Trips: the Highlight Reel

Türkiye

Last Visited:

For 10 days, 2 of my sisters + a friend of my sister, frolicked across the Anatolian Peninsula. The people were friendly even when we had no common language to communicate in. The food was otherworldly, and my sister regularly brings up Turkish dessert in our conversations. The landscape was indescribable, but I'll try! We divided our time between Istanbul and Antalya, so we got to see the urban core of the country and the beautiful seaside with the Taurus Mountains in the distance. Lest we forget, the cats! I got into the habit of ordering a bit more food at outdoor restaurants, just so the little fluff balls slinking between my ankles got to have a snack too! Words don't do Türkiye justice.

Cats gathered to eat Turkish kebab.
The aforementioned kitty cats! I attracted maybe 6-7 cats during this particular dinner.
3 smiling women take a selfie in Istanbul.
Here, my sisters pose for a pic after grabbing a bite to eat right outside the Grand Bazaar. A big day of shopping for us.
Taksim Mosque in Istanbul.
In Taksim Square, this Mosque -named for the neighborhood in resides in- looks ethereal backlit by the late afternoon sun.
A view of the Antalyan seaside and the Taurus Mountains.
Konyaaltı Beach and the Taurus Mountains in Antalya at sunset.

Senegal

Last Visited:

Though I was born in the States, I feel a strong connection with my homeland, Senegal. My parents make frequent trips when they can, and it's always a pleasure to return when I am not in school. When I think of Senegal, I think of trips to the fabric district and the tailor, fresh bread every morning, the impossibly loud tabar drum in your ear at a wedding, the art of taxi driver haggling, and the reacclimation period of walking on sand with flip flops, and the cheek-to-cheek kiss greeting. Home.

Young man holding tea set.
My little brother right before he attempts to serve traditional ataaya (tea) for the first time.
Couple on brightly lit beach.
My parents on a Dakar beach in the late afternoon.
Girl smiling in front of sign that reads 'Orefonde'.
Orefonde is the town in eastern Senegal we originate from. I seem pretty happy to be back!
Wide angle shot of fabric market stall.
One of the outdoor fabric market stalls in Dakar where lucrative fabrics like Bazin Riche are sold.

New York City, New York, U.S.A

Last Visited:

In December 2022, I was about $200 short of keeping my Medallion status, and even after begging several Delta customer serice representatives, I was told I would have to actually travel before the New Year or else I would lose my progress! I know I said I love to travel, but an impromptu trip when I would've preferred to buy a gift card was not what I had planned! In typical Capricorn fashion, I planned the shortest possible trip I could without spending more than a dollar than I absoluteley had to. 12 hrs in New York City, no hotel. Just me, my giant tote bag and winter clothes that were ill suited for the city. I went to the MOMA, saw the Rockefeller tree, and sat at the steps of the Met Gossip Girl style. Then, I shopped off of my birthday list, until I realized I would have to hold the bags all day. New York in 12 hours, quick and efficient.

Stocking clad legs on a Central Park rock, skyline in distance.
I spent a while in Central Park just people watching and waving at the leashed dogs as they passed me.
Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City.
I've never actually watched Gossip Girl apart from bits and pieces from my sister, but I couldn't resist.
A slice of cheese pizza.
This quick supper wasn't a planned stop. If it was, I would've found a better spot. 3/5 stars.
Radio City Music Hall decked in festive decor.
A little landmark I spotted on my way to a vinyl shop.