Happy Born Day Madiba & 18 Reasons to Visit South Africa

I long for another week of South African Summer. Two years seems like an eternity from my beach hopping, road tripping, party thumping trek across that beautiful nation. Today I attended the Congressional Celebration for the 95th Birthday of Nelson Mandela and was reminded of all the reasons why I want to go back and why South Africa should be at the top of your travel bucket list!

1. Deep House Music: If you're like me, the only African music you're familiar with in the US is likely from Nigeria or Ghana. And while I will "Ashowa" with the best of them there is a certain smoothness that comes with South African Deep House. Check out my favorite track by my friend Nutty Nys - "I've Been Waiting" and transport yourself to Durban this instant.

2. Township parties and BBQ:The last time I was in Johannesburg my friends were DJ'ing a party in a nearby township. This place was a literal hotbox of sweat and good tunes but the icing on the cake were the grilled meats right outside of the "club" (I use that loosely) - even the best halal chicken has nothing on this.

3. Civil Rights Flashbacks: South Africa is similar to the US in many ways, apartheid = segregation, youth led civil rights movement, etc. However, the one way they have diverged is in their use of the word "colored" - it happens all the time, among everyone although the usage is slightly different.

4. Rooftop Parties: It is easy to lose yourself and think you are in Brooklyn when in Johannesburg. Rooftop parties are always happening and with an eclectic mix of artsy folks are guaranteed good times.

5. Accents: A weird mix of British, Australian, and well "African" the South African accent is pretty distinct but awesomely lovely to listen to.

6. Poppin' Pino: South African wine is absolutely deeeeelish. Something about that climate makes these grapes go crazy. My favorites are a red regional grape called Pinotage and South African Gewurztraminer.

7. Roadtrips to Lesotho: I know you may be thinking that a country entirely within another country can't be that great - but you're wrong! Lesotho has three things going for it...skiing, sausages with french fries on top, and funny semi-asian looking hats.

8. Big Ass Lions: While I hope you spend most of your days with actual people, one cannot escape the magic of Kruger National Park. Don your linens and cap - you're headed on a safari!

9. Florida Rd.: Looking for a strip that feels like a mix of spring break and a Diddy video? Stroll along Florida Rd. in Durban and you'll get the best of both worlds, and maybe a good bite to eat. Need a night to soak it in? Stay at the Quarters Hotel - four Victorian homes converted to a place to rest your head.

10. Xhosa Lessons: Unfortunately many an African stereotype tried to mimic the clicking sound of the Xhosa people. See the real deal and learn about the important heritage of the Xhosa people along a backdrop of dolphins, golf resorts, and horseback riding.

11. Re-create the Dance Scene in Sarafina: Visit Soweto, the most famous township in all of South Africa and feel the spirit of the uprising there. If you visit during the warmer months, be sure to stop at a local shebeen for a cool refreshment.

 

12. The African Rodeo Drive: The Victoria Wharf Shopping Centre will quickly remind you that there is MONEY in Africa. From Louis Vuitton to other retailers the shop smells of extravagance.

13. Stars: Yes you can see stars from anywhere in the world but none are quite like the ones in the Southern Hemisphere. Unless you're planning an antarctic trek, this is as south as it gets and it is beautiful. On a clear night it looks like you can actually touch the stars.

14. Bunny Chow: No trip to Durban is complete without this famous curry. Get it in lamb for the best, most authentic taste and have a sample of the cities Indian heritage in your mouth!

15. World Cup: I know that the days of the first FIFA in Africa seem long gone but the vestiges are certainly ever lasting. New, world class football stadiums dot cities across the country and let you indulge in the world's most famous sport up close and personal.

16. South African Airways: A member of the Star Alliance, SAA will feed you even on domestic flights under an hour. Beyond that perk, you get the benefits of a global airline with direct flights to the US and some local flavor.

17. The Radisson Blu Rooftop Pool: Located in Sandton, one of Johannesburg's most swanky neighborhood's this rooftop pool is open all night. Trust me, I know from experience what kind of fun this pool and a few cocktails bring.

18. It is the birthplace of Madiba - that actually is enough:)

My week in Lagos aka Las Gidi aka the time of my life!

Ocean Front High Rises on Banana Island

I was in Lagos, Nigeria last week for Social Media Week. It was the first African city to host the event and I had to be there to check out the action. I moderated a panel with the prince and princess of Lagos aka Luvvie over at Awesomely Luvvie and Tiwaworks, international man of mystery and founder of the Atlanta Greek Picnic. My sorors, Afripolitans, and dear friends Maadie and Tahira rounded out the bunch for what ended up being an EPIC week. As Tahira kept saying, after visiting Lagos, I understand my Nigerian friends on a whole other level! Lagos is a clash of everything you thought you knew about Africa and everything you would least expect. It's luxury at the highest level and people living on a dollar a day, they even have a section in their newspaper, The Guardian, called a day in the life of $1 per day where they feature an interview with an actual person - crazy! Imagine the NY Times featuring a weekly piece called life on a WIC check, too much.

