3bgCLcBGAs/s1600/tarrus.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="643" data-original-width="482" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7TXMuWD6dss/XKF5u2W3zVI/AAAAAAAAvNY/gaieiLt9xFAGzNQS8LPvUj7XMjUAKS3bgCLcBGAs/s640/tarrus.jpg" width="476" /></a></div>
<br />
Music is one art form that transcends language, culture and location. If you want to understand a destination better, listen to the local music, preferably live. Jamaica is famous for <a href="https://www.visitjamaica.com/event/international-reggae-day/1131/">reggae music</a> and there's is absolutely no better place than the island's lively streets, beaches and clubs to hear the genre live. The breezy melodies and thumping rhythms of reggae jump to life in Jamaica. I was fortunate to hear legends like <a href="http://mykalrosereggae.com/">Mykal Rose</a>, <a href="http://beenieman.com/">Beenie Man</a> and <a href="https://www.marciagriffiths.net/biography.html">Marcia Griffiths</a> during <a href="https://www.vprecords.com/">VP Records</a> 40th anniversary of classic reggae music. You can check out my brief videos of the shows below but they don't even come close to the magic of hearing it live. I can't even describe the feeling of listening to live reggae in Jamaica. It's an integral part of the culture that dives right into your soul. Jamaicans love their native music and you will always hear them singing along to live performances with as much passion as the singers. It's like a family reunion/neighborhood sing along/ with a stage and gracious and gifted musicians. As they say in Jamaica, "no vibes sweeter."<br />
<br />
<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/8H-YMERcNVw" width="560"></iframe><br />
<br />
<br />
<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/3vwMtWYSR7Y" width="560"></iframe><br />
<br />Fly Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18191335990973494972noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7770083379947049507.post-17926700643561648462019-02-28T17:26:00.001-08:002019-02-28T17:26:46.956-08:00A Winter Remedy: Montego Bay's Doctor's Cave Beach<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-g-hEGNkNg8M/XHf6FiDzQGI/AAAAAAAAuYs/q_XO3YIwZQsFwLkm77LRv0abrEUV6X1IQCLcBGAs/s1600/20190201_112131.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-g-hEGNkNg8M/XHf6FiDzQGI/AAAAAAAAuYs/q_XO3YIwZQsFwLkm77LRv0abrEUV6X1IQCLcBGAs/s640/20190201_112131.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Beaches have always been a source of happiness for me. The tranquility and ease that transmits to me through the water instantly relaxes me. I have quite a few favorite beaches around the globe but <a href="https://www.doctorscavebathingclub.com/">Doctor's Cave </a>is my go to spot whenever I'm in <a href="https://www.visitjamaica.com/plan-your-trip/explore-the-island/montego-bay/">Montego Bay.</a> I was lucky to stay right on the beach at the new <a href="https://www.shoteljamaica.com/">S Hotel Jamaica</a> so I spent four days straight on this historic beach, soaking up the sun.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-oLwaDmlMe8s/XHf6UT8_9ZI/AAAAAAAAuYw/f9smxm0NGZEIzE04kO5dREDyu-xcjN1rQCLcBGAs/s1600/20190130_103902.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-oLwaDmlMe8s/XHf6UT8_9ZI/AAAAAAAAuYw/f9smxm0NGZEIzE04kO5dREDyu-xcjN1rQCLcBGAs/s640/20190130_103902.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Doctor's Cave is a small beach with a busy cafe and a few other amenities. But my favorite things are the lush, almond and sea grape trees that dot the sand. I prefer to sit under one of these instead of using an umbrella.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lPRRDggRCNQ/XHf6j8ghEYI/AAAAAAAAuY4/uLAFK3szItMw8OEofAUBFjdXbxr21P_5QCLcBGAs/s1600/20190130_115059.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lPRRDggRCNQ/XHf6j8ghEYI/AAAAAAAAuY4/uLAFK3szItMw8OEofAUBFjdXbxr21P_5QCLcBGAs/s640/20190130_115059.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
