Panama City is the hub of the Americas and, because of this, I often get messages from people who have long layovers in Panama City and have no idea how to kill time between their flights. Most people know that Panama has a canal...and that's about it. However, if you immerse yourself in the city for even just one day, I guarantee that you'll fall in love.
When I was a child I would write books. The main character in all of them was a girl named Afrika. I’ve always had a long fascination with all things AFRICA....
As people travel the planet there are assumptions, people see you and often without ill intent they have ideas of what to expect from you. In this amazing clip a young Black exchange student is competing on a Korean talent show. Black people and singing isn't a new thing but when this young man sings in Korea's native language he shocks everyone within the sound of his voice.
A Letter from the Creator of Nomadness:
'When I sat down and thought about the name for our travel course, nothing was sticking at first. I wanted something clearly travel oriented, clever, but not obvious. I was on the phone with Brittney (Social Media Maven) looking through terms, and I yelled out 'Black Box..that's it! It's where all the important information about a flight is housed. All the communication. It's where everyone, even the experts turn to for travel information.' It literally, was perfect.
It was exactly what I wanted to create. A course that breaks down the psychological, financial, and physical barriers that people have to travel. Because the truth is, everyone CAN do this! Not just me, not just Tribe. You, with your freelancing gig, or 9-5, or pipe dream and lonely bank account...your travel won't look the same, but it's still something that can be attained.
NMDNBLACKBOX.COM is a 6 month course that breaks down all the barriers of entry that you have into the world of travel. Period. It's for everyone...from the well traveled, to those who have never stepped foot on a plane. Period.
From finding your travel style, to getting over the fear of flying (a personal issue I had many panic attacks over...ironically), to traveling with food allergies, and what to sign up for so you are taken care of in case you have an emergency abroad. We are covering it all. Weekly, in 15 minute or less classes. ' - Keep Traveling, Evita
Check the video out, and sign up for more information at http://nmdnblackbox.com dropping soon. #blackbox #whatsnext
Huffington Post's Black Voices decided to dive into what Nomadness is really all about. As the leader of the Urban Travel Movement, Nomadness creator Evita Robinson joined a collection of tribe members to share just what makes Nomadness the international force that it is.
Here's a short excerpt from Huffington Post's latest on Nomadness.
The black travel and tourism industry is growing. In 2013, it reached $40 billion and it’s on track to continue.
Tribe member Tiffany Aliche also spoke to HuffPost about the power of being able to connect black people with these opportunities.
“People of color generally do not travel, or they weren’t, and here was this space where not only did you have people who like travel, but they could show you how to do it if you were interested in it,” she said.
Check out the full article now on Huffington Post!!!
One of our Nomadness Tribe members, Yvette Santos Cuenco has recently touched down in China for a new career opportunity. As she begins her latest international counselor role she's sharing the various elements of her ongoing acclimation to her new home. Here's the first of many entries as she arrives in Shenzhen.
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Welcome To Shenzhen
I arrived in Shenzhen three days ago and so far, so good. The settling in process takes time and plenty of energy. In the next few posts I will be sharing my Shenzhen experiences and dropping a few pro tips along the way!
THE GREETING
Like with every international school orientation, it is information OVERLOAD and a major hit to the senses - new sights, sounds, smells, language, culture, etc. I am sure my fellow newbies would agree that the school nailed their role in making this transition as worry-free as possible.
Here is what stood out to me:
THE HOUSEHUNTING
After that first night, we toured the Elementary campus and were taken to different returning teachers' apartments to truly get a feel for the potential of spaces we'd call home. Living in Tashkent and Bangkok, prepared me well for the lack of uniformity in the apartments I would see. For some background - modern Shenzhen is really only 30 years old. It is a young city compared to Beijing and Shanghai. Despite it's "new-ness", thanks to oil and tech - it is incredibly WEALTHY. I did not expect to see so many BMWs, Teslas, Mercedes Benzes, etc. and I've only explored one district - Shekou.
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If your curious how Yvette's new life in China is going, hop over to the full post on her site The Roaming Filipina.
Dear Kiwis,
I’d like to thank you! But, in order for you to understand my gratitude, I first need to give you some context. I grew up in the US, in a home where we never locked our door. Some, including myself, thought this was odd, but my parents didn’t think it posed any real threat so we learned to accept it. Although my family lived in a rural area, we were certainly the exception to the American rule at the time. My youth was unfortunately shaped by after-school TV specials, high-profile child abductions, high school shootings, and America’s Most Wanted – which combined would make my parents and I think that danger was lurking around every corner. At some point, I’m not sure when, trust stopped being freely given. If and when it was given, it was given from a safe distance.
In our final episode of the season, the intersection of personal and business become very real for Evita. Leaving Southern Thailand, the whole crew heads up north to Chiang Mai, a place Evita lived five years prior. She hasn't been back since and the reunion with her Thai Mom and Dad proves to be very emotional. The Tribe is by her side, as they explore the suburban areas that truly represent Thailand. They journey up the unending steps to Doi Suthep Temple, and culminate with tens of thousands of people to finally celebrate the enchanting Loy Krathong Lantern Festival.
