Simba Does New Orleans

New Orleans, Louisiana is one city that has been on my travel bucket list since I was in elementary school. My undying interest in the paranormal, magic, and the occult brought New Orleans across my path on many occasions. While my trip was short, only 12 hours in duration, I got a peek at what one NOLA resident dubbed, “The most unique place in the Universe”.

Stopping through New Orleans was an unexpected treat on my return to Seattle from Atlanta. Flights from NOLA to Seattle were cheaper than flights from Atlanta to Seattle. So I made plans to fly in to New Orleans at 8am and purchased a ticket to fly out at 9pm. I knew that with limited transportation and being a foreigner to the city, I wasn’t going to see much without help. My best friend called her dad, a recent New Orleans transplant, and he was happy to pick me up from the airport and take me to breakfast. We dined at the Ruby Slipper, a small chain that was established in the last 5 years. The vibe of the restaurant is simple and fun, and the food was exceptional. We chatted about the economic standing of the city and while gentrification was changing the city, the lack of established industries outside of tourism made it a tough place to live. 

The energy and the architecture in the French Quarter is jaw dropping. The French colonial influence has been preserved, and the color palette of the city is a hue of pastels and earth tones. The energy itself is heavy, the weight of centuries of history with it’s original structures still in place. The ease upon which the living live alongside the dead, also accounts for a dynamic only seen in New Orleans. The world famous cemeteries lay alongside the highway and amongst neighborhoods as jewels and not hidden away as secrets. The city has an almost somber feeling.

After meeting up with a native that I went to college with, we went in search of authentic New Orleans cuisine. We landed at a place with an upscale vibe but southern cuisine called Copeland’s. The food was out of this world. We had Crawfish bread, Crawfish Etouffee, Crab Claws in butter sauce, Red Beans and Rice, and a grilled Catfish fillet. I left happy and full. After hanging out downtown It was time for me to return to the airport. 

On my return visit I hope to tour the West Bank, 9th Ward, and Treme neighborhoods. The city is dark yet vibrant at the same time. Arriving at 8am allowed me to see the city slowly awaken. The stillness of morning was quickly replaced by the clicking and clacking of horseshoes and the music streaming out of the many establishments on Burborn street. My time in NOLA was incredibly short and this review doesn’t give it justice, but I am grateful to have gotten a taste of the most unique place in the universe.   

Simba Does Atlanta

If you asked me at the beginning of the year if I was planning to go to Atlanta, I would have likely responded "Not any time soon." While it is a city that has been on my travel bucket list for some time, there was no sense of urgency to travel there. Well the universe has a way of telling us where our next steps should be and through curiosity and a little risk, I ended up buying a one way ticket to one of the remaining hubs for Black people and Black culture. 

I came to Atlanta to attend the opening night of Miya Bailey’s third solo exhibit. I dragged my best friend along and was humbled by the quickness red dots began to pop up under the 20 or so pieces of art on display. I have been a fan of Miya’s work for a little over 4 years now. First falling in love with his one of a kind tattoos and later discovering his massive body of work that is home to more than 20 original artistic styles. Viewing his numerous interviews on the web you can pull together a story of a cultural innovator who came to Atlanta over 20 years ago with a vision of creating an art scene unlike anywhere else. With all but two works being sold during the 3 hour gallery exhibition, it is undeniable that Miya is well on his way to becoming an icon. 

Renovated home in Atlanta's West End

I spent 3 days in Atlanta. I made sure I rented a car so that no part of the city would be off limits to me. We snagged an Airbnb in Atlanta’s historic West End, a neighborhood that borders the AUC, where 3 of the best known HBCUs are housed. The neighborhood is diverse, both racially and economically. The city is progressive in a way that Seattle touts itself to be but hasn’t yet accomplished. Those with alternative lifestyles are integrated into the normalcy of everyday life without much fuss. So much so that a morning talk show featured a dating story gone array between two men. 

The one thing that surprised me was the number of strip clubs in the city, the only area I didn’t see a strip club was in Sandy Springs, which is about 25 minutes north of the Atlanta city centers. The stripper culture is engrained here,  they are more frequently found than liquor stores and fast food joints. I didn’t make it to the strip club on any of the 3 nights I was there (Lame right?) but the evidence of it’s influence on the city is undeniable. 