The sand is fine and soft and the water is clear, with gentle aquamarine waves that lap around you. Week days when there are no cruise ships are the best because the beach is relatively quiet. The weekends are a whole other thing but as long as you arrive early, you can snag a spot on the shore.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Vrgv3nMHXJw/XHf6yjDNRwI/AAAAAAAAuZA/frP77H510f4DIkOjz1LGxP37EmmrxB2oQCLcBGAs/s1600/20190131_140007.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Vrgv3nMHXJw/XHf6yjDNRwI/AAAAAAAAuZA/frP77H510f4DIkOjz1LGxP37EmmrxB2oQCLcBGAs/s640/20190131_140007.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
The cafe sells lots of over-priced tropical cocktails but the best thing to drink under the hot Jamaican sun is fresh coconut water. Local vendors will slice a coconut open for you with a machete and then slice it some more after you drink all the water so that you can eat the jelly inside. I can't think of a more perfect way to spend a winter day.Fly Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18191335990973494972noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7770083379947049507.post-13588559771456136252019-01-28T17:55:00.000-08:002019-01-28T17:55:29.514-08:00Next Stop: Land of Wood and Water<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7EBrXMOwLoA/XE-oRTg2U0I/AAAAAAAAtwo/0cFF6N-GX-AyAzoCHHvUec4cSxDd3GUvQCLcBGAs/s1600/cave%2Bbeach.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="300" data-original-width="400" height="480" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7EBrXMOwLoA/XE-oRTg2U0I/AAAAAAAAtwo/0cFF6N-GX-AyAzoCHHvUec4cSxDd3GUvQCLcBGAs/s640/cave%2Bbeach.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
At this time exactly six years ago, I was headed to one of my favorite islands. The land of wood and water is the translation from the original Arawak word, <i>Xaymaca. </i>I 'm returning again to <a href="https://www.visitjamaica.com/">Sweet Jamaica </a>and it has been entirely too long. My pic above shows the famous <a href="https://rosalindcummingsyeates.blogspot.com/2013/02/montego-bays-doctors-cave-beach.html">Doctor's Cave Beach</a> in Montego Bay, which is where I will be staying at the brand new<a href="https://www.shoteljamaica.com/"> S Hotel</a>. It's always special to visit Jamaica but I'm going for an extra special event, the 40th anniversary of iconic reggae label, <a href="https://www.vprecords.com/">VP Records.</a> As a reggae fan, this is a huge deal. I'll be documenting the opening of a special Reggae Music Journey exhibit at Montego Bay's Sangster International Airport as well as a <a href="https://www.vprecords.com/vp-records-kicks-off-40th-anniversary-with-star-studded-launch-of-strictly-the-best-estelle-beenie-man-christopher-martin-more-to-perform-in-jamaica-with-a-simulcast-to-live-viewing-parties/">live concert in conjunction with the launch of the Strictly The Best compilation album.</a> I'll also be attending the opening of the <a href="https://chtamarketplace.com/marketplace/event-schedules">Caribbean Hotel and Tourism's Association's travel marketplace opening ceremony</a> featuring T<a href="http://tarrusriley.com/">arrus Riley</a> and mento legends, The Jolly Boys. Look out for lots of videos and of course, more Doctor's Cave Beach pics!Fly Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18191335990973494972noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7770083379947049507.post-44182286899762881422019-01-26T19:38:00.000-08:002019-01-26T19:38:25.618-08:00Sanibel Island Scenes<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-t0CPspqeDaw/XE0IQbkqhCI/AAAAAAAAtsU/omBQLPkQkB06k7nfEtHID72QxopV_7LlQCLcBGAs/s1600/DSC_0067.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-t0CPspqeDaw/XE0IQbkqhCI/AAAAAAAAtsU/omBQLPkQkB06k7nfEtHID72QxopV_7LlQCLcBGAs/s640/DSC_0067.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
