Rochester, New York's Annual Lilac Festival

Rochester, New York has been nicknamed the “Lilac Capital of the World”, one visit to the annual Lilac Festival and you’ll understand why.

Rochester is lovely in the spring. Perhaps nowhere, at this time is she lovelier than in Highland Park, where as April transitions to May, the park morphs from rolling green hills to the grand stage for the famous fragrant lilac bush displays.

Established by mere coincidence in 1898, when 3,000 people turned up at Highland Park to view the picturesque assortment of lavender, rose and cream colored lilacs; Rochester’s Lilac Festival is a source of city pride and tradition.

What began in 1892, as a showcase of 20 varieties of lilac bushes arranged by horticulturist John Dunbar, has grown into an internationally renowned spectacle paying reverence to no less than 500 lilac varieties. Lilac loving visitors flock to Rochester crossing cities, states and continents, to experience the beauty of Highland Park’s famous lilacs first-hand.

In addition to lilacs, you’ll find music, entertainment, child-friendly activities, horse carriage rides through the park, food, lilac wine tasting events, lilac soaps, perfumes and other lilac inspired products.

If you want to be swept up in the romance of the spring season, Rochester’s Lilac Festival is the destination for you.

10 Reasons to Visit Ghana

Two weeks ago, I was invited to speak on a panel at the Sojourner Truth Research Room in Oxon Hill Maryland on the subject of Ghana. The program, titled, “The Door of No Return” highlighted the relationship between Ghana and the United States, past, present and future. I was one of three panelists, who had embarked on a personal sojourn to Ghana and had crossed through the symbolic “Door of No Return” in the Cape Coast Castle.

While the majority of the conversation focused on the past, Ghana’s role in the Trans-Atlantic slave trade, the Cape Coast Castle and the Elmina Castle, the conversation expanded to focus on tourism in Ghana, the crucial future element.

Slowly, one by one, statements were heard from the audience:

“I never knew these things existed in Ghana. Why don’t they advertise?”

“I had no idea, there were beaches in Ghana and resorts.”

“Someone should organize a tour group for people interested in finding their roots in Africa.”

“How is a person supposed to know where to stay when they go to Ghana? You can’t find information about it on Travelocity or Expedia?”

“Really, West Africa is to Europeans, what the Caribbean is to Americans. How was I supposed to know? Why isn’t African tourism promoted in the United States?”

There are many reasons why tourism in Ghana isn’t promoted widely in the United States. As the questions and ideas began to circulate, our conversation narrowed on development and how we as Americans could potentially support developing countries in Africa, such as Ghana through tourism. I was ecstatic.

I have always been firm believer in responsible, sustainable, local travel. I see travel as one of the best ways to uplift struggling communities and stimulate and revitalize local economies. There is enormous strength in our tourist power. When we as travelers make conscious decisions to journey forth in a deliberately local and sustainable way, it becomes in essence a form of quiet activism.

Europeans have been vacationing in Africa for decades, they are well aware of the beauty of the landscape. With this influx, tourist dollars are being brought to the African continent, but there is a catch. Tourism, for the sake of tourism, doesn’t always impact development. Just as there are many Europeans vacationing in Africa, there are many European run bars and hotels, which benefit from the tourists dollars. The money spent in many ways trickles back to Europe, leaving the local economy relatively untouched.

I haven’t included my photographs and travel stories from Ghana in this blog because I began working on this project long after I had traveled to Ghana, however, in the spirit of promoting tourism and stirring up curiosity, I will compile a photo essay to share. First, I will share my top ten reasons to visit Ghana. Every business/ attraction listed below is locally owned and run providing a direct benefit to the people and communities in Ghana.

10 Reasons to visit Ghana:

1. Ghana has an incredibly diverse landscape. In the Cape Coast and surrounding areas, you’ll find secluded, pristine beaches. If you like large cities Accra and Kumasi are bustling business and entertainment centers. In Tamale, in the Upper Volta region you’ll find elephant and hippo safari reserves. There is something for everyone to enjoy in beautiful Ghana.

2. The Cape Coast Castle and Elmina Castle are worth visiting. These former slave forts, which have now been restored and turned into museums and monuments tell the story of the Trans-Atlantic Slave trade and bear witness to those who were snatched  from the shores of Ghana and forced on a passage westward. Melancholy and haunting, you should visit to remember, you should visit to experience, and you should visit to honor those who perished or passed through the dungeons and doors of no return. Just as people visit Auschwitz, these castles, are places of remembrance and bear testament to how far we have come as a civilization. On the brighter side, the Cape Coast Castle is home to a wonderful community of local artists. You can go to the shops in the courtyard and find wonderful and authentic gifts.   I connected with many locals and established friendships by hanging around the castle, being present and asking questions. Ghanaians are extremely friendly and eager to swap stories and tales. The Cape Coast Café is also a great place to grab a Fanta and watch the waves of the Atlantic Ocean crash against the boulders below.

3. Kakum National Park is a lush 375 square km forested park in Central Ghana. Kakum is home to jungle canopies; an exotic variety of flowers and plants, several species of monkeys, colorful birds and butterflies, and apparently, during certain seasons, forest elephants.  The canopy tours are adrenaline pumping. I’m not afraid of heights, but the bridges were so narrow, and those wooden planks so delicate, that I was a bit shaken. Well worth the anxiety, the views were astonishing. I wanted so badly to spot a forest elephant, but it wasn’t meant to be.

4. Nzuelo Stilt Village- Located in the middle of lake Anasuri, the Nzuelo Stilt Village is a traditional village, which has existed on the lake for the last 500 years. A photographers paradise, a visit to the village is a visit back in time. Accessible only by canoe, through snake and crocodile infested waters (how's that for adventure) you can spend the night in the village and get to know the locals who live life; in a way that is very similar to the way they lived it centuries ago. A small fishing community, women and children are often seen walking around naked and topless. My friend Alison and I made the trek in 2005. The chief and his son greeted us ceremoniously, the local women prepared traditional meals and we were allowed a rare glimpse into a way of life that is about as close as can be to tradition in this modern world. This recommendation comes with a caveat however. Female travelers, be prepared to stand your ground. Alison and I had to deal with some pretty inappropriate advances from the chief’s son and his friends. It made for some uncomfortable moments. I wouldn’t visit the village as a solo female traveler.

5. Mole Game Reserve- Lions, antelope and elephants- oh my! The Mole Game reserve is Ghana’s answer to the vast Savannas of her Southern and Central African neighbors.  The game reserve sits on 1300 square miles of lush land. Guides will take you through the maze of tall grass and trees. Get ready, to get surprisingly close to the wildlife. I had my first of many crocodile encounters here. Make sure to look down.

6. Kumasi is the capital of the Ashanti region and hands down, one of my favorite areas in Ghana. Not only is Kumasi a culturally rich mecca seeped in tradition and history, but the Ashanti people are some of the most hospitable and generous in the world. The spirit of Kumasi is one of a kind. The stately golden Manhiya Palace, home of the royal family is a must see. A great day trip is Lake Bosomtwe, in the Rain Forest Region, the largest natural lake in Ghana. Conservation efforts are in place to preserve the lake, where the Ashanti’s believe the souls of their dead gather. Massive and warm, Lake Bosomtwe is surrounded by misty blue mountains and vibrant green forests. Donations can be made to help support local conservation efforts. Kente cloth is also produced in the Kumasi region. A stroll around town will allow you a glimpse at skillful artisans at work.

7. African dance and drumming classes. With a little planning and preparation, you can take Djembe drumming and African dance classes. If you are in the Cape Coast region, you can literally go to the Coast Castle and ask for lessons, if you find yourself in another city or prefer a more structured approach, you can look online for schools and schedule a class or two in advance. However you go about it, take a class!

8. African Art- Ghana is home to a broad variety of African Art. From paintings and sculptures, to carvings and Kente textiles, you can truly become immersed in the art scene. There are a variety of museums and galleries that can be visited. A few are listed below.

