I’ve been completely natural since my first move overseas a few years ago.  I went to Japan with my hair in braided extensions and a suitcase full of Kanekalon synthetic hair.  I wondered how I would explain this to the customs officials.  After re-braiding my hair many times over a period of one year, I set my natural ‘fro free and I haven’t looked back.

There was a time when I planned my life around my hair.  Just after university, I dismissed an opportunity to teach English in Turkey because I didn’t know who would relax my hair.  I laugh when I think about this.

If you have a plan and the right tools, taking care of one’s hair while travelling is a breeze. You may have to contend with harsh climates, hard (mineral-rich) water or simply the lack of time to devote to hair care.  Preparation is key. You never know when your favourite discount airline is going to go bust or if a volcanic eruption will leave you stranded in a foreign locale for weeks.  Perish the thought.

Whether it’s a move overseas or a jaunt across the province, I never travel without my full arsenal of hair care products and accessories.

Here’s the list:

• Shampoo & Conditioner

• Leave-in Conditioner

• Moisturizer/Oil Mixture

• Hair Gel

• Spray Bottle

• Wide Tooth Comb

• Detangling Comb

• Satin Scarves

• Headbands

• Hair Clips

It may be tempting to go through your bathroom cupboard and simply toss your staple products into your suitcase. But, weight restrictions are nothing to thumb your nose at these days.  Trust me on this one.  Travel-size containers are the way to go.

If you want to take a break from your hair for a week, twists or other protective styles are the perfect option.  Braids are great because you can easily wash and dry them without much fuss.  No styling necessary.  If you’re vacationing to a place with a cooler climate, consider a wig.  They’re not for everyone, myself included.  However, I have friends who love this option.

I can’t imagine ever going back to relaxed hair. No lye.  I have fully embraced my natural tresses and no longer fear rain, humidity or waterfalls.  I love experimenting with new hairstyles.  More than anything, I love the freedom.  Dunn’s River Falls, here I come.

I’m off to the city that MoneySense Magazine crowned as the Best Place to Live in Canada – Ottawa, Ontario.

An Irish pub near ByWard Market, Ottawa

Gatineau, Quebec from across the Ottawa River

Maman by Louise Bourgeois - The National Gallery - Ottawa, Ontario

Source: strikeael

When my best friend visited me in Japan, the first thing she said to me when she stepped out of the Arrivals gate was, “You didn’t tell me about the toilets.” I had warned her about the packed rush hour trains, the raw egg served on everything and occasional earthquakes. But, I had neglected to warn her about the squat toilets.

If it had come to mind, I would have told her that western-style toilets were considered unhygienic in pre-World War II Japan. They are still very prevalent today. It’s hard to believe considering that Toto, a Japanese company, manufactures the Rolls-Royce of western-style toilets.

I would also have provided mi amiga with toilet tips along with the itinerary, if only to save her from the shock of coming face to face with a porcelain hole in the floor.

Western-style toilets are found in airports, hotels, shopping centres, subway stations and just about everywhere else. The key is to look for them. There are usually stalls with a sign on the door indicating the type of toilet.

If you’re stuck in a long line waiting to use the western facilities, learn the Japanese word ‘dozo’. In this situation, it translates to, ‘please go ahead’ or ‘after you’. The person behind you may go ahead until the western toilet becomes available.

If you must use the squat toilet, here are a few tips:

• Before you enter any public washroom, arm yourself with the following: a pack of tissues, antibacterial gel or alcohol wipes and a small hand towel. Soap, paper towels and hand dryers may not be found in many facilities. If you’re unlucky, you might be caught without toilet paper in the stall (oh, the horror).
• First things first, roll up your pant legs. Trust me on this one.
• Face forward, placing your feet where indicated.
• Align yourself with the toilet bowl (or shall I say ‘hole’) and squat.
• You may need to balance yourself by placing your hand on the wall beside you.
• After completing ‘the transaction’ take time to orient yourself so that you don’t make the mistake of stepping into the toilet or dropping anything in it.

And there you have it, your Japanese squat toilet primer. Don’t say I didn’t warn you.

Why not turn your dreams of international travel into reality? This is what you can expect as a woman of colour travelling in countries with a near non-existent or limited black population.

The Good

• People will marvel at your natural tresses: dreadlocks, braids or a bold ‘fro. They’ll want to touch your hair. Sometimes they’ll ask first.
• Like a rare jewel, you’ll never feel more desired. You will learn the word for ‘beautiful’ in many languages. Men will stop you on the street and ask you out for un café or for your hand in marriage.
• Strangers will crane their necks to get a look at you and fall all over themselves to assist you. This is the closest you’ll ever get to being a rock star.

The Bad

• You may be met with a “Yo, sista!” and a fist-to-fist greeting, rather than a proper handshake.
• Locals will stare at you and ask to take a photo of/with you.
• People will marvel at your natural tresses and try to touch your hair. Sometimes they’ll ask first. Sometimes they won’t.

The Ugly

• You’ll be scrutinized by security guards or sales people as you shop. There’s no getting away from the perceived offence of shopping while black. This so-called ‘crime’ seems to be on the books everywhere.
• You may be asked to sing, dance or shoot some hoops. You’ll be expected to do all of these things very well.
• Men may approach you and ply you with compliments. In all seriousness, don’t become intoxicated by your sudden popularity. You’ll learn, “Are you a prostitute?” in many languages.

Tourists of every shade are highly visible when they travel. There are pros, cons and contradictions no matter who you are or where you go. The fact of the matter is that black women are not descending on the world’s tourist sites by the busload (unless it’s a church trip to Israel). We are still viewed as an oddity. But now is the time to change this. Gather up a bunch of your fearless friends, get out there and sparkle.  Release your inner sojournella.

My Bio

I’m an aspiring Human Resources Manager with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science (avert your eyes and cover your ears if I get ‘political’).

Where I’ve Been

I have lived in Japan and travelled to Korea, Belgium, France, Germany, Malta, Mexico, Cuba, Jamaica and our neighbour to the south, the United States.

Why I Blog

While standing at the photocopier at work in too-tight platform pumps, I can’t help but count down the minutes until my next vacation. Writing about travel is a way to stay connected to my nomadic alter ego and share my observations.

Travel and culture-related social commentary will loom large here. I invite constructive, respectful discourse. So, please send your comments.

I promise not to pollute these pages with posts about what I ate for lunch. But, if the food is really good, I’ll happily share (the recommendation that is, not the food).

*Sojournella (soh-jur-ne-la): a strong, fearless, all around beautiful woman who travels to a place for a time.