Photos + Words

This page is dedicated to the photos from my Instagram account (@thechameleontale). If you want real-time updates, please go follow my account!

20 January 2018. Dallas Women's March.

Feminism is neither fallacy nor folly, neither fragile nor frail, neither felonious nor faulty. It is not a war of fact vs fiction.
Feminism is both fantastic and fierce. It is both a fortress of freedom and a force for everyone.
Feminism is both family and friendship. It is for you. For me. For us. For we.

18 January 2018. 

I often catch myself being nostalgic - swiping through photos, gazing at videos with detail, and pondering through pools of memories. It is not that I am ungrateful or resentful for where I am in life. It is much more of a cathartic action to remind myself of how I want to feel, how I want to be engaged, and how the past is not always a predictor of the future but it can be one hell of a motivator. And, then I came across this quote, compliments of Michelle Obama (and her birthday).
“You may not always have a comfortable life and you will not always be able to solve all of the world's problems at once but don't ever underestimate the importance you can have because history has shown us that courage can be contagious and hope can take on a life of its own.”
No need to get caught up in the glory of what’s gone and past. No need to overthink the present. Only a need to know you can continue the good fight.

15 January 2018. Bologna, Italy.

“Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that.” - the one and only, Martin Luther King, Jr.

9 January 2018. Lady Bird Lake.

A must read:
“We were keeping our eye on 1984. When the year came and the prophecy didn't, thoughtful Americans sang softly in praise of themselves. The roots of liberal democracy had held. Wherever else the terror had happened, we, at least, had not been visited by Orwellian nightmares.
But we had forgotten that alongside Orwell's dark vision, there was another - slightly older, slightly less well known, equally chilling: Aldous Huxley's Brave New World. Contrary to common belief even among the educated, Huxley and Orwell did not prophesy the same thing. Orwell warns that we will be overcome by an externally imposed oppression. But in Huxley's vision, no Big Brother is required to deprive people of their autonomy, maturity and history. As he saw it, people will come to love their oppression, to adore the technologies that undo their capacities to think.
What Orwell feared were those who would ban books. What Huxley feared was that there would be no reason to ban a book, for there would be no one who wanted to read one. Orwell feared those who would deprive us of information. Huxley feared those who would give us so much that we would be reduced to passivity and egoism. Orwell feared that the truth would be concealed from us. Huxley feared the truth would be drowned in a sea of irrelevance. Orwell feared we would become a captive culture. Huxley feared we would become a trivial culture, preoccupied with some equivalent of the feelies, the orgy porgy, and the centrifugal bumblepuppy. As Huxley remarked in Brave New World Revisited, the civil libertarians and rationalists who are ever on the alert to oppose tyranny "failed to take into account man's almost infinite appetite for distractions." In 1984, Orwell added, people are controlled by inflicting pain. In Brave New World, they are controlled by inflicting pleasure. In short, Orwell feared that what we fear will ruin us. Huxley feared that what we desire will ruin us.”
Courtesy of Neil Postman’s ‘Amusing Ourselves to Death’

8 January 2018. Apache Pass, Texas.

Wheels to the road, and a mind spinning just as fast. Yesterday, the channels of my mind were in overdrive, veering every direction of thought. I loved it. I was pressing the pedal of pensiveness and refusing to release the gas.
Although I have driven from Dallas to Austin (and vice versa) bountiful times, I took an alternative route; I made a trivial trip feel like a virgin voyage. It was liberating, relaxing, and elating. 
With the workweek beginning again, this ample appreciation for change challenges me to take a twist on the day-to-day routine, even if it simply means taking the long way home.

28 September 2017. Parliament of Canada. 

In Ottawa, I walked along the row of parliament buildings and basked in their enormity and grandiose, intricate architecture. I had a field day with taking photos, and I began to question what format I would share them. I want this account to continue, but it needs to have a uniform, solid voice. I don't wish to simply share travel photos, for I intend to travel with purpose. As an "intentional traveler," I hope to find moments that connect us in our humanity. A way of life, language, fashion, culture, etc. might be different, yet our inner-being is one in the same. Our humanity and dignity can be found. These buildings' exteriors were shaped and molded differently from our very own capital, yet they still house a country's leaders, policy makers, and advocates. They still represent a country at work, altering and trading vices for attributes, with the best interest of the country in mind. Walking around those buildings are people - people who may or may not trust in the system, the politicians, or the policy. That potential insecurity comes from the hope for the betterment of their country, which could never be entrapped within the walls of a building in the first place.