-       The National Museum of Ghana– Accra

-       The Cape Coast Castle Museum- Cape Coast

-       Elmina Castle Museum- Cape Coast

-       Volta Regional Museum- Ho

-       Kwame Nkrumah Mausoleum and Museum- Nkroful

-       Upper East Regional Museum- Bolgatanga

9. Great food!!! I ate very well in Ghana. I definitely didn’t like everything, I would be lying if I said I did. In fact, Fufu, the national dish, I couldn’t stand. I did however, enjoy the fried plantains cooked to perfection in palm or coconut oil, the fresh fruit, the delicious fish, the black-eyed peas that were cooked to perfection and seasoned with tomatoes and spices. I loved the soy kabobs that could be purchased from vendors in the markets and the fresh doughnut pastries that women sold out of hot boxes balanced on their heads. There were several locally run restaurants in the Cape Coast region that I visited regularly. Ask locals for  recommendations. Be adventurous and open. Western style restaurants are everywhere as well, for those of you who prefer to stick with what you know. You can also find Indian and Chinese food establishments due to the large population of Asians, particularly in Accra. And if you are a chocoholic like myself, you will be pleased to know that Ghana produces high quality cocoa. Try a Star candy bar, Ghana’s very own brand (they can be purchased at most markets and shops)- delicious!

 

10. Visit your local Central Market!!!!!! I love Central Markets. Wherever I go, I make sure to patron the local market. You get such a great feel for a group of people and the regional culture at these gathering places. Every dollar spent also goes directly to the people and the community, which is always a good thing. In a central markets you can almost always find restaurant stalls where you can sample local food. Markets  are a wonderful place to purchase locally made jewelry, clothing and art. I’ve visited many central markets across Ghana; my favorite was the Kumasi Central Market, which is the largest in Western Africa. I was able to interact with locals, learn about the many medicinal applications of Shea Butter, see various salves and tinctures being created, have a dress custom made, and I was able to purchase everything on my list – EVERYTHING!

Who should visit Ghana? Everyone should visit Ghana. Ghana is diverse in landscape, rich in culture, relatively affluent, politically stable, and is seeped in history and tradition.

My great travel goal has always been to travel to every country in Africa, capturing both in photograph, words and film, moments of beauty and promise from each country. Yes, there are some very difficult and unfortunate things going on in Africa, but Africa, and all of her 53 countries host a vast array of extraordinary beauty, promise and potential.

24 Hours in Cleveland, Ohio

Upon first introduction, slate nondescript high-rises, predictable chain stores, overcast gray expanses of boarded up nothingness, I feared Cleveland would, as I somehow expected be a disappointing bore.

“Today for you, it will be more than 70 degrees,” the cabbie declared in broken English as he zipped down a series of deserted coal streets.

I smiled back, hoping Cleveland would give me more to look forward to than lovely weather. It wasn’t looking good.

It turned out the cabbie was right about the weather. After a somewhat disappointing breakfast, the sun came out, and the city transitioned from drear to brilliant blues and greens.

Constructed during a time of immense prosperity due in large part to the industrial boom and its prime location on Lake Erie, Cleveland is a sprawling suburban city seeped in history, the arts, industry, and scientific innovation.

10 am The Cleveland Museum of Art, 11150 East Boulevard

In the heart of Cleveland’s University Circle neighborhood, nestled behind a picturesque pond, sits the Cleveland Museum of Art. Before you can make your way to the museum’s doors, you are greeted on the front courtyard by art. Birds bathed in fountains, children splashed in the water at the base of statues, couples cuddled on antique cast iron benches beneath the undulating shade of willows, university students gathered on the steps of the museum with textbooks and novels. The theme of the morning was serenity.

Inside, the museum is divided into three immaculately maintained levels. The focus is  primarily centered on  European Art. I was taken by the extreme detail in some of the paintings. People and landscapes popped off the canvas. Ohm, my eight month old, was charmed by the stained glass displays. He was all giggles and smiles when it came to the bright colors and intricate designs.

There is a small collection of art and artifacts from Egypt, Asia and Africa and a special Rembrandt exhibit is currently being featured. The Rembrandt collection can be visited for a fee, otherwise the museum is free to the public.

12:00 pm Stroll through Wade Park, 11150 East Boulevard

Outside the doors of the Cleveland Museum of Art sits a Victorian inspired park dotted with fountains and bird-baths. I felt as though I had walked into a Monet painting set in modern times.  Ohm and I strolled the manicured walking paths. Butterflies circled our heads as they flitted from flower to flower. Chatty clusters of ducks and geese waddled by our side (one a little too close). In the center of the park you'll find a large irregularly shaped pond. Wade Park would have been the perfect setting for a picnic had I brought a basket and some lunch.

3:00 pm Rock N’ Roll Hall of Fame, 1100 Rock and Roll Boulevard

We headed downtown, to see the Rock N’ Roll Hall of Fame next. Cleveland claims to be  the birth place of Rock and Roll. For lack of a better simile, The Rock N’ Roll Hall of Fame is like a massive Hard Rock Café. Memorabilia covered every possible surface. The museum, which is positioned above Lake Erie, was an  interesting blend of history and pop culture. Exhibits were interactive and informative. I learned about Willie Mae "Big Mama" Thornton, the original voice behind rock n’ roll songs like “Hound Dog.”

5:00 pm Self-Guided Walking Tour of Cleveland Soldiers’ and Sailors’ Monument

Downtown Cleveland has a lot of surprises. Yes, half of the city is, quite deserted, boarded up even, but there are pockets of life. The architecture is simply stunning. The streets are wide and accommodating. Art installations could be found all over the city, from the iconic free stamp, to the Jazz band statues, to the Soldiers’ and Sailors’ Monument in public square.

A history nerd, I visited the Soldiers’ and Sailors’ monument which was erected to commemorate the courage of the Union Soldiers and the Cuyahoga County sailors in the War of the Rebellion. At the center of the monument sits a small museum that is free to the public. Above the museum, monument  statues dangled lifeless and haunting in their precise detail and realism.

7:00 pm “Come Fly Away” performance at the Palace Theatre in Playhouse Square, 501 Euclid Avenue

My husband, as I’ve mentioned before, is a member of the “Come Fly Away” orchestra (hence our visit to Cleveland to begin with). In Cleveland, the show was featured  at the historic and beautifully restored Palace Theatre. Originally a vaudeville theatre and movie house,  The Palace now hosts touring shows off the Broadway circuit. Next up “Mamma Mia.”

9:00 pm Dinner on 4^th Street

Where do you go for food in Cleveland? That’s a great question. I was lost for breakfast and lunch.  I stuck to my usual method of asking locals for suggestions about where to go and what to do and I was met with blank stares and smirks. Nothing  and I mean nothing was open. There was a Starbucks and a CVS that sold snacks. The situation was desperate. The majority of the restaurants cater to the 9-5, M-F crowd. If you find yourself in Cleveland on a weekend during the day- good luck! There is one solution to the food problem in Cleveland however 4^th street. Fourth street right off of Euclid is home to a score of festive restaurants and bars that open in the late afternoon and evening for dinner, drinks and beyond. We went to Noodle Cat, a trendy Japanese restaurant specializing in you guessed it- noodles. The food was great.

11:00 pm Drinks at Chocolate Bar, 347 Euclid Avenue

I’m a huge chocoholic and I enjoy a good drink, Chocolate Bar was the answer to my evening. I had a mocha crepe for desert and a chocolate martini. My creamy chocolate martini was the perfect end to my day in Cleveland, Ohio.

*  *   *

Cleveland remains an enigma. A city of the industrial revolution, down on its luck since the 60’s, there is still a presence, a sense of grandeur, and a haunting emptiness. A bit stand-offish, straightforward and user-friendly, Cleveland is a city that is shuffling to re-emerge and re-claim her lost glory. As I’ve said before, Cleveland, I’m rooting for you.

