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…
what folks are reading now…
Rosario Islands: Worth the hype?
Having been on many beaches across the world, most of which have been private, I’ve turned into a beach snob (but in the best...
Hilton Curacao needs a Beyonce style upgrade
Hilton Curacao needs an upgrade, now!
As a Hilton Honors member, I made an exception to stay at Hilton Curacao hotel having heard it...
How to see Sydney in Two Days
Sydney, the land way down under. No one in their right mind travels to Australia to stay for just two days, except me.
Life is...
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...
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...
A long walk in the park: Lincoln Memorial
My heart raced. I’d been here many times, but not like this. The stroll down Pentagon Row under the pale moonlight rekindled a series...
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...
Planning solo trip to Bali, Australia, and New Zealand
It’s Bali time! I cannot believe how quickly time ticks.
When I agreed to meet a college friend in Indonesia a year before, I didn’t...
Uganda Mission Trip 2017 (Trip Planning)
I’ve always had a philanthropic heart. Helping others at home or abroad brings me joy. And, I don’t serve for accolades. Being blessed to...
Cooking Couscous Stuffed Zucchini
Back in the kitchen with another Blue Apron recipe. This time I'm making Couscous Stuffed Zucchini with Goat Cheese and Summer Squash Salad. The...
Warung bejana • Restaurant Review
bejana is an authentic Balinese restaurant offering a journey through Indonesian Archipelago. Located in Badung, the open air restaurant is perfectly situated on a...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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....
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...
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...
Yacht Experience: Santorini, Greece
Add a private yacht experience to your list of things to do while in Santorini! We stayed at the lovely Mystique and there's a...
Eating healthy while traveling solo
Being on the go can take a toll on your body, especially if you’re not eating healthy, not staying hydrated, and skipping exercise. As...
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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