I am counting down to my first trip to Ecuador with Amanda and Jess. I have never been to South America, only Central America and the Caribbean, so I am excited to finally experience the culture of the Andes (my mom is Peruvian, so it's about time)!
I have always been drawn to Latin America. I minored in Latin American History and studied abroad in Cuba, at the Universidad de Habana. My time in Cuba started my obsession with el Caribe. However, studying is not my most vivid memory of Cuba.
Bria and Isaiah on a paddle boat in Cuba
My favorite memories of Cuba are salsa dancing every night, trekking all over Habana looking for vegetarian restaurants (they actually have quite a few), and going to as many musical performances as possible. The music and overall art scene in Habana was unreal. I felt like every person I met was either a doctor or a classically trained musician. The sounds of music were on every street corner, porch, and restaurant. Expression through the arts is a natural extension of who the Cuban people are.
Bria having a dance off in Haiti
After Cuba I dedicated my time to experiencing as many cultures in the Caribbean as possible (my job in D.C. helped add to my Caribbean resumé). I spent time working in Puerto Rico, Dominican Republic and Haiti. I love the Afro-Spanish/Afro-French culture that permeates throughout the islands. While the Caribbean culture is my first love, I am so excited to add my experience in Ecuador to this passion. Stay tuned for my video blogs from the field!
Caribbean coastline
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