Cleveland, Ohio: Photo Essay of a Post-Industrial Ghost Town

As a vacation destination, in her current state,  Cleveland has little to give. I'm rooting for her though, Cleveland has a lot of potential.

24 Hours in Charlotte

“Wait, where are you?”

“Charlotte.”

“Why are you in Charlotte?”

I was in Charlotte because my amazingly talented trombonist husband recently joined the orchestra of the touring company of “Come Fly Away.”  Long tours can be difficult on a relationship, especially now that our little-one is part of our family equation. The solution, Sojourner and Ohm tag along with daddy on the weekends as he finishes the American leg of the tour. The international leg begins this summer and we’ll be able to tag along for the entire adventure (woot woot!) But before I get ahead of myself, let me focus on Charlotte.

Perhaps because I spend so much time in New York, Southern hospitality truly warms my heart and disarms me. Charlotte is the quintessential Southern gentleman (with a woman’s name). Having little to offer by way of character, the city of Charlotte is tremendously hospitable, user-friendly, and appreciative of a good time. My first 24 hours in Charlotte went something like this:

9:00 am Breakfast at Café Sienna (230 N College Street

Charlotte, NC 28202)

New York has spoiled me. I love a good slow breakfast/brunch. Café Sienna, didn’t quite cut it. There was a shortage of breakfast options in our Center City location. Café Sienna drew us in because we were hungry and because they boasted a tremendous breakfast menu. Unfortunately, what looked lovely on paper was quite mediocre on the tongue. Eggo waffles on a restaurant plate anyone?

11:00 am Stroll to and through the Charlotte Regional Farmer’s Market (Yorkmont Road)

The Charlotte Regional Farmer’s Market was just my speed. Intimate and saturated with local flavor, the market bursts full of vibrant flowers, fragrant local produce, savory and sweet baked goods and subtly aromatic herbs,. It reminded me of a quaint central market. I love the idea of buying local when I travel. The Charlotte Regional Farmer’s Market is definitely the place to mingle with locals and stimulate the area economy.

1:00 pm Lunch at Nikko Japanese Restaurant & Sushi Bar (1300 South Blvd. Charlotte, NC 28203)

Nikko’s didn’t disappoint. The food was delicious. Nikko’s had a great selection of sushi and a surprisingly satisfying wine list (normally a red girl, I strayed off my usual course, lured by their Mazzeti Moscato, it was great!). We sat outside on charming cast iron café tables. The weather, by this point in the afternoon was a perfect 80 degrees with the right amount of breeze. The entire time we were there, Charlotte seemed alive with a light breathy breeze (not a blow your hat off breeze, or a puff your skirt up breeze , but a gentle, refreshing swirl of fresh air originating from a mysterious point far off in some unknown distance.

4:00 pm Carriage Ride  (Tryon St., between 6th & 7th St. (by Discovery Place).

The carriage ride, which lasted about an hour was entertaining, but relatively uneventful. Our horse trotted slowly down the streets of Uptown Charlotte. The older buildings of what they term “Old Charlotte” were beautiful architectural treasures. Unfortunately, most of what we saw was the “New Charlotte,” which was shiny, modern, and quite honestly a bit boring. Charlotte is home to a large variety of specialty boutique shops. If you’re a shopper, you can definitely find a lot of unique local goods and wares.

7:00 pm “Come Fly Away” Show at the Belk Theatre at the Blumenthal Performing Arts Center

 

The Belk Theatre is absolutely stunning. From the ornate jade and coral interior to the state of the art theatre space, it is a wonderful venue to catch one of the many Broadway touring shows that make their way through the city.  I saw “Come Fly Away” which was very well done. I’m a big Twyla Tharp fan and her choreography didn’t disappoint. Next on the roster, I believe was “Warhorse”. The list is constantly changing as the theatre hosts a steady rotation of shows. Another bonus, is it’s prime location, in the center of the city,  making it easily  walkable  from many hotels and in the direct proximity of a variety of after-show restaurants.

9:00 Dinner at Mert’s Heart and Soul (214 N. College Street, Charlotte, NC 28202)

Whenever we asked locals where to go for dinner they mentioned Mert’s. Approaching Mert's doors, we could make out the sweet aroma of cornbread, savory sauces and the unmistakable, crispy scent of things being fried. Mert’s was packed. The service was a bit haphazard and slow, but the food was great. Little Ohm finished off a complete side dish of mashed potatoes. I was a big fan of the macaroni and cheese and the greens ( I actually didn’t really think my fried fish was all that remarkable). Mark was all about the sweet tea and the ribs. Whatever your preference, Mert’s should fill you up and leave you satisfied and in need of a wheelbarrow to transport you home.

If eleven is too early for you to turn in, Charlotte bursts to life at night. Preppy frat boys slowly begin to take over street corners, as gangs of drunken women, who by the way get quite dressed up for a night out (I saw several women in their twenties wear pearls to the bar) parade through the streets staggering and weaving into each other. Charlotte is a peculiar, yet friendly and spirited place to creep about at night.

Let's Go Charlotte!

 

patriotism at its finest

Charlotte, plus Cinco de Mayo, who knew?

When one thinks about Cinco de Mayo celebrations around the world, Puebla, Mexico, or Mexico as a whole, most likely comes to mind. Depending upon where you live, certain pockets of the U.S. west and southwest may also register. After my weekend in Charlotte, North Carolina, Charlotte is now on that list.

Charlotte is a party city. I wasn’t ready. I knew Charlotte was a college town, but I truly wasn’t ready for the large masses of revelers, young to middle aged, every shade of human being, suburban to urban who hit the streets of downtown Charlotte to party. Cinco de Mayo in Charlotte was a big deal.

I love any excuse to load up on Mexican food and margaritas. Mexican is hands down my favorite ethnic food variety and don’t even get me started about the many virtues of margaritas (on the rocks please w/ salt). I share this affinity it seems with the city of Charlotte.

My first stop was the Cinco de Mayo Salsa-thon in the S. Tryon street parking lot. With the feel of an enormous block party, there were mariachi bands, vendors, prizes and giveaways, DJs and of course the draw of the event, the salsa-thon set to the beat of live music.

No, I didn’t sign-up for the Salsa-thon, but I did watch as others stepped and swayed with fury and glory. I didn’t make it until the end, to see who won, because I was determined to head to Epi Cinco 2012 at the pavilion at the Epi Center, the city’s second major event of the day.

I arrived just in time to catch the famed Chihuahua race where local Chihuahuas decked out in their finest Mexican garb raced each other along a ten-foot stretch of AstroTurf. The Epi-center event was packed. Host also to an enormous beer crawl, which was already underway as well as a Cinco de Mayo dance party, the crowd by three p.m., was rowdy and staggering. Luckily for everyone, authentic Mexican taco stands dotted the square to curb drunken stomachs. People partied into the wee hours of the morning. As I said before, I wasn’t ready.

Charlotte, plus Cinco de Mayo, who knew?

Being In The Moment

Two days ago, I found myself flipping through the pages of A Day’s Tour, a travel narrative written by Percy Fitzgerald circa 1887.  Travel writing has evolved over the years, but certain scenic impressions and sentiments remain timeless.

“We long to be away, to be crossing over that night- enjoying a cool fresh passage, all troubles and monotony left behind.”

I found my footing when I stumbled across this passage. This sentiment binds us, travelers, sojourners, from all corners of the globe and walks of life. The desire to step purposefully, to experience life in the moment, to have the senses engaged by new places and spaces is universal. Whether discovering for the first time, the town next door, or the continent next door, the art of travel in many ways is the art of being in the moment.

I’m in Brooklyn right now, in the middle of a writing class and finishing up a photography class, but I can’t wait to hit the road again. Here’s a glimpse at what’s to come:

Charlotte, North Carolina

Cleveland, Ohio

New Haven, Connecticut

Pittsburg, Pennsylvania

Rochester, New York

Jamaica

Tokyo, Japan

Osaka, Japan

Australia

The Marshall Islands

As always, if you have tips pertaining to any of these locations or know wine loving’ friendly folks who reside in these areas, don’t hold out.