27 September 2017. Canadian Tribute to Human Rights. 

Oh Ottawa... You're speaking my language. Sometimes the most profound statements are also the simplest; there's no questioning or rationalizing needed with the logic. The idea that all people are born free and equal shouldn't be a debate. Dignity and rights should not be bargained and traded. The Universal Declaration of Human Rights was written decades ago, yet we're still deliberating its content. In the end, it's very simple, "All human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights." Let's not forget that.

22 September 2017. 

Hello, friend. It's been a month and five days since I cracked you open. Now let's go on an adventure.

21 September 2017. 

"If you want peace, work for justice." Happy International Day of Peace!

17 September 2017. Austin, Texas.

This weekend, I took a trip down to Austin, TX to bear witness to a celebration of love. It was the marriage between two trail-junkies who fell in love on the Pacific Crest Trail. 
It was beautiful to see friends and family from all walks of life and from critical points in these two people's adventurous lives come together like puzzle pieces. Every person had a purpose and story, filled with embarrassment but mostly love, that connected them to the bride and groom.
I'd like to share a message from the new, happily married couple.
"We know we are getting married in an unsure time in the world. We celebrate our differences and remember that there are too many people in this country trying to divide us. From us, a nasty woman and a bad hombre, to you, our beloved family, we are grateful to all of you and know that we can only get married today because we stand on the shoulders of giants."
May we all be giants for one another, lifting each other up in this world that tries to tear down our love.

5 September 2017. St. Patrick's Catholic School. 

Education is the cornerstone to implementing change in the world.
Today, I had the wonderful opportunity of going to my old middle school and talking about social justice in action. I gave an explanation of commonly misused terminology, a history and legal perspective of migration and the asylum process, and the Catholic Social Teaching and social justice faced during and beyond my internship.
I hope to go to my other alma maters in the future and give a similar talk. 

26 August 2017. 

You thought it was over? This is just the beginning! I'm sitting in the exact spot I wrote my first article for my blog. This time, I am balancing three articles while brainstorming a new state-side project. There's so much undetermined about my life, but I'm chasing what continues set a fire within my heart. It's the most cathartic and euphoric feeling. I refuse to let this fire die out, so be prepared for more from me. With love, the chameleon

20 August 2017. Irving, Texas.

Well, it’s hard to admit it, but I’ve been stateside for over 24 hours. I’m walking through a fog that feels like the state of limbo, unattached to all that surrounds me. My mind and body won’t let me settle with the idea of being home, for I feel in my heart that I am meant to continue the work I was doing this summer. I feel a bit restless, yet this is where I am. The only thing keeping me sane is the eternal gratitude that I have for this summer. It has lit a fire within my heart, and it reminds me that this is merely the beginning – the beginning to affecting and implementing change in my life and the lives of others. It encourages me that I can pursue a degree and find a career that not only aligns with my passion but also is rooted in the fight for justice. Is it a hard transition to be back? Yes. Is it temporary? That is dependent on me. I am walking to the edge of the cliff, peering over to see what lies below. I can either back away or prepare my stamina for the huge leap. It’s a long road, but this is the start to a great life. The chameleon tale has only just begun.

17 August 2017. Musée Marmottan Monet. 

If you want a quick read, go check out my latest post "An Artist's Work" on my blog www.thechameleontale.com
*This post is dedicated to @paigeguillory out of gratitude for the museum recommendation.

16 August 2017. Eiffel Tower. 

Since being in Paris, I've joke with myself a lot about how I'm traveling alone in the city of love. In no way am I taking pity upon myself. I enjoy being a lone wolf and solo traveler. I enjoy going at my own pace and soaking in the little things of life that I consider beautiful. For example, I loved listening to two sisters from Wisconsin talk and joke about their parents and how they miss home, and then I eyed a couple in the early stages of dating and saw the man pucker up the courage to put his arm around the girl while they gazed at the glowing tower.
It doesn't matter that I am alone. I am surrounded by love everywhere I go. Most importantly, I have a love within my own heart. I am content. I am happy. I am loved. So, I ask that you don't forget that too.

