Why Traveling To Normalize Blackness is Problematic

July 5, 2019 By Somto Ugwueze Leave a Comment

This is Why Traveling To Normalize Blackness is a Bad Idea

There’s a faulty line of thinking that’s been floating around the black travel community in America. I come across it on blogs, on social media, and in real-life discussions.

It’s the idea that black people need to travel more. If more black people traveled, some say, it would ‘normalize our existence’ to others who don’t have many encounters with us. It would help break down ignorance and negative attitudes others have about black people. I can see where people are coming from, and Gloria’s article above makes some valid points. But the general idea that black people need to travel more for other people’s enlightenment is deeply flawed and downright condescending.

Where To Eat in Madrid – 10 Best Restaurants To Try

June 16, 2019 By Somto Ugwueze Leave a Comment

Discover Where To Eat in Madrid: 10 Must-Try Restaurants

Madrid is brimming with restaurants with affordable, tasty food. I’m talking about everything from hole-in-the-wall restaurants to rooftop bars to upscale restaurants. Yes, even the upscale restaurants in this city will cost you like 20-25 EUR for a meal. It was hard for me to write this post because there were so many options to choose from. Still, I’ve managed to break down the top 10 restaurants I think you should try when visiting Madrid.

5 Ways To Make Friends Abroad You May Not Have Considered

May 22, 2019 By Somto Ugwueze Leave a Comment

Want To Make Friends Abroad? Here Are 5 Approaches To Try

This is a sponsored post by Allianz Care. All opinions expressed in this post are based on my own experience.

One of the questions I get the most about living in Spain is how I was able to make friends. When you’re in a completely new environment, it can be daunting to walk up to strangers and introduce yourself. But making friends while working or living abroad is such an important part of settling into your new home. Developing a good social network will make your experience easier and more enjoyable. But how to go about it?

That’s why I’ve partnered with Allianz Care to bring you these ideas to meet new people abroad. I’m going to break down 5 ways to make friends abroad.

The Best Day Trips From Madrid: 10 Destinations To Visit

May 1, 2019 By Somto Ugwueze 1 Comment

10 Day Trips From Madrid For Your Itinerary

One of the best things about Madrid is its central location. Madrid is within close proximity to a host of interesting destinations that make for a great day trip. This post breaks down 10 of the best day trips from Madrid – from quiet towns to majestic landmarks. I went on day trips to all these places when I lived in Madrid so I wanted to give you some tips on how to prepare and what to do in each place.

A Self-Guided Walking Tour of Madrid with Map

April 26, 2019 By Somto Ugwueze 4 Comments

15 Places To Visit on Your Self-Guided Walking Tour of Madrid

Madrid stole my heart when I first visited in 2012. In fact, I loved it so much that I decided to move there and live for a year. Nowadays, I visit the city once in a while to catch up with old friends. May you could say I’m a little obsessed with this city. For some reason, many travelers I’ve talked to think Madrid is boring compared to Barcelona. That couldn’t be farther from the truth!

Guide to a Weekend in Amsterdam – 7 Activities You Can’t Miss

April 14, 2019 By Somto Ugwueze 2 Comments

A Weekend in Amsterdam – Things To Do Outside of the Redlight District

Oh, Amsterdam. This is probably the only city in the world where you’ll find a Christian hostel across the street from a live sex show venue. No kidding. In 2016, during my second visit to Amsterdam, I stayed at a Christian hostel in the middle of the Red Light District. Why? It was cheap, and I booked my accommodation last minute. Don’t judge me.

Amsterdam is an odd place. It’s quaint and storybook-like yet seedy and vulgar. I guess that’s what makes the city of canals so intriguing. In this post, I’ll show you how to spend a weekend in Amsterdam as a first-time visitor.