Cultured Black Pearl follows the travel musings of a solo female traveler. Enjoy the intimate journey across land and sea, one destination at a time.
Be inspired, engaged and entertained by authentic, immersive experiences, travel tips, GPS-enabled travel guides, and more on the blog.
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Safe travels!
latest from my travel blog…
what folks are reading now…
Things to do in Toronto
A snap decision and request for my presence landed me in Toronto for a fun-filled week of shenanigans. They say Toronto is the mini...
Basque Style Cod and Freekeh
Basque Style Cod with sweet pepper, tomato sauce and Freekeh is my latest Blue Apron creation
basque style cod
Blue Apron continues to expose me to...
Traveling while Black in Jerusalem
After a 10-hour flight (the longest so far for my husband Will) our journey to Jerusalem started upon arrival in Tel Aviv. Out of...
Blissful nights at Hotel Spiwak: Cali, Colombia
Recently, I had a chance to stay at Hotel Spiwak while in Cali on my Colombian vacation. I loved the hotel! It was centrally...
Where to stay in Athens, Greece: Crowne Plaza
Looking for a budget-friendly hotel while in Athens? Then check out the Crowne Plaza in Athens City Center. It’s the perfect choice for affordability,...
Simple Hiking Tips for Every Season
There are several good hiking tips in the blogosphere. In this post, I focus on seasonal hiking tips:
Seasonal Hiking Tips for Summer
Hike before...
Post-trip debrief: Uganda Missionary Trip
Reflections of mission trip in Uganda
I volunteered in Uganda, the Pearl of Africa!
The opportunity to serve the community and vacate appealed to me. I...
Mystique: Luxury Collection Hotel
The luxurious Mystique hotel was a warm welcome after sailing hours across the sea from Mykonos. Possibly more attractive than the view is the luxurious affiliation...
Bali perspectives after the trip
Bali perspectives after the trip offers a glimpse into my experience.
My travel journey to Bali was beyond surreal.
The culture, people, and food were all amazing....
10 Hiking Tips for Your Next Trip
Planning ahead before hiking is essential for success. Spare yourself drama and consider these 10 hiking tips on your next trip.
Water. No brainer,...
Stephen Ambrose Historical Tours at The New York Times Travel Show
The New York Times Travel Show took place this weekend in New York City at the Jacob Javits Center. Stephen Ambrose Historical Tours was...
Where to stay in Cartagena, Colombia
I might be a bit of a snob. But in the best way, I promise!
At some point, I got a taste of the suite...
Win a travel getaway
Here's your chance for a travel getaway on us!
So many people think they can't afford to travel and we get it, travel can be...
London Eye
The all-seeing London Eye was a fantastic ride. This Ferris wheel is the largest in the world and offers spectacular views of London. You...
I’m going to Punta Cana
I'm going to Punta Cana and can't wait!
My travel plans for November were all over the map thanks to storms throughout most of the...
Traveling while Black: Detained in New Zealand
New Zealand started off with a bang!
A few years ago, I met a lovely guy in Santorini who insisted I add New Zealand to...
The Reserve at Paradisus Palma Real, Punta Cana Hotel Review
The week before Christmas I had the bright idea to get away to Punta Cana. I'd never had a desire to visit the Dominican...
North Sea Jazz Festival Curacao Review
Landed safely in Curacao just in time for the annual North Sea Jazz Festival.
Labor Day festivities kicked into high gear when I met...
Mixed feelings after solo trip to Curacao
Many travelers rave about Curacao which peaked my travel addiction just in time for the annual North Sea Jazz Festival
Located among the ABC islands...
Cayman Islands + Solo Female Travel Tips
Cayman Islands remain my favorite go-to destination in the Caribbean. After traveling the Caribbean Sea, I'm home in Grand Cayman.
Sade sang it’s never as good...
Solo Female Travel in Kyoto (and Osaka + Tokyo)
Outside of cherry blossom viewing, my solo travel to Kyoto included a flexible itinerary.
Yearning to...
By Night in Havana with Meiby • Arts Immersion Experience
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4VbNsyMDFw8]
The decision to spend Christmas in Cuba came as a shock to many friends...
Conrad Bali (a Hilton Hotel review)
Mixed reviews for Conrad Bali made me question staying at this Hilton property during my vacation...
W Bali Seminyak: Hotel Review
W Bali Seminyak Villa was beyond marvelous!
Arriving to such an astonishing and tranquil scene after a...
Bali: spiritual travel journey
The journey was long but the arrival was plenty. After a twenty-eight hour flight from...
I’m packing my bags for the following destinations, up next: Home in NYC
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