I am a full time slow traveler with my daughter Ruth. I’m a black digital nomad. I LOVE discovering new places for Ruth and I to visit. I love the freedom and flexibility of our lifestyle.
Fun fact: Ruth and I were supposed to be going to carnival in Trinidad and Tobago.
But the universe has a different plan for us.
When our friend @youfounddanhere, an experienced global traveler, said he was going to carnival in Barranquilla and invited us there, my first thoughts were I never heard of it so I don’t know. . .But then he sent me info and I found out that it is the second biggest carnival after Rio and it’s home to Shakira! I was sold. Hips don’t lie! This digital nomad was SOLD!
I also knew that there was one friend amongst all our friends who was crazy enough to join us last minute and that friend is @bruceagid415.
Bruce and his wife visited me in Nigeria. Bruce embodies the idea of YOLO! He was completely down for coming and quickly book a flight.
So Ruth and I took a 7am flight from Guatemala City to Barranquilla! We were greeted at the airport with a LIVE band, people dancing, and cold beer (Ruth didn’t get a beer and I don’t drink beer) but it was fun to see so many happy people.
I’m so thankful that I’ve embraced the power of yes and am always open to new adventures.
Colombia is BLACKITY BLACK and I thoroughly enjoyed all the melanin.
On our first night, we met the mayor of Barranquilla who whole heartedly welcomed us into his city.
Carnaval de Barranquilla was a sea of color, a parade of every shade of melanin. .
.Ruth loved the sights, sounds, music and friendly people. Everywhere she went people were kind to her.
It also had some more troubling images – people in blackface, derogatory images of Asians and the corona virus and the exaggeration of “black” features. It can be a lot to take in. .
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At the same time, it is a reflection of both the past and the present. I’m taking it all in and processing all my emotions. I would love to hear your thought?
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