16 August 2017. Musée de l'Orangerie. 

Fun fact: if you are under the age of 26, your admission fee into Parisian museums is waved or highly discounted. So, you have no excuse to not go see some stellar art. Call me crazy, but I decided to go to Musée de l'Orangerie before the Louvre. I couldn't pass up seeing Monet's water lilies, and I wasn't disappointed. If you get the chance to visit Paris, I highly suggest going to this museum, sitting in front of these massive canvases, and bask in all their beautiful, effortless glory.

15 August 2017. Arc de Triomphe. 

And, I'm back to traveling alone. These last few days in Paris have been absolutely wonderful. I will admit that I wasn't prepared for the first day. I was walking down the streets in my Pink Floyd short sleeved shirt, floral jeans, and chacos and passing by Parisians in their winter coats. Little did I know the cool breeze was hinting to me that it would rain. I inevitably got caught in the rain. Soon, I was the crazy tourist walking down the streets and smiling in the downpour, not minding the Parisians glaring at my heinous strappy chacos but rather too caught up in the beautiful scenes surrounding me. Paris, you've already stolen my heart.

15 August 2017. Bologna Centro.

Although I am in Paris, I've still got Bolo on my mind. Here's a tribute to the beautiful city herself and the street art that makes her so wonderful.

8 August 2017. Bologna, Italy. 

It's all just a dream... I made it back to the first Italian city that stole my heart! Yesterday on the train, tears formed as I locked eyes with San Luca on top of the hill. I am still in denial that I am back in Bologna. Walking off the train and down the familiar streets, I had a very strange feeling fill my core. For once, I just felt content. I thought I would be jumping with joy and holding back happy tears for every site that brought back memories from my study abroad experience. Instead, I just felt comfortable and at peace. It took me an hour to realize that I am not the same person who walked these streets two years ago. Things feel different but only in the best way. I'm not mesmerizing over the romanticized sites, sounds, and smells. Instead, I am taking in and appreciating every intimate detail of the city that broke and built me anew. I could not be more grateful for this chance to thank my city. Now please, don't pinch me.

7 August 2017. Cinque Terre, Italy. 

Yesterday, I set out for Parco Nazionale delle Cinque Terre. Many of you are familiar with the touristy, picturesque image of Vernazza. Let me tell you...it's so much better than that.
I started my hike at 10:00 and finished by 15:30. Although all five cities were beautiful, I really loved the act of the hike. For those who know me well, you know I love to go on walks and to hike. It gives me a chance to stop, think, and reflect. That's exactly what I needed yesterday.
It's been a lot easier to post daily about my traveling since the internship has ended. There's not much to process while traveling. In fact, the only thing that I am processing is how the hell I'm going to process this internship when I return to the States. It's a lot easier to recount what I have done in a day's worth of travel. When I was doing my internship, I wasn't required to simply remember what I did in a day and regurgitate it. I had to think about how I or someone else felt. I would question, "what can be shared without exploiting someone's story or experience?" I needed and still need time to process everything, and that's okay. That's what I learned during this hike. I know that may not be groundbreaking for some, but for me, it was needed.
Now that that weight has been relieved from my shoulders, I can get back to writing. 
With all that being said, I loved this hike with my whole heart. There was a sense of euphoria in the air, and I needed to be surrounded by nature, eat some pesto focaccia, and walk my legs until they shook from exhaustion.

6 August 2017. La Spezia, Italy.

Yesterday, I took three trains, all of which were entertaining. The first sped past countless fields of sunflowers in the region of Umbria. The second glided past the mountains and farmland of Tuscany. And, the third had a cat on board.
During my trains, I listened to several podcasts and did some writing. For anyone wondering: yes, I am still writing for my blog. I've simply needed time to process all that happened the last two weeks of the internship. That train ride gave me that.
After several hours of traveling, I arrived at La Spezia Centrale. To be honest, it wasn't what I was expecting. I began to question if I had set my expectations too high.
I checked into my place and walked around until an appropriately late dinner time. I wouldn't normally post any "dining with Dana" photos on here, but this meal was too good. It was my one "treat yourself" Italian meal, beginning with cantaloupe covered in prosciutto, followed by a pesto dish, and ending with a toffee parfait and caramelized pears. Wo-wo-wowza!

