Mickela Mallozzi, Bare Feet with Mickela Mallozzi; Ryan van Duzer, Duzer TV; Josh Washington, Matador Network; and Nathan Fluellen, World Wide Nate

Now that TBEX is over what am I suppose to do?  Less then 45 days ago I had no desire to attend TBEX.   My introduction to the Travel Blogger Exchange started in April during a trip to Aruba when I met my dancing sister Mickela and furiously sold me on the benefits of attending throughout our trip.  After Aruba I had an inclination to attend but I wasn’t totally sold.  They say strength is in numbers because on my recent trip to Jordan seven of my colleagues shared their enthusiasm for TBEX and I was 3/4 sold on attending.  The nail in the coffin finally came when I found out a few companies I’ve worked with in the past were also attending.  I’m excited yay yay, I going to TBEX but now I need a flight, hotel and most importantly a ticket.  Doing things last minute has its penalties unless you have the determination to overcome adversity.  Long story short everything came through and I was on my way to TBEX.  I’m glad I went with no expectation because TBEX exceeded my colleague’s sales pitches.

Rob, Stop having a boring life; Teri Johnson, Travelista TV, Matthew Karsten, Vagabond Expert; David Digregorio, South Africa Tourism; Kat Reese, Spark Loft Media; Cailin O’Neil, Travel Yourself

During my weekend in Toronto, Canada, (BTW is not one of my favorite countries to visit due to immigration giving me a hard time upon every visit) I experienced a travel blogger homecoming!  I graduated from Tennessee State University, a historically black college and we have a huge homecoming culture of visiting Nashville to reconnect with friends and family and TBEX felt the same.  Seeing people I’ve met around the world on different trips and reconnecting with hugs, kisses, smiles and laughs were pretty awesome.

Liz and Jessie are amazing bloggers I met on a trip to Jordan. As you can see I’m wearing my hatta that I picked up on the trip.

We’re never far away with social media a phone grab away so the conversation is never taken up by what have you been up to; you already know.  It was exciting to introduce my friends to each other, connect companies with bloggers and network with new faces.  But most importantly we partied like its “1999″ and in those moments bonds are forged!!!  The chain of events that started on Friday evening with the opening night party at Roy Thompson Hall and this party won me over from the start with free food, wine, beer and deserts.  In a couple of hours I reconnected with everyone and was introduced to new faces that would soon form the Poutine train.

The Poutine Train crew (if you want to know what Poutine is click here)

Mickela Mallozzi  Bare Feet with Mickela Mallozzi

Ryan van Duzer   Duzer TV 

Kelly Ferro            Trip Films

Patricia Serrano   Fresh Traveler 

Courtney Scott      Let’s Roam with Courtney Scott

Ashley Castle        Travel with Castle 

Lisa Cohen            Make Me Hungry

Gareth Leonard    Tourist 2 Townie

Kate Thomas         Travel with Kate 

Kristen Sarah        Hopscotch the Globe

Juliana Broste         Traveling Jules

Jessie Festa           Jessie on a Journey 

*If I left you off the Poutine Train roll call please forgive me*

Whose world world is this? The world is ours!!!

After a long day of networking the Expedia Viewing party on Centre Island turned it up a notch (Play the video) and we danced like Jaggar lol!  The after party hosted by Matador Network at Easy & the Fifth was #EPIC, we dance from the time we stepped into the building but the vivid memories that continuously loop in my head are dancing to “Jump on it” and entire Poutine Train singing Bohemian Rhapsody with the same conviction as Freddie Mercury.

Dancing to Jump on it at Easy on the Fifth

The poutine train choo choo’d into Sunday sharing beers on a beautiful breezy afternoon greeting new comers to the table with a chant of “Ole Ole Ole” followed up with “Andele andele moma E.I. E.I., uh ohhhhhhhh what’s happening now” a verse from Nelly’s “E.I.” and concluded with “Hoops there it is” and ode to Tag Team and the actually name of the sports bar.

The Poutine Train

Somehow?  Thank you Sweet Baby Jesus, after everyone dispersed I found myself amongst three beautiful women having a sexy Italian dinner at La Bettola di Terroni with my angels: Lisa, Kate and Ashley!

World Wide Nate and his Angels: Lisa, Kate and Ashley

If TBEX were a film it couldn’t have been written any better and now I’m living vicariously through tagged photos and videos feeling warm and fuzzy inside looking forward to the next TBEX homecoming.  I don’t think I would want time machine but I’d rather have a re-live button so I can hit the repeat button on demand.  Until a genius figures out how to make that happen TBEX is over, now what?

la bettola di terroni, best Italian food in Canada

When I was headed to St. Kitts I was full of excitement to hike Mt. Liamuiga, volcano, zip line, do an ATV ride and golf the St. Kitts Marriott Resort’s world championship golf course but when I landed my excitement began to shrink.  Tropical storm Ernesto was viscously bringing the rain as I went through customs and finally arrived to the St. Kitts Marriott Resort and Royal Beach Casino.  Check out the webisode to see how I managed to make the best of this trip!

