Home is where the heart is, and for me that's Douala, Cameroon. Located in western Africa, this "Africa in miniature" nation is any adventurers' dream: an active volcanic mountain, white and black sand beaches, varied wildlife, and THE most incredible food. Being among the chaos of the city's traffic (google "Bensikin"- lol!) along with the jovial nature of its people always transports me back to a simpler time of childhood. I don't get to go home as often as I would like, but whenever I do I take full advantage of it all.
Read MorePOSTCARDS FROM ZANZIBAR PART I
There are some very rare places that take your breath away, and Zanzibar was definitely that place for me. When my Mom told me she would be attending a work related conference there, I knew I HAD to figure out a way to go with her. Because, really, opportunities like this just don't come around often. I should probably mention that requesting a week's time off during your very first week at a job tends to be frowned upon. But YOLO, right?
Read MorePOSTCARDS FROM ZANZIBAR PART II
Zanzibar was so good, I had to make it a twofer! There was just no way I could fit everything in just one post.Click through to see more from my time there.
Read MoreA DAY IN KRIBI, CAMEROON
Chasing waterfalls and lounging on white sand beaches are just a few of the more famous things Kribi has to offer. Known for its shrimp, locally called crevettes, this small beach town on the coast of Cameroon boasts a certain charm that stays with you long after you leave. On this particular trip, my day was spent taking canoe rides into the forest to visit the Baka people, hunter-gatherers (formerly known as pygmies) who are said to be the original inhabitants of Cameroon.
Read MoreSOUTH AFRICA: DEAR MADIBA
As a young child growing up in Cameroon, I vividly remember learning and singing the South African National Anthem in a time when I did not yet understand exactly what Apartheid was. I remember learning about Tata Madiba, and thinking how sweet and playful he seemed – not fully grasping the sheer gravity, importance, and impact his life and sacrifices had been for South Africans and the world alike. Though it wouldn’t be for another several years that I would have the opportunity to visit his beautiful country, it would become a life-changing experience to see firsthand what is possible when the human spirit endures and triumphs above evil.
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