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.
A big thanks to many of you who aren’t comfortable commenting publicly but send emails in private asking for advice. You motivate me to keep sharing, and I’m glad you are here!
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Safe travels!
latest from my travel blog…
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How I prep for solo female travel
Sometimes there is no rhyme or reason. I get the urge for travel, pick a destination, and head for the hills or sea.
When getting...
GPS-guided travel article apps
gps-guided travel article apps
Have you ever read a travel article and wished you could take it with you as a guide or itinerary while...
The irony of trying to pee straight after a Brazilian bikini...
My first Brazilian bikini wax experience and what happened next...
It was a typical hot summer day in New York City. I walked down 3rd...
Roasted Eggplant Pitas and Farro Salad
Roasted Eggplant Pitas with Tomato, Cucumber & Farro Salad, my latest Blue Apron creation
something new
Blue Apron exposed me to delicious vegetarian meals and spices...
Luwak Coffee Experience in Bali
Before I arrived in Bali, I said I wouldn't do it! Try a cup of Luwak Coffee that is...
They call it “cat poop” coffee and...
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...
Candle + Spa Subscription Box Review
Hey, Traveling Pearls!
I just returned “home” after nine months straight on the road. I actually gave up my apartment last year and spent my...
Things to do in Cali Colombia
Going back to Cali, Cali, Cali!
Had a blast in Colombia for a trip that wasn't planned. Cali reminded me of San Diego. It was safe and...
Not all who wander are lost
It is amazing how others perceive you when you express a desire to travel the world. The immediate thought is you must be crazy....
Traveling with friends • Is that drama on the road?
It doesn’t matter how long you’ve known your friends when it comes to traveling on the road for any period of time even the...
Barong and Keris Dance: Balinese Cultural Dance
Check out the Barong and Keris Dance while in Batubulan village. The Barong represents a good spirit and is a mythological animal. The dance...
Hilton Garden Inn Bali Ngurah Rai Airport – Hotel Review
Hilton Garden Inn Bali Ngurah Rai Airport exceeded expectations
My international flight into Bali landed in the middle of the night. It was hot and...
Spicy Peperonata Pasta
Cooking my first meal with Blue Apron was so much fun! The first dish was a savory and tangy Spicy Peperonata Pasta. Being vegetarian...
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...
The New York Times Travel Show 2017
The New York Times Travel Show brings together travelers and industry professionals from around the world for a fun weekend of excursions in New...
Fun Things to Do in Bali for Solo Travelers
There's plenty of sightseeing in Indonesia. Here's my short list of 5 fun things to do in Bali as a solo female traveler.
Padang Padang Beach
On a...
5 Tips for Finding the Right Mission Trip to Support
Pray about your mission trip
A mission trip is different from other humanitarian work. Often faith-based. So, a good practice is to start, end, and...
CDC promotes healthy travel at the New York Times Travel Show
CDC promotes healthy travel at the New York Times Travel Show. Stefanie Erskine, M.P.H. shares 5 healthy travel tips in the short video above.
Staying healthy...
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...
10 tips to shatter fears and travel solo
When it comes to traveling there are many obstacles that can get in the way of you getting to your destination. Some of those...
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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