Upon returning home I rushed to my MacBook and searched, read and downloaded everything I could about Fela Anikulapo Kuti.  Fela was a Nigerian musician who pioneered Afrobeat music in the 70s.  By the time I got a heard of Fela he was a musical genius but during his campaign he faced many battles with the government of Nigeria.  For example, the Nigerian government raided his compound and threw his mother from a second story window that eventually lead to fatal injuries.  Fela’s slogan “music is a weapon” was utilized during his efforts to make a political change in Nigeria and free the people of Africa.  He would use his music to spread his message during is performances at his club The Shrine in Nigeria.  There is far more to learn about Fela then I can share in the post but just like Rich told me I implore you to Google Fela and learn about this man.  Recently, an award winning Broadway play “Fela on Broadway” was created to tell Fela’s story and I proudly say I’ve seen it twice on Broadway.  If you have the chance to see the play please check it out as it has toured the States and Europe.

My first time attending Jump N Funk at S.O.B’s, a performance hall in Tribeca, was spell binding.  Walking into a room full of adults dancing, sweating, rolling around on the floor as if their life depended on it was such an adrenaline rush.  I hadn’t felt that since I was a teenager when you didn’t have a care in the world.  The music he left for us to enjoy has brought together and moved so many people globally to celebrate him like we did in Los Angeles on Saturday.  Jump N Funk is a monthly party in NYC but fortunately Rich blesses us out of towners and takes his show on the road.

Suited in the proper attired of t-shirt, jeans and sneakers I stepped out the house and headed to Starbucks to grab a soy milk, caffe latte with raspberry flavor.  I needed a boost of energy after working on my feet all day.  Walking up to Echo Plex sipping my drink I realized another thing I love about Rich Medina’s parties, he doesn’t beat you over the head with his cover charge; the cost was $10.  Entering the intimate concert hall I side step and whispered, “excuse me” to people, proceeding to the stage.  Rich’s lanky 6’6 frame towers over his turntables flanked by a projector screen displaying vintage movies to his right and to his left the movie maestro operator.  Standing behind Rich waiting for the right moment to grab his attention to speak I tap him and he turns around and greets me with a bear hug.  He probably speaks to thousands of people on a weekly basis but its pretty cool when he shows you love.  I don’t think he will ever forget me, I remember telling him consecutively every time I saw him, “you’re the reason I love Fela”.  Moments later the Philly native would reunite with his instruments and continue entertaining the sea of Fela worshiping partygoers and I would soon dive into the mix.

The next step is finding your spot in the crowd with just enough room to dance Five songs later I’m moving, grooving, whipping sweat from my brow then I hear a guitar followed, by drums then that saxophone!  Oh my!  He just played Zombie, my second favorite song by Fela.  The composition of this 12-minute track keeps your feet floating off the ground instantly moving with no conscious control of your body.  Rich makes it hard for you to step away from the dance floor but he made it easy presenting a trivia question to win $40 at Amoeba Records.  Now mind you during this trivia break I’m literally wiping sweat from my face, forehead and scalp in one motion.

“What was the name of the song that was inspired by the government going into Fela’s toilet and taking his feces to test it for marijuana?” answer, “Expensive shit”.  Back to the party and I notice all of the beautiful people moving to the pulsating sounds.  With sweat drops falling over my eyelids I see afros, corn rolls, blondes, brunettes, red heads, slick backs, caesar blends, bald heads, New Era baseball caps, fedoras, twists, skull caps, buzz cuts, comb overs all moving in orchestra.

My favorite attendee was Reggae Pops.  He looked liked the Jewish guy at the barbershop in Coming to America and he was getting it in!!!  He danced all night, I told him he was inspiring and he told me, “I’m inspired by the people in here” which really meant the women because he was dancing with a cute girl all night long.

If you attend a party and there isn’t a YES moment during the event then you didn’t go to a true party.  Fortunately, Rich played “Hot Music” by Soho, during this time I stood captured by everyone dancing soaking up the energy then POW, he put on “Superman” by Black Coffee…YES!!!!!!!!!!! The entire night was magical for me on so many levels from dancing all night, hearing great music, and meeting amazing people plus seeing my homie Rich Medina!  It was so epic I had him sign a poster from the party and I’m going to get it framed!

#keepitglobal

Leaving Liberia’s airport is a breeze as I dealt with immigration and customs.  Now, I’m headed to Rincon del Viejo National Park on 45-minute drive to check into Hotel Hacienda Guachipelin.

