Someone, somewhere in real life or in this virtual space is doing some kind of organizing for the new year. I feel I fall victim to it too every year. This site had a major revamp in 2014 in the first quarter of the year. Last year I did some tinkering and once again, yes...2016 is no different. Enter more organization! No major changes though. I just moved the "Peace Corps" … [Read more...]
Travel Affirmation Cards
Happy New Year! Travel Affirmation Cards are the topic of discussion today, but first... I trust that your holiday season went swimmingly! I pretty much hung around my site. Why do you ask? Well originally I'd planned to take some leave days but then my sister informed me that she was coming to Botswana for two weeks in January. Instead I opted to take leave when she arrives. … [Read more...]
Notes from the field #5
So this series fell by the way side. I've been a combination of busy and lazy so I haven't updated in a long time. Here goes the longest update ever! October and November were quite busy as the end of our districts financial quarter was coming to an end. Not only that but the activities that were scheduled for this time period in our evidence based plans (a list of … [Read more...]
African Lace Designs
Back in December 2014 while swiping through Instagram I stumbled upon Neo the owner of African Lace. I was amazed at the beauty and quality of her leather goods and couldn't believe she was right here in Botswana. I jumped at the chance to interview her and spread the word about her work. I love what the fashion industry in the different countries of Africa are … [Read more...]
Be the Change
Every Peace Corps Volunteer has his or her own reasons for joining the organization. The most common connection in reasons among them is "to make a difference". If you've read the 60-page Black American Peace Volunteer e-book I published a few months back then you would have certainly received a more candid insight as to what types of "differences" our brothers and sisters are … [Read more...]
Black 2 Travel
I know what you are thinking! Where have you been Tamara? Haha yes! I know I haven't posted in quite some time but for a good reason. I've been busy! So much to the point that I absolutely hate the word "BUSY" now! I'm busy...#gross...*puke* Well a few of my Peace Corps projects are actually growing legs. I feel like I start a new one every week! I am working with our … [Read more...]
Life in Peru
Almost a month ago to today's date I read a very disheartening yet candid account about "the struggles of being a black male in the Peace Corps". It made me really sad because as a young black female I've dealt with similar colorism/classism issues here in Botswana (and other places around the world). Taking this connection as a sign to feature his story on this site, I … [Read more...]
A Global Citizen
Today's edition of the Black American Expat series interviews Myeisha! Mrs. Benshemesh is a Returned Peace Corps Volunteer, former director of an international volunteer organization and shares her life as a "global citizen"! If you have any questions for Myeisha, please leave them in the comments below! 1. Please introduce yourself. My name is Myeisha Benshemesh and I … [Read more...]
Ask Me Anything: TEFL Certificate
Ask me Anything: How did I get my TEFL certification? This week there was another really good question from De_Ann. She wanted to know about how I became TEFL certified and the process for signing up for the class. As you know I'm always happy to answer any question about my past travel and work experiences that may ultimately help you prepare for yours as well :) Let's get … [Read more...]
A Speech Pathologist in China
Today on the blog we have a great interview with Elisabeth a Speech Pathologist in China! Her story is really inspiring because she made the expat plunge as a single mother! This goes to show that anything you put your heart to accomplish, you can most certainly do it! If you have any questions for her, please leave them in the comments section below! 1. Please introduce … [Read more...]