Love or hate social media, one thing it doesn't fail on doing is being outlet for calling out offence. And that's exactly what I woke up to today as my Instagram feed continuously shared posts about Vogue Brasil director's lavish colonial-themed bash... Admittedly I had no idea the exact extend of the outcry, until this... Continue Reading →
From Candomblé to Voudun… Eshu to Shango… These are a few of his favourite things.
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 →
The month of August: Paying homage to my ancestry
This month of August, I would like to pay homage to my Tabom (Afro-Brazilian returnees to Ghana) ancestors by remembering their legacy. It occurred to me that there are a string of significant events and coincidences that took place during the month of august that are somehow in twined with Tabom history, and as a descendant; this... Continue Reading →
Annual check-up … ‘Stats’ unveiled
WordPress kindly notified me that it's the anniversary of my blog: travelmakerkai.com! As it's a year since I edited 'this is a wordpress blog' to 'a black girl's perspective...', perhaps now is the best time to do a deep and thorough evaluation by inspecting my stats. Sort of like a full body check-up of my... Continue Reading →
Maira’s List: Top 5 places to visit in Salvador!
Salvador da Bahia! Historically known as the "City of the Holy Saviour of the Bay of all Saints". Brazil's vibrant Afro-Brazilian capital, renowned for its positive energy (which by the way is contagious) and happy people, has had an immense impact on me since my arrival earlier this year. So to say goodbye not just to the city... Continue Reading →
Passport to Reality… The right time
This morning I think God decided He'd had enough of me whining about not wanting to leave Brazil! And rightly so. I mean, I know he says I can talk to him about anything, but I forget that he has a trillion or so other voices to listen to. Like a spoilt child demanding what... Continue Reading →
Praia do Forte and enjoying Acaraje!
The former fishing village still holds much of its rustic charm and character. If sun, sea and sand are on your wish list, away from the overwhelming bustle of Salvador, then Praia do Forte is for you! It's definitely worth the short trip away from the capital of Bahia, where you'll find other tourists seeking the same... Continue Reading →
Jewel in the heart of Pelourinho… H.Stern
You may be familiar with the Brazilian jewellers H.Stern which has stores located internationally, including world-famous Harrods in Knightsbridge London. If you're a lover of all things beautiful, don't be surprised to find yourself in drawn towards the H.Stern store located in the heart of Salvador's historical district, Pelourinho. Bahia's influence has proudly found its way... Continue Reading →
“Go Brazil Go” Spike Lee documents on Brazil
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 →
Carnival da Bahia… Ouro Negro!
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.