My site, Sojourner’s Sojourns, will also be getting a much-needed face-lift in the coming two weeks. I’m excited for her big reveal.

Be present. Step forth.

A Touch of Brasil in Herald Square

I wish I were a natural green thumb. I crave green leafy goodness to enliven the dull slate that characterizes city living. Despite my best intentions, I am the curator of a string of failed urban garden attempts. Luckily, my longing to see vibrant green, eye-popping red and creamy yellow was satisfied today with a trip to the Macy’s Flower Show.

A Herald Square tradition since 1953, the Springtime show features an aromatic and beguiling array of flowers and plants making it the perfect anecdote to the gray rainy haze that regularly parades itself as Springtime in New York.

The theme of this years show is “Brasil: Gardens in Paradise.” Running from March 25- April 7, “Brasil: Gardens in Paradise” is free to the public and well worth the twenty minutes or so you’ll most likely spend on line.

The show is housed inside a large tent (spanning just under a block) located in front of the main entrance to Macy’s at Herald Square.

The windows at Macy’s, similar to the pomp and circumstance of the Christmas season, are decked out in the festive fashion of Brazilian Carnival.  Allow your feet to shuffle and step  as Samba music escapes onto the street.

One step inside the show tent, and one is greeted with warm humid air, the smell of earth and greenery, the sound of birds and running water, and a colorful quilt of exotic plants and flowers.

Designed to resemble various floral landscapes in Brazil, you will be transported from a waterfall beside a bridge, to a porch in Rio, to a market square and on and on as you stroll through the tent. Sensual and compelling, “Brasil: Gardens in Paradise” is a journey that transcends time and place.

*Note: The Flower Show hours are the same as the Macy's store hours.

Spring In Brandywine, Maryland: A Photo Journey

“The Town Mouse said to his friend: "You live here the life of the ants, while in my house is the horn of plenty. I am surrounded by every luxury, and if you will come with me, as I much wish you would, you shall have an ample share of my dainties."  The Country Mouse was easily persuaded, and returned to town with his friend. On his arrival, the Town Mouse placed before him bread, barley, beans, dried figs, honey, raisins, and, last of all, brought a dainty piece of cheese from a basket. The Country Mouse, being much delighted at the sight of such good cheer, expressed his satisfaction in warm terms and lamented his own hard fate.

 Just as they were beginning to eat, someone opened the door, and they both ran off squeaking, as fast as they could, to a hole so narrow that two could only find room in it by squeezing. They had scarcely begun their repast when someone else entered to take something out of a cupboard, on which the two Mice, more frightened than before, ran away and hid themselves. At last the Country Mouse, almost famished, thus addressed his friend: "Although you have prepared for me so dainty a feast, I must leave you to enjoy it by yourself. It is surrounded by too many dangers to please me." – The Country Mouse and the Town Mouse

Despite spending the majority of my time in New York, I am at heart a country mouse. While I enjoy the sophisticated pleasures and conveniences of city living, I am most at home strolling barefoot over a carpet of moss and grass, gazing at stars in a midnight sky, falling asleep to the hum of insects and waking up to a chorus of birds.

When crazy New York gets the best of me (and that is quite often), I like to retreat to my home in Brandywine for a dose of balance, perspective and old fashioned country charm.

I had so much fun experimenting with my camera to churn out these old fashioned photographs. Sorry, no actual house photos.

Visiting New York? Try a vacation rental.

  When it comes to planning a New York City vacation, there are numerous accommodation styles worth considering. From hostels, to bed and breakfasts, to hotels and motels, you can find a little bit of everything in Manhattan and its surrounding boroughs. But did you know that there is also a booming rental market for city guests? Whether you’re in town for a weekend, a week, or an extended stay, apartments and condos can be rented for a comfortable and authentic New York experience.

I met up with Fred Owens, a licensed New York real estate agent partnered with Kian Realty NYC where we got the chance to talk holiday/vacation rentals and tour some available units.

Sojourner:  Why should visitors to New York City consider renting apartments as opposed to staying in hotels?

Fred:  While visitors from all over the world dream of one day waking up in the “city that never sleeps,” the cost of lodging in New York often prevents travelers from experiencing some of the most quintessential attractions the city has to offer such as a Broadway show or a night out on the town. So, in order for visitors to get the most out of a New York City vacation without taking out a second mortgage to stay at a top hotel, vacation rentals can be a lower-cost alternative. Choosing a vacation rental makes a lot of sense for travelers who prefer a home away from home environment. Whether traveling with children or with more than a few guests, sharing space, a kitchen, laundry, private bedrooms, and all the amenities of home makes for a more comfortable and pleasurable vacation experience.

S: Are apartment rentals easy to come by? What is the process of renting an apartment?

F: Vacation rentals are very easy to attain, however, it is very important for visitors to understand what they’re getting.  Travelers should be sure to ask the landlord key questions such as: A) What is the pet and children policy? B) What is the cancellation and payment policy? C) How many people can stay? D) When/Where you’ll need to pick up the apartment keys?  E) Is daily maid service included?

If the landlord does not offer one, always request a rental agreement/contract. This usually covers payment (such as security deposits and refunds), check-in and checkout information, fees, and other details. This can help protect you should a disagreement arise.

As with any other lodging, travelers will have the most options for location and amenities the further in advance they reserve accommodations.  It’s also important for travelers to keep in mind that they will most often be staying in an apartment building where people live full time. Being courteous is a must.

S: Does a visitor have to be in New York for an extended stay for these rentals to be worthwhile?

F: No. The average hotel price in New York City is $300 per night. Most vacation rentals are often less expensive than hotels, there’s more space and more amenities. Also, staying in a vacation rental can give travelers the sense of living in New York City instead of just visiting.

S: What amenities do rentals come with?

F: Amenities vary; however usually standard is a kitchen with cooking utensils, refrigerator, bed/s, linens, Wi-Fi, and Cable/Satellite TV.

S: How would someone go about finding apartment rental listings?

F: There are many websites, which travelers can use to seek vacation rentals in the city. One of my favorites is VRBO.com. When travelers are exploring the various sites, it is important that they be aware of rental scams, which are an unfortunate part of the vacation rental industry. Employing the services of a local licensed real estate agent, such as myself can help provide travelers with keen insight on safe and desirable areas of the city as well as landlords who can legally provide vacation rentals.

S: Are there listings across the five boroughs?

F: Yes. While every borough has vacation rental options, the most desired rentals tend to me in Manhattan and Brooklyn.

*If you have questions or would like to search for a rental, Fred can be reached via email at fowens@kianrealtynyc.com or via phone at 212.757.8268 x126.

Pondering and Rambling About My Origins in Cameroon

  I recently, in honor of Black History month and out of genuine curiosity took an African Ancestry DNA test. A test similar to the ones famously taken by Oprah, Henry Louis Gates Jr. and Blair Underwood (to name a few). It turns out part of my story (matrilineal) began in Cameroon, a small Western African country that up until this point, I had not thought much about. Knowledge is quite a motivator, and armed with my fragmented piece of the missing puzzle, I am making plans to visit my newly discovered country of partial origin.

A genetic match with the Tikar people, my ancestors made a home for themselves in the North Western region of the country. The ruling class, they controlled their region and the accompanying trade routes enjoying relative prosperity. When the Europeans pushed into Cameroon, many young Tikar people were captured and taken aboard slave ships.

According to records, the majority of the Tikar who survived the middle passage were females (the men, had a very high suicide rate). Transported heavily to the state of Virginia, where they became numbers and mules instead of people with stories. Records chronicling their journeys, their existence were burned upon emancipation, a torched legacy that has kept the past, a painful and infuriating mystery to many black Americans who in its wake have been forced to forge an identity without a clear understanding of where they came from.

