#TravelingWithMelanin #MelaninGoddess #MelaninJourney #QueensAbroad #BlackGirlsTravel #GlowUp #SelfCare #TravelMore
Let me start off by saying this: I'm not throwing shade to any women who don't fit in this category, but honey boo-boo child, traveling with melanin as a woman is a blessed gift!
One thing I quickly noticed is how highly regarded the black woman is in other countries. The men flock to the black woman with compliments and a helpful hand that brings out our femininity and adds a glow onto our faces, which in turn, brings even more boys to the yard lol.
The amazing thing is while in America, the black woman has plenty of struggles and battles to fight surrounding our hair, our bodies, our mannerisms, and the list goes on, but abroad, all those things are adored. Traveling with melanin as a woman means that you will be stopped like a celebrity and asked for your picture to be taken, especially if you have your hair braided or in a natural state. Yes, you will be called Michelle Obama and Beyonce (you may even get called Rihanna here and there), even if you look nothing like them simply because they are prominent, successful, boss, beautiful black queens that are known internationally. If you stop to converse with some of your admirers, it will be just what the doctor ordered if you've recently been feeling self-conscious. In my experience, the men are not abrasive, they are respectful, and are even sometimes a touch bashful because they are just overwhelmed by the beauty that is right in front of them. While in Egypt, I experienced two unique things: 1. Being told I had to be a descendant of Queen Nefertiti. Although in America the beauty of Cleopatra is upheld, there, it's all about Nefertiti. Queen Nefertiti is referenced as the most beautiful. Oh, and it is very much so known that she was what people today consider black (there they say "Nubian" or will say "had your goddess skin").
2. The excitement was not limited to the men. This go-round we had women and children who got in on it. The kids were so cute! They wanted to know your name, take selfies with you (on their phone and yours), and before they departed from you wanted a hug and said, "Beautiful. I love you. " The woman complimented our hair, which was braided, and even when I wore a hijab they complimented me on my lips. Notice, the compliments were geared towards characteristics of a black woman that are sometimes shunned or ridiculed in the States. But why am I telling you all this? I am encouraging all ladies, that if you just had a breakup, feeling a little down, over the pressures of trying to be something you're not or fit into a bland box, or sick of being unappreciated, take some time and travel. There's no need to be afraid. I know oftentimes, we black women can be the most cautious beings on the face of this earth. Be aware, but don't live your life in fear. Gone on out in the world and get you some admiration to help jumpstart your glow up. Thank me later :-)
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