Public Journaling Archives

March 30, 2019April 2, 2019Gloria AtanmoLeave a comment 42847 views

29th Birthday Announcement: I Moved to Malta!

Estimated Reading Time: 5 minutes

What better way to usher in the last year of your 20’s than by signing a 12-month lease on a penthouse in a small Mediterranean island under Italy?

No—I’m genuinely asking. Maybe there’s time to back out? *fires smoke signals to the far west*

As I was flipping through hundreds of journal entries that filled up my “Year 28” journal, I also quickly read over last year’s birthday reflections post and the growth is so apparent.…

March 9, 2019March 15, 2019Gloria Atanmo2 Comments 110761 views

I’ve been traveling with an ovarian cyst the size of a watermelon

Estimated Reading Time: 25 minutes

Whooosah, this was hard to write. But I hope that by reading, you can walk away with the universal truth that the failure to acknowledge something’s presence has never and will never make it go away.

Getting to the root of the problem, whether in your health, finances, or broken relationships, is the only way you’ll ever find a solution, breakthrough, or closure.

…

February 1, 2019February 7, 2019Gloria AtanmoLeave a comment 20205 views

Documenting Growth: January Reflections & February Intentions

Estimated Reading Time: 7 minutes

“Some people are so poor, that all they have is their money.” — Rodolfo Costa

This is one of many quotes that I’ve written on my mantra pad, to remember and recite whenever I feel necessary.

It can be challenging sometimes, especially as a woman who has more ambition than the average person, to be so loud and proud on her journey and not feel like society wants you to be quiet and compliant in your little corner.

…

January 31, 2019April 18, 2019Gloria AtanmoLeave a comment 24507 views

If you travel somewhere and end up hating it, here’s what to do

Estimated Reading Time: 3 minutes

First and foremost, I’m extremely aware of my passport privilege and this lifestyle that allows me to travel more than the average person.

But the truth is that if you travel enough, you’ll find that some places either don’t live up to its expectations, albeit slightly unrealistic (thanks, Instagram!), or feel a little bit overrated once you finally land.

…

January 26, 2019February 7, 2019Gloria Atanmo1 Comment 22088 views

Traveling While Black: So Where Are You Really From?

Estimated Reading Time: 3 minutes

If you’re Black, Asian, Latinx, or racially ambiguous in the slightest, but were born in a first world country, it’s likely that you’ve been on the receiving end of this question: “but where are you REALLY from?”

And I’m not referring to the friendly small talk where this question springs up from genuine curiosity. I’ve been mistaken for Brazilian, Colombian, Jamaican, South African, and more — from people trying to figure out what box to put me in.…

January 23, 2019February 7, 2019Gloria Atanmo1 Comment 18389 views

Why all women should eat alone

Estimated Reading Time: 3 minutes

Why women should all eat alone | The Blog Abroad

Many of you have probably seen the BBC News article floating around this week about a restaurant in New York (Nello is the name if you’re curious) that told a woman she couldn’t sit at the bar alone as the owner was wanting to, and I quote, “crackdown on hookers.”

How considerate. *eye roll*

But it brought attention to the much bigger picture of the stigmas placed around a woman who, by choice, wants to do something alone.…

January 19, 2019February 4, 2019Gloria Atanmo2 Comments 94540 views

10 Ways Social Media is Ruining Your Life

Estimated Reading Time: 5 minutes

The irony isn’t lost on me, that someone who basically gets paid to create content for social media is telling you all how it’s essentially ruining your life. But stay with me here.

Because it’s not exactly social media that’s ruining your life, but rather, your relationship with it and the ways in which you consume it.…

January 1, 2019February 7, 2019Gloria AtanmoLeave a comment 14746 views

My 10 Worst Travel Moments of 2018

Estimated Reading Time: 10 minutes

It’s a talent to look so poised, yet be so clumsy.

While I’d like to believe I piss glitter and walk on water, the truth is, ~~I DO~~ I’m just short of a hot mess, and that sh*t is a skill.

It’s my most treasured talent the way I’m able to finesse my way out of the strangest and most awkward situations, but just like I did last year, let’s toast to my inability to function like an adult and recount my ten worst travel moments of the year.…

November 19, 2018February 7, 2019Gloria AtanmoLeave a comment 9773 views

If you take a local’s photo while traveling, do you owe them a tip?

Estimated Reading Time: 4 minutes

If you take a local's photo, do you owe them a tip? | TheBlogAbroad.com

If you take a local’s photo, do you owe them a tip? Short answer: usually. Long answer: read on.

There are certain contextual components you can use to decide whether someone’s participation in your photo warrants your coins or not.

The fact of the matter is, the answer is entirely situational and contingent upon several factors.…

August 4, 2018February 7, 2019Gloria Atanmo1 Comment 15057 views

Tipping While Black: Dismantling Stereotypes in the U.S. and Abroad

Estimated Reading Time: 5 minutes

Komaneka Resort in Ubud | TheBlogAbroad.com

If you’re a non-POC about to read this blog post, thank you.

Thank you for making an effort to learn about the plight and subconscious struggles of Black people, because while this may not apply to your lives directly, you’ll gain perspective when you listen to our collective truths.

Black people and POC, feel free to share your own thoughts in the comments, because this post only summarizes the perspectives shared with me on Instagram, and I know there are several more to add to the conversation.…

May 30, 2018May 30, 2018Gloria AtanmoLeave a comment 19812 views

Top 10 Ways to Gain Weight While You Travel – Results Guaranteed!

Estimated Reading Time: 3 minutes

Let’s be real, calories are just glorified souvenirs, and after successfully mastering multiple (read: every) way to gain weight while traveling the last five years, I thought I’d share all my secrets in case any of you ~~somehow~~ struggle with this seemingly effortless task!

I have to put a disclaimer though, as our bodies are all different, some of you will succeed more efficiently and likely faster than others.…

March 30, 2018April 2, 2018Gloria Atanmo1 Comment 29382 views

I get paid to travel the world. Here are the 7 biggest lessons I’ve learned.

Estimated Reading Time: 10 minutes

I woke up in Turkey this morning, my 61st country. Ringing in 28 beautifully messy years on this planet. Warning: this post is gonna get pretty raw, so get ready for some brutal honesty, painful vulnerability, and striking revelations.

My birthday started off great. I meditated. Ate breakfast. Then opened my Spotify and saw a new “Guilty Pleasures” playlist on my home page.…