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Struggles After Life Abroad: The Wins and Loses of Moving Back Home

Hey loves,

In continuing this journey from living abroad to moving back home, this week, I hope to share a quick snapshot of my transition journey back to American living. When I initially had thoughts of leaving life abroad in the Middle East, I received so many questions. Namely? Why …

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Yet after months of meditation, the various reasons to give up my guilded life became increasingly clear … Or so I thought. With my life repacked in four oversized suitcases, this time last year, I hopped the next plane back to the United States. At the time, little did I know, that the adventure coming home would be even more taxing than the initial steps of leaving to Qatar.

Moving+home+after+life+abroad+3.jpg

In the months that followed, I came home with a significant about of money in my pocket and a fresh pair of rose-tined glasses. I planned to rest a bit, working on my creative pursuits for the next six months before returning to the “real world” and 9-5 life … But not before adding new stamps to the passport by island hopping and discovering more the Caribbean while visiting the U.S Virgin Islands, my maternal home … Most of all, coming home meant reconnecting with my loved ones and, in my mind, picking up right where we left off. Only? Better. They say time heals all wounds, right?

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Sadly, I had no idea things would fall apart almost as soon as I landed at the airport (JFK). From struggling with my luggage as no one was there to meet me, to falling right back into interpersonal family drama … I realized almost immediately that a true sense of peace would once again, only come via escape. Leaving my hometown where I initially landed, and moving back to NYC (which had been my home for 13yrs) allowed for just enough distance from the chaos I’d walked back into, while enjoying the simple pleasures of “coming home.”

The only problem? The cost of freedom (and rent) was expensive, both financially and emotionally. The following vlog below discusses my journey of hopping back into NYC life, finding work after life abroad, landing in a sweatshop, and key realizations about home. Hope to see you guys there!


Love My Style? Shop the Closet!

Below are links to some of your favorite pieces from this week’s look! As always, many the fashion items featured here showcase pieces directly from our Q.A.C Webstore and will be highlighted with “add to cart.”

Shop the accessories featured in this week’s post below!

Handmade Woven Qatari Purse Handmade Woven Qatari Purse
Sold Out
Handmade Woven Qatari Purse
$80.00
Red Rose Red Rose
Red Rose
$165.00
Shop the Entire Closet!
Cowrie Shell Ring
Cowrie Shell Ring
$40.00
Love Sankofa
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Love Sankofa
$30.00
Ankh
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Ankh
$35.00
Golden Ganesha Ring
Golden Ganesha Ring
$35.00
Nyame Ring
Nyame Ring
$35.00
Bali Taracotta Ring
Bali Taracotta Ring
$45.00
Buy Brass Ring Indonesia
Mekanis
$20.00
Buy Lapis Ring
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Lapis Ring
$20.00
upload
Love Quartz
$20.00
Buy Amethyst Ring from Indonesia
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Amethyst Ring
$40.00

Alright loves, that’s all for now. As always .. The Journey Continues!

Travel With Me!
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Apr 26, 2023
Travel to a Native American Pow-Wow
Apr 26, 2023
Apr 26, 2023
How to Make Ghanaian "Light Soup!"
Dec 19, 2022
How to Make Ghanaian "Light Soup!"
Dec 19, 2022
Dec 19, 2022
Struggles After Life Abroad: The Wins and Loses of Moving Back Home
Mar 29, 2020
Struggles After Life Abroad: The Wins and Loses of Moving Back Home
Mar 29, 2020
Mar 29, 2020
Queen Adwoa's Closet repatriation to United States
Jul 29, 2019
The Journey Home: Life After Repatriation
Jul 29, 2019
Jul 29, 2019
Queen+Adwoa%27s+Closet+St.+Thomas+U.S.V.I.jpg
Jun 3, 2019
Coming Home within the Caribbean Diaspora
Jun 3, 2019
Jun 3, 2019
After the Storm: Favorite Locations Around St. Thomas, U.S.V.I
May 12, 2019
After the Storm: Favorite Locations Around St. Thomas, U.S.V.I
May 12, 2019
May 12, 2019
Bubble Lodge: Glamping in Mauritius
Apr 2, 2019
Bubble Lodge: Glamping in Mauritius
Apr 2, 2019
Apr 2, 2019
5 Things to Do in Doha, Qatar During a Long Layover
Mar 16, 2019
5 Things to Do in Doha, Qatar During a Long Layover
Mar 16, 2019
Mar 16, 2019
Natural Hair While Living Abroad in the Middle East - Moisturizing & Perfecting the L.O.C Method
Feb 8, 2019
Natural Hair While Living Abroad in the Middle East - Moisturizing & Perfecting the L.O.C Method
Feb 8, 2019
Feb 8, 2019
Desert ATV Excursions Adventures in Qatar
Feb 4, 2019
Desert ATV Excursions Adventures in Qatar
Feb 4, 2019
Feb 4, 2019

