*an unapologetic living A few months ago while still living in Botswana as a Peace Corps volunteer, I found myself mindlessly thumbing through instagram feeds of deliciously plated vegan food. At the time my body was starving on a cellular level and craved a rainbow assortment of fruit and veggies which were severely lacking in my diet. A diet of which was so poor that it … [Read more...]
The Head Check Guidebook
Are you suffering from travel fatigue? Or maybe you are experiencing the Ugly Side of Travel? Not sure what that is? Well let me explain... Back in 2011 I went on my first year long stint abroad. It wasn't my first time traveling alone for work (volunteering here was) but it was, at the time, the longest I would spend in a new country. After returning from Belize my … [Read more...]
Reflecting in Vietnam
I talk a lot about traveling on this blog. A LOT! I mean after all this is a website devoted to the art of travel. The fabulous places to visit, sights to see, and incredible people you will meet. However I've only briefly touched on what I like to coin as the Ugly Side of Travel. Today's expat interviewee shares a candid reflection on life in Vietnam. You won't read many … [Read more...]
Botswana and Zambia
Back in January my older sister came to visit me in Botswana. We had the chance to tour around the northern region of the country and then headed over to Livingstone Zambia to see Victoria Falls. Here are a few highlights and pictures from the trip! Victoria Falls, Zambia My favorite photos of the trip were from Victoria Falls and Jungle Junction. The waterfall was … [Read more...]
Where you’re meant to be
My experience as an international Volunteer for the past 19 months has been interesting to say the least. As you know this isn't my first time volunteering abroad nor is it my first time living and working abroad. In light of this I chose to come into this new environment with no expectations. Actually my only missions were to be of service to others and continue to live in my … [Read more...]
Organization!
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...]
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...]