When I first arrived on <a href="https://sanibel-captiva.org/">Sanibel Island,</a> I was sitting at a Tiki Bar, waiting for my room to be ready when a couple asked me if I was from Alaska. I had on a light sweater, a scarf and jeans. I explained that their theory was pretty close (I live in Chiberia). The temps were in the low 70's and I wasn't hot at all but that's not the point. Sanibel is all about the beach, the sun and wearing tropical clothes, regardless of the weather. It's like a rule. So I explored Sanibel and Captiva beaches, nature reserves and bike paths as one of the only people in pants, lol. I loved delving into these natural spots, and they were always mostly deserted. <a href="https://www.floridastateparks.org/parks-and-trails/cayo-costa-state-park">Cayo Costa </a>shown above, was my favorite beach. It was filled with piles of shells and a beautiful shoreline that I walked for two hours straight.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ftIYH4AlfA0/XE0Ic7B-85I/AAAAAAAAtsk/9ARiPXsOtp4Nvk96w9tPEqfIgFC41d_jgCLcBGAs/s1600/DSC_0045.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ftIYH4AlfA0/XE0Ic7B-85I/AAAAAAAAtsk/9ARiPXsOtp4Nvk96w9tPEqfIgFC41d_jgCLcBGAs/s640/DSC_0045.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Sanibel's beaches were scattered with striking sand sculptures like this mermaid.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-n6P3XoghHiw/XE0Io93QWMI/AAAAAAAAttA/bktqasu4ziwQeko2bAcZUBU7p9JksmHRgCLcBGAs/s1600/DSC_0040.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-n6P3XoghHiw/XE0Io93QWMI/AAAAAAAAttA/bktqasu4ziwQeko2bAcZUBU7p9JksmHRgCLcBGAs/s640/DSC_0040.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
On the <a href="https://sanibelmuseum.org/sanibels-heritage-trail/">Sanibel Heritage Trail,</a> this sign warning of an alligator caught my eye, as well as the scenic backdrop.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0_k04gI-09M/XE0I-OXtSAI/AAAAAAAAttY/S6yKfdazY30WkscdjdHJTcpIQuiekOK6ACLcBGAs/s1600/DSC_0132.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="425" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0_k04gI-09M/XE0I-OXtSAI/AAAAAAAAttY/S6yKfdazY30WkscdjdHJTcpIQuiekOK6ACLcBGAs/s640/DSC_0132.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
At<a href="https://www.fws.gov/refuge/jn_ding_darling/"> J.N. Ding Darling Wildlife Preserve</a>, I spotted this flock of birds included roseate spoonbills, which are the pink birds of Florida.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HkEBqCoYGck/XE0JY4BSU8I/AAAAAAAAttw/i4iMWP2PoQoef8aYzgF_-fSkuspa6BY4wCLcBGAs/s1600/pink%2Bhouse.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="810" data-original-width="1080" height="480" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HkEBqCoYGck/XE0JY4BSU8I/AAAAAAAAttw/i4iMWP2PoQoef8aYzgF_-fSkuspa6BY4wCLcBGAs/s640/pink%2Bhouse.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
On Captiva, I was enchanted by the old school architecture and rainbow colored buildings. Sanibel and Captiva are really about the natural environment, especially beaches. I scooped up lots of shells and even learned that there is a <a href="https://i.pinimg.com/originals/4a/75/1b/4a751b400f68501d5862eb2a25b388c4.jpg">seashell horoscope</a> and mine is a thin, translucent shell called a <a href="http://www.mitchellspublications.com/guides/shells/articles/0001/">jingle or mermaid's toenail. </a> I'm holding a Florida fighting conch below, which was given to me by a fellow shell collector on Cayo Costa. Considered the best place to collect shells in North America, and boasting no street lights or stop lights, Sanibel and Captiva are the ultimate in laid back island lifestyle.