Our Editor in Chief

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meet our e.i.c
tags: moving abroad, travel tips
categories: Queen Adwoa's Closet, Expat, Travel
Sunday 03.29.20
Posted by Angela Barimah, Owner of Queen Adwoa's Closet
 

The Journey Home: Life After Repatriation

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.

Read more

tags: queen adwoa's closet, expat, repatriation, united states, travel
categories: Queen Adwoa's Closet, Travel, Expat
Monday 07.29.19
Posted by Angela Barimah, Owner of Queen Adwoa's Closet
 

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.

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tags: queen adwoa's closet, travel, St. John, U.S Virgin Islands, U.S.V.I, Annaberg Plantation
categories: Queen Adwoa's Closet, Travel
Monday 06.03.19
Posted by Angela Barimah, Owner of Queen Adwoa's Closet
 

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)!

Read more

tags: queen adwoa's closet, U.S Virgin Islands, travel what to do, U.S.V.I, Hurricane Irma, Hurricane Maria, St. Thomas, where to go
categories: Queen Adwoa's Closet, Solo Travel, Tips
Sunday 05.12.19
Posted by Angela Barimah, Owner of Queen Adwoa's Closet
 

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!

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tags: queen adwoa's closet, bubble lodge, mauritius, bubble lodge bois cheri, bubble lodge bois cheri review, bubble lodge bois cheri Mauritius, hotel review, camping, glamping, luxury camping, bubble hotel
categories: Queen Adwoa's Closet, Travel, Solo Travel
Tuesday 04.02.19
Posted by Angela Barimah, Owner of Queen Adwoa's Closet
 

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?"

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tags: queen adwoa's closet, qatar, qatar world cup, museum of islamic art, doha, layover, travel tips
categories: Queen Adwoa's Closet, Travel, Tips
Saturday 03.16.19
Posted by Angela Barimah, Owner of Queen Adwoa's Closet
Comments: 2
 

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! 

Read more

tags: queen adwoa's closet, solo travel, qatar, qatar world cup, desert excursions, Middle East, travel, Qatar
categories: Queen Adwoa's Closet, Travel, Angela Barimah
Monday 02.04.19
Posted by Angela Barimah, Owner of Queen Adwoa's Closet
 

Moving Abroad Changed My Relationships

Hey loves.

In keeping with getting a little more personal on the Q.A.C blog space, this week, I’m diving into another topic close to my heart and chatting about the recent shift I’ve noticed in a few of my relationships. Thinking back to my college years, one of the realist pieces of advice my dad has ever given was:

“Be careful who you share your good news with …

Not everyone who hears will be happy for you.”

At the time, it sat with me like a tired old cliché. The kind parents often use to convey some grand life lesson. However, in time? Particularly over the last year, I’ve come to realize no truer words could have been spoken. This time last year. I’d just received a job offer to live / work abroad and like any good millennial, I immediately announced my middle East move online.

Read more

tags: expats and mental health, expat, living abroad, qatar world cup, Qatar, solo travel
categories: Queen Adwoa's Closet, Expat, Travel
Tuesday 01.15.19
Posted by Angela Barimah, Owner of Queen Adwoa's Closet
 

Mental Health ... Living Abroad ... And Making Self-Care a Priority

Hey loves,

Doing one last check in for 2018. Can you believe the end of the year is already here? While the masses prep their newfound resolutions and make solemn vows of what they won’t bring into the new year? My thoughts lately have been focused more on remembering what’s truly important, caring for myself … This includes my mental health.