Grateful to modern science and the prevalence of African genealogy tests, I now have a point of reference. I am a descendant of a Tikar woman, who several centuries ago, survived the unthinkable, landing safely on American soil, where she gave birth to generations thriving to this day. I am not going to buy a Cameroonian flag to wave out of my window; I’m not going to blast Cameroonian music or cheer extra loud for their football team during the world cup. I’m not going to travel to Cameroon with hopes of a large dramatic homecoming filled with hugs from cousins centuries removed, drumming, dance, and a grand welcome from the chief. I simply stand grounded in my newfound knowledge and am grateful that I have a detailed past to pass on to my son- my future generations.

In 2005, I first made my way to the continent of Africa. I went to Ghana, on the western coast to volunteer at an orphanage. In many ways, this journey was an attempt to understand the mysteries of the past as I spent a vast majority of my time researching and touring the abandoned slave forts at the Cape Coast and Elmina Castles.

A few years back, I wrote a piece originally published by Pilot Guides, about my experience touring the Cape Coast Castle. It is as follows:

Ghana has a smell. It's familiar and distant, like plants, humidity, smoke and burning wood. It's an earthy comforting aroma. As comforting as the dusty red road that leaves its residue on my bare feet and ankles. I came to Ghana to take in all the sights and sounds of its Cape Coast region. Today I would take in the Cape Coast Castle, a beautiful white colonial structure adorned with fading black cannons overlooking a beach. I purchased a guided tour. I wanted the full experience.

 I had a 20-minute wait before my tour began and took that time to browse the artisan shops near the entrance. There are a wonderful variety of shops selling carvings, kente cloth, drums, music, art and jewelry. I weave quickly in and out of the shops, taking in their colours and textures.

 Once a small crowd of tourists has formed, our tour begins. Our guide is a young Ghanaian man whose English is soft and unwavering. We assemble on the veranda and get a brief history lesson.

The Swedish Africa Company erected the Cape Coast Castle in 1653. The Castle underwent many changes as it grew with the slave trade. Most of the slaves that came to the Americas exited through this site. We learned how slaves were shackled and held in dark, cold dungeons until there were enough slaves for a voyage.

 I wondered how difficult it was for our guide to speak so eloquently about this dark moment in history. How many tours had this young man given to be able to speak in such a matter of fact manner as tourists wept touched by his words. Our history lesson complete, we headed onto what would be the most haunting leg of our tour. We were led into the dark dingy brick dungeons that once centuries ago held hundreds of frightened shackled slaves.

 We were taken into the women's dungeons first. Our only light was a flashlight. It was a cold dark room. We were silent. Outside, the sound of waves hitting the shore echoed throughout the small room. Inside it was cold, dark, and haunting. Our guide pointed out a faint line on the brick about a foot high. The line indicated that stagnant water was inside as well. Slaves were herded into these rooms for days, weeks, with no food, fresh air or light, they were forced to urinate and defecate in the water that surrounded their ankles, which ultimately left the markings that spoke of their misery.

Slowly we went into the male dungeons. They were almost identical. The same water markings existed. Shining his flashlight, our guide also pointed out markings on the brick that were made by the shackles of the slaves, slaves who had rubbed their shackles on the brick in an attempt to escape or etch warnings to others in their tribal languages. A place like this, takes your breath away slowly. There is no way to fully process the horrors that went on in this space. Many on the tour wept openly.

 After the dungeons, we were guided through winding corridors, into rooms that would have housed governors and other officers. We were led outside, up to the balcony where it was hard to adjust to the activity below of fishermen casting out colourful nets, blue water crashing against boulders and sand and laughter.

We examined the canons and were shown the space, a rectangular opening, where unruly slaves were thrown to their deaths from the castle onto the jagged wet rocks below.

 Finally we were taken back inside through our final corridor that led to the "door of no return". This was the last door that slaves had to pass through before they were boarded onto ships, never to return. A shrine had been made in a room before the door. A simple structure in two tiers draped in white cloth. Offerings were placed on and around it.

I was struck by the desire to do something but I had nothing to leave at the shrine as some of the others in my group did. I felt overwhelmed with the need to honour this site, but how? I was at a loss. I wanted to scream out, cry, bathe the space with peace. After standing in silence, I approached our guide with a favour. I asked him to permit me to exit through the door of no return. To my surprise he agreed to open it to me, but on one condition, the condition that I, unlike so many who went through before, walked back through.

© Sojourner Walker

I am not sure what I will discover when I finally make it to North Western Cameroon, but I look forward the opportunity to embrace the past and re-claim a piece of my story – that figurative door of no return.

-If any of you are interested, I have been asked to speak at the Sojourner Truth Research Library in Washington, D.C., this May on the topic of the Door of No Return in the Cape Coast Castle. I will post more about this engagement in April.

San Antonio, Texas - A Photo Diary (and a few words too)

Hazy and hopeful with a pinch of spice, San Antonio, Texas is a great weekend destination. With a thriving arts scene and a strong historical tradition, there are a number of things to see and enjoy (many for free). Whether you're all about great food, Mexican culture, the rodeo, romantic walks along moonlit canals, or super-sized malls, San Antonio has got it all.

The San Antonio Riverwalk is one of the city's proud main attractions. A portion of the Riverwalk surrounds an actual river with a mud bottom, hence, the murky brown water. Three feet deep in this section, there are apparently snakes and fish lurking below. Further down the Riverwalk, there is a damn with a drop-off, a man-made river continues from here.

I know the water looks dirty, but apparently it is really clean. Locals say you can see fish  in the water when the sun is shinning. I don't know if I buy in to that one? One really cool thing about the water though, is that people are allowed to bring out their canoes and paddle boats for a nice afternoon ride.

San Antonio was so clearly laid out. A pedestrian friendly city, everywhere we went, there were signs directing us to main attractions. Finally, a city I can navigate easily. I have a notoriously poor sense of direction, but I didn't get lost here.

I found myself outside the home of the old Spanish Governer. I can only assume that this is a statue of the man himself.

                                                                  Here he is again. What a handsome and dapper gentleman.

                                                 Speaking of handsome and dapper, here are my two men taking in the sights.

There is so much colonial history in San Antonio. Its a city seeped deeply in history in general. So many things happened here. So many characters of ole' floated through this town, from Davey Crockett, to O. Henry - who knew? Texas, to this New Yorker, is as exotic as any foreign country.

                                                             Everywhere we turned, there were historical landmark plaques.

There was a remarkable variety in the architecture. Some buildings looked Old Hollywood, while others were Spanish and French colonial. Then there were small cottages left over from the early German settlers. It was all very interesting to take in.

                                                                                            More historical landmarks...

You are looking at the side of the O. Henry House Museum. That's right, the writer himself once lived in San Antonio.

Now we're looking at the front of O. Henry's house. I didn't take pictures inside out of respect for the museum, but it has been left as it was. To the right there is a small bed and towards the back there is a kitchen and writing desk. So quaint, so cute- O. Henry!

                                        The trolleys were a great touch. I counted two service lines, there may have been more.

I loved this part of town. Historic Market Square in La Villita, was very Mexican and very artsy. The streets were festive and full of restaurants, shops, a farmer's market, a museum and an artisans bazaar. This is the largest Mexican marketplace north of the Rio Grande.

           Sombrero stand in La Villita. There were over 100 shops and stalls peddling everything from silver to vanilla extract.

                                                                                       Guess what.....more sombreros!

                                                                                Love these colors. Mini-guitars in La Villita.

                                                       A lovely Canadian tourist, snapped this photo of me in front of a tin horse.

                                             Marionettes, so much fun! I was tempted to buy one for Ohm but self-control won.

                                                           This building is so Texan. This is the entrance to Market Square.

The family shrine in the lobby of Mi Tierra restaurant. This place is a fun time (great atmosphere, not the best food to be honest, but hey...). Make sure you stop by the bakery for dessert though, the bakery is extraordinary. If you are a fan of good Mexican food, there are tons of local places to go to, to satisfy your craving. The locals are more than happy to point you in the right direction.

