New York, I love you.
It’s funny, I never had a lack of things to blog about in Ghana—everything was so different from what I had known and I knew most of my readers (hi Mom!) didn’t know much about West Africa. While NYC is definitely different from the suburbs of my youth, it feels “normal” here, and I have … Continue reading
Different But The Same
You would think it would be a stark change, going from the red dirt of Ghana to the concrete jungle of Manhattan. The buildings here are bigger, sure, and my pale skin and lack of Twi/Ga/Ewe language skills no longer mark me as an outsider in the way they once did. However, every day I notice something … Continue reading
From West Africa To The East Village
Growing up in suburban Canada, I often dreamed about the places I wanted to see, the streets I wanted to walk, the experiences I wanted to live. I would see photos of the red dirt in Sub-Saharan Africa and yearn to muddy my shoes with it. I would read about a little independent coffee shop … Continue reading
Golden Goodbyes: A Tribute to Fleeting Friends
On my first flight to this place, I was too scared to sleep. I had hours to ponder the unknown, to hide my shaking fists beneath scratchy airplane blankets, and to attempt to drown out fearful thoughts with music. It was the last day of my 22nd year and I was certain that I was setting … Continue reading
BIG NEWS (again): I’m moving to NYC! (In October)
I am overwhelmed with excitement and anticipation yet again (this is becoming a regular occurrence). I just booked a 3-month stay in the East Village, Manhattan, from October 4, 2013-January 4, 2014. I’ve wanted this my entire life, and I can’t believe it’s finally happening. I’m not leaving Ghana just yet, I’ll be completing my … Continue reading
That Time I Had Malaria in West Africa
Well, it happened. After a little too much ambivalence about the whole malaria prophylaxis thing, a little bugger bit me and infected my blood with gross parasites. Welcome to my malaria story. A week before the symptoms showed up, I was at a pool party when we began discussing malaria while bobbing in warm water … Continue reading
BIG NEWS: I’m moving to West Africa
I haven’t blogged in a while because I’ve been waiting. I had a feeling I would have some big news to share, and this definitely counts as BIG. I am moving to Accra, Ghana in October. I JUST accepted the position. For one year, I’ll be the Communications Officer for Crossroads International and WILDAF (Women … Continue reading
New York I love you, but you’re bringing me down.
I’ve been in love with New York for a long time. I don’t know why or when it started, and it turns out this is a love affair that may just tear me apart. I’m at a point in my life where I can do, go, be wherever, whatever, whenever. I find myself suddenly identifying … Continue reading
Why Being in Your 20s is Awesome
I just read an article titled “Why Being in Your 20s Sucks,” and I’m happy to say I totally disagree with most of the points. Sure, a few of them are true, but I’m a firm believer in looking at things in a positive light and appreciating the moment. That’s why I’m writing, “Why Being … Continue reading
Away we go.
This is it! My last day in Canada for a while. My flight leaves at 5:30 tonight, and I still have so much to do it’s ridiculous. I’ll post a picture of my pack soon hopefully, but just know I could definitely smuggle a human (kidding Feds!). I know I’m forgetting things but whatever. My … Continue reading
Kelsey Parsons 