Gazing around the lobby for what might be the last time, the doorman quietly approches from behind. Clearly sensing the emotion bubbling to the surface he says, "We're ready madame. Please .. Make sure you come back to see us." No sooner had he uttered those words that I lost all composure.
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.
Squeezing into the back of the uber, my entire life fitting neatly into 4 oversized luggages, the tears I'd been fighting for weeks finally came. Qatar, even in my departure, emits feelings of contradiction ... And yet quietly? There's parts of her I still miss.
Hey online fam. This week on the blog I'm answering the question I've gotten since the moment I announced my decision, "Why did you leave the Middle East?" In full transparency? The pieces of my answer remain difficult to pull together. Between a hectic repatriation timeline and the full range of emotions I continue to experience since arriving permanently in the U.S, reflection took longer than expected. Quite honestly? I'm still processing.
For nearly two years, I'd been living a life of freedom in this conservative Muslin country, a concept completely contradictory to the image most Americans are shown regarding Middle East. While my dress was modest, in most cases, I lived in a way many of my young black and brown sisters / brothers back home could only dream of. Bills paid .. Disposable income .. Consistent travel to far flung places .. Gorgeous housing accommodations .. Overseas work with a team that felt meaningful .. Meeting people from around the world ... This life has changed me forever.
Yet with all of these blessings, I chose to step away from it all. The following video, I hope, explains a bit of my decision making process. Enjoy loves and as always, The Journey Continues!
Share the Journey
Meet Our Editor in Chief
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.
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.
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)!
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!
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?"
What came after was a month and a half of dry hair, scalp itchiness, and extreme hair shedding. Lesson learned. It was during this time, I restarted what I call "hair bootcamp.” I immediately placed my hair in gentle protective styles to keep it tucked away and implemented what has been called by many “The L.O.C (Liquid - Oil - Cream or Butter) Method.” In two weeks, my hair stopped itching and shedding. By the end of the month, fullness returned with new length.
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!
Thick brass ring with cowrie shell detailing. Once used as a common and important form of African currency, cowrie shells also symbolize protection, destiny, and prosperity.
Polished brass ring formed in the Ghanaian adinkra symbol of “Sankofa” (heart shape).
The symbol serves as the foundation of the Ashanti tribe meaning “one must go back and fetch it” .. Or loosely translated “To move forward, one must learn from the past.”
Brass ring fashioned in the shape of the ankh symbol. According to ancient Egyptian wisdom, the ankh symbol is believed to be represent eternal life. This symbol is often depicted in ancient hieroglyphics held by ancient Egyptian gods. Additionally, it is often stated that this was the 1st cross symbol, pre-dating the cross of Christianity.
Beautifully etched brass Ganesha ring direct from Bali, Indonesia.
Ganesha, in the Hindi religion, is believed to be the god of knowledge and remover of obstacles.
Polished solid brass ring formed in the Ghanaian Adinkra symbol of "Nyame.
The Adinkra symbol of "Nyame" derives from the Ashanti tribe of Ghana, W. Africa and translates to mean "God is King" ... A symbol of the majesty & supremacy of God
Taracotta ring direct from Bali, Indonesia.
Additional accessories pictured, sold separately. Please visit Q.A.C webstore to shop
Uniquely styled brass ring from Bali Indonesia. Rolling cylinders and stones give the ring a creative industrial feel. Suitable for traditional ring fit or worn as a midi ring
Additional accessories pictured, sold separately. Please visit Q.A.C webstore to shop
Classic lapis ring set in silver toned brass. Historically, lapis stone have been said to bring inner peace while clearing the mind of negative thought patterns.
Ring is adjustable / One size
Additional accessories pictured, sold separately. Please visit Q.A.C webstore to shop
Traditional rose quartz ring set in silver toned brass. Historically rose quartz rings have been said to cultivate love and emotional healing
Ring is adjustable / One size
Stunning amethyst ring from Indonesia. Amethyst is said to rid negative energy and clarity of the mind.
Size: One size / Adjustable
Additional accessories pictured, sold separately. Please visit Q.A.C webstore to shop