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XII4urUvfX4/XE0JyDGYQHI/AAAAAAAAtuY/PfaGBzVhuc8wyBkqpgxmn6FVAIOV7o7tQCLcBGAs/s1600/shell.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1034" data-original-width="776" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XII4urUvfX4/XE0JyDGYQHI/AAAAAAAAtuY/PfaGBzVhuc8wyBkqpgxmn6FVAIOV7o7tQCLcBGAs/s640/shell.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />Fly Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18191335990973494972noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7770083379947049507.post-77869516913581559392019-01-16T17:31:00.000-08:002019-01-16T17:31:11.523-08:00Next Stop: Sanibel and Captiva Island<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-th83Uozlsig/XD_W9gUdSnI/AAAAAAAAtI0/P27zUGdcRTwu2BU31kJg0byPq3VBXjLsQCLcBGAs/s1600/cayo-aireral.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="251" data-original-width="445" height="360" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-th83Uozlsig/XD_W9gUdSnI/AAAAAAAAtI0/P27zUGdcRTwu2BU31kJg0byPq3VBXjLsQCLcBGAs/s640/cayo-aireral.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
For years, I've wanted to explore the unusual barrier islands of <a href="https://www.fortmyers-sanibel.com/discover/communities/sanibel-and-captiva-islands">Sanibel and Captiva,</a> located off the southwest coast of Florida. Most islands have a north-south orientation but on Sanibel and Captiva, the layout is east-west, creating glorious sandy beaches and layers of shells. I'm excited to kick off my 2019 travels by exploring these under-the radar islands. I'll be biking the <a href="https://sanibelmuseum.org/sanibels-heritage-trail/">Sanibel Heritage Trail,</a> hopping on a shelling cruise to<a href="https://www.floridastateparks.org/parks-and-trails/cayo-costa-state-park"> Cayo Costa island,</a> accessible only by boat, and hiking through the <a href="https://www.fws.gov/dingdarling/About/about.html">J.N,Ding Darling Wildlife Refuge. </a>,where I hope to spot a few manatees. A stop by the <a href="https://www.shellmuseum.org/">Bailey-Matthews National Shell Museum</a>, the only museum dedicated to shells in the U.S., is also a Sanibel requirement so hopefully I won't come home with pounds of shells to add to my collection! Please follow along with my posts as I discover these intriguing islands.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Fly Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18191335990973494972noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7770083379947049507.post-76886580948888026202018-12-30T23:53:00.000-08:002018-12-30T23:53:56.390-08:00The Year of Return: My 2018 Travels<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GorpsgMBcSE/XCleTugufvI/AAAAAAAAs1c/i5o_VhszL8s8TRe5TrWrUaULAe3BbFcGgCLcBGAs/s1600/cape%2Bscene.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="810" data-original-width="1080" height="480" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GorpsgMBcSE/XCleTugufvI/AAAAAAAAs1c/i5o_VhszL8s8TRe5TrWrUaULAe3BbFcGgCLcBGAs/s640/cape%2Bscene.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
2018 was really some kind of year! It was filled with unexpected situations as well as familiar scenes and there was a clear pattern to the year's travel. I embarked on new, unforgettable journeys to countries that start with "G":<a href="https://rosalindcummingsyeates.blogspot.com/2018/06/next-stop-greece.html"> Greece,</a> <a href="https://rosalindcummingsyeates.blogspot.com/2018/03/next-stop-guadeloupe.html">Guadeloupe </a>and<a href="https://rosalindcummingsyeates.blogspot.com/2018/08/next-stop-ghana.html"> Ghana. </a> And I returned to beloved, familiar destinations; St. Lucia, St. John, Tobago and Montreal, for a whole new perspective. "The Year of Return" is also the theme for Ghana's year-long commemoration of 400 years since the first enslaved African arrived in the U.S.. A celebration of the resilience of the