Travel Making Kai :)
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The racist face of Brazil's miscegenation
Reblogged from Black Women of Brazil: Note from BW of Brazil: The question of racial identity and classification are topics dealt with frequently on this blog. Brazil’s history and reputation has long been constructed upon the idea of miscegenation, the myth of a “racial democracy” and being the largest mixed race country in the world. … Continue reading
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Ghana is developing fast. The proof is most definitely evident in its diverse social scene. From music to art, restaurants to hotels, Ghana is certainly making a statement with its capital city Accra as the show piece for the world to view. In less than 24 hours of stepping off the plane at Kotoka International … Continue reading
How do you deal with the delivery of bad news while on your travels? Does signing for it on the dotted line with the standard cliché apply to all packages of bad news- big or small? A few weeks ago I received sad news that a dear friend was grieving in sorrow. I didn’t know … Continue reading
Wow- what a journey! Creating this blog is possibly the best therapy I could have awarded myself! Thank you for following me, advising me, and encouraging me! Your presence hasn’t gone unnoticed! Here’s to the next 100th post! Travel Making Kai x Some of my best bits! Begin with Travel Finding Kai… Counting my blessings … Continue reading
There’s always room for more delicious foods!… I revisit some of my favourite travel food moments! A moment on the lips- a life time on the hips but always worth every bite! My ultimate Cheesecake Factory moment… Ummmm! Related articles Cheesecake Factory pasta on list of caloric “food porn” (news.yahoo.com) Protein Powder Cheesecake Healthy and … Continue reading
We are all chocolate! Sweet and divine we are, descending from the dirt of the earth, the fruit of life given by Theobroma, food worthy of the gods themselves, our roots in Africa and its vast diaspora, cocooned by a protective shell, our seeds cultivated to be roasted until ‘blackened’, how our darkness has pathed … Continue reading
There are many factors of travelling alone I’m fearful of, yet I rarely voice them- not even to friends or family. The last thing I need is a scenario confessing to a member of family my fears on the potential dangers I could face coming Brazil alone for 3 months, or how insecure I was … Continue reading
You know she’s the one because fate brought you together. You’ve laughed together, wept together, sang together and played together. You’ve shared silent moments together, awkward moments together and scary moments together. You know she’s the one because despite all the arguments and all the fights, you still hold hands together. You’ve made plans together, … Continue reading
I was honoured to meet Spike Lee while he’s in Bahia during the carnival. Spike Lee is no stranger to Brazil nor the people to him, as in 1996 Mr Lee directed Michael Jackson’s “They Don’t Care About Us” music video featuring Salvador Afro-Brazilian Samba band; Olodum. When I met the acclaimed African-American director in … Continue reading
If you choose to be in Salvador da Bahia for the ‘The biggest street party in the world’ as opposed to Rio’s world-famous Sambadrome, or any other carnival in Brazil for that matter, there is most probably a reason behind this decision. Salvador is the capital of Bahia state, and also the capital home of … Continue reading
By word of mouth the saying goes; African slaves weren’t allowed in the churches during the time of slavery and they were made to wash the steps of the churches. Today Lavagem Itapua is a festival paying homage to Afro-Brazilian tradition. The traditional ‘Laundering Itapuã’ is amongst the most famous and oldest religious festivals that … Continue reading
To get a better understanding of who the Tabom returnees were, I’m looking into the social context of society in Bahia at the time, and what would become perhaps the most significant slave rebellion in Brazil; The Malê Revolt. And perhaps it is destiny, rather than a coincidence, that I, a descendant of an Afro-Brazilian, … Continue reading
This famous creation by Oscar Niemeyer completed in 1996, can be found across the Rio-Niteroi bridge from Rio de Janeiro City. The futuristic building is beyond its time, resembling a floating flying saucer over Niteroi bay. It’s circular interior exposes stunning panoramic views across Guanabara Bay, along side a range of Contemporary art. The the basement … Continue reading
This morning and indeed afternoon, I was in a bubble! It’s my first time in Buenos Aires! I was happily seeing the city with my host Jerry. I took every stare from passers by as an innocent glance; they must like what I’m wearing! Then my host had to go so I was left exploring … Continue reading
Situated on the crown of the 700-metre Corcovado mountain in the Tijuca Forest National Park, Cristo Redentor overlooks the city of Rio de Janeiro with arms out stretched, blessing the city also know as ‘Cidade Maravilhosa- Marvelous City’. Expect large crowds during peak season, and waiting times for a tram will be long. However it’s … Continue reading
If the world was to end at least I can say I was an Ipanema girl on the 21/12/2012 @Posto 9! Later watched the sunset from Arpoador (rock), while naming 10 things I’m most grateful for… Not one materialistic thing was mentioned… #priceless! I live to tell the tale! Where were you the day the … Continue reading
