TRAVEL – NON FICTION

In the labyrinthine streets of a country, that remains nameless to shield it from the divisive gaze of judgment, I found myself thrust into an extraordinary narrative of human connection that transcended borders and shattered assumptions. This is not merely a tale of travel but a testament to the trans-formative power of encountering the unfamiliar.

The setting was a less-developed realm, once obscured from the global tourist map, where the norm for its citizens was the familiar influx of European travelers. Late into the evening of my arrival, the routine unfolded – airport, transportation, hotel, and the solace of sleep. As dawn broke, the anticipation of exploring the towns, indulging in a bit of shopping, and absorbing the essence of this foreign land filled the air.

Yet, from the moment I stepped onto the bustling streets, it became evident that my presence was an anomaly, a departure from the norm. Eyes followed me, gazes lingering from left to right, right to left – a silent acknowledgment of the unusual. Even my travel companion, not sharing my African-American identity, could affirm the conspicuous attention.

As I traversed the vibrant streets, a surreal sense of being under scrutiny settled in. Shop owners and vendors paused in their activities to watch, their actions momentarily arrested by my presence. Undeterred, I offered greetings, extending the common courtesies that transcend language barriers. The stares, however, grew more intense, penetrating beyond the surface.

The turning point occurred when I found myself trailed by a curious swarm of children, their ages ranging from tender innocence to adolescent curiosity. Their fascination was palpable, and their questions spilled forth, accompanied by a desire to touch my hair and skin. A store offered refuge, its owner intervening to shield me from the unintentional spectacle unfolding outside.

It was there, within the confines of that shelter, that the truth unraveled. Apologetically, the store owner disclosed the source of the spectacle, "You are a black woman. We are unaccustomed to seeing someone like you here." The simplicity of that statement resonated with profound implications. I was not threatened, only perplexed.

Upon my return, when recounting this extraordinary encounter, the inevitable question arose – how did I handle it? The answer was found in creating conversations, and in sharing the intricacies of my identity and origin. The ensuing dialogue revealed the universal attributes that bind us all, emphasizing the imperative to continue traversing the globe with open eyes and hearts.

This narrative transcends the superficial lens through which we often view the world, unraveling the layers of assumptions and unveiling the shared humanity that unites us. It serves as a poignant reminder that our perceptions are shaped by the stories we tell, and only through genuine connection can we dismantle the barriers that divide us.

Lifestyle Choice.

TAILORING INTERNATIONAL LIVING

In the summer of my thirtieth year, with a one-way ticket clutched in my hand, I bid farewell to the comfort of stability and stepped into the boundless unknown. Fueling this audacious journey was an insatiable desire, an innate longing that beckoned me to wander beyond the borders of familiarity.

Paris, 2001 — my chosen destination, not for any calculated reason, but merely as the starting point for a year-long exploration that fate had destined to endure far beyond its intended timeframe. Little did I anticipate that this journey would not only span two decades but would also shape the very essence of my being.

The first two years in France became a crucible of transformation, where I willingly immersed myself in the kaleidoscope of cultures through language schools that mirrored the diverse tapestry of our global community. Each school represented a distinct microcosm — the Western Hemisphere, underserved nations, and refugee communities. In this unique crucible, I, the lone American, found myself stripped bare, exposed to the stark reality that I was the slowest learner in two of these schools.

This revelation became a catalyst, propelling me into the realm of vulnerability and humility. It was a journey of shedding not just the layers of a carefully cultivated outward persona but also dismantling preconceived notions about how I learned, about who I was in a classroom, and about the depth of my resilience.

Becoming a beginner once more, not just in language but in the intricate dance of navigating multiple cultures simultaneously, I confronted the challenges head-on. It was not a mere academic pursuit; it was an existential unraveling. I learned that survival wasn't guaranteed by a job or a set plan but was contingent on my ability to adapt, learn, to connect.

The journey wasn't just linguistic; it was a metamorphosis of the mind. As I grappled with the intricacies of language, I forged critical thinking skills — a cognitive evolution spurred by the very challenges that threatened to overwhelm me. In the tapestry of cultures, languages, and personal reinvention, I discovered the alchemy of transformation that occurs when desire meets uncertainty and flourishes into resilience.

This metamorphosis paralleled the wisdom of a fashion expert who beautifully articulated the secret behind great style. Just as well-tailored attire alleviates discomfort, my tailored life, environment, and style became an intricate dance that shaped the me of today — a self not to be defined but one that evolved through trial and error. In my quest for integration, I made deliberate choices: out went the safety net of my American community for the first two years, and in came intensive French language schools, voracious reading, and socializing with diverse global communities. I discarded not just the physical layers of my former self but also the masks and preconceptions, choosing to start afresh.

In this journey, I resonated with the discomfort of not knowing, echoing the uncertainty of the expatriate experience. Yet, instead of seeking immediate comfort, I embraced the challenge, stripped away the familiar, and tailored my life to fit the contours of my newfound existence. Just as well-tailored attire exudes confidence, my tailored life emanates a resilience forged in the crucible of cultural diversity, linguistic challenges, and personal reinvention.