Deep Fried Shrimp & Grits @ The Breakfast Club

Every meal I had during my stay was amazing. Of course my bff and I hit up Waffle House, which doesn't’ offer the most amazing fare but made for a solid breakfast and a great way to balance my inebriation on our last night in the city. If you’re from the North but in the South, Waffle House is a must, even if you’re vegan, they got hash browns and waffles. Our second morning we enjoyed breakfast at a Black owned restaurant called The Breakfast Club. My best friend and I ordered a ton of food, simply because we wanted to try a few different things on the menu. The highlight dishes were Peach Cobbler French Toast, and the Shrimp & Grits. I snagged a tip from a yelp reviewer and asked for my shrimp to be deep fried, let’s just say I was in food heaven. We also dined at J&J’s fish and chicken, which is apparently a Chicago staple that has made it’s way to Atlanta but it didn’t seem to be missing any of the flavor. Lastly Daddy Dz BBQ was so delicious I hardly remember finishing my meal. We ordered a spread of ribs, chicken, brisket, mac & cheese, and greens that tasted even better after a night of drinking and hanging out. 

The culture of Atlanta is one of a kind. One would miss it, if it was just to go off of the portrayals we see on television. We have seen the city go through many changes over the last 20 years, the birth and death of Freaknik, hosting the Olympics, and the emergence of Black Hollywood. Atlanta has given birth to some of our most time honored artist such as Outkast, Ceelo, T.I., Lil John & The Eastside Boyz And present comeback hero Gucci Mane. You can not discount Atlanta’s influence on popular American culture and therefore the world. The best part of the Atlanta culture is the pride. Atlanta’s most popular radio station plays only Atlanta artist. Past, present, and future. They support their own and uplift each other. It makes it a great place to start a business or champion an art career. The one thing you must do if you ever consider making this city your home is give back. Gentrification is slowly erasing the thriving culture of the city, but many are working to keep the authenticity alive. Atlanta is the Seattle of the south. Where transplants now outnumber natives. So its important to replenish the city’s culture if you plan to take from it. 

Atlanta was good to me. A city on the rise that is both contemporary and traditional, boasting an atmosphere of change and prosperity. I’m looking forward to visiting again and often. This year was not supposed to be a traveling year for me, but some opportunities are just too good to pass up, and this trip was worth every second and every dollar.  

Simba Does Las Vegas

The last time I was in Vegas I was 22. I came to celebrate my best friend’s birthday and she was fortunate enough to live in Vegas at the time. That was my first time in sin city and it was pretty uneventful. I spent it doing things only locals do. Eating at mom and pop taco spots off the strip, buying liquor from the grocery store, and hanging with UNLV students. I didn’t see what the “sin” in sin city was all about, besides me being kicked out of a nightclub for sitting in VIP because my feet hurt. So, while I had a great trip, I didn’t feel the need to return often or ever. Recently, I made a new friend and she extended an invite to visit one of her favorite cities, Las Vegas. This time I was staying on the strip in the midst of all the excitement. This time, sin city lived up to its name.

Las Vegas is really a one of a kind place. It can only be described as an adult playground. Strippers, prostitutes, gambling, and booze. Vegas proves to be a quick getaway for people across the country to blow off some steam. For me it concluded a summer of traveling that has ultimately helped me discover who I am and what I want out of life. Las Vegas provided me with the most clarity. 

I started my vacation in true Jacqueline fashion, I missed my flight. Fortunately, flights to Vegas run from Seattle every two hours, so I was able to hop on the next one for an extra $25. I killed time in the airport by doing homework and was grateful to get a couple hours of sleep once I finally boarded my flight. I arrived in Vegas a little before 9pm, I took an Uber to the Luxor (the one hotel that’s shaped like a pyramid) and met up with the other half of my two person party. A new friend, who I was taking a big ass risk with by traveling with her. Traveling with people can either make you grow closer or hate each other, there’s a lot of factors at play. Luckily, I can say I was in great company.

Our first night we went to a nightclub where Diddy was the headliner, yes I said Diddy, as in Puff Daddy, as in Sean Combs. This was my first time in a nightclub in 5 years, and it showed. The first night I was overwhelmed by the stimuli, the crowds, the strobe lights, and the men on the prowl, it was all a little much. We were ready to go before Diddy ever hit the stage, but we did bump into him on our way out. We literally bumped into him and his security and even was greeted by the hype man turned Mogul as he gave his black wig a hair flip only the likes of Chris Crocker could appreciate. 

Our second day we grabbed breakfast at Hash House a GoGo, the food was delicious, they had this huge tower of chicken and waffles that I just didn’t have the stomach space to try, but it looked amazing. After my friend took a break to recover from an unexpected hangover, I spent my second afternoon roaming through the casino and gambling like a “granny” on the nickel and quarter slots. That night we hit up yet another nightclub. This time I tried to be in the spirits of dancing and having a good time. I danced with ONE guy, and by the time the night was over he was trying to convince me to join in on a threesome. This was where my first moment of clarity came from. This was not me, and not what I wanted, and what I had worked so hard to move away from. I wasn’t in Vegas to escape my life back home or be someone I’m not or used to be, I was there to have a good time and invest in a friendship.