African spirit, the <a href="https://www.ghanaweb.com/GhanaHomePage/NewsArchive/Ghana-proclaims-2019-as-Year-of-Return-689306">2019 Year of Return </a>welcomes all the Diaspora to return home and re-connect. That's exactly what I did during my life-changing trip to Ghana. From the time I stepped onto the streets of Accra, I was welcomed like a daughter returned from a long trip. I cried during most of my time at<a href="http://capecoastcastlemuseum.com/index.html"> Cape Coast Castle</a>, shown above, the site where thousands were imprisoned and then shipped off to the Americas during the brutal <a href="http://www.slavevoyages.org/">Transatlantic Slave Trade</a>. It wasn't easy, but I re-traced the steps of my ancestors, through the <a href="https://www.reuters.com/article/us-slavery-ghana/door-of-no-return-opens-up-ghanas-slave-past-idUSL2121456420070320">"door of no return"</a> and back again because I had indeed returned.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ABIVOw8Mm2w/XClh_KrlxFI/AAAAAAAAs1o/67bYDFHN0oILDYs57CMB5QdSPHxCJ1OsQCLcBGAs/s1600/certificate.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="810" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ABIVOw8Mm2w/XClh_KrlxFI/AAAAAAAAs1o/67bYDFHN0oILDYs57CMB5QdSPHxCJ1OsQCLcBGAs/s640/certificate.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
I had returned to re-connect to African people and culture and to also discover my ancestral heritage. Thanks to <a href="http://www.africanancestry.com/home/">African Ancestry,</a> I was presented with the results of my DNA test in front of the infamous door of no return. I learned that I came from the<a href="https://www.history.com/news/who-are-the-mandinka"> Mandinka </a>people of Senegal, a culture that I've always felt a connection to, especially with their tradition of <i>griots </i>who are storytellers who pass down history through songs and poetry. I walked through the door of return a different person with a different identity.<br />
<br />
<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/fsDH4Mk9nFY" width="560"></iframe><br />
<br />
Ghana's official launch for the Year of Return featured music, shown in the video above, pageantry and theater. The trip was the highlight of my year. Other highlights included a return to St. Lucia for the <a href="https://www.stlucia.org/jazzfestival/">St. Lucia Jazz Fest,</a> which has totally changed from when I attended nine years ago when <a href="https://rosalindcummingsyeates.blogspot.com/2009/05/angst-about-amy.html">Amy Winehouse was the headliner.</a> The focus has switched to true jazz performers with a smattering of Soca musicians, including the <a href="https://rosalindcummingsyeates.blogspot.com/2009/05/angst-about-amy.html">"Queen of Bacchanal"</a> Destra Garcia, who I enjoyed watching as she headlined the last night. Dancing to Destra under the stars on <a href="https://slunatrust.org/sites/pigeon-island-national-landmark/">Pigeon Island</a>, eating and whining my way through<a href="https://www.stlucia.org/things-to-do/nightlife/"> Gros Islet Jump Up</a> and shopping at<a href="https://www.facebook.com/HoweltonEstateStlucia/"> Caribelle Batik </a> are memories I'll always cherish.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oDKAxH99f9E/XCloHhWogQI/AAAAAAAAs2I/9otYceyrL4I4Mw4kIiCkE_ogSsAFVCb7QCLcBGAs/s1600/pitons.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1075" data-original-width="1600" height="428" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oDKAxH99f9E/XCloHhWogQI/AAAAAAAAs2I/9otYceyrL4I4Mw4kIiCkE_ogSsAFVCb7QCLcBGAs/s640/pitons.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
