Rediscovering Havana: Old City, New Friends (September 2016)

As a television journalist, I get into folks’ business every day. Without shame. So, needless to say, I do the same thing when I’m abroad. That’s because one of the best things about traveling to new places is meeting new people and listening to their stories. 

And I came across some amazingly cool characters during my recent trip to Havana.

Rediscovering Havana: Lessons Learned (September 2016)

During my travels over the years, I’ve learned quite a few interesting tidbits at every stop.

For example, in Lima, Peru, “workin’ dat *ss” is a work of art. Rae Town in Kingston is not the safest neighborhood for tourists, but it has one of the best “old time music” street parties around. Plus, you’ll meet cool people like Kemar. And playing the djembe drum, especially sitting next to Cape Town’s master drummer, Xolani, is not as easy as it looks.

Rediscovering Havana: Second Time Around (September 2016)

17 years.

That’s how long it has been since I first laid eyes on Havana. Back then, I was a fresh-faced college senior, spending June and part of July studying Spanish and Latin American history at the University of Havana. At the time, the country was nearing the end of its so-called "special period."