Meet Alafia
Born in the USA
Been traveling since 2006 and has visited 11 countries
Travel style “When in Rome, do as the Romans!”
Interview
How do we know each other?
Answer: We met in undergrad during a study abroad program in the Dominican Republic.
What was your first trip abroad?
Answer: Cologne, Germany I had actually been accepted to an international fellowship from the Melton Foundation.
What are some avenues that you’ve taken to live overseas?
Answer: Study abroad and work. The Great Recession hit right after I completed my undergrad studies. It was either leave the country for better prospects or work in retail.
What’s the longest you ever spent outside of the U.S., and did you ever get homesick? If so, how did you cope?
Answer: I lived in a fishing village in Shikoku, Japan for two years and it was the loneliest experience of my life. I was the only foreigner for an hour’s drive or boat ride away in every direction. It was a 45-minute drive to get to the nearest well-stocked grocery store. If I wasn’t working, I barely spoke to anyone. It wasn’t common to see other foreigners or run into any English speakers, unless it was one of my students or one of the adults in my weekly conversational class.
Moreover, I didn’t cope very well and started drinking more than I had done back home. Drinking culture is really interesting in Japan because it’s a common pastime for colleagues after work. It was difficult to make friends because my coworkers and most of ther residents were at least ten years older than I was. I didn’t realize how much simple human interactions like speaking casually or shaking hands could be so necessary for my mental health when coming from a huge city to a rural village with limited language skills.
Although my language skills were forced to develop quickly with no other English speakers around, the homesickness got worse with time. I fundamentally knew that I was missing an element to my life, and I left my job because I couldn’t have a normal social life being a young black woman.
A good portion of my time was spent fighting stereotypes about black people in general regarding how we behave. For example, my students were shocked to find that I couldn’t hip-hop dance like in music videos and that being able to use chop sticks is very common where I’m from in California. Unfortunately, mainstream entertainment has hyper-sexualized black women’s bodies to where comments on the potential taste of my skin, the size of my breasts and shape of my behind were commented on more times than I was comfortable with by strangers, as well as colleagues. I learned very quickly that I was the very first black person to live in my area. Previous teachers placed there had all been white.
Over half the population where I lived were senior citizens over the age of 65. I found two separate personalities of the elderly folks around me. I had a lovely neighbor across the street that often left oranges for me during cold and flu season. Our communication was limited because she was hard of hearing, but she had such a warm, matronly energy about her (she had 5 children that had all moved to major cities). Then, there were other elderly folks that were very vocal about crossing the street when I came past because I was “scary.” Or, they would use me as an example to their grandkids about the importance of sunscreen. These were the less savory portions of an otherwise beautiful experience that taught me so much, and prepared me for the next countries I would live in.
I wouldn’t change those years for anything, and still miss some of the quiet now that I’m back in a big city. And the food—hands-down the healthiest and most delicious cuisine on the planet.
What are the most interesting aspects of being in another country?
Answer: Challenging your own assumptions is critical for being a global citizen. Being open, and understanding that the diversity of nature is the same diversity we see in thoughts, feelings, and ways of life, regardless of whether or not we agree or understand.
What’s the funniest question that you’ve been asked by a local?
Answer: If I’m made of caramel—and then being bitten by a toddler.
What was your longest layover, and how did you spend the time?
Answer: 12 hours in Dubai. By happenstance, two friends were on the same flight. We had a ball going on a night tour and clubbing. One of the spots, we visited, was a brothel disguised as a dance club. I found out while getting chummy with a local gentleman. Soon, I discovered that he was the manager of the establishment as he began discussing his clubs’ escort services. My mind was blown.
What’s the worst travel advice you ever received?
Answer: Pack for anything. That is the easiest way to weigh you down and get you robbed. Pack no more than what you need and keep it light.
If you had a show on the Travel Channel, what would it be about?
Answer: Single women travelers. Understandably, we don’t travel alone to some places, but it would be great to share what I’ve learned traveling solo for so many years.
What advice would you give to someone interested in working and living overseas?
Answer: Don’t wait for the perfect moment. Life will always get in the way.
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