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In The Mix: Where to Party During Rio Carnaval
Often, I get asked how I end up at certain events while abroad. How did I even hear about them when I’m not from there, don’t speak the language, and don’t know anyone who’s going? Well, it’s one of my many skill sets, and something I actually enjoy researching. Keep…
My Favorite Blocos From Rio Carnaval
Blocos are an essential part of the Carnaval experience in Rio de Janeiro. “But Lil, where do I find information about these blocos?” Glad you asked 😎 There’s an app for that. “Blocos de Rua” is a website and app that can help you locate all the blocos in the…
Parading at Rio Carnaval
If there’s one experience that I will cherish forever, it’s parading through the iconic Sambódromo. From building out theater sets in high school, to actually rehearsing and parading for a samba school 🤩 what a journey! Behind the scenes If you know me, you know I’m a sucker for the…
A Visit to the Kura Hulanda Museum
Let’s spend a couple hours at Kura Hulanda Museum in Otrobanda, Willemstad. Entry is 12USD, guide is 3USD, but you can work through the museum on your own (it’s pretty small). I was especially interested in the island’s connection with Cabo Verde, given its striking similarities in language, food, music,…
Eating My Way Through Curaçao
Curaçao, the vibrant Caribbean gem, is not only known for its colorful buildings, stunning beaches, and rich history, but also its incredible street food—let’s eat! 😋 Pastechi A deep-fried staple, crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, pastechi comes filled with a variety of fillings. Stoba Slow-cooked stew…
5AM @ Salgueiro: Samba Schools Throw The Best Parties
When we think of partying, we usually picture a club. But in Rio, samba schools throw spectacular parties all year round. There are several samba schools dotted around Rio, some being older and more popular than others. Leading up to Carnaval, the schools will host a bunch of events in…
Black Hair Care While Traveling: A Guide
I’ve been traveling full-time since 2022, and I’m no stranger to the struggles of finding the right products for my hair and the anxiety of running out of product in a place with not many options. Imagine running out of hair product on a tiny island in Greece, entering every…
Feijoada, Samba, Alcione: A Perfect Night with Mangueira
As I was scrolling through instagram, I was shown an ad for an event hosted by one of the more famous samba schools in Rio—Mangueira. These are the perks of arriving in a city early, your algorithm starts blessing you with events you otherwise would miss. This event peaked my…
Experience Curaçao Like a Local
Curaçao is a little slice of paradise nestled in the southern Caribbean, just off the coast of Venezuela. It’s part of the Dutch Caribbean and has a perfect blend of European charm and tropical vibes. You might think that such a beautiful destination comes with a hefty price tag, but…
Better Belly Buss: Eating My Way Through Trinidad & Tobago
“Better belly buss than good food waste”—a trini proverb that you’ll surely adopt when you arrive to this country. I took this quote so serious, I left a lot fluffier than I arrived—and it was a thousand percent worth it. What I Ate I didn’t even scratch the surface of…
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