Reader, Tuscaloosa (my hometown) is hungry for African food. I see the Facebook posts all the time from people asking where to find African food. Even my students ask me about fufu, and I love that they know what it is. Social media is making the world smaller. Everywhere I travel, I make it a point to try the national dishes. Food connects you to a culture. Every dish offers a taste of its traditions and its people. Not just through its flavors, but through how it’s prepared, served, and...
13 days ago • 5 min read
How helpful is this newsletter in making you feel more informed and confident about traveling? Extremely helpful—I use what I learn Very helpful—I always find something valuable Somewhat helpful—only certain topics apply to me Not very helpful—I need different content I’m a new reader—ask me again soon Reader, I thought I was sharing a little piece of Ghana with my students. Then my TikTok video started making its rounds in Ghana, and Ghana had something to say. 😂🇬🇭 The video showed me...
20 days ago • 4 min read
Reader, Thirty minutes into the hardest trek of my life, huffing, sweating, and questioning every decision that got me there, I learned something about travel no guidebook ever taught me. 30 minutes into the trek Wli Agumatsa Waterfalls is located in the Volta Region near the Hohoe municipality in Ghana, a stone's throw from the Togo border. The Wli Waterfalls are the highest waterfall in Ghana and West Africa. The five-hour commute to the area is an experience in itself. Unless you charter a...
28 days ago • 4 min read
Reader, Four things my Ghana travelers will complete long before departure. When most people imagine traveling to Ghana, they picture the food, culture, history, beautiful clothing, and unforgettable experiences. I picture those things too, but I also think about everything that needs to happen before we arrive at the airport. The Essence of Ghana isn’t just a trip you purchase and forget about until departure. It’s a journey we will prepare for together. By the time we leave for Ghana in...
about 1 month ago • 4 min read
Reader, Today, I’m pausing to remember September 11, 2001; the lives lost, the families forever changed, the first responders who ran toward danger, and the countless people whose lives were affected in ways the rest of us may never fully understand. Like so many people, I remember exactly where I was when it happened. I had just completed training as a reservation agent for a travel reservation wholesaler. I was excited about beginning a new career and had recently earned my certification as...
about 1 month ago • 5 min read
Reader, Recently, I walked into an “Intro to Improv” class without knowing anyone in the room and with zero acting experience. Surprisingly, I wasn’t afraid. Travel has given me a confidence that extends far beyond airports, passports, and unfamiliar destinations. Every time I’ve navigated a new country, explored a city alone, or found my way through an unfamiliar situation, I’ve proven to myself that I can adapt. That confidence followed me into the improv room. Improv doesn’t give you time...
about 2 months ago • 4 min read
Reader, For many people, the biggest obstacle to traveling isn't fear; it's most likely finances. Flights, accommodations, passports, transportation, food, and activities can add up quickly. When you already have bills, family responsibilities, and unexpected expenses, travel can feel like a luxury you'll have to keep postponing. I understand that money is a real limitation. But I've also learned that when something becomes important enough, we begin looking for ways to make it possible. We...
about 2 months ago • 4 min read
Reader, I love a good fine-dining experience. One of my favorites was enjoying high tea at At.mosphere inside the Burj Khalifa, the world's tallest building, on the 122nd floor. From the moment I arrived, the experience felt magical. High tea at At.mosphere, 122 floors above Dubai. The hostess welcomed me. A live violinist created the perfect atmosphere. Our waitress thoughtfully introduced each of the four courses, and timed them so we had enough time to savor each one before the next...
2 months ago • 3 min read
Reader, I am living proof that you don't need to have everything figured out; you just need to make the next intentional decision. What matters is having a clear mental picture or creating a physical image of what you want to accomplish. When life feels overwhelming, that vision reminds you where you are going and helps you decide what deserves your attention next. As Stephen Covey, the author of The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People, taught, “Begin with the end in mind.” Recently, I...
2 months ago • 3 min read