St. Lucia's beauty is unrivaled as you can see with the iconic Pitons above. <a href="https://www.visitusvi.com/stjohn/homepage">St. John</a> is another island famous for its beauty and I was thrilled to find it recovered from the <a href="https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2018/09/03/hurricane-irma-st-john-rebuilding-one-year-later-love-city/1146557002/">devastation of Hurricane Irma</a>. As you can see below, Love City, as St. John is called, retains all of its tropical loveliness.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0NzvzuSfRWs/XCmb_rCvBaI/AAAAAAAAs3U/pEPFw1lwx7E5hjqJmOsCKR4hTE7J065KgCLcBGAs/s1600/st.john.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1075" data-original-width="1600" height="427" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0NzvzuSfRWs/XCmb_rCvBaI/AAAAAAAAs3U/pEPFw1lwx7E5hjqJmOsCKR4hTE7J065KgCLcBGAs/s640/st.john.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<a href="https://www.mtl.org/en">Montreal </a>is one of my fave cities and I'd visited in every season except winter. I decided to ignore my aversion to the cold and check it out in February. Snow and ice blanketed the city and outlying towns but it was still beautiful and exciting. I attended winter festivals, enjoyed jazz clubs and toured the dynamic street art scene. You can see a mural of <a href="ttps://www.leonardcohen.com">Leonard Cohen</a> peeking out over a building below.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BwtGPYMmUWo/XCmedba2H2I/AAAAAAAAs3o/BceQtF39TZgrLLpXSKRnpVndB4oevqu3gCLcBGAs/s1600/montreal%2Bstreet.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1075" data-original-width="1600" height="428" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BwtGPYMmUWo/XCmedba2H2I/AAAAAAAAs3o/BceQtF39TZgrLLpXSKRnpVndB4oevqu3gCLcBGAs/s640/montreal%2Bstreet.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
I returned to <a href="https://www.visittobago.gov.tt/">Tobago</a> after a long 18 years and found it mostly unchanged. The people were still friendly, the landscape was still stunning and the small island culture was just as intriguing. I visited parts of the island I had never seen and reveled under a sunset over <a href="https://www.destinationtnt.com/pigeon-point/">Pigeon Point</a> below. In 2018, I experienced different kinds of travel, wrote for different kinds of publications and viewed familiar locations from different angles. Here's to a new year of growth and travel!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-D01EJ2IkuuY/XCmh9cmPt4I/AAAAAAAAs38/O_RJzciZuVgPiCY3s9WItpRCdeSMGD_FQCLcBGAs/s1600/sunset.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="725" data-original-width="1080" height="428" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-D01EJ2IkuuY/XCmh9cmPt4I/AAAAAAAAs38/O_RJzciZuVgPiCY3s9WItpRCdeSMGD_FQCLcBGAs/s640/sunset.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />Fly Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18191335990973494972noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7770083379947049507.post-69615455292155053562018-12-21T21:22:00.000-08:002018-12-21T21:22:52.296-08:00Banku and Waakye and Palava Sauce: The Glory of Ghanaian Food<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-EGI1cK5WtZI/XB02Mxt9FgI/AAAAAAAAshI/ARKHfnvjpvgVh2vYJZBeW39u9fUkbJi_QCLcBGAs/s1600/20180830_221707.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-EGI1cK5WtZI/XB02Mxt9FgI/AAAAAAAAshI/ARKHfnvjpvgVh2vYJZBeW39u9fUkbJi_QCLcBGAs/s640/20180830_221707.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Despite the stereotypes, African food is as varied and amazing as the continent itself. I'm lucky that I live in a city that offers an array of West, East and North African cuisine so I arrived in <a href="http://www.ghana.travel/">Ghana </a>expecting to enjoy classic dishes like <i>waakye</i> (black eyed peas with rice), <i>banku</i> (fermented corn and cassava dough formed into balls to accompany fish or meat) and heaps of fresh fish. What I wasn't prepared for was the sheer variety and complexity of<a href="https://answersafrica.com/8-delicious-ghanaian-dishes-you-must-try.html"> Ghanaian cuisine</a>. Yes, there were the classics that I was familiar with but there were also variations according to region and city as well as modern interpretations and fusion meals. I was overwhelmed with the culture and history that I experienced in Ghana and I was also overstuffed with food every single day of my travels. I ate a <b>lot.