Leaving Switzerland

Moving here was a incredibly unlikely move for me. When I first started researching schools, The Swiss Hospitality Management School (SHMS) was by far the most unrealistic choice. It was far away, it was expensive, it was in a country I'd never been to, it was just too nice. The problem is when I get crazy ideas, sometimes they happen. Its a blessing and a curse really. (Read more about my experience moving to Switzerland here.)

Luckily, hindsight is 20/20 and now that its all done, I still can't believe was has gone down here. Seriously, how did I move to Switzerland and do my masters? I was present every step of the way but I always expect something to happen that brings everything to a screeching halt. But it never happened. Everything just worked itself out, for better or worse, I'm still here.

I knew getting into this I never wanted to live in Switzerland forever, but it will always have a special place in my heart. I wondered if I could live somewhere that wasn't an island. Somewhere that was completely unlike what I'm accustomed to. And I realized, in the mountains, that it is possible. While this experience has taught me that I can't do everything, it has also made me realize, I can survive more than I thought.

Now I'm getting ready to leave this immaculately beautiful country and all I can think to myself is, I hope I can learn as much somewhere else. Switzerland, you've given me so much and I can't thank you enough. I probably won't see you any time soon but that doesn't mean I can't take you with me everywhere I go.

Tell me about your experiences leaving somewhere you never expected to go. Or better yet, what crazy ideas have you had that just seemed to work themselves out?

Why You Should Travel With Your Dad

Traveling with your dad can seem like a horrible idea when you are old enough to travel on your own. Why would you want to travel with your parents when you have the freedom to do it by yourself? However, I've found that there are certain benefits to traveling with your dad which you should consider next time you want to take a weekend getaway, and why you should shoot your old fella an invite.

Dads Pay For Stuff - Lets face it while most of these reasons won't have monetary values, this one does. Traveling in groups saves money and when you are traveling with someone who might pick up the check more often, it doesn't hurt. Its not the only reason to travel with Pop's but it definitely doesn't hurt.

Quality Time - The day to day with your parents makes you forget the little things. While when you travel, you grow to appreciate the little things. Things that you may miss everyday become special again, partially because they are special, partially because you are able to see them through a different lens.

Getting to Know Them - Unfortunately our parents get older. You may not notice it everyday and you may want to deny it, but its true. They won't be here forever, so take some time and go somewhere you can see them in a different light. Talk. Ask questions. Tell stories, even the ones you know already. You would be surprised the things you forget over time. And you would be surprised the things you would want to remember forever.

Earn Their Respect - Travel may allow you to see your dad in a different light, but it works the other way too. Taking yourself out of the usual routine makes you have to face new challenges. Your dad seeing that can help them see you as an adult. Planning your trip and taking control of things may help them to finally see how grown up you really are.

Because They Are Your Dad - Everyone's dad is special and sometimes its nice to let them know that. Whoever you call dad probably worked really hard raising you and sometimes its just nice to say thanks carrying them somewhere nice.

I've taken a lot of trips with my parents and I love traveling with them, but I have to admit it can be challenging. However, its all worthwhile. The older I get and the more independent I become, the more the dynamic has changed. Traveling with my dad has helped me understand him in a unique way... for better or for worse. One thing I must admit though, I'll never forget some of the moments we have had traveling together. What are your favorite moments traveling with your dad? And don't forget...

HAPPY FATHER'S DAY!

Vlune with Adrian Bliss

Love travel bloggers? Great, well here's the best one! Just kidding. Adrian Bliss sucks, but his videos are pretty hilarious. Complete satire, mocking all that is holy about travel bloggers and travel blogging. He's doing this throughout June tracking his journey to Vidcon. And you get to watch from the very beginning! Its a truly inspirational tour he takes, not only across America, but to himself. And just remember to keep on believing, do all the things and have fun during the day... (Outro)

Not All Those Who Wander...