                                                                            The entrance to the Market Square shops.

                                                                           Market Plaza, same building as Market Square.

The Museo Alameda was fantastic! Affiliated with the Smithsonian, the museum chronicled the Mexican Revolution through documents, artifacts and (best of all) some of the most compelling oil paintings. The paintings were absolutely breathtaking. I know I'm a big museum nerd, but this one is a must-see if you are in San Antonio. I learned so much about the Mexican Revolution and the subsequent renaissance. Being a New Yorker, I knew very little about either.

               I happened to come across the Museo Alameda on the perfect day- "Free Day Tuesdays!" I left a donation though.

                                                                                             Downtown San Antonio

This beautiful monument is the San Fernando Cathedral, the first cathedral in the United States. In front of the Cathedral is a lovely square with cafe tables and chairs- the good life...

                                                                                   My men gazing at the Cathedral.

                                  My little cutie taking in the sights. Hmmm...he doesn't look impressed. He's a tough audience to please.

                                                                                       Taking a walk along the Riverwalk

                                                  The Riverwalk walkway. One of the many. The Riverwalk stretches for miles.

                                                                                        Ducks playing in the river.

                                                                                                  The Riverwalk

                                                                          The trail (rather, one of many) along the River.

                                                                                      Boat ride down the river.

On top of every building there seemed to fly the Texas flag. The lonestar state is a mighty proud place. I've lived in New York state for the majority of my life and could not tell you what our state flag looks like.

                                                                                    A monument near the Alimo

The courtyard surrounding the Alimo, San Antonio's first mission (formerly Mision San Antonio de Valero). This area was very melancholy but beautiful.

Here she is, the Alimo herself. I must say, she was much smaller than I thought she would be. The Alimo originally served as a home to Spanish missionaries and their Indian converts.

                           Here's a more intimate headshot. The Alimo has been beautifully restored and stands proud.

Apparently the Alimo was almost destroyed until the Daughters of the Republic of Texas stepped in and demanded that it become a historical site.

Eating lunch at Mi Tierra in La Villita. Can you spot the baby? Behind us was a beautiful mural depicting important Mexican American figures. Sadly, I must admit, I was not able to identify most of them.

Ohm came, saw, and conquered San Antonio. Here he is in the hat he picked out with his drool covered little fingers at the farmer's market in La Villita. Finally, a satisfied customer.

In Search of Vegan, Gluten-Free, Soy-Free, Egg-Free, Nut-Free Delicious Desserts

“I’m going to recommend, if you still want to breast feed, due to the nature of Ohm’s allergies, that you adapt a total elimination diet so that we can determine the source of his irritation.” “What does an elimination diet entail?”

“No dairy, no eggs, no nuts, no soy and no wheat.”

“What?”

“Absolutely no dairy, eggs, nuts, soy or wheat.”

“What can I eat?”

“Not very much. I suggest you stick to the hypo-allergenic baby formula.”

And there I was, standing beneath the fluorescent bulb of the examination room, my diaper clad infant splayed across my lap, six red raised splotches on his back, confirmation that he was indeed allergic to everything. I had a decision to make. I was being forced pledge ideological mommy allegiance. To breast feed or to formula feed. I was a breast feeder. I believe firmly that a mother’s milk is best. I nursed my son through the early pain and frustration until it became a comfortable part of our daily bonding. But after three and a half months, Ohm began to break out in horrible hives and eczema patches began to take over his soft baby skin. I was referred to a pediatric allergy specialist where I received the devastating news:  no dairy, eggs, nuts, soy or wheat if I were to continue breast-feeding.

I am an eater. I love food. With no allergies or food sensitivities, my system has never let me down; I have never known what it means to do without. Determined not to back down and give in to formula feeding my son, I gathered my list of things I must do without and attempted to move forward, cold turkey.

I’m lucky, to live part-time in New York where I have access to an enormous variety of niche foods and options.

A dessert girl through and through, the most difficult thing for me to give up was my thirst for baked goods and tasty sweet treats. After a little research however, I was able to find several bakeries with delicious alternatives to cater to my vegan, gluten-free, egg free, soy free and nut free needs. To my surprise, not only did I have options, I had a plethora of delicious and alluring desserts to choose from.

If you are faced with a similar plight as mine, or are on a strict diet, or simply want to sample a twist on your baked goods classics, here are some New York (Manhattan and Brooklyn) bakeries sure to satisfy your sweet cravings.

Brooklyn:

 Sun In Bloom: Vegan, Gluten-Free and Raw Kitchen in (Park Slope)

460 Bergen Street, Brooklyn, NY 11217

718-622-4303

My favorite things here are the chocolate-chip whoopee pies and the cupcakes.

Luv Tea Café (Clinton Hill)

14 Putnam Ave, Brooklyn, New York 11238

347-889-7435

You will find gluten-free/vegan snacks amongst the regular snacks. Everything is clearly marked. My favorite is the flourless dark chocolate cookies.

Champs (Williamsburg)

176 Ainslie St, Brooklyn, NY 11211

(718) 599-2743

Yummy cupcakes!!!!

Manhattan:

Babycakes

248 Broome Street (Btwn Orchard & Ludlow)

New York City, NY 10002

212.677.5047

Try the cinnamon buns, they are fabulous! You’ve also got to taste the cookies.

Of course there are other fine establishments, but these are the ones that I frequent. I'd love more tips to update my list if you have any.

* Side note, despite indulging in sweets, clear skin and weight loss are great side effects of the elimination diet!

What's In A Name?

“Sue-jerner?” “No.” “Sigourney? Like the actress from Aliens?” “No.”

“Sojoiner?” ”No.”

“Serjerner?” “No.”

I grew up with a large and inaccurate variety of names. It was inevitable that during the course of a day, I would have to correct its pronunciation at least five times.

As a child I wanted nothing more than to blend in seamlessly. In kindergarten I wore the requisite pigtails tied with pink bows. In first grade I took ballet and tap classes, pirouetting and shuffle ball changing my way to popularity. In second grade I read the  Ramona Quimby books just like my peers and chatted with them endlessly about the indignities of being seven in a world designed for thirteen year olds. My attempts to blend continued for years, yet despite my efforts to glide peacefully through my early life, my name was always there to trip me up.

I cursed my parents for not giving me a good sensible name like Jennifer or Samantha. Jennifer and Samantha were my favorite names. All of my dolls (and I had quite an extensive collection) had Jennifer or Samantha as either a first or middle name. I had no choice but to live vicariously through them.

It’s uncanny how our names, long or short, complicated or easy to pronounce define us. Like mantras repeated several times a day, we become subtly attuned to the vibration of our sound.

My parents decided to name me Sojourner. This was my father’s idea actually and I wonder if he thought it through.

A history professor, I know where he was trying to go with my name. From those who could actually place where my name was derived, I often heard “Sojourner! As in Sojourner Truth? What great shoes you have to fill.” These people almost always pronounced my name correctly and were rewarded almost always with a relieved smile.

Names like people evolve. Somewhere around my sophomore year of high school, I began to appreciate the unique sound of my name and the meaning behind its soft j and staccato o.

Sojourner Truth, was a lovely and accomplished woman, however, I saw myself in my name in a different way. I saw the romance of a canoe trip down the Nile. I saw the brilliance of the sunset across the Serengeti. I was called to the cobblestone narrow streets of Montmartre.

Sojourner, taken from the French word sojourn meaning to travel for a brief period was how I identified with my name. Having volunteered, worked and journeyed my way across 21 countries and counting, I am in every sense of the word Sojourner. My name has grown with me over the years, guiding, me, giving me permission to grow and evolve. My name allowed me to see the beauty in being different.

I chuckle now when I hear the familiar “Honey, where are you going now? Why can’t you just stay put?”

“Dad, you named me Sojourner, now let me sojourn.”

