“Chestnuts roasting on an open fire…”
This opening line of the Christmas carol, “ The Christmas Song” is well known by those who love Christmas and Christmas carols. In fact, I have been singing the words to this song for as long as I can remember! What’s funny though is I had absolutely no idea of what a chestnut was or how it tasted! That changed a few months ago during my trip to Zagreb, the capital of Croatia!
In Croatia, chestnuts are in season this time of year. They’re on display and available for purchase in all the grocery…
Spoiler alert: I love it!
Greetings, adventurers! It’s been quite some time since I’ve written about my travels! That ends with this post! But first, allow me to fill you in on a particularly joyous milestone!
This girl turned 40 years old five days ago! Happy birthday to me!
For at least the past decade, I’ve only wanted one thing for my 40th birthday: a trip to Italy! But as the world changed due to the coronavirus pandemic, I wasn’t sure that would happen — especially as Europe began experiencing its second wave of the virus and many countries entered their second lockdown. …
When a family designation means so much more
Aunt Jane was my aunt by marriage — the wife of my dad’s younger brother. Aunt Jane and I had a special connection and I loved how she affectionately called me “niece.” As I traveled the world posting pictures from South America, Asia, and Europe, she would comment on my Facebook pictures with “Have fun, niece.” “Miss you, niece.” “Beautiful, niece.”
There was something about her use of the word “niece” — a very simple word which by definition only meant that I am the child of her husband’s sibling — that made me feel special. …
I love living in Split, Croatia. The beach is a 15-minute walk from my doorstep. If I’m seeking weekend adventure, a day trip to one of the many islands is an easy solution, and the Mediterranean diet of olive oil, fish, and fresh fruits and vegetables is hard to beat. However, when it comes to being a black woman, Split isn’t the most diverse place on the planet. In fact, prior to the tourist season, I’d only encountered 4 other black women since arriving here in March. …
A Superhero Gone Too Soon
When I woke this morning, the news of Chadwick Boseman’s death was sitting in my WhatsApp Cali Cousin Thread. The Cali Cousins are my friends who are more like family. I’m usually not too fazed by celebrity deaths. After all, they too, are human. But this one really hit hard and it hurts. I’ve already cried 3 times this morning.
Those who know me know my affection for Chadwick Boseman who I have affectionately called “Bae Boseman” for the past 7 years — ever since I saw his breakout role in “42”. I’ll never forget…
Full Title: My Sister, the Serial Killer
Author: Oyinkan Braithwaite
Format: Paperback
Pages: 223
Publish Date: 2017
First, a disclaimer.
This will above all else be an objective review. Yet, I have to admit, I’m rooting for this author. Allow me to explain.
I’m a fan of the underdog. I’m an admirer of those who tackle and overcome “fear of failure”. …
A cry for the United States to no longer be the pariah of the world
I’ve been quarantined in Croatia since March 20th. I adhered to the lockdown and social distancing measures and thus far have not been infected with the coronavirus. As restrictions lifted and the tourism season went into full effect, I found myself ecstatic at the opportunities to visit Trogir, the islands of Hvar and Korcula, and the ultimate Croatian destination: Dubrovnik!
I have now spent the past four days enjoying Dubrovnik, Croatia, and the beautiful Dalmatian Coast. When Croatians heard me speak, they instantly and correctly…
Full Title: Little Fires Everywhere
Author: Celeste Ng
Format: Audible (listening service)
Pages: 338 (21 Chapters on Audible)
Publish Date: 2017
One week ago, I finished listening to the audio version of Celest Ng’s wildly popular, Little Fires Everywhere (LFE). Two days ago, I began watching the Hulu miniseries based on the same novel that appears to be on everyone’s read and watch list these days. I figured I’d better pen my thoughts on this literary work before the Hulu series had a chance to color and influence my initial impressions.
Plot Summary
Little Fires Everywhere revolves around the Richardson family…
Full Title: The Silent Patient
Author: Alex Michaelides
Format for Reading: Kindle
Pages: 325
Publish Date: 2019
It’s been quite some time since I’ve read a murder mystery thriller. It’s not that I’m not a fan of the genre, I just tend to gravitate more towards historical fiction. Nevertheless, a good friend of mine recommended The Silent Patient and it was a nice return to the “Who dun it?” psychological murder mystery.
I must say, for someone who usually takes 4–6 weeks to finish a novel — don’t judge me…I’m a slow reader — I was pretty amazed that 10…
…And I have mixed feelings about it.
For the past week, the country of Croatia, located in Eastern Europe, witnessed a significant drop in the daily number of new Coronavirus cases. How significant? For the past 7 days, Croatia reported single-digit cases over 24 hour periods. Then on May 8th, 36 new cases were reported overnight. How did this happen? How did we go from effectively flattening the curve to single digits case to a 3-fold jump?
Here’s how.
The new cases were attributed to a patient with coronavirus who resides on the island of Brac. Said patient spent 6…