Created by Evita Robinson. Check out both seasons at youtube.com/issarae
United Airlines and Tribeca Digital Studios Team Up on Exclusive Documentary, Destination: Team USA. Documentary profiles journey of Team USA hopefuls in first U.S. airline-commissioned feature film to premiere onboard United flight.
Santorini is a place I have always only dreamed of going to. I used to always say that if and when I get married that I wanted to go to Santorini for my honeymoon. I have always seen pictures and would always imagine myself in Santorini soaking in all that the Greek island had to offer.
The Nomadness Travel Tribe starts off in the Southern Thai city of Phuket, diving right into the culture. Night one includes the both traditional and controversial art of Muay Thai Kickboxing. After getting acclimated to their house and neighborhood, the crew catches a ferry to the famous island of Ko Phi Phi, for one of the most serene aesthetics the Tribe has ever encountered on a trip.
Created by Evita Robinson.
Layovers have always been a part of a traveler’s lifestyle. For one, flights with long stopovers are often less expensive than direct ones. In spite of this aforementioned savings, some passengers are more than willing to shell out a bit extra just to avoid added hours in the airport. No one can blame them, actually, as every minute of travelling is so vital.
One of the great aspect of Nomadness is that there are so many different types of travelers and traveling perspectives represented within our tribe. From solo backpackers to globetrotting couples there is a lane for anyone. Our own Tanai Benard recently chatted with Black Enterprise to share her travelers tale and the importance of giving the gift of travel to her kids. Check out a snippet from part 1 of Tanai's ongoing series with BE.
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Tanai Benard is, in a word, fearless. A devoted mom who makes no apologies for leading boldly from the front, her commitment to family has spurred a global movement that has changed the landscape for single moms and their children forever.
In 2013, in the midst of marital strife, Tanai and her husband planned a move from Texas to the Arabian Gulf, along with their three children, in hopes of a fresh start and a better life. What’s more, Tanai had just accepted a position as a teacher in Abu Dhabi with numerous perks, including, among other things, housing. On all accounts, the transition was destined to be a fortuitous one. Unfortunately, however, their marital woes took a toll before their departure, causing their marriage to dissolve weeks before the move. With her back against the wall and a new life challenge before her, Tanai stood firm. Armed with little more than the courage of her convictions, she moved forward and traveled across the globe with her three minor children ages 5, 6 and 8 in tow. Little did she know, the best was yet to come.
***Hop over to Black Enterprise for the full story and the follow up series parts!!***
It's easy to take a city for face value. Amsterdam is always highlighted for the Red Light District, and cafes. Yet, the Tribe starts their trip off diving into the historical underbelly of Holland's slave trade.
Through various museum visits, and particularly the Black Heritage Canal Tour, the Tribe gets a perspective on Amsterdam rarely seen by tourists. Created by Evita Robinson.
After a medical scare, the Nomadness Tribe heads north toward Kirkby Stephen. Surrounded by greenery, and calm, the crew finally arrives at the real reason why they traveled to London...to stay at Augill Castle. The Tribe took over the entire castle and learned of the story the castle has to tell. Created by Evita Robinson.
After viewing this episode make sure you check out the special media feature that resulted via Mashable!
If I could attempt to start to explain our trip I would say it was educational, inspirational and on the second day very fulfilling as we made a difference in the lives of the children/students at BRESMA orphanage/school in Petionville.
The Nomadness Tribe travels to Northern India and sets sites at Pink City, Amber Fort (in Jaipur) and check out Monkey Temple. Here's part one of the Tribe's much-anticipated trip to India.
The Nomadness Project follows a group of young travelers (the Tribe) as they share experiences all over the world; the good, the bad and the ugly. Created by Evita Robinson.
Tribe member Brian Oliver has as much of a love for travel as anyone and recently he shared a few personal lessons he's learned through his experiences. These are great to keep in mind as we all make our way around this world. T
It's the first time the Tribe is hitting up the United Kingdom. This episode sets the London stage before the crew heads to Augill Castle. From hip hop karaoke at The Social, to the London Eye, and Tower Bridge, we are hitting all the stops...until one of our members ends up being rushed to the hospital.
Nomadness members Richard Cantave and Fabiola Antoine organized a huge meet up that brought 40+ Tribe members to Haiti over the last week for what was affectionately called #FritayGate. This meet up wasn't just another tropical gathering for sun and fun. The Tribe went down to give back and donate to the local kids who are making the best of limited resources. Supplies were delivered and many members are actually now sponsoring a student too.
"Traveling with people is never easy , taking 41 friends to #Haiti is an adventure ! Haven't slept more than 3hrs in a couple days but how beautiful is all this melanin visiting the "roots of our freedom " - Richard Cantave
Check out the recap video via Richard Cantave and here are some of the images that came from this memorable gathering!
![THE NOMADNESS PROJECT | THAILAND - PART 2 [SEASON FINALE]](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5384eabde4b007397093d34c/1468328465661-9U6SXWY54CPUSA788QSI/Thailand2.png)
![Nomadness Tribe Haiti Meet Up - #Fritaygate 2016 [Recap]](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5384eabde4b007397093d34c/1458938394810-M1YJURXWWPJ1GKM4P703/10269358_10206966008201963_6158737566010033467_n.jpg)