6 August 2017. Assisi, Italy.

Oh Assisi... How I regret giving myself only 20 mere hours to enjoy you. 
When I arrived in Assisi, I immediately went to my airbnb to cool off. My apartment was centrally located (refer to previous video post), which was very much needed with my short timetable. I dropped off my bags and immediately headed out the door. Assisi is an incredibly small city, so no map was needed. My body was exhausted, but my mind was focused on finding one thing: Basilica of Saint Francis. I felt like I was touching every corner of the city and had yet to find it. I was nearing the curve of a street when I thought to myself, "if it's not right here, I'm going home and seeing it in the morning." Sure enough, I could see the Basilica in the distance. I'd like to think I needed to get lost for an hour, so I would see the Basilica when the sun was preparing to set. It was gorgeous.
I walked into the Basilica and listened the prayers being sung. For once, time felt still.
Later that evening, I grabbed a pizza and headed home. I passed out embarrassingly early.
The following morning, I packed everything and headed out the door. Weary I might miss the bus to the station and, therefore, my three trains, I began to walk down the hill from the city. For those unaware, Assisi sits atop a huge hill, roughly an hour long walk down. In the heat and with both bags on, I prepared to walk and attempt to make it to the station before my train left in 45 minutes. Thankfully, I came to my senses and puckered up the courage to shoot my hitchhiker thumbs up. Within a minute, someone picked me up and drove me to the station. The conversation was both enlightening and hysterical, but I'll save that for another time. I've ranted too much for one post.

4 August 2017. Dubrovnik, Croatia. 

Well, I've finally arrived in Assisi. Before that, I had to make a few stops along the way. I took a bus from Dubrovnik to Split and purposefully sat on the left side of the bus, so I could see the water. On the bus, I met a sweet Italian woman, who mistook me for a Croat. We spoke for a while, comparing different Italian cities.
When the bus arrived in Split, I walked around Diocletian's Palace, which is located in the heart of the city. 
Up next: another ferry. I set up my little camp and did my best to knock out early for the night. We arrived in Ancona at 7:00. Crazy enough, it was the exact spot we departed from for Greece nearly 2 years ago. With nearly six hours to spare, my main mission was to find headphones. Yes, I lost them the night before. It was a short-term tragedy.
By mid-afternoon, I was at the train station with bags strapped on and podcasts downloaded. By 18:00, I arrived in Assisi.

3 August 2017. Dubrovnik, Croatia. 

A tribute to the Cats of Dubrovnik
My deepest condolences to those who could not be pictured; Instagram has a photo limit

3 August 2017. Dubrovnik, Croatia. 

Yesterday was our last full day in Dubrovnik. Considering we didn't know how long it would be until we swam in the Adriatic Sea again, we decided to spend all day at our own private rock island. I kept thinking of the Little Mermaid soundtrack, while I sat on the rocks and had the waves rush over me.
The one downside to being outside all day isn't the ungodly tan lines you get, but rather the potential heat deprivation. Like I said before, Croatia has had a wicked summer, and I felt it yesterday. Don't forget to hydrate!
Wanting to take it easy, Micah and I packed all of our bags, enjoyed the sunset one last time on our balcony, and attempted to go to bed early. A 06:30 wake up call was awaiting me in preparation for 48 hours of travel. Hvala, Croatia!

2 August 2017. Dubrovnik, Croatia. 

Yesterday, we walked the Srd Trail, which leads to the top of an old fort. You get the most spectacular aerial views of Old Town while climbing up. Croatia has had an astronomically hot summer, so this hike wasn't a walk in the park. With each switch back, there was one of the stations of the cross. This was relieving, as we could begin a countdown until we got to the top.
When we caught our breath, we enjoyed the view and found our way to a museum that explains the Great War between Croatia and Yugoslavia in 1991. To see such recent tragic history was eye opening. It made our walk of the Old Town walls much more powerful, as we took great attention to detail to see what was rebuilt and what was original.
Before the walls, we enjoyed an octopus burger and anchovy salad. Wowza!
We trekked over 13 miles that day, which is apparent by my lovely chaco dirt/tan lines. The best solution for evening that out is more beach! Time to enjoy my final day in Dubrovnik.