A name is always chosen for you, but you choose which aspect of that name defines you.  I choose to sojourn, to be a sojourner.

Hotel Week NYC

Happy New Year! We made it, it’s January, and January means hotel discounts throughout New York City. After charging exorbitant prices during the peak holiday season from November through December, New York City hotel prices drop to amazing lows in what is called Hotel Week.

Similar to Restaurant Week, where New York’s finest restaurants make way for the common man, offering reasonably priced prix-fix deals, Hotel Week, which runs from January 6^th- 15^th, makes the city’s most exclusive hotels accessible, if only for a little while to the masses. Hotels that are easily well over $500 dollars a night become available for anywhere between $100-$250 per night.

This is the perfect time for New Yorkers and visitors alike to plan a weekend getaway.

Tired of your apartment, your neighborhood, and the dreary predictability of January? Book a night or two at one of the participating Hotel Week hotels and see Manhattan through a new window, a high rise panoramic one offering some of the best views in the city. In fact, let yourself go, order room service, relax in the hot tubs and saunas, and get a massage. You wont have to pay for a flight and you’ll leave feeling refreshed as if you’ve gone away.

For those of you who don’t live in the city, if you can brave the cold, January is one of the best (in terms of price) times to visit New York. Not only are there post-holiday sales in the stores, but you can take full advantage of the winter wonderland that New York can become this time of year, from carriage rides in Central Park, to Ice Skating at Rockefeller Center.

Here are the deals:

$100 a night at the Pod Hotel, Z NYC Hotel, and the Hotel at Times Square

$200 a night for Andaz Wall Street and the Hyatt at 48^th and Lexington

$250 a night at the Hotel Gansevoort

Happy 2012!

The Christmas Light and Window Displays in Manhattan

I love Christmas. For as long as I can remember, I have experienced what can only be described as full body possession by a deranged little elf towards the culmination of Thanksgiving dinner.  Dropping my fork, after my final serving of desert signified one thing and one thing alone- Christmas season had descended yet again.

This year was no different. With my final buttery bite of pecan pie on Thursday night it began. No, I was not elbowing my way into stores at the crack of midnight, the shift was more subtle, more about the sentimentality that the season ushers in. A feeling that causes one to hang stockings and string lights in order to make everything look a lot like Christmas. And I was in good company, because as I was preparing to make my apartment look a lot like Christmas, my city had grander plans.

One of the best times to visit New York is during the Christmas season. Manhattan hosts some of the most elaborate display windows and lights displays of the holiday season.  Best of all, you don’t need to spend a cent. As free to enjoy as air, anyone can enjoy the city’s festive flair. So grab a cup of savory hot chocolate ( preferably from Le Masion de Chocolat - so blissful) and enjoy a walking tour of  some of Manhattan’s finest Holiday displays.

When I set out to see the sights, I began at Macy’s on 34^th street and 7^th Avenue.

Next stop, Lord and Taylor on 38^th street and 5^th Avenue.

On to Saks Fifth Avenue at 50th street (ish) and 5th ave.

When I was done there, I made the trek over to Rockefeller Center where I caught a glimpse of the giant spruce (not yet lit) and watched the skaters take a few laps around the ice. The plaza was fully decorated as were many of the shops nearby.

Henri Bendel's at 56th street and 5th ave

Now on to one of the most elaborate displays of the evening- Bergdorf Goodmans at 5th avenue and 58th street (ish).

After taking in all of the Manhattan holiday sights and sounds, I am inspired to outdo myself this year when it comes to decorating my apartment for Christmas.

The Great Gap Year Debate

Go to college… Go to grad school… Get a job… Travel the world…  

If these were all regarded as viable and respected options, which would you choose and in what order?

I often think about this. Reflecting on my path, specifically during my late teens and twenties, if I knew what I know now about the world, would I have done things differently? I think I would have re-arranged the order of a few things. I would have squeezed in more travel time. I would have taken a gap year.

I’m not unhappy about my accomplishments. I have done an extraordinary amount of things; I’ve seen a great deal of the world. You know that life well lived feeling you get when you do something exciting or reach a new milestone, I’ve felt that more than once. I just can’t shake the feeling that with a broader variety of acceptable options, I could have done so much more, found my place in the world much sooner.

Imagine an American society where young people are encouraged to exist within a different context, where the decision to take a year off to live, volunteer or work in a different country is widely supported and looked upon as a valuable right of passage.

Imagine…

Yesterday, I read a blog post written by Rita Golden Gelman, author of Tales of a Female Nomad  calling for the establishment of an international gap year norm in the United States.

A fearless traveler, who chronicles her adventures through books and blogs, Gelman has been on the go for the last twenty-five years and talks candidly about her experiences connecting with people in the communities in which she travels in an authentic and compassionate way.

Gelman raised two points that resonated with me. The first, being the simple fact that if more Americans took the time to travel internationally and experience life in a different place, there would be much more compassion in this country towards the greater global community. I think this would also carry over to our own back-yards, not only would young Americans be more empathetic towards the plights of others around the world, but towards the plights of those in their own communities at home.

Second, Gelman argues that a gap year, would allow students to develop their own passions and ambitions so that when they do enter college, graduate school or the workplace, they possess the self-awareness to enthusiastically pursue a life course they are well suited for. I couldn’t agree more. Travel has a way of stimulating our senses in a way they have never been engaged before. You are exposed to so many things as a traveler; you are bound to awaken something inside of you, a new interest, a talent, a passion that was allowed to lay dormant during the course of your everyday life back at home. The more people who enter college securely grounded by and passionate about their course of study, the more college graduates. Consequently, more and more colleges are allowing for gap year breaks.

Could an international gap year be the answer to some of our societal problems?

I first became familiar with the term gap year in 2005 when I took some “time off” to volunteer at an orphanage in Cape Coast, Ghana. One of two Americans it seemed in the entire town (I’m sure this is a slight exaggeration), I was surrounded by Europeans (mostly British and German) and Australians on their gap year.  I was completely in awe of this cultural phenomenon, where people in their twenties were encouraged to take a year off to live, interact with and explore the world so that they could better understand and appreciate their place in it.

At home, when I declared at twenty-five, after having invested three years towards a teaching career in New York (that I wasn’t sure I wanted), that I was going to take time off to experience other people, places and perspectives through volunteerism, I was most often met with “why?” Why did I need to go to Ghana to help people when so much help was needed at home? Why did I want to go to Africa, surely it would be dangerous, and I’d get malaria or be mauled to death by a lion. Why did I want to put a career on hold, when there was money to be made and opportunities to seize? The answer- I was simply curious, I wanted to experience life from the perspective of those living in the developing world. I wanted to see Ghana, whatever it looked like, sounded like, smelled like. I wanted to take a moment to give in a way that I had never had the opportunity to give of myself before. I needed a break, from New York, from the East Coast, from North America. I didn’t know why or how, but it was time for me to go.

I have met others like me, who have acted on our unpopular desires to get out and experience the world. But why do so many young Americans repress their desire to travel. What is it about the culture of this country that perpetuates such extreme isolationism, xenophobia even?

The statistics speak volumes; only 37% of Americans hold a passport. Now granted, we are a large nation relatively isolated barring Canada and Mexico, and a large number of Caribbean nations, and hmm…. Central America and honestly, South America is right next-door too, so I guess we aren’t exactly isolated; we can’t use that excuse. Americans seem to be the great practitioners of isolationism. Used to having comforts, used to being comfortable, used to having others adapt to our cultural norms and language, for most Americans, being outside their comfort zone is terrifying. This terror is reflected in everything we do, and shapes our view of the world. Could it be, that the world outside the boundaries of the United States of America is just as beautiful, just as inspiring and safe? Could it be, that the people outside of the boundaries of the United States of America want in many ways, the same things that we want, laugh at some of the same jokes, fear many of the same fears.

