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…
Touring Eiffel Tower
From New York to Paris!
It didn’t matter that we’d flown all night, lacked sleep, and couldn’t check into our rooms. The W was not...
Walled City of Cartagena
Strolling through the streets of Old Town Cartagena with no agenda is surely the best way to experience the Walled City. The main attraction...
Why I’m not going back to Punta Cana
A few days in and I knew for sure I was enjoying Punta Cana. Then, the shit hit the fan in the most literal...
The Carlyle Penthouse • South Beach Miami Hotel Review
The Carlyle Hotel in South Beach Miami is in an amazing location.
Located in the center of South Beach on Ocean Drive right across from...
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...
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...
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...
San Felipe de Barajas Castle
Some part of me blames Disney for creating a false perception of what a castle truly looks like. The illusion in my head resembled...
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...
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...
How Brazilian wax in Hoboken led me to Blue Apron
Conversation topics during a Brazilian wax run the gamut. So, I wasn't taken aback when Blue Apron came up.
After all, you need something to take...
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...
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...
How to make the most of a 4-day layover in Paris
The Parisian experience is one to be had. It's overwhelming to take in with only four days to spare, but doable! When my eyes...
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...
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...
Uganda Travel: Sipi Falls Things to Do
Making fresh coffee in Sipi Falls, Uganda
Time to get away from the city and explore the mountainside. So, I headed to Eastern Uganda for...
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...
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...
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...
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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