Read more

tags: mental health, expats and mental health, self-care, staycation, mental health abroad
categories: Queen Adwoa's Closet, Travel, Wellness, Expat
Sunday 12.30.18
Posted by Angela Barimah, Owner of Queen Adwoa's Closet
 

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.

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tags: queen adwoa's closet, maldives, solo travel, female travel, millennial travel
categories: Queen Adwoa's Closet, Travel, Solo Travel
Sunday 08.26.18
Posted by Angela Barimah, Owner of Queen Adwoa's Closet
 

Guide to Visiting a Turkish Hammam Bathhouse

Hey Royal Fam!

Angela here with another travel adventure! In this weeks journey, I had the incredible opportunity to experience an traditional "Royal Moroccan Hammam” here in Qatar. Long time readers know, I've been a practicing nudist for some time. Yet, finding naked friendly spaces in the Middle East has been nearly impossible ... Until? I discovered traditional  hammams.

Read more

tags: hammam, travel, arabic, spa, wellness, bathhouse, Middle East
categories: Culture, Travel, Wellness, Queen Adwoa's Closet
Monday 07.02.18
Posted by Angela Barimah, Owner of Queen Adwoa's Closet
Comments: 2
 

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.

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tags: queen adwoa's closet, travel, ramadan, ramadan kareem, ramadan 2018, ramadan qatar, expat, travel during ramadan, ramadan travel, qatar world cup, Qatar
categories: Travel, Queen Adwoa's Closet, Expat
Thursday 05.17.18
Posted by Angela Barimah, Owner of Queen Adwoa's Closet
 

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!

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tags: queen adwoa's closet, Travel, black travel, flight deals, discount flights
categories: Queen Adwoa's Closet, Travel
Sunday 04.08.18
Posted by Angela Barimah, Owner of Queen Adwoa's Closet
Comments: 2
 

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:

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tags: work abroad, job search, expat, study abroad, queen adwoa's closet, travel, resume
categories: Expat, Job Search, Culture, Queen Adwoa's Closet, Travel
Tuesday 02.06.18
Posted by Angela Barimah, Owner of Queen Adwoa's Closet
 

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!

Read more

tags: queen adwoa's closet, Middle East, job search, work abroad, travel, resume
categories: Travel, Queen Adwoa's Closet, Expat, Job Search
Friday 12.22.17
Posted by Angela Barimah, Owner of Queen Adwoa's Closet
Comments: 2
 

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!

Read more

tags: moving abroad, move overseas, expat, queen adwoa's closet, motivation, Middle East, qatar
categories: Travel, Culture, Queen Adwoa's Closet, Expat
Friday 12.22.17
Posted by Angela Barimah, Owner of Queen Adwoa's Closet
 

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 ...

Read more

tags: queen adwoa's closet, Travel, nudist, nudist colony, black nudist, yoga, nude yoga, staycation, vacation, new york
categories: Queen Adwoa's Closet, Travel, Wellness
Tuesday 03.28.17
Posted by Angela Barimah, Owner of Queen Adwoa's Closet
 

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.

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tags: queen adwoa's closet, Beach, nudist, black nudist, travel, St. Maarten, Anguilla, St. Barths, nudist colony, necklaces
categories: Queen Adwoa's Closet, Travel, Culture, Fashion
Tuesday 10.11.16
Posted by Angela Barimah, Owner of Queen Adwoa's Closet
 

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.

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tags: queen adwoa's closet, culture, Africa, travel, black
categories: Queen Adwoa's Closet, Travel, Culture
Tuesday 08.30.16
Posted by Angela Barimah, Owner of Queen Adwoa's Closet
 

"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.

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tags: queen adwoa's closet, travel, global, black travel, culture, nudist, St. Maarten, St. Barths
categories: Travel, Culture, Queen Adwoa's Closet
Saturday 08.20.16
Posted by Angela Barimah, Owner of Queen Adwoa's Closet
 
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