Continuing the Journey

Handstands in Siena

It is crazy to sit down and write about a trip once it's over.  It is so difficult to feel the same sensations you were feeling, to live the same reality over again in your head, or to even convince yourself that what you remember is really how it happened.  It has only been two months since I have left Ghana, and it already seems to haved slipped years away.  The most certain thing that I feel, however, is complete disbelief that I lived in West Africa for nearly six months in the first place.  Now, West Africa is huge, and my small existence inside of Ghana--along with a few travels to neighboring countries--does not necessarily mean that I all of a sudden understand completely what is West Africa for West Africans.  It does not even mean that I could easily summarize it accurate enough for anyone.  However, after returning to the US and traveling through Europe, it is amazing how blackmarked that part of the world is (no pun intended) to most people in their psychological travel maps.  "Who the hell would go there??" has been the most typical response.  Ghana seems so far away now because it is hardly spoke of or even heard of to most people I am around.  It makes me remember how unbelievable it is for many people that one could even go there.  This conceptual distance seems to transform into physical distance in a lot of people's minds, when really Africa is not that far away.

Giza Pyramids - Cairo, Egypt

As always, it is strange to reinsert myself back in the US.  Two years ago, I remember thinking of

the trio, my best friends

coming back from South America as the, "re-americanization of the self."  The reverse culture shock is a little easier this time, especially since I transitioned slowly with stops in Egypt, Italy and Turkey.  Yet, the weirdest thing that still remains in my mind is how unique Americans live.  Big cars, lots of waste, using tons of water and other resources. . . it's all been said before, but it's no less surprising or disgusting once you meet so many people living on so little.  The other big shock is that we are no better.  No matter how modern, how much more technologically advanced, what kind of toilet one sits on or how one eats-- the United States is as backwards as any developing nation that we claim has no clue.  I come back to huge class disparities, Americans being unaware of major social issues related to class or race, the ignored white privilege (and the straight privilege, the male privilege, the wealthy privilege, etc.), homeless people being continually pushed out of the streets (and not into homes), the increased withdrawl of the State in public matter, and of course. . . . Americans favoring backward morons like Michele Bauchman and Sarah Palin, and blaming Obama for everything wrong with our country despite his short presence in office (did we forget about the two term Bush administration? And we call out Africa for corruption??)!  It has been difficult.  But, don't get me wrong, it's been easy too. I can not deny that I am from where I am from.  I really am American, I can't deny it.  I love coming home to lots ofdiversity in food and people, to crazy Lady Gaga, to eccentric people and massive cities with gorgeous skylines. . .  Mostly, I am so grateful for the people in my life.  I have been way too negative about my own culture in the past, and I am realizing more and more that is not fair to box anyone into a category - another lesson I constantly relearn.  People are dynamic and it is awesome to come home to such good people in my life, especially the mindful ones that are trying to make changes in the world in their own lives, in small ways (mostly by not doing all that above).

My couchsurfing host family - Lome, Togo

Python Temple, Benin

Lagos Island, Lagos, Nigeria

Couchsurfing Friends - Lekki Reserve, Lagos

My summer was amazing, to say the least.  After Ghana I went to Nigeria, Togo and Benin.  It was an awesome chance to see other kinds of West African countries and have my own solo adventure.  I met some awesome people, got lost in the craziest places I have ever been, completely challenged my inner traveler by showing up in Togo and Benin not knowing much French at all, or any local languages, and made it to Lagos to confront the realities behind all the craziness that people speak on Nigeria.  I loved it.  West Africa is gorgeous, and something about it makes me constantly want more.  Then, I flew to Egypt on the way to Europe.  I had planned to visit a friend in Italy for two months, and on the way I organized a two day layover in Cairo.  The best choice I made in the prior 6 months!!  I was so lucky to be able to get off the plane, buy a $15 visa, and go roam Cairo.  It is such a cool city.  I was right there in Tahrir Square to talk about the recent "revolution" with street goers and drink tea and smoke hookah with new friends as we watched new demonstrations take place.  I learned a few things about Islam from a really amazing guy named Hassan, and even got to see the Giza Pyramids.  It only got better as I flew to Italy for a few days and stuffed myself with amazing food and beautiful cities before flying to Turkey for two weeks.  This part of my trip made me feel so spoiled, and so privileged.  I felt embarrassed telling people about these travel plans, thinking they would misinterpret me for some rich travel snob.  It all just sort of worked out through luck I suppose.  Turkey was great though, but I don't feel like I got to know enough.  Istanbul is such an awesome city though!  I actually found myself in the middle of their first gay pride parade one day!  There are so many things I never knew about Turkey.  It has such a unique history with language, their relationship with Islam and being in between Europe and Asia.

Assos

Istanbul Pride

Ayasofya

Ayasofya Interior

Grande Bazaar

Then, Italy. . . what magic the whole month there was.  Driving by car from the very north in Milan, all the way to Sicily.  It was an expensive ass journey after Ghana, but so gorgeous.  Speaking Italian for a month and getting lost in new places through the tiny country during summer made me feel like I was in paradise.  Italians definitely know how to treat themselves, and they definitely know how to relax and enjoy summer!

Pisa

Cinque Terre

Torre del Lago

San Gimignano

Now, back in Ohio.  This place is just as beautiful.  So many amazing people, so many things I never knew existed.  It's hard to come back after so many new places, and it's even harder after visiting San Francisco and Berkeley for 10 days (another perfect trip), but Cleveland has it's own awesome things that I still need to discover. . .

The Cleveland Metroparks

Storm rolling in at Sunset - Lakewood

Ohio junk yard

My Aunt and I, maketing my photo show!

Bay Leaf Family - my Oakland family

Good ol' Memorial Glade fun

the Mission in SF

So, here I go again.  After being home for 6 weeks, I am going to kiss my mother good bye and jump on a plane to India for the American India Foundation's William J. Clinton Fellowship for Service.  Am I ready?  Yes and no.  I guess I will have to decide when I get there! Chalo!

La famiglia