1 August 2017. Dubrovnik, Croatia. 

Yesterday, we couldn't resist the temptation of the ever-blue-clear water. Micah and I decided to find our own private island/cliff. We were successful and spent several hours swimming cove to cove and jumping off cliffs. We joked that since the water was so clear, we would be able to see a shark from miles away. This is quite reassuring for someone who is swimming with the intention to get over their fear of deep, vast bodies of water.
After, we got lunch near Old Town and naturally gravitated towards the pizza on the menu. Later in the evening, we went by the port, hoping to catch the sunset. Just a few minutes late, we settled for finishing our leftover pizza and enjoying the company of our new canine friend.

1 August 2017. Dubrovnik, Croatia. 

Now that the internship is over, it's time for some extra excursions. Micah and I headed out to Bari with one of our friends from Brindisi. It was great to share one last gelato with a friend who's impacted our time in Italy. And, the final teary-eyed goodbye was said.
Micah and I barely made it on our ferry in time, but the frantic rush made sleeping on the floor a little easier. 
By 5:30 am, the sun was creeping through the window, so I watched the rays hit the mountains in the distance. We landed at the port at 9 am and saw multiple yachts, one of which was named "Liquid Asset."
Once we found our hostel, we explored Old Town, where, as a Game of Thrones fan, I was beaming with excitement. The city is far too pretty.

30 July 2017. Brindisi, Italy. 

The day that I never wanted to come: our last day at the CARA.
It began with my Cameroonian friend, who was transferred the other week, riding his bike 7 km, so he could meet me outside the gate and say goodbye to me. After, we spent the entire day finishing the mural. This mural is comprised of a combination of artwork that was created by the men in the art workshop. 
When we weren't painting, we were all playing around, talking about our favorite memories here, and thanking one another for the impact they've made on our lives. Alas, the mural was finished by 8 pm.
By that time, we knew we had to go. With tears in our eyes, we said our goodbyes. One of my friends from Liberia looked at me crying and asked "Why are you crying? It's just a matter of time until we see each other again." And, I truly believe that.

30 July 2017. Brindisi, Italy.

For our final event and showcase, we invited the people of Brindisi to share in a night of intercultural music, dance, and food. We rented out an area to show various photos we took throughout our service at the CARA and Caritas, printed out our Humans of Brindisi photos and quotes, and displayed some of the men's art. In short, it was a successful night (even though DJ Skrilla played by accident)!
It was great to see all of the people we met throughout the six weeks come together and connect. Our goal was to build a community in Brindisi. This was the only justified way to end the internship.

26 July 2017. C.A.R.A. Restinco.

esterday at the CARA, we practiced harmonizing and overlapping songs by learning Fra Martino and You Are My Sunshine. After, one man from Nigeria taught us an echoing song (photo 2). It was beautiful to hear everyone sing about forgetting the pain of yesterday. Then, we sang several Bob Marley songs and created impromptu beats and melodies.
Outside, there were several men who were working on a mural. The mural is composed of the art that was created by the men in the art workshop. This is the manifestation of their story and worth. I cannot wait to see it finished!

24 July 2017. Città di San Vito dei Normanni. 

This weekend was dedicated to the music of Puglia! We traveled to San Vito and had a private dance class (...in the middle of a piazza) to learn the traditional Pugliese dance of Pizzica. After, we walked around town to see different mandolin bands perform. In the past, mandolin players would entertain barbershops with their music. The city of San Vito continues this tradition by having mandolin players and their band members perform in the various barbershops around town. The night ended with all musicians performing on one stage. There was a surprise guest performance by the "youngest singer in the crowd" (enjoy the 9th video). It was a weekend I'll never forget!

18 July 2017. C.A.R.A. Restinco. 

On Friday, over 800 people came into the port, and the CARA received 38 minors, ranging from 13 to 18 years old.
Yesterday, we created some art with the boys and invited them to our music workshop. These boys are resilient, and their energy is beyond infectious. I couldn't believe the smiles on their faces throughout the day.
Today, we watched Guardians of the Galaxy with them. To no surprise, they loved the friend dynamic between Rocket and Groot. I loved sharing one of my favorite movies with these boys and cannot wait to continue building friendships with these young boys.