</b> I discovered that my favorite was <i>palava sauce</i>, a savory sauce made with <i>kontomire</i> greens that are little like mustard greens and bitter melon seeds, served with fish. Here's a small list of what else I ate in Ghana:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2diLjfTXPi4/XB03DG5eywI/AAAAAAAAshc/jyexFC6yJqsypWL115vW_-g5oVitcGAeACEwYBhgL/s1600/20180821_210441.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2diLjfTXPi4/XB03DG5eywI/AAAAAAAAshc/jyexFC6yJqsypWL115vW_-g5oVitcGAeACEwYBhgL/s400/20180821_210441.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
The capital of<a href="http://www.ghana.travel/places-to-visit/regions/greater-accra/"> Accra</a> sits on the Gulf of Guinea so fish is a mainstay but in<a href="https://www.ghanaweb.com/GhanaHomePage/geography/kumasi.php"> Kumasi, the capital of the Ashanti region,</a> we visited <a href="http://ikescafegrill.com/">Ike's Cafe and Grill,</a> which boasts fish tanks for selecting your personal meal. On my first night, we dined at Ike's and you can see the before and after pic for the catfish above and below. The setting at Ike's is lovely, with tables under thatched umbrellas lining a lagoon.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1akqK-uJIx8/XB020T0-tTI/AAAAAAAAshY/M7HLlHGlI8ExmRRopbg4jAQgdaXg1nImQCEwYBhgL/s1600/20180821_215503.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1akqK-uJIx8/XB020T0-tTI/AAAAAAAAshY/M7HLlHGlI8ExmRRopbg4jAQgdaXg1nImQCEwYBhgL/s400/20180821_215503.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Another traditional dish is jollof rice with chicken, pictured below. Jollof rice, which is rice cooked with tomato paste and various spices, is a staple all over West Africa with each country claiming to make the best. <a href="https://www.bbc.com/news/blogs-trending-41053424">Jollof rice wars</a> throughout West Africa are very much a thing and I got into trouble for voicing my very informed opinion about what country prepares the best so I'll just leave it at I tasted Ghanaian jollof.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-IbFcRtndugE/XB03lE2ExuI/AAAAAAAAshg/S0oSnVqdOIgd8DPY_srCacS1ZwOLkVvJQCLcBGAs/s1600/20180821_212658.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-IbFcRtndugE/XB03lE2ExuI/AAAAAAAAshg/S0oSnVqdOIgd8DPY_srCacS1ZwOLkVvJQCLcBGAs/s400/20180821_212658.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Groundnut soup below, is another classic dish that's made with peanuts, tomatoes and spices. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fk16b_AuTx8/XB03ure4S0I/AAAAAAAAshk/v1qfIgULccgvZtrKe3nJZ3UY-5Ni1FUGQCLcBGAs/s1600/20180825_194459.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fk16b_AuTx8/XB03ure4S0I/AAAAAAAAshk/v1qfIgULccgvZtrKe3nJZ3UY-5Ni1FUGQCLcBGAs/s400/20180825_194459.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
It wasn't just about traditional dining in Ghana. We visited restaurants that served international cuisine and menus with a surprising combination of influences.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/--y53BVrHuio/XB04B1hqS6I/AAAAAAAAshw/s0FoETMOAG87jQdbFXtGh0A9sD2UkooAQCLcBGAs/s1600/20180823_202613.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/--y53BVrHuio/XB04B1hqS6I/AAAAAAAAshw/s0FoETMOAG87jQdbFXtGh0A9sD2UkooAQCLcBGAs/s400/20180823_202613.