Travel Making Kai :)

I do love a bit of healthy competition, so when I was caught in discussion between Romanian-born visual artist and writer Mariana, and Japanese-born interior designer Tamika, challenging each other to a ‘gyoza competition’ to show of their strongest culinary skills, well, I couldn’t resist but to encourage it! And the results a couple of weeks later, … Continue reading →

On a visit to James Barnor‘s home, I was treated to a history lesson of Ghanaian and British culture dating back to the 50’s when the 86yr “Ever Young” photographer began his career and became Gold Coast’s first newspaper photographer and later on the first to introduce colour processing to newly Independent Ghana. 

Fred Kuwornu has started a movement, perhaps without even intending to. But then again, that’s to be expected of the Italian-Ghanaian filmmaker and activist whose films 18 IUS SOLI and Inside Buffalo, examine issues of race, ethnicity, and national identity in Italy’s contemporary multi-cultural setting.

Highlighting two amazing young African-American women who’ve ditched the limitations of their home country that come with being women – and black, to reap opportunities that South Korea has to offer them – despite the obvious challenges. They’ve adopted the Korean culture and language which makes them blend in, yet they’re using their ‘blackness’

From Santo Domingo to Seoul – friendship beyond borders I first met Soo when I volunteered in the Dominican Republic in the summer of 2013. The young Korean volunteer who at the time was doing a 1 year placement with charity organisation Good Neighbors DR, was my flatmate during my one month stay with the … Continue reading →

“Let’s do Lunch: An Urban Girl’s Guide To Making Contacts – And Keeping Them!” If making contacts – and keeping (the important part!) was my forte over the past decade, I probably wouldn’t have come up with the idea to start a blog which essentially taps into why I’m pretty s*** at keeping in touch … Continue reading →

I’ve set up a blog dedicated to all things #Art4Change, a project created by me – Kai Lutterodt! Please subscribe so you can follow the journey which starts on the 19th Aug in NYC then shortly after Port-au-Prince where I’ll be teaching arts and crafts to children living in camps. http://www.art4changetheworld.org

When Guylene Solon turned up at my door step a couple of days ago with more than just a suitcase, I knew this would be an opportunity to utilise her talent (of which she has many) in collaboration with #Art4ChangeHaiti.

In 2013 I went to Haiti to volunteer at the Sai Baba Centre which provides nutritious meals to over 2000 children living in camps in and around Port-au-Prince. When it was time for me to leave after a month – I knew I would one day return to volunteer again! So when I was elected as … Continue reading →

Originally posted on UAL ACS:
Happy New Year!.. 2015 is here! Happy New Year! The festive season might have come to an end, however it hasn’t quite fizzled out as we share with you some pictures sent to us from the organisers of the Sai Baba centre in Haiti we donated the money from our fundraisers to!…

The Berlin Wall was the barrier division between communist East Germany and “Democratic” West Germany from 1961 until it was pulled down in 1989 – 25 years ago. I visited the remains of the wall during my trip to Berlin, taking in the art which also has a political message – as with most of the … Continue reading →

It’s exactly 2 years since I got a phone call that would change the my fate, particularly in education. When UAL admin called to tell me a “mistake” had been made – I couldn’t carry on with the second year studying BA Journalism, because I’d “failed” my first year, I thought my world would come crashing … Continue reading →

Originally posted on the Educationally Frustrated student:
Captured my essence; Olga Lolo I’m really blessed to know some talented artists who have found my image worthy enough to capture on paper. Last year when I went through my “big chop” transition by cutting off my processed hair, leaving my natural short hair exposed (a decision…

Londoners didn’t have to travel very far to get a taste of Africa on the 11th October, when the continent of all humanity came to one of the World’s most famed squares – Trafalgar Square in central London. Africa On The Square was organised by the Mayor Of London for Black History Month. The event included … Continue reading →

London paid tribute to Brazil yesterday with a magnificent fiesta that captured the spirit the South American FIFA World Cup host country. From noon till 7pm, within the perimeters of 23,000 m² which later expanded out into the rest of the capital – Brazil came to London in Trafalgar Square!

