Thriving Abroad as a Black Woman
“To be culturally humble means I am willing to learn.” Joe Gallagher
I only have limited experience traveling within the USA, but when it came to traveling abroad, I was completely scared out of my natural mind– traveling by myself as a woman did not frighten me, but as a Black woman I was nervous as a a cat on hot bricks!
Family and friends told me “oh give it a few months, you’ll be back”, and admittedly there were moments of frustration and times of confusion, but overall these experiences living abroad has expanded my understanding of the human being, and myself.
In 2019, I made a decision to move to Southeast Asia—a completely foreign region, different foods and a diverse set of customs and languages.
Solo-traveling can be a bit intimidating, but here are a few lessons and tips you can learn from my experience as a Black woman.
“Prepare for Every Stare; Weird Requests are apart of the Quest”
If you are not from the region, and your skin color is darker than those around you, don’t be alarmed or feel odd; most likely natives are in awe—smile and simply greet them.
Remain open-minded and neutral in gaining information about natives because chances are, they want to know more about where you’re from and who you are. Also, do not be surprised about requests that may seem off-base to you.
While on the beach, a woman and her husband walked up and asked to touch my hair. My thought process originally was “huh, wait what?” And then I stopped to think that this woman and her husband probably have never seen a dark skin person face-to face in their life. Although I did not allow her to touch my hair, I smiled friendly and nodded my head, and yet they invited me to have lunch with them. This is just one instance of many, but ask yourself, what would you do if someone grabbed and touched your hair or take your picture without your permission?
Language is Your Friend
Learning the language of the region is a key element. Simple greetings of the region, numbers, and asking for directions are super helpful.
Not only does it look good on a resume, but consider how impressive it is when locals see you as a sista’ who knows some of their language–you’ll have all the flavor! Your chances of being invited out to events are much higher!
Besides, it makes your transition of getting around, and bargaining for discounts much easier.
Thailand 2019
Cultural Competency
“You slow down your pace and enjoy moments without the hassle of rushing. Instead of reacting, you learn to respond with ease.”
When being in one’s native country and community, we become attached to the region’s way of living and being. I am a city girl and have grown accustomed to fast-pace service, traffic, and short-tempered people. Don’t be the sista’ with the resting evil face; it’s not even necessary girl!
Living in a smaller country allows you to tailor your personality to become more open, friendly and adaptable to learn about the people around you. Hostility and impatience will get you nowhere. In any foreign country visited, rushing will only make you annoyed and those who service you, will ignore you or look the other way. Conserve that energy boo!
Get to know the locals, and if invited out for dinner, do not be afraid to attend. Learn what behaviors are acceptable and unacceptable, dress code, holiday dates, etc. It only works in your favor as a guest in that country.
For example, when greeting a person, especially an elder, in Thailand you should ‘Wai’, instead of waving hello. Different levels of the “Wai” is dependent upon social status but it should be extended in most cases. I remember not being granted service in a hotel because I did not extend the correct “Wai”—always be respectful; everyone is due kindness. First impressions are lasting, and you definitely want to make a positive impact.
http://learnthaiwithmod.com/2013/08/when-and-how-to-wai-properly/
Situational Awareness
“Making costly mistakes can jeopardize your livelihood.” Sherrie Elle
When you understand and know what happens around you, you’re able to make informed choices.
It is fundamental to maintain a friendly demeanor and smile on your face, but remain mindful that you are a foreigner and not fully aware of every ‘law of the land’.
Making costly mistakes can jeopardize your livelihood. I was invited to a dinner that lasted later into the evening outside of the province I lived.
It became late and I had no transportation to get home due to car sharing being unavailable in the area. A woman from dinner was generous enough to offer me a ride, but I did not have my own transportation.
If going out later in the evening, make sure you have reasonable means to get home. You don’t want to rely on an imaginary rescue boat because you did not plan out the details!
Also for locations where there is an elevator, consider sending the elevator to the top floor and and allowing it to come back down to the ground level before getting on the lift. That way, you don’t have to worry about being followed to your hotel or place of residence.
If traveling alone, watch surroundings and landmarks, share your location with your loved ones and family. Inform those closest to you to contact your home country and your travel country’s embassy if they haven’t contacted you for extended periods of times.
Some of these are just a few key tips for any woman traveling or living abroad solo. I hope my experiences as a Black woman have given you some insight. Embarking on each moment is apart of the journey, but always be willing to get to know yourself over and over again. Keep it light and enjoy the ride!
“A mind that is stretched by new experiences can never go back to its old dimension.” Oliver Wendell Holmes Jr.
Feel free to leave your comments below. Email me with questions about travel & budgeting at contact@box5401.temp.domains