Halloween day (Day 3) was spent walking the strip and eating essentially. While walking through one of the dozens of casinos, my eagle eyed companion spotted a guy that looked strangely like T.I., well it was, and while he declined to take photos he did shake my hand and give it a nice squeeze. This was quite literally the highlight of my trip. I don’t fangirl easily, but if you’re going to be in Vegas why not meet one of your favorite rappers. I’ve always thought T.I. is undeniably consistent in his music. That night we hit up Drais, my companions crashed someone’s VIP and I spent the night sitting down as opposed to the previous two nights where I was standing for hours on end. Funny story, even though I was sitting majority of the night, I still managed to rip one of my shoes. My favorite shoes at that, the pair I’ve had for 5 years, and the pair I said “I need a relationship as loyal as these shoes.” Only for them to fall apart in the club? I take that as a sign.

I got a thing for palm trees.

I learned that I’ve outgrown the traditional idea of “fun”.  I don’t drink as much as I used to, I don’t enjoy crowds as much as I used to, I definitely did not rekindle a flame for the nightclub life, the most “fun” I had all weekend was getting to know my new homegirl and getting dressed up in my three costumes. I’m still relatively new to being single. And while it’s easy for lingering feelings of your past relationship to impede on the joys of partying I can safely say that wasn’t it for me. I’m ready to settle down, ready to build a home and a future with someone who sees the same beauty in meI see in myself, and that I can subsequently seetheir own inner light. If we are seeking light we have to walk in light. We have to take steps down the path of the road toward our goals and not those paths that lay parallel.

My friends and family tell me I’m way too hard on myself, that I can party and still fall into the lifestyle I’m aiming for, and while I smile and nod at their encouragement, I know what they’re saying isn’t true. Molding the life you want takes strategy, it requires effort and at the very least some sense of direction. Vegas was a good time but not in line with my long term goals.  I don’t regret going, I got some great pictures of the strip. Met some awesome ladies, and was even able to dead some of this resentment I had been holding toward a total stranger (don’t ask). I came out of this trip with a clearer perception of myself, the clearest to date. Coupled with my journey of celibacy, I’m really on a roll. Sometimes we have to experience what we don’t want to know precisely what we do. 

Simba Does Oklahoma City

I’m fortunate to have “homes” sprinkled all over the country, but Oklahoma City holds a special place in my heart. My God Dad lives on the outskirts of the city on a 5 acre homestead. Before he lived here, he had a great hand in raising me in Seattle. I’ve always testified that in the absence of my biological father I was blessed with three quasi-fathers. My maternal grandfather, my uncle (mom’s brother), and my God Dad, who is my grandfather’s first cousin and best friend. Those three men have loved me, guided me, and molded me in ways that only a man can.

Only a week after arriving in St Thomas, I touched down in Oklahoma City. No one I told of my travel plans understood why I would go from the tropical paradise of St. Thomas to the dry farmlands of Oklahoma. Outside of visiting my family and the Sooners, I know nothing about the culture or landscape of the state or city. So my review of my travels will be more of a tribute to my family than a review of the city.

My God Dad moved to Oklahoma in 2001, seeing the impending gentrification of Seattle, he opted to sell his property for double the purchase price and move back to the south. He worked extremely hard as a long haul trucker for nearly 30 years. Coming from a one room house in Montgomery, Texas, he was able to manage his money and pool his resources to purchase 5 acres of land where he planted and cultivate his own cotton only to pick it his self in a symbolic ritual of arrival. 

This was the first time my daughter has any memory of meeting him and she has been excited for this trip for months at the promise of fishing and playing with the 2 German Shepherds that live on the property. We settled in quickly. I was flooded with nostalgic images of playing in the antique toys and items that litter their home. Every drawer is filled with treasures that my ‘Aunt’ & ‘Uncle’ affectionately call junk.

During my 5 day stay, I learned new thing about these two human beings that I had never noticed before. Their playfully affectionate relationship seemed to be missed on me as a child, or maybe they were just in an unhappy space. I talked openly with my God Mom about their marriage and my God Dad’s infidelities. She spoke with strength and humor about how they were able to move past something my generation often regards as the ultimate deal breaker. My affection and affinity for my God Dad has always eclipsed my God Mom, but only because I felt that she was stand-offish and cold as an adolescent. Whether this feeling was real or preconceived, I saw a very different side of her on this trip. A more open and transparent side. Which can only happen when you cross the threshold from childhood to adulthood.

