I’ve been struggling with how to write about my trip to Antigua because, although I loved the cricket match, the helicopter ride, and the few afternoons we spent at the beach, I honestly did not love the island. I struggle even writing that sentence. There is so much to unpack in my disappointment. First, of … Continue reading Some thoughts on Antigua, and travel, and privilege
Month: March 2018
Stray observations
Ever since I moved to Paris, Spotify has played me ads in French. I actually don't mind this because, since I understand so little, it's easier to tune them out. One of my first purchases here was shampoo. I bought a bottle labeled "ultra doux" (ultra soft) in an olive oil scent. I expected essence … Continue reading Stray observations
Two months, four countries
Forgive me if I don't quite know where I am these days! It's been two months since Colin and I took off for London, and since then we've spent several weeks in Paris, a couple weeks in Antigua, and a week back in the U.S. I just got home yesterday after a 24-hour journey punctuated … Continue reading Two months, four countries
Jiminy Cricket!
Before Colin and I had even arrived in Antigua, a turtle researcher invited us to join him at the West Indies-England cricket match that would take place after Colin’s return from Redonda. Colin and I – like most Americans – knew nothing about cricket other than that the games have a reputation for spanning hours … Continue reading Jiminy Cricket!
Life lately: A snapshot
Hi, I'm a millennial, and the best indication of what I've been up to is the photo stream on my phone and camera. So, welcome to the photo dump portion of this blog! Some of these made it onto Instagram; others didn't because, let's be honest, nobody wants to be overwhelmed by dozens of someone … Continue reading Life lately: A snapshot
A trip around the island
A couple days ago, our Airbnb host stopped by to check in and was surprised to learn that Colin and his crew were sleeping on Redonda ("In tents?!") and not just commuting back and forth each day. Once she had gotten over the shock, she realized that meant that I had been here, in her … Continue reading A trip around the island
Flying!
On Friday afternoon, I dropped Colin and his two fellow researchers at the helipad for their weeklong trip to Redonda. They had crammed the rental car full of supplies, including a week's worth of food and water, tents, sleeping pads, a giant golf cart battery to power various pieces of science equipment, fishing lizard-catching poles, and … Continue reading Flying!
Airports
All the traveling I've been doing lately - most recently to Antigua - plus the three trips I made to the airport in the last two days to pick up Colin's research crew got me thinking. The ultimate indignity of international travel is this: after a day or more of travel, you finally walk out of … Continue reading Airports
The Post-Poste Post
Well, that didn’t take long! Only days after I patted myself on the back for my bourgeoning grasp of the French language, the language gods brought me back down to earth via the horrifying event known as the language exchange. Nothing makes you feel more humbled and helpless than trying to have a conversation with … Continue reading The Post-Poste Post
Practice Makes Parfait 