13 July 2017. C.A.R.A. Restinco. 

Today was the second day this week in which we had to transfer 40 men from the CARA to a different camp. It's heartbreaking saying goodbye to these men, who have quickly made a deep impression on my life and heart. I will miss having them in my classes.
These days are particularly hard, given that the men are told the morning of that they have to prepare for a transfer, pack up, and say goodbye to their friends. To lighten the mood, we provided the opportunity to make music while the men waited for the bus to take them to the new camp. 
It's imperative to find the light on dark days.

11 July 2017. C.A.R.A. Restinco.
Today, Micah and I hosted our first music workshop. I couldn't have asked for a better first class. From singing the familiar and somber "Amazing Graze" to chanting songs about "forgetting the worries of yesterday," there was a spirit alive in the classroom. 
As the music grew louder, the class grew in size. People poured into the room. Not everyone was comfortable with the instruments, but this didn't stop people from being brave and trying something new.

6 July 2017. C.A.R.A. Restinco. 
Today's class was very small, so I sat one-on-one with one Cameroonian man at the CARA. I asked him to write a letter to one of his friends. After he read the letter in French to me, his friend walked up! He was so happy to share his letter with his friend. (*this is a candid photo)
My heart was filled with joy seeing the two of them have this exchange. These men have left everything behind, but they have made strong bonds together to help lift each other out of the dark times.

4 July 2017. C.A.R.A. Restinco.
Back in the States, today is a celebration for the independence of the land where I call home. At the CARA today, we celebrated 'home' in a different way. We asked the men to recount what their homes were like, using their 5 senses. Many missed the sweet smells of their individual country's cuisines and the faces and embraces of their family members. It felt so raw, warm, and honest.
Although the men in the room are from various African countries, they understood the same emptiness, longing for home, and hope for the future.

30 June 2017. Porto di Brindisi.
This morning, Graziella and I went to the port to witness 402 migrants dock in Brindisi. The Royal Navy rescued these men, women, and children from several boats, one of which had caught fire while at sea. This left roughly 20 people and 5 young children severely burned. Tears filled my eyes, as I watched them slowly walk down the stairs from the boat to the dock. We fed everyone, checked that the babies had appropriate clothes, and spoke with many officials of the represented organizations (including: Frontex, IOM, UNHCR, Croce Rossa Italiana, the Royal Navy, Italian military, etc.) This is a day I will never forget.

29 June 2017. C.A.R.A. Restinco.
Today during the writing workshop, we created acrostic poems, which were intended to be an extension of what makes us our own unique individuals. It was beautiful to hear these men talk so openly about how they give and receive love, happiness, and inspiration.

28 June 2017. Caritas Brindisi.
After working at Caritas today, we sat and enjoyed a meal with five Kurdish men from Iran. We also interviewed them for our "Humans of Brindisi" project. If you'd like to read their stories, go follow us on Facebook or Instagram! Their stories will be posted later today and this week.

27 June 2017. C.A.R.A. Restinco. 
Today, Alessandra and I composed our first writing workshop with the men at the CARA. To break the ice, we played multiple rounds of rock, paper, scissors (Pierre, papier, o ciseaux). After we had a traveling story, so everyone in the classroom worked together to form a story. Here, we were posed with the language barrier. We all understood that out of respect for everyone, we must work slowly, so we can translate the story in multiple languages. Alas, we were able to come to a conclusion for "Memo" the fisherman and the mysterious shark.
After, we split the room into three groups, gave the groups the same story prompt, and let them write their own stories. Although these men have different cultures and backgrounds, it was very interesting to see how they composed the roles of men and women and the ambition that each character had in their stories.

26 June 2017. C.A.R.A. Restinco.
Today at the CARA, we celebrated Eid, which is the final day of Ramadan. After we shadowed our specialists in the morning, we called together all of the men at CARA, regardless of their religion. In Italian, French, and English, we said "this is a party for everyone." Religion was never meant to separate people or countries. 
I was happy to see every enjoy the food, drink, music, and competitive soccer match.
Happy Eid-al-Fitr!

22 June 2017. Today, we started our project "Uomini di Brindisi" (Humans of Brindisi). I'll keep you updated for how to follow this project! Stay tuned!

