Travel
When I first started studying ethnomusicology as an undergraduate student, one of teachers often shared his experiences studying the music of Trinidad and Tobago. The films he played in class were exciting, energetic and impressive feats of musicianship. I learned a lot about Carnival, but I wasn’t prepared for the beauty of the beaches when I finally had the chance to make a trip out...
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Travel
Originally named Fort Royal, Fort-de-France, is the capital of Martinique and a stop for Carnival cruise passengers. For those who love history, sightseeing or shopping, there’s plenty to do and see. Plus, the cuisine is incredible! The language spoken in Fort-de-France is, as you probably guessed, French, but you can find help in English in most areas. 1 // Shop There are a variety of...
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Travel
While performing as a part of the World Youth Jazz Festival in Putrajaya, Malaysia, M and I stayed in Kuala Lumpur. Although we didn’t have a lot of free time available to explore the area, we were able to spend a day in the city and visit the Batu Caves. We were only there for two full days, but if we ever make it back,...
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Culture & Cuisine / Travel
Local fare on the water in Puerto Rico? Why yes, thank you! Our cruise ship left from Puerto Rico, so we had a day on the island before heading out. Rather than hiding from the heat (and rain) in our hotel room, we decided to venture out and enjoy lunch on the water at Alambique, a small restaurant and bar with a great view and...
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Language Resources / Travel
Love learning languages but your frequent travels always seem to get in the way? I know how you feel. When M and I were performing on cruises, I often find myself stuck. I didn’t have access to the internet and suddenly missed out on being able to use a number of resources. Plus, I couldn’t keep up my lessons with my tutors. I started out...
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Travel
After arriving in St. George’s, Granada, and a short walk up a hill near the shore, you arrive at a French fort originally built in by the French in 1705. A reasonable fee earns you entry and the views from the old fort are breathtaking. Many of the buildings are currently used by the police, but much of the fort is still open to the...
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Culture & Cuisine / Travel
You know those restaurants that are ‘in the neighborhood’, those that you pass by endlessly without ever realizing the incredible experience that awaits you just within their doors? I often spend so much time trying to find places that I can travel to and try out that I forget to look at what right there in front of me. Sushi Wazen is one of those...
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Travel
The Covered Market, or Spice Market or even Grand Marché in Fort-de-France, Martinique was established in 1886. It is known for its wide variety of spices, and it’s the perfect place to go to find fruits, vegetables, spices, rum, madras fabric or clothes, and local handcrafts. There are several small restaurants located within the market and they offer local cuisine. It was one of these,...
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Travel
Normally, when I travel I like to spend a few days in each city I visit, having the time to enjoy the food, the people and the energy. But on occasion, I like to change things up and do things a little different. As a musician, I’ve had the opportunity to perform on cruise ships every so often and it’s always an incredible experience. Especially...
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Travel
While I was at university, I began trying out my travel wings. I lived in Belfast, Northern Ireland, and it was the perfect starting point for a variety of adventures because of the access I had to budget airlines to get around Europe. But one of the things I always dreamed of doing was of taking a ship from Ireland to Scotland and so I...
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