Hacienda Guachipelin is a serene ranch style lodge with an unassuming entrance.  The staff greets me with a musical xylophone ballet and fresh Guaro Sour (Guaro liquor, raw sugar, lime wedges). The 55-acre property can look deceiving with its tall shrubbery that prevents a panoramic view of the property, but it does leave me excited to see what is in store during my stay.

I just have to take their word for it when told that its 55-acres of land your standing on.  After getting settle into the modest, Wi-Fi-equipped room I threw on my swim trunks to start the first adventure to the Rio Negro Hot Springs.

The bumpy ride on the gravel roads across the property gave perspective on how spread out the grounds really is.  Later, I was greeted by more friendly staff and handed a towel followed by “pura vida”, after a 10 minute stroll down a dirt path you arrive to the bar and bathroom area.

I’m not a huge beer drinker, but I do delight in tasting local beers and option number one was an Imperial Beer.  Shortly after the beer run, I descended down rock steps to a bridge equipped to handle only two people at a time.

The bridge reminded me of an Indian Jones movie except all the wooden planks were present.  Once the short walk was complete, I arrived to the hot springs.  My plan was to jump into the hot springs to relax but before that happens you pick up a paint brush to dip in a bowl full of mud to paint all over my body.

The mud is hot and it’s extremely fun to be a kid and use your body as a canvas for random body art or your neighbor can use you for fun.

The mud exfoliates the skin and makes it feel butter soft or at least I hope it has that affect on me.  The process is to paint your entire body from head to toe, let the mud dry until it hardens, during that time lay out on the reclining chairs or drink some Imperial beer, then rise off the mud in an ice cold shower and finally hop into the hot spring pools to relax, chat with your friends or finish off your Imperial Beer.

The pools are extremely hot reaching over 100 F.  But after the initial heat settles in your body begins to unwind.  If the hot springs are too much, cool off in Rio Negro but be careful this part of the experience is at your own risk.  If you look carefully, you can find a safe dip in the river to park your bum.  A massage therapist is also on location to work out any stress you might have; adding to your Pura Vida experience!

The propietarios created a tropical and tranquil ambiance inside the compound and time begins to move a lot slower.  After being greeted by the welcoming staff I was whisked away to my villa.  The cherry wood round top front door unlocks your arrival into an immaculate oasis of well-appointed luxury.  The villa felt like I arrived home upon entering the kitchen, lined with warm wood cabinets, marble floor and granite counter tops accompanied with Sub-Zero and Viking appliances.

The exploration continued discovering the one of the three full bathrooms, laundry area and mini bar tucked under the staircase.  Turn 180 degrees and the dinning room invites you to pull out a wood woven chair and enjoy a decisions home cooked meal.

The living room is filled with comfy sofas and reading chair to enjoy the full catalogue of cable channels on the 60 inch flat screen TV.  The floor to ceiling patio doors open to reveal a panoramic ocean view that is steps away if you choose to by pass the double lounger chairs.

The journey took me up the indigenous Costa Rican hardwood steps to check out the two bedrooms.  The smaller bedroom is anchored with a queen size bed, a spare loft bed, full bathroom and 60-inch flat screen TV.

The icing on the cake is the enormous master bedroom and bathroom big enough to fit ten people comfortably. The walk in closet is housed inside the bathroom adjacent to the double vanity sinks, Jacuzzi tub and walk in shower covered in Brazilian marble.  The bedroom is the crown jewel of the villa with its wood frame king size bed facing another flat screen TV.  A mini bar equipped with a microwave combined with a refrigerator to grab a quick soda and snacks is perfect when the room captures your motivation to leave.  The master bedroom’s floor to celling patio reveals an upper level balcony that makes the perfect location to watching the glowing orange sun sink into the Pacific Ocean.

I opt to enjoy the sunset outside on the lush ground relaxing at poolside at infinity pool sipping a cuba libre.

You might find it challenging to restrict yourself from strolling along the secluded Flamingo Beach.  The massive beach is lined with mansions making this portion of Flamingo an exclusive area to stay.

All beaches in Costa Rica are public but a staying at the Palms keeps your steps away from the beach.  The Palms provides paddleboards, kayaks, surfboards and other water sports for guests to enjoy.  The Palms gives you every reason to never leave with their onsite gym, Wi-Fi, global Vonage phone service and they have a grocery delivery service.

During my stay I was fortune to enjoy a three-course dinner with the owners at the tiki hut style outdoor grill bar.  The chief created a delicious shrimp cocktail, tuna steak with rice and vegetables, strawberry shortcake desert and an assortment of wines were pouring all night.  The Palms managed to provide all the luxuries you would find in the States with the exotic opulence of Costa Rica and that is Pura Vida!

Soon after breakfast I received word we would head to Table Mountain first while it was open.  The valuable tip about visiting Table Mountain is that when there are strong winds and/or clouds they close the visitor center to go on top of the mountain.  I’ve had a friend attempt to visit four times and leave home without making it up.  Knowing that made the change of plans more exciting because the weather was perfect and it wasn’t a cloud in the sky.

photo credit: @darodi

photo credit: @darodi

We leave the Radisson Blu Hotel and take a 25-minute ride to the entrance.  It was pretty busy but only took about 30 minutes to ascend to the top on the cable car that rotates 360 degrees during the ride up.

Once you reach the top you see it completely flat.  It was absolutely amazing to see in person.  A unique fact about Cape Town is that is it has its own flora kingdom with thousands of plants indigenous to the cape.

photo credit: @Darodi

The top of Table Mountain was bustling with people running around taking pictures with Cape Town behind them, looking for various flora and admiring the various view points the mountain has to offer.  My favorite part was watching the mountain smoke from devils peak.  The story is that a Dutch man named Jan van Hunks lived at the foot of the mountain.

photo credit: @darodi

He smoked so much his wife kicked him out the house to smoke. He met a stranger and they had a smoking contest and they smoked so much a cloud covered the mountain.  The stranger happened to be the devil and the mountain has been smoking ever since.  The funny thing is it was clear as day when I arrived to the top and suddenly clouds started to form over Devil’s Peak.

Table Mountain was the perfect kick off to our road trip to Cape Point; next stop Hout Bay via Chapman’s Peak Drive.  Chapman’s Peak Drive is an absolutely gorgeous road the hugs the side of a mountain that shoots in and out of beachfront neighborhoods.

photo credit: @darodi

During the 25-minute ride, our driver would explain all the details about each neighborhood on the ride to Hout Bay.  Hout Bay overlook provided a panoramic view of the suburbs.

photo credit: @darodi

After taking a few photos we continue down Chapman’s Peak Drive to Simons Town to visit a Penguin colony at Boulders Beach.  The African Penguins migrated to South Africa in the 1980s because of their high sardine population.  Penguins living on the beach, can you believe it!  I’ve always seen penguins in cold climates and to see them hanging out on the beach popping in and out of the water is pretty cool.

photo credit: @darodi

A  boardwalk brings you to boulders beach and it creates a border that prevents direct  access to the penguins.  I was able to catch two penguins mating and it was hilarious, no inhibition at all.  Here is my fair warning, South Africa has strict penalties and are very protective of their penguins.  When you visit don’t get any smart ideas with trying to take one home as a souvenir.

By the time we left the colony it was time for lunch and we headed a couple blocks down the street to Seaforth restaurant.  Seaforth is a charming seafood restaurant that happens to sit on the ocean, with an open-air patio that would be our dinning location.

After surveying the menu I decided to go with the Mozambican Tiger Pawns with a vegetable medley and chips.  Nothing beats eating fresh seafood with the Atlantic Ocean as your vista while you dine.

My stomach is full and the grand finale awaits and we proceed for 25 minutes to drum roll…Cape Point.  Cape Point is special because theoretically this location is where the chilly Atlantic Ocean and the warm Indian Ocean collide.  We arrived and boarded a tram for a quick ride to the base of the look out point.

From here you can see infinite views of the Atlantic Ocean.  The next step is to climb zigzagging stairs to the lighthouse.  The closer you get to the top views of the Indian Ocean side are revealed.

Arrival to the lighthouse releases a feeling of accomplishment.  I have made to the bottom of the map!  The only place to go from here is Antarctica and I wasn’t dressed for that trip today.

photo credit: @darodi

Panoramic views of Cape Point lead me to wonder about how the Dutch found this place?  Who had the guts and determination to keep sailing in this direction?  So many questions with so little time and not enough answers.  I came back from my daydream and enjoy the surrounds from the top.

photo credit: @darodi

There was a sign that gave the miles to cities across the world and from this point I was 7792 miles from New York City, which meant I was 8000 plus miles from Los Angeles.

The random moment of the day was when I was photo bombed by a group of tourist from Shanghai.  It funny being black around Chinese tourist, they always want to take a picture with you LOL.  Nevertheless it was the icing on the cake for an awesome day!

photo credit: @darodi

Oh one more thing on our way out we came across a couple of baboons that hangout near the exit.  They’re cute but viciously smart and will hangout on your car while its moving. They will act harmless and approach your car only to try and open your doors or windows to enter looking for food.  Check this guy out trying to get close!  Now its time to escape to the hotel for some rest after an amazing road trip to Cape Point!

photo credit: @darodi