20 June 2017. Città di San Vito dei Normanni. 
Today is United Nation's World Refugee Day. To celebrate, Drissa invited us to an event in San Vito dei Normanni, where we shared traditional African and Middle Eastern food. After, we watched a performance by men from Mali, Gambia, Nigeria, Ghana, and other counties. Translated in both Italian and French, we watched the story of the migrant unfold before our eyes.Following this, we watched in awe, as men and women danced passionately in celebration of the evening.

19 June 2017. C.A.R.A, Restinco. 
Today, we visited the C.A.R.A. in Restinco, where we will work Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday. Check out my most recent blog post to read about it!  

18 June 2017. Scalinata Virgilio. 
Today, we met and walked around with Drissa, a migrant from Mali. He explained his upbringing in Mali and the beginning to his migration story, moving from the Ivory Coast, Burkina Faso, Senegal, and Libya before Italy.
He has volunteered with multiple organizations in the Providence of Brindisi for the past five years, sharing and exploring the topics of racism, religious discrimination, and employment inequality. Additionally, he has interviewed hundreds of refugees and migrants, which has helped him to learn over six languages, including Italian, French, Arabic, etc.
As we build our relationship with Drissa, prepare to read his story and message on my blog.

18 June 2017. Brindisi Centro. 
Sunday strolls.

17 June 2017. Bar Betty. 
A filled stomach and a happy heart.

16 June 2017. Brindisi, Italy. 
Sono arrivata a Brindisi!
I feel like the sequel to "Planes Trains & Automobiles." I took the metro, a bus, and two planes to finally arrive in the beautiful southern Italian town of Brindisi. Well worth the excessive travel routes!
Alessandra, Graziella, and myself shared some gelato on the steps that used to lead to Virgil's house and looked out on the water. We talked about our hopes, fears, and desires for this internship and life beyond. 
We made our way to the mercato and made ourselves dinner. It's been a long day, but I'm happy to finally be here!
Once I find a source of reliable wifi, I will post to my website!

16 June 2017. Basilica of Sant'Ambrogio. 
Uno momento...
I'd be lying if I didn't say these last 24 hours have been a whirlwind of emotion. Stepping out into the unfamiliar can be intimidating, but what exasperated this feeling was that I was doing it alone. Thoughts, like "what am I doing here," crossed my mind throughout the day.
Then I thought: I'm not here to travel (i.e., be a tourist); I am here for an internship. I am not escaping and running away from something; I am running towards something. I am not alone; I am here to make connections (shoutout to the 4 other kick-ass women I will be working with this summer).
In times of stress, perspective is key. Don't let the little voices cloud out your bigger reasoning for doing something. And, more importantly, don't let fear run your life.

15 June 2017. Milano, Italy. 
Ciao, Milano!
I landed early in the morning, went through customs, and took the train to Milano Cardona. Everything felt like I was doing it for the first time, which left me stressed, frantic, and sweaty (lugging around 35 lbs. pack in summer doesn't help).
By 11 am, I made it to my flat, knocked out for a nap, and hyped myself up to go explore Milano. With a shot of authentic Italian espresso, I was set. From the Duomo to Castello Sforzesco, Milano has some beautiful views!
Tomorrow, I have a flight in the morning to make my way down to Brindisi. Puglia, here I come!

14 June 2017. JFK International Airport. 
Hello, NYC! One flight down, and one more to go. I powered through 100+ pages of the technicalities of the asylum seeking process, so I know I will sleep well on this upcoming flight.
As I sit at this final gate, I can hear multiple Italian couples chattering amongst themselves. I cannot wait to be engulfed in this culture and language again. (I just pray I don't sound like Lt. Aldo Raine, as I stumble through my first few days of Italian.) Arrivederci!

14 June 2017. Dallas, Texas.  
It's officially time to head out! Today, I will fly out of New York and land in Milano tomorrow morning.
Months of preparation, international studies, and crash-course Italian lessons have calmed a lot of my worries, but they did not prepare me for the uncontrollable excitement that I am filled with today. My only worry will be whether or not I can fall asleep on the plane.
I am beyond thankful for this opportunity to go to Brindisi, and I cannot wait to see what all it has in store! A domani!

7 June 2017. 
With a week left until my departure, the website is officially live! Check out my blog for daily updates, reflections, and "umani di Brindisi" photos during my internship in Italy.