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://ofadaa.com/accra/restaurants/toro-tapas-bar">Toro Tapas Bar</a> is a chic restaurant in Accra owned by a Spaniard who serves up authentic Spanish small plates like<i> patatas bravas, croquetas</i>, octopus salad and even paella. I loved the aubergine chips with feta cheese and honey shown below. Toro is located in an open air courtyard that features live music and salsa dancing, the high energy was palpable.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ouXUYlo3F_4/XB04bz1L_BI/AAAAAAAAsh4/t61ATI-MJUUY3UMKpu-MaWqwQHrpLMJigCLcBGAs/s1600/20180823_210803.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ouXUYlo3F_4/XB04bz1L_BI/AAAAAAAAsh4/t61ATI-MJUUY3UMKpu-MaWqwQHrpLMJigCLcBGAs/s400/20180823_210803.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
The<a href="http://www.yoloxperiences.com/coco-lounge.aspx"> Coco Loung</a>e was another trendy restaurant we tried. The menu featured a crazy mix of dishes including Accra style pizza with gravy style sauce typically used for jollof instead of Italian pizza sauce, lamb burgers, black bean fried rice and <i>waakye</i> with spaghetti and chicken sausage. I sampled<i> arancini </i>balls with jollof rice, chicken and cheese, pictured below. Coco Lounge is a glamorous spot that doubles as a lounge and nightclub. So I felt compelled to try a cocktail; the Coco Colada in the large painted glass below.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dLr9mX3kyps/XB05VyF4LNI/AAAAAAAAsiU/RgmujM4AQRMOTEmjFeR1szkaJ-SpdzLMACLcBGAs/s1600/20180829_215920.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dLr9mX3kyps/XB05VyF4LNI/AAAAAAAAsiU/RgmujM4AQRMOTEmjFeR1szkaJ-SpdzLMACLcBGAs/s320/20180829_215920.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vP3AheEeabo/XB046O5g4DI/AAAAAAAAsiA/XYCryMvC3Wou1zEEk8L6RWpJTGmYUdrkQCLcBGAs/s1600/20180829_215447.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vP3AheEeabo/XB046O5g4DI/AAAAAAAAsiA/XYCryMvC3Wou1zEEk8L6RWpJTGmYUdrkQCLcBGAs/s400/20180829_215447.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
You can also find straightforward comfort food if you want that. On our last night we visited<a href="https://tgcrestaurant.com/"> The Gold Coast Restaurant,</a> a lively, sprawling place with an eclectic menu so big it was literally a book. The seafood platter pictured at the top of the post is from Gold Coast but they also offer wood-fired pizza. I'm from Chicago, which makes me a bit of a pizza snob. Ok, a big pizza snob, I don't generally order pizza outside of Chicago but I wanted to try Ghanaian pizza. As you can see below, they supplied a beautiful,golden crusted pizza. And it tasted as good as it looked.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ibpuA1Ra79I/XB05oGwxErI/AAAAAAAAsig/j56WiGuG1VY1up7ZtLM9Tgeez3kcheKxwCLcBGAs/s1600/20180830_215422.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ibpuA1Ra79I/XB05oGwxErI/AAAAAAAAsig/j56WiGuG1VY1up7ZtLM9Tgeez3kcheKxwCLcBGAs/s320/20180830_215422.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
And if you want to go ultra traditional, you can take off for a traditional village, like I did. Just outside <a href="https://travel.jumia.com/en-gb/destinations/koforidua-6130746">Koforidua</a>, located in the Eastern region of Ghana, I enjoyed fish stew cooked over an open fire. Like everything else I ate in Ghana, the stew was tasty and filling. Exploring Ghana's cuisine is as important as learning about its history and culture. You can taste so much about the country in every bite.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0eczSgJ9Ph0/XB06JQi8OGI/AAAAAAAAsiw/UVozgme_ayI-1KF41TZ-11G0l-jeoP0oQCLcBGAs/s1600/20180830_163945.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1051" data-original-width="1600" height="262" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0eczSgJ9Ph0/XB06JQi8OGI/AAAAAAAAsiw/UVozgme_ayI-1KF41TZ-11G0l-jeoP0oQCLcBGAs/s400/20180830_163945.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />Fly Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18191335990973494972noreply@blogger.com0