This post is not an academic essay on Racial Identity. It’s simply a personal account of what I’ve witnessed and experienced while in Rio/Brazil, and thoughts of locals and expats I have met. If you come to Brazil thinking racism doesn’t exist (or you chose to label it ‘classism’ – another topic in itself, as … Continue reading
Meet Paulo, better known as Gregorio-praia-ipanema. He sells purses made from Coca-Cola tabs. Yes that right. So next time you’re throwing away a can, think of all the unique purses Gregorio can make! I ask him a few questions and he answers each one with a full smile, lots of humour and positivity to match… … Continue reading
It’s quite common to have a travel partner, but to travel with seven of your closest friends is really an indulgence! And the lucky girl to have her friends with her as she celebrated her 21st birthday is Kim! The group from Cape Town, South Africa are spending 3 weeks in Brazil. They were hosted … Continue reading
The best way to see Rio de Janeiro is with a local who can show you not only the important tourist attractions, but also the hidden gems the city has to offer. Meet Rodrigo Pires. He has worked as a Tour Guide in Rio for 7 years. Extremely passionate about his job he tells me, … Continue reading
It’s raining here in Rio. And not just raining but thundering down. It’s taken almost two weeks to arrive as thunder was predicted during the early days of my arrival however it’s only just showed up with a bolt! And then as quick as the rains started it’s ended… And the starts again. My Carioca … Continue reading
I’m keeping to the theme of Elizabeth Gilbert’s search for everything. I’m only half way through (it’s Rio- I’ve been distracted)! There are many parts of this book where I lose any connection (and quite frankly would rather be distracted than read another sentence) and would want to throw the book out of the window … Continue reading
I love food. In fact I love good food! Here are a few of my favourites on my travels… Anyone for seconds? Related articles Season This With That: A Quick Guide to Common Spices for Common Dishes (thekitchn.com) Homemade herbal chai recipe. (lusaorganics.typepad.com) Daily Prompt: Seconds (dailypost.wordpress.com)
It saddens me that many Africans think the ‘west’ is the land of opportunity. And it’s not just Africans. I only need to turn on my TV and the vast immigration programmes such as Passport Control, UK Boarder Force etc show us the extreme means people take to enter the western world. Indeed there are many … Continue reading
I know you’re out there. I can sense your presence through my page. Ghost readers! They are the readers that haunt my blog without leaving so much as a trace to let me know they’re here. They come and leave without a courteous ‘hello’ or ‘goodbye’. They’re Invisible. And that’s the scary part. Writing for … Continue reading
When I learnt Spike Lee was in Salvador for the carnival I instantly put to twitter, using up all my limited character allowance (as though baggage allowance!), my hopes to have an opportunity of interviewing the acclaimed film director! So that very evening when I stood next to Mr Lee himself while Samba band Olodum were … Continue reading
A little taster...
- To send a letter is a good way to go somewhere without moving anything but your heart. Phyllis Theroux
- When I learnt Spike Lee was in Salvador for the carnival I instantly put to twitter, using up all my limited character allowance (as though baggage allowance!), my hopes to have an opportunity of interviewing the acclaimed film director! So that very evening when I stood next to Mr Lee himself while Samba band Olodum were performing in Pelourinho; Salvador's historic city, I couldn't help but think my luck was too good to be true. Was it down to fate or the power the social media?! Unable to introduce myself as Spike Lee was busy directing his cameras to capture the energetic performances of the drummers for his documentary "Go Brazil Go". Besides, his hands were over his ears the majority of the time due to the deafening sound systems. So I stayed professional with my rather unprofessional camcorder and kept myself busy attempting to capture the essence of carnival on video for my blog readers. A few days later I arrived in Maragojipe to capture the their unique carnival. Not dissimilar from a Venetian carnival, far from what you'd expect to see in Brazil! And by chance I walked into Spike Lee and his entourage filming! I had no idea Spike Lee would venture out into this small quaint cobbled street town 50 kilometres from Salvador Bahia. Not missing another opportunity to speak to Mr Lee, I introduced myself and the conversation quickly turned to football as I mentioned I'm from London. I stayed faithful to my prefered team Chelsea which almost lost me an opportunity to get a picture with the director as he backed away after hearing which team I support! Spike Lee is an Arsenal supporter! I got pictures of the 'Do the right thing' director as he was busy filming for a new documentary "Go Brazil Go"! Look out for the new documentary expected to preview at the Cannes Film Festival next year... I have gut feeling it's going to break some social barriers! Spike Lee captures the essence of Maragojipe during the carnival in Bahia, Brazil.... And I got to work doing the same for you! (Contact me for pictures)
- "the fact that I'm still alive and there is still a whole world out there I haven't seen yet..." My inspirations. Edrin Kondi on what motivates him to get up in the morning.
- Inspire people to discover for them what is essential to live a happy life. My Inspirations. Gerry Haag on his legacy