So much to do, so much to experience, so much to EAT! If you had 24hrs in Milan, what would you do? 1st stop – experience Milan Carnival in Piazza del Duomo – the iconic cathedral of Milan. Feel like a child in Disney Land at this family-fun event held annually (according to the Easter … Continue reading →

“Ongoing demonstrations, the upcoming World Cup, preparations for the Olympic Games and approaching elections – 2014 is considered to be a very important year for Brazil. Consequently, many stories are out there waiting to be covered. Beyond Your World would like to make a big contribution with this special project and needs your help!” On … Continue reading →

It’s the little things I love about this city… Yesterday evening I witnessed the sun setting over Jaffa city, absorbed the dynamic vibe of Tel Aviv just from a stroll along the beach and rediscovering the drummers beach where percussionists and lovers of music gather together celebrating the sounds from the African drum… I was in … Continue reading →

Across the English Channel lies a city said to be the ‘most romantic in the world’. There you can get lost in an array of beautiful sights, sounds and tastes with your loved one… It’s every girl’s dream to fall in love, even a singleton’s. So I took that journey across the channel to discover if … Continue reading →

“Today is a gift…” It’s my birthday today and really, what better present than to be in what has been described as ‘the world’s most romantic city‘. The perfect destination to spend with a significant other… Except in my case, there is no significant other… Just another significant mile-stone to celebrate! I’m here to find … Continue reading →

Memories of a summer which I gained so much from (outside the lecture room), fought so hard for (appealed against my university exam result-which I won!) and lost so little to… A wonderful summer. As if you haven’t already noticed, autumn has well and truly crept in! The streets are paved not with gold, but … Continue reading →

When I met Dionisis Kostakis on my second day in Rio de Janeiro in December last year, there was little about him, if nothing at all, that indicated his unusual hobby. With beach blond hair and subtly tanned olive skin, I took him to be yet another European who had ditched the struggling economy of … Continue reading →

Finally! Another vblog from the travelmaker… This time in Haiti! From the roof top of the Sathya Sai centre in Delmas, Port-au-Prince (once I find the right spot!) Thanks for joining me on this journey!🙂 Related articles Meet Carlos Suarez: A volunteer with a big heart (travelmakerkai.com) Finding myself here… Sathya Sai Centre, Haiti (travelmakerkai.com) … Continue reading →

The volunteer who came to supervise the feeding of many children… The first thing I noticed about Carlos Suarez when we first met in the Dominican Republic less than a month ago, was his height. Standing past 6″ it would be easy to feel intimidated judging by his stature alone, had I not already communicated … Continue reading →

“Afi o Afi!”- Happy New Year! Today in my family home in Osu, Accra, they are celebrating the start of a New Year after a successful harvest… The Homowo festival! As my father is from Osu, traditionally I celebrate Homowo in this part of Accra. However this is a celebration of gratitude and sharing food … Continue reading →

I managed to catch Shanti Paudel, one of the coordinators of the Sathya Sai centre in Port au Prince, in action as he prayed over an offering of the freshly prepared food ready for distribution to children in various camps… Just in time for lunch! Accompanied by a local child who’s a regular at the … Continue reading →

As I am writing this post, Sai Baba has his gaze fixed on me. There’s no avoiding the warmth in his eyes and smile radiating onto me even from a picture hanging on a wall above my head. Perhaps this was my inspiration to wake up early this morning with a strong desire to write … Continue reading →

Funny how my trips don’t always go according to plan… But sometimes the best plan is not having a plan and just going with the flow! My first vblog… Hopefully I’ll get over cringing when I hear the sound of my own voice and produce a few more video blog posts!  

When I decided to volunteer in the Dominican Republic little did I know I would learn so much about Korean culture- of all things! A culture so different from my own however one I’ve grown to love and respect. I can’t wait to get back to London and practise the few words I’ve learnt… (That’s … Continue reading →

She young, bubbly, and ambitious… Meet GN Dom staff- Alina!

“Light-off.” It’s a phrase that takes me back to my childhood in Ghana. A typical scenario being; I would be in the middle of taking a bath, and just as I’m about to rinse off the soapy white lather from my skin- I would catch my breath! It’s not the shock of the cold water … Continue reading →

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 →

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 →

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 →

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 →