It was during that time, that I began another fun hobby ... collecting jewelry pieces from my (or friends) various places of travels. While a bit small now, my collection is slowly growing! What I really love about my personal travel jewels is the story they each tell. Never fail, whenever I wear them out, I'm undoubtedly complimented and asked about them. Stories of my journey in that respective country and the people I met along the way begin to spill out. In a sense, these jewelry pieces are more than just cute bobbles on a neck or wrist ... they're people connectors. Cultural ambassadors inviting conversation and a chance for learning. Love it. Below are a few pieces from my personal collection so far!
Lessons in Becoming a Nomad
Almost 3 years ago I began traveling. The free-spirit within me has always wanted to see the world, but the way my wallet was set up because of student loans and a crazy expensive apartment in NYC, saving was always so difficult. Then? There was my over protective parents who hated (still do) the idea of their only child traveling anywhere outside the house ... if you have African / Caribbean parents, you know the struggle! lol. Finally, there was the issue of my friends, many of which said they wanted to travel, yet, had no real interest in making concrete plans. What I did get? Lots of talk surrounding going to dream places, but no actual steps made ** loud sigh ** .. It was at this point that I decided to travel on my own.