Meeting My Chinese Family

It's a strange business, traveling to meet family. In my case, I felt completely displaced going to China. Arriving in a place that you are supposed to have a connection with but have never visited before is difficult. There is a certain desperation to feel that bond, but it doesn't always come easily. I don't look traditionally Chinese, I don't understand the language and more importantly I don't share the culture.

My father is Chinese without even trying. He's only been there a couple of times but his mannerisms are full-on Chinese. It was a hard realization, seeing him blend in, although he doesn't speak the language and is just a little bit too tanned to look traditional. He grew up in the Caribbean but I see similarities in many of his actions.

But meeting our actual Chinese family showed that although my dad has similarities, he is just an outsider too. The whole situation was alien. We were alien to them, they were alien to us and there was a certain communication barrier that we tried to break through, but still managed to stay up. However, both sides trying to jump the fence made things easier, they talked and we didn't understand and we talked and they didn't understand, but in the end we all just had a good laugh about it and hugged it out.

Family is extremely important to me. Someone pointing at a person and telling me we somehow share blood doesn't necessarily make me feel anything towards you. However, the lengths 'our family' went through to make us feel welcome, makes me hope that we are somehow related. They invited us into their, homes the proceeded to stuff us with food, and then they took countless pictures with us. Sounds like family to me.

Moving To Switzerland

This post is long overdue. I've been in Europe for a while, I think I've alluded to it a bit but I haven't officially said anything. But I'm here. And its great. It's not quite what I expected, but I am enjoying myself.

Before this trip, I had only been to London in Europe and it was great. I got the sense that Europe was the same as everywhere else I had been but just with a little bit more history. Switzerland for me is a whole other beast.

I chose to come here because of the school, The Swiss Hospitality Management School (SHMS, I may be referring to this guy a lot in my future posts). Like New York, I never really saw myself moving here but I was persuaded under the right circumstances. I was actually really scared to move somewhere that wasn't surrounded by water. But so far it has been an incredible experience.

Before I came here I'd never been to Switzerland. It was a leap of faith and it has worked out marvelously so far. What I'm trying to say is, sometimes you don't know where you will end up and why you will end up there. But that doesn't really matter. Just go. See what happens. And know that whatever shit you get yourself into, it will be alright. And Switzerland is an incredible place which you might not think of going automatically, but its definitely worth a visit.

My stay here is actually coming to an end, and I will be on to my next adventure soon but thats for another post. So, where have you moved to? Why did you move there? And how was that experience? Let me know in the comments below.

Chefette

Chefette is the local fast-food chain in Barbados. They serve everything from burgers and fries to rotis and their upscale section BBQ-Barn even has pork chops and macaroni pie. So we are clear, I love Chefette. There's nothing quite like a Broasted Chicken Bubbie Sandwich on a warm Sunday afternoon on Accra. Its actually one of the things I miss most when traveling. Don't be confused by there signature Broasted Chicken, it is fried chicken just cooked under a pressure fryer. The difference is subtle, but so damn good. Its the definition of crisp on the outside and juicy on the inside.

Now if you visit Barbados and don't go to Chefette, you haven't really visited Barbados. It can only be found here so don't even try to cheat. Their trademark yellow and purple are iconic here and could never be copied with the same success. There are 15 branches spread out around the island so it shouldn't be hard to find one, and when you go, trust me you won't regret it. If you want Bajan Street Cred get the Broasted  Chicken Breast Sandwich, 6 piece Nuggets and Chips with a Mauby. Extra points if you call it a Chicken Bubbie Sandwich. But if theres a special get the Wing Dings. 6 Dings, Chips and a Coke... and the Sauce. Always use the sauce. It makes the meal, its like if hot-sauce and ketchup had a perfect baby.

In conclusion, if you are every hungry in Barbados just go up to a taxi driver and say, "Take me to Chefette" and all will be right with the world. If you want to look them up online, go to www.chefette.com. Find the closest location to you, give them a call and order everything on the menu.