 There is one general emotion that encapsulated me while I was there . . . gratitude. When you spend years away from people who were once everyday pillars in your life, it makes you compare and contrast the past and the present. They are two adults who virtually adopted me, and provided guiding principles I still stand on today. They dedicated parts of their earnings for me to go to college and made me a substantial part of their legacy. They gave me security that my parents weren’t prepared to give.

 Neither my God Mom nor God Dad are in the best health. The mortality of being human is frightening for me. The thought of inevitably losing them brings tears to my eyes. In a world where selfishness and apathy run rampant, losing those who have vowed to love you unconditionally makes everything else seem insignificant. While my 20 something self spends days and nights hopelessly analyzing thoughts of self-sufficiency, entrepreneurship, and financial security visiting my Godparents reminded me that all that I need and want has already been delivered to me. That a legacy has already been established and all I have to do is carry it forth.

Oklahoma City and its surrounding area may be considered lackluster to most of my peers, but I found a sense of peace in the quiet serenity of the country side. From the distinctive caw of the hawks flying overhead to the soft rustling of trees in the wind. Life outside of the city has brought my Godparents to a place of contentment. Things aren’t perfect. The aches and pains of old age leave them in discomfort but their environment is that of supreme comfort and security. A place most of us dream of, but rarely see illustrated.

Simba Does The U.S. Virgin Islands

I want to start off by saying it’s important to be open minded yet aware when traveling. Don’t let preconceived notions dictate how you will explore a new location and its inhabitants. Most who visit the Caribbean never leave their resort. I overheard two young men saying they decide to vacation in the Virgin Islands as opposed to Jamaica because Jamaica was a “shady” place.  I, on the contrary, arrived on St. Thomas looking for local fare and fun.

While I expected this trip to be a pleasure trip I knew it would be highly emotional. I was traveling with a side of my family that I have been estranged from for roughly 10 years. I arrived to Chicago O’Hare airport, nervous with anticipation. It was early morning, but my family was warm and happy to see me. It was the first time I had seen my dad since I graduated high school and his first time meeting my 8 year old daughter. I settled my rising anxiety by insisting to be myself, wholly and authentically. I would be open, honest, and playful. I left my social commentary and political sentiments in Seattle. This week was purely about reconnecting with family and enjoying a region of the world I had never been to.

As I expected, the scenery was beautiful. I found it difficult to edit the photos for this article because the vibrancy of the landscape was perfect. From the time our plane landed to the time it departed, every angle of the island was draped in a beautiful blue sky that met at the horizon with a combination of deep blue and light blue ocean waters. Lush greenery was everywhere, most of the island was untouched with houses sprinkled amongst the hillsides. Since there was 16 of us, we rented a massive house that overlooked Bongolo Bay. Beautifully decorated and equipped with a pool, our home was a vacation in and of itself.

Our first night was filled with joy and excitement of being in a new place. We dined at Iggie’s, a beachfront bar and restaurant that offered typical American fare with a Caribbean twist. The atmosphere was chill and being less than 5 minutes from our rental, it became a frequent hang out for my siblings and I. This trip was beyond special because I got to bond with my brothers and sisters. Being number of 4 of 7 makes me the sole middle child.

My sister and family arrived the second night and we ventured out to find some ‘trouble’ to get into. My Aunty suggested a hole in the wall spot called the Unuground, no typo. Imagine how surprised we were to discover this dive bar was actually a strip club. My conservative aunt let us hang around for a round of drinks anda couple song choices selected from a TV that was using YouTube to provide the ambiance, but afterwards she quickly ushered us out.

My favorite part of this trip was the 20 minute ferry ride and day spent on St. Johns. This neighboring island is mostly a federally protected national park. Along the rim of the island laid numerous bays and coves each more beautiful than the last. The park offered hiking trails with military and slave quarters still standing in remote parts of the park.  We swam as a family in Cruzman Bay in 70 degree salt water that left my body feeling lighter than air.

The rest of our week was spent in various places across the island, my favorite being Coki Beach. A local hangout with shopping, live entertainment, and local food. After 3 too many drinks I devoured some fresh red snapper that was served on a bed of Caribbean style rice and beans, alongside some fried plantains. Our last two days were jam packed with activities. I experienced jet skiing for the first time since childhood, I seen a sea turtle (bucket list item crossed off), and rode on a sunset cruise supplied with unlimited Rum Runners.