Obviously not everybody will want to take a gap year, not everyone is suited for travel, but for those who are, who haven’t been presented with the option or the tools, a gap year would be profound and life shaping. Everyone who wants to experience a gap year should be able to without being made to feel guilty, reckless or aimless.

One of the biggest arguments I hear when embarking on volunteer projects abroad is that I am ignoring problems in America. I completely disagree. We need to shift our focus from the part to the whole. Volunteering abroad builds compassion and empathy. Seeing the poverty and riches of others puts one’s own place into perspective. I have always to this day been involved in some sort of volunteer work in the United States. The assumption that my back is being turned on my country when I expand my outreach to some of the most desperate areas of the world is ridiculous and usually comes from people who have never volunteered their time before in any context whatsoever.

I would love to take a gap year. I probably won’t see mine until I retire (I’m married with a child now); however that won’t stop me from taking mini gap year-like escapes every few years. It is important to me. I feel it’s my duty to ensure that my son is exposed to the world. And when he finishes high school and is faced with that challenging decision as to what to do next, if the answer is a gap year, I will be behind him 100%.

What do you think? Would an international gap year norm in the United States be beneficial or detrimental? Have you had an experience with a gap-year, or study abroad program that you’d like to share?

For more information on Gelman’s gap year organization, you can visit her website www.letsgetglobal.org.

Must Have Accessories for Infant Travel

With a little (okay, a lot) of extra planning and creativity, your newborn can be your best traveling companion. The following are some accessories that will make your travel experience with your infant a much more enjoyable and carefree event.

1. Baby Bjorn Carrier

I never leave the house without my Baby Bjorn. This is such a handy and durable carrier, whether you're going to the grocery store or embarking on a five-mile hike. This carrier is sturdy, so you can have your hands free, do something physical and feel confident that your baby is snug and secure. This is a great carrier for the outdoors.

2. Moby Wrap Carrier

I love this carrier as well because it allows for discreet breastfeeding. I use this carrier when I'm doing less physically demanding things, such as eating dinner at a restaurant or going to a museum or shopping. The Moby is cloth and molds your baby to you. My son loves being toted in his Moby, and I love that it allows me to breastfeed in public without having to flash my breasts to the world.

3. J.L. Childress Changing Pad with a built-in baby wipe packet

Public changing tables are a hotbed for germs-yuck. I never lay my little one down without the security of a changing pad. The J.L. Childress changing pad is great because it has a built-in baby wipe packet to store your supplies and can be wiped down and sanitized after touching that dirty changing station. Changing pads are also handy if there are no changing stations in sight, as you can unfold them on the seat of your car or on your lap to create an instant diaper changing surface.

4. Okkatots Travel Baby Depot Bag

Ingenious I say, this bag is simply  the best! There are so many handy water proof pockets and sections in this bag that comes with a changing pad and dirty laundry pouch. You can pack your babies items for the day as well as your own and set out with just this backpack for a full days worth of fun. Mesh pockets allow for the easy drying and ventilation of pacifiers and there are built-in bottle holders as well.

5. Graco Portable Play Yard

I love this item! The Graco Portable Play Yard is really only handy for travel via car (unless you want to pay extra for your checked baggage) since it folds up to the size of a large stroller. The Play Yard doubles as a play/sleeping station and changing station providing a safe space for baby to snooze and play while at a hotel or relatives house.

6. Little Remedies Baby Travel Kit

Little Remedies is a handy little travel first aid kit to have by your side. Complete with saline spray, gas drops, a nasal aspirator and oral numbing gel, you pretty much are ready for anything with this kit. I like to throw a thermometer, baby Tylenol and nail clippers into the handy zip-up pack as well.

7. One Step Ahead, Tuck Me In Travel Bed

This bed is so great. Super portable, the Tuck Me In Travel Bed is inflatable and comes with little bumpers on the sides to keep baby from rolling out. This is a great alternative to the Graco Portable Play Yard if you are taking a flight and don't have a lot of room to pack extras.

8. California Baby Calming Basics Tote

Your baby has sensitive skin, that hotel toiletry set may work for you, but will most likely irritate your little-one. The California Baby Calming Basics Tote is a great solution. Complete with baby wash, lotion, shampoo, diaper rash cream and calendula cream, the products are scented with yummy lavender to encourage a peaceful rest for infants on the go.

9. Random assortment of plastic bags for storing wet clothes and holding dirty diapers.

Never underestimate the importance of hanging on to your grocery bags!

*All of the above mentioned items can be purchased online on amazon or directly through the manufacturers page. Happy traveling!

Ten songs that make me want to get my travel on!

I have the tendency to lose myself in elaborate daydreams, often sparked by hearing a familiar song or two. The following ten songs, make me want to lose myself in adventure. The artists listed are not necessarily the originals, they merely sing the versions that speak to me. 1.  Mozambique  by: Bob Dylan

Bob Dylan's classic ode to the beautiful people and beaches of Mozambique resonates. My time in Inhambane, Mozambique was pure magic (well, most of the time) and this song stirs a longing in me. The Indian Ocean from the shores of Mozambique was so placid and warm.

2. You Belong to Me by: Carla Bruni

This romantic little song makes me want to set out solo and explore the world (cue my husband, singing the lyrics to me in deep mournful tones). In my fantasy, I don't stay away for too long and return home with souvenirs and postcards (don't ask why I don't send those, in my fantasy they peek out of the top of a brown paper bag) to a beautiful and happy reunion.

3. Africa  by: Toto

This song reminds me of so many moments I've experienced beneath the dark starry southern African sky. It makes me want to return and relive those experiences over and over. There is nothing like the soft (and often-times not so soft) rains down in Africa.

4. Aux Champs-Elysees by:  The Gilles David Orchestra

Who doesn't want to stroll merrily along the Champs-Elysees, baguette and brie in a bag slung over their shoulder? I do! I experienced Paris once and I have memories of my friend Freddy and I singing the song excitedly as we took it all in. I also remember an argument regarding who sang the correct lyrics and who had the better accent but whatever. It was mostly a beautiful moment, one that I long to experience again.

5. Country Roads by: John Denver

This song reminds me of driving down the dirt roads in Brandywine, Maryland. It reminds me of the beautiful landscape of New England in the Autumn (don't ask) and of the often overlooked beauty of the Mid-Atlantic in the Summer. It also makes me want to embark on a road-trip, something I've fantasized about, but have never managed to experience.

6. Leaving on a Jet Plane by: Peter, Paul and Mary

This song stirs in me the excitement of a new journey; of leaving things behind, notes of uncertainty and even melancholy in order to pursue the unknown.

7. Changes by: Seu Jorge

This song takes me to the idyllic Brazil that I only know from my imagination, from my longing. Forever on my list of places to experience, Seu Jorge's version of Changes stirs the romance, the grit and the free-spirited movement that I know awaits me when I finally make it to Bahia and Rio.

8. Girl from Ipanema by: Pery Ribeiro

This song evokes the sultry, rhythmic, salty essence of that undulating ocean water on Ipanema Beach in Rio, where I've never actually been except in my imagination. I want to go. Pery Ribeiro makes me want to grab a caipirinha, throw on a sarong, put a flower in my hair and dance on the beach as ocean water laps at my ankles. In another life, I swear I've been there.

9. Do You Know What It Means To Miss New Orleans by: Billy Holiday

New Orleans is a magical exotic place, one of the most mysterious and culturally unique cities in the United States (in my opinion). This song makes me want to visit the Louisiana Bayous, taking in their lush and murky beauty. It makes me want to go back in time and stroll the French Quarter with its cobblestone streets, towering French architecture and Jazz.

10. Sail Away by: Enya

With a voice as etherial as ocean mist, Enya makes me want to set sail from the foggy shores of the British Isles on a slow and dewy morning. This song makes me want to go to Ireland and watch the sun set from the vantage point of a rolling green cliff, a misty breeze ruffling my hair. Freeing and meditative, Sail Away, invites me to do just that, to sail away and lose myself.