Nayeli

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Nayeli claims that she's better at meandering than writing about it, but her travels certainly give her plenty to blog about. She started out writing (and wandering) some years ago in her homeland of Texas and tries not to let her cowboy boots or taste for Tex-Mex define her. Currently somewhere beautiful, fun (and probably little bit scary) Nayeli is having a hard time imagining herself back in the States. She finds the opportunity to encourage other would-be meanderers through travel writing awfully tempting. If she does eventually tire of getting tossed around in fabulously chaotic situations, she will hang up her dancing shoes – or boots – and return to chilly New England for a permanent address, reliable web connection and that B.A. in philosophy from Harvard College.

Stories:

Senegal: Why Teach? - "My decision to trek to another continent and commit two months to volunteer teaching was a surprise to nearly everyone, including myself. Being prone to sporadic forays into the unknown, it wasn't the distance but the occupation that was unexpected. Numerous former classmates can attest to the never ending grudge I held against the entire teaching profession during my high school years..."  [Visit this Feature]

Madonna, not Muhammad in Senegal - "Presently, I am in Sor, Senegal tapping furiously on the dusty keyboard of a Windows 98 machine. It is 12:30 pm and this semi-reliable web connection is about to close down for mid-day prayers. The cyber cafe's attendant (a typical African youth, LIVESTRONG band poking out of his floor-length bou-bou's sleeve) strides over to his own terminal and inserts a CD. The words to the new hit single "Hung Up" fill my ears, blocking out the monotone of distant, mumbled prayers to the east and suddenly, I've got Madonna, not Muhammad on the brain..."  [Visit this Feature]

Senegal: C'est l'Afrique! - "During my first few weeks in Senegal I came across a certain expression for which I've now developed an incredible fondness. It's the most useful phrase when something unexpected happens or people act inexplicably, or plans just go hopelessly and horribly awry. There's no need for an explanation or excuses. "C'est l'Afrique!" will always sum up everything there is to say..."  [Visit this Feature]

In Paris "le Jazz" Is Still Jazz - "Once upon a time, the French were the standard against which I measured all things elegant and tasteful. I don't think I was the sole employer of this scale. In the States there are things, and then there are French things, and the French things are always much better. You tell me who is the big man on campus: toast, or French toast?"  [Visit this Feature]

Thanksgiving in Paris - "To the rest of the world, Thanksgiving must seem like the most random, hypocritical, hilarious display of oversight and self indulgence. Non-celebrants probably see it as a time for Americans to eat, and it is easy to see why Thanksgiving may seem a little silly. Today there's barely anything reminiscent of that first cold winter and the pilgrims' dire circumstances; the Indian generosity which ultimately saved the pilgrims' lives; and the interracial bonding that ensued..."  [Visit this Feature]

Paris: Drinking Pink at the Chameleon - "Sometimes, it is best to leave the see-and-be-seen spots to the tourists and just blend in. In Paris, times such as these call for a visit to the Latin Quarter's cheery and charming Chameleon bar. When you tire of donning black and waiting in line to catch an overpriced glimpse of chic stars in sleek outfits, put the color back in your life by spending some time at my favorite hangout in the 5th..."  [Visit this Feature]

Nice Pirate Ship - "I never thought I’d get to say the phrase, “Nice pirate ship,” to a man wearing a skull and cross bones, but last Friday, I did. At the laundromat. Well, sort of. It all began when I saw a poster claiming that Westbound Train and The Toasters were playing together in Paris. To a sane, normal, non-concert addict such a poster would be nothing more than a piece of paper stapled to the door of a pastry shop. But for me, said poster evoked the reaction of a high pitched squeal..."  [Visit this Feature]

There is No Funk in France - "I'll be leaving Paris soon, and I'm sad about that, I truly am. In general, this town has been good to me (despite the toll its climate takes on my thin Texan blood) and for the most part my time in Paris has been divine. Save one thing. Though Paris is the infamous resting place for Doors vocalist Jim Morrison, The City of Light has yet to "Light My Fire" for one main reason: I miss my rock n' roll..."  [Visit this Feature]