I just got back from an incredible trip to Turkey.
Wondering why exactly so many people are staring at you.
Everything was lovely in Cappadocia, where we spent the first four days of the trip.
The emotional slap in the face that is realizing some people just see you as a color.
It’s not that being compared to the first lady is a bad thingwe should all be so lucky.
Googling how the location deals with race before you get there.
This is actually something I never used to do that I definitely will from now on.
Confirmation bias, you know?
Feeling wary of walking around alone.
I love exploring on my own, no matter who I’m traveling with.
Second-guessing the true motive behind any questionable encounters you have.
Unless something egregiously racist happens, I tend to undermine my gut feelings that something is in fact race-based.
Wondering how the hotel owners will treat you, especially if you’re traveling as an interracial couple.
Knowing you stick out like a sore thumb.
I could have used your help out there.")
sign over our heads a little brighter.
Feeling like you’re representing every black person in existence.
Wanting to talk about your concerns but not alienate your friends who aren’t people of color.
After each strange experience, I felt the urge to text my friends and tell them what happened.
Dealing with people who attempt to take photos with you.
Thinking that they wanted us to take a photo of them, we paused and said sure.
Knowing that none of this will stop you from exploring the world.
Was some of what I dealt with annoying?
Yes, undeniably so.
Is it going to prevent me from crisscrossing my way across the globe?
Photo Credit: Blake Sobczak
