Despite some of the difficult experiences I'd had while living in Qatar, the staff at my now former home were always so kind ... Ever present with duplicate key after clumsily locking myself out of my apartment or an unexpected cup of homemade ginger tea after falling ill for months. Their kindness and humanity first welcomed an anxious new traveler nearly two years ago, smoothing over what initially felt like a jarring transition. And now? .... It was all over.
Coming Home within the Caribbean Diaspora
Water crashes gently off the shores of the surrounding cliffs, then rolls casually back out towards the horizon. As the sun shines warmly overhead, the ocean breeze gently blows over the local vegetation while drying the unexpected tears I find falling from my eyes. Had this been any other location, it would have made for the classic picturesque postcard. However, despite its unmistakable beauty, it’s hard to consider any place formally known as “Suicide Cliff” … The place where many of my ancestors perished, as anything other than a place of resilience and strength.
After the Storm: Favorite Locations Around St. Thomas, U.S.V.I
Happy Monday! Today’s travel adventure is a personal one close to my heart. If you’ve been following my recent stories on Instagram (and I hope you are), then you’re already in the know. This past week, after 6 years away, two of which were spent living abroad, I finally made it back to my home country of The United States Virgin Islands (U.S.V.I)!
Bubble Lodge: Glamping in Mauritius
Hey Royal Fam! .. Angela checking in with another global adventure, this time? From the beautiful island nation of Mauritius! Located in the middle of the Indian Ocean, this East African nation hosts one of the most unique travel accommodations I've every stayed in ... An actual bubble!
5 Things to Do in Doha, Qatar During a Long Layover
Over the last 1.5 years, I've gotten so many questions about the city as it's fast become a major transit hub for adventurers venturing to parts unknown. That said? I wanted to tackle one of the most popular questions I've gotten since moving here, “I'm passing through Doha on a long layover ... What's there to do out there?"
Desert ATV Excursions Adventures in Qatar
During the height of Middle Eastern winters, temps dip to a comfortable 70 degrees. This signals a time to step outside into more comfortable weather and get active! To many, this often means participating in recreational sports, camping activities, picnics, and so much more. That said, with the welcomed change in weather, I was so glad to have received an invite from a friend to head into the northern region of Qatar to enjoy a bit of 4-wheeling / quad biking in the desert!
Solo Trip to The Maldives
Hey Royal Fam!
Angela here checking in another beautiful corner of the world .. The Maldives! If you’re following my journey on Instagram (and you totally should, LOL) .. Then you might have already seen the breathtaking behind the scenes photos and videos that have gone up so far from my current adventure .. If not? No worries. Tap the button below to visit my profile. Follow me there to keep up with this adventure. Also, check out the “Maldives” highlight tab just under my bio.
The Traveler's Guide to Ramadan in Qatar
For new expats or travelers like myself living abroad in (or visiting) Muslim countries during Ramadan, not only does this mean a dramatic shift in the slowing down of all business activities and social functions (check new hours of business before heading out), it also means learning a list of new rules when navigating the your host country. Below are just a few "do's and don'ts" for Ramadan newbies.
Guide to Finding Flight Deals!
Fresh off a recent trip to Bali, Indonesia (location post coming soon), I wanted to share some of the online hiding places I use to find flight deals when traveling. Despite the obvious growth and popularity of travel, there is still the perception that booking flights has to be be expensive. It really doesn't. Travel can and should be accessible to everyone!
Vetting Companies & Spotting Frauds (Expat Series Part 3)
Hi loves,
Back again with another installment from the "Expat Series" and this time, today's topic came to me via email. Desi, part of our online fam asked, how did I know my recent job offer was the real thing and not some form of pyramid scheme, identity theft, or worse?! It was a great question and one I really wanted to be sure I followed up with here, as I might imagine many of you might be wondering the same. Of course everyone will say "do your research." But what does that really entail? What exactly did I look for when vetting my new company? ... Below I give a few short specifics:
Applying for Jobs Overseas - Expat Series (Part 2)
That said, what better time than now to share what I've learned so far. Check out these easy tips, that can make you more marketable and help you in your search!
I've Moved to the Middle East! - Expat Series (Part 1)
Hi loves!
Again, it's been a long while since I've had the chance to chat up with you guys. Since my last post, SO much has changed! ... I moved out of NYC ... I've started a new job .. And moved into new apartment ... All in a NEW country! I'm beyond excited to share my journey of living and exploring the Middle East and I hope you are too!
Staycation Adventures in the Nude
As an on and off again yogi since college, I'm not new to the idea of “mindfulness” or popping into a random yoga class. That said? I’ve been looking for a challenge … Something that would push me out my comfort zone and elevate my mind - body connection to next level. Cue? Naked yoga! Now I know what you're thinking ..."Wait, that’s a thing?” ... “How naked are we talking here?” ... “Is this a real yoga class?" … Or? As my mom asked, "So yall just gonna be bent over completely naked the whole time huh?” Moms. What can I say LOL! The answer to all of these questions, is YES, naked yoga is an actual practice. I discovered it not long ago and was so excited when my nudist / naturist colony peeps decided to rent a space and host a private class with a certified instructor, Whitney ...
3 Countries, 1 Weekend, 0 Clothes
I love nudity. The male and female form in its natural state is considered art to me. The physical act of disrobing? I consider freeing. The ability to fully undress, take an unflinching look at ourselves, and still find beauty in our bodies is a gift many unfortunately do not enjoy. That said, it's one thing to dress in your skivvies or walk nude around the house. It's a completely different thing to get naked ... For an entire week ... Around a group of fellow nomads I'd only just connected with online via a private close knit group. Even for the most seasoned traveler, this might seem a bit much ... So having butterflies? Only natural.
The Cost of Freedom
As I prepare for my upcoming trip a nudist colony, I've been doing so much reflection on what it means to actually express myself in this way. Hang ups surrounding nudism seem to be SO prominent within the American psyche. While some have embraced nudity, in many ways as another facet of life (with prominent nude beaches and even restaurants taking shape) .. Here in America, it seems that we are still wrestling with old "fire and brimstone" Puritan beliefs. The idea that nakedness is bad or or reserved for very limited situations ... and almost always only for private consumption.
"What to Pack ... When There's Nothing to Pack!"
As the summer begins to wind down, I've decided to take a brief vacation from running the Q.A.C webstore to get a bit of rest and relaxation before the busy fall season arrives. However, if you know me, you know I do nothing boring of ordinary, LOL. That said, in just over two weeks from now, I'll be doing what some might consider unthinkable ... Random ... Or highly debatable .... I'm going to St. Maarten & St. Barths to a nudist colony! That's right, a woman who absolutely loves clothes and fashion is actually going to a place where garments will be completely unnecessary! Don't get me wrong, dressing up and finding creative ways to adorn my body in unique pieces will always feel special to me ... And yet ... There's something equally rewarding about traveling and letting all the trappings go for a while.
My Royal Family
Hey Loves!
Like most, I like to ease into my week, but this Monday? I'm all excitement! By now you've probably seen my weekly posts highlighting various indigenous global tribes in my Cultural Beauties" series. This week? I am so proud the share with everyone a part of my Ghanaian heritage and tribe that I rarely (if ever) discuss.