I loved the vibe of the island, how it was insulated and maintained its own sense of culture and style. The elected officials mirrored and interacted with the locals. The tourist shops ran on a barter system that would be completely foreign to the average American. It was a beautiful place, with beautiful people, brown people who looked just like my family. This adventure inspired me to step my travel game up next year and see as many places as I can afford to. We cannot truly say we know life and we know experience, until we’ve traveled to places outside of our everyday reality. It gives us perspective, highlights our interest, and opens our thoughts to the limitless possibilities of what life can be.

My goal for this year was to answer the tough question of “Who am I?” and this trip offered a piece of the puzzle. I discovered that I was not alone in my quirkiness or indecisiveness. That my thirst to constantly improve is actually a family trait. That no matter what happens, my life could never truly crumble. There will always be a home for me from Chicago to Houston. I felt the love from a group of people whom I always wanted love from and who always wanted the opportunity to love me.

As I stated in my LA travels, family makes traveling that much more enjoyable. I laughed, I cried, and I sat silently. Life is so full of blessings, make sure you show gratitude for each and everyone one of them. Person, place, or thing. 

Simba Does Los Angeles

    I have always loved to travel. My childhood was filled with trips to Texas to meet distant cousins and summers with my father, learning the both violent and industrious history of Gary, Indiana.  After turning 25, I realized that since becoming an adult, I have only made one trip outside of Washington. I've never stepped foot on East Coast soil, never crossed the border into Mexico, and I've never been overseas. The beautiful thing about the internet is it allows us to see the beauty of other places no matter where you are in the world. Unfortunately, internet photos can't create memories, they can't give you the experience of actually absorbing the energy and texture of a new place.  Our individual worlds can be very small and isolating so traveling to other places and experiencing other cultures can be important for growth as a person. I believe understanding other cultures can help heal the world and close the gaps that are created by sexism, class-ism, racism, able-ism and so on.  I am starting this series to document my own travels, the activities I participated in, and what lessons I was able to take from my trips. The first place I landed in was Los Angeles, California.

   Of course I waited until the the last minute to start packing, and shopping. The Thursday I had planned to leave was meticulously planned out but by the time the day started to progress, the non-necessities managed to slip off the to-do list.  I was excited and in great need of a getaway. I was determined to get out of Seattle for a few days even if cost me an arm and a leg. After an eventful day full of stresses and hang ups I was finally on the plane. I slept the entire two hour flight to LAX. 

    I had the pleasure of having up and coming artist Royce the Choice as a host. Our friendship has spanned the last 4 years and it has been an amazing experience to watch him grow and succeed not only as a Rap artist but as a person as well. Royce has been recently signed to DJ Mustard's label, 10 Summers, and is fresh off a January 12th release of his HOT new mixtape titled Rich Off Mackin'.  With plenty of new opportunities on the horizon, I knew it would be essential to get this visit in with Royce, before his time became too limited. I spent 4 days in LA, away from the tourist traps, experiencing the local climate and culture of the city.  I enjoyed great food from various restaurants including a diner with the biggest selection of breakfast items I have ever seen.  I was able to rock out at a show with Royce, but most of all I got to spend time with him and his amazing family. 

    Royce’s grandma mother has lived in LA for 40+ years, and originally from The Bronx, New York. She is as spunky and real as she is sweet and compassionate. His Aunt, Uncle, and Brother were beyond hospitable and made my entire trip feel like I was home away from home. Los Angeles has always been my dream place to live. The surf culture, organically cultivated, sprawling street art, and of course the endless options of food and entertainment, have all contributed to my day dreaming of sunny Southern California. I am grateful that my trip was filled with genuine interactions and authentic people.

   Visiting Royce reaffirmed my belief in true friendship but also shared the importance of family. With so many things changing in his life, Royce’s family has kept him grounded and humble. It reminded me that building relationships with people that sincerely enjoy your company is just as important as building with people that can advance your career.  In the future I would love to book as many trips as possible where I can stay with framily (friends + Family) so that I can feel the real flavor of the city or country I am visiting. I was able to view the city through the eyes of someone who has lived, worked, and loved the city for years. Royce’s grandmother helped me feel as if the transition from Seattle to LA could easily go from dream to reality.  

   Overall I was very happy with my trip and I feel blessed to have such an incredible person in my life, who has subsequently brought other equally amazing people in my life. To my brother and one of my closest friends, THANK YOU for an amazing kick off to my new series, and introducing me to your wonderful family. Do major work. It’s been a long time coming and you deserve the best of everything.