I arrived on Sunday on a Delta flight (sidebar: if you don't go to Africa bc you think it's too expensive, you can get a Delta or Arik Air flight to Lagos for under $800 RT) and wasn't sure what the night would bring. But I was in Las Gidi and there is something going on seven days a week. We headed out to a party at Elegushi Beach, the nicest beach in the city, and rocked out until about 3AM. Mind you when we left some people were just arriving. There was a strip of clubs with indoor/outdoor space, it was pouring down rain outside and that didn't stop anyone from getting their entire lives on the dance floor. It was definitely a great "welcome to Lagos" night.

Monday was gametime, our panel "Entrepreneurship in the Digital Age" was sold out and we gave tips on social media for business to a packed room at the Porsche Center. Check out the livestream if you need some tips, get it while it's free. The energy of the young entrepreneurs in the room was so live you could touch it. You had locals and expats who were hungry to grow their businesses and contribute to Lagos' success on the world stage. That evening, the Afripolitans hosted a "landing reception" at the Sheraton Four Points Lagos". Our rooftop shindig was a sight to see, you think the Brits and Parisians have fashion on lock, visit Lagos. Men and women were putting on for their city! I wish I was going back for Arise Fashion Week this month.

Other than our panel, my highlight of Social Media Week, was meeting Lemi Ghariouku the man behind Fela Kuti's album art. The Showcase presented by 37th State and Eclipse Productions in some ways captured the essence of Lagos. It was held in a mansion, on Victoria Island, and was all about fashion, film, and culture. The people were beautiful and the Patron sponsorship, froyo sundaes, and kettle corn definitely added a nice touch. (Sidenote: The amount of free liquor I was offered daily in Lagos made me hate my Lent choice of no hard liquor). Mr. Ghariouku is the Nigerian Harry Belafonte, all at once all artistic and talented but DEEPer than rap music. It was an honor to hear him speak about his experience, thoughts, and connecting Africa to blacks in the diaspora around the world.

Life outside of Social Media Week was way too much for one blog post but I'll say this, if you're looking for a place to vacation - the beaches, nightlife, and history in this city will only leave you wishing you'd spent two weeks there instead of one. If you're smart - you'll also look to Lagos as an investment opportunity. Depending on your funds - Eko Atlantic a new development project is poised to be the Dubai of Africa. Get in while you can, Bill Clinton visited the project while I was in town. If you go, you must visit Banana Island (similar to Star Island in Miami Beach), I'd suggest staying at the Radisson Blu (we had lunch with the architect, she's 30 and amazing!), def hit up a few markets, check out Club 111, the 14th St Guesthouse for 24 hour chinese food, and take a day trip to Badagry to see Lagos' history as a slave trading point.

Check out my week in pictures below.

Lemi Ghariouku and his amazing self!

Checking out the infinity pool @ the Raddison Blu

                                                                                Boats and Yachts...This is Africa!

Suya!!! Delicious Street Meat!

The Girl in the Orange Top has moves I can't event begin to start doing!

Tahira Chopping her Money!

First Night Out W/ The Fellas!

SMW Lagos Tees

Getting it all from our panel on entrepreneurship

A packed house at the Porsche Center

An opportunity to meet Obi and his beautiful wife!

Afripolitans Event was a HUGE success!

Yes thats Solange and Beyonce in KFS

Rollerblading in Las Gidi

I thought I'd arrived in Zamunda lol

I hope that women on the continent never lose the ability to do THIS! #skills

The Afripolitans Guide to Art Basel 2012

Headed to Miami for Art Basel next week? Check out my post in Afripop Magazine for your guide to all things Black Basel!

Here's a preview:

Art Basel can easily be a crazy conundrum for any person to tackle. For people interested in the black aesthetic on all things art, music and fashion, the task of finding who, what and where the fabulousness is has just been made easier for you:

Tuesday December 4

Arrive before the festivities officially begin and get rewarded with these treats:

Luxury Pick: International Contemporary Jewelry Fair Opening… on a Yacht!

SeaFair will be docked at the Intercontinental Hotel Dock adjacent to Bayfront Park, 100 Chopin Plaza, Miami, FL 33131. | 6 – 10 p | Free w/ RSVP

Get your fancy on and rub shoulders with diplomatic reps from Brazil – home to the largest number of black diasporans in the world. RSVP early and get shopping for some glitz now!

http://www.expoships.com/email/icjf2012partners/soul.htm

Enjoy the read and I hope to see you there.

Ciao!

Sasyrae

No le pegue a la negra - My long overdue post on Cartagena

Hola Amigos and Purveyors of this Blog,

I've been doing a whole lot of living and not enough writing over the past two months but I HAD to put up some pics from my beyond wonderful trip to Cartagena, Colombia in October. I went for my beau's birthday and could not have chosen a better location. We originally slotted ourselves for Barranquilla but correctly changed plans at the prodding of our fellow travelers to what is one of the most beautiful, vibrant, and amazing cities that I've ever been too.

Beautiful Brown Girls

90 Degrees! 

Disguising the Evil They Lost My Bags Face

Local Commerce

Cartagena had it all, it was my "sophistiratchet" self rolled up in a living breathing city. If it had a theme song it would have certainly been "No le pegue la negra" We stayed at a bed and breakfast called "Les Lezards" owned by a french fella named Marcus in the old city. Because of bday boy we were upgraded to the "Africa Suite" which probably was more exciting to me than my companion but anywho, it was beautiful. Not in the, I'm writing for my blog and it has to sound spectacular way, but in the OMG this is even better than the pics can I live here sort of way. Our place was right in the old city, where pretty much everything you want to see exists, had 4 stories, a rooftop, outdoor jacuzzi, and amazing staff who cooked breakfast every morning (note...arepas are not always your friend).

Rooftop View

All Sorts of Books Kama Sutra Too *covers eyes*

Jacuzzi Flow

Frances en Espanol?

Once we ventured out of the house, me in my same clothes due to an American Airlines party foul, we began to roam the area and check out the locals who were every beautiful shade of brown you can imagine. The cumbia, reggaeton, salsa, and hip-hop blasted from every open house as we walked down the street. The square near our place was anchored by a beautiful yellow church that was indeed functioning despite the full out barefoot soccer games taking place in front of it. We dined at the beautiful Casa de las Cervezas which is on the top of a former fort and had beautiful views of the bay. We were def paying for the view as the food and drinks left something to be desired.

View from Cafe de Las Cervezas

The Many Colors of a Cartagena Sunset

Pollo Tropical >>>>

Mangoes Everywhere!

Central Clocktower

Day 2 was DOPE, we went to El Bazurto Social Club which in name alone sounds fly. It didn't disappoint. The Afro-Colombian spirit was alive and well in this place and we danced the night away after eating a meal that I've been craving ever since, coconut rice, plantains, and chicken marinated in spices to die for.

Afro Colombian Homage

Me the Booski and E Badu?

La Comida!

Live Music, Please and Thank U

We opted for an adventure on Day 3, the actual birthday and decided to take a bus to the "mud volcano" about an hour outside of town. An experience is an understatement, between the bus breaking down, the strange men rubbing you down in mud, and the women in the river washing us down remarking that my mate was "delicioso" this was by far one of the top moments of the trip. If you do nothing else in Cartagena DO THIS.

The Post-Mud Volcano Struggle

Getting home was a piece of cake and we opted for a fancy dinner at La Vitrola, restaurant that I'm sure the cartel frequented in its heydey but awesome food nonetheless. It was in a more touristy part of town then our digs in "Get-Set-Amie" but picturesque nonetheless. Bouncing from fancy time we headed out for a night of revelrie by way of the Cartagena party bus "Las Chivas". You basically ride around with semi-obnoxious people (yourselves included if you're doing it right) drink nearly unlimited rum and coke with a makeshift cumbia band keeping your spirits high. You get dropped off in the end by another of Colombia's forts and the end of the night is yours. The rest of the evening was too hot for this blog but let's just say I spoke fluent Spanish "rachetese" by sunrise.

Our Unlikely Party Bus Starter

Wilmon w/ the Cuba Libre after the Chiva

Stumbled Upon the Masons

The Police Officer Loved NY So Much He Escorted Us To The Club

After our night of bday shenanigans we missed our boat trip to the beautiful beaches at Islas de Rosario so we decided to head to the Castillo Fort which we learned also doubled as the slave holding and receiving location. The gates and holding cells looked eerily similar to those I say in August in Equatorial Guinea and I def had an emotional moment there but it was a spectacular construct nonetheless. It was here that I learned that Colombian flags only come in size XXXL when on display lol.

Candid!

Columbian Flag XXXL

Holding Cell - Colonialism

We finally made it to the beach on our final day and it was indeed beautiful...however don't get duped on a psuedo snorkeling run. We thought we were going to get up close and personal with stingrays and coral reefs and ended up getting dumped into the middle of the ocean sans fins and swimming away from a blurry jellyfish. Definitely spend the time and money researching your beach excursion to make the most of it or better yet, let someone like Marcus do it.

There is plenty of street eats, restaurants and other haunts to check out most notably the mysterious Coco Loso's, all tostones, and some wonderful places to get a blow out. I would go back to Cartagena in a heartbeat. It was hands down one of the best trips of my life! Check out more snaps of the